Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  As the sun filtered in through the dirty garden room windows, he figured he’d find out soon enough.

  * * * *

  Haley woke to a deep chill freezing down to her bones. She shivered beneath her pile of blankets. Had the space heater given out again?

  Wally snuggled against her back, but even his furry presence didn’t offer enough warmth.

  She needed to get up and tend the horses. Haley buried her face under the covers. She didn’t want to have to deal with anything today. Hard decisions. Nobody to ask for advice. The townsfolk would advise according to what they thought was best. Ethan… he was leaving soon. She needed to stop thinking so blasted much about the handsome Yankee.

  Besides, he sure spent a lot of time at Mallory’s. She fed him again last night. He probably wooed her with his fiddle that played such beautiful, enchanting music.

  Haley scrolled through the contacts on her phone. Aunt Daisy would let her vent, but couldn’t give her unbiased advice. Momma was gone. Her stepfather was in jail. Lexie. Oh, she wished she could talk to her.

  The woman in charge of Lexie’s case had sent an email with Lexie’s current number at the detention center. Would they really let her talk?

  Haley checked the time. Seven in the morning. Only six there. Ethan had sent a message last night, wanting to know if she was still up. Was she okay? Did she need to talk? Her heart ached.

  Don’t go falling in love, Haley Isabelle! Don’t ya do it!

  She went back to her contacts. She’d removed Robert’s number, but not his parents, her old employers. Never knew when she’d need references. Even if she and Robert did break off their engagement, Marilyn still was kind to her. But Marilyn was in south Texas. What help would she be?

  Haley threw the phone down on the bed, causing Wally to give a snort of irritation. She scratched his ear until he settled down again.

  Ethan had told her to pray about the council’s offer. But what was there to pray about? They were going to stop the sale of the house. Without the money from the sale, she was stuck.

  A neigh and snort from out in the stall area reminded her she had responsibilities. So much to do. Cleaning out the barn was more of an effort than she thought possible. But she had to get it up to standard before getting clearance to serve people out here.

  “Let’s go, Wally boy. We need to tend the horses.” She threw off the covers and gasped as the arctic blast hit her legs. “Oh, oh!” She wrapped the blankets around her and quickly threw her jeans on over the long johns she’d taken to sleeping in and wearing under her clothes. She hadn’t been truly warm since leaving Texas back in September.

  After slipping on two pairs of socks, she yanked on her work boots. Finally, feeling slowly crept back into her limbs. After running a brush through her hair, she pulled on a knit cap and her gloves. She gave the useless heater a kick and it came to life again.

  “Thanks for nothing!” She whistled for her dog to follow her. He poked his nose from beneath the blankets for a moment, then retreated back into the warm cocoon. “Lazy mutt.”

  She stomped out to the barn, tossed a few bits of wood into the barrel, and got a fire going again. Looking around, she wondered who in their right mind would want to come way out here to eat food they probably wouldn’t even like. Because she didn’t, and never would, cook bland meals. Meat was made to be savored. Seasonings added life to a meal.

  From her room, the phone gave off a series of beeps. She rushed back inside and jerked it free from the charging cord. She didn’t recognize the number but answered it anyway.

  “Haley Madison.”

  “Hal? It’s me, Lexie,” a small voice squeaked. “I had a strange dream about you.”

  “Lex! Oh, honey, I was just thinking about you this morning. I was given a number but last time I tried to call, they wouldn’t put me through.”

  Haley heard an irritated snort. “They love to control people’s lives here. Haley, where are you? I heard that you broke your engagement. Is it true?”

  “’Fraid so, sweetie. He didn’t want to marry me after all. But I’ve moved on and, honey, I’m trying to get on my feet. I’ve been—”

  “Where are you then? Why haven’t you come to see me? You said you’ve known where I’m at. Those awful creeps kicked me out. I’d say I’m better off, except now I’m in juvie and… well, they watch me like a hawk tracking a mouse. Bunch of—”

  Haley yanked her ear away from the phone, shocked at the series of swear words blowing from her sister’s mouth.

