The Inn at Misty Lake: Book Two in the Misty Lake Series

by Margaret Standafer

  After Shauna had her chance to fuss over him and he lapped up a bowl of water, Susan got a blanket from her trunk and settled the puppy into a corner where he promptly fell asleep. Work continued around him but not even Riley’s electric saw roused him.

  Inquiries to the vet, the sheriff’s office, the nearby animal shelter, as well as online searches all turned up nothing. Susan had taken the pup to Dr. Fischer who determined he didn’t have a microchip then checked him out, gave him a clean bill of health, and put his age at around three months. Susan knew she’d have to wait a bit longer to see if anyone responded to the lost pet notices she had posted in town and online, but with every passing day, he felt more and more like hers.

  Sam was more than happy to welcome the puppy but her dog, Rigi, was nothing short of ecstatic. Rigi took it upon herself to train the puppy in the house rules and soon had a willing and able partner to help patrol the yard and keep it safe from all unwanted birds and squirrels. The fact that the puppy had to work twice as hard as Rigi to run the same distance was a blessing. He was usually so tired after a romp with Rigi that he was more than ready to climb in his crate and sleep, continuing the war on critters in his dreams.

  Frank clicked and explained. “So you just drag the photo you want into this box and it will show up on your home page. You’ll be able to add photos later on if you want to have, say, a separate section for each room or for special events, whatever you decide.”

  “It’s really that easy?” Susan was skeptical. She could use a computer, but building her own website seemed daunting. When Frank had volunteered to spend an afternoon helping her get started, she had jumped at the chance.

  “It really is. I didn’t know much when I started either, but with this web page builder, a lot of the work is already done for you. It’s really just a matter of adding photos, adding content, details that make it your own. For the B&B, I would guess you’d want a number of photos to showcase the property and the different rooms. You’ll want to add pricing information, and here,” he pointed to the upper right-hand corner of the screen, “you’ll put your contact information.”

  “Wow. I think I can do this.” Susan beamed as she clicked on the contact information tab and added a link for email. “I’m not going to put a phone number in yet since I only have my cell phone and I don’t want to give that. As I get closer to opening, I’ll set up a business line.” She kept talking as she keyed in information and continued to browse photos in an attempt to decide what to put on the home page.

  “You’re right about your cell number, you definitely don’t want that on the website. With the email address you’ve created for the inn, people will be able to contact you easily enough.”

  “I can’t imagine getting inquiries into the B&B before it’s even ready to open.”

  “I bet you do. Maybe even a reservation.”

  Susan’s stomach gave a little lurch at the thought. It was exciting and terrifying in equal measure. She allowed herself a few minutes to fantasize then asked, “So, what do you think? Put the conceptual drawing of the inn on the front page or this one?” She indicated a stunning photo Frank had recently taken of the lake from her property with the fall color at its peak, lining the shores and reflected on the clear, smooth surface of the lake.

  “I guess I’m partial to my photo,” he grinned.

  “It is incredible, definitely a contender.” Turning, she studied him. So much like his twin. From the way they walked to the way they both tended to run a hand through their hair when frustrated to the rich sound of their laughter, it was clear they were twins. But there were subtle differences, she was learning. Riley liked to think about things, to take his time before answering or making a decision. Frank tended to go with the flow, a little more easy-going than his brother. But, at the same time, something told Susan Frank might be the more softhearted of the two. Frank also seemed to have more patience as evidenced by him sitting with her for hours teaching her how to set up and manage a website. She couldn’t picture Riley sitting still for so long. It fit, she figured. A photographer needed patience, needed to be willing to wait for the perfect shot. For a contractor, on the other hand, it wouldn’t do to spend much time waiting.

