Chapter Sixteen

Immediately after waking on Thursday, Nate hurried to the kitchen. He had a list an arm long to get done this morning. To his surprise, his new receptionist was making coffee. Gray trousers, a pin-striped shirt, and suede shoes were more casual than yesterday, but were model perfect. He wore a single earring in his ear. Two boxes of fresh produce from the Douglas farm sat on the counter along with the cases of wine.

“Tell me all,” Jared pleaded. “Working here is more exciting than a reality show. With the inn opening underway, I figured I’d start right up. Here’s the list of guests arriving today. Here’s the one for tomorrow. I reminded them check-in is after three.”

Nate took the page and perused the information. “Without any advertising I didn’t expect anyone else Thursday night. Only two couples. But it’s a start.”

“More than a start. Liz already checked the registrations four times. I’d cut her off caffeine, she’s so nervous. She’ll be so excited the last room is rented for the weekend. I think when people learn about the handicapped cottages, those will fill, too. On Saturday the dining room will be packed. We have twenty dinner guests and I’m turning down more every time the phone rings. Looks like Sunday night will be the same.” He handed over a third list. “After checking your menu, I had people indicate which entree they preferred.”

“This is perfect,” Nate replied. “Certainly makes my life easier.”

“A Victoria Harte called. She said to tell you she’ll be here today to help. She’s bringing a handicapped veteran to stay in one of the cottages. She said to put Vicki in the room next to yours.”

“I should have expected her early. She’s my sister and has boundless curiosity. Emily has the room so Vicki will need to stay in the cottage.”

Turning to the burbling coffee pot, he hesitated before he washed his hands and donned an apron embroidered with a red clover motif. He’d finally figured out how to knot the ties one-handed. Considering his next steps, he barely cracked a smile. With so much to do, he needed to concentrate. The produce needed sorting. And the wine stored in the locked racks in the basement. So far there were no changes to the menu.

Next, he mixed biscuits for breakfast. Everyone had to eat, including himself. Orange juice and eggs were ready. John and Sara popped in, laughing like hyenas. He caught John up with his good arm and whirled him around.

“Me next. Me, too,” Sara yelled.

“Did you both wash your hands? I’m making breakfast,” he declared. “Where’s Mom?”

“She’s in the cottage.”

“Ask Jared if he’d like something,” Nate requested and they skipped to the registration desk.

A minute later, they skipped back. “He said yes. He’ll be in when he gets off the phone.”

The children settled at the counter. They agreed scrambled eggs and a biscuit were fine, so Nate prepared and served them. Happiness swelled in his chest. Feeding his family in his own kitchen meant so much to him.

High heels tapped in the hall. Irritation made him frown. It was too early for guests. Instead Vicki blew in like a fresh wind, throwing her arms around him. She stepped away to check his arm, shaking her head. Red glints lit her mahogany hair where she had fastened the shoulder-length tresses in a neat twist. Her green eyes reflected the jade pendant hanging on a gold chain around her throat. Mossy green trousers and a white silk blouse displayed her slim figure to perfection. Her sandals added three inches to her five and a half feet. He clasped her hands.

“I left my patient registering. The new receptionist looks cute, all that blond hair and baby blues. And the earring.” She tapped her lobe.

“Not something I’d notice. I hired him for his skills.” He grinned at her expression. “I also hired Anne Burke part-time to help with serving dinner. We had Jenny Douglas helping Liz, but she’ll be returning to school next week. Hiring someone else is next on my agenda, just not today.”

“Busy, busy, busy,” she remarked and, turning to get coffee, stared out the window then pointed at the fire pond. “When did you get that?”

“That’s for the fires, Aunt Vicki,” Sara piped up. She took a big bite of her muffin. “And the skeleton.”

Easing onto a chair, Vicki opened her mouth then closed it again. She exhaled and took the orange juice and coffee Nate handed her.

While they talked, he’d cleaned the two boxes of produce and stored it. One more thing done. He was getting the trick of using one hand to work.

Jared joined Vicki with a winning smile. “Your friend is in the cottage. He said he wasn’t hungry. And he’s taking a nap. So leave him alone. I did tell him you were in the other bedroom. I’m not sure, but I think he was upset.”

“Thanks, Jared. I’ll check on him later. He’s been through so much, he has no patience. He doesn’t need to be worried about fires or skeletons.” Vicki’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She rubbed her hands together before sipping her juice.

“Understandable,” Jared agreed. “But unless he’s deaf or blind he already knows we have an arsonist lighting fires.”

“Is it safe now?”

Nate grinned at her anxious expression. “Wait until you meet our watch dogs, Mark and Cleo, two Belgian Malinois. Jack built a kennel for them alongside the barn. They’re trained to guard the property. And the kids love them.”

Vicki visibly relaxed. “My veteran handled dogs. He’ll be checking them out.”

Everyone finished their eggs before Jack and Liz came in. Jack looked exhausted.

Jared returned to the registration desk and the kids ran outside to play.

“Go back to bed, Jack,” Liz ordered.

He nodded. “I will after I help my dad with chores this morning.”

“And you’re open for business. I’m impressed,” Vicki noted. She rubbed Liz’s shoulder before standing. “How about getting me one of those cute aprons and I’ll pitch in where I’m needed.”