Summer Serenade Read online

  It was a connection, pure and simple. Although she had felt the stirrings of it for a while now, Elle had pushed those feelings to the background. But right now she was giving in to it wholeheartedly. Her heart had been on ice for a long time. Finally, it was beginning to thaw.

  “Wow,” Jonas said in a raspy voice. “That was…amazing.”

  “No complaints here,” Elle said, her cheeks feeling flushed at Jonas’s comment. He had this habit of giving her butterflies. They were tumbling and soaring now in her stomach. Hadn’t her mother always told her that a man who gave a woman butterflies was a keeper?

  Go slowly. This is all so new. A voice inside her urged. And Jonas was right. They worked together at the diner. How wise was it to mix her personal life with her work life?

  Jonas reached out and touched her forehead. “What’s with this little frown here? I hope you’re not regretting kissing me?”

  “No, of course not.” She bit her lip and ducked her head. “It’s just that I don’t go around kissing guys a lot. Honestly, it’s been quite a while since I’ve kissed anyone. The last person I kissed was my boyfriend.” She let out the breath she’d been holding. “I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t feel something for you.”

  He raised a hand over his heart. “Well, that’s a relief, Elle, since I have feelings for you too. Matter of fact, mine go all the way back to childhood.” A sheepish expression crept over his face. “Do you remember receiving a batch of flowers when you were little? It came with a secret admirer note.”

  Elle frowned. Suddenly, a look of recognition appeared on her face. “Yes! Oh, my goodness. Was that you, Jonas? Did you send me that bouquet? And the note?”

  “Guilty as charge,” Jonas said. “And you’re being awfully nice by using the word bouquet. I snatched those wildflowers from my grandmother’s garden and put a little blue ribbon around them if I remember correctly.”

  “They were gorgeous,” Elle gushed. Never in a million years had she suspected Jonas had sent her the flowers. Then again, she’d hardly thought of him back then.

  “Your grandmother’s garden was the prettiest in town. I remember her huge sunflowers.” She giggled. “I was always tempted to pluck one, but I never did. Your granny was kind of scary.”

  “She took her flowers very seriously. I would have been in big trouble if she’d seen me take them.” He made a face. “She was a tough lady, but on the inside a real marshmallow. When she passed away she left me a nice sum of money. That’s how I was able to buy the diner and my house.”

  Elle’s jaw dropped. “You own your own home? That’s incredible.”

  “Thanks to my grandmother and her generosity.”

  “I wish I’d known her in a more meaningful way. She sounds incredible.” Legacies were wonderful things. Thelma Landry had given her grandson something powerful. Elle wondered if she would ever have a legacy to pass down, and if so, what would it be? For so long her life had been focused on arabesques and adagios. Pirouettes and pointe shoes. In many ways, her world had become very narrow and small. She hadn’t seen it at the time. Her razor-sharp focus had been on making it as a world-class ballerina. Sadly, nothing else had truly mattered.

  Elle was just beginning to step out of her shell, armed with the realization that there were so many other things in the world that truly mattered.

  Just then, they heard Trina’s boyfriend, Edson, shouting for everyone to gather around for cake. Jonas grabbed her hand and they walked up the small incline to the area where the cake had been set up. Once everyone had gathered around the table, Edson lit the candles and they all began to sing Happy Birthday to Trina. Trina had tears in her eyes as she blew out the candles.

  “Thank you so much everyone for coming here tonight.” She brushed away tears. “I’ve never been called the warm and fuzzy type, but y’all have brought me to tears. I feel so loved and appreciated. Some of you might find it hard to believe, but two years ago I was homeless. Everything changed when I moved to Sugar Hollow. My life began to take shape. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of you who gave me the gift of friendship.” She reached out and took Edson’s hand in her own. “I found love with my soul mate. And for the last two years Jonas has not only shown me friendship, but he’s given me steady employment at the diner. I feel incredibly blessed. God was with me every step of the way. Leaning on Him led me here.”

