The Guestbook

by Andrea Hurst

  “Are you up to coming over, Ian?” she asked.

  “C’mon,” he said, “I’ll walk you home.”

  They walked up the steps to her house and into the parlor. “Wine?” she asked.

  He tossed off his jacket and sank down with a sigh. “Something warm would be good.”

  Lily retreated to the kitchen and started a pot of tea, happy to have something to keep her hands busy and to feel useful. She entered the living room with steaming mugs in hand and placed them on the coffee table.

  “Have a seat,” he said.

  Lily curled up beside him and laid her head on his shoulder. Neither spoke for a while, and the companionable silence echoed tenderly into the night.

  “Ian…would you like to get back home so you can get some sleep?”

  He turned to her, his deep blue eyes raw with emotion. “What if Gramps…? I just couldn’t bear…”

  Lily hesitated for a moment, then stood up and reached out her hands to him. “Come on.” She guided him to her bedroom. The bright light of the moon filtering through the window reflected silver white. They both needed each other tonight.

  Ian held her gently by the shoulders. “Lily, you mean so much to me.”

  She took a step back. He stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “Don’t be afraid,” he whispered into her hair as he kissed her forehead, her eyelids, the tip of her nose. “I don’t want to take anything from you, I just want you to be happy.”

  She fell into his arms. “Ian, my Ian,” she whispered.

  He lifted up her chin and his lips pressed against hers. “I love you, Lily, of that I am sure. I can and will wait if you want.”

  She looked up into his languid eyes. He was everything she wanted; she did not want to wait. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him, pulling him to her. A startling heat shot down her body, making her legs quiver. Her knotted heartstrings broke open, and the love she had so carefully held at bay poured out. “Ian, my love.”

  He moved to the edge of the bed and awkwardly tried to unbutton his shirt. She watched his artist’s hands, each beautiful, long finger, struggle with the buttons, then reached over to help. She stood before him, longing to give comfort and with the intense desire to touch. She stroked his cheek and let her trembling hand explore the smooth lines of his shoulders.

  He grabbed her wrists, his tear-lined face staring into hers. His coarse black hair tumbled over his face. He smelled of forest and mist, of sweat and lust. Her fingers slid to his mouth, across his full lips.

  Ian wrapped his long arms around her waist and buried his face in her breasts. Heat and longing rushed through her as the room melted away and only this moment, this man existed. Trembling, he drew her down onto the bed beside him. Hands in her hair, he pulled her mouth to his, their lips crushing against each other. Hearts pounding, their grip tightened, both frantically trying to merge into the other, to reclaim life and block out the grasping hand of grief.

  Ian’s kisses trailed down her neck, his warm breath setting every nerve on fire. She moaned with pleasure, melting into his arms. She was lost, swept away into the blissful sensations rippling through her body.

  She ran her hands across his incredible body. Her bold eyes met his, and it was the last signal he needed. Hardly breathing, she watched as he unsnapped his jeans and slid them down his strong legs and onto the floor. She could feel the hardness of his body, the warmth of his raspy breath as his hands wandered along the curves of her back and then lingered between her thighs.

  “Lily, you’re so beautiful,” he whispered, pushing aside her hair. His deft hands removed her pants and drew her naked body to his.

  Their bodies entwined, Lily melted into the blissful union. Complete ecstasy; this was the man of her heart, the love of her life.

  ✦✦✦✦

  Robins sang, cherio, cherio. Lily opened her eyes to the early bird calls that often woke her at 4:30 in the morning. She turned toward the window and was startled by Ian’s profile. The creamy olive skin of his cheek lay on the pillow next to hers. His jet-black hair lingered down his neck and touched his bare shoulder. A day-old beard roughened his cheek.

  Not wanting to let go of his image, the robin’s cry alerted Lily to the sun’s light and the necessity of Ian going back home.

  She caressed his shoulder and shook him gently. “Ian, it’s time to wake up.”

