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Lauren Crenshaw snuck a peek at her boyfriend, Detective Mitch Denman. His large tanned hands expertly steered the car down the country road towards Zeke’s Ridge, a small town in Northern California. Big pine trees lined each side of the highway and in the distance, mountain peaks beckoned.
Lauren still couldn’t believe that she of all people had won a prize – let alone a romantic two-night getaway at a brand-new bed and breakfast.
She was more at home making lattes and baking cupcakes in the café she ran with Annie, her Norwegian Forest Cat, a large, fluffy silver-gray tabby, and her cousin Zoe, now twenty-six and a real livewire.
Zoe had also entered the competition – in fact, she’d entered for both of them. But she’d been nothing but happy when Lauren had received the phone call that she had won second prize, two nights in the Queen suite at Flower Ridge Bed and Breakfast.
“Not long now.” Mitch spoke, sending her a reassuring glance.
Lauren’s heart fluttered. They’d been dating for a year now, and things had become serious. But so far this was their first romantic overnight getaway.
Lauren ran the café four and a half days per week, and Mitch sometimes worked overtime. However, he’d managed to have Monday off, and since the café was closed on that day, it seemed the perfect time to get away from the small town of Gold Leaf Valley, which was only around twenty minutes from their destination. It was a break for both of them, even if it was close to home.
“I wonder what the B&B will be like,” Lauren mused.
“It looked good in the brochure you showed me,” Mitch replied.
Zoe had waved the competition leaflets at her one day, and they’d both admired the dreamy photos of queen beds and light, airy furnishings.
“I think we’re about to find out.” Lauren’s pulse quickened as a wooden sign stating Flower Ridge Bed and Breakfast came into sight.
Mitch turned onto the gravel driveway. They wound past more pine trees, large green bushes, and the occasional clump of cheery yellow buttercups bathing in the late July sun.
“It looks like this place might date from the Gold Rush era, too,” Lauren commented as Mitch pulled up near the porch of the big old Victorian. Neatly painted in cream with pale blue contrast, the imposing house had pretty gingerbread trim and a small turret on the top story.
Her own modest cottage she’d inherited from her grandmother reflected that time in history, as did a lot of the houses in Gold Leaf Valley.
“Maybe someone struck it rich out here,” Mitch said.
“Welcome, welcome!” A tall, big-boned woman in her mid-sixties wearing a crisp, olive dress hurried down the three white, wooden steps to greet them as they got out of the car.
“Hi! I’m Lauren Crenshaw.”
“One of my competition winners.” The woman beamed at her. “And this is ...?” She took Mitch’s hand and coyly looked at his tall, muscular frame.
“Mitch Denman.” Mitch stuck out his hand.
“My boyfriend.” Lauren wished her cheeks weren’t flaming right now.
“How lovely! I’m Edna Lofty, proprietor of the Flower Ridge Bed and Breakfast. I have the Queen suite all ready for you. Come in out of this heat.”
“Hello, folks.” A tall, trim man around Edna’s age trotted down the porch stairs. “I’m Harry, Edna’s husband. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
Lauren liked him immediately. His gray hair was neatly combed back from his forehead and he wore beige Bermuda shorts and a short-sleeved olive shirt, as if he and his wife had color-coordinated.
Edna ushered them inside the house. The foyer was directly to the right and was decorated in shades of cream, the darkest color a very pale gold. An antique style sofa with big plump cushions beckoned guests to sit down and relax. Gold velvet drapes hung at the windows. A wooden mantel decorated with two silver candlesticks caught Lauren’s gaze. A large chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, completing the ornate, Victorian era look.
“The first prize winner will be in the King suite,” Edna informed them. “Your suites are opposite each other upstairs – isn’t that cozy?”
Lauren nodded, not sure what to say.
“Not too cozy, I hope,” Mitch murmured in her ear.
“Now, I have our guest register for you to fill in.” Edna walked behind the long mahogany counter on one side of the room and presented a brown leather book with a flourish. “You will be our very first guest to sign their name in here.”
“This hasn’t been a B&B for long?” Mitch guessed.
“That’s right,” Harry replied with a smile.
“I’ve wanted to run a bed and breakfast for years, haven’t I, Harry?” Edna said. “And finally, we did it! Took our retirement savings – I was a substitute teacher and Harry was a mailman – sold our house in Sacramento, and here we are! I was inspired to call it Flower Ridge after Zeke’s Ridge.” She beamed proudly.
“Was this house a B & B before?” Lauren asked, as she wrote down her name on the first crisp white page in the book.
“No,” Edna replied. “Apparently, this place has been handed down from one generation to the next, until the last heir sold it to us.”
