[Madrona Island 04.0] Madrona Island B&B

by Andrea Hurst

  “Cocoa sounds wonderful, thank you.” Lily leaned back into the cushioned seat, savoring this place of refuge. There were only a few other patrons in the dining room: a man reading the local paper and nursing a mug of coffee, and a couple quietly talking over a bottle of wine. Plants, old photos, and bold oil paintings lined the oak walls. Jude approached with a cup of cocoa topped with a decadent mound of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The fragrant steam curled up from the cup in a tantalizing fashion.

  “Here you go, should take the chill right out. Are you ready to order?”

  Lily scanned the menu. “What would you suggest?”

  She beamed at Lily. “Well, being the owner and all, I think everything’s spectacular. But let me suggest our special today, homemade potato cheese soup, and a Dungeness crab melt.”

  Lily’s mouth watered. This was a far cry from the chic LA cafés with the small-portioned, no carbs, no fat specials. “That will work!”

  “Good choice,” Jude said. “I’ll have your lunch for you in a jiff.”

  Old 80s soft rock played in the background, and a fire sparked and smoked behind the glass door of the wood stove. The heavy weight sitting on her shoulders began to dissolve. She leaned back and enjoyed the next few songs as she savored her hot chocolate. She’d made it here, and not even Brad had gotten in her way. She should just stay in this café forever.

  Jude bustled over to her table with a gracious smile and placed the tasty lunch before her. “Just let me know if I can get you anything else. Okay?”

  Lily shook her head no. Already stuffing the fragrant sandwich into her mouth, all she managed to get out was a muffled “thanks.” Pure comfort food, just what she needed right now. And the owner seemed friendly. The house was only ten minutes away, at most; she could make this a regular spot in her new routine. Although, with all these carbs, she couldn’t come too often or her new life would also require a new wardrobe.

  She was just laying down the fork when Jude approached the table with a dessert menu. Lily looked up and felt instantly comfortable in the warm rays of Jude’s smile.

  “Save room for dessert today? Our fresh-baked, square-shaped chocolate chip cookies?” Jude asked.

  “I don’t think I could take one more bite, but I will take one of those cookies to go.”

  “Only one?”

  Lily considered the ice cream store again but decided it could wait for a warmer day. “I’ll take two. Do you have them every day?”

  Jude pulled out her business card. “Our hours are on the back. Hope to have the cookies every day, but I’m afraid I’m not the best baker and our chef is due to have a baby in a few months.”

  Lily extended her hand and shook Jude’s hand. “My name is Lily, and I guess you could say I’ll be living here for a while. Your place is my first stop before I head over to Madrona Island Bed and Breakfast.”

  “Madrona Island?” Jude said. “Why, they’ve been closed for a few months now.”

  “I know, I heard. My Grandmother Margaret Parkins used to own it, and now I suppose, it’s mine. I haven’t seen the place since I was about nine years old.”

  Jude’s eyes lit up. “You’re Maggie’s granddaughter? Why, she talked so much about you. I know she would be real pleased to know you’re going to be taking over.”

  “Oh no, I’m not taking it over, I’ve just come to stay for a while. Actually, I’m really not sure how long I’ll be anywhere right now, and I just…” Lily could feel her throat tightening and tears threatening. Why was she telling this perfect stranger so much about her life?

  Jude gave her a hug and reassuring pat on the back. “Well, you’re home now, and a lot of people will be looking forward to meeting you.”

  “Home,” Lily murmured. “Thank you.”

  “You just let me know if you need anything…promise?” Jude said heading over to the counter to bag up a few cookies.

  “I may just take you up on that offer,” Lily said.

  Jude returned with a bag of cookies and placed them on the table. “A small housewarming treat for you, on me.”

  “You don’t have to…”

  “I want to,” Jude said.

  Lily took out her debit card and paid the bill at the bar.

  “Don’t be afraid to drop in on your neighbors, Betty and Shirley. Those ladies would be more than happy to come by and help you with whatever you need.”

  “Ok. Great place, great food, I’ll be back.”

  Jude walked with Lily to the door. “I sure miss selling your Grandma’s baked goods in the cafe, especially those addictive brownies. They had quite a following.”

  “I remember them from when I was a little girl. I hope I can find the recipe.”

  “Well, let me know. Be seeing you soon.”

  Lily’s heart felt as full as her stomach.

  The sky showed signs of clearing as Lily wove her way out of town to the main island road. She followed her highlighted map and made the left turn on Sunshine Lane. Interesting name. There sure isn’t much of that right now. The road narrowed and veered right toward the water, passing a dormant apple orchard. Fields of wild grasses in hues of browns and reds lined the sloping hill on the other side. As she made the final turn, the muddy road swept down, offering a picturesque view of the yellow and white Victorian farmhouse nestled among the gently inclining acres that finally touched into the blue-green waters of the Puget Sound.

