Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  He fought back the grin threatening to break loose. “So, here’s the plan that I was going to tell you last night, but couldn’t. I ran into that storm and didn’t need to be on the phone.”

  “You were driving here when we talked last night? And you didn’t—”

  “Surprise! Merry Christmas!” He waved his hands.

  She smacked her towel on the counter. “What about—”

  “So, I’m going to start up a sporting club.” He figured he’d better get his ideas out fast before she remembered that rifle. “I have an investor. A business partner to help me out. I sold the Camaro. It’ll pay for the building, and I found a canoe business that went under so they’re selling their supplies cheap. Remember how I told you there was nowhere in the area for the snowmobilers to meet when they’re out riding? Well, they’ll have a place to come park, now. That’s Plan A.”

  She was still listening, her beautiful blues wide as she followed along.

  “Plan B will take a bit more time, but I’ve already found a few clients willing to try me out. And the equipment I’ll need. First, I’ll have to show them I can do good work. So, while the sports club is being built, I’ll be making videos of my music. I’ve talked my friend Stephen into coming to help me this spring after his touring season with orchestra is over. He took the job, but I bet he won’t stay for long. He’s going to hate sitting in a chair and being told what he can play just as much as I hated the idea.”

  “Wait, you’re going to record your own music?”

  “Yep. My sister learned how to use cameras and make films in college. She’s going to help us create the videos. And we’ll post them on YouTube. It’s how a lot of people get started now. When I get enough music, I’ll put out a record and sell it myself online. Part of the sports lodge will become a recording studio. Mr. Hechinger has agreed to give me a grant for my studio idea. And a couple of the other money men in town want to invest in it, too. So, soon as the ground thaws, I’ll start building and recording my music.”

  Haley moved around the island. “And we’ll be neighbors?”

  Ethan pulled her closer to him, resting his hands on her waist. “I’m actually hoping for more, Haley.”

  “You are?” Her hands slid up his arms and played with the hair on the back of his neck.

  “Haley, I love you. I want to spend my life here with you. You said you’d be better off going with someone local. I’m here and I’m staying. I love this town and want to help it grow. But I love you more. I want to build a life with you. Will you agree to marry me?”

  “You’re not joshing, right?”

  From his shirt pocket he pulled out the ring he’d bought her, a blue sapphire that matched her eyes. He stood, towering over her by about a foot. “Not at all. Marry me, Haley Isabelle Madison.”

  She tightened her arms around his neck, bringing him down until their lips met in a deep kiss. He ran his hands up her back, pulling her closer to him. The soft white fabric was smooth like a bird’s feathers against his fingers. When she finally broke away, her mouth trailed up along his chin with little kisses until she reached his ear. “You betcha, Yankee.”

  * * * *

  They spent the better part of the morning sitting together by the fire, talking about their plans for the next year. Haley told him about Lexie, and he was all for finding out how to get her out of the state system as soon as possible. “We’ll find a way, sweetheart.”

  After she dressed, she took him around to show off the progress they’d made so far. He never let go of her hand and often stopped to pull her against him for another kiss.

  Just about the time she was thinking of fixing them something for dinner, a honk sounded out in the front yard. She peered around the tree, wondering who was here now, when Ethan dropped the ball he’d been tossing for Wally to chase and hurried to the front door.

  “My investors are here. Finally.” He opened the door. “Want to come meet them?”

  “Your… you mean your parents?” she gasped. Meet his parents? Now? She ran her hands over her wild hair. She’d not even dolled up with some makeup, not that she often wore it. But to meet her future in-laws!

  “Come on, beautiful.” He grabbed her hand and led her down to the street, where a handsome couple climbed out of a large black SUV. The man checked his watch and pointed at the woman wrapping a shawl around her coat.

  “We made great time. Told you I wasn’t lost. Here’s the boy now. And… oh, and a friend, I see.”

  The woman’s boots sank up to mid-calf as she stomped around the vehicle and embraced first her son, then moved toward Haley. “You must be Miss Madison. I’ve heard a lot about you, dear.”