“What happened to him?” Mitch asked.
“He said the upkeep was too much for him and he was going into assisted living,” Edna replied.
“It took a bit of work to get her spick and span again,” Harry added, “But now she’s a beauty.”
“Indeed she is.” Mitch glanced around the foyer.
Lauren handed the book back to Edna, who offered it to Mitch. “Your turn, Mr. Denman,” she said coyly.
Mitch raised his eyebrow, but complied.
“I don’t think it’s really necessary for both of them to fill in their details,” Harry protested mildly.
“We must do things properly.” Edna tutted.
“Let me show you your room,” Harry offered. “Do you need help with your bags?”
“No, we’re good.” Mitch smiled briefly, picking up both their weekend bags.
“It’s a suite, Harry,” Edna corrected him.
“Sorry, dear.”
“Well, now, I’ll show you the Queen suite.” Edna took the lead up the staircase, the mahogany polished to a gleaming shine.
Lauren followed Edna, while Harry brought up the rear.
Were all B&B owners as quirky as Edna seemed to be?
“Here we are.” Edna unlocked a wooden door with a lavender plaque in the center and urged them inside.
“It’s beautiful.” Lauren’s eyes widened as she took in the large bed with an ivory and gold coverlet and plenty of plump pillows, just like in the leaflet. The walls were painted a matching ivory, and there was a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. She looked down at the carpet – a beige-gold shade. A bowl of lavender pot-pourri scented the air, perched on a small bedside table next to a silver candlestick.
“There’s another bedroom through here.” Edna opened a connecting door with a flourish. A large bed, made up the same way as the first one, dominated the small space.
“The bathroom is over here.” Harry gestured to a discreet door near the second bedroom.
Lauren couldn’t resist; she peeked inside. A gleaming claw-footed bathtub, walk-in shower, and a double vanity, along with a small wall mirror.
“No expense spared,” Edna said with satisfaction.
“I can see that,” Lauren said softly. She didn’t think she’d stayed anywhere as nice as this before.
“Well now, I guess we’ll leave you two love-birds alone.” Edna nodded. “Remember, there are two beds in your suite.”
“We’ll remember,” Mitch said dryly.
“Let us know if you need anything,” Harry told them.
“We’ll be downstairs. At all times.” After a beat, Edna added, “Our bedroom is down there.”
Harry gave them a friendly smile as he and his wife left the room.
“Wow.” Mitch waited until the door shut behind the couple.
“Mm-hm.” Lauren sank down on the bed. Plush and comfy.
“I thought it sounded too good to be true.”
“What?” Lauren frowned. “Me winning this weekend away?”
“Harry seems nice enough, but Edna ...” He shook his head. “I bet she’ll pop in a few times to see if we need anything.”
“Maybe she’s just enthusiastic,” Lauren offered. “We are her first guests. She probably doesn’t want anything to go wrong.”
“And I’m sure nothing will,” Mitch reassured her. He pulled out his phone from his pants’ pocket and showed it to her. “I’ve switched my phone off. How about you?”
With a guilty start, Lauren dug into her purse and retrieved her phone. “Good idea.” She’d left it turned on during the drive in case Zoe wanted to contact her. Her cousin was cat sitting Annie this weekend, or was Annie Zoe sitting?
Her phone buzzed just as her finger hovered on the off switch.
“Zoe,” Mitch guessed.
“Hi, Lauren.” Zoe’s voice bubbled from the phone. “Are you there yet? What does the room look like?” She added, “Annie wanted me to call you.”
“Brrt!” Annie added from the other end.
“I think we should use the video app,” Zoe said. A second later, Zoe and Annie appeared on the phone screen.
“Hi.” Lauren smiled at the two of them.
Zoe’s brunette pixie cut highlighted her cute features and sparkling brown eyes, while Annie peered through the screen, her green eyes wide with curiosity. Her silver-gray fur was thick and luxurious.
“What does the room look like?” Zoe asked. “Hi, Mitch,” she added, giving him a little wave.
“Brrt,” Annie called.
“Hi, Annie. Hi, Zoe.” Mitch’s lips quirked up.
“The room is beautiful,” Lauren told them. “Look, here’s the bed.”
“Ooh, just like the leaflet, Annie,” Zoe told the feline.
“Brrp.”
Lauren moved slowly around the room with the phone, showing the duo the furnishings. When she finished the tour, she noticed Mitch relaxing in the gold brocade wing chair near the bed.
“So what are you two going to be doing tonight?” Lauren asked as she halted near Mitch’s chair.
“Chris is coming over and we’re going to order pizza.” Zoe grinned. “And Annie will have chicken in gravy.”
