Summer At Lakeside

by Leeanna Morgan

  Ethan waited to hear what Abbey said. Even though her ex-husband didn’t spend much time with Cassidy, it was important that she close the circle on today’s events so everyone could move forward with their lives.

  Abbey held Cassidy’s hand. “You need to say goodbye. He won’t be coming back to Sapphire Bay for a while.”

  The bitter truth was that Cassidy might not see her dad for a lot longer than the six months he’d promised. Ethan knew that Abbey only wanted what was best for her daughter. Making sure Cassidy was happy was more important than her ex-husband’s reasons for leaving.

  Cassidy’s shoulders slumped forward. “Okay. I’ll talk to him.”

  Abbey gave her daughter a hug. “It will be all right. Let’s go and see your dad.”

  After they went home, Ethan picked up the keys to his truck and looked around the kitchen. He hadn’t stayed to tour the house when he’d come for the grand opening. Looking at it now, he was disappointed he’d left. With its high, ornate ceilings, white cabinets, and marble counter the kitchen was a beautiful room with a timeless elegance. If the rest of the house looked like this, it would be spectacular.

  Walking out of the kitchen, he turned right and stood beside the staircase. The quiet murmur of voices drifted downstairs. If he hadn’t told Diana he’d see her before he left, he would have gone home.

  With their first guests already here, she would be busy making sure they were comfortable. The last thing Diana or her sisters needed was an unexpected visit from Cassidy.

  But because of Diana’s kind heart, the sixteen-year-old had somewhere safe to go and a person who cared about what she said. He just wished there were more people like Diana in the world.

  Following the voices upstairs, he stopped in front of an office and tapped on the door. Barbara and Diana sat on either side of the desk, deep in conversation. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  “That’s okay,” Barbara said with a frown. “I was just telling Diana about Katie’s news.”

  From their worried expressions, it didn’t seem to be good.

  “Katie’s literary agent wants her to fly back to Los Angeles for a meeting with a publishing company.”

  Ethan looked at each of the sisters. “That’s great, isn’t it?”

  “It is, but Katie doesn’t want to go. She’s worried about leaving us while our guests are here.”

  Barbara sighed. “Katie’s doing most of the baking for the inn as well as looking after the garden. We’ve told her we’ll be all right, but she won’t listen.”

  “You think there’s more than the inn keeping her here?”

  Diana looked at her sister, then at Ethan. “I think she’s afraid of what might happen. She’d almost given up on ever publishing a book. She probably doesn’t want to be disappointed again.”

  “If she doesn’t go to the meeting,” Barbara added, “she’ll never know if the book is ready to be published.”

  Too often, Ethan had seen the result of people not doing something because they were afraid of what might happen. Stepping out of your comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it was the only way you could grow. “Is there anything I can do?”

  Barbara shook her head. “We’ll be okay. I just hope Katie changes her mind.”

  “When does she have to be in Los Angeles?”

  “The meeting’s next Friday at ten o’clock. A friend of Katie’s can collect her from the airport. All we need to do is get her there.”

  “I could ask Pastor John if anyone from The Welcome Center would be able to work here while Katie’s away.”

  Diana looked at her sister. “That’s a good idea. If someone’s helping us, Katie won’t be able to use that as an excuse.”

  Barbara’s frown deepened. “It would only be for a week. Do you think he could find someone for such a short time?”

  “A lot of people would be happy to help,” he said.

  Diana’s eyes widened. “What about Cassidy? She could do some of the housework and help us prepare any extra meals for our guests. That would free my time up to make the breakfasts. She loves the inn and it would be good work experience for her.”

  “Are you sure she’s the right person?” Barbara asked.

  “She’s on summer break, so it won’t interfere with her school work.”

  “That’s not what I meant. She’s only a teenager.”

  Diana smiled. “We started working at the general store when we were a lot younger than Cassidy. She’ll be perfect.”

  Barbara sighed. “Okay. You can ask if she’s interested. If not, someone at The Welcome Center might want to help us.”

  “I already have her phone number. I’ll call her later today.” Diana grinned at Ethan. “You should come here more often. We could solve all the world’s problems.”

  “I don’t know about the world, but you’ve probably made one teenager extremely happy. If you need me again today, I’ll be at the old steamboat museum.”

  “Working on the tiny homes?” Diana asked.

  “Not quite. I joined the woodworking club a few weeks after I arrived in Sapphire Bay. I’m making a table for one of the tiny homes.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  He looked at the smile on Diana’s face. So was he, but for completely different reasons.

  Diana folded another shirt and handed it to Katie. “Remember to call us as soon as you arrive.”

  “Barbara and Penny told me the same thing. I won’t forget.”

  “Make sure you don’t. You know how distracted you can be when you’re living in Los Angeles. How are you feeling about meeting the editorial director from the publishing company?”

  Katie picked up a pair of sneakers and added them to her suitcase. “Nervous. My agent said to keep an open mind. The editor might want me to change the characters’ names, the title, or even some of the storyline.”

  “Why would they want you to do that?”

  “To make the book appeal to more readers.”

