by Kay Correll
Noah laughed. “The sad thing? I kinda followed your logic there, buddy. Not that I’m apologizing for asking Sara to marry me or having the wedding so soon. Can’t wait to marry her.”
“No, of course not. I just think… with the girls being so close…” Ben let out a long sigh. “Anyway, I’ll just keep the ring until after your wedding and plan something special for when I ask her.”
“Wow, the bachelor population around here is going to get sparse.” Jay grinned and took a sip of his beer.
“You could always ask Robin out. You know. Go on a date.” Ben eyed Jay.
“What? Nah, we’re just friends. Nothing like that.”
“If you say so,” Noah said, only partially under his breath. He flagged Willie. “A beer for my friend here. To cheer him up.”
Willie brought Ben a beer and Noah raised his glass. “To engagements and weddings. May we all survive them.”
His friends laughed, but Noah knew, deep inside, that he was as excited about his upcoming wedding as Sara was. He couldn’t wait until they were husband and wife. Or wife and husband. Or whatever was the proper way to say it these days.
Married. He was finally marrying the woman he’d loved for decades. Even if for part of that time, he’d not really known it, or at least hadn’t acknowledged it.
“My drinking buddies are sure going to be cut back soon.” Jay scowled.
“I’ll still meet up with you in my semi-bachelor state.” Delbert raised his glass.
“Not sure you’re really a bachelor after years of dating Camille.” Jay shook his head.
“No ring though. I think he qualifies as a bachelor,” Noah disagreed.
“I’m pretty sure we’ll still be able to make time for you, buddy.” Ben raised his glass and clinked Jay’s.
“You mean you’ll make time besides coming to the kitchen at the inn and swiping cookies?”
“I still plan on doing that.” Ben’s face twitched in a smile, then he frowned. “But I haven’t even asked Charlotte yet, and we don’t even know what her answer will be. I think things are going great between us, but we did have a rocky time there for a bit.” He looked at Jay and Noah.
Noah held his hands up. “Don’t look at me. Sara hasn’t said a word either way about you two.”
“Robin hasn’t either,” Jay added.
Del grinned. “I’m pretty sure I’m not up on the inside scoop on you and Charlotte.”
“Then, that’s probably good news? Like maybe I’ve fixed my screwups?” Ben shook his head. “This dating thing is complicated.”
Noah clapped him on the back. “Wait until you see how complicated getting married is, my friend.”
Lillian crawled in bed, tired from the long day. She reached for the leather journal sitting on the night table. “What can you tell me? Who wrote all about their life in here?”
Here she was, talking to a journal like an old crazy lady.
She smiled as she adjusted the pillows again and leaned back. But before she could open the journal, her thoughts hopscotched over to Gary. He was taking her to dinner. And he’d said “it’s a date.” But that was just an expression. Right? He said it was just to repay her for bringing meals over to him. Repay her kindness.
But… had it just been kindness? Hadn’t she really wanted to join him in the meals? But only so they could discuss work. Right?
But even if it wasn’t a date-date, how long had it been since she’d gone to dinner with a man? She couldn’t even remember the last time. She had always been so busy with first raising Sara and running the inn. Then after Sara left and moved to Boston, there was still the inn and it had gotten busier and busier. And the random dates she had were… less than stellar. Who had time for dating, anyway? Besides, she was set in her ways now. Used to being single.
But she was looking forward to going to dinner with Gary… Which was kind of foolish, wasn’t it?
She shook her head and ran her fingers over the smooth, worn leather of the journal, wondering who the young woman might have been who poured her heart into the words. She opened the journal to where she’d left off. No skipping ahead this time. She might miss something.
She read a handful of entries. It was clear the father of the girl writing the journal did not like this Johnny fellow, and it was just as clear that the girl did. She’d snuck off to meet him at the lighthouse one evening but had gotten caught coming back in and told her father she’d been out with Jane.
She closed the journal, determined to make time to go to the historical society and try to figure out who the author was. Placing the journal back on the night table, she reached to switch off the light.
Events of the day cluttered her mind, and she tried to push them away. An hour later she was still wide awake. She debated getting up and making some chamomile tea or sitting up for a while and knitting. But she couldn’t quite get the energy to do either of those.
Her last thoughts before she finally drifted to sleep were of Gary and their upcoming date.
Chapter 14
Lillian went over to Ruby’s late the next morning after helping out in the dining room. She wanted to see the progress on Sara’s dress. Or at least that’s the excuse she gave herself. But she knew why she really was going. She wanted to talk to her friend about her date with Gary. She was nervous as a schoolgirl about it and that was ridiculous.
She knocked on the screen door to Ruby’s house.
Ruby came to open the door. “Come in.”
“I wanted to see how things are going with the dress.”
“Come into the dining room. I’ve taken it over with the dressmaking project.”
She followed Ruby to the dining room. The dress was taken apart at the waist and the skirt portion was separate now.