  “Just call me Haley.” She found herself wrapped in the woman’s arms. How long since she’d been hugged by a mother? It hurt to think about it. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Winters.”

  “You call me Martha. And that’s Frank. The others couldn’t come this time, but you’ll meet them soon.” Her eyes traveled down to the ring now resting on Haley’s left hand. “Welcome to the family, dear.”

  Haley bit her bottom lip, trying to fight back the gushing well that bubbled up in her heart. A family. Ethan’s family would soon be hers. She’d not be so alone, after all. A family of townsfolk. A family of new friends. Now a real family who’d call her daughter. What more could she ask for?

  Frank Winters embraced her next. “What a delightful accent. And such a pretty young lady. We’re honored to meet you, Haley.”

  “Please, come in. I was just about to rustle up something for dinner.”

  “Oh, no.” Martha Winters waved her off. “Though I would like a look at your beautiful house, we are also dying to see this town of yours. Why don’t we drive in and eat there? Ethan says there’s a nice little diner there.”

  “Oh, yeah, Mallory has some great beef stew, now that I’ve taught her how to properly season it.” Haley gave a definitive nod, glad she and Mal had finally made things right between them.

  “Sounds wonderful. Mind if I freshen up first? It was a long drive.”

  Haley noticed the SUV was packed with luggage and boxes. “I’ll need to get Lady Blue out. That’s going to require clearing the drive with the beast.” She still hadn’t made peace with Papop’s monster snow-blower.

  Mr. Winters, who was already looking around the house and grounds, held up his hands. “I’ll get it. Is it here in the garage?”

  Ethan jogged to catch up with his father. “I’ll show you. While you do that, I’ll get the truck started and warmed up. Haley, you mind showing Mom around?”

  Haley tucked her hand around the woman’s arm and led toward the porch. “You’re gonna love Madison Creek, Miss Martha. It’s such a hospitable town.”

  “This is a lovely house, Haley. It’s going to make for a comfy inn. I can’t wait to see it when you get everything going.”

  “Me, too. It’s a bit of a whirlwind now, with all the fixin’ and paintin’ we’re doin’. But I hope to be up and runnin’ by summer.”

  Martha stopped on the porch. “What will you call it? Every bed and breakfast needs a special name.”

  Haley shrugged. “I’d planned to simply call it Madison Creek Bed and Breakfast.”

  Ethan returned from starting the truck. His arm went around her shoulder, pulling her in closer as he kissed the top of her head. His mom wouldn’t stop grinning at him. Must run in the family.

  Haley wrapped her arms around his waist. “I think I’ll add, ‘Where Northern Hospitality Meets Southern Comfort’. How’s that sound?”

  “Oh, that’s perfect,” Mrs. Winters clapped her hands together then remembered her need to freshen up.

  As they opened the door, the snow-blower roared to life. “Hey!” Mr. Winters hollered over the noise. “What’s this gear for?” He reached for the knob.

  “No!” Haley yelled. “Don’t use that… one. Oh my…” She covered her mouth as machine and man shot past.

  The blower bucked forward, d
ragging Mr. Winters after it.

  “I’ll catch him.” Ethan leapt over the banister and took off at a run. “Hang on, Dad, I’m coming!”

  Finale

  Red and pink hearts hung from the rafters of Mallory’s newly-painted diner. She was in the process of removing the old plastic booths and putting in real tables. Mr. Hechinger’s business must be flourishing now with all the orders for wood pieces.

  Roses adorned the new tables in the remodeled section of the diner. Instead of a bar, Mallory had added a small bandstand where local musicians played on the weekends for tips. The linoleum tiled floors were replaced with wood and the walls painted a creamy white.

  Ethan squeezed Haley’s hand, drawing her attention back to him, which she didn’t mind at all. She was happy to give him every spare moment she had.

  “I love you,” he whispered. “You look stunning in that red dress.” He glanced under the table. “And those boots. Just wow.” He waggled his brows, causing her to laugh.

