Page 63 of All You Need Is Love

Chapter 15

She’d rather be anywhere than here.

And yet, her parents’ house was exactly where Shannon had committed to being on the last morning of the Baker family reunion.

A cup from Java’s Village Bean in hand, Shannon ambled down the stone walkway that cut from the street through her parents’ front yard. Her flip-flops smacked the soles of her feet, which still ached from all the standing and helping she’d done at the wedding yesterday.

She took another sip of her English breakfast tea, desperate for an infusion of caffeine. Ashley had stayed far too late last night, and they’d fallen asleep watching a movie. When Shannon had woken up this morning on the couch, she’d found a note from her cousin saying she’d see her at the brunch. Derek was a good guy to let his brand-new wife sleep away from him so soon.

Shannon breathed in the crisp morning air, grateful that the thought of Ashley being a married woman no longer stirred the same anger it had before. Hurt still lingered on the edges, but the talk last night really had helped.

Maybe so would the one she needed to have with Quinn.

If only Shannon were brave enough.

She pushed inside her parents’ home, hit instantly with the scent of cinnamon and coffee. The rest of the family wasn’t due to arrive for another hour, but Mom had requested help from Gabrielle, Quinn, and Shannon to prep the pancakes, eggs, and other food.

The wide brown tiles in the entryway gleamed, a sign Mom had been up early cleaning despite the late night. As Shannon hung her purse on one of the large hooks behind the door, her mother came around the corner. Makeup perfect, hair fresh, slacks and blouse pressed, she looked as if she’d had ten hours of sleep—unlike Shannon, who had barely glanced at herself in the mirror before changing out of her pajamas and heading over.

“Hi, honey.” Mom hugged her, jasmine perfume enveloping Shannon. She pulled back, peered into Shannon’s eyes. “How are you?”

“Okay.” Shannon’s voice wobbled with dread. How would the family treat her today? Surely the rumors about her and Marshall had spread. It was Walker Beach, after all.

“Quinn told us everything.” Mom tucked a strand of Shannon’s hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry for doubting you last night.”

Her lids already puffy from crying so much, Shannon prayed more tears wouldn’t come, though she felt their telltale prickling behind her eyes. “It’s okay, Mom. I know how it looked.”

“I’m sorry you got hurt too.”

Ugh, she couldn’t talk about this now, not if she wanted to maintain any sort of composure. “Thanks.” Tucking Mom’s arm in hers, she steered them both toward the kitchen. “Something smells delicious. Guess we need to finish up before the masses arrive.”

“Those are the coffee cakes. I whipped them up this morning. But yes, if you could start on the pancakes, I’ll have your sister fry the bacon. She and Gabrielle arrived five minutes before you.”

“You got it.” They rounded the corner and emerged into her parents’ gourmet kitchen, complete with white marble countertops, state-of-the-art white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.

Her curly hair up in a messy bun, Quinn stood at the huge island, cutting open packages of bacon. She glanced up at Shannon and fumbled the kitchen shears.

Gabrielle sat sideways on one of the stylish oak island stools, head in her hands.

“Good morning.” Shannon set down her tea and touched Gabrielle on the arm. “Are you okay?”

Her sister-in-law looked up, cheeks pale. “Oh yeah. Just a killer migraine.” She yawned. “Couldn’t fall asleep after we got home last night. Baby Girl kept me up, dancing past midnight.”

“You should go rest.” Shannon looked over at Quinn, who avoided eye contact as she pulled strips of bacon from a package and set them on a griddle. “We’ve got this.”

Mom lit a few cranberry candles, blew out the match, and tossed it into the garbage can at the end of the island. “Yes, dear, go into the guest room and lie down.”

“I want to do my part.”

“Your part is making sure my granddaughter is growing healthy and strong. Which means you need to rest.” Mom walked around the island and patted Gabrielle’s arm. “Now come on. I won’t take no for an answer. In fact, maybe I should tell Tyler to take you home.”

“That’s not necessary.” Gabrielle stood, wincing and clutching her stomach for a moment before breathing out. Her hands looked more swollen than usual. “He’s out helping Thomas get the yard ready. I’ll go lie down. But just for a little while.”

“Good. Shannon, Quinn, I’m leaving you in charge here. There are a few things I need to do outside.” Mom led their sister-in-law down the hallway.

Shannon and Quinn were alone.

Straightening her shoulders, Shannon headed for the large walk-in pantry and grabbed ingredients to make Mom’s famous cinnamon buttermilk pancakes. She flicked on a burner, snagged several sticks of butter from the fridge, and placed them into a pot to melt.

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