“I can help,” Kara said.
“Cool, I just have a few more trays and sternos. They’re in my back seat.”
“Right-o,” Kara said.
Dahlia leaned up and gave Noah a well-earned kiss. “Thanks for picking all of this up. The lemon chicken smells incredible,” she said, eyeballing the food. “Will Gretchen come by later?”
“She’s hoping. Sundays are unpredictable, though,” he said, walking backward toward the front door again.
“These aromas are making my mouth water,” Kara said, carrying a tray and an insulated bag of goodies. “I think Tony and I are going to have to make a special trip to Shelter Island.”
“You’ll love it. The Hive has a great vibe. And you haven’t met Gretchen yet, but I think you’ll hit it off.” Dahlia smiled, pulling out the plates. She could see them all being good friends. She was in awe of how far she’d come since arriving in Southold just four weeks prior. “Hopefully she’ll come by later.”
“This is the last of it,” Noah said, setting the food down. “The place looks great. You two have really worked your magic in the last twenty-four hours.”
“Girl power.” Kara cackled.
“Lil’s painting makes this place come alive. It’s like the place was sleeping before, and now it’s awake.”
Dahlia leaned into him, and they both gazed at the wall in awe. “I love that.”
“Yeah, me too,” Kara said, her eyes wet. “Geez, Noah Sterling, who knew you were so poetic.”
Kara was in the shower, Noah had gone home to get changed, and Dahlia was washing the last of the dishes. The cooler morning temperatures gave way to a stickiness comparable to a hot summer day in the south. The breeze from the bay gave just enough relief, but Dahlia was now questioning whether everyone would melt without air conditioning.
Dahlia was scrubbing the pan with vigor when she heard the front door creak and footsteps in the hallway. “Ugh,” she said under her breath. She wasn’t ready for guests.With the sink water running, she yelled, “You’re early!”
“I should hope so,” a youthful voice said.
Dahlia’s nose tingled, and tears flooded her eyes. She knew exactly who it was. She threw the sponge into the sink and turned around. Heat radiated through her chest, and her heart skipped more than a few beats. Her cup runneth over, as Lil would say. She hugged Daisy with all her might and then pulled back, holding her arms. “What on earth are you doing here?” Dahlia asked with a permanent wide grin. One that could only come from a surprise visit from your only child. One you hadn’t seen in months. “Are you eating? You look thin.”
“Noah booked me a flight. And yes, I’m eating very well. None of that processed crap anymore.” She looked around. “Wow, this place looks so … colorful.”
“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, Mom, it is. Aunt Lil would love it.” Daisy’s eyes widened in shock at her own words. “Gosh, I don’t even know what to call her now.”
“Yeah, it’s going to take some getting used to. Baby steps are good.” She hugged her again. “I still can’t believe you’re here. But wait—Noahflew you out?” Dahlia’s voice rose to a bright and perky level.
“Kara gave him my number,” Daisy said, pulling off her backpack.
“She knew you were coming?”
“No, it was a secret. If she knew, she’d surely tell you.” Daisy raised her brows playfully. “I couldn’t take that chance. I think he made something up about following up about the portrait.”
Dahlia stood there with an inward gaze. She couldn’t believe he would do that for her. For them.
“Mom, I’m so sorry.” Daisy pursed her lips together with a watery gaze. “I want you to be happy, and he’s clearly crazy about you.”
She cupped Daisy’s freckled, round face. “Oh, Daisy girl, don’t worry about any of that. I’m just so happy you’re here. Let me look at you.” Dahlia twirled her like when she was little. “This is the best gift ever.”
“I’ve held off from making this speech long enough,” Dahlia said nearly two hours later, leaning against the hallway wall.
“Who’s Gretchen talking to?” Kara asked.
“Penny, the producer who told me about Gene.”
“Ah, could there be a love connection happening over there? They look pretty cozy.” Kara playfully nudged her arm. “Maybe this house has special ‘love’ powers to bring people together.”