  “That doesn’t seem right. Surely—”

  Barbara stuck her head around the doorframe. “Mom and Dad are on their way. Are you ready, Katie?”

  Their sister looked around her bedroom. “Nearly. I just have to pack my makeup and toiletries. I still can’t believe I’m going back to Los Angeles.”

  “It’s only for a short visit,” Diana reminded her. “We expect a daily update of what’s happening, especially after your meeting.”

  Katie bit her bottom lip. “What if they want me to change everything about the story? It’s the first in a series of six books. If I change too much, the whole series will need to be—”

  Barbara held onto Katie’s hands. “Don’t worry about what they might say before you’ve talked to them. You could be worrying yourself sick over nothing.”

  “So says the person who stresses about every little detail.”

  “That’s why I have my trusty notebook. It’s much easier to cross off something that hasn’t gone to plan than worry about it.”

  Everyone turned at the sound of footsteps running up the stairs.

  Penny appeared in the doorway. “Mom and Dad are here. Do you want me to take your suitcase downstairs?”

  Katie shook her head. “I can take it.” Reaching for her toiletry bag, she placed it in the middle of her suitcase and closed the lid. “I guess I’m ready.”

  Diana picked up her sister’s laptop bag and followed her downstairs. After years of trying to get her manuscripts in front of a publishing company, Katie was finally meeting someone who could make her dreams come true.

  She just hoped it worked out better than her sister thought it would. Katie’s stories were funny, quirky, and touching. If the editorial director couldn’t see that, then their company wasn’t the right one to publish her sister’s first book.

  “Here she is,” their mom said proudly. “The next blockbuster, best-selling children’s author who lives right here in Sapphire Bay.”

  Katie groaned. “I haven’t signed a contr
act yet, Mom.”

  “They’d be crazy not to see how brilliant your stories are.”

  “It doesn’t matter how good they are. If they don’t think they’ll sell, they won’t publish them.”

  Mabel wasn’t deterred. Wrapping her arm around Katie’s shoulders, she led her toward the front door. “Your grandma and granddad would be so proud. It doesn’t matter what the editor thinks, we know you’re an amazing writer.”

  Katie’s eyes filled with tears. “I hope I can tell you some good news when I call.”

  Their dad opened the truck’s rear passenger door. “Whatever happens, keep your chin up and remember that we love you. Your stories are incredible.”

  Diana hugged her sister. “I’ll second that. Good luck.”

  After Penny and Barbara gave Katie a hug, she climbed into the truck with her parents.

  Whatever happened over the next few days would make a difference to their lives in Sapphire Bay. It was just as well Cassidy was helping them at the inn. With the summer break in full swing, she might be working more hours than she anticipated.

  Chapter 7

  After Ethan said goodbye to his last patient of the day, he stretched his hands above his head, wincing at the pull of tight muscles across his shoulders and around his neck.

  This morning he’d started work at four-thirty. The police had received an emergency call from someone who lived a few miles from Sapphire Bay. With the mobile mental health units in Polson already on other calls, he’d climbed into his truck and made sure the person received the care they needed. Afterward, he drove home for a shower and breakfast, before starting work at the clinic.

  He was grateful it was four o’clock. Normally, he used the last hour in the clinic to catch up on paperwork, but not today. It was time to go home.

  At times, he felt as though he was working against a tide of mental health issues. If his friend Zac hadn’t opened the medical clinic in Sapphire Bay, their patients would have had to travel for miles to get help. It was a win-win situation for the community but, if they didn’t find more staff and funding soon, they wouldn’t be able to meet the increasing demand on their services.

  When his cell phone rang, he picked it up, hoping it wasn’t another emergency. He’d planned on going for a run, blowing the cobwebs out of his brain, and practicing some of the self-help strategies he told his patients to do.

  “Ethan speaking. How can I help?”

  “It’s John. How’s your day?”

  Despite his tiredness, he smiled. “You always ask me that when you need something. You’d better make it quick. I was about to grab my running gear and head into the mountains.”

  “That sounds like heaven. This shouldn’t take too long.” John sounded as tired as Ethan. His job as pastor of the Connect Church was even more chaotic than his. “A family has arrived at The Welcome Center and we’ve run out of accommodation. The emergency housing center in Polson doesn’t have any beds available, either. Do you know anywhere they could stay?”

  “Have you checked the database?” A few months ago, they’d created a simple spreadsheet to track any private accommodation people were willing to share. Ethan had visited each site, spoken to the homeowner, and assessed the accommodation. Although it had taken many hours to set up the database, it was worth it.

  “I’ve gone through the entire list. With summer break, most people have family staying with them or they’re away themselves. The main problem is the number of beds we need. There are five people in the family and I don’t want to split them up.”

  It was difficult enough trying to find a bed for one person, but five would be almost impossible. Ethan glanced at his desk and frowned. Leaning forward, he picked up the community newspaper Zac had left on his desk. On the front page was a photo of Diana and her sisters outside The Lakeside Inn.

  “How many nights’ accommodation will the family need?”

  “At this stage, I’d take anything.”

  “This might be a long shot, but I’ll call Diana. She might have some spare rooms at the inn.”

