Chapter Twenty

Saturday, Nate found cooking breakfast at the inn had its fun side. He’d sent the Greens off with another basket before baking his muffins, biscuits, and two ham, broccoli, and cheese quiches. The side table was arranged with pitchers of apple, cranberry, and orange juices. A variety of teas waited near the hot water. He started the coffee brewing at quarter to seven.

The breakfast table was set with the wildflower-decorated pottery from the local craftsman. He’d donned his apron and washed before starting.

The food was the easy part. He managed to prepare and serve individual orders quickly. Keeping up with the questions about the area was much harder. How far was it to Stowe? Where were the best antique shops? Where did the locals make Vermont cheese? What was the property tax?

When Jared arrived, he assigned him to pouring refills on the coffee and answering everyone.

Liz headed upstairs to make beds. She’d made the kids breakfast in the cottage this morning before Jenny joined them.

As the guests scattered, Nate cleaned the kitchen and decided on the next task.

Apple pies baked with apples from the local orchard were on the dessert menu. He clapped a hand to his forehead. Rolling the dough was beyond his one-handed efforts. He’d have to make apple cobbler. Nate hugged a warm feeling. He made extra for the family. The inn filled with the warm scent.

****

After she finished upstairs, Liz took the kids for a dip in the pond. Screams of laughter filled the air. Jenny took her horse for a ride on the trail. She promised to let Sara and John sit in the saddle when she returned. The kids hurried to dry off and waited on the deck.

Liz waved at Nate through the solarium windows. She’d done a fantastic job on decorating the dining area. Battery-operated candles would be lit when customers arrived. A single red rose in a slender bud vase would be on each table. Potted ferns lined the window wall, bringing the outdoors closer.

The gazebo and deck offered wrought-iron tables and chairs, giving a bistro effect. Liz claimed people would enjoy watching the sunset. He agreed. He’d sat out there many evenings himself.

Work was eating up the hours like a hungry shark.

Jenny polished the silverware and wrapped it in napkins while Liz spread tablecloths on the tables in the solarium. Somewhere she’d found ones decorated with huge red clover flowers. Another touch he loved.

After counting the selections, Nate wrapped the filet mignon steaks with bacon. A toothpick held the slices in place when he returned them to the refrigerator. He hummed with satisfaction while he worked.

For the few who preferred fish, he prepared fresh baked lake trout. Several ordered chicken and he’d bake them stuffed. Each diner would get served a half chicken, stuffing, and vegetables. Tonight, no one opted for the vegetarian offering.

Ordering entrees ahead of time had been Liz’s suggestion and today he appreciated the plan. The café hours, from six to nine, were a starting point easily adjusted according to future needs. With Jared answering the phone and taking the reservations, tonight was going smoothly. So far. Things always happened.

Appetizers were ready to serve. He’d planned crab-stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, and a Vermont cheese platter with toast points. Cleaning, chopping or slicing the salad greens, yellow squash, and green beans went quickly despite his limited movement. The potatoes for baking were washed and ready. Men always seemed to order them with sour cream, butter, and all the fixings. The rice was perfect. Vanilla ice cream for the apple cobbler was stored at the right temperature for scooping. He nibbled as he worked, checking the flavor and freshness the old-fashioned way.

Assembling twenty green garden or Caesar salads was easy and he continued humming to himself. The radio was playing ballads from the fifties.

“We’ve got a problem!” Jared exclaimed. His expression was panicked when he hurried in. He clung to the edge of the counter as if caught in a rip tide.

“Calm down. It can’t be that bad.” Nate wiped his hand on a towel before he patted his shoulder.

“But it is! Mayor Pomeroy is here. With a date. I put them in the parlor, but he wants a drink.” Jared jiggled in place, his blue eyes rolling.

Nate checked the time. Barely five o’clock by his watch.

“Ahh,” he exhaled and poked Jared in the ribs. “We can handle this. Remember how you set up the bar for the volunteers? Do it again in the parlor. Keep track of their orders so we add it to their tab. Take a deep breath. You can do it.”