  “Alexandria! Language, young lady. We’ve both been taught better than to talk like we have dumpster mouths. Now listen, I don’t want you to freak out before I have my say. So just listen, okay?”

  “Okay.” Lex sniffed and she wondered if her sister was crying or had a cold. She didn’t know if she could take her crying.

  “My Papop, you know the one up in Michigan? He’s left me all his land.”

  “Wait. You’re in…? Wait. Ain’t it always snowing up there? What…?”

  “I said listen!” Haley stomped her boot. The covers rose where Wally lifted his head at the noise. Soon, his nose poked from under the covers before his head popped out. “I’m trying to build us a life here. I’m gonna start a restaurant. Something nobody can take from me. From us. Lex, the judge said if I had a place to live, and employment, I could get custody of you. So please, please, please hang in there. Be good.”

  “What kind of business?” Lexie asked, her voice deadpan.

  “A barbecue joint. I’m right by a big lake. It’s a tourist spot. You’ll love it. Lots of woods and stuff.”

  “And malls? I got to go to the one in Denton. An actual mall, Haley. I’m gonna need to do that again.”

  “Is that where you were caught shoplifting, Alexandra?”

  “Heard about that, huh?”

  “Sure did. How’m I supposed to get you out of trouble when you keep leaping off into an ocean of it? Lex, you have got to get your act together, young lady. Time to start doing what’s right.”

  “You sound like Momma.”

  Haley’s throat clamped shut. She tried to swallow down the hurting, but couldn’t. Tears from her fight to breathe welled up in her eyes, and she quickly swiped them away before they froze her lashes.

  “I’m not playing. I want to bring you up here with me. We can be a family again. I’ve really missed you.”

  The line remained quiet for a long time before Lex finally said, “Some family, Hal. Let me know when you get your act together. Maybe I’ll come up to Yankee-land to join you, but Texas has always been my home. Cain’t believe you just up and left me here. Some family.” Lexie grew quiet for a moment, and then whispered into the phone, “I have to go now. Someone’s coming.” The line went dead. Had she sneaked out somewhere to make the call?

  And what did that little monkey think she was playing at, telling her to get her act together? She was the one up here in arctic-land trying to build a new life for them. What was Lex doing but causing one storm after another?

  Haley stomped out of the tack room. “Wally, come on now!” Her tone must have let him know she wasn’t in the mood to mess around. He scampered out after her and nosed the sliding doors open to go out and do his business. A bright beam of sunlight filtered in. She moved to close the doors and had to stop a moment. The morning sun glistened on the winter wonderland like some kind of Christmas card scene.

  Christmas was coming, too, wasn’t it? She’d be stuck here alone. No family or friends. No job or co-workers to go out and celebrate with. Nobody but lazy Wally and the horses. She’d make sure to buy them some extra carrots. Wally would get a new bone.

  What about Ethan? Would he stick around for another holiday? She doubted it.

  The holidays in Madison Creek used to be such fun, until that one when Momma showed up and whisked her off into the wild blue yonder without a glance back. After that, Momma tried to make Christmases special for them, but Maddix’s drinking eventually ruined e
verything. No matter how many times he promised to quit. How many rehabs he’d entered.

  Momma made him attend church, hoping he’d find God and God would make him quit.

  Maddix didn’t seem to believe in God.

  But Haley did. She believed even if her faith had been on shaky ground since Momma died.

  “I miss her so much. Is it too much to want Lex, my only family, back with me? Can’t You help me make that happen? I didn’t make You mad, did I? Certainly didn’t mean to.” She folded her arms across her chest and kicked at a small snowdrift. “I’m just trying to jump-start my life. Get going again. Is anything wrong with that?”

  She looked across the barren field toward the old house. She didn’t want it torn down. She didn’t really want to sell. “If You still love me, think You can help me out? I don’t know what to do anymore. Certainly cain’t keep trying to do it all alone. No matter how hard I try.”