  Physically, there were differences as well. Susan had seen pictures of the two as children when they had been, in her opinion at least, identical. Now, as men, each had his own look. Where Riley’s brown hair leaned toward auburn, Frank’s was a slightly lighter shade, with, she noticed, a few golden tints. Susan guessed their heights would be within a fraction of an inch of the other but Riley had a few pounds on his brother. Frank’s face had sharper angles; Riley’s was fuller. The eyes, however, were identical in their dark, almost navy blue, intensity.

  She noticed him looking at her, probably wondering why she was staring. “Frank, I really can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. The pictures you’re taking of the inn as it moves through different phases of reconstruction are amazing. I’m going to use them on the website and also plan on having some framed to hang once the place is done. And now you’re helping me get my website up and running…it’s just so much. I am truly grateful.”

  “No problem. Since I went through setting up my website not that long ago, it only makes sense I pass on what I learned. Besides, you gave me your okay to use some of the photos in my advertising, that helps me out, too.” He seemed to debate with himself for a moment before continuing. “There’s another project I’ve been tossing around in my head and I may ask you for permission to use some of the before and after photos I’m taking of the inn for that, as well.”

  “Oh, of course. What is it?” she asked. Then backing off some, added, “Or don’t you want to talk about it yet?” She didn’t want to push too hard but, as usual, curiosity was eating at her.

  “It’s in the very beginning stages, I haven’t even mentioned it to my family. There’s this magazine, a very famous one, that approached me about submitting some photos as a sort of audition for a feature they’re doing on restoring and reviving old farmhouses and barns, like what you’re doing here. The editor who contacted me said he had come across my work from an advertising shoot I did a year or so ago, that brought him to my website, and when he saw the early photos I took of your place, he contacted me. If they want me, and if I do it, it could open up a lot of doors.”

  “That’s fantastic, Frank. You must be so excited.” She couldn’t miss the guarded look in his eyes. “But you’re not sure you want the exposure?” she guessed.

  “I’m not sure. If they like my work, I’d be traveling all around the country collecting photographs for their story. It’s an incredible opportunity. Not only would I be on their radar for future projects, but having my name attached to this publication would virtually ensure I’d be known in all the biggest photography circles.”

  “Which would mean leaving Misty Lake, probably heading to New York or Los Angeles or somewhere, and adopting a completely different lifestyle.”

  “That’s about right. I’m not sure it’s me. A few years ago I would have jumped at the chance. When I first started out I dreamed of an opportunity like this. Now? I do a good business, I’m near my family, I’m happy, content. Makes me sound old and boring, doesn’t it?”

  “No, it makes you sound like you know what you want, what makes you happy.”

  Frank shrugged. “I have some time to think about it. My submission wouldn’t be due until spring.”

  Susan laid a hand on his arm and smiled. “Then think about it. I’m sure you’ll come to the right decision.”

  “You really need to give him a name,” Riley said as they watched the dog race in circles trying to catch his tail.

  “I know, I’ve just been afraid to. If I name him it seems permanent and I’ve been so afraid someone is going to claim him.” It had been almost two weeks and though she was cautiously hopeful, Susan still couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d wake up one morning to a message that someone had lost a dog matchi
ng his description.

  “Doc said two weeks, we’re almost there.”

  “You’re right. Let’s name him right now. I can’t keep calling him puppy and sweetie.”

  “No, you can’t. He’s going to start to be embarrassed in front of his friends.”

  That got a chuckle out of Susan. “Do you have any suggestions?”

  “I don’t want to influence you. What have you been thinking?”

  “Well, I’ve tossed around a couple of ideas.” She hesitated then said, “I was thinking Chewie after Chewbacca and because that’s what he seems to love to do, but I’ve kind of already talked myself out of it.”

  Riley nodded in agreement. “What else?”

  “Barney, but he seems to have too much energy for a Barney.”

  “Agreed. Next?”

  “I’ve considered Marvin, Finley, Harley, and Gus but nothing sounds quite right.”

  Riley watched the dog that had now lost interest in his tail and was racing in circles in the yard for no discernable reason. “He does have a lot of energy.” Riley thought for a moment. “What about instead of Gus, Gusto?”

  “Gusto.” Susan tried it out, repeated it a couple of times, then called the dog. “Gusto, come!” He looked up, stumbled a little, his racing in circles apparently having left him slightly dizzy, then bounded toward Susan and ran headlong into her legs.

  “He seems to like it,” Riley laughed.

  “I think you’re right. We have a winner, Gusto it is.” Susan bent to pick up the dog, already more difficult than it had been a couple of weeks ago, and held him towards Riley. “Give him a kiss and tell him thank you for your name.”

  The dog obediently nuzzled Riley and licked his chin. “He sure loves you,” Susan said to Riley who now had the dog in his arms.

  Riley could tell by the tone of her voice she was building up to something. He waited her out. She kicked at some dried leaves, picked up a stick and broke it in half, zipped up her jacket, and pulled her phone out of her pocket to snap a picture of Riley holding Gusto before finally speaking again.

  “I was wondering, since he likes you so much and since you’re here so much during the day…I know it would be a lot of work and I understand you’re busy, but he’s so comfortable around you and I hate to leave him at a kennel so soon after taking him in…”

  He finally took pity on her. “Do you want me to keep him while you go to Chicago?”

  The tension seemed to dissolve from Susan’s shoulders. “Oh, Riley, would you? Jake’s going to be staying at Sam’s to watch Rigi and Sam said I could leave him there, but Jake will be gone long hours sometimes. Rigi can handle it but Gusto’s just a baby and still getting used to everything. I hate the thought of leaving him in his crate all day. Not that you can’t put him in the crate when he’s here, you can, he likes it fine, it would just be good if he didn’t have to stay in there for too long at one stretch. He—”

  “Red, take a breath, I said I’d do it.” Setting the dog down, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “He’ll be fine, I’ve taken care of dogs before.”

  Susan looked up at him, relief in her eyes. “Thank you, Riley. I’ll feel so much better knowing you have him. Maybe you can take him over to Sam’s once or twice and let him run with Rigi, he likes that. Or, maybe Jake would bring Rigi over here. Either way, it would be nice if they could get together. And I’ll write down when he eats and how much so you don’t have to worry about that.”

  “I’ll make sure he cleans his plate and I’ll schedule play dates for him,” Riley teased. “And I’ll read to him before bed and make sure he listens to classical music.”

  “Okay, okay, very funny. I know I’m a little crazy when it comes to him but he had such a rough start, didn’t you boy?” She bent down to rub his ears. Gusto leaned against her legs savoring every moment.

  “I’ll take good care of him,” Riley assured her. “I like him too, you know.” He joined her on the ground and the three wrestled until the dog finally tired.

  When he woke up he was in the backseat of the car and they were driving again. He couldn’t remember getting in the car, Mommy must have carried him while he was sleeping. The last thing he remembered was his mom giving him some chicken nuggets and orange soda then turning on the TV and making him promise not to go anywhere while she was gone. She hadn’t told him where she was going and he’d been scared. He had almost started to cry, but he knew she’d get mad so he’d squeezed his eyes shut tight. He’d eaten his nuggets and finished most of the soda then curled up on the couch to watch SpongeBob while he waited for her to come back.

  Even though he didn’t know where they were going, he was glad they left that man’s house. He was mean. Mommy said he was her friend but he was mean to Mommy, too. And Mommy kept leaving with him and then he’d be alone. He wasn’t going to think about it any more because he hoped they wouldn’t have to go back.

  Right now, though, he had to pee. He was afraid to ask his mom to stop, but he didn’t think he could wait much longer. “Mommy, I have to pee,” he said softly.

  “What?” It seemed to take a minute for her to remember he was in the back seat. “Oh, hey buddy. Did you have a good nap? We’ll stop soon, I promise. Are you hungry?” She turned and smiled back at the boy.

  The boy nodded but didn’t say anything. Sometimes it was scarier when Mommy was happy. She’d be nice and talk to him and play with him but then get mad again and he never knew why. And sometimes she got mad just because he talked. She said it made her head hurt. He couldn’t tell if this was one of those times so he decided not to say anything yet. He fidgeted in the seat and hoped she would stop soon.

  8

  “So, how was the trip?” It was the first time Susan and Riley had had time to catch up since Susan’s return from Chicago. She had agreed to the extra shifts on her schedule in exchange for her time away, but they were turning out to be draining.

  “Exactly what I had hoped for.” Susan smiled as she looked around at the progress Riley had made on the house. “I knew it would do Sam wonders to go back. She was nervous on the drive down, she almost convinced me to turn around once, but, in the end, she agreed it was just what she needed.”

  “Good. She’s seemed at ease since getting back.”

  “She is. She visited some of her friends, spent some time talking things out with the family, and made a trip to the cemetery. I think she found the final little bit of closure she needed. And it’s full steam ahead with the wedding plans. She bought a dress while we were there and now she’s talking flowers, cake, and all the details.”

  “Have you discussed having the reception here yet?”

  “No, but soon. The time hasn’t been quite right.”

  “Don’t wait too long or she’ll make other arrangements.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control,” Susan grinned. “Did you hear everyone is coming for Thanksgiving?”

  “I did. I was told Thanksgiving dinner will be at Sam’s this year and that the McCabe clan will be dining with the Taylors. My mom already sat us down and told us she expects our best behavior. It’s like she thinks we’re still kids and are going to start a food fight or something,” he grumbled.

  “Oh, McCabe, I’ve seen you and your brothers in action. I don’t blame your mother in the least.”

  “Hah! I bet you and your brothers do the same thing.”

  “Well, I can’t deny that. You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if my mom has the same talk with my brothers before they come.”

  “Should be an interesting day. Do you think everyone will be afraid to talk?”

  “I think we’ll manage. Mia and Karen will have plenty of baby stuff to talk about. They’re due just about the same time and from what I’ve seen from the both of them, it’s their favorite topic, hands down. Brad and Joe will have a couple of drinks, realize they’re both secretly terrified of becoming dads, and will end up admitting their deepest, darkest fears to one a
nother. The rest of the guys will watch football and bond over sports, that’s a no-brainer. And our moms? They are so much alike I give it ten minutes until they’re acting like long-lost sisters. Just be prepared for my mom to pull every McCabe family secret out of your mom. She’s got some sort of weird magic she wields and people are helpless. They tell her everything.”

  Riley just shook his head. She had hit it on the head, he figured, and could envision the day going exactly as she predicted. “I guess I’d better steer clear of your mom.”

  Susan laughed. “I’ll try to get her to go easy on you. Besides, once I put my plan into action, our moms will be busy with wedding business.”

  “Your plan?”

  “Sure, I told you I have it all under control. My plan is to get Sam and Jake to firm up their date when everyone is together. Then I’ll mention the event center and that the B&B will be almost ready to open and that I would love to have everyone stay there as a trial run kind of thing. No one will be able to say no.” Susan was grinning proudly, obviously pleased with her grand scheme and, like usual, not seeing any potential flaws.

  Riley hated to burst her bubble, but felt he needed to be the voice of reason. “Okay, Red, back up for just a minute and let me be sure I’m understanding this. You want to not only have the reception here, but also host everyone at the B&B? Your first guests and your first event all at the same time? Do you think Sam is going to be understanding if everything she has been planning comes crashing down around her?”

  “You have that little faith in me?”

  She seemed genuinely hurt and Riley regretted his words. Softening his tone, he tried a gentler approach. “I’m just worried that both your first guests and your first event are going to be such major milestones that maybe it would be better to space them out a little. You could have the reception here but let everyone find someplace else to stay. That way you could devote all your attention to the reception and not have to worry about keeping everyone comfortable and fed.”