Chapter Eight
Growing up, Mandy usually awoke early each day and, without fail, she’d find Granny already in the kitchen. That’s when they would chat about the day and often bake together. Since Granny died, Mandy found she had to set her alarm to remind herself to get up early. She had no real desire to enter an empty kitchen and preferred to make it down there minutes before Jade showed up for the morning.
The morning after the wedding, however, Mandy’s eyes flew open. She had known it was early since there wasn’t a hint of sunrise coming through the window. At first, she lay in her bed, listening for sounds of life in the house, but she heard nothing but the birds singing outside.
When an attempt to go back to sleep failed, Mandy got out of bed with a sigh. She might as well get the day started. She’d opted for a shower in Granny’s bathroom instead of the one she shared with Preston. She rationalized it by thinking she wouldn’t be taking up the usual bathroom in case he needed it when he got up. Come to think of it, she didn’t know what time he normally woke up. As she soaped her hair with shampoo, Mandy admitted she didn’t want to run into Preston coming out of the bathroom. Not yet. Maybe she couldn’t hide forever, but seeing as this was their first full day as a married couple in a less-than-typical marriage, surely no one would blame her for doing so right now.
By the time she ran a comb through her wet hair and French braided it down her back, a hazy light appeared on the eastern horizon. She dressed quickly and stepped out into the hallway. Preston’s bedroom door was open a crack, but the light off. Had he already left? She caught a whiff of the scent that always reminded her of him. Was it his aftershave? Mandy didn’t know, but the woodsy smell mixed with a touch of allspice was all Preston.
The guests didn’t seem to be up yet. Mandy quietly made her way downstairs to the kitchen, half expecting to see Preston waiting. The light was on, but the room stood empty. A small note waited on the fridge.
Mandy,
I’m out at the workshop taking inventory. I’ll come grab something for breakfast here in a while, and I’ll start work on the B&B list before lunch. Call me if you need anything.
Preston
Knowing she wouldn’t have to worry about running into him for a while set off a strange mix of relief and disappointment. Mandy pushed that aside as Jade walked up to the back door.
“Good morning, Mandy. It looks like it’ll be a lovely day today.”
“Hi, Jade. I haven’t been outside yet. I thought it was supposed to be hot.”
Jade set down the paper bag she carried and patted at her graying hair to make sure the bun was still secure. “That’s why the early morning hours are my favorite.” She flashed Mandy one of her brilliant smiles. “I hope the guests are ready for crepes today.”
Mandy’s stomach growled on cue. Jade made the best crepes in Clearwater and they were no secret.
Jade laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She sobered a moment. “Did you want to make the muffins, or would you like me to?”
The crepes were so sweet, Granny often made a batch of banana nut muffins and another of cinnamon muffins to give the guests an alternate choice. Mandy fought against the waves of pain radiating through her chest. She couldn’t hide from reality forever. “I’ll make them.”
The older woman stepped forward and gave Mandy a tight hug. “Everything will be okay.”
That’s what Mandy kept telling herself about every five minutes.
They worked in comfortable silence for a half hour before Mandy’s phone rang. She saw the area code, glared at the screen, and ignored it.
Jade flipped a crepe on the hot pan and looked up. “You don’t look happy.”
“I’m sure it’s someone else wanting to buy the B&B.” Mandy noticed how quiet Jade was. “What’s wrong?”
“I worry about you running this place by yourself, Mandy. You’ve got a husband now. You need to rely on each other.” Jade looked concerned as she placed the finished crepe on a plate and poured batter on the hot skillet to make the next one.
Mandy’s thoughts flew to Preston. If his business took off like she thought it would, he’d be doing less around the B&B before long. Mandy had to approach this from the standpoint of managing it herself and proceed from there. The last thing she wanted to do was rely on Preston more than she should.
Jade shot her a funny look. Mandy tried to give her a reassuring smile. “It’ll take some adjustment, but everything will be fine.”
“I know it will be.” Jade gave her a wink and went back to making her crepes.
Mandy slid two pans of muffins into the oven and remembered something. “Oh! I have to get something out in the mail. I’ll be right back.” She hurried into the dining room and picked up the stack of thank-you notes addressed to all the people who’d brought by food or flowers for the funeral. She just hadn’t had the energy to write them last week.
The wildlife photographer sat in the living area, flipping through a book. No doubt she’d been enticed to come out of hiding by the delicious smells of the promised breakfast.
Mandy opened the front door and noticed the warm air as it rushed inside. She was so ready for the weather to realize it was October and cool down a little more.
With one hand on the railing, she paused when she spotted Preston coming toward the house from the driveway. He looked up and noticed her, too, waving with a smile.
She smiled and returned the wave, then proceeded down the steps to the driveway. On the third step from the bottom, the wood gave way with a crack. Her foot twisted and slipped through the opening, sending her backward into the other steps as envelopes flew everywhere.
~
Preston sprinted toward the house. “Mandy! Are you okay?”