  He opened his eyes, pools of black staring back at her. He reached out and pulled her close for a kiss. “Good morning,” he whispered.

  “Ian, the sun’s coming up. Probably best if you get back home before your mom and Jason wake up.”

  He sat straight up in the bed. “Right, I forgot. Someone distracted me last night.” As he pulled his jeans and t-shirt on, she watched his face fill with yesterday’s worries. “Sorry to have to leave like this.”

  Lily rose on her toes and let her lips linger on his. “It’s fine, go.”

  She followed him to the front door. “Call me as soon as you hear anything.”

  He started down the steps and turned back to her. “You’ll be the first to hear.”

  From the porch, she watched him cross the field, dawn’s light setting his body aglow. Ten years of marriage and she had never known love before now.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  The phone ringing in the distance brought her back from her dreams. Lily shot up in bed. Nine o’clock, how had she slept so long after Ian left? She seized the phone. “Hello.”

  “He’s awake, Lily. Gramps is awake.”

  She released a long breath. “Oh, Ian, I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “He woke up twenty minutes ago, and his first words were, ‘I’m hungry.’”

  Lily laughed. “Sounds like John. What did the doctor say?”

  She could hear Ian catch his breath. “They’re perplexed why he was unconscious so long, but she said he appears normal in all areas. They’re going to keep him for observation for twenty-four hours and then he can come home.”

  She could hear Jason in the background cheering yippee. Lily held the phone away, knowing her voice would crack through her tears of relief. She took a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “My mom’s got everything covered on this end for now. The doctor suggested we wait to visit until the afternoon and let him rest. I’ll let you know when.”

  “I’m here if you need anything.”

  “I know, Lily, and I for you.”

  She showered, dressed, and headed for the kitchen. She needed to do something, and baking usually helped. She pulled out the recipe card. Flour, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips were her companions. This was the final recipe she would use for Grandma Maggie’s Cowgirl Cookies with coconut and pecans. John would love these when he got home.

  On second thought, they would probably put him on a special diet after the heart attack. She would freeze a few of this batch and then experiment with a low fat version to have ready in hand. Lily put the cookies into the oven; she wanted to be sure she had plenty of John’s favorites.

  While they baked, she wandered out to the porch with a pencil and paper. The sunny morning hinted at a warm day ahead. She rocked on the porch swing, legs curled under her just like when she was a child. The breeze off the Sound brought memories of the past and the present. Merging for just a moment–the happiness of a young girl and a grown woman, swinging, smiling and waiting for the cookies to be done in the oven.

  Most of the event plans were in progress, but she needed to get right back to work if everything would be ready on time. Her thoughts wandered back to last night, and her body trembled at the memory. She scribbled in the corners of the page, “Lily and Ian” and drew a heart. She felt like a young schoolgirl with a crush. For just a minute, she allowed the daydream to float pleasantly through her mind. Ian and Jason and her, together in a house, playing ball in the yard, sitting down to a family dinner, and even... She imagined herself pregnant, glowing, ecstatic.

  Dr
eams were a scary thing sometimes. Wanting something so badly, yet fearing it just as much. All she’d ever wanted was here, right where it had always been, on Madrona Island. Bunnies played in the yard, running through the rock roses and fragrant alyssums. She looked out over the Sound; the beauty astounded her. Blues and greens blended in the current, reflecting the golden sunlight and snowcapped mountains that towered majestically towards heaven. A lone bald eagle swept over the tree tops, taking his usual perch to observe the landscape.

  The buzzer went off on the antique range, and Lily rushed inside to be sure the cookies did not over-bake. The smell was heavenly…roasted almonds with coconut dreamily enhanced by melting chocolate. Potholder in hand, she pulled out the cookie sheet and placed it on a rack to cool. Impatient, she slipped one cookie off with a spatula, broke it open, blew on it and tossed it from hand to hand to cool it quickly, before taking a large bite. She savored the texture and flavors…even with whole-wheat flour and much less fat and sugar, and cookie was delicious.

