“But, Grady.” Both hands cupped his jaw, and she turned his face so she could look into the intense blue eyes. “I wasn’t leaving.”
A disbelieving look came over him. “But the suitcase—”
“Is for Angela, she’s spending the night with Linda, Dan, and Katy.” She laughed softly, her heart overflowing with an unrestrained happiness. “Angela’s staying with them so you and I could talk. I couldn’t bear to have things as they were between us. I had to find out what was bothering you.”
Grady’s look was tender and searching. “For a month I’ve lived with a terrible guilt, knowing I should set you free and holding on to you. For a time I tried to convince myself that I couldn’t let you go for Angela’s sake. But I was only trying to fool myself. I love you, Cathy Thompson Jones. You are my wife and will remain so all our lives.” He spoke in a tone that was almost reverent.
“And you, Grady Jones, are my husband, the man I want to share my life with, to father my children. You must promise me never, ever to hide anything like that from me again. To never doubt me or my love.”
“I promise.” The words were emitted on a husky breath just before his lips sealed the vow.
* * *
Contentedly, Cathy lay in her husband’s arms. Slowly her eyelids lowered as she suppressed a yawn. Grady’s arm curved around her possessively, and she nestled into the crook of his arm.
“Are you happy?” he questioned, and brushed his lips over her temple.
“Blessedly so.” One long fingernail drew tantalizing circles over his bare chest, tangling the curly hairs that grew in abundance there.
Grady lackadaisically ran his fingers through the long silken strands of her hair and gradually down the fragile hollow of her throat. His lips were pressed against her hair as if he couldn’t yet believe she was here with him in their bed.
“Don’t ever send me to the guest bedroom again,” she said with a sigh, turning her face so her tongue could provocatively explore his neck and throat. She paused in her examination. “The mattress is lumpy.”
Grady laughed quietly. “Never again.”
“Did you notice I moved my things back in here this afternoon?”
“No.” He raised himself up on one elbow, his gaze doing a sweeping inspection of the room.
“I wasn’t about to give up on us, Grady. Not when I love you so much.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever noticed how talkative you are,” he murmured, smoothing the hair away from the sides of her face. A moan of anticipation came deep from within him as he lowered his mouth to hers, crushing her body with his.
Immediately, Cathy was aware of his need and answered with her own, wrapping her arms around him. A long time passed before either of them spoke again.
“Grady,” she whispered, loving the feel of his hands as they cupped her breasts. “I’m going to have a baby.”
The room became instantly silent; even Grady’s breathing seemed to have stopped.
“A baby,” he repeated incredulously.
The silence grew and grew.
“How?”
“How?” She laughed and pressed her lips to the pulse hammering wildly at the base of his neck. “Would you like me to show you … how?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do?” she teased.
“A baby,” he murmured huskily. “Why didn’t you say something before? You should never have kept this from me.” He took in a huge, wondrous breath. “I guessed as much when Angela said something about being a big sister not long ago; I even asked you. But you denied it.”
“Grady,” Cathy attempted to explain, but his arms closed around her fiercely, and she asked, “Are you pleased?”
“Oh yes, very pleased. When are you due?”
Laughter bubbled from her throat. “In about nine months, give or take a week.”
“Nine months?” he shot back with a chuckle. “Should we start now?”
The sharp trill of the phone broke into the conversation. Instantly, Cathy sat up in the bed, pulling the sheet over her naked breasts. “Angela,” she said in alarm. “I didn’t take her the suitcase.”
A half-hour later, Grady and Cathy had dressed and were on their way out the back door. Grady carried the large suitcase in one hand and slipped the other arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her close to his side.
“I’ve been thinking I’d like you to teach me to fly,” she said, a tremulous smile lighting up her face.
Grady’s look was tender as his gaze rested on her. “Want to learn to soar to unknown heights, is that it?”
Cathy laughed, leaning against the quiet strength of this man she loved. “When I’m with you, Grady Jones, who needs a plane?”
The World of Debbie Macomber
Welcome to Rose Harbor Inn
About the Inn
Dining at Rose Harbor Inn
From the Guestbook
About Your Innkeeper
The Newcomers Guide to Cedar Cove
About Cedar Cove
Around Town
Neighbors
Starting Now
Overview
Character Guide
Blossom Street Brides
Overview
Character Guide
Reading Group Guide
Questions for Discussion
Angels at the Table
Overview
Character Guide
Questions for Discussion
Christmas Cards
A Review of Heavenly Delights
Overview
Character Guide
Questions for Discussion
Christmas Emails
Welcome to Rose Harbor Inn
Dear Guest:
I’m thrilled that your travels have brought you to Cedar Cove so I can welcome you to Rose Harbor Inn!
Here is some information to help you make the most of your stay, be it short or long. And since I’m still getting the hang of all this, I do hope you’ll let me know if there is anything I can do differently or better to help make you more comfortable.
About the Inn
The first time I saw this breathtaking property, I fell in love and knew I’d found the new home of my dreams. Maybe it’s had the same effect on you.