  She stuck out her silver faux leather boots trimmed with red thread. “They’re my special Valentine’s Day boots. And this dress was a deal at the new Thread Bare Clothing Store that just opened up. They have the cutest jeans jacket. It has sparkling jewels running down the back and covering the cuffs. I’d never have thought I’d see such bling in a Yankee store.”

  “The owners moved here from Oklahoma.”

  “Well, that explains everything.” She threw him a wink, reached for the collar of his gray dress jacket, then pulled him closer for a kiss. “I love you, too, Ethan Winters. Cain’t wait till we say our vows, mister.”

  He took her hand and pressed her palm to his cheek. “So, if tomorrow won’t work for you, I’m thinking November 20th. It’s on a Friday, but we could do an afternoon ceremony.”

  “No, tomorrow won’t work. They’re coming to sand my floors.” Haley tilted her head. “But why that date?”

  “Well, ma’am, that’s the day a pretty southern gal blew me off my feet. Or tires. I thought it was fittin’.”

  “Funny man you are, mocking how I talk.”

  He brushed her palm with a kiss. “What day did you have in mind?”

  “Well, I’m not sure. I’ve decided one thing: I want to have a Holiday Hoopalooza this year to thank everyone for their help. Do you think we can pull it off?”

  “That and a wedding?”

  “What if we combined them? Get married during the Winter Festival? Then anyone who wants to can come. We’ll keep our ceremony simple. After it’s all done, you and I will skedaddle off somewhere warm for our honeymoon.”

  A huge smile split his face. “I’d rather spend all the money on a honeymoon. The longer we can honeymoon, the better.”

  “Ha! Funny. I’ll still have a grand wedding. Trust me.”

  He ran kisses down her arm. “Your ability to have your way astonishes me at times. So we’ll get hitched during the festival. I like it.” He moved in closer and nuzzled her neck. “Can we have the festival tomorrow?”

  “Oh, man,” Mallory whined as she sauntered over to their table. “Geez, get a room, will ya?” She pulled out her pad and pen, shaking her head. “I hate Valentine’s Day.”

  Haley swatted a menu at her. “Don’t be such a Valentine’s Grinch. What’s the special tonight?”

  “And,” Ethan interjected, “we’ll not be getting any rooms until we’re married. So about that festival. Tomorrow is really too soon?”

  Mallory smacked the pad over his head. “You two are too precious. It’s sickening. The Valentine’s special tonight is sirloin steak and potatoes, served with a side salad. Tory is adorning the salads with strawberries cut into hearts. It’s revoltingly adorable. How’s that sound?”

  “Two please. Make mine rare,” Haley said, blowing Mal a kiss.

  She pretended to catch it and stuff it in her apron pocket. “I’ll be back with your teas. And you’ll have to sweeten your own, Madison. I’ll hang a Confederate flag on my door before I sell that awful stuff, and we all know that’s not going to happen.”

  Haley scooted a little closer to her handsome Yank. “We need to fix her up. When is your friend Stephen coming?”

  He laughed and shook his head, then looked over his shoulder as Mallory turned in their order. “Hmm, she is a cutie, and sassy enough to keep it interesting for Steph.”

  Haley’s phone beeped. She pulled it out to find a new email. “Hey, my first email in the business account.” Her eyes widened. “Wait, there’s actually two. I must have missed the first one.”

  Ethan waved excitedly, motioning for her to open it. “Well, from who? You’re not even open for business yet.”

  “Yeah true. The crow’s nest is ready for a guest. We did that one first in case a prospective buyer wanted to visit. The other rooms aren’t ready yet. Suppose it’ll depend on when they want to come.”

  “Still, who is it from?”

  “You want me to check my email while we’re on a date?” She placed her hands on her hips.

  “Well, don’t you want to know?”

  Actually, she did. “Fine.” She tapped the first message and read out loud for him:

  Dear Haley Madison,

  I’d like to inquire about renting a room from you in April. My name is Bekka Winters. I do suppose you recognize that name since you’ll soon be marrying my brother.

  Ethan seems under the delusion that I’ll be willing to stay in that horrid camper of his while I help him film some videos. This is simply not acceptable. Please, as your future sister-in-law, I’m begging you to help me out.

