Love's Sweetest Deliverance: Castle in the Sun, #2

By Flora Reigada

When Liz Bertelli thought her life was over, she discovered a locket that sent her on a new journey. That mystery led her away from her ex-husband Steve, to St. Augustine Florida and Carlos Martin, in the first Castle in the Sun novel.

Rosa, Liz's best friend, and Jack, Carlos' brother, join the couple for a festive holiday feast, spiced just right, shortly after the events of Love's Sweetest Revenge.

An unexpected and disturbing phone call interrupts the Christmas meal. Steve is back and determined to ruin Liz's future plans. Hoping to avoid trouble, Liz and Carlos return to Florida. There, they set their sights on restoring a Victorian home into a classy bed and breakfast.

But, as an approaching hurricane rustling palms and stirring up waves, signals impending danger, Steve's escalating behavior forecasts trouble for everyone.

Will Steve ruin Liz's chance at happiness? Or will Jack and his motorcycle buddies be able to tame the hurricane?

And what is with that acorn?

• Language: English
• Publisher: MillerWords, LLC
• Release date: Aug 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386395034

Flora Reigada

Flora Reigada is an award-winning journalist and novelist. She and her husband, Dan, have been a reporter/photographer team for several newspapers, including the Florida Today. At present, they cover Brevard County/Space Coast news for Senior Life newspaper. Interesting places they have explored in pursuit of a story include a “castle,” the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida. In Titusville Florida’s historic Vassar B. Carlton Courthouse, they climbed a hidden stairway to a long-abandoned jail. While covering events at a local ranch, Flora narrowly avoided being trampled by a “spooked” horse. She has also been a staff writer for Warner Press, contributing to their Pathways to God devotional and Christian Art Bulletin. In addition, she has written for Guideposts Magazine, Decision Magazine, the Upper Room Daily Devotional and more. She and Dan are proud parents and grandparents. “Our lives have been filled with adventure,” Flora says.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

That Christmas evening in New York State could not have been more perfect for Liz Bertelli, enjoying a holiday celebration at best friend, Rosa Ramirez’s old farmhouse. Its big, drafty rooms with their high ceilings, vintage light fixtures and crown molding, lent a rustic, but homey charm.

Liz and her fiancé, Carlos Martin, cuddled on a loveseat by a living room window. Even with snow falling outside and the Christmas tree twinkling nearby, the couple sat lost in each other’s gaze.

Liz had thought she would never love again after her ex-husband, Steve, left for a twenty-something plaything. Carlos had proven her wrong and just that afternoon, he surprised her with a proposal, slipping a diamond and emerald ring on her finger. She gladly accepted and seemed to enter a fabled world of knights and romance, she never thought existed; now it had become real.

Rosa and Carlos’ brother, Jack, helped make the engagement a reality. It involved an elaborate ruse and Liz smiled to herself, remembering how it unfolded.

The guys flew here from Florida and hid in Rosa’s house for three days. They hiked a mile through the forest, then waited for me near the old stone wall—hiding there too. It was sooo romantic when Carlos came out to propose.

The location was chosen for its significance.

One day I walked there to forget my troubles, but soon I was running from a bear.

Escaping its clutches, Liz discovered an old locket and mysterious love letter hidden in the wall by lovers forced to meet in secret.

Solving their mystery put Liz and Rosa on the trail of clues that led to Florida, a castle and the strong arms of the lovers’ sons, Carlos and Jack.

Several months had since passed and though it was only six-o’clock, winter’s curtain of night had drawn over the glittering hills.

Rosa and Jack were in the kitchen with Rosa’s daughter Laura, preparing a Latin-American holiday feast of roasted pork with yellow rice and beans. Their distant voices and clatter of pots and pans wafted along with the fragrances of meat and spices.

Liz savored the sounds and savors of this festive day.

She and Carlos kissed, then resumed gazing at each other—she drinking-in his Latin good looks and he, her golden-brown eyes, and hair that flowed down to her shoulders like a chocolate fountain.

It never failed to amaze Carlos that although in her thirties like himself, Liz had adult sons and a granddaughter.

She would tell him, Rosa and I were kids with kids. But we supported each other and we grew up fast.

Carlos kissed her locks. Sweet.