She held a hand to her lower back, and her face twisted in pain. When Preston reached for his phone, she shook her head and held up the other hand, telling him to wait.
He reached down and put a hand on her arm. “Take your time.”
Mandy still sat on the step she’d fallen back on. “I’m all right.” She touched her back on the right side and winced. She tugged her dark purple T-shirt up a little to reveal a long, thin bruise forming where she’d landed against the edge of a step.
Preston touched her skin lightly. “You didn’t crack a rib, did you?”
She jerked the shirt back down. Preston wondered if she’d noticed the same zing of electricity from the contact he had, or if she was being extra modest.
“No, just a bruise, but I don’t think I can get my foot out.”
He grabbed hold of her shoe and gently twisted it to get it back through the broken step. “I can’t believe this happened. Praise God you weren’t hurt worse.”
Mandy stood to her feet and tested her ankle. “No kidding.” She groaned. “Can you imagine if this had happened to one of the guests instead? I’m glad it was me.” She gave a little hop. “Yeah, my ankle’s fine.”
They both leaned down at the same time to retrieve the nearest envelope on the ground. Their fingers touched. Mandy lifted her head, and only then did Preston appreciate how closely they stood.
Here they were on day one of their highly unconventional marriage, and Preston had to fight every instinct in his body not to kiss his new bride. If Mandy could read his thoughts, she’d probably deck him. Or at least try. He stifled a grin.
When all the envelopes were gathered, he offered to take them to the mailbox for her. “Then I’ll get some wood and repair the step before I come in for breakfast. We don’t want anyone else falling on their way down. Save me something, will you?”
“I will.” Her face looked a little flushed and Preston wished he knew if it was from the accident, the warm air, or something else entirely. “Thanks, Preston. Come on in whenever you’re ready.”
“Will do.” He watched her pick her way up the stairs and disappear inside.
There were many good things about having a workshop on site, one of them being no shortage of wood. It didn’t
take long to locate a board he could use. Armed with that, a saw, a hammer, and some nails, he set out to pry up the broken step.
Once he had it loose, Preston sized and hammered in the replacement board. The other steps seemed to be fine, although he’d need to sand and re-stain the porch again soon. He added that to his mental to-do list.
After storing his tools in the workshop, he went inside the B&B and inhaled deeply as the scents of various baked goods pummeled his senses.
The dining room was busy as the family of four chatted over plates filled with crepes and muffins. The large table along one wall held platters of food. Preston’s stomach let loose a growl in response.
Mandy came into the room, a carafe of orange juice in her hands. She placed it on the long table and picked the nearly empty one up. She motioned for him to follow her back into the kitchen. Jade stood at the sink washing dishes.
Mandy pulled a covered plate from the oven. “I put three crepes aside and some muffins. I know you like blueberry best, but I saved some with the strawberry topping, too.”
He grinned at her and took one chair at the bar. “Perfect. Thank you.”
She returned his smile with a brilliant one of her own. “You’re welcome.” She put the old carafe in the sink.
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No, but I usually don’t until the guests are gone and I’ve cleaned up.” She walked past him again.
He reached out and snagged her arm with his hand. “You should have something while it’s still warm.”
Jade turned from her spot in front of the sink. “I’ve been telling her that every morning, and she won’t listen to me.” She hiked an eyebrow as though daring Preston to do something about it.
He took in the stubborn look on Mandy’s face and tilted his head toward the chair next to his. “Come eat with me.” His hand still touched her arm, and that’s where her gaze landed.
Jade gave Mandy a pointed stare. “I’ve got these. Sit and eat with your new husband.” When she turned away, she had a grin on her face.
Mandy’s cheeks turned pink as she stalked into the dining room. She returned with a plate containing a crepe and a cinnamon muffin. When she sat down, she was careful to keep her gaze on the food.
They ate in near silence. Preston wasted no time in putting away his breakfast.
“Everything was excellent.” He popped the last bite of muffin in his mouth. “I may not eat again for a week.”
Jade looked pleased. “I’m glad you liked it. The crepes are a family recipe. Mandy here made the muffins.”
“They were great.”
Mandy’s little smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you.”
Concern welled up in Preston. He wanted to ask her if she was okay, but her expression begged him to let it go.
“I guess I’d better get back to work. What time are you eating lunch, Mandy?”
Her eyes widened. “Usually around noon.”
“I’ll be in then. Holler if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Preston took his leave, even though he would much rather stay and spend the morning with his new wife. He suspected she needed a little space.
Chapter Nine
The moment Mandy exited the lawyer’s office on Friday, she released a deep sigh of relief. She knew there shouldn’t have been any hiccups, but she’d still dreaded the visit. Everything had gone planned. Preston had the contents of the workshop signed over to him. Mandy currently had control of the B&B and surrounding land and would receive the title a year from the date of their marriage.
They got settled in Preston’s Dodge and looked at each other.
“Well, we did it,” he said, a smile on his face. “We won’t have to walk back into that office for almost a year.”