The house itself was built in the early 1900s and was once owned by a prominent banking family in Cedar Cove before falling into a sad state of repair. A lovely couple, Sandy and John Frelinger, saw its potential as an inn and returned it to its former glory. Though I’ve added many of my own touches, the Frelingers deserve credit for rescuing this grand old house.
Once you’ve checked in and have the key to one of our eight guest rooms, you’ll probably want to unpack and unwind. Or maybe take in the breathtaking view from the wraparound porch. Feel free to stroll the grounds as well—but please forgive where the yard is torn up in spots. I’m planning to add a garden of antique roses with an arched entry, stone pathway, and maybe even a gazebo. It’s a special project of mine, and one I’ve had planned since opening the inn. But it’s still under construction.
Since your room key also opens the front door, please feel free to come and go as you please. I don’t impose a fee for an early departure. I’ll be delighted if that’s one amenity you won’t find necessary.
Once you’ve settled in, please don’t hesitate for a second to find me if you need something or even just want to chat. If I’m not around, I’m likely on a quick errand down Harbor Street and will be back shortly. Perhaps I’m just down at the bakery for some sweet rolls, hot from the oven. Speaking of …
Dining at Rose Harbor Inn
My friend and fellow innkeeper Peggy Beldon warned me, rather bluntly, that running a bed-and-breakfast can be hard on the waistline. So I try not to sample too much of my own cooking and baking. Please indulge me in a little vicarious living through you!
I usually have breakfast ready and on the downstairs dining-room table at around eight o’clock. Even if you may think you�
��d like to sleep late, the aroma of baking often has a rousing effect. I always have piping hot coffee or, if you prefer, a selection of teas.
Guests often rave about my cheesy breakfast casserole. I served it to my very first visitors, along with fruit, homemade muffins, fried bacon, orange juice, and steel-cut oatmeal. The typical buffet is usually a variation of that menu. But you can always count on cooked-to-order eggs and a variety of home-baked treats.
As is often true of inns like Rose Harbor, many guests have gotten to know one another and even found new friends at the breakfast table. I hope you’ll have the same experience if that’s what you seek.
I make it a point to have refreshments available—a chocolate chip cookie (or three!) or a carrot-and-pineapple muffin—if you’re peckish in the afternoon. Closer to evening, you might find a plate of cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine, likely a malbec or merlot.
If a craving strikes, please let me know if there’s anything I can get you and I’ll do my best to accommodate. One of our guests recently enjoyed noodles from her favorite restaurant … all the way from Seattle!
From the Guestbook
Ask anyone who runs an inn and they’ll tell you that the most effective and economical form of advertising is word of mouth. As you’ve likely gleaned, I think Rose Harbor Inn is a special place. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a selection of recent entries from my guestbook, including from Josh and Abby, my very first guests.
“I was in town to take care of some family business. From the moment I stepped into Jo Marie’s inn, I felt welcome. The fireplace was lit, and I still remember the smell of fresh bread the instant I stepped through the door. The Rose Harbor Inn, along with reuniting with an old friend, helped ease the stress of my visit. I’m sure I’ll return. And not just because Jo Marie makes the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever eaten!”—Josh Weaver
“Jo Marie is the best! I left Cedar Cove a long time ago. A lot of stuff has changed around here.… I think mostly for the better. The people are amazing, and Jo Marie is a great addition to the town. I’m happy to be going back home to Florida with good memories of my stay. Thanks, Jo Marie! I’ll keep in touch for sure.”—Abby Kincaid
“Hi, Jo Marie! I wanted to say thank you for everything. My grandparents’ fiftieth-anniversary party was a huge success—I hope you’ll forgive us for making a bit of a scene. We couldn’t have found a better place to stay, and I’m looking forward to coming back … maybe when my grandparents celebrate their seventy-fifth anniversary. Or you never know, you might hear from me before that.”—Annie Newton
“Oh, Jo Marie, I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful stay at your beautiful inn. Kent and I had an even better time than we expected at our anniversary celebration. And renewing our vows on the waterfront made me feel as young as when Kent proposed there. You opened your home and your heart to us, and I’m so grateful our granddaughter Annie found your lovely inn. After our chat with you on the porch, I’ll keep you in my thoughts. Thanks for all you did to help make our return to Cedar Cove a magical experience. We’re eternally grateful.”—Julie Shivers
“Thanks for everything, Jo Marie. Especially the butter and bacon. And we got engaged at the movie theater, not the waterfront.”—Kent Shivers
“Please ignore Kent, Jo Marie. I tried to get him to erase what he wrote above. But it was in pen.”—Julie Shivers
“Jo Marie, you’re a real pro. Are you sure you’re new to innkeeping? You made our stay comfortable and memorable. Thanks again for being so flexible and saving a room on the ground floor for the Shivers. I’m off to the South Pacific soon.… I’m sure I won’t stay anywhere as amazing as your inn.”—Oliver Sutton
“I honestly thought I was going to regret staying at a bed-and-breakfast. But Jo Marie was so gracious and respectful of my privacy. She made me feel welcome and comfortable, going above and beyond to do so. Even something as simple as my favorite candy bar meant so much. Jo Marie, whether I’m home in New York or even back in Seattle, I’ll always be thankful for my stay at your inn. In so many ways, it was the trip of a lifetime.”—Mary Smith
About Your Innkeeper
Since you won’t yet see any roses around, you might be wondering about the inn’s name. Explaining why I chose Rose Harbor Inn will also tell you a bit about me and how I found myself in Cedar Cove.