The couple’s reverie was interrupted by Laura’s two tots bursting from the kitchen with Rosa’s pair of dachshunds playfully yipping close behind.

The flustered young mom would occasionally poke her head from the kitchen to shout at the little ones. Olivia! Noah! Be quiet!

They would simmer down, only to start up again, louder than before.

After a while, Jack emerged to playfully scoop up the children and hoist one atop each of his broad shoulders. The children laughed with delight as he trotted them around the house, leaving their mother to cook in peace.

Liz smiled as they passed her way—barely able to tear her gaze from Carlos and her ring, sparkling in the Christmas lights. Love glowed in Carlos’ dreamy green eyes. They wandered over Liz’s form-fitting red sweater.

Not only are you beautiful, you’re a gifted artist, he whispered, referring to her latest creation, a landscape painting she had shown him earlier that day.

Illustrating their journey to one another, it depicted the old stone wall where Carlos proposed. The wall faded away to a castle (the Castillo de San Marcos) in Carlos’ hometown of St. Augustine, Florida, where clues in the locket led Liz and Rosa. Their lives would never be the same.

Carlos motioned to the exercise watch on his wrist. Thank you for the Christmas gifts. I really did need those shirts and the watch is just what I wanted.

"Thank you," Liz said, admiring her ring.

She stroked his thick black whiskers. I like the beard and moustache you’re growing. They’re rugged and masculine—like you.

He smiled, playfully brushing his whiskers against her face. Liz laughed, kissing his eager lips.

She stole another glance at the ring, of which she had sent pictures to her twin sons, Tony and Stevie. There were also pictures and videos of herself with Carlos and of the others as well. One video captured Rosa and Jack, chasing each other in a frisky snowball fight, then wrestling, laughing and rolling in the snow.

Celebrating Christmas in Daytona Beach, Florida with their father, Liz’s sons and their wives watched in amusement. They gathered to extend Christmas greetings and congratulate Liz and Carlos on their engagement.

Best wishes! That’s some big rock! We love you and hope to see you soon.

Tony added a postscript. Steph and I are looking forward to closing the deal on Carlos and Jack’s family home and making it a bed and breakfast, here in sunny Florida.

The couples sent videos. Some included Liz’s beloved granddaughter, Ashley. To Liz’s delight, one video showed the child playing with her Christmas toys. She stopped to point at her mother’s swollen stomach. Baby brother in there!

However, Steve and his wife Gloria had made their way into some of the frames and Steve’s expression gave Liz a chill. Although he was smiling, it more resembled a scowl. An icy glare came through in his eyes.

Why would he be scowling on Christmas? Could there be trouble in paradise between him and Gloria?

Liz recognized the suppressed anger. She had seen it before and it was usually directed her way. The last time was a couple of months prior, when she showed up at their son Stevie’s wedding on Carlos’ arm. She had picked up on the subliminal message that Steve did not like seeing her happy, especially with someone as accomplished as Carlos. He had worked as a translator and cultural liaison with the executive branch of the United States government.

Now Steve seemed to be sending another message. She could almost read his thoughts, complete with his disturbing racial innuendos.

Your wetback thinks he’s so important. You’d better not be sleeping with him.

The hatred Liz felt for Gloria when Steve left, had long since dissolved into pity.

That poor woman. Steve’s an idiot. I’m glad to be rid of him.

Yet, Liz could not shake a sense of trepidation. It hung over her like a cloud when Rosa called everyone into the dining room for the meal, which began with salad, followed by the main course and warm bread. Carlos offered Liz a crispy piece of meat.

This is the cuerito (skin) my favorite part. You can taste the spices in which the meat was marinated overnight. My father used garlic, oregano, cilantro, salt, pepper and lemon.

Liz took a bite, chewing it slowly, letting the perfect blend of crunch and spice, caress her taste buds.

Drinks flowed. They included apple cider and coquito; an eggnog-like drink made from rum, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. For dessert, apple pie was topped with vanilla ice cream and served with café con leche.

Even in the festive glow of the holiday, Liz could not get Steve’s cold, hateful stare out of her head. It seemed to bore into her.

What’s the matter? Carlos asked.

She told him how much Steve’s demeanor disturbed her and why.

