“Do you—do you think this will actually raise enough money for all of the repairs and restoration?” Tessa asked, afraid to feel hopeful.
Paul put down his fork and slid the other half of the roll toward Tessa. “It’ll take a lot of money to repair the whole house, but this,” he looked over his shoulder toward the patio where Anna and Eli were surrounded by people wanting baked goods, “all of this is going to help a lot.”
Tessa cut into the cinnamon roll even though she was full. “I never would have thought this was an option, receiving the town’s help.”
“Now it is. They want to help.”
She nodded. A hefty man, with a head full of wild gray hair and a full beard, pushed open the diner’s door and scanned the room. His gaze met Tessa’s, and he walked toward her. Tessa sat up straighter in her seat and watched him.
“Ms. Andrews?” the man asked in a gruff voice.
“Yes, sir.”
He held out his hand. “I’m Donald Tripper from the university. I teach a busload of college kids about civil engineering. Most of them are studying construction management. My brother lives here in town, and he called me this morning about a rehab project you’re working on. He thought it might be a good hands-on experience for the kids. It would give them experience with a different sort of build, and it’d give you free labor from a good many talented workers. I wouldn’t offer this if I didn’t think they’d do a stand-up job.”
Tessa looked over at Paul for direction. He nodded his head. Then he held out his hand toward Mr. Tripper.
“I’m Paul Borelli, the architect on the Honeysuckle Hollow rehab. I’d be glad to talk you through the plans and let you decide if you think the students would benefit from assisting with renovations. I know we could use the help, and we appreciate your offer. If you have a few minutes, we could step outside and talk.”
“Sure, sure,” Mr. Tripper said. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Andrews.”
Tessa stacked their empty plates and stepped into the kitchen to hug Cecilia and Harry. She thanked them for their over-the-top generosity. Then she slipped outside to talk with Anna and Eli.
“I can’t thank you both enough,” Tessa said.
Eli grabbed a chocolate cake and traded it for a twenty dollar bill. Then he smiled at Tessa. “This was all Anna’s idea, but as usual, it was a good one.”
Anna slipped her arm over Tessa’s shoulders. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you so passionate about a decision. We’re here to support you and help you in any way we can. Every little bit will help, right?”
Tessa leaned her head against Anna’s shoulder. “I really appreciate it.”
“It’s nice to be back in Mystic Water, baking for the town. I’ve seen folks I haven’t seen in two years. We’re going to run out of food soon, and at least half the people want to know if I’m going to be here again tomorrow.”
Tessa shook her head. “No, you and Eli enjoy yourselves while you’re here. I don’t want you slaving away on your days off. You’ve done enough.”
“Slaving away?” Eli laughed. “This is Anna’s thing. Put her in a kitchen with the essentials, and she’s as happy as a pig in the mud.”
“Should I be offended that you compared me to a pig?” Anna asked, poking Eli in the ribs.
“At least take your money for supplies out of the profits,” Tessa said.
Anna shrugged. “I’ll think about it. Besides, we have ulterior motives. We want to be married at Honeysuckle Hollow, and we figure you’ll rent it to us for free, so we’re just paying our dues now.”
Tessa grinned. “Sneaky.”
Anna handed Tessa a chocolate-covered Oreo. “Lily has been accepting gently used clothing all morning at her shop,” Anna said. “The town has been donating their clothes in hordes, and Lily’s putting the sales of the merchandise into a special Honeysuckle Hollow fund. You should see the spot she has set up near the front for the clothes, and you wouldn’t believe how many people have flocked there already. Plus, it’s pulling people into Lily’s shop who might not have been in there yet, and she’s making crazy sales on her merchandise too. It’s a win-win.”
Tessa bit into the Oreo and smiled around the crumbling cookie. “This is too much.”
Anna reached out and touched Tessa’s arm. “This is just what you needed, what everyone needed. Look how happy the town is. It’s like Honeysuckle Hollow is bringing them all together. I had no idea the house had helped so many people, and now they’re able to help it and you.”