  “What?” Ethan exclaimed. “That brat! There’s nothing wrong with the camper, now that I’ve let it air out to get rid of that odd smell. And I tossed all the flamingo art. Well, except for the one’s glued to the wall.”

  Haley chewed her bottom lip to hold in her amusement. “It’s been a cozy place for you. Should I finish her letter?”

  He rolled his eyes, but nodded for her to continue.

  I’m willing to pay full price.

  “Bet she will.” Ethan muttered.

  And in truth, I’m eager to finally meet you, Haley, and have a chance to get to know you better. I’ll bring Ethan’s childhood pictures! He tried to hide the old photo albums, but I found his stash. If he’s reading this over your shoulder, tell him I also found my Baby Alive and Cries that he hid and I plan to pass it on to his first born daughter. And she still wails just as loud as she always did.

  Ethan smacked his hand onto his forehead.

  Please let me know if you have any rooms available. Looking so forward to hearing from you. Yours, Bekka.

  “I like her already. You bet I’ll make room for her at a family discount rate.”

  “Of course you will. Read the other one.”

  Haley was enjoying this way too much and couldn’t wait to meet Bekka. She scrolled to the next letter and scanned through the contents. “It’s from a university professor who is doing research about the history of the towns along Lake Michigan. Seems he has a few books out and sent me a link. He aims to stay two weeks this summer and wants to know if there’s anyone here who’s well informed concerning local history.”

  Haley met Ethan’s eyes. “Karen for sure. Aunt Daisy would be helpful. He can go play pinochle with her card club and find out loads of boring information.”

  She scrolled down a bit more. “He gave a link to his Amazon page and asks that I get back to him with an estimate on room costs so he can fit it into his budget. Then it’s signed ‘Dr. Kelvin Fairbanks, Professor of History at Michigan State University’. Do you think he’s handsome? I’m thinking Karen could use a handsome fella in her life. One who loves history as much as she does? Score!”

  Ethan scooted his chair around the table so they were sitting side by side. “Click on that book link. Let’s go ahead and check him out.”

  “I love you.” She kissed his cheek. Ethan was going to make a great husband and fit into her hijinks like two peas in a pod. Leaning
her head against his shoulder, they waited for the page to load on her phone.

  Soon a book cover with the drawing of a battle over the Michigan flag came up.

  “There, click his name. Maybe there’s a picture.” Ethan pointed at the author’s name.

  They waited for the next page to load. The suspense was killing her. Finally his author page came up. She blew up the picture. “He’s very tanned.”

  Ethan moved the screen so he could read the bio under the picture. “He sounds legit. Been all over, it seems, Wow, six books published already. He must love Michigan history.”

  “That’s probably what he teaches, you think?” Dr. Fairbanks was a nice-looking gentleman, with sandy brown hair and a goatee. She wondered how old the picture was. If it was current, he must be in his mid-thirties, like Karen. “Wonder if he’s married.”

  Ethan nudged her. “Hey, he’s just looking for a room to stay in while he’s doing his research. We are not playing match-maker, understand?”

  Mallory came out with their plates. When she saw them sitting next to each other, she narrowed her eyes. “So help me, if you don’t stop with the making-out in my establishment, I’m coming back with a pitcher of ice water. And it won’t be to refill your glasses, got it?”

  Ethan scooted over. They needed more room to eat, anyway. He didn’t move so far apart to keep their knees from bumping each other, though.

  Haley unfolded her napkin and set it over her lap. “Oh, I’m not … doing that. So are you gonna call and see when Stephen can visit?”

  “Yep. Tomorrow.” He checked his steak to make sure it was well-done.

  She’d have to work on him about that.

  Ethan reached for the ketchup. He was killing her. She had so much to teach him about the proper way to eat beef.

  “You going to do a search on Mr. Fairbanks? Get his age, married status, and credit score?”

  “Yep, soon as I get back home.”

  He held up his glass of unsweetened tea. “Happy first Valentine’s to the love of my life. May we celebrate many, many more.”