  He was alive. John was fine, coming home. Truly he was like a grandfather and father and best friend all rolled into one. She could not have borne to lose him.

  The grand opening loomed in just over a week, and there was still much to do. Lily raced around the kitchen, packaging up the cookies and checking her list. She wished the new labels were ready, but Ian promised he’d have the final sketch to her tomorrow if he could. Once the logo was complete, she could begin the mail order business in earnest and get the new brochure printed. She read over her to-do list: finish painting outside trim and Lavender Guestroom, sew seat covers for parlor couch, pick up the new duvet for the Honeymoon Suite, and order all the final groceries and champagne. And, she thought, find the darned brownie recipe. She needed more help and for more days like this without rain. It was June, not January.

  Jude, she needed to call Jude.

  “He’s fine, yes, I know, amazing. Home tomorrow.” She hung up the phone and headed back outside. The white paint and brushes were waiting for her to finish up the porch trim outside. The repetitive gliding of the brush across the window trim soothed her nerves. The place was looking beautiful, restored and ready for business.

  ✦✦✦✦

  Lily paced the front porch, waiting to see Ian’s Volvo turn into the drive across the field. John’s tests were all clear, and the family had gone to pick him up from the hospital. She couldn’t wait to see him and give him a big hug. The silver-blue Volvo made the curve and slowed. Down the steps running, she raced across the field to greet them.

  Ian waved when he saw her approach. “Got the old man with us,” he said, winking at his grandfather.

  John emerged looking a bit tired, but good. “Who’s calling me old? I can still fish you under the wharf.”

  Celeste took his arm and guided him toward the house. “I’m sure you can, Dad, but the doctor said you need to rest for a while.”

  John waved her over. “Lily, come give me a hug.”

  He did not have to ask twice. “I am so glad to see you home,” she said.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” John said.

  Ian opened the door and guided everyone inside. “On to the couch, Gramps. We’ll be waiting on you for a while.”

  John settled onto the couch. “Sounds good to me. When’s lunch?”

  Lily stepped forward. “I talked to Jude, and she said to let you know she’ll be bringing by a few days’ of heart-healthy meals this afternoon.”

  John frowned. “No fish and chips?”

  “That’s really nice,” Celeste said. She sat down on the couch and put her arm around John. “Ok, everyone, he’s home, he’s well, and I’m staying awhile to help out.”

  “Yippee,” Jason said.

  She looked up at Ian. “And that means you can go back home for Jason’s last week of school, and you, Lily, can get back to work.” She turned to her father. “And you can watch.”

  John sighed and leaned back into the sofa. “Anything’s better than lying around in the hospital.”

  “I don’t want to go back to school. I want to stay here with Gramps.” Jason glared at his dad, and when he got no response, he threw himself down in a chair.

  Ian walked over and rumpled his son’s hair. “Ok, I’ll give the school a call, see if I can pick up your work and bring it here.”

  Jason jumped back up and hugged Ian. “You’re the best, Dad!”

  Ian’s eyes met Lily’s. “And this way I can help Lily out too with all her last-minute plans.”

  “Good idea,” John said. “Now, let’s get to the important stuff: Where’s lunch?”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Lily collapsed into the kitchen chair and put the list on the table, wondering if she’d ever finish in time. She laid a new paintbrush on the table and closed her eyes.

  She heard footsteps at the back door. “Knock, knock. It’s Ian and dog.”

  “Come in, it’s open. I’m here in the kitchen,” she yelled out. She tried to straighten up her hair but gave up quickly. She was glad he was staying on the island.

  Ian entered, followed by Gretel. He had a stern look on his face and something behind his back. “Sitting down on the job, I see.”

  Lily put her hands on her hips. “I’ll have you know I’ve been working since six AM. baking cookies, answering phones, fixing another leaky faucet and—”

  “Whoa, just kidding. You look a little down in the dumps is all. I’m trying to cheer you up.” He leaned over, kissed the top of her head, and handed her a bouquet of delicate blue forget-me-nots.