Maybe he had gas, Carlos joked, trying to soothe her on this otherwise joyous day.

Liz shook her head. I know Steve and he’s up to no good.

After the meal when everyone was satisfied and the dishwasher humming, Liz and Carlos returned to their loveseat by the Christmas tree. From there, they could look into another room, where Jack was snoozing on a couch, with a child sleeping on either side.

Laura was reluctant to wake the little ones when it came time to go. But she knew it was inevitable, because they were expected at a relative’s home early the next day.

Liz and Carlos were close enough to overhear a conversation that Laura and Rosa were having about Jack.

The daughter began. He might just be a keeper, Mama. You’ve been telling me how he’s fixing things around the house. Look how great he is with kids. He can cook too. Then he’s so handsome in that Greek sculpture sort of way. And I’ve seen the way he looks at you.

Rosa took a deep breath. Even though your father’s been gone almost two years, I still love him. Who would have thought he had an undetected heart problem? He was never sick. He never went to the doctor.

Yes, it was a terrible shock, the daughter replied. And we’ll always love Papa. But he’s in heaven now and you’re only in your thirties. Like Liz, you had your kids when you were a kid yourself. Maybe the time has come to move on. Papa would understand. He loved you so much that he would want you to be happy.

I do find myself caring for Jack, the mother confessed.

When Laura and the children were gone, Jack and Rosa returned to the kitchen to put the finishing touches on the cleanup. Their muffled voices interspersed with sultry silences, reached Liz and Carlos, who resumed gazing at each other, stopping only to look outside at snowflakes swirling around the lamppost.

Beyond it, Liz’s house could be seen up the country road. The colorful Christmas tree in its window shone through the wintry night. Seeing her home, made Liz remember the Rottweiler she kept for protection.

Oh my! I need to get home. I let King out this time every night. He must be waiting anxiously by the door.

She rose to get her coat for the walk.

Carlos stood too. I’ll go with you. I can’t let m’ lady walk up that lonely road alone.

I appreciate that, Liz said with affection. But it’s freezing outside here in the Adirondack foothills and a Florida boy like you isn’t used to the cold. I do this all the time and I’ll be right back.

Carlos would not hear otherwise and was soon going out the door with her. While Liz was unfazed by the cold, wind driven snow needled Carlos’ face. Twenty-degree temperatures also aggravated pain in the femur he shattered in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. Trying not to limp, he let out a vaporous breath.

It feels like Moscow in winter. I went there once with the Vice President.

Snow crunched under their boots as they walked across Liz’s back porch to the kitchen door, where King was waiting just inside. Hearing Liz’s voice, he issued a few whiney barks.

Unlocking the door, she gave him a quick petting and released him into the yard.

She motioned to Carlos. Come in. I’ll make coffee to thaw you out.

For a while, the two chatted over coffee—Carlos warming his hands on the cup and breathing-in the steam.

Once back inside, King fell asleep on a throw rug.

After Liz brought out snacks, she and Carlos talked and laughed for a couple of hours.

Finally, he noticed the time. I guess I should be getting back up the road.

I’ll drive you, she offered, reaching for her coat. I know how much the cold hurts your injury.

He drew her into a deep kiss, and then searched her eyes with his. Well, we can go back out in the cold—or I can stay ....

That frank statement caught Liz by surprise. For a moment, she could not speak, but finally managed. Wouldn’t that create an awkward situation for Rosa and Jack?

He brushed her lips with a kiss that tickled like a feather. I discussed the possibility with them and they wouldn’t mind. Let’s just say they’ve been very chummy since Jack and I arrived. I think they might appreciate some time alone before Jack flies home. He’ll be starting a job, moving into his new condo and representing our family at the sale of our parents’ home.

Aren’t you returning with him?

That depends on you.

Liz hesitated. In her heart she wanted to say stay, but there were so many reasons she should not. She thought of the moral implications, wondering what her sons and their wives would think. Then there were her late parents, who would be turning in their graves. And Steve? Remembering his icy glare in the video gave her a sense of foreboding. Yet she would not be intimidated.

Against her better judgment, she pressed herself close and made what would prove to be a fateful

decision. What would you like for breakfast?

CHAPTER 2

The following morning Carlos brought his luggage to Liz’s house, telling Jack, I’ll be staying up the road.

