The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with

by Donna Ashcroft

  ‘I’m guessing you’ll have better luck sorting things out with Jesse if you actually talk to him.’ Madison put a cup of coffee Dee had just made underneath Amy’s nose. ‘How are things going with the plans for the Grand Opening tomorrow?’

  ‘The furniture’s arrived from storage already. So have the cutlery, cups, plates and fridges, and the rest will be here later. Connor and Jesse are supervising the deliveries and I’ll put it all in place.’ Amy ticked an imaginary list off on her fingers. ‘I’ve got the building regs signed off thanks to a nice man at the Town Hall, and Stanley persuaded the press to come to the Grand Opening. I’ve sorted out the shifts for the cafe – between me, you and Dee, we can keep it ticking over, at least until the Skylars decide if they want more staff. I’m so excited. It’s an amazing new beginning. And it wouldn’t have happened without you, Madison. I’m so glad you came back.’ Amy hugged her. ‘What are you doing?’ Amy stepped back for the first time to take in the breakfast bar. It was piled high with all kinds of goodies – bananas, chocolate drops, hundreds and thousands, space dust, chocolate chip cookies, edible glitter, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

  ‘We’re waiting for Laura’s ice cream so we can design our desserts. These bits and bobs were in the cupboards – I’ve no idea how Dee manages to store all this stuff.’

  ‘Where’s Dee?’

  ‘Phoning Laura – the ice cream should have arrived by now.’ Madison tapped her fingers impatiently on the counter.

  Their conversation was interrupted by Dee, who ran back into the kitchen looking pale. ‘There’s a problem,’ she said. ‘A very big problem. Laura’s had a disaster at home. Her big freezer packed up last night. She was running late and didn’t realise till just now. All the ice cream’s melted. She can’t replace it by tomorrow. We’ve nothing to put into our sundaes.’

  Madison looked at the open doorway, thinking about the envelope of money in her bedroom. A month ago she’d have already been packing. Instead she took a long breath. What would Connor do? ‘We need a plan B,’ she said slowly.

  ‘Good.’ Dee smiled. ‘For a minute I thought you were going to skid out of that doorway and make a run for it.’

  ‘Not this time. We’ve got all this stuff.’ She pointed at the breakfast bar, feeling suddenly animated. ‘I know it’s not as exciting as a Sprinkles ice cream, but it’s a start. We need to make something fun and different, so people aren’t disappointed. Have you any ice cream in the fridge, Dee?’

  ‘Only vanilla and chocolate. Lots of it, admittedly, but it’s boring.’ Dee looked despondent. ‘Sunflower Supermarket doesn’t stock much else. It’s hardly the culinary experience we’ve been promising. We need at least five desserts for the opening. I was going to photograph the sundaes and Stanley said he’d knock up a temporary menu. He’s already designed a logo. People are going to be so disappointed if all we have to offer are vanilla and chocolate cones.’

  ‘We’ll offer more than that.’ Madison pulled up her sleeves. ‘I remember having an ice cream sandwich in Australia.’ She got a plate and slapped down two cookies, before filling one with strawberry jam and the other with peanut butter. She added a few chocolate drops and hundreds and thousands, before finishing with a small dollop of vanilla ice cream and placing a biscuit on top. The result looked colourful, but would it taste good? ‘Dee, please can you take a picture?’ Madison stood back as the cook whipped out her mobile and photographed it. ‘Would you try it, please? I’m not sure I’m brave enough.’ Madison pushed the plate towards Amy and folded her arms, feeling tense as she watched her friend take a bite.

  ‘That works.’ Amy nodded vigorously. ‘Actually it’s really good, better than I expected – what shall we call it?’

  ‘The Hideaway Sundae Sandwich?’ Madison suggested. Amy polished off the rest with gusto as Madison wrote the name and ingredients on a small pad.

  ‘I’m thinking we might need more taste testers or I’m going to be sick.’ Amy rubbed her stomach.

  ‘I’ll get Connor.’ Dee disappeared outside, heading for the cafe before Madison could respond. Then The Hideaway’s phone started ringing and Amy slipped out too, leaving her alone. She scanned the ingredients, wondering what Connor would like – he’d lost weight when he’d been ill and she needed to build him up.