  “Anything you can do would be appreciated. The parents are Simon and Jacinda and they have three young children. They’re good people.”

  “I’ll call Diana now.”

  “Until I hear from you, I’ll keep searching.”

  “Good idea. I’ll be in touch soon.” Ethan ended the call and found Diana’s number. Even if she wanted to, she may not be able to look after the family. They had almost solid bookings right through summer and into autumn. And the couple and their children weren’t the type of guests Diana and her sisters had in mind when they’d started the business.

  But John wouldn’t have called him unless it was an emergency and, because of that, he was willing to do anything to help the family.

  Diana answered her phone almost immediately. “Hi, Ethan. I’m walking Charlie, so don’t be surprised if the cell phone coverage disappears.”

  He looked at his watch and smiled. “I’m surprised you could get away from the inn at this time of the day.”

  “Our guests are visiting three artists’ workshops with Penny. I don’t have another tour until five-thirty.”

  “That’s good. I want to ask you something, but don’t feel obliged to help.”

  “That sounds mysterious.”

  Ethan sighed. “I wish it was, but this is plain desperation. I had a call from Pastor John. A family of five has arrived at The Welcome Center and there aren’t any spare beds. I know the inn is almost full, but is there anything you can do to help?”

  “I’d have to—” Charlie barked and Diana told him to sit. “Sorry about that. Another dog walked past and Charlie wanted to play. We only have one spare bedroom at the moment. I could put two fold-out beds beside the queen-sized one, but there won’t be a lot of area to move around.”

  “From the sound of things, John will take any accommodation he can find.”

  “How about I call a few people I know to see if there are other options? If not, they can stay at the inn.”

  “That would be great, but are you sure you’ve got the time to look for something else?”

  “I’ll make the time. The family needs our help.”

  A weight lifted from Ethan’s shoulders. “I’m leaving work soon. Call me on this number if you have any suggestions.”

  “I will.”

  After they ended the call, Ethan contacted John, then picked up some case files he wanted to work on tonight. He’d never been so glad to have moved here or that he’d met Diana. Or that there was a famous candy store not far from where he worked.

  Diana loved Sweet Treats’ fudge and he wanted to show her how much he appreciated her help.

  An hour later, Diana said goodbye to the family who’d needed accommodation and met Ethan beside his truck. He’d helped Simon take their suitcases into Wyatt’s home while Diana gave Jacinda a hand with the children.

  “They’re happy,” she said.

  “I can’t believe you found beds for them so quickly.”

  “It was all because of Wyatt. If I hadn’t seen him going into his house, it wouldn’t have happened.” At the end of her walk, she’d seenWyatt opening his front door. When she’d told him about the family who’d arrived at The Welcome Center, he’d said they could use his spare bedrooms.

  It was a generous offer, especially since he worked from home.

  Ethan reached into his truck. “I bought you something from Sweet Treats. It’s to say thank you for finding the accommodation.”

  “Is this—”

  “Chocolate fudge.”

  She inhaled the sweet scent and grinned. “I’ll find all sorts of excuses to help you if you give me candy.”

  “You can help me whenever you like. Now that I know your Achilles heel, I could use it to my advantage.”

  Diana laughed. “I can’t see that happening. There isn’t one manipulative bone in your body.” She checked her watch and sighed. “I hate to take the fudge and leave, but
I have four guests who want to visit Main Street. If you aren’t doing anything for dinner you could come to the inn. Katie baked an extra casserole before she went to Los Angeles.”

  “I didn’t know she’d left.”

  “Mom and Dad took her to the airport this morning. She’s meeting the editorial director from a publishing company on Friday. We don’t know what will happen, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.”

  “She must be excited.”

  “She’s more nervous than excited. Katie’s been writing for so long she’d almost given up on ever publishing her stories.” Diana still didn’t know if that would happen. She just hoped the meeting went well and that Katie received positive feedback about what she was doing. That, on its own, would make a huge difference to her sister’s confidence.

  Ethan took a set of keys out of his pocket. “I’d love to have dinner with you. What time would you like me to arrive?”

  Diana thought about her guests’ schedule. Her official tour of Main Street would finish at six-fifteen. Two of their guests were coming back to the inn with her and the others were staying in town for dinner. As long as she could make a quick getaway at nine to pick them up, it would be fine.

  “I should be home by six-thirty but, just in case I’m held up, come at seven.”

  “Seven it is. I’ll be able to go for a run before I see you.”

  She groaned. “That sounds like way too much exercise.”

  “It has its uses. I’ll see you soon.”

  By the time she thought about asking Ethan what uses running had, he was sitting in his truck. With another worried look at her watch, she sighed. If she didn’t get a move on, she’d be late for her tour.

  “I’ll see you in a couple of hours,” she said.

  “Sounds good. See you soon.”

  Before anything else distracted her, she hurried back to the inn to call the foreman of the tiny home project. Her guests had read about the tiny home village and wanted to see how the houses were made. Hopefully, if the foreman was still at work, she could organize a time for them to visit. Otherwise, she’d have to find something else for her guests to do.