“What about receiving the people with reservations?” He straightened his shoulders and settled.

“You’ll be right there. If it gets to be too much, call Anne to help. She should be here any minute.”

Rubbing his forehead, Nate sorted his thoughts. Everything was on schedule with the meal. The kitchen was under control; it was the people who wouldn’t behave. He laughed until his stomach hurt. Leaning on the counter, he caught his breath. If it weren’t for people he wouldn’t be cooking.

His stomach settled. No worries.

Removing his apron, he followed Jared to the front parlor. Mayor Pomeroy was in his mid-forties, a confident man. His attractive date nodded hello.

“Mayor, welcome to Deerbourne Inn’s official reopening. We have our first overnight guests and the Red Clover Café will be full. I’m happy you could be here.” Nate firmly grasped the mayor’s hand. He hadn’t forgotten his manners.

“Wouldn’t have missed it. You certainly improved the building,” Pomeroy said with an outgoing smile. “If you ever decide to sell, contact me at my realty office. I’ll get you a good price.”

“Not a chance,” Nate protested. “This is my home, not a business. How about seeing the deck and gazebo? You’ll have a wonderful view of the sunset over the mountains. Liz will let you know when we’re ready to serve.”

Holding his drink, Pomeroy held his arm out to his date and they followed Nate to the deck. With the outside flood lights on, there was plenty of light. He left them to enjoy the setting sun.

Vicki spun into the kitchen like a mini tornado.

“Do you like my dress? I bought it especially for the opening,” she declared with another spin. Her full green skirts billowed out, emphasizing her narrow waist and the tight bodice clinging to her breasts. Silver hoops dangled from her ears, and the jade pendant from her throat. Instead of heels she wore flats.

“You look gorgeous.” Nate gripped her shoulders and bussed her cheeks noisily. “Is your patient coming in for dinner?”

She blew out a breath before she answered. “He doesn’t like crowds, so no. I’ll fix a plate for him later and deliver it.”

“I understand. When I returned from the Middle East, I wanted to be left alone, too. Only I had a goal to fix on. It pulled me back.”

Liz popped her head around the corner. “I’m helping Jared. Encouraging guests to visit the deck or the gazebo. Putting the bar in the parlor was a good idea.”

Pointing at Vicki, Nate asked, “Do you want her for anything?”

“Maybe use that bright smile on the people circling outside.”

“You heard the woman. Get!” He slapped Vicki playfully on the butt. She dodged away with a laugh.

He rechecked the dinner list. Pomeroy had ordered rare steak, his date chicken. The dishes waited to be cooked. He’d cooked a dozen Cremes Brulées for dessert if someone didn’t want apple cobbler.

Blinded by a camera flash, he squinted at the man smiling broadly at him. Paige Norman, the managing editor of the Willow Springs Gazette, held up a fancy camera. “Nice candid shot of our new chef for the front page. I’ll be taking photos of the crowd, too.” He nodded and called over his shoulder from the exit, “Good publicity.”

Too busy with preparations, Nate hadn’t noticed the noisy gathering on the other side of the glass. He paused. This was the result of months of work. He wished he could share his joy with his old friend, Bertha. Thank her in person. They had spoken many times about his dreams.

Pouring a glass of Cabernet, he sipped slowly. His shirt was spotted with food. Since he had a minute, he headed to his room to change into a clean one.

He paused near the photo albums. When he opened the cover, the first page revealed Bertha’s photo. It felt like a good luck omen to see her smiling face. There was no time to flip through the rest. Emily had found them in the attic and left them here for him to examine. Later, he’d ask her to go through the pages with him.

An emerald green shirt was Vicki’s favorite so he pulled it over his head. He proudly managed to slip it over his cast arm and tuck it in his trousers. The sling was in his way, but he had no choice. He had to wear it. He knotted on his apron.

He locked his door and bumped into Emily when he turned.

