Chapter 3

 

“Hello, Joe. It’s good to hear your voice.” Laura was pleasantly surprised when she picked up the phone to see his number there. She had settled in for a relaxing evening alone. The Inn was quiet since all the guests were at a fifties night at the café. Laura had chosen to stay home and relax in the blissful quiet.

“I miss you. How about some hot chocolate on your front porch?”

She smiled. “That’s a sweet thought, Joe, but it’s cold and dark outside. Why not stop by? I can make some for us.”

“Throw your coat and scarf on, darling, then come outside.” He hung up, leaving Laura curious. She was sitting at her kitchen counter in her blue jeans, a casual oversized sweater and fuzzy slippers reading the local merchant paper. Madison had placed an ad for the holidays that she wanted to look over.

She wasn’t expecting a phone call from Joe since they always messaged each other several times a day. He was busy getting ready for the grand opening in a few weeks, so they barely had time to meet up. She wasn’t as busy as usual since the tourist season was coming to an end. In another week, the rooms would be empty except for a few stragglers passing through. It had been a whirlwind of a first season and she was looking forward to the future.

Laura went to the antique coat rack, grabbed her wool coat, threw a scarf around her shoulders and placed her beanie on her head. She hurried out the front door, letting it slam when she saw what Joe had done.

He had moved her glass table out of the way, replacing it with a free standing fire bowl that illuminated the whole porch. He stood beside it with his hands deep in his pockets, a grin on his face. A few candles flickered across the porch where he placed them strategically on the floor like a path that led to him. It was so romantic and something she never, ever expected from Joe.

Slowly, Laura made her way to him. He grinned, yet in his eyes there was a hesitancy she never saw before. He was unsure of himself and she found it adorable. “This is so sweet Joe, and a complete surprise.”

He took her hand and led her to the settee. “Sit,” he ordered, then kissed her cheek in a surprising move. Laura sat, enjoying this new side of Joe and waited to see what he’d do next.

He sat down beside her, then handed her a mug before pulling out a Thermos from an insulated bag sitting beside the wicker furniture. He unscrewed the top of the Thermos and filled her cup first, then continued with his until both were full of creamy hot chocolate.”

She was about to take a sip when he held up his hand. “Wait!” He pulled out a bag of mini marshmallows and scooped up a handful, then dropped a few in their mugs. ”Now you can drink it,” he told her. The man had a serious look on his face and Laura gave him an encouraging smile.

She took a drink and smiled knowing it was her daughter’s recipe. There was a special ingredient Olivia always added that gave such a delicious smooth taste. She recognized it immediately. “Has my daughter been telling you things?”

Joe laughed. “Mere suggestions. I may have mentioned that I miss sitting out on the porch with you. Olivia said she and James still linger around the fire pit and watch the lake on occasion even if it is cold out. I thought this may be a good idea for us as well since we haven’t been able to catch up in awhile. When I began to search for a porch fire pit, I wanted something special.”

“How did you get this here? It looks like it is made of concrete?”

He nodded. “It is. It isn’t as heavy as you think, but I did ask a few fellows for some help.”

“I never heard you out here on the porch. You’d think I would notice.”

“I ordered them to stay quiet. Well, I’ll admit I offered them a bonus if they kept very quiet.”

“It sounds like they earned the bonus. Thank you, Joe. This is nice.” She snuggled closer when he leaned back. They watched the light from the full moon, which was bright tonight, bounce off the cold waters of the darkened lake. The far away sounds of music rifted through the air from the café across the way.

“I’d do anything for you, Laura. You do know that, right?”

Laura gave him a bold stare. “I do know that, Joe. So why do I feel like this isn’t just a random calling?”

Joe sighed, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in a little more. “I do miss you every day. I miss our talks on the porch. Even though this punishment is self induced since I’m the one renovating the hotel and I barely have time to breathe, let alone see you, this seemed like the thing to do. I guess tonight I needed to be with you.”

Laura smiled. It was hard for Joe to let out his feelings. “What happened, Joe?”

“My siblings.”

She still didn’t understand. “They are coming to our wedding and the grand opening, aren’t they?”

“Yes. In all their glory, my brothers and sisters will be here. They wouldn’t let me down.”

Laura patted his knee. “That’s wonderful, Joe. So what is the problem?” She took a long sip of her cocoa, enjoying how it warmed her up. She’d have to ask what the secret ingredient was in her daughter’s cocoa. It was so good!

“Julia is the problem.”

Laura had listened to Joe speak of his siblings over the last few months, but she didn’t know anything about Julia. She had dealt directly with Joy when Bailey went to rehab since his youngest sibling was a counselor there and got Bailey a place at their treatment center. They met when Laura went to see Bailey a few times and she seemed very nice and knowledgeable. Julia hadn’t been mentioned much. “Tell me about Julia,” Laura prodded.

