What happened to January? It seems to have just disappeared. But now that it’s February, it’s time to start thinking about new releases and new projects including the release of IN SEARCH OF TRUTH in less than 20 days!
While I’m super excited about Zack and Allison’s story, I’m also having trouble leaving Nate and Sarah (the hero and heroine of ONE DARK WISH) behind. So this month on the Hungry {Romance} Writer, I’m bringing us to the morning after Nate and Sarah’s wedding. They’re having breakfast on the balcony of their Charleston hotel appreciating this moment of happiness before their enemy attacks again. And they’re starting the first day of their marriage with Chocolate Strawberry Mochas.
Sarah Munro ~ “Last night I married Nate Walker. It was a small wedding in a tiny church on the Isle of Grace outside of Savannah, GA, and all of our friends were there. My father walked me down the aisle, and Pete, Nate’s best friend, stood up for him. It was short and sweet and so completely magical that I almost cried when I said my vows.
Afterwards, we went to a friend’s house for the reception. This friend, Calum Prioleau, who also happens to be the wealthiest man in Savannah, owns a summer cottage on the nearby Isle of Hope. When Calum said cottage, I mistakenly believed that was what it would be–except I was completely wrong. Let’s just say Calum’s summer home is larger than the White House and far more lovely. We danced in the garden, ate on one of the many patios, and served strawberry pie for dessert. Then, as a wedding gift, Calum gave us a short honeymoon in Charleston at a lovely hotel. This gift came with a driver since my husband Nate can’t drive yet (it’s a looooong story) and I’d had too much champagne.
But that was last night. 🙂
Now it’s the morning after and my husband (I will never tire of saying that!) has surprised me with a lovely breakfast on the balcony of our hotel suite. This balcony overlooks the pool and the hotel’s garden. As I watch Nate rearrange the flowers on the table, I want to get out of bed, except I’m comfortable and content where I am. I don’t remember ever being this happy.
Nate pokes his head through the French doors. “Breakfast is ready.”
I stretch and yawn. “It smells delicious!”
He comes in, a huge smile stretched across his handsome face, wearing only a pair of gym shorts I didn’t even know he owned. “It’ll get cold.”
I nod but snuggle beneath the soft, cotton comforter.
“And,” he slowly pulls the comforter off of me, “I ordered the hotel’s special coffee. Just for newlyweds.”
Coffee? Nate said the magic word. I take his hand and get out of bed. After he hands me my silk robe, I say, “What kind of coffee? It is hot, right?”
“Hot and caffeinated.” He takes my hand and leads me out to the private balcony.
I pause. The beautiful table is laden with food and flowers and a mug of something topped with whipped cream, red sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered strawberry. “What is this?
Once we’re both seated, he pours himself coffee from the French press. Black and hot. Just like he prefers. “It’s called a chocolate strawberry mocha.”
“Hmmm.” I’m not sure about strawberry flavoring in my coffee. He raises an eyebrow as I taste it and …. I smile. “This is amazing.”
Nate stares at me. “Yes, this is amazing.”
A blush creeps up my neck until it takes over my face. But I don’t look away. We’ve been through hell and back to get here and while I could’ve done without the scary parts–including my almost-drowning part and the Nate getting shot parts–I wouldn’t change a thing.
After a long moment he points to the blueberry scones on a silver plate near the covered casserole dishes. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
I nod because the words are tangled in my throat. As I drink my mocha, I close my eyes and pray. As much as I wish I could suspend time, I know that’s a fool’s wish. So I ask for something much more possible–to have a few days alone with my husband where all we do is laugh and kiss and laugh some more. Because, seriously, is that too much to ask? Probably, considering Nate’s enemy is still out there, but I’m asking anyway. Because I now know that miracles are possible.”
Chocolate Strawberry Mocha
Ingredients
Drink
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate drinking powder
- 1 shot of strawberry syrup
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 shots espresso
Garnish
- chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.
Instructions
-
In a large mug or measuring cup with a spout, mix together the milk and strawberry syrup. Froth the milk.
-
In another heat resistant mug, pour in the chocolate powder and brew the espresso over the powder. Stir to combine. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chocolate covered strawberries.