“Not according to my plan at all,” she said, smiling as she remembered Crazy Kate’s words from the day before. “But a much better one.” She grabbed another chocolate-covered Oreo. “I’m going to stop by and see Lily. Thank you, again.”
Anna made a shooing motion with her hand. “I’ll get you back during the wedding. Take Lily a box of peanut butter truffles. She’ll pout otherwise.”
At least two dozen people crowded around racks and shelves of clothing in Lily’s boutique. Tessa squeezed herself through the bodies and found Lily dancing around the clothing racks, passing clothes to shoppers and pointing them toward the perfect items for them. Lily had a way of knowing exactly what would fit and flatter each body. She barely had time to chat with Tessa, and she waved off Tessa’s thanks, saying she loved helping out in a way that was particular to her. Lily did pause long enough to take the offered box of treats and give Tessa a hug.
“I’ll call you tonight,” Lily said as she gave Tessa a loving shove toward the door.
Tessa stepped out onto the sidewalk and noticed a hand-written poster board taped to the front window of the Cavellis’ deli across the street. The sign read “Today’s Proceeds Support Honeysuckle Hollow’s Rebuild!”
Sunlight streamed down, and the globes on the streetlights sparkled like prisms. People flittered up and down Main Street, and Tessa felt overwhelming gratitude as it expanded in her chest like a bubble. She crossed the street toward the deli just as the town veterinarian, Dr. Jenni Ingles, rounded the corner, walking five dogs at once. One thick leash sprouted five leashes halfway down, and the dogs—all of varying sizes—bumped into one another as they jostled down the sidewalk like a sled dog team.
The door to the deli pushed open, and Emma Chase, the town’s assistant librarian, stepped out with an armful of to-go bags. “Whoa,” she said as the dogs wagged their tails and headed straight for her. She smiled at the veterinarian. “Looks like a furry Hydra.”
Jenni smiled and struggled to slow the dogs’ forward motion. “Lunch break,” she said as she hurried past. “Had breakfast at the deli to support the house, Tessa. I look forward to seeing it rehabbed. Good to see you both.”
Emma noticed Tessa standing on the sidewalk. “Hey, Tessa,” she said as she lifted the bags, “Morty and I just supported the rebuild too. I love old houses. Does yours have a library?”
“Thanks for the support,” Tessa said as she tossed her thumb over her shoulder. “I can’t believe how much the house is receiving. I’m stunned. The house does have somewhat of a library, in the living room. Lots of built-ins.”
Emma nodded. “A house with books is a house that can be trusted.” She smiled. “Morty probably hasn’t seen you to tell you, but he heard about Honeysuckle Hollow this morning at breakfast, and he said his parents stayed there for a couple of weeks when he was a baby, and Dr. Hamilton took them right in, even though they were different. But Mystic Water has the habit of attracting odd birds, don’t you think? Anyway, Morty started a book drive at the library. He’s put out the word that people can drop off books, and then we’ll price them and resale them for deals all day long, and all the money is going to Honeysuckle Hollow. You wouldn’t believe all the people there with boxes of books. It’s been so busy we haven’t even been able to stop for lunch, hence the mandatory food run.”
Tessa’s mouth dropped open, and she shook her head. “Wow. Thank you, Emma. Tell Morty thanks too. The whole town—I just—how will I ever thank them e
nough? I would have thought most people would say, ‘It’s just a house.’”
“Nah, it’s more than a house, from what I’ve heard. It’s been a home for a lot of people. I should get going. Good luck with everything. Morty will be in touch.” Emma hurried down the sidewalk toward the library a few blocks away.
“It’s too much,” Tessa said to no one. “The diner, the deli, the boutique, the library, the college kids, the town…”
“Better not be caught talking to yourself too often. You might replace me as the town crazy.”
Tessa turned around to see Crazy Kate standing behind her, grinning and carrying a canvas bag on her shoulder. Tessa chuckled.
“Can you believe all of this?” Tessa asked. “Have you seen what everyone is doing?”