Joe let out a long sigh. “After our parents died, Julia took over the household. She cooked, cleaned, took stock of our household food and ran the house like an Army sergeant. It was helpful when I started my company, especially in the first few years when money was tight. She had a knack for getting things done and numbers. She was excellent with budgets. When I started the company, she began to jump in and make sure I had my finances in order. She’s been with the company since day one.”

Laura smiled. “You must be very proud of her. She sounds intelligent and competent.”

Joe’s hand ran up and down her arm, more in a nervous gesture. He was not the type to hesitate. “She is and that’s why she’s been insistent about this subject I have to bring up.”

Prenuptial agreement. Joe didn’t want to do it and his sister was insisting. She was right and had every reason to be concerned. Joe was a wealthy man. Laura laughed out loud, causing Joe to stiffen. “If you are worried I will be upset, Joe, you don’t have to be. Shar wants you to sign a prenuptial agreement. I’m betting my first born that your sister wants the same thing.”

Joe relaxed. She felt it the moment her words were out. “Yes.”

They both laughed at the same time. She turned to him. “As a businessman, I’m surprised you didn’t bring up the subject earlier. As for me, all I have is this Inn, along with a few properties that I’ve promised to take care of. My mother-in-law is counting on me to keep the family legacy moving forward into the next generation. Shar thought it would be wise to have you sign a prenup in case you are not as rich as people think.” She gave him a huge smile since they never discussed his money.

He leaned his head back and laughed. “I feel so much better now. I think Shar and Julia will get along great since they both have our interests at heart. I’ll sign anything Shar puts in front of me.”

“And I’ll sign anything your sister wants me to.”

Joe nodded. “Then it is settled. Boy, that was easier than I imagined.”

They finished their hot chocolate and watched the lake for a while, content to be with each other and saying nothing. It was the most relaxing thing about being with Joe. He didn’t have to do a lot of talking. She was comfortable just being with him.

“How are the wedding plans going?”

Why did he have to ask that? “Well, to be honest, I haven’t started making plans, yet.”

“The wedding is three and a half weeks away, Laura. Don’t you think you should get something going?”

“I don’t want a big, fancy wedding, Joe. I thought we discussed this. I’ll buy a dress and you’ll be in a tux for the grand opening. I’ve lined up a preacher and we’ll exchange vows. Simple and worry free.”

Joe didn’t say anything, which made her sit up and turn to him. His eyes looked quite sad. Now she was concerned since she thought he was okay with a simple wedding. Then, he ran a hand down her cheek and gave her a sweet smile. “Whatever you want, Laura. If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters.”

Laura watched him for several seconds before he kissed her in a sweet, loving kiss. She thought she knew Joe fairly well and he wasn’t okay with her plans. But, it was so blissful tonight she didn’t want to ruin a perfect atmosphere. After all, he spent a long time planning out this evening and as little as they were together, she was going to enjoy this particular time together.

After all, they still had three and a half weeks to plan a wedding.

 

*****

 

“You’ve got to be kidding? Oh, love, I can’t believe you at times.” Shar pushed away Ryan’s hand as it advanced around her waist. He tried to nibble on her ear, but she swatted him away. Trying not to laugh, she quickly left their bedroom and made her way to the kitchen. “I’ll be over in thirty minutes. I just need time to get Ryan off since he is poking around this morning.”

Shar hung up, shaking her head. She poured some hot coffee into a take-along mug for Ryan and turned to find him at the counter, watching her with a grin. She held out the mug to him.

“Thanks, darling. Did you make any plans for tonight?”

“I have a late meeting, but I should be home by six at the latest.”

“Today’s an early day for me. I have a special evening planned for us.”

Shar laughed and pushed him towards the door. “Every night your daughter is not here you have a special something planned, Ryan. You are a beast.”

He turned, his eyes dancing and growled right before he took her mouth. “I’m like a bear when it comes to you, Shar. I’ll have the hot tub running when you get home.”

“Are you sure Chloe isn’t coming over tonight?”

“I’m certain. She’s been working full-time hours at the café since Olivia decided to work at the mansion. Plus, she takes Jellybean for training lessons three times a week and tonight is one of those nights. Can’t figure out why the dog needs to go three times in a week.”

Shar knew why but she was keeping her mouth shut. Thank goodness for her lawyer mentality. She knew when to speak and when not to. She had noticed the dog trainer and Chloe were becoming quite a pair. When she saw them heading to the café the other evening on her way home from her office, there was no Jellybean in sight. Karaoke night was going on so she knew there were no training classes then. A smile slipped from her face. Chloe deserved some fun, too.