  Everyone began clapping and cheering. Elle had no idea that Trina had been homeless before moving to town. And judging by some of the shocked faces during Trina’s speech, Elle suspected many other guests had also been in the dark.

  “She’s really brave,” Elle said, turning toward Jonas.

  A hint of a smile twitched at his lips. “I’m surrounded by fearless women tonight,” he said. “There’s nothing more courageous than reinventing yourself after adversity.”

  She grinned at him, knowing he was talking about her as well as Trina. Although she felt stronger these days, Elle wasn’t sure she had completely reinvented herself. She was still a work in progress. “I’m happy for Trina. She’s truly walked through the fire.”

  “And come out the other side,” Jonas said, shaking his head with amazement. “You never know where life is going to take you.”

  Jonas was right. There was inspiration all around her. If Trina could conquer homelessness, Elle had faith in her own ability to move on from the past.

  ***

  After Jonas dropped Elle off at home, he took a leisurely drive home. He was happy. Content with his life. Ever since Elle’s return to Sugar Hollow, Jonas’s life had become happier. Richer. Elle made him feel joyful. He was falling for her. It had only been a couple of weeks and Jonas knew he was falling in love with Elle.

  Their kiss tonight had been full of chemistry and tenderness. He’d wanted it to go on forever and ever. It had felt so right. So perfect. Jonas hadn’t had a lot of perfection in his romantic life. He’d only had two long-term girlfriends in his whole life. Mary, his girlfriend from his college years at University of Virginia, hadn’t shared similar core values with him. Tracie, his last relationship, had shocked him by saying she didn’t want marriage or kids. And she wasn’t even sure she believed in God. After two years of being in a loving relationship, Jonas had been shocked and deeply saddened by her truths. He had believed they were working toward marriage and a lasting relationship. Jonas had been blindsided. And grateful they could cut their losses and move on.

  And although he was a bit gun shy, Jonas felt that he was seeing the real Elle. She had a tight relationship with God. And she loved her family, so much so that the loss of her brother had sent her into a tailspin. She’d lost a lot over the past few years, but she was still fighting to create a new life for herself.

  She was the real deal. His gut told him she was the one, although his brain reminded him not to rush into anything. He and Elle were new. They weren’t even an official couple. Jonas needed to be patient. Love was worth waiting for.

  As he pulled up into the pebbled driveway of his ranch-style home, Jonas let out a sigh of appreciation. He felt such pride in home ownership. He didn’t need a huge mansion-style home to feel proud. As his Mama had always told him, a house was not a home. A person needed to fill up a house with love and faith and family and friendship.

  He yawned as he got out of his car. A sudden movement on his front porch caused him to stop in his tracks. A figure dressed in black sat on his porch steps.

  “Who’s there?” he called out, priming himself for action. If this was an intruder, Jonas was ready to take him on. With five years of Karate under his belt, Jonas wasn’t going down without a fight.

  “It’s me. Hannah.” His sister stepped forward, which set off the motion sensors and suddenly bathed her in light. She was dressed in a black sweatshirt with dark leggings. A bag was slung over her back.

  “Hannah! What’s going on?” Jonas asked as he made his way toward her side.

  “I had a big fight with mom and dad. Jonas, I know you
and I don’t always get along, but I really need you right now. I want to come live with you.”

  Chapter Five

  “I want to come live with you.”

  The words had rolled around in Jonas’s head all night long, causing him a serious lack of sleep. Hannah had slept over last night. His sister had poured her heart out to him about her feelings of alienation and angst. She had never been so brutally honest or vulnerable. Jonas wished he could take on all of her problems so she wouldn’t have to suffer. But he knew part of this came with growing up.

  “Are you all right?” Elle asked. “You don’t look so great.”

  “I’m all right,” he said, his voice sounding weary to his own ears. “When I got home last night Hannah was sitting on my doorstep.”

  “Wow,” Elle said. “Did something happen?”