Crazy Kate nodded. “Matthias was a good man—the best. I wish he were here to see how the house has brought everyone together. Like ripples that start from a tiny pebble dropped into water, for decades Honeysuckle Hollow has touched so many. More people than we ever imagined. See what one kindness shown can do.” She spread her arms wide. “It can change an entire town.” The sunlight shined on her tanned skin and reflected in her watery eyes. She closed her eyes, inhaled, and smiled.
“How can I ever repay the town for all the money?” Tessa asked.
Crazy Kate opened her eyes. “It’s not about the money to them. The house loves this town as much as they love it.” Crazy Kate adjusted the bag on her shoulder. “Give it to them.”
“Give what to them?”
“Honeysuckle Hollow. Give Honeysuckle Hollow the town by letting it help them when they are in need. Let them continue to love it, like Matthias did.”
Tessa inhaled and leaned against a streetlight. Rainbow light sparkled on the sidewalk at their feet. Give the town Honeysuckle Hollow? She nodded slowly as the realization of what she needed to do sunk in.
“I’ll be homeless again,” Tessa said.
One corner of Crazy Kate’s mouth rose, causing an expression of mischief to fill her face. “I know a place where you can stay until you find a place of your own.” Crazy Kate glanced behind her at two adults—a man and a woman—who stood talking with a couple. A young woman, raven-haired and with caramel-colored skin, stood off from them, staring toward the park at the end of the street. When she turned her face toward them, Tessa was struck by how much she looked like Crazy Kate but fifty years younger, with her dark, mysterious eyes and solemn gaze. “My family would like to see the house when it’s all done.”
“Your…family?” Tessa nodded toward the man and woman.
“My son and daughter,” Crazy Kate answered. “My granddaughter Leilah. But there are others.”
Tessa smiled and embraced Crazy Kate before she could stop herself. Crazy Kate stiffened in Tessa’s arms, and then she relaxed and laughed.
“Of course,” Tessa said when she let go. “Anytime. I wouldn’t have this house if it weren’t for you.”
Crazy Kate made a scoffing noise in her throat. “This was your path, even when you refused.”
Tessa nodded. Paul crossed the street and slipped his arm around Tessa’s shoulders. He nodded at Crazy Kate.
“Mrs. Muir,” he said, “can I steal Tessa away for a minute?”
Crazy Kate shifted the bag to her other shoulder. “We’re going to the library for the sale. I have a bag full of books to give away.” She walked down the sidewalk toward her children and granddaughter.
“She’s here with her kids,” Tessa said to Paul. “She’s not alone.”
“Neither are you,” he said.
Paul pulled Tessa across the street to meet with people who were offering their services for the reconstruction. In between meeting people and discussing the house, Tessa told Paul about her plan to give Honeysuckle Hollow back to the town instead of living in it herself, and he’d hugged her so tightly that her laughter had released as gasps of air. They spent the rest of the day wandering around town talking with people, thanking nearly everyone they saw, and making plans for how they would begin anew on Honeysuckle Hollow.
After the sun set and stretched burnt orange sunbeams across the apartment’s floor, Tessa dropped onto the couch beside Paul. She leaned her head against the couch cushion. “I’m so exhausted I’m not sure I can move again even if I need to.”
Paul dug folded papers and receipts out of his pocket and leaned forward to drop them on the coffee table. “A lot of money was donated today. More than I could have hoped for.” His fingers wrapped around an object on the coffee table, and when he sagged against the couch cushions again, a red, heart-shaped pushpin sat on his palm. He stared down at it, and Tessa pressed her lips together. Paul pulled the speared mint leaf off the metal point.
“Do you think we’ll have enough money,” she asked, “to rehab the whole house?”
“There’s a lot to do,” he said, rolling the pushpin between his fingers. “And it’ll be a long haul for the rehab. The money will go a long way, but not all the way. Don’t worry, though. We’ll get it done. Eventually.” He looked at her and grinned before leaning over and kissing her. “Just don’t quit your day job and I won’t sell the hammer.”
Paul stood and walked over to the wall map. He stood staring at the expanse of oceans and continents and patted the mint plant, causing its long tendrils to dance. Then he pushed the heart-shaped pin into the map and turned, showing Tessa where he’d pinned his heart. In Mystic Water.