“I’m taking in the skirt a bit. Making it not so full. Sara and her mother were about the same size at the waist, so there won’t be much alteration there.”
“How did you ever learn how to do all this?” Lillian looked at the project in admiration and then at her talented friend.
“I taught myself. I just really enjoy the process.” Ruby shrugged. “Now, how about we have a cup of tea?”
“I’d love that.”
Ruby put on the teakettle and they sat at the kitchen table, waiting for the water to boil.
“How’s Magnolia House coming along?” Ruby asked.
“Funny you should ask that. It’s coming along great. Gary says he’ll have it finished before the wedding so we can use it for guests.”
“That’s nice.”
“And…” She fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist. “And Gary asked if he could take me to dinner. He said it was because I’ve been bringing him meals and he wants to repay me.”
“That’s nice of him.”
“You don’t think it’s really… well… it’s not really a date, is it?”
“I don’t know. He asked you to dinner. That sounds pretty much like a date to me.”
“Maybe…” She frowned. “No, I think it’s strictly because, as he said, he wants to repay my kindness.”
“How about you don’t worry about what to call it and just go and enjoy yourself?”
Lillian laughed. “That’s the most sensible suggestion I’ve heard. Where were you when I couldn’t sleep last night trying to decide what this thing tonight was called?”
“Ah, one of those nights? I have them often. The ones where I can’t turn my mind off.”
“Yes, it was one of those nights. I was reading the journal and got tired. But as soon as I switched off the light, my mind started racing with wedding plans and thoughts about Gary.”
“Did you find out anything else about who wrote the journal?”
“No other clues, but I’m forcing myself to read it sequentially. We’ll see if anything else shows up. Whoever wrote it does have a thing for this Johnny person. And her father doesn’t like him. But I still need to get to the historical society and do some research.”
“How about we go after our tea? Do you have time? I’d love to help.”
She looked at her watch. “I do. And I have to admit my curiosity is getting the best of me. Maybe we can solve the mystery.”
Ruby and Lillian walked into the historical society and Etta Swenson greeted them. “Ruby, Lil, haven’t seen you two in a while.”
“Hi, Etta. We’re here to do some research. I found—well, it wasn’t actually me who found it—anyway, there’s this journal. It was found in the Magnolia House. You know the one, beside the inn?”
“I heard you bought it for a guest house.” Etta nodded.
“The journal is from 1898 and forward. I’m trying to find out who wrote it. Maybe give it back to her family if I can find them.”
“How can I help?”
“Do you have newspapers dating back that far? To 1898?”
“Just a few. Most got damaged in a couple of hurricanes that hit the area.”
“This would have been June of 1898. There was a Sandcastle Festival and this girl and her two friends won it. Noah said that sometimes in the old papers, there were write-ups of things like the festival. I’m hoping it might have full names of the winners.”
“Let me go check and see if we have anything. Some things were transcribed or we have scans or copies of them.” Etta turned to head to a back room.
“I hope she can find something,” Lillian said. “I admit I’m getting more determined to find out who wrote this. I even want to find out if she ended up with this Johnny character.”
About five minutes later, Etta came out of the backroom. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t look like we have anything from that time.”
“Well, it was a long shot. I was just hoping for a clue. Maybe I’ll find out something else as I’m reading the journal.”
“If you do, and I can help you, just let me know.” Etta smiled at them. “I’d love to help you solve the mystery.”
“Me too. I find the whole mystery so intriguing,” Ruby added.
“Thanks. I’ll come by if I find anything else that might help.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t find anything,” Ruby said as they left.
“I am, too.” Disappointment swept through Lillian, unsure if she would ever figure out who wrote the journal.
“Maybe you’ll get some more clues as you read along.”
“I hope so.” Lillian sighed and then scowled to see the woman approaching them.
“Hello, Lillian, Ruby.” Camille Montgomery’s face held a fake smile.
Lillian just barely kept herself from groaning, not a very charitable reaction to seeing the woman. “Camille, so lovely to see you.” Did that sound sincere?
“I heard the news that Sara is getting married in just four weeks. Did she have to get married? You know, because… well, is there a baby on the way?” Camille lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“Camille, really?” Ruby’s voice held an accusing tone.
“What? No. They just didn’t want to wait long for the wedding.” Not that it was any of Camille’s business, but the last thing they needed was for her to go around town spreading gossip.
“I guess we’ll all find out soon enough, won’t we?”
“Camille, don’t you go spreading rumors,” Ruby threatened, protective of Sara’s reputation.
“Oh, no. Of course not.” Camille’s smile said otherwise. “I guess I’ll see you at the wedding.” She turned and walked away.
Lillian was fairly confident that Camille was not on the wedding guest list…
Ruby turned to her. “That woman…”
“I know. I try to be kind to her, but she is just so…”
“So impossible. She better not go spreading rumors about Sara or she can answer to me.”