  The wheels of the car splashed through the puddles in the driveway and slowed to rest at the log barrier. She was here. It felt more like being in a dream, some surreal experience. Once out of the car, she watched as the sun broke through the dense clouds in long, thin rays, spraying a silver and gold reflection over the water. The house picked up the beautiful yet eerie glow emanating off the Sound, and the pale yellow paint took on a quality of spun gold. The cedar trees surrounding the pond whistled in the wind, and a flock of birds took noisily to the sky.

  She could only stare and wrap her arms about the bulky rain jacket her mother had given her. This magical place had always been her refuge as a child, a place she now hoped would help her find what her heart desired. The sun was dipping below the barely visible peaks of the Olympic Mountains, tinting the sky with vivid shades of orange. It would be dark soon, and yet the idea of going into that house alone almost had her turning back to town. Opening her purse, she pulled out the envelope Grandma’s lawyer had sent with the will, and removed the key. The letter spoke of a caretaker, Mary, who had been keeping the house clean and watching over everything these past few months.

  She opened the hatchback of the Honda and grabbed some of her things. The rest could wait until the morning. The wraparound porch was exactly the same. The wind rustled the old porch swing, and its familiar creak brought memories of sipping cold lemonade on a warm summer afternoon and watching breathtaking sunsets at dusk. As Lily walked up the wooden steps, memories whirled—laughter mingled with shouting arguments, being ripped away by her mother from this favorite place.

  She leaned over the railing, remembering to breathe deep and relax. Ghosts and bad memories. Maybe she’d made a mistake coming here. The ocean’s salty scent moved on the breeze, accompanied by squawking seagulls. For just a flash of a moment, she could see herself in the yard with her grandmother, holding the crusts of bread up for the birds to swoop down and pluck from her fingers.

  She turned toward the door. Panic caught in her chest, and the tears she thought were cried out threatened another appearance. “Lily, get it together. You can do this. Now go inside.”

  The soothing smell of old wood and lilac greeted Lily as she pushed open the thick oak door. Her eyes lingered fondly over her favorite room, the parlor. Her grandmother’s loving presence was everywhere. With a rush of enthusiasm, she laid down her belongings and started to inspect the rooms of her new home. Her new home. Everything was still the same as she remembered: antique sofa and loveseat, oval mahogany table and matching china cabinet. Balancing on a lower shelf,
the old white ceramic horse still stood proudly, peeking through the glass doors. The oil painting over the fireplace, with its bright rose and yellow hues, warmed the room. She gingerly touched each picture, vase and figurine. She could almost hear Grandmother Maggie calling. “Lily, my little pony, come inside. I’ve baked cookies and they’re getting cold.” She could smell that sweet, warm chocolate even now.

  The kitchen was grander than she remembered. The last flicker of sunlight streamed through the large west windows, encouraging the dormant herbs in the clay pots on the sill to blossom. The counters had been retiled in white with a kelly-green trim. There were copper faucets, and pots and pans hanging on an oval rack over the huge six-burner stove made of chrome and pale yellow ceramic. On the shelves were glass mason jars filled with beans, grains, teas, and even miniature rosebuds. Bouquets of dried rosemary, garlic, and lavender hung like trophies of the past spring’s garden harvest. Along the tops of the white cabinets was an assorted collection of rose-patterned China teapots.

  This kitchen was a place she could cook and bake in a way she had always dreamed of. It was ready for a loving touch and a master’s hand. She remembered Jude’s words about missing Grandma Maggie’s baked goods. She could bring Jude some samples of her own muffins and cookies to sell at the café. A smile spread across her face. She was a master chef, at least she was confident of that. That was one thing she could thank Brad for. Her cooking had to be the best to impress his business contacts, so he had sent her to the finest schools and been a merciless taskmaster. Her smile vanished at the thought of his name. Not here, not now, I will not let thoughts of him ruin this moment.

  She retrieved her suitcase and contemplated the steep staircase leading up to the bedrooms, and was half tempted to just curl up on the sofa for the night. But a warm bed sounded well worth the climb. At the top, she dropped the suitcases on the landing and wandered down the hall to choose a bedroom.

  The room that had once been her grandmother’s was at the corner of the house, and that was where she would sleep tonight. Its dormer window had always been a favorite place to play. Her old room was just past it, but she’d always felt so safe and happy in her grandma’s room. She entered and noticed immediately that the room had been redone in a rose décor. Many of the old items were still in place, as if her grandmother would suddenly walk out from the bathroom and say, “Why, Lily, how good to see you after so long.” To her dismay, the old poster bed was gone.

  The room was now furnished with an ornate, queen-size brass bed and a lovely antique, marble-topped dresser. Lace curtains framed the magnificent picture window with a breathtaking water view. The wood floors glistened, covered here and there by pale rose-patterned antique rugs. Lily sat down in the rocking chair situated in a corner and rocked back and forth in a lulling fashion. Although it looked a bit different now, it still held her loving presence. She remembered snuggling in bed with her grandmother and listening to the wonderful stories Maggie would make up just for her.

