The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Apricot and Pecan Scones

It’s time for the next installment of Allison Pickney’s Bridal Shower micro-story. Last week the women played Truth or Dare Croquet and enjoyed pineapple chicken salad sandwiches. Although the game brought up some uncomfortable moments, everyone recovered (thanks to some champagne cocktails) and now they are recovering on the patio while the caterer serves her specialty: Apricot and Pecan Scones.

Allison ~ “After we stuffed ourselves with tea sandwiches (and my favorite was the Chicken Pineapple salad!), we settled into wicker garden chairs near the fountain. I’ve eaten so much food, and it’s so warm out, that it would be easy to nod off while listening to the rhythmic sound of the water hitting the pond. The endless rounds of champagne, and the accompanying tipsy feeling, hasn’t helped. But that would be so rude! Luckily, Sarah asks Juliet about her honeymoon. Since Sarah and her new husband Nate only came to Charleston for a few nights for their honeymoon, she was hoping to plan something later in the year to surprise him. 

“Juliet,” Sarah said as she placed her empty Champagne glass on table in the center of the chairs, “Did you love Venice?”

Juliet smiled as she took a sip. “Loved it.”

“I’m just not sure that the men can leave the country,” Charlotte said. 

A quietness came over the group. All of the men we love are ex-Green Berets who were dishonorably discharged for something they didn’t do. Now that they’re fighting to learn the truth, and they have two fierce enemies waiting to attack, Charlotte was probably right. With all the uncertainty in their lives, they probably wouldn’t want to leave the country. I wasn’t even sure that Zack still had a valid passport.

“It’s just so expensive.” Samantha wrinkled her nose. “If I had to plan a honeymoon, I think I’d go to New York City. See a bunch of shows and eat lots of pizza.”

“Good choice.” Charlotte winked at Samantha. “I would take Cain to New Orleans. I’ve never been and would love to take ghost tours and eat all the food.”

Samantha smiled back. “I think I’m seeing a trend with food here.”

I am relived that the two women seem to have gotten over their disagreement from earlier. “If we’re talking food,” I said, “I’d choose Chicago. I love deep dish pizza.”

At that moment, the caterer dropped off scones and clotted cream. Not any kinds of scones. Apricot and Pecan Scones that smelled as if they came straight from the oven. They were one of the caterer’s specialties. And when we took our first bites, I swear we all moaned. They were even better than expected.

A few minutes later, Juliet placed her plate on the table and sighed. “I still think that Venice is the place to go for food. Especially the bigoli in salsa and the meringues. All the food is amazing.”

Samantha winked at Juliet. “I’m surprised you even left your room.”

Juliet blushed and took another scone. And, quite notably, she didn’t answer.

“Since food is a thing,” Emilie, always the peacemaker, said, “I would recommend New Orleans.” She nodded at Charlotte. “You should just make a reservation at a boutique hotel, and I’ll give you restaurant recommendations. I’m sure your husband Cain would love it.”

Charlotte nodded as she ate her second scone. When she was finished, and wiped her lips, she said, “I just don’t know if I could drag Cain away from Iron Rack’s Gym. I don’t know he’d leave the other men while You Know Who is still around.”

Since that was the second time that Charlotte mentioned the stress the men were under, I wondered if she was more worried than she normally let on.
“Charlotte,” I said gently, “Do you know something we don’t?”

“No.” She crushed her napkin and dropped it onto her plate. “I just have a terrible habit of thinking the worst is going to happen. Which is so ironic since Cain is always convinced everything will be okay.”

Sarah reached over and squeezed Charlotte’s hand. “While we don’t know the future, we do know one thing. Our men are strong and smart and experienced soldiers. Whatever the danger, I’m sure they’re up for it.”

With our help,” Samantha added with a smile.

We all laughed and the tension dissipated just as Vivienne appeared.

“What are we talking about?” Vivienne asked as she sat and took a scone.

“Honeymoons,” I said quickly. “What do you think of them?”

Vivienne raised her plate with a scone as a salute. “I highly recommend them. Having been married several times myself, I can honestly say all of my honeymoons are still some of my happiest memories.”

I studied the scones, so tempted to take another, and asked, “Where was your favorite honeymoon city?”

She laughed and took a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. “Does it matter?”

We chuckled and our gazes bounced around, meeting each others’ and then dropping away. Which made me shake my head. We were grown women and were struggling to admit why honeymoons were so much fun.

“I think you’re right,” Charlotte said to Emile. “I am going to surprise Cain and take him to New Orleans for a long weekend. I’ll drag him if I have to.”

Vivienne nodded in approval. “I applaud your initiative. Once you choose your dates, I’ll get you reservations at the best restaurant in town. The Bell Tower. The food is incredible and it’s so romantic. But reservations are very hard to get.”

I smiled to myself. While Zack and I hadn’t gone to The Bell Tower on an official date during our story (In Search of Truth), the food was amazing and I’d definitely go back.

“Thank you.” Charlotte wide smile brightened her face. “That sounds wonderful.”

Suddenly, Susan ran out to the patio followed by a dog. My dog. Nicholas Trott. When both the child and dog stopped to grab a scone, I asked, “What is Nicholas Trott doing here?”

I’m sure I left the dog at home to take his nap.

“Mr. Tremaine brought him,” Susan said with a full mouth. “He and his friends are inside.”

I stood and studied Vivienne. “Why are the men here?”

“Because,” Vivienne stood and smoothed her silk skirt, “all-female parties can get so boring. Besides, I thought you’d love to see you fiance.”

On cue, Zack and five other men appeared. Zack kissed my cheek and whispered, “We don’t mean to crash your party. But Vivienne demanded we show up.”

“Oooh,” Pete White Horse, Samantha’s boyfriend, grabbed to scones. “I love rolls.”

We all laughed and Samantha hit his arm, “They’re called scones.”

“Whatever they’re called,” Pete said with a full mouth, “They’re awesome.”

“So?” I kissed Zack’s cheek and inhaled his powerful masculine scent. “You’re staying for the weekend?”

He kissed me quickly. “Yes.”

And my face felt so hot, I’m sure it was redder than the roses that covered Maddie’s pond.

Vivienne took Zack’s arm and settled him into a chair. Then, once we were all seated, she announced, “Before dessert arrives–“

“Lemon bars?” Zack asked his godmother and aunt.

“Of course,” Vivienne tapped his arm. “But first we have things to discuss.”

My stomach clenched and I shared a worried look with Zack. I now knew what Vivienne was up to. I now knew the entire point of this shower.

“Discuss what?” Zack asked in a dark voice.

Vivienne shook her head. “Not a wedding date.”

I sighed in relief and relaxed in my chair.

“Something almost as important.” Vivienne took an envelope from the caterer who’d just appeared and handed it to Zack. “Your honeymoon. Because, while I am anxious for a wedding, I’m more anxious for great nieces and nephews. The more, and the sooner, the better.”

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