“And me.” Lillian nodded, staring off in the direction Camille headed, watching her walk away in her dress that had not one wrinkle and heels. Heels. Impossibly high heels. She looked down at her own sensible, sturdy sandals.
“She does like to meddle and spread rumors.” Ruby sighed. “I’m going to run to the market and get something for dinner. I hope you have a good time with Gary tonight.”
“Thanks. I do, too. If I don’t freak myself out overthinking the whole thing.”
Ruby laughed. “Stop it.”
Lillian smiled. “A wise friend told me to just go and enjoy myself.”
“Your friend is very wise, indeed.” Ruby grinned and headed down the sidewalk.
Lillian stood there for a moment, lost in thought. She pulled herself out of it and hurried off toward the inn. She still had a lot to do before her dinner with Gary tonight.
Lillian walked into the kitchen at The Nest after getting ready for dinner with Gary. Sara sat at the table, working on her laptop, and looked up when she came into the room.
“You look nice,” Sara said. “What’s the occasion? Going out with some of The Yarn Society ladies?”
And that was a problem, too, wasn’t it? Sara wouldn’t ever even think that she was going out on a date. “I’m…” She shrugged. “I’m going to Magic Cafe with Gary.”
Sara’s eyes widened. “You’re going on a date?”
“Kinda?”
“That’s wonderful.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“I think it is. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you go on a date.” Sara frowned. “Have I ever?”
“I’m sure you have.” Maybe? Men had asked her out. It wasn’t that. It was just she automatically turned them down. Almost always. She was too busy. Or not interested.
Or… scared of change?
So why had she said yes to Gary when she was actually busier than usual and to be honest, it did scare her a little?
Sara got up and hugged her. “I hope you have a great time.”
“I’m sure it will mostly be just talking business. Discussing his work on Magnolia House.”
“Maybe you should make it less business and just enjoy yourself.”
“That’s what Ruby said. Anyway, I should go.” She reached for her cell phone and slipped it in her pocket. “I said I’d meet him in the lobby.”
Sara grinned. “I feel like I should stalk behind you and watch from the shadows, like a mother watching her kid catch the school bus for the first time.”
She laughed. “You just stay here and work. I’ll be fine.” If she could just get over being so nervous. Taking a deep breath, she set her shoulders, left The Nest, and headed to the lobby.
Chapter 15
Gary stood in the lobby of Charming Inn. Well, he wasn’t exactly standing. He paced back and forth, waiting for Lillian, glancing at his watch. Though he’d gotten here early. She wasn’t late.
He turned from his pace-track and saw her standing there. She looked… beautiful. She had on a simple, casual red dress that looked stunning on her. She’d clipped her hair back on one side with a silver hair-thingy.
Crossing the room, he paused in front of her, gathering his thoughts and hoping he didn’t look like a fool. “You look lovely.”
She blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”
They stood there awkwardly for a moment before he finally found words. “I… uh… should I drive us over?”
“It’s not far. Would you like to walk?”
“Yes, that sounds perfect if it’s okay with you.” Maybe walking would give him time for some of his nervous energy to fade away. Maybe. Hopefully.
As they left, he noticed Lillian’s niece standing near a far entranceway talking to another young woman standing there. She was glancing their direction but trying to act like she wasn’t. He smiled at her and gave a little wave. Lillian seemed totally unaware her niece was watching her leave.
“She’s on a date?” Robin’s eyes widened.
“Sh. Stand still. Don’t look. I don’t want her to see me watching her.” Sara grabbed her friend’s hand and turned her away from the departing couple. “But I had to come see this. Aunt Lil getting p
icked up for a date.”
“Jay says that Gary fellow is a nice enough guy. Doing good work on Magnolia House.”
“I hope he is. But really, can you remember Aunt Lil going out on a date?”
Robin’s forehead creased. “I… well, now that you ask, I can’t remember her dating someone. She’s just always been so independent.”
“And alone.” Sara frowned. “She gave up so much to raise me.”
“And I’m sure she loved every minute of it. You’re her world, you know.”
“I just want her to be happy.” Sara stared off to where Aunt Lillian and Gary had been standing.
“I’m pretty sure Lillian is one of the happiest, most content woman I’ve ever known.”
“But I’ll be moving out to live with Noah after we’re married. I don’t want her to be lonely.”
“She lived alone when you went to college and while you were in Boston. That’s a lot of years.”
“And I always worried about her being alone.”
“Lillian is rarely alone. She has her friends. She has the inn.”
Sara sighed. “I just think it would be so fabulous if she’d fall in love.”
“Whoa, girlfriend. She’s just going out to dinner.”
“I know. But maybe this will be the first of her dating people. Breaking the ice, so to speak.”
“Maybe. I just hope she has a good time. She deserves a night out.”
“That she does. Between running the inn and working on wedding stuff, she’s been super busy.”
“Busy is exactly how Lillian likes to be.” Robin grabbed her hand. “Come on, let’s go get a glass of wine and sit on the deck. We can work on the wedding planning.”