Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong

Author:Terri Dulong [Dulong, Terri]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: United States, Contemporary Women, Urban, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary, Literary, American, Literary Fiction, African American, Women's Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction
Amazon: B005CRY6JC
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2011-10-25T04:00:00+00:00

23

The last time I had experienced a wonderful Christmas had been the year before my parents died, but this one was even better.

The week leading up to Christmas had been busy with parties given by the Historical Society, the Garden Club, and an open house at the bookshop and coffee café that Lucas had hosted. Christmas Eve had been spent with Lucas as we drove around the island delivering gifts to Monica and her family, Dora, Sydney, and Noah. Christmas Day was filled with good food, a gift exchange, and lots of laughter with my aunt, Chloe, Lucas, Suellen, Rachel, and Max. Being surrounded by people I loved was a true gift. What made all of it even more meaningful was having a little boy in our company. Christmas truly is about children, and Max was a delightful addition.

I picked up the gorgeous white gold bracelet from my bureau and fastened it around my wrist. Cultured pearls were spaced along the strand, and I smiled as I ran my finger over them. Lucas’s Christmas gift to me. I loved it and admired his exquisite taste in jewelry.

It was New Year’s Eve and we’d be welcoming in a brand-new year together. Chloe and Suellen had opted to attend the dinner and party at the Island Hotel, and Aunt Maude was going to have a quiet evening with Lafitte while she watched television.

Lucas was due to arrive in ten minutes. I took one last peek in my mirror and smiled in approval. I had finally gotten to Gainesville the week before and done some serious shopping. For tonight, I’d chosen to wear a three-piece, dark green velour outfit—slacks, tank top, and jacket. The gold sandals were perfect to complete the semi-dressy look I was aiming for.

I walked into the great room and looked around. All seemed to be in order. My small tree on the table glittered with lights. Pillar candles flickered on the fireplace and tables. Pine incense filled the air, and Perry Como crooned a Christmas carol on the CD player. Lucas had purchased French champagne the day we went to Gainesville, and a bottle was now cooling in the ice bucket.

Annie was curled up at the end of the sofa happily chewing away on a new bone Santa had brought her. With a red bow around her neck, she looked like she belonged on a Hallmark Christmas card.

I heard a knock on the back door and opened it to find Lucas looking exceptionally handsome wearing a navy blue blazer, open-collared shirt, and dress slacks. He leaned in to kiss me.

“You look like Little Red Riding Hood with that basket,” I joked with him.

“My supplies for the feast I’m about to prepare for us,” he said, placing the basket on the counter. He removed his blazer, hanging it on the back of the chair.

He then pulled me into his arms for a kiss that was more passionate than the one he greeted me with.

“How nice,” I murmured against his ear.

He smiled that wonderful smile as he stood back and allowed his eyes to slowly scan down my body.

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