  Maybe she did need to return in a couple of weeks with her typed up plan and see what help the council would offer. Even if Momma was right, and they wanted to control what kind of business she ran, if they’d help…

  She’d not be obstinate like her little sister. What was that light in the bay window? It looked like … wait.

  Oh, no, he did not!

  Chapter Twelve

  Haley hopped in her truck after setting the horses out to pasture. Wally leapt into the bed, not to be left behind again. She hit the gas, sending Lady Blue sliding and swerving along the muddy lane from the barn to the house. Soon as she turned off the ignition, she bolted out and up the walkway.

  “What has that fool Yankee got in his fool head now? Where’s he get off messing around in my attic? Who told him he could ….?” She stomped up the front steps, across the porch, yanked open the door, and entered … the past.

  Lights glittered in the window where the old garden room tree now stood in the front bay window. Papop would only chop down one tree a year, and Memaw wanted a tree of her own in her special room where she held Bible studies.

  The ladies would often leave little notes rolled up and tied to the branches with ribbons. Some wrote their favorite scriptures while others listed prayer requests, or things they wished to give to the Lord.

  Haley slowly moved across the room, remembering the time she’d drawn a picture of a big heart on her piece of paper. Memaw cried when she said she wanted Jesus to have her heart. Later she’d tuck prayers deeper into the branches asking God to let her stay with her grandparents forever. But He didn’t.

  He let Momma come and take her away. Haley’s chest ached as if someone had punched her right in the heart. She drew in a slow breath, wincing at the pain.

  Ethan lay on the fainting couch, wrapped in a blanket. He snored softly, his face so peaceful. With all the emotions wreaking havoc inside of her, she debated between running over to either throw her arms around his neck or beat him senseless. That’s how chaotic she felt, standing there with her grandparents’ holiday memories swirling around her like a snow globe.

  Tears slid down her face. All the books and magazines piled up on the mantle were now replaced with great-granny’s manger scene. She used to love taking the figures under the tree and acting out the birth of the baby Jesus. Often they’d let her sleep right under the lighted boughs, hugging Mary to her chest. The world up inside the tree with its garland and glittering bulbs was simply magical.

  Haley had taught Lexie the nativity story, and together they’d also sleep under Momma’s fake white tree. A whole different experience, but not any less enchanting as they made up stories about what the angel figures did while they slept.

  A cry escaped her. She tried to muffle it, but the noise startled Ethan awake.

  He quickly sat up. “Oh, hey, I was going to call… what time is it?” He rubbed his eyes as he checked his wrist watch.

  Haley turned to him, hoping her voice didn’t quiver too much. “What is all this? I mean… what did you think you were doing?” She didn’t mean to sound angry. Her feelings were all jumbled up and she wasn’t sure what she was thinking or should be thinking anymore.

  “Oh, hey.” He was up and moving toward her when he suddenly stopped. “Why are you crying?” Before she could stop him, his arms were around her in a comforting hug. “Come over here. What’s wrong, sweetheart? I didn’t mean—”

  Something in Haley broke. The dam that had held in all the sorrow over losing her parents, letting Papop down, and possibly never seeing her sister again gushed forth.

  Ethan held her tight while she cried and didn’t let go until the last few tears dripped out. She buried her face against his chest, her tears damping his flannel shirt. He stroked her hair and back, offering words of comfort.

  Once her bucket finally emptied, she found her voice again. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m the one who needs to apologize. I should have asked first.” He hooked his forefinger under her chin and lifted her face so she had to look at him. His stormy grays were filled with nothing more than compassion and concern. “I just thought we could both use a little bit of holiday cheer.”

  “It’s beautiful.” She tried to wipe at her face, knowing she must be an all-fire mess to behold. “You must think I’m just a blubbering fool.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Seems more like you’re still hurting from some tender wounds.” His thumb brushed across her cheek leaving a tingling sensation in its wake.

