by Andrea Hurst
As the sun cast a bronze ray across the crystal water, an idea surfaced, resonating clearly in her mind and heart. She would re-open the bed and breakfast, and do it soon. She could see the newly decorated rooms, smell the fabulous delicacies she would create in the farmhouse kitchen. The bookkeeper had kept accurate records until about a year ago when the B&B closed. The inn had shown a good profit, especially in the summer months. If her grandmother could do it…she could too!
She walked inside and retrieved the Guestbook from her nightstand. She held it snugly to her chest, as if to infuse the love it held into her spirit. It was almost like having her grandmother at her side. It might look a bit silly doing this, she thought, but at least she felt less alone now. “Okay, work your magic,” she said as she closed her eyes and opened the book to reveal its contents. Written, in a flawless script, the entry read:
There is no place I would rather be than here at Madrona Island B&B on this beautiful island. No matter how big my problems, they melt away when I am here.
~Cate P. Seattle, WA
This inn was a Godsend. Staying here during the time our home was being repaired from the flood really helped us recover from the shock. Thank you, Margaret, for all your kindness.
Tesia and Jan–just down the road
Your hospitality touched my heart. I so enjoyed the opportunity to center and reflect with the wind and the tides. The time here reminded me how all things are possible.
Barb–Santa Rosa, CA
Lily wondered how her grandmother must have felt knowing she had been instrumental in delivering such loving and peaceful experiences to so many people from all kinds of families and backgrounds. She walked into the parlor and looked at the bright, wide-open kitchen waiting to be used, the long oak table and chairs with no one to sit on them. Upstairs, the fluffy beds remained empty. There were hundreds of people who might want to stay here again, people who still called to ask for reservations. She too could bring that kind of joy to others.
In fact, she would love to do it. It would demand everything she enjoyed and was good at: making rooms beautiful, growing flowers and herbs, creating and serving gourmet meals that would tantalize the palette and warm the soul. And when she found that darn brownie recipe, the mail order potential was unlimited; she could sell them all over the world. The image of herself as the Brownie Queen draped in robes and a crown, and Brad groveling at her feet, was very satisfying. She could expand the brownie flavors, use herbs like lavender in them, or create a spicy cayenne brownie bite.
No time like the present to create the Madrona Island Bed and Breakfast website. And blog. She had plenty of experience blogging anonymously for the Angel Paws Shelter in Los Angeles. She went to the computer in the office, opened her web browser and typed in “buy a domain name.” “Let’s try www.MadronaIslandBandB.com. Yes, it’s available!”
The ideas flowed, and she had to share them with someone. She would call Jude and Kyla, meet for drinks and celebrate. A certainty swept over her like a cool wave on a hot day. Anything was possible here…even finding a new dream of her own. And her grandmother would have been so pleased. She took one last glimpse out the window at the sun dropping below the horizon, reflecting off the blazing red bark of the Madrona trees. Somewhere, it was rising for a new day. For her, Madrona Island B&B would be her own personal sunrise.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The smells radiating through the house made Lily’s mouth water. The peach cobbler with a mascarpone cheese center was baking at a low temperature and spicing up the air with smells of summer. She checked the tomato, mushroom, and garlic sauce simmering on the stove and filled the pasta pot with water to pre-boil. The table was set for eight. Her seven dearest friends were in the parlor, awaiting the official announcement that she was reopening the inn.
“Table set, check. Pinot Noir breathing, check. Caesar salad on the table. What am I forgetting? Ah, the apple cider for Jason.”
She removed the French bread from under the broiler and placed the cookie sheet on the counter. Humming softly, she brushed fine olive oil over the warm slices and then rubbed each one with a fresh garlic clove. Each piece was lightly sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, a splash of kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper, then set on a serving dish. She popped a spoon in the mushroom sauce for a taste.
Ian poked his head in the kitchen. “The smells are killing me, hope you don’t mind if I take a peek?”
“Help yourself, there’s a spoon on the counter. No fingers!” The timer went off on the buzzer, and she hurried to the kitchen to drain the al dente pasta, smother it with sauce, and bring the steaming plates to the table.
“Ian, can you start carrying these to the table?”
“Sure thing.”
She entered the parlor, the wine in one hand and the cider in another. “Everyone to the table.”
After each guest took their seat, she filled their glasses while Ian served the pasta.
“Have a seat, Lily,” Jude said. “We can handle it from here.”
Lily joined them at the table and held up her glass for a toast. All eyes were on her. Kyla raised an eyebrow in expectation.
“Out with it,” Shirley demanded.
With a broad smile, Lily made the toast. “To the reopening of Madrona Island Bed and Breakfast, and to the new innkeeper…me!”
Everyone clicked their glasses, offering congratulations.
“About time,” Shirley said. “I knew you’d figure it out.”
“And with no help from you, I might add,” Betty said, glaring at her sister.
Jude held up her glass next. “To friends.”
“To new beginnings,” Kyla said.
“And to lots of cookies!” Jason said, holding up his glass of cider.