Ryan doubled back like he always did and took another kiss. He wrapped her in his arms and held her close. “Have a good day, darling. I’ll miss you.”

“Go to work, Ryan. I’ll miss you, too.”

When he left, she threw on her warm, fur lined boots and shoved a pair of heels in her bag since she’d change once she got to her office. For now, she had to go see Laura and set her straight. The woman was a mess!

The aroma of cookies hit hard the moment Shar walked into the Inn. “Hello!” She made her way to the kitchen where it was obvious Laura was baking a ton of Christmas cookies.

“Shar! I was waiting for you. I’ve got your coffee setting on the counter. Give me one sec and I’ll join you.”

After Laura slid another sheet of cookies into the oven, she wiped her hands and poured herself a cup of coffee. Sliding in beside Shar, Laura gave her a hug.

“I’m going to shake up your world today, Laura. You know I get right to the point and we don’t have much time.”

“I know you don’t understand but I had a huge wedding. A wedding planner, caterers, the works! You know how Kurt liked to show off. I had seven maids of honor and I only knew two of them. The others were his people.”

Shar took her hand. “Look, you may have had a huge wedding, but Joe hasn’t experienced this before. Never. Don’t you think maybe he’d like to have a nice wedding for his first time.”

Laura’s mouth dropped. She placed the back of her hand over her forehead. “Oh, crap! Shar, I never thought about Joe at all. I’m so ashamed!”

Shar gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t be. The moment you told me something was bothering him I knew you messed up. But, it can be fixed. Start planning and hurry up. There is only a few weeks until the big day.”

Laura frowned. “I promised Missy I’d do the baking for the café since Olivia is busy with the new kitchens. I don’t know how I’m going to do everything.”

Shar shook her head. “Oh, Laura. You don’t have to. Hire a wedding planner.”

“This late? I don’t know if one will be available.”

“What about the one who was here a few months ago? She was just starting out and didn’t have much work. Remember her?”

“Yes! I do. I have her info.” Laura got up and went to her catch-all drawer. She found the woman’s card and sighed. “I’ll try to call her after I’m done baking.”

Shar stood and shook her head. “No, Laura. Call her right now. I’ll check the cookies.”

Laura stared at Shar in horror. “No way are you touching my oven, Shar. I’ve seen what you did with food.”

“Food?” Shar laughed. “I’m a terrible baker, aren’t I? Look, just call her right now.” Shar went to the stove and turned the light on. “Now you can see the cookies. I’ll stay right here and the moment they are done, I’ll call for you.”

“Okay, but I’m staying right here, too. You’ll get out your phone and text someone and forget about the cookies.” Laura was laughing now. Shar joined in because she was probably right.

Shar held up her hands. “My phone is on the counter.” She leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “Call.”

Laura did. She put the phone on speaker and set it down between them. “Hello, is this Savannah? I don’t know your last name. I’m Laura from the Hideaway Inn. You stayed here a few months ago.”

“Yes, hello. I don’t use my last name,” the pleasant voice answered.

“No last name? Oh, okay. How are you, Savannah?”

“Great. And you? I had a wonderful time in Hideaway Lake when I was there. I’m sure I told you several times.”

“You did. I’m wondering if you have any clients booked right now?”

Shar felt the need to jump in and help poor Laura. She was desperate and needed the help, not small talk. “Savannah? This is Shar, Laura’s friend. She’s in desperate need of a wedding planner. The wedding is in three weeks. Can you help?”

“Yes, of course. I’m in between clients at the moment. When do you want to get started?”

“Today. Can you be here in an hour?”

“I’ll be there. Thank you.”

Shar hit the end button on Laura’s phone. “See how easy that was?”

Laura sighed. “Thanks, love. I’m so overwhelmed by all of this. The one good thing is Joe and I had a nice evening last night. Did you see my new firepit on the front porch?”

Shar shook her head. “I did notice. Now you can enjoy many evenings there.”

“I’m not sure why I hadn’t thought of it sooner.”

“Did you discuss the prenup?”

“Yes, no worries. I’ll get his sister, Julia’s number for you and the two of you can make arrangements. Joe has no problem signing and neither do I.”

“That’s great. We are just trying to protect you, Laura.”

“I know. It’s so stupid, but I do understand.”

“It’s a must in today’s world. Divorces can get ugly.”

“You’re not telling me anything new. I’m lucky to have you on my side. Kurt was going to take everything from me if it hadn’t been for you.”

Shar gave her a hug. “I have to run. I have several appointments today and then Ryan is going to plan a nice relaxing evening for us.”

Laura laughed and waved her off. “I’m sure it involves the hot tub and then who knows where it will lead. That man is exactly what you needed, Shar.”

Shar looked back at her best friend. “Exactly.”