“Thank goodness. Lawyers give me hives.” It felt good to joke. She’d rather have the title to the B&B in her hands, but this was as close as she’d get for now.
Preston motioned to the clock on the dash. “We still have an hour before Jade expected us back. Can I take you out to lunch?”
Mandy hesitated. She should probably get home since being away from the B&B meant Jade or Elise having to keep an eye on things. She didn’t like turning control over to anyone else, even if she trusted both ladies.
“You can’t do it all by yourself. I’m hoping, once we get financially stable, we can hire someone who can stay full-time during the day to help you.” Before she could object, he held up a hand and continued. “Not that you can’t handle all of this. But you shouldn’t have to, especially when you’re trying to juggle all your web clients, too. Come on, let me buy you lunch. My treat.” He winked.
Mandy’s resolve melted. “Fine, lunch would be great.”
He grinned as though he’d won some kind of challenge against her, and Mandy let it go with a shake of her head.
Nearly a half-hour later, they sat at one of the local Mexican restaurants, a steaming platter of chicken fajitas between them. Mandy scooped some of the mixture onto a warm flour tortilla, topped it with cheese and sour cream, and took a bite. “Oh my gosh, this is incredible.” She closed her eyes and nodded appreciatively.
When she opened them again, she found Preston watching her, a crooked smile on his face. The interest in his eyes made her cheeks warm, and she quickly set the fajita down and picked up her phone, hoping someone had sent her an e-mail to distract her. Maybe he didn’t see her reaction. Yeah, right.
Preston tapped her foot with his underneath the table. When she raised her gaze to his, he gave her a little wink. “Remind me to take you out for fajitas more often.”
“Shut up.” Mandy balled up a napkin and tossed it at him. He laughed hard then, defusing the embarrassing situation. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”
“It’s a gift.”
The man could be aggravating. Yet sitting here with him now reminded Mandy of the many days they spent together as kids. Mandy’s life had rarely been worry-free, but she’d been able to ignore the difficulties when she was around Preston.
He’d had so many dreams for his future back then. Hopefully he’d get the chance to realize some of them now. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Always.” When Preston noticed the serious look on her face, his brows came together and he set his drink down. “What is it?”
“You had all those plans when we were kids. You even went to college to work toward them. What happened? I mean, I know it had to do with money. You never really talked about it.”
He leaned against the back of the booth, his eyes on the ceiling fan whirling not far from them. The breeze it created was just strong enough to blow the edges of his napkin back and forth. Mandy wondered if he would refuse to tell her when he finally spoke.
“You’re aware of when my dad got sick and had to have the kidney transplant?”
She nodded.
“The medical bills piled up so high, my parents couldn’t see their way through them. The costs of the hospital stay, the transplant itself, not to mention all the treatment leading up to the surgery…” He shrugged. “They’ll probably be paying those bills until their last breath. They refused to let me help them. Before they released my dad from the hospital, I volunteered to pick up his anti-rejection meds from the pharmacy. When I got there, I found out it was way out of their price range, and that was going to be every time they had the medication filled.” He told her the cost and she gasped. “My parents couldn’t afford that.” He swallowed hard.
Mandy knew he’d stepped in and done something to help. That’s who Preston was.
“I paid for the medication and spoke with the pharmacist. I told him about the situation and he set it up for me to pay for the medication from now on, only charging my parents a twenty-dollar copay.” Preston folded his hands and placed them behind his head. “That’s what I’ve been doing ever since. It may mean holding two jobs for the rest of my life, but if that’s what it takes to keep them in their house and
not going completely bankrupt, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Mandy’s heart climbed into her throat. She’d had no idea he put that kind of money out to help his parents all this time. No wonder he’d worked tirelessly for as long as she’d known him. He’d had to.
Preston must’ve taken her silence and pensive expression to mean she was upset. He lowered his hands to the table and leaned forward. “I’m sorry. I probably should’ve talked to you before we got married. But I can’t stop helping them. I’ll get an evening job if that’s what’s needed. I’m praying this new business venture will be the answer. For all of us.”
The vulnerability in his eyes and the worry on his face struck Mandy right in the heart. Without thinking, she reached across the table and put her hand on top of his. “You’re a good son, Preston. Of course you should continue to help them. They’re lucky to have you.”
He looked down at their hands and shifted his own to cradle hers. “I want you to know I will take care of you, too. Of us. I promise.”
“I know.” There were a lot of things in life she was uncertain of, but she knew without a doubt he spoke the truth.
He placed a kiss on the top of her hand before releasing it.
Mandy resisted the urge to touch the skin he’d just kissed. Instead, she picked up her glass and cupped it with both hands. “How are things looking in the workshop?”
“There are more materials than I thought, which is great. I have a lot of things I want to build. I’m looking forward to it.” He grinned. “Oh! Your grandfather had a canoe he built in the back. I found another one that he never got the chance to complete. I’m hoping we can finish it for him.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, if all goes well, I hope I can start building on Monday.”
Marrying Mandy (Brides of Clearwater Book 1) Page 7