  All those years they’d been apart, and now here she was…alone. No one was here for her, but Brad sure as heck wasn’t alone tonight. She kicked off her shoes and fell face down onto the bed, burying her head in the pillows. The tears came hard. She cried for the lost years and dreams, her fading youth, and ending marriage. Then she climbed under the warm quilt in the brass bed and blessedly fell into a deep sleep.

  Continue the story with the rest of The Guestbook on Amazon!

  Recipes

  Madrona Island Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

  Courtesy of Jim Dunn

  This recipe upgrades all the ingredients, the bread and the custard in a bread pudding. It makes a rich, memorable treat, just as you’d hope to be served if you were staying at a luxurious Inn. For the cinnamon rolls, the ideal selection would be a well-made, rich yeasted cinnamon roll from your favorite bakery. Day old is fine. Raisins or nuts work fine too. If the rolls are frosted, just use them frosting and all. Approximately three large rolls.

  9x13 inch baking pan, buttered

  350 F degree oven, pre-heated

  Preparation time: 30 minutes

  Baking time: 60 minutes

  INGREDIENTS

  3 large day old cinnamon rolls

  4 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for buttering the baking pan

  8 eggs, beaten

  4 cups of half and half

  1 1/2 cups white sugar

  2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  1 cup raisins, Craisins, or other dried fruit (optional)

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter the baking pan.

  Break the rolls into small pieces and fill the 9x13 inch square baking pan about 3/4 full. Drizzle melted butter over rolls. If desired, sprinkle with raisins.

  In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

  Beat until well mixed. Pour over the rolls, and lightly push down with a fork until the rolls are covered and soaking up the egg mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes.

  Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly tapped.

  Dungeness Crab Macaroni & Cheese

  Serves: 4

  Preparation Time: About 1 hour

  INGREDIENTS

  1 tsp. sea salt, plus more for seasoning

  ½ pound small elbow macaroni

  1 ½ cups half and half

  ½ cup sour cream

  2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

  2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing baking dishes

  1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, imported or domestic

  1 cup grated medium Cheddar cheese, domestic

  1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  8-10 oz. chopped, steamed crabmeat, fresh or canned

  1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed

  ½ cup breadcrumbs

  2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, bake on the middle shelf.

  Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water with 1 tsp. sea salt, according to the directions on the manufacturer’s package. Drain well, set aside.

  Heat the half and half over low heat in a small saucepan. In a large pot over medium low heat, melt butter. Once butter has completely melted, then add the flour and cook over low heat stirring with a whisk for one to two minutes. Add the warm half and half and cook for a minute or two more, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

  Remove the sauce from heat and add the sour cream, Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses, pepper, and salt to taste. Add the cooked pasta and crabmeat and stir well.

  Butter the rims of four small, oven-safe dishes. Divide the crab macaroni into four portions and fill the buttered dishes. Top with breadcrumbs, parsley, and rosemary sprinkled over the top evenly.

  Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Sauce should be bubbling and browned on the top.

  About The Author

  When not writing, visiting local farmer’s markets, or indulging her love for dark chocolate, Andrea enjoys working with other authors as a developmental editor and workshop leader. Her passion for books drives her to write stories that take readers on a journey to another place and leave them with an unforgettable impression. She lives with her mischievous kitten, Mowgli, in the Pacific Northwest, on an island much like the fictional Madrona, with all of its natural beauty and small town charm.

  Her published books include the Amazon bestseller, The Guestbook, Tea & Comfort, and Island Thyme Café. Her other publications are Always with You, The Lazy Dog’s Guide to Enlightenment and Everybody’s Natural Foods Cookbook, and she co-authored A Book of Miracles: Inspiring True Stories of Healing, Gratitude, and Love with Dr. Bernie Siegel.

  To be alerted of upcoming new releases and receive contest and giveaway notifications, please follow her on Facebook where she s
hares beautiful pictures of the island, new recipes and, of course, photos of Mowgli. Newsletter subscribers enjoy special bonus content as well.

  Sign up for my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/biKrpH

  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andreahurst7/

  Connect With Andrea

  www.andreahurst-author.com

  author@andreahurst.com

  Acknowledgments

  Following the publication of Island Thyme Café, the third book in the trilogy, I had many people write me and say they did not want the series to end. Grandpa John has been everyone’s favorite character throughout, and Grandma Maggie’s story was never really told. So the idea to do this prequel made perfect sense, and allowed me to return once again to Madrona Island and continue the saga.

  Special thanks to: My talented editorial and marketing team, and my newly formed street team for their support and early reads of this novelette: Harriet Horowitz, Sheila Hayes Myers, Lorna, Tara, Marilyn Dummer Grable, Lisa Gilmore Hudson, Melissa Henderson, Jean Daniel, Teri Slabinski Donaldson, Cynthia St. Germain, Debbi Filhour Broderick, and Lenda Burns.

  A very special nod to my plot party gang: Audrey Mackaman, Sean Fletcher, and Rebecca Berus. And to my expert virtual assistant who keeps me organized, Geneva Agnos https://goo.gl/gCq23z, and Jim Dunn for sharing his recipe!