“Rose” is more than simply my last name. It’s to honor my late husband. Paul Rose and I were married for less than a year before he was killed in action in Afghanistan. “Harbor” is because this is the place where I was meant to drop anchor and take refuge from the storm that followed his death. My friends said to give myself at least a year before I made any major life decisions. But six months later, I was still incapacitated by grief, and I had to do something. After searching the entire country for a suitable place to begin the next phase of my life, imagine my surprise when I found what I was looking for in my own backyard.
Buying the inn just made sense.
Though Cedar Cove isn’t at all far from Seattle, where I formerly lived and worked, it can seem like a world away from the rush and crush of the big city. It’s a place that’s brought me solace and peace just when I needed it most. And no matter what’s brought you to Cedar Cove, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to open my home to you and give you a small sample of the same welcoming spirit I feel here every day.
My mission is to make Rose Harbor Inn a place of healing and peace for all my guests. And, of course, to do everything possible to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
—Jo Marie Rose
The Newcomers Guide to Cedar Cove
About Cedar Cove
Located on the picturesque Kitsap Peninsula, our little town sits on a quaint cove across Puget Sound from Seattle.
There’s a dedicated parking area for guests at the inn. Since just about everything you’ll want to see is in easy walking distance from Rose Harbor Inn, you can leave your car and explore Cedar Cove on foot.
The visitors’ center is ideal as a first stop. There you’ll find plenty of information on what to do in the area. There are fun, unique events year-round. In springtime, you can try your vocal prowess at the annual Seagull Calling Contest. And the entire town turns out on summer Thursdays for Concerts on the Cove.
No matter what time of year you visit or what brings you to our close-knit community, you’ll find a warm welcome. We pride ourselves on it!
Around Town
While I hope you’ll spend much of your time relaxing at the inn, there are many local businesses that would be thrilled to welcome you. I’m also working on a binder with local restaurant menus and maps. So please let me know if you discover hidden gems!
Here are a few places of note:
I’m always ready to offer all my guests a fresh cup of hot coffee. But as we’re right across the sound from Seattle, your taste might run toward something more intricate than old-fashioned drip coffee. At the Java Joint, you can satisfy your craving for a latte or mocha—or even a concoction that tastes like cotton candy. Hopefully, you’ll find Conner at the helm of the espresso machine when you’re there. He’s a thoughtful young man who was very kind to one of my recent guests.
Abby Kincaid fondly remembers the steamed dumplings at Wok and Roll from when she lived in Cedar Cove.
If you forget an essential toiletry or prescription, not to worry! The Harbor Street Pharmacy is close by. Patty is the pharmacist there, always ready to greet you like an old friend.
New to Harbor Street and already a local favorite is the Victorian Tea Room. It’s perfect for a light lunch on your own or as a rendezvous with that special someone. The Tea Room is also popular with the local chapter of the Red Hat Society.
The Candy Shop is the ideal place to satisfy an insatiable sweet tooth. Be on the look out for their Seagull Plops, a local delicacy you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
As Willy Wonka says, “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.” If that’s you
r motto, too, then you’ll want to check out the Pink Poodle. It’s the kind of place with sawdust on the floor. Be aware that until the sign is repaired, you’ll need to look for the “INK P O LE.”
Everyone loves the Pancake Palace. And not just for breakfast, either. My handyman, Mark, recommends the coconut cream pie. See if you can sit in Goldie’s section—everyone says she’s been a waitress there for years.
The Pot Belly Deli is the go-to place for delicious, hearty soups. It’s also a gathering place for the movers and shakers of Cedar Cove.
Whether you’re looking for flowers, a dry cleaner, or just about any other service, a quick stroll down Harbor Street will take you past a store that caters to your needs.
Neighbors
The residents of Cedar Cove have welcomed me into their community in a way that still warms my heart. I can’t tell you how many people, in the few months I’ve lived here, have walked right up to me to offer their best wishes. I’m hard at work planning another open house in hopes of meeting even more of my neighbors.
Here are a few of my friends you might see during your stay:
While we were both waiting in line at the bakery one day, Corrie McAfee was kind enough to introduce herself. She and her family, like me, moved to Cedar Cove from Seattle. Her husband is now a private detective after retiring from the police force. I’m sure he has some exciting stories to tell.
Bob and Peggy Beldon own the Thyme and Tide Bed-and-Breakfast on Cranberry Point. You’d think inn owners would see one another as competition. Far from it! We try to be very supportive of one another. In fact, I’m happy to recommend the Thyme and Tide when I’m short on rooms. I know Peggy will be as generous to her guests as she has been to me as I venture into this new career. She says fresh blueberries are the secret to her delicious muffins. I’m sure she has a few other secrets up her sleeve, too! I’m grateful to Peggy not only for all the dos and don’ts of operating Rose Harbor Inn, but also for being my new friend.
That Wintry Feeling (Debbie Macomber Classics) Page 16