  Madison sliced a banana, grinning as she placed it on a plate, then added chocolate ice cream and layered on a dollop of whipped cream. She added a scoop of space dust and hundreds and thousands, repeating the ingredients again, building the dessert into a towering beast. By the time Connor opened the door and walked in, the ice cream sundae was huge. She picked up Dee’s phone from the side and took a photograph.

  ‘Dee said to tell you she’s gone to speak to the supermarket about ordering more supplies. I heard about Laura’s ice cream. That looks great – is it for me?’ Connor smiled, watching Madison as he walked up to the counter, making her skin tingle. ‘I see you added a banana.’

  ‘It’s the only healthy thing about it.’ Madison handed Connor a spoon so he could test it. ‘It’s called The Hideaway Fundae, and I made it for you.’

  Connor scooped ice cream into his mouth and swallowed. ‘Tastes good,’ he said gently. ‘You… keep surprising me.’

  Madison’s stomach lurched. ‘In a good way?’

  ‘Yes.’ Connor stared at her. ‘I’m sorry for the way I behaved when Seth arrived. He… threw me, and I should have believed you when you said you were just friends.’ When Madison tried to interrupt, Connor held up a hand. ‘We both know I’m crap with words, so it’s probably better if I get this out.’ He eyed the dessert. ‘Hopefully I’ll manage something coherent before this melts.’ He looked into Madison’s eyes. ‘I’ve missed you. More than I expected, more than I ever thought I’d miss anyone, and I’m sorry I doubted you. You’re here – still here – despite me pushing you away.’ He stepped closer and ran a thumb across Madison’s cheek, making her heart hammer. ‘I want to say thank you, for getting me help to finish the cafe, for looking after me when I was sick, and for helping me understand how empty my life was without anyone in it.’

  Madison swallowed. ‘Am I in your life?’

  Connor smiled. ‘I hope so.’ He leaned over to stroke his lips gently across hers, starting slowly, letting the sensations settle before he took it deeper. Madison couldn’t wait – she’d stood on the sidelines waiting for Connor to make up his mind. Now he’d decided to let her into his life, she just wanted him closer. She kissed him back, gripping the collar of his shirt, taking the kiss from warm to red-hot in seconds… until a door slammed and someone cleared their throat.

  When Madison glanced up, Jesse was standing in the doorway looking embarrassed. ‘Is Amy here?’ he asked as Connor stepped backwards, letting Madison go.

  ‘She went to answer a call. I’m sure she’ll be back soon.’ Madison’s voice was unsteady.

  ‘Can I wait?’ Jesse’s eyes roved over the ingredients and widened as they took in Connor’s dessert. ‘That’s a whole new level of unhealthy.’ He squinted at it more closely. ‘It looks good though.’

  ‘We’re testing sundaes for the Grand Opening,’ Madison said as her body settled. ‘Laura can’t get her ice cream here so we’re having to get creative. Do you want to pull up a chair?’ Madison ignored her knees, which were still wobbling. ‘Perhaps you’d like to be one of my tasters?’

  Jesse nodded.

  ‘I thought you wanted the morning off?’ Connor asked.

  ‘I did. I mean, I have. But I’ve done what I needed to get done and now I’ve come here to finish it,’ Jesse replied as Amy burst into the room.

  ‘Four more bookings – we’ll be turning people away soon! Oh.’ Amy’s face dropped as she spotted Jesse. ‘It’s you.’

  ‘Before you leave again, I need you to listen.’ Jesse hopped down from the bar stool and walked around the table to join Amy. ‘It took me a long time to understand what I’d done to you. I have to admit to being a little dense.’ He s
hrugged. ‘It’s a fault of mine, but I’m willing to mend it.’

  ‘Right. Okay…’ Amy looked at the floor.

  ‘The thing is, I get what I did wrong and I know why I hurt you. I’ve always been distracted – by sport, the car. I took you for granted. I guess I had a lot of growing up to do. I never explained what my grandfather’s car meant to me. It was my last link to him, a link I never realised I needed – but that’s in the past. I know a stupid car can never replace you.’ He pulled a box from his pocket and opened it. ‘I sold the Morgan, spent the money in Magic Charm on this ring – Claire says hi. I know green’s your favourite colour – and it’ll remind me of the car. I want to remember my grandfather and if you wear this, I always will.’ He dropped onto one knee. ‘Will you marry me, Amy Walters, wear this ring and be my wife? I’ve spent far too long without you in my life.’