  She gave a nod. “Some for sure.” Taking his other hand in hers, she traced over his long, slender fingers, tipped with callouses. Violin fingers. Therapist heart.

  “There used to be more decorations. Memaw hung garland over every doorway. And mistletoe. Papop was always stealing smooches.”

  “I found the mistletoe.” His wink made her grin. “Ah, there’s that beautiful smile. What a relief. I have to admit, I was a little worried you might try to run me over with your big truck.”

  His joke brought a laugh from her and her breathing no longer hurt as much. “It was a close call, but no, I think you’ll live another day, Yankee.” She was able to exhale without the heart-stabbing ache. Whatever weight had been pulling her down seemed to have been washed away in her flood of tears.

  She looked around the room again, admiring the Yankee’s work. Holiday music played on the old radio. “It’s really beautiful, but why’d you do it? Really? You’ll be back home for Christmas. And I…” Her words faltered. She wasn’t sure what she should do anymore.

  “I’m here now. And I heard about the old Holiday Hoopaloozas your family used to put on.”

  “Loooong, long time ago. When I lived here, they were only doing a tree-lighting ceremony in town. My grandparents had a few folks out for hot chocolate and carols, but that’s about it. Nobody wanted to do fundraisers anymore.”

  “Well, they do now.” Ethan grasped her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. “This weekend. They are doing a tree-lighting ceremony.”

  “That’s the same ol’ same ol’.”

  “But, if you’ll listen.” He laughed and gave her a gentle shake. The way his eyes sparkled caused her heart to do a little dance. She wanted to touch the spot on his cheek that dimpled when he smiled real big. She wanted to push the long bangs out of his eyes. Drat, she just wanted to touch him and get him to wrap her in his arms again.

  “I’m listening.” Sorta.

  “The shop-owners are holding events that night. Mallory told me she’s baking pies and having cake walks to raise money. I think the pub will have some games. There’re a few other things going on, too. I was thinking that maybe we could offer buggy rides out here. My mother has the best mulled cider recipe I’ve ever tasted. I’ll get the recipe from her. We can invite people to come. I’ll play the violin, and they can buy cups of warm drinks and rides in the buggy.”

  Haley opened her mouth to protest that people wouldn’t want to come see her, but she didn’t really know that. They used to come to the Madison Farm in droves. Papop told her abou
t how he proposed to Memaw at one of the holiday parties. They’d been riding out to the farm in a buggy. Matter of fact, that same buggy was still out in the barn and worked fine far as she knew.

  They could raise some extra money!

  “It’ll give you a chance to let people know what you want to do, Haley. You need to start letting people in, sweetheart. You can’t do all this alone. And you shouldn’t have to.” The seriousness on his face startled her.

  She blinked and scooted back. He immediately removed his hands. She regretted her impulsive move.

  “Been pondering on that, too. I’m like a snail in the rabbit and turtle race. Everything is passing me by, and I’m still just trying to get the floors clean enough that people would want to eat out there. But now I’m not so sure.”

  Ethan held up a hand and stood. “Hang on; I want to show you something I was reading last night.” He went over to the chair by the fireplace and pulled out Memaw’s old white and gold-trimmed family bible, a new international version, with a picture of Jesus on the front. She used to have it sitting open on the coffee table in her garden room. Sometimes, she’d get Haley to read a few scriptures from it. He opened it to Ecclesiastes, the fourth chapter.

  “Here. Read this part starting right there.” His finger pointed at verse eight.

  Haley cleared her throat then read, “‘There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business!’” Her throat tightened. “That’s how it’s been feeling. But I have to keep laboring. Lex, my little sister, she’s counting on me.”

  He smiled, and then nodded his head toward the open pages. “Keep reading.”

  “‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.’”

  He leaned closer, his arm circling around her back, as he read along with her. “‘If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.’” His forehead pressed against her temple. “We’re not meant to strive alone, Haley. We need people. I’m learning this, too, sweetheart. I had my big dreams, and I think I got off track.”