Cafenova

by S. Jane Scheyder

  

  “Oh, my dear, those turned out beautifully! David, come see what Maddy’s done! Oh, I forgot, he went into town. He always does his banking on Wednesday mornings. Bank’s quiet, you know. And there’s my dryer buzzer. Excuse me, dear.”

  Caroline Evans bustled down the steps to her laundry room. Maddy smiled and breathed in the fresh breeze that drifted gently through the window. It had been a good idea to get a change of scenery and clear her head. The elusive peace had finally started to take hold, and she felt like she could deal with her life again. She looked at her watch. It was probably time to start packing.

  She walked into the front hall and jumped when the doorbell rang. She looked at the door and glanced back toward the kitchen. Mrs. Evans was still in the basement and would never hear it. She decided to answer it herself.

  She opened the door and came face to chest with a crisp, clean polo shirt. She looked up and beheld the square, shaven jaw, hazel eyes – great eyes – and hair that curled in charming disarray around his ears. She couldn’t help but stare.

  “John.”

  “Hi, Maddy.”

  She stepped out onto the porch. “What brings you here?” It was a silly question, but she wanted to hear the answer.

  He took her hands. “You do.”

  “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “I’m so glad to hear it.” The drive up to Searsport had been a bit of a gamble.

  “Um… Shouldn’t you be fixing my house?”

  “Someone left a mess in the kitchen, and I couldn’t get anything done.”

  Maddy laughed. “I made a mess here, too. I learned how to make scones.”

  “No kidding?”

  “And I learned all about tax laws for inns in Maine,” she continued with satisfaction. “David Evans is very knowledgeable.”

  “You’ve been busy.”

  She smiled, then her look became serious. “Phil went home.”

  John nodded, waiting.

  “And he’s not coming back.”

  “Good.” This simple response vastly understated John’s relief.

  “He wanted me to go back to Seattle with him.” Maddy was still amazed at Phil’s audacity. “He said I’d make good money on the house.”

  “Did he?” John almost choked on the words.

  “But I told him I loved my house.” Maddy took a step forward and ran her hands across John’s broad, tense shoulders.

  “I’m very happy to hear that.” John’s tense shoulders began to relax.

  “And I love you, John.” Maddy looked up into his eyes.

  John looked back into hers and enveloped her in a crushing hug. Then he kissed her like he hadn’t kissed her in ten long days, which, in fact, he hadn’t.

  

  The weeks that followed were some of the most interesting and challenging in Maddy’s life. She had decided, with the Fordham family’s encouragement, to have a grand-opening party on Labor Day weekend, so deadlines for projects became very real. Days were long and exhausting, and evenings were spent planning and recalculating, based on the day’s accomplishments.

  It took a full week to finish the kitchen cabinet job, but the end result was well worth the effort. The lighter color complimented the newly painted walls, and seemed to enlarge the kitchen, welcoming and reflecting the sunlight that streamed in through the windows.

  Maddy’s delight was in direct proportion to the discouragement she had routinely felt when the endlessness of the job got to her. This delight was considerable.

  The following week saw the installation of new butcher block countertops and brick flooring, which was a much applauded re-commendation of Bill’s. Once this was accomplished, the new appliances were installed, and Maddy began to think that she might actually enjoy spending time in her kitchen. The pressed tin ceiling was restored, and a rack of copper-bottomed pans was rigged to hang over the central island. The kitchen’s complete transformation lacked only three new stools and some decor.

  With the kitchen virtually done, the adjacent room became a priority. After the fireplace was repointed and the molding in that area stripped and lacquered, the room got a fresh coat of paint and the floors on the first level were sanded and recoated. White-paneled wainscoting was installed in the parlor, sitting room and dining room, contrasting nicely with the newly-painted walls. The frieze could wait, but Maddy enjoyed being able to discuss these future decorating possibilities with such aplomb.

  As room after room underwent transformation, Maddy tenaciously shopped yard sales, estate sales and antique stores for interesting furniture and pieces of art. Linda, good to her word, helped Maddy on the weekends, finding treasures like wall sconces, tassled pillows and needlework footstools. Within weeks, Maddy’s Inn began to look like a real Bed & Breakfast.

  Rainy weather delayed the painting of the shaker shingles and trim, but the crew had plenty to keep them busy inside. When a relatively dry spell was forecast, they dropped their indoor chores to work on the outside of the house.

  Maddy continued with the accents inside, consulting Becky and her mother by phone when she needed creative input. She also spent the intermittent hour outdoors, keeping up with her gardens, and watching her house change before her eyes. The transformation from dingy green to white was stunning, and Maddy was thrilled to mark the painter’s progress. Equally enthralling but less openly celebrated was John’s increasingly bronzed torso.

  It wasn’t until just days before the grand opening that the progress they’d made finally hit home for Maddy. Blake and Parker were spending the evening at Karen’s, so homeowner and contractor had a few hours alone to go through the house and take inventory.

  It was as though Maddy walked through someone else’s home, and saw everything for the first time.

  The parlor and sitting room were outfitted simply but elegantly. The rooms lacked the glorious clutter of true Victorian style, but Maddy figured she had time to embellish. For now, the settees and armchairs, ottomans and side tables were well-chosen and inviting. The few pieces of art on the walls were local treasures, and she looked forward to adding to those, as well.

  The dining room gave her particular satisfaction. The woodwork was beautiful, and the colorful glassware on display complimented the delicate tea set she’d bought for the newly finished sideboard. Truly remarkable was the pedestal table with gilt-stenciled chairs that she’d found at an antique auction. The crowning glory was a coffee dispenser that she’d ordered from a catalog specializing in antique-style fixtures with up-to-date function. No expense was spared when it came to keeping the coffee fresh and hot.

  The kitchen was nothing less than stunning. Maddy put new dishes, bowls and vases in the glass-fronted cupboards, and the effect was colorful and welcoming. She also gradually filled her shelves and drawers, giving careful attention to the items on display in the cupboards without doors. She’d found her bar stools and several sturdy, but attractive rugs. Burt still had his comfortable mat in the corner; it was a nonnegotiable fixture.

  The fireplace room was the one area decorated in contemporary style. Maddy decided her guests would need a cozy place to relax, and figured she’d be spending a good deal of time in there as well. The pillow-laden couch and comfortable recliners created just such a space. Bookshelves in one corner held games, puzzles and books, and a small entertainment center in the other corner housed the TV.

  A walk through the bedrooms upstairs revealed the same comfort and style that was evident on the lower floor. The bedding, window dressings and even the area rugs celebrated the focus for the “shell room,” the “lighthouse room,” the “anchor room” and the “ship room.” Simplicity was the overriding theme, and Maddy knew that improvements could always be made as interesting pieces became available. That would be part of the ongoing adventure.

  She reveled in their accomplishment as she looked out over the water from the balcony of her old room, newly named “The Captain’s Quarters.”

  John w
as reminded of their first walk-through almost three months earlier, and the awkward concern he’d felt for her when she’d leaned out over the railing on that first day. Now, as she did so, he felt no hesitation in pulling her back into his arms.

  Maddy giggled. “I wasn’t going to jump.”

  John kissed the top of her head. “I’ll make sure of that.”

  Maddy leaned her head back against his chest and looked up at him. “The house looks amazing. Thank you for everything.”

  John smiled, enjoying her satisfaction in the renovation, and especially her proximity. It had been too long since he’d really held her. “You helped a lot. You should be proud.”

  Maddy turned and linked her fingers around his neck. “Thanks for being such a patient…” Her words were quietly interrupted. “Teacher,” