Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  “I’ll give you $8500! Karen, I have $5000 with me.” Mr. Alton started pulling out several crisp thousand dollar bills.

  Haley’s breath escaped her. She’d never seen a bill higher than a hundred.

  Mr. Hechinger cringed. “Well, you’ve outbid me, Mr. Alton. I only had three on me, anyway.” He extended his hand and shook Mr. Alton’s, ignoring the frustrated glare the old man sent him. Then he kissed Karen’s knuckles, making her blush as she waved him off.

  “Sold for $8500. You can pay at the register. Should I get a couple of the boys to carry them out for you?”

  “Aunt Daisy,” Haley gasped, finally getting her mouth to work again. “I cain’t possibly—”

  “Shush; this is business, dear.” She punched a few keys as her husband ambled to the table, clutching his box as if he’d just found a chest full of pirate’s treasure. “George knows his business, I dare say. Don’t you, sweetheart? We’ll still make a nice profit off those first editions. Imagine them just sitting here gathering dust all this time.”

  He just waggled his bushy brows, handed her the money, and then headed out to his car.

  “I’ll transfer the rest to your account, dear. First thing tomorrow.” Aunt Daisy greeted the next buyer.

  As Mr. Hechinger headed out the front door, he offered Haley a nod. “Once you decide on a style of furniture, send your order to me, and I’ll have them made in my shop and delivered when you’re ready.”

  Nearly everything went, and what didn’t was carted over to Alton’s Antiques and donated for their generous help. Aunt Daisy promised to keep track of what sold, and would split it with Haley, but she felt she’d been blessed beyond measure already. With the money raised from the estate sale, she’d spend the rest of the winter months transforming the big house’s interior.

  In the days leading up to Christmas, Mallory stopped in on her days off from the diner to help with painting and pulling down old wallpaper. Others from town had started visiting Haley, too. People she’d met during the tree-lighting ceremony and those who’d come to the sale. She scheduled plumbers to work on the pipes after the holidays, and electricians to check the wiring.

  She’d fixed up a comfy room downstairs for her own use, keeping the master bedroom furniture that Papop and Memaw used to have. She moved most of the family pictures to her area of the house, but kept any pictures taken around town out in the stairwell. She’d found pictures from the early 1900s up to present day. Daisy helped her organize them according to date, and even added a few she had in her own collection.

  Slowly, the house grew in comfort. Haley didn’t feel so plagued with sad memories, instead, she decided to focus on the good. Anything that didn’t make her smile was taken out. She wanted only happy days in her future.

  Despite how much she yearned to know how Ethan was doing, she feared texting or calling him. No, he needed to be let go so he could soar and become somebody special. Maybe someday she’d see him on television performing in a concert. That would make the hurt of missing him worth bearing. Some.

  She was able to talk to Lexie the day before Christmas. Her sister still sounded bitter, and at first had cutting words and accusations. But, eventually, after letting off a bit of steam, they were able to talk like old times, sharing about what they each were doing. Despite their strict rules, Lexie was doing a little better in school and had started to learn a trade so she could support herself when she turned eighteen.

  “I still have those charges hanging over my head. It bites, sissy. I’m afraid I’ll have to serve out my time here in juvie before they let anyone take me from here.”

  “Well, honey, better to serve your time and get it off your back. I’ll call them after the New Year and see where you stand. I do have a home, but I’m not earning any money, yet; ‘cept from the stuff I’ve sold off. I’m hoping to start taking customers this summer, but I won’t be ready before.”

  “Aw, man. By the time you can take me, I’ll be able to walk out of here on my own.”

  Haley curled up on her bed. Wally circled around her feet, like a panting foot-warmer. She didn’t mind. She loved burying her toes in his soft fur.

  “Then I’ll send you a ticket so you can walk on up here. I’d love to have your help.”

  “But what about Pa? I bet you don’t care, do you?” Her tone took a turn into sour-ville.

  “I do care, Lexie, but there’s nothing I can do for him. He’ll be in prison for some time. I’ve forgiven him best I can, and pray for him often.”

  She didn’t miss her sister’s doubt-filled snort.

  “I pray for you, too. I love you lots, and want you here. We can be a family. I bet you’d love Momma’s Aunt Daisy. She’s such a sweet old thing.”

  “Right. How’s your horses doing? Bet they hate all that cold.”

  “Actually, they don’t seem to mind at all. They were pleased as punch when we hooked them up to the carriage for rides from town and back. You at least can come and give it a year. If you hate it, then I’ll pay for you to go back to Texas.”

  “I’ll think about it. Did you get my card? That’s all I could send.”

  “Yes. I love it and it’s hanging on the tree. I sent you a package. Hope you like it. I included a jar of my salsa.”

  “Oh, yay.” She laughed, and then said she had to go, her time was up.

  Christmas was spent in town at Karen’s house by the lake. She, too, had a nice old house that had been fixed up. She lived upstairs, and had set up the bottom part as a museum with things she’d collected from the area. She also liked to make cherry jam, and sold it in pretty jars.

  “Well, I have some news. I’ve been saving it for today so you’d have a gift to open.”

  “Really?” Haley stared down at the box Karen placed in her lap. It was wrapped in snowman paper with a bright red bow, and was the size of a shirt box. “Oh, and here’s a jar of my jam. I must say I enjoyed the taste of your peach salsa. It’s unusual but wonderful on eggs.”

  Haley grinned. “Glad you liked it. I’m thinking next year I’d like to try making Great-Granny Carter’s apple butter, but spicing it up a bit. I’ll have to play with the recipe.” She untied the bow and tore away the wrapping. Inside the box was a stack of papers. And a deposit receipt signed by Mr. Dobson! “The pasture sold? Someone actually bought the burned-up barn?”

  “Sure did. Wanted all the land up to the creek.”

  “Who?”

  Karen shook her head. “They’re outsiders. Don’t know much about them, and there’s no name on the bill of sale. Mr. Dobson says they’ve wished to keep the sale quiet for now.”

  “So long as they’re not criminals…” That wouldn’t be good for her business. But Karen assured her they intended to build on the land; some kind of adventure rental place. She figured the sportsmen in the area would love it.

  Haley thought that sounded interesting, and wondered when she’d get to meet her new neighbors.

  It started to snow in the afternoon, so Haley made her way home before the scattered flakes turned into a blizzard. By nightfall, they were falling in great white puffs when she let Wally outside so he could turn the snow yellow.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it, Wall?”

  Good thing she’d found a nice stable to put the horses in for the winter. She planned to use some of her money from the sale to build a structure near the back of the property; enough to house a few horses that people could take out riding along the creek and woods. Just another perk for staying at the Madison Creek Bed and Breakfast.

  She’d no sooner snuggled up to watch the continual running of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story when her phone beeped. Had she left something at Karen’s?

  Her heart gave a joyful leap when she saw Yank on the caller ID. Ethan!

  Merry Christmas, Snowbelle! =0)

  Her fingers trembled as she wished him a Merry Christmas as well and that she hoped he was having a nice holiday in New York.

  Not NY. Spent wi
th fam. Can u talk?

  She held her breath for a moment. Oh, but yes she did want to talk to him. Couldn’t they still be friends? Would her heart be able to take it? Yes. She’d make herself be glad to at least keep in touch. She had to know how it had gone in New York. She hit the phone button.

  “Hey,” his sweet voice greeted her, the usual cheerfulness dripping from his tone. “How are you, sweetheart?”

  “I’m … oh, Ethan, you won’t believe how everything has turned around. But it’s all for the good. Everything is great! But I want to hear about you. Are you part of the orchestra?”

  He laughed. “I’ve really missed hearing that drawl. You have my curiosity up. Please tell me how everything is all turned around, and then I’ll tell you about New York. Promise.”

  Wrapping the blanket tighter around her shoulders, she launched into her story about the barn and everyone rallying with her to fix up the house. She loved talking to someone who actually found her news exciting, unlike her sulking sister, bless her confused little heart.

  So Haley babbled on like an excited turkey. “I found out today someone’s bought the property across the road. Gonna be weird to look out and see strangers there, but I’ll make them up some snickerdoodles when they arrive and then we’ll not be strangers. Right?”

  His didn’t answer right away.

  “Ethan? You still there? If I’ve been talking to air this whole—”

  “I’m here.” His voice sounded all whispery, like when someone gets choked on something. “I was just sitting here thanking the Lord for taking such good care of you. I’ve certainly prayed hard for you these past couple of weeks.” He cleared his throat and his voice returned to normal. “And I think snickerdoodles will be a right neighborly gift, ma’am. We Michiganders pride ourselves on our hospitality, you know.” There went his teasing drawl again.

  Boy, did she miss his teasing. “Cookies are a comfort food, you know. Everyone loves cookies.”

  “I agree. I’d love some cookies, too. Especially your snickerdoodles. They were delicious. Say, is it snowing there?”

  “Matter of fact, it is. Just pouring those big fluffy flakes. Wally was having fun trying to snap them out of the air.” She grinned, wishing he was there. She’d make him snickerdoodles till his belly popped. But she bit her lip, knowing it better to not hint at wanting him back. “You’ll have to give me your address in New York and I’ll send you some.”

  “Won’t be living in the Big Apple, sweets. I decided the orchestra wasn’t for me. It’s not even the kind of music I like to play. So I came home and made a few things right.”

  “So what now?”

  “I have a plan.” He sounded a bit distracted. “But I’m going to have to call you again later. If you don’t mind.”

  “I’d love it if you called now and then. Keep me up on what’s going on. I’d like to hear about this plan.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell you. Hopefully tomorrow. I’ll call soon as I can.” He paused a moment, then said. “I’d better hang up now, Haley. Would you mind saying a prayer for me?”

  “Sure thing. What’cha need?”

  “Oh, just pray for my safety. Good night, sweetheart.” And the called ended.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Blinding snow pelted the windshield. Ethan couldn’t make out the road beyond the head lights. At least Bekka’s Dodge truck had snow tires and a working heater. But with the weight dragging behind, he needed to be extra careful. He hadn’t planned for any emergency stops.

  “Thank You, Lord for letting me make it over the Mackinaw Bridge before hitting this mess.” Still several hours of driving lay ahead and the snow was piling so high the pavement lines disappeared beneath the covering. Maybe he should have waited until morning to drive down with his parents. But he’d wanted to reach his new home by morning.

  Most of Haley’s story he’d learned from Mr. Dobson, who helped the land-sale go through with the promise to keep the buyer a secret. The property was actually in Mom’s name until they earned a return for her investment. Then she’d sign over ownership to Ethan if he wanted it.

  He planned to make Madison Creek his home. He’d sold the Camaro to his banker friend, Blake, to raise the money needed to start building in the spring. Mom purchased the land, and would split profits with him, taking seventy percent until he paid her back, then she’d take a lesser cut. While waiting for the winter to pass, Ethan planned to renovate the portion of the barn that hadn’t burned up. Dobson sent pictures showing only half of the building suffered damage. He could work with that.

  All during Christmas dinner, the family talked excitedly about their plans. Even Dad got on board when he heard Ethan’s Plan B and knew all his dreaming wasn’t to be wasted with this endeavor.

  No, he had no intention of giving up playing the violin. Now he saw things in a different way. And Madison Creek would provide a wonderful backdrop for what he had in mind.

  “Just please get me there in one piece, Lord. I don’t want to wreck Bekka’s truck though you can have the pink flamingo camper soon as I’m done with it.” He shook his head, trying to not to laugh and lose focus.

  The snow eventually lessened as the storm moved north. He wasn’t worried about his parents, who would have the sense to wait it out and get there in their own good time. Ethan wanted a chance to talk to Haley. Speaking to her on the phone had settled his rattled nerves. He hoped that he hadn’t given away any of his surprise during their short chat.

  At least she’d taken his call and seemed glad to hear from him. That was encouraging.

  Still, he didn’t miss the tone of disappointment in her voice when she heard that he wasn’t in New York. He hoped she’d let him explain before deciding to run him over with that big truck of hers. Or worse, come after him with the rifle she kept tucked under her bed!

  First, though, he had to get there in one piece.

  * * * *

  Haley padded into the kitchen early the morning after Christmas, wearing a fluffy white robe she’d found in one of Memaw’s storage closets. It had feathers around the collar. She loved it and had taken to wearing it when puttering around the house. It was strange how some of the old fashions came back into style. Everything else went, except for the few things that brought happy memories.

  While the coffee percolated, Haley nibbled on a cookie left over from yesterday as she stared absently out the window at the land that no longer belonged to her. The snow had stopped during the night, but the whole world was white, from the ground up to the sky.

  She frowned at the forlorn barn, bits of charred wood stuck up like jagged teeth. Half of the structure remained untouched. They’d been able to put out the fire before it reached the stalls and destroyed the carriage. She found that a blessing, because the carriage went for a very nice price to the people who ran the stables where she’d put her horses.

  Haley blinked. An odd, square mound covered in snow sat beside the gutted barn. Could it be? The new neighbors! Already?

  Poor fools, driving through that mess last night.

  The square mound must be a camper or motorhome they brought to live in. She squinted. Was there a couple of pink flamingos on the side of it? No way.

  Oh, this was just getting better and better. These were her kind of people!

  A knock sounded at the door. She jumped, wondering who in the world would come so early for a visit. Perhaps the neighbors needed a hand.

  Drat. She’d not had time to bake fresh cookies. There was still half a tin leftover from yesterday. She slammed the lid on the blue container decorated with snowflakes, ran her fingers through her hair to pull out the worst of the tangles, then hurried to the door. When she opened it, nobody was there.

  “Uh, howdy?” She opened the door and peeked out.

  A man stood down on the bottom step of the porch, his back to her as he cradled something in his hands.

  “Oh, good morning.” Wrapping the housecoat around her neck, she stepped out onto the porch.
>
  * * * *

  “Good morning to you,” Ethan slowly turned around. His breath caught at the sight greeting him. The wind played with her wild blonde curls, and her large blue eyes widened at the sight of him. She wore a white silky housecoat that made her look like a snow queen, instead of his Snowbelle.

  “Ethan?”

  He opened his mouth, but no words came out, so he nodded. What a sight she was, with her little tin of what he supposed were probably cookies. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he croaked out, “Those my snickerdoodles?”

  She pointed to the vase of yellow roses in his hands. He’d had a hard time finding yellow ones, and had to order them special. She was very much worth the extra costs.

  “Where—?”

  He moved up the steps. “For my Texas girl. I got in a few hours ago. Took a little nap, then decided to come meet my new neighbor. It’s the hospitable thing to do, you know.”

  “Neighbor?” her voice squeaked.

  He gave a lopsided grin and shrug. “Just let me explain.”

  She grabbed his tie and pulled him inside, slamming the door against the cold. “You bet you have some explaining to do, buster.” But she took the vase from him anyway and handed him the holiday tin. “Want some coffee to go with those?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She went into the kitchen. He couldn’t quite read her expression but thought it might be a mixture of shock and, he hoped, pleasure. Oh, please let her be glad to see me. She never mentioned either of the Benton brothers when they talked last night, so he’d hoped she really didn’t have anything going with Bill. But one could never be too sure about such things.

  He sat on one of the stools tucked under the lip of the island and popped the lid off the tin. Cinnamony delightfulness filled his nostrils. She’d mixed something else into the surgery mixture, and he wondered if there was just a hint of cloves.

  “Haley.”

  She turned to face him, two steaming cups of coffee in her hands. Setting one in front of him, she narrowed her eyes. “Why aren’t you off getting famous playing the violin?”