“I wanted to tell you I’m leaving,” she murmured. Her face flushed a rosy pink. “I have to get back to my regular job.”

“It’s been a pleasure having you here,” Nate said. He held out his hand to shake.

“Thank you for letting me search those old records.”

“Hopefully you’ll find what you want on the next visit.” He dropped her hand although he wanted to linger. The cooking wouldn’t wait.

“Maybe. I won’t keep you, Nate. Good luck with everything.” She gestured widely.

He nodded and plowed into the kitchen. Regret that he had no time tugged at his gut. He would make it when she returned, he promised himself.

“Don’t worry,” Liz said, seeming to sense his distraction. “The mayor is under control.”

“Let’s plan to get our guests seated. Jenny and Anne will be taking orders for appetizers and drinks. Jared will keep manning the bar, then he’ll work on the bills and have them ready.”

To his surprise, Jenny and Anne had donned blouses with the Red Clover logo embroidered on the pocket. He looked for Jared, who wore a similar man’s shirt. When Liz raced inside for another order of appetizers, she had one on, too. Vicki wore the bib apron over her fancy dress.

“Why don’t you have one?” He pointed at the others.

“I didn’t want to change again,” she said and winked at him.

With another order ready, he returned to cooking. This was what he enjoyed, what he was good at. He kept the food flowing, cooked to perfection. The noise from his diners increased so the music was drowned out. The desserts came last. Everyone slowed as the last course was served.

The talk quieted. “Look at the fireflies,” a woman called. “There must be thousands.”

Everyone turned. Nate stepped outside. Countless fireflies hovered over the yard and fire pond. Many of the crowd joined him on the deck.

“I’ll catch one for you, honey,” a male voice shouted. He ran to the edge of the pond, jumping into the air to grab one.

Several others joined his silly actions. Laughing like maniacs, they pushed and shoved to get the elusive bugs. One teetered on the grassy verge. His friend grabbed him with a shout. Almost in slow motion they both tumbled into the water. Nate’s mouth dropped open. Seconds later their friends were hauling them out.

The incident signaled the evening was over and people slowly paid their checks before leaving. Although he’d worried, all he heard were jokes about their clumsy neighbors.

The fire chief stopped to shake Nate’s hand. “Fine spread. Looks like the café is a hit. And the entertainment was funny. I’d suggest you build a fireplace out there. Nice for chilly evenings or to dry clothing.”

“Sounds like a great idea, Chief.” Nate shared a broad grin. “Especially with these neighbors.”

****

With the dinner guests gone, Nate gathered his family and friends in the kitchen. He popped the cork on a bottle of champagne.

“Miss Harrington checked out,” Jared remarked.

“She told me she had to return to work.” Nate’s gaze softened.

“Emily is really nice. She was waiting when I had time. She paid the rate you have posted for the room. I hope that was okay,” he replied with a note of anxiety.

“No. Yes. Although I wasn’t planning on charging her. She helped so much. We can straighten it out when she returns at the end of September.” Nate poured the bubbly champagne into crystal flutes.

“Um, she cancelled that reservation,” Jared replied.

Surprise stiffened Nate’s spine. “Save the contact information from her credit card.”

“Sorry, I can’t. She didn’t use one. She paid cash.”

Jared swallowed his disappointment. He’d planned on spending time with her once things settled.

“We need to celebrate.” Liz took her flute and put her hand on Nate’s arm. She squeezed lightly. Jack gave Jenny a half-full flute to try. The others held theirs in readiness.

Nate pushed Emily to the back of his mind and gathered his thoughts. “Here’s to Bertha.”

Everyone cheered. He opened the second bottle.

After refilling the flutes, Nate lifted his again. “To the success of the Red Clover Café.”

“And the Deerbourne Inn’s first night open,” Jared added.

“With family and friends old and new,” Liz said. “Here and absent.”

After clicking them together, they drained their flutes, then held them high. Joyful laughter filled the night.