Over the next few days, each couple enjoyed their privacy at Liz and Rosa’s respective homes, occasionally gathering at either house for a movie or meal.

One day, Rosa drove the group to Albany, roughly 85 miles southeast, to tour the state capitol building, which houses the New York State legislature.

Along the way, Rosa touted the building’s grandeur. Liz enjoys going there to study the artwork and architecture. I tag along and we've both learned something of the building's history. It’s built in Romanesque revival style and it took over thirty years to complete. The place is enormous, with five stories, a full basement and attic. Every time I visit, I discover something new.

Carlos feigned indignance. Well, Florida’s Capitol Complex in Tallahassee, is nothing to be sneezed at.

Liz and Rosa were soon leading their guests through lofty halls with stately columns and arches. They spoke of the building’s three monumental staircases, carved in stone and crowned with skylights. Carlos and Jack were especially amazed by the vast Assembly Chamber and the Great Western, or Million Dollar Staircase, with its ornate balustrades, ornamental lighting and 77 sculpted portraits of famous people. Among these are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant and Susan B. Anthony.

I'm reminded of the grandeur of castles I’ve visited in Spain and Germany, Carlos remarked.

After walking through long halls and up and down stairs, Liz noticed him limping.

You okay, honey?

Although he said, I’m fine, Liz noticed a grimace as he turned away.

Leaving the Capitol building, they continued to the 42 story Erastus Corning Tower, part of the Empire State Plaza. They rode an elevator to an observation deck, which offered a commanding view of the city and surrounding area, even the foothills of the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, as well as the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Afterwards, there would be no walking in the city, because Carlos’ injury could not tolerate the cold.

I hope I’m not ruining everyone’s fun, he groaned, no longer trying to hide his pain. But for me, being outdoors is like trying to enjoy myself inside a meat locker. I’m glad Liz will be returning to Florida with me as soon as we can rent a trailer and pack what she needs.

Liz and Rosa exchanged sad glances. For both, the move would be bittersweet. They had been friends for twenty years, since they were teenagers with toddlers. They had shared good times and bad, secrets, laughter and tears. And even though Liz’s move would provide a place for Laura and the kids to live after the young mom’s lease expired, for Rosa, more tears were on the way.

Her sadness retreated as the couples visited José Torres, whom Rosa had called in advance. She and Liz tracked him down during their quest to solve the mystery of the locket discovered in the old wall. The older man had known Carlos and Jack’s parents in their youth and had vied for their mother’s affections. In a jealous rage, José shot and wounded Carlos Sr. but decades had passed and animosities were fading. Now Carlos and Jack were meeting him for the first time.

He opened the door with a welcoming smile. Liz and Rosa were pleased by his more robust appearance. He was less feeble than the last time they visited.

Introductions were made and José ushered everyone inside. He invited the guests to sit in the living room, where his daughter, Veronica, was serving finger foods and drinks.

Hey, I’m Veronica, she called to the brothers.

They introduced themselves and thanked her for the food.

As everyone sat to talk and munch, José turned to Carlos. Tienes la misma cara de tu papá. (You have your father’s face.) The older man then turned to Jack. Y tú te pareces más a tu mamá. (And you look more like your mother.)

He continued in English. You’re both fine young men and you’ve caught yourselves some pretty girls.

Better than we deserve, but they put up with us, Jack said, casting Rosa an affectionate glance.

She met it with her dimple-framed smile, still gracing her face when she spoke to José. I can’t get over how much better you look.

Thank you, dear, he replied. The good Lord, my doctor and Veronica looking after este viejo (this old man) have done me a world of good.

Veronica hugged her father’s neck. It looks like we’ll have you around for a long time.

Before the visitors were on their way, José expressed his condolences about Carlos Sr.’s passing and asked the brothers to extend his sympathies to their mother.

Thank you sir. We will.

The evening before Jack was to leave, the couples enjoyed supper at a restaurant, followed by dessert at Liz’s house. She had picked up a cake and Carlos made everyone café con leche.

Rosa’s sadness came crashing back when the evening ended. The minutes were ticking away until Jack would be flying back to Florida the next day. His plane was scheduled to take off early and she would be driving him to the airport.

At first, Rosa