“Brrt!” Annie sounded pleased about her dinner menu.
“What are you two going to be doing?” Zoe waggled her eyebrows, making her look like a mischievous elf.
“Zoe!” Lauren hoped Mitch hadn’t heard her cousin’s question.
“Having a relaxing weekend.” Mitch spoke.
“Then we’ll leave you to it,” Zoe promised. “Won’t we, Annie?”
“Brrt!”
Lauren waved goodbye to them, waiting until Zoe ended the call before she turned off the phone. She’d never been away overnight from Annie before. She knew Zoe would take good care of her, but ...
“I’m sure Annie will be fine.” Mitch stood and wrapped his arms around her.
“Thanks.” She snuggled into his broad, muscular chest. Everything felt so right when she was in his arms.
“Knock, knock.” Edna opened the door. “I thought you two might like some fresh towels.”
Startled, Lauren stepped out of Mitch’s embrace. “I thought there were towels already in the bathroom,” she said, flustered.
“You can never have too many.” Edna beamed over the mound of fluffy white towels she held against her chest, her eyes sharp.
“Thanks.” Mitch took them from her.
“Anything else you need?” Edna glanced around the room, her gaze lingering on the untouched bed. “More pillows? More pot-pourri? More—”
“I’m sure they have everything they need.” Harry appeared in the doorway. “Sorry to bother you folks.”
“It’s fine,” Lauren replied, not sure what else to say.
Mitch nodded at the older man.
“Come on, Edna.” Harry took his wife’s arm.
“Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all,” she told them as her husband escorted her from the room. “Oh, and what time you’d like breakfast. I’ve had breakfast menus printed, and they’re downstairs. I’ll just run down and get them and be back in a jiffy!”
“You can do that later,” Harry told her gently as he shut the door behind them.
“Phew.” Mitch sank down on the bed. “What did I tell you?”
“Mmm.” Lauren hated to think he was right. Would Edna interrupt them again? She glanced at the door.
Mitch must have read her thoughts because he strode over to it and shot the bolt home.
“There,” he said in satisfaction. “If Edna has any more towels for us, she’ll have to wait until we let her in. If we let her in.”
Locked in a room with Mitch. A shiver of anticipation danced down her spine. She hadn’t decided yet whether they should use two beds or one this weekend. Mitch had told her when she’d invited him for the weekend that the decision was up to her and they wouldn’t do anything she wasn’t comfortable with. Which made her fall for him even harder.
She touched the gold L necklace he’d given her in January, the metal smooth against her fingertips. She’d barely taken it off since.
“I wonder how long they’ve been married?” Lauren pondered.
“Edna and Harry?”
She nodded.
“Maybe too long for Harry.”
“Mitch!”
“But that wouldn’t happen to us,” he told her decisively.
“It wouldn’t?” Her heart gave a little trip.
“I can’t see you being nosy and bossing me around.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean you would be nosy and bossing me around – and Annie,” she added. Just to doublecheck that he knew that she and Annie were a package deal.
“I wouldn’t.” He chuckled. “I don’t think Annie would let me, anyway. Zoe and Chris on the other hand ...”
Lauren grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. He tossed it back gently. She threw it again. This could get interesting—
Rap. Rap. Rap.
Mitch groaned.
“Should we?” Lauren whispered.
“No.” He shook his head.
“Yoo hoo,” Edna called through the closed door. “I’ve got your breakfast menus here, just like I promised. If you let me in, I can explain each dish.”
Rap. Rap. Rap.
“I can come back later if you two are ... busy.” The last word sounded disapproving. “Shouldn’t you be out for a walk on such a beautiful afternoon? It’s not quite as warm outside now. We have a large garden for our guests to enjoy. Why don’t I show it to you?”
It was too much. Lauren clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle.
“I think she deserves a medal for persistence.” Mitch chuckled reluctantly before striding over and unlocking the door.
“Oh, there you are!” Edna straightened up and smiled at Mitch.
Lauren’s eyes widened. Had Edna been spying on them through the keyhole?
“What can we do for you?” Mitch kept his tone pleasant.
“Breakfast menus!” Edna thrust two laminated cards at him. “I’m happy to explain each dish to you. Now, what time would you like your breakfast?”
Mitch cocked an eyebrow in Lauren’s direction.
“Umm, we haven’t really thought about that yet,” she offered.
“Why don’t we let you know this evening?” Mitch suggested.
“Of course, of course,” Edna replied. “Now where are you two going to dinner tonight? I’m happy to recommend a few restaurants in Zeke’s Ridge. If you tell them Edna sent you, I’m sure you’ll get the best table there!”