Epilogue
A cool, red October sun peeked over the horizon as Tessa drove toward Honeysuckle Hollow. The changing leaves on the dogwoods, maples, and sycamores looked as though they were afire, leading the way down Dogwood Lane with Braeburn apple reds, honey yellows, and marmalade oranges.
Tessa parked in the garage and unpacked the few bags she’d brought with her. She slung them over her shoulder and closed the car door with her hip.
“Good morning.”
Tessa jumped and spun around. Crazy Kate stood behind her on the driveway.
With her hand pressed to her heart, Tessa said, “You scared me half to death. What are you doing here so early? The wedding doesn’t start for hours.”
Crazy Kate gripped a long wooden stick. “I need to situate my wedding gift before everyone else arrives. It’s best to work at sunrise when the world is still quiet.”
Tessa eyed the stick. “Is that the spear?”
Crazy Kate nodded. “It’s time I put it back.”
“Austen—Mr. Blackstone—called again for the umpteenth time. He still wants me to reconsider my decision about the spear and let him display it in a museum, locked in a glass case with one of those fancy nameplates.”
Crazy Kate harrumphed. “What did you say?”
“I told him the spear is right where it belongs.”
“It will be in a few minutes,” Crazy Kate said.
“Let me put down these bags, and I’ll help you.”
Crazy Kate entered the garage and grabbed a shovel. “You go about your business. I’ll come inside when I’m finished.”
Tessa frowned. “It would be better if I dug the hole for you because—”
“Because I’m too old?” Crazy Kate chuckled and walked out of the garage. She spoke to Tessa over her shoulder. “There’s still some pep left in these old bones. You’ve got other tasks to do.”
“No arguments from me.”
Tessa unlocked the house and stepped inside. The scent of honeysuckle and roses filled the air. Tessa dropped her bags on the kitchen counter and wandered through the house in silent amazement. The florists and the decorators had finished adorning Honeysuckle Hollow with pastel-hued ribbons, delicate lace, and crystals that would catch the light like dewdrops. Floral arrangements of ivy, magnolia blooms, and white lilies with pink centers draped around open doorways. Twists of twine, greenery, white hydrangea blooms, and ivory roses wrapped up the staircase banister and pooled around the bottom of the newel base.
She walked to the French doors leading to t
he backyard. The gardeners, Porter and Sylvia Potts, and Crazy Kate had planted fall blooming plants in the garden specifically for this event, and now the garden was in full bloom with asters, mums, Joe Pye weed, heliopsis, and coneflowers. A small gazebo had been erected beneath the scarred oak tree, and a garland of soft pink roses, greenery, and more crystals dangled in the early morning sunlight. White, wooden folding chairs were arranged in rows on both sides of an aisle.
An arching bridge had been built over the lazy river, and Paul had carefully restocked and renamed every koi he’d added to the Honeysuckle Hollow family. Huck Finn had been brought back home, and now he was joined by an array of characters—Sherlock, Anne Shirley, Marshal Boone Crowe, Bilbo, Aslan, Pippi Longstocking, Harry Potter, and Hermione. They swam up and down the river, streaks of flaming orange and white, periodically lifting their mouths to the surface in the hopes of fresh food.
Tessa sighed happily and then unpacked her bags, laying out the lists she’d created to keep track of every part of the wedding—the caterers, the wedding planner, the guests, the wedding attendants, the music, and the drivers who would shuttle people from a local church parking lot to Honeysuckle Hollow.
Within hours of the sunrise, the house filled with a flurry of people. The wedding planner, Jessi Reed, had lists of her own, and she kept all parts of the wedding moving like an oiled machine. Anna had specifically hired one of her friends from college, Ali Kendrick, who was a master baker. After ten a.m., Ali brought in the wedding cake and assembled the four-tiered, ivory creation with sugar paste daisies flowing down the sides. As Ali and her catering team unpacked dozens of sweets and filled platters with their creations, the air smelled like a sugarcoated dream. The cellist, violinist, and harpist set up in the backyard and tuned their instruments. The wind carried their sounds down the street and into town, drawing people to them like fairy music.
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