Lily looked from face to face. This was her new family. She wished her mom could be there. Katherine had promised to come up and help with the painting soon. And she had insisted on sending a check. Everyone she loved would be in one place soon, right here on Madrona Island.
Ian caught her gaze. “I’d be happy to help in any way. Along with my painting, my carpentry skills are pretty good too.”
“Not as good as mine,” John said with a smile. “I’ll be over tomorrow to work on that picket fence up front. Think I have some white paint for it too.”
She smiled. “That’ll help. I’m going to be on a very tight budget.”
“I’ll take care of the plumbing problems,” Betty said.
Not to be outdone, Shirley offered to help with the decorating.
“I forgot to tell you,” John said. “Went to the county a few days ago. You weren’t available, so I asked about your property, too. Turns out they had no idea the inn was closed. Changed everything. And nothing was overdue, it was an oversight with all the legal papers and such.”
Lily breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much, John.”
He tipped his hat to her. “Any time.”
“I can hammer nails,” Jason said.
“And I’ll feed all the workers from my kitchen,” Jude said. “I know a few guys who will be happy to help. I’ll send them over.”
“Thanks, all of you.” Lily twirled the spaghetti with her fork and took her first bite. She noticed Ian’s plate was almost empty already, and only one piece of bruschetta remained. “When was the last time you had a home-cooked meal, Ian?”
“Caught me,” he said with a grin. He winked at John. “Grandpa’s chili is good, but it really has been awhile.” He looked up at her sheepishly. “Pretty obvious, is it? Should I slow down to a more dignified pace?”
“Forget it,” Lily said. “Just enjoy. I don’t think we need to worry about being dignified here tonight.”
It was a pleasure to see people truly relish her cooking. It reminded her just how wonderful it felt to bring joy to people through her culinary creations. Tomorrow she would start preparing the menu for the new B&B.
Lily ate a few more bites then rose to clear off the plates.
“Why don’t you all go sit by the fire in the parlor, and I’ll brew some coffee and finish up the dessert.”
“I’ll help,” Jude said.
“I’m making my way to the parlor now as instructed,” Ian said with a smile.
In the kitchen, she plated the cobblers, put them on a tray, and dressed them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. She handed Jude the tray of cobbler. “Be right there. Thanks, Jude.”
Carefully, she poured the coffee into china cups—a hot chocolate for Jason—and placed them on a wooden cart that she wheeled into the parlor. As she entered the room, Ian gestured for her to take a seat beside him. She served the coffee then joined him on the loveseat, but not too close. For now, they were just friends. The only sound in the room was the tapping of the forks on the china plates and the crackling of the fire.
Without a doubt, Lily knew she had made the right decision. Just like her grandma used to say: Things always worked out if you just let them.
Chapter Thirty
There was so much to do, and just under two months to do it in. The list just kept getting longer and longer. The grand re-opening was set for July fourth, and thanks to finding Grandma’s mailing list, all the invitations were out in the mail and through email. If it weren’t for all her friends on the island pitching in, this miraculous event would not be occurring.
Lily and Mary surveyed the timeline. White picket fence: repainted. Wood floors: polished. Guestrooms: in process of being painted, but still not finished. And she still needed to find some inexpensive new decorating items for the house and garden. The farmer’s market started this second Saturday in May, and Jude assured her that everything could be found there.
Mary pulled out a pad of paper and pen. “I think it’s time we planned out the menu for the big party.”
Lily went over to her desk and opened up her computer. “C’mon over and have a look. I have a few ideas.”
Mary pulled over a chair and joined her at the desk. “Champagne, pretty fancy.”
Lily laughed. “It is a celebration, in more than one way. I’ll be just about officially divorced by that day as well.”
“Well, champagne it is then!”
Lily scrolled through the list. “How does this sound? We’ll bake some honey raisin, rosemary, and olive breads and then a whole table of meat and cheese platters and fresh salads.”
“Good, and I can make my goddess fruit salad and ask Shirley to bring her famous potato salad.”
“Perfect,” Lily said, making notations on the document. “I’ll whip up some fresh guacamole, hummus, and an assortment of crackers. And my new island quiche with scallops, bacon, and Swiss.”
Lily’s fingers picked across the keyboard, creating a long list of groceries and supplies needed. “Wow, lots to buy.” She thought about the deposits coming in for the guests that would be renting rooms that weekend. If that kept up, this would surely work out just fine.
Mary patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Lily, everyone will want to bring stuff. I can organize that. In fact, I’m sure Jude will bring plenty too.”
“What about music, know anyone?” Lily asked.
“Do I know anyone?” Mary said. “My cousin, Seth, plays a mean guitar with his band, and I guarantee he’ll work for free. So will the amazing flute and harp group at my church.”
Lily threw her arms around Mary. “What would I do without you?”
“I better go before you make me cry.” Mary took her chair back to the table and reached for her purse. “Wait, we forgot the best part. What about dessert?”
“No problem there,” Lily said. “For one, I’m going to find that killer brownie recipe and I can bake up bunches of Inn Style cookies.”
“I’ll bake pies,” Mary said. “Loganberry and apple sound good?”