  “They’re so pretty, I love these little flowers.”

  He began to rub her shoulders and neck. His hands felt like sunshine on ice, melting away every drop of tension until she felt like a pool of still water.

  She leaned her head against Ian’s chest and moaned, “Please, never stop.”

  Ian laughed. “We could take a quick run to the bedroom for a full body massage.” His hands moved down her back while he trailed kisses down the side of her neck.

  “There’s just too much to do. I need to paint trim in the suite and…”

  He covered her mouth with his to muffle her protests and whispered, “We’ll have to remedy this dilemma. I know an excellent painter who works cheap…for cookies and kisses.”

  “Ian, you’re already doing so much.”

  Ian lifted her chin. “Look at me, Lily,” he said gently. “Let me help you. It would make me happy.”

  She stared at this man offering from his heart. How vulnerable it felt to let a man help her, but this was not Brad. There were no hidden agendas. Sunlight filled the room. “The sun has come out,” Lily said. “Looks like it will be a good day to paint after all.”

  “I’ll go get my brushes. We can finish the Rose Room in a flash.” He tousled her hair. “And I have a surprise for you.”

  She frowned at him. “What kind?”

  “A surprise kind,” he said with a grin. “It’s just outside. Close your eyes and I’ll be right back.”

  What in the world, she wondered. She heard him enter and place something on the chair beside her.

  “You can open your eyes now,” he said.

  Propped on the chair in front of her was a framed canvas painted in Ian’s style. Her eyes widened as she took in the subject. It was her face, cheeks aglow, eyes closed, and her hair floating on a pillow of billowy clouds. Her body was covered by a blanket of wings–a blue heron in flight hovering above her sleeping form. Below her airy bed of clouds, turquoise water bubbled and steamed, sending mist into the air. She looked up at him.

  “I sketched it while you slept that morning at the hot springs.”

  “It’s beautiful, Ian.”

  She stood and reached out to him. They fell into each other’s arms. “I love you, Lily.”

  It felt so right. “I love you too, Ian.”

  Gretel barked startling them. “What is it, girl?” Ian said. “Do you want some love too?”

 
; The dog bounded between them, covering them with kisses. “Ok, ok,” Lily said, petting Gretel’s sleek back. “It’s time to get back to work.”

  “At your service, ma’am. What colors did you plan in the suite again?”

  “Rose pink, accented with white trim and forest green accessories.”

  Ian smirked. “No browns? Blues? Plaids?”

  Lily scooted him out the door. “Get out of here and get your brushes before we lose our natural light.”

  Ian smiled, ran his fingertips over her cheek, and brushed his lips across hers. For a moment the room spun and her knees buckled. “After we finish, we could curl up in the bed and be the first guests in the new Lavender Room!

  Lily threw her brush at him. “Back to work! Fun later.”

  ✦✦✦✦

  Tomorrow was the grand reopening of the bed and breakfast, and the one thing still missing were Grandma Maggie’s Heavenly Brownies. Lily’s heart sank; it just wouldn’t be a tribute to her grandmother without the brownies. Why didn’t she leave me the recipe, she left me everything else?

  Jude pulled up the driveway and started unloading boxes of mini-quiches. “Hey, Lily, come give me hand with this stuff.”

  Lily walked out on the porch and stared in amusement. “Do you think you brought enough, Jude?”

  Jude’s face dropped, “You don’t think it’s enough?

  Lily tried to hold a serious face but burst out laughing. She threw her arms around Jude and hugged tight. “What would I do without you, my dear friend?”

  “We can always freeze all the leftovers.” Jude hugged Lily. “Girlfriend, we’re almost there.”

  “I can’t believe we pulled this off and the place is truly mine now.”

  “You did this, Lily, some of us helped.” Jude looked over to Ian’s house. “Some of us helped more than others though!”

  “He is a good man…I can’t believe I’m saying that either!”

  “Well, I guess you might just have to smile more often now, Miss Bed and Breakfast owner.”