  Jonas shrugged. “It’s the same old stuff that’s been bothering her. But it seems as if everything has come to a head with my parents. She asked to move in with me.”

  “Oh, Jonas, that’s a big ask. How would your parents feel about it?”

  “To be honest, I’m not quite certain. And honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it myself.” He folded his arms across his chest. “It would be a huge responsibility.”

  Elle let out a low whistle. “I can only imagine. So how did you leave it with her?”

  “I told her I’d talk to our folks and think about it,” Jonas said, running a hand through his hair. “I have to be honest. This might sound selfish, but I’ve been looking forward to inviting you over to dinner or to watch a movie. I never imagined I’d be playing the role of surrogate father.”

  Elle gazed at him, then playfully batted her eyelashes at him.

  “So you’ve been planning to invite me out on a date, huh?”

  “I’ve been thinking about it. What do you say, Elle? How about you come over tomorrow night and I’ll grill for us? It’s supposed to be a gorgeous summer night.”

  “I’d like that,” Elle said. “Just let me know what to bring. Hot dogs? Buns? A dessert?”

  Jonas subtly reached down and took her hand in his. He casually looked around the diner to make sure no one had noticed. “All I ask is that you bring yourself. Trust me, there’s never going to be a time when that’s not enough.”

  As soon as the words left his mouth, Jonas worried that he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. Elle smiled at him and walked toward the window where she grabbed her customers’ orders. Jonas looked away from her, warning himself not to get too invested in Elle Harrington. Especially since he had no idea of how she felt about him. As it was, he already felt as if he might be in over his head.

  ***

  Elle didn’t know why she was so nervous about a simple get together at Jonas’s house. All day at work she’d been thinking about it. What should she wear? Should she bring along a bottle of wine? Or did that seem like too much of a date thing? She wasn’t even certain if this was a date or a simple matter of two friends hanging out. On the other hand, friends didn’t kiss. And she and Jonas had shared a wonderfully romantic kiss.

  As soon as she got home, Elle began to rummage through her closet in search of the perfect, I’m-not-trying-too-hard outfit. Should she wear jeans or a cute little romper? A skirt or a shift dress? Sandals or loafers?

  “What are you doing?” her mother asked. “This room looks like a tornado just roared through here.”

  Elle, sitting on the floor amidst half of her wardrobe, let out a frustrated sigh. She blew hair out of her face. “I’m looking for something to wear tonight.”

  “Does my sweet angel have a date?” Bunny asked, her pretty face lit up with excitement.

  Elle shrugged. “I guess. Sort of. Maybe. Honestly, it might not be a date.”

  “Who are you sort of dating?” her mother asked, lips twitching.

  “Jonas Landry. He’s my boss at the diner.” Elle held up her hands. “Please don’t say anything about the foolishness of dating one’s boss.”

  Bunny clapped her hands together. “How wonderful! Jonas Landry is an incredible young man. I adore him.” She winked at Elle. “Matter of fact, I always have.”

  “He’s really terrific, Mom. I can’t tell you how kind he’s been to me. He has this down to earth charm about him.”

  Bunny waved her hand in the air. “You don’t need to tell me a thing about Jonas Landry. I used to be his Bible study teacher. That boy was always so full of joy and kindness. I knew he’d turn into a good man one day.”

  “It’s funny how I’ve known him my whole life, but I really never knew him until recently,” Elle said, digging into her pile of clothes. “Was I blind or something?”

  “Well, maybe you can see a little more clearly these days,” Bunny said. “Being a ballerina was a wonderful accomplishment. Your father and I couldn’t be more proud of all that you achieved, but it came at a price. You got pulled into a world that was a bit over your head. I think your head got turned by all the glamour and the parties and the shopping sprees.”

  Elle knew her mother was right. It had been a world full of temptations. She’d never allowed her work ethic to be compromised, but she wasn’t sure if she could say the same about her soul. She had placed way too much importance on being a part of the in crowd and eating at exclusive restaurants, attending fashion shows and rubbing shoulders with the elite. At first it had been all about the ballet, but that had quickly given way to other influences.