  ‘Oh, Jesse.’ Amy’s face dropped as she stepped backwards. ‘You shouldn’t have. I mean, yes, but you can’t sell the car.’

  ‘I already have.’ Jesse slid the ring from the box, and took Amy’s left hand so he could put it onto her fourth finger. ‘That car was a beautiful thing, but it’s just metal and paint. It won’t keep me warm at night, it doesn’t laugh and it’s crap at conversation. I don’t love it, I only love you.’

  Amy gazed at the ring. The emerald sparkled under the kitchen lights and the band glittered gold. ‘This is beautiful, but you need to take it back…’ She slipped the ring off her finger and handed it to Jesse, placing her hand over his when his face dropped. ‘Oh, I want it, but you can buy me a cheaper one. Dammit, I’ll be happy with one from a cracker. You shouldn’t have to give up what’s left of your grandad to be with me. All I needed was this…’ Amy tapped Jesse’s heart with her fingertip, stepping closer. ‘All I needed was for you to put me first.’

  ‘I don’t understand.’ Jesse looked confused as Amy gave him a soft kiss.

  ‘It doesn’t matter,’ Amy said gently. ‘I do.’

  As Amy and Jesse left the kitchen hand in hand, Madison glanced at Connor. He was watching her with the strangest expression on his face.

  ‘You free for dinner tonight?’ He smiled when she nodded. ‘Come to my house at seven, come alone and bring dessert.’ He took a quick bite of his sundae, grinned and nodded goodbye.

  Thirty-Six

  Madison had enjoyed a million adventures in her life, had been to a thousand places. But her stomach had never been in so many knots, and she’d never felt as excited as when she knocked on Connor’s door that evening. She’d brought a bag of bananas, space dust, a carton of chocolate ice cream and a huge smile.

  Jaws started to bark and Madison could hear the slap of his tail as he wagged it, then the door opened and Connor was standing in the doorway, dressed in dark jeans and a button-down shirt she didn’t recognise. He looked handsome and a little embarrassed.

  ‘You look… clean.’ His tone was playful. ‘And very pretty – I like the dress.’ Connor’s eyes slid downwards to take in the satin black number Madison had bought on the internet. It hugged her figure, ending just above the knees, exposing just the right amount of cleavage. She wore a sparkling red choker around her neck and had finished the outfit off with a pair of black heels, borrowed from Amy.

  ‘I’m feeling lucky tonight.’ Madison grinned and Connor stepped backwards so she could walk inside, then she dropped to her knees to pet the dog.

  The first thing Madison noticed was that the house smelled delicious – a combination of cheese, garlic, pasta and herbs. Connor led them into the kitchen. The room had changed since she’d last visited, when Connor had been sick. The plant had moved to the kitchen counter for a start – also, it was alive. Madison went to look at it. ‘A miracle?’ She grinned at Connor. ‘I didn’t think even you were capable of those?’

  He laughed. ‘A replacement. It’s basil – I’m trying to impress you tonight. Besides, I needed some for our meal.’

  ‘What are we having – don’t tell me, pie?’ Madison opened the freezer so she could put the ice cream inside.

  ‘Bruschetta followed by vegetarian lasagne.’

  ‘Vegetarian lasagne?’ How had he managed to choose her favourite meal?

  ‘Don’t get too excited, I’ve never made it before. I got Georgie to email me a recipe. I told her we’d be safer with a pizza, but she insisted. I never knew so many vegetables existed in the world.’ Connor shuddered. ‘Would you like a glass of wine? I thought we could eat in here.’ He pointed to the kitchen table, which he’d already laid. A candle burned in the centre and a couple more glowed on the windowsill. Madison held back, her stomach fluttering. Connor had gone to a lot of trouble. All these years it had been her pursuing him. It was… strange, having it the other way around.

  ‘I’m going to dim the lights.’ Connor fiddled with one of the switches. ‘It’s not purely to be romantic – although that’s part of my plan. But if it’s not too light in here, there are some incredible views of the stars – it’s one of the reasons my dad built the kitchen here.’ The corner of his mouth tilted upwards. ‘I can’t say I’ve ever watched them, but since I’m trying to embrace a new side of myself thanks to you, I thought we could stargaze while we eat tonight?’