“Really?” Lauren asked. To her knowledge there were only three in the small town, and she and Mitch had often dined at the Italian one.
“Oh, yes,” Edna said earnestly. “When we moved here I visited each restaurant and told them I would recommend them to my guests if they gave them special treatment.”
“How did that go?” Mitch asked.
“They said they’d be happy to,” Edna replied. “No problem, they said. Now, I think the best place for you two to visit tonight is the nice Italian restaurant here.”
“Why is that?” Mitch asked.
“Because they have wonderful lasagna and risotto, as well as pasta dishes. Harry and I dined there when we first moved here and we were both impressed with the food.”
“We’ll keep it in mind,” Mitch told her.
“Good, good.” Edna hovered in the doorway. “Now, what else can I tell you about the property? You really should see the garden, there’s buttercups and lilacs and daisies in bloom—”
“Edna.” Harry appeared behind her. “We’ve talked about this.”
“I’m just delivering the breakfast menus,” Edna told him innocently. “You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
“I think I just heard a car pull up,” Harry told her.
“Really?” Edna turned. “Maybe it’s our first prize winner! I’ll go check.” She hurried down the staircase, her shoes tapping on the wooden boards.
“I’m sorry about this,” Harry told them. “I think my wife is excited about having her first guests this weekend.”
“It’s understandable,” Lauren replied.
“No problem,” Mitch said politely.
With a nod, Harry left them. Mitch bolted the door – again.
“I didn’t hear a car – did you?” Lauren remarked.
“No.” He shook his head, a small smile playing around his mouth. “I think Harry knows just how to handle Edna after all.”
***
LAUREN AND MITCH did end up in the garden.
“It is beautiful,” Lauren said, her hand engulfed in his as they strolled around the grounds. White daisies, lilac, and butterfly bushes attracted orange and black butterflies, their wings fluttering as they landed on the flowers.
“I guess Edna was right about one thing,” Mitch replied with a smile.
After their romantic stroll, they got ready for dinner. Lauren looked longingly at the claw-footed tub, complete with an inviting jar of bath salts, but settled for a hot shower instead, the water pressure perfect. The scent of lavender mixed with the steam as she used the complimentary shower gel.
Mitch was already dressed when she emerged from the bathroom. His navy button dress shirt, black slacks, and short dark hair enhanced his good looks. A faint trace of light citrus aftershave teased her senses. He smiled when he saw her.
“Let’s enjoy ourselves this evening.” He held out his hand.
She returned his smile as she placed her hand in his. Tonight was going to be perfect. And to top it all off, Edna hadn’t knocked on their door since she’d given them the breakfast menus.
Once they descended the staircase and entered the foyer, Edna looked up from the reception desk.
“Are you two going out for dinner?” Her tone was coy. “Don’t you look nice, dear?” she said to Lauren.
“Thank you.” Lauren glanced down at her plum wrap dress, one of her favorite outfits, and one she thought flattered her curves, and her light brown hair with natural hints of gold.
“I’d like you two to meet the other guests,” Edna continued. “Our first prize winner. Barbara Frynell and her sister Donna. They’ll be in the King suite.” She gestured to the plump, cushioned sofa. Two women in their fifties looked up from their brochures.
“Hello, I’m Donna.” Attractive, with discreet make-up and short, layered brown hair, she smiled at them.
“And I’m Barbara,” the other woman said pleasantly. She shared some of her sister’s features, but her cinnamon hair was cut into a feathered bob.
After Lauren and Mitch introduced themselves, Edna said, “I need you two ladies to sign the guest register.”
“Of course.” Barbara rose and walked across to the reception desk.
Edna looked expectantly at Donna. After a moment, Donna got up and joined her sister.
“It was nice meeting both of you,” Mitch said politely. “Perhaps we’ll see you later.”
“Where are you two going for dinner?” Edna asked, switching her gaze from Donna picking up a pen to Lauren and Mitch.
“We haven’t decided yet,” Mitch replied.
“Don’t forget my recommendation for the Italian restaurant,” Edna told him.
“We won’t,” Mitch replied dryly.
Edna turned her attention to the sisters as Donna put down the pen. “Thank you.” She picked up the book and squinted at their entries. “Hmm. It didn’t click before. You both have the same surname, if I’m reading your handwriting correctly, Donna, because it is not very legible. If you’d been one of my students ...” she tutted, then continued, “but you’re both wearing wedding rings.” Edna’s sharp-eyed gaze zeroed in on first Donna’s hand, and then Barbara’s.
“I’m a widow,” Donna replied. “I wear my wedding ring to honor my husband.”
“But your last name is Frynell for both of you.” Edna furrowed her brow.
“We’ve always used our maiden names,” Donna told her. “Our mother was a modern thinker and so are we. Aren’t we, Barbara?”
“Yes,” Barbara replied, looking a little puzzled.
“Thank you, ladies.” Edna shut the guest book with a snap. “Let me show you to your suite. I’m sure you’ll love it.”
Lauren and Mitch nodded goodbye and headed toward the car.
“Phew.” Mitch fastened his seatbelt. “I think Edna would make a good detective.”
“I think you’re right,” Lauren agreed.
Mitch drove into the small town of Zeke’s Ridge. The weather had cooled a little but the early evening sun shone above a distant mountain.
“If the Italian place wasn’t already our favorite, I think Edna recommending it would put me off trying it,” Mitch admitted as he pulled up outside the wooden storefront. Red checkered drapes and sparkling clean windows invited people to step inside and satisfy their appetite.
“I know what you mean.” Lauren nodded.
“So ... Italian? Or would you like pizza or steak?”
“You know I love this place.” Lauren smiled at him and gestured to the entrance.
They were greeted by one of the regular wait staff and shown their favorite table in the corner. The savory aroma of herbs and tomato sauce drifting out from the kitchen tempted Lauren’s appetite.
“It’s nice to see you again,” the bubbly redhead told them as she handed them menus. Her name badge read Sam.
“We’re staying at Flower Ridge Bed and Breakfast,” Lauren told her, unable to resist. “I won a prize in their contest.”
“That’s wonderful,” Sam congratulated her.
“Actually, Edna recommended this place to us. She didn’t know that we’ve been here before,” Mitch added.
“Oh – Edna.” Sam quickly closed her mouth, as if aware she’d said something wrong.
“What is it?” Lauren asked curiously.
“Only – only that Edna came in here when she and her husband first moved to the area, and asked – demanded, really – that we give her guests special treatment.” The girl paused. “Our manager Frank wasn’t impressed.”
“Oh.” Lauren didn’t know what else to say.
“Frank just agreed with everything she said, but was fuming after she left. He said we give all our customers special treatment and that wasn’t going to change.”
“Your service has always been excellent,” Mitch noted.
“And the food is amazing,” Lauren added.
“Thanks, guys.” Sam looked pleased. “I’ll make sure to let Frank know, too.”
“At least I’m not the only one Edna rubs the wrong way.” Mitch closed his menu with a snap.
“But our room – suite – is so beautiful.” Lauren held out her hand. “And I used the lavender shower gel – it has such a nice scent – see?”
He smiled, inhaling quietly. “I noticed when we left the room.” His dark brown gaze encompassed her, making Lauren feel warm all over.
“Although Edna might be rubbing people the wrong way, she seems to know what guests want in a B&B.”
“I suppose.” Mitch nodded. “Apart from constantly interrupting them in their room.”
“Good point,” she conceded.
Their entrees arrived, mushroom risotto for Lauren, and lasagna for Mitch, and as they ate, they talked about their plans for the following week, making a date for dinner on Wednesday, when they would be back in Gold Leaf Valley.
For dessert they ordered the tiramisu, a dessert that Lauren loved. She savored the textures and flavors of soft coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cream, mascarpone, and cocoa.
After coffee, Mitch paid the bill and they returned to the B&B, the night sky a dusky blue-black.
“Maybe Edna and Harry are watching a movie right now,” he said optimistically as he opened her car door. “So they won’t be lurking at the front door, ready to pounce on us as soon as we enter.”
“You mean just Edna, don’t you?” Lauren teased. “Because I don’t think Harry could pounce on anyone. He seems a nice man.”
“I guess we’re about to find out.” Mitch opened the front door.
Lauren hesitated, wondering for a second if Edna was going to greet them with a “Yoo hoo,” but everything seemed quiet. The lights on the foyer chandelier were on but apart from that the place was deserted.
“Let’s make a run for it.” Mitch took her hand.
“Hi, folks.” Harry appeared from a discreet inner door at one end of the foyer.
Lauren started, her heart racing at the surprise appearance.
“Hi,” Mitch said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Have you seen Edna?” Harry asked them. “She was going to check on something, but that was a while ago.”
“No, we’ve just come back from dinner,” Mitch informed him.
“Oh, of course. Sorry to disturb you.” Harry smiled. “Don’t mind me – I’m sure Edna will appear at any second.”
A scream echoed through the house. And another.
Lauren’s eyes widened.
“It seems to be coming from up there.” Mitch looked at the mahogany staircase with narrowed eyes.
“And it doesn’t sound like Edna.” Harry started up the stairs.