  “I’m not proud of it,” she admitted. “I have a long way to go to pay off my creditors, but I’m making progress. I’ll never live beyond my means again. Even if that means I’ll be going without for a while.”

  “Thatta girl!” her mother said in a spirited voice. “And if you and Jonas get married, you can move in to his cute little ranch-style house.”

  “Mom!” she cried out, feeling mortified. “We’re light years away from getting married. We just started whatever it is we’re doing.” She frowned at her. “Don’t you dare repeat that sentiment to a single one of your friends. Promise me!”

  Her mother held up her hands. “All right. I won’t. Can you blame me for being excited about you and Jonas? It would mean you’d stay put in Sugar Hollow. There’s nothing I would love more than that. I’ve missed you, baby girl.”

  Tears pricked Elle’s eyes. Her mother had been through so much. She’d lost her child. No parent should ever outlive their offspring. Elle had seen her parents’ grief up close and personal. It had been brutal and devastating and earth shattering. She never wanted to see her mother hurt like that again.

  Elle stood up and walked over to her mother. She pulled her into an embrace. For a moment they both stood and hugged each other for all they were worth.

  This, she realized, was what had been missing in her life when she was chasing her dreams. Unconditional love and acceptance. Mama didn’t care whether she was a famous ballerina or a chimney sweeper. She loved her, warts and all. Her mother would never forsake her when the going got tough. Bunny loved her to the moon and back. Suddenly, this felt like enough.

  ***

  Jonas wasn’t the sort of man who pulled out all the stops to impress a woman. After all, it was his philosophy that he should be loved for who he was and not for anything he did or purchased for a woman. That being said, Jonas was doing his very best to impress the woman of his dreams.

  He had planned this evening meticulously. The steaks had been marinating all day in the fridge. Fresh bread had been baked. Red wine was chilling in an ice bucket. He’d gone casual and set up a table in the backyard near the grill. He’d made a wonderful salad and dessert was baking in the oven. All he had to do was drop some corn on the cob in a boiling pot of water once Elle arrived. A quick glance at his watch showed it was ten minutes to seven. She’d be here shortly.

  Jonas walked outside to turn on the grill. When he went outside he let out a gasp of appreciation. His fenced-in backyard was lit up with a myriad of twinkling lights. It looked magical. And there
was only one person who could have pulled this off right under his nose.

  Hannah!

  He looked around him, feeling overwhelmed by her sweet surprise. She had also placed a vase of wildflowers in the center of the table and tied a bright ribbon around it.

  “Do you like it?”

  He turned around at the sound of Hannah’s voice. She was standing there in a black dress looking bashful. His little sister had such a big heart.

  He shook his head. “I don’t like it, sis. I love it.”

  Hannah let out a sigh of relief and beamed at him. His sister probably didn’t realize it, but she was quite beautiful when she smiled. She needed to do it more often.

  “I’m glad. It was a thank you for talking to our folks and letting me stay here with you,” she said.

  “Well, it’s contingent on you finishing summer school and making sure you stay in school without having to repeat a grade,” Jonas said in a warning tone. “I know things have been rough on you, so if this solution helps, I’m happy to be here for you until things settle down.”

  “I won’t let you down, Jonas,” she said. She cocked her ear to the side. “I think I just heard the doorbell. I’ll get out of your hair. Go answer the door.”

  Jonas moved quickly into the house and toward the front door. He could hear Hannah’s footsteps as she disappeared down the back staircase. It had been Hannah’s idea to turn his finished basement into her bedroom. His hands were slightly perspiring as he pulled the front door open. Elle was standing on his front porch looking lovelier than ever in a pair of pink Capri pants and a sleeveless white top. Her white sandals tied the outfit together. Her blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders. She was wearing a light colored lipstick, but no other hint of makeup.