The Carson Springs Trilogy: Stranger in Paradise, Taste of Honey, and Wish Come True Read Online Free PDF Page B

blame, she thought. In some ways Mami and Poppi had favored Ray and her. Though, let’s face it, Audrey hadn’t been the most lovable child. Sam felt lucky her own two had been such a joy, that she hadn’t had to choose.
    She sat listening to her sister rant for a few more minutes, until she could escape without risking offense. When she ran into Gerry on her way into the house, it was a blessed reprieve. Her best friend fell into step with her, slipping an arm through hers.
    “Looked like you were getting an earful back there,” she observed dryly. “Your sister still reminding you of everything you got that she was robbed of?” She’d removed her hat, as extravagant as Gerry herself; it swung loosely at her side as she walked. Sunlight glinted on the strands of silver in her black curls.
    “And then some.” Sam rolled her eyes.
    “Jealousy is like a weed,” Gerry observed. “You have to yank it out by its roots, or it keeps growing back.”
    “I’m afraid this weed is sunk too deep.”
    “You don’t know until you try.” They stepped through the back door into the coolness of the kitchen, with its copper pots hanging from hooks over the blackened adobe fireplace. A small army bustled about arranging platters under the fierce-eyed direction of Lupe, the world’s smallest general. Ignoring the crab flautas and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Gerry fished an apricot from the wooden bowl on the counter and bit into it lustily.
    Growing up, Sam was considered the prettier of the two. Ironically, it wasn’t until Gerry had been accepted by the convent that she’d suddenly blossomed, and the boys who’d ignored her began looking at her in an entirely different way. More than one, Sam suspected, had harbored the fantasy of rescuing her from a life of celibacy.
    Now, thirty years later, Gerry had truly come into her own. Her tomboyish lope had given way to a confident stride, and the green eyes that had once seemed too bold were softened with feathery lines. Even her current vocation suited her. As lay manager for Our Lady of the Wayside, it was her job to see that store shelves, including Delarosa’s, were well stocked with the convent’s honey cleverly marketed under the name Blessed Bee.
    Satisfied that everything was running smoothly, Sam strolled with Gerry back outside. It was almost time for lunch. Platters whisked past on their way to the buffet table under the tent. At the dining tables, rolls and butter were being set out, water glasses filled.
    For a moment, she allowed herself to see it all through her guests’ eyes. Isla Verde, green island, where the sun shone brightly and flowers bloomed year round. From where she stood she had an unfettered view of wind-swept chaparral and oak-dotted hills rolling like a great tide toward mountains that millions of years ago the ocean had lapped.
    Yet heaven, as she’d learned in catechism, didn’t come without a price. Her sister was right about the upkeep. The roof leaked in a dozen places, and repairs to the elderly plumbing and electricity were endless. A variety of fungi and insects regularly afflicted the orchard, and the swimming pool was a constant battle against black algae. Even with Lupe and Guillermo it was overwhelming at times.
    Her gaze strayed to Ian, chatting with Laura on the lawn. Her daughter looked happy, almost girlish. Ian appeared to be hanging on every word. Sam felt an unexpected pang, but was quick to brush it away, telling herself firmly, Why not? They’d make a good match.
    Gerry leaned close to whisper, “He’s adorable.”
    “Not to mention young enough to be my son,” Sam shot back, knowing where this was leading.
    Gerry was undaunted. “All that hair. Reminds me of the boys we used to date in high school. Most of whom are bald now.” Her laugh was that of a woman who’d sampled her share of men. “I understand he’s an artist.”
    “A fairly successful one.”
    “It sounds as if you two have gotten to know each