Lily rubbed her stomach. “Wish I had a piece right now.”
“Back tomorrow,” Mary said, closing the door behind her.
It was only 2:00, and Lily still had time to put another Facebook announcement up about the inn’s grand opening before Dana from Cascade Market and his brother arrived. His wife had just had twin girls, and he still managed to find the time to help her. She would thank them all with the best grand opening party they had ever seen.
Dana’s truck pulled into the driveway, and Lily hurried outside to greet them.
“Hey, Lily, this is my brother, Murray, he’s an electrician. I dragged him along to take a look at the old wiring.”
Lily shook his hand. “Thanks so much for coming over.” She could tell they were brothers with one look. Both were slim, auburn-haired, and had kind smiles. “Can I get you both some homemade lemonade and cookies?”
The brothers looked at each other then nodded in agreement. “Which cookie is on the menu today?” Dana asked.
“I’ll surprise you,” Lily said, turning back toward the house.
“Sounds good, we’ll just get to work and stay out of your hair.”
The postal truck pulled up, and Cyndi, the mail carrier, held up a bunch of mail out her window and tucked it in the box before driving off. Dread churned in Lily’s stomach at the anticipation of Brad’s response to her final divorce terms she’d asked her attorney to deliver. She wanted this divorce to be over. Money was coming in pretty steadily from her baking business, but it just wasn’t enough for upkeep on the place and the costs of remodeling. She refused to take any loans. As it was, she was accepting much too much help from Ian with repairs, and from Jude, for a myriad of things. Good people, those two, she thought. I owe them so much.
The newly hand-painted mailbox looked like a fancy birdhouse with little windows and brightly colored shutters. Wild morning glories wove their way up the base, creating a fairytale effect. Lily pulled open the latch and reached in to retrieve the mail. A large manila envelope sat on top. It was from her attorney.
“Guess I can’t avoid this much longer,” she murmured under her breath.
Lily looked around at the acres of beauty she had come to love. The perfect tranquil spot on the water, the lovely pale yellow farmhouse with its wraparound porch, and the iridescent blue waves of the Sound moving over the sand. This was something she did not want to lose; this was home. She could see John working in his garden next door and hear Gretel barking at the crows. She was comfortable, happy, accepted here. This was her place, it always was and she hoped it always would be. Not even Brad could change that.
Returning to the farmhouse, she kicked off her shoes, dropped the rest of the mail on the entry table, and carried the large envelope to her bedroom. Somehow she felt safer there, fortified by the presence of her grandmother. Her stocking feet wore a path back and forth over the mauve carpet as she worked up enough courage to open the papers. Maybe she should call her mother first? Of course not, her mother would just tell her to open and read it.
“Ok, ok.” Lily curled up in the big overstuffed floral chair and threw the rainbow-colored chenille spread, a gift from Kyla, over her legs. Heart pounding, she tore open the envelope and started to read. So much legal nonsense to wade through, but finally she got to the results of what six months of legal battling had brought her. She couldn’t believe it. She jumped up and threw the papers in the air. “Yes! Yes,” she said dancing around the room. She had to tell someone immediately or she would burst.
Her mom’s answering machine picked up. “Mom, are you there? It’s important. Mom?”
For a moment she feared her mother would be too busy to talk to her, just like when she’d been growing up. She remembered the calls when she was home alone after school. “Lily, just microwave something from the freezer, I’ll be late. Lily, I’m sorry to miss your recital, but I have to work, Lily, Lily…”
“Lily, are you there?”
“Yes, Mom, I’m here. Thanks for taking my call.”
“Of course. Is everything all right?”
“I received the response to the final terms I offered Brad.”
She heard Katherine catch her brea
th. “And?”
“And,” Lily said, “it’s over! I got everything I asked for.” Lily tossed off the spread and danced around the room. “I keep Grandma’s house free and clear, my car, and I am debt free.”
“That’s all?” Katherine asked. “What about alimony?”
“Mom, there was nothing really to take. I have what I wanted most. I’m free of Brad, and Madrona Island B&B is mine. Brad keeps the mortgaged house, his failing business, and everything else, including all the debt.”
Katherine chuckled. “Sounds fair to me. I’m sure, with his resourcefulness, he’ll land on his feet again. So, how’s everything else going? The baking business doing well?”
“Very well. I’m busy with orders from the Island Thyme Café every day, and from other shops too. You wouldn’t believe all the help I am getting from my friends here with the remodel. Reservations are pouring in for the Inn after I found Grandma’s address list and sent out a mailer announcing the grand re-opening.”
“Good thinking! Your grandmother was very industrious. You obviously inherited that from her. She managed to keep her home and property for all those years, even with the high property taxes and overhead.”
“I hope I can do as well as her, Mom.”
“You will, Lily; you’re a lot like her. Creative, strong-willed, kind, and very likeable!”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll let you go now.” Lily hesitated for a moment with the words she really wanted to say. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, Lily. See you soon.”
✦✦✦✦
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny. After completing her list of items she wanted to buy, Lily went into the house and called Jude to meet her at the farmer’s market. Maybe they would hit a few thrift shops too.