  ‘Love to.’ Madison looked around the kitchen for glasses, trying to stay collected because she was in serious danger of hurling herself at this man. ‘Shall we pour the wine?’

  ‘Let me.’ Connor filled the glasses. ‘Do you want to sit? Dinner will be a few more minutes and I’ve things to get ready, but I thought we could… talk while I’m cooking?’

  ‘Talking’s good.’ Madison pulled out a chair and sat watching Connor as he got a salad from the fridge and put it on the table between them. ‘Where’s Jesse?’ Madison stroked Jaws as he joined them, resting his head on her knees.

  ‘At Amy’s. I think the ring did the trick, although by all accounts they spent the afternoon returning it and buying the car back.’ Connor shook his head. ‘I can’t say I understand, but I’m figuring love doesn’t have to make sense – expecting it to is a route to madness. I’m guessing he’ll move back in with her before the week is out.’

  ‘Will you mind?’ Madison sipped some wine as Connor busied himself taking the slices of bruschetta from the fridge, placing them on plates and adding basil. Madison smiled – a few weeks ago Connor ate from takeaway boxes. Now he was using garnish.

  ‘No.’ Connor stopped to look around the kitchen. ‘Perhaps… I’ve grown used to the company. This is a big house for just me and Jaws.’ He glared at the dog, who was now lying on his back, begging Madison for a stomach rub. ‘And I really don’t know what you’ve done to bewitch my dog, but I’m guessing if I’m not careful he’ll be leaving me for you.’

  ‘You’ll have to up your game, try some adventure walks, or maybe yoga?’ Madison joked as Connor placed the starters in front of them. ‘This is impressive.’ She picked up her knife and fork. ‘I had no idea you could cook.’

  ‘Neither did I…’ Connor looked puzzled. ‘Surprisingly I enjoyed it. I’ve learned cooking is relaxing when you make time for it.’

  Madison sliced some of the bruschetta and ate a little, chewing slowly. The tomatoes were juicy and the garlic complemented them perfectly. ‘This is good.’

  Connor ate a chunk of the toast. ‘Not bad, considering it’s almost the first meal I’ve ever made from scratch.’ He washed it down with wine. ‘I think I’ll try making a pie tomorrow – but I might put beef in that.’

  ‘You seem different.’ Madison studied Connor. His shoulders were relaxed and the tension around his eyes had almost disappeared.

  ‘Perhaps I’m loosening up. Letting go of my father’s lessons, putting life before work – I have you to thank for that.’ Connor tilted his wine glass in Madison’s direction. ‘You’ve changed too.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘You’re still here – despite my predictions and your setbacks – and you’ve changed this place for the better. Now t
he whole of Sunflower Island is rooting for The Hideaway and everyone’s talking about your adventure walks. After the Grand Opening of the cafe they’ll be talking about your sundaes too. You’ve really made a difference. I…’ Connor paused. ‘I’m not good with words, but I admire what you’ve done. You took a setback and turned it around, when in all honesty I thought you’d run.’

  Madison sipped her wine, warmed by the compliment. ‘I still think my greatest achievement was getting you to try yoga.’

  ‘I’m not sure about the yoga.’ Connor leaned closer. ‘But I… enjoy spending time with you. You’re not what I expected when you first came home.’

  ‘I’m not?’ Madison leaned closer too, until their glasses clinked.

  ‘No… you’re a thousand times more.’ Connor’s eyes dropped to the dip between Madison’s breasts. ‘Is that red underwear?’ He looked delighted.

  ‘I really can’t remember, perhaps we should check?’ Madison raised an eyebrow, nodding at the oven. ‘If you lower the temperature, you can leave a lasagne cooking for hours.’

  ‘Well, that’s better than pizza,’ Connor said softly, taking Madison’s glass and leading them both into the sitting room – stopping for long enough to turn down the oven. ‘I’ll put the guard over the fire before we go upstairs.’

  ‘Or we could stay here,’ Madison suggested, walking to the window. The view was beautiful. You could see for miles – over the fields to a galaxy of stars with a full moon beyond. Connor placed a soft kiss on her shoulder, sending her nerve endings into a spin.

  ‘In front of the fire…’ Connor traced Madison’s shoulder with his mouth. ‘It’s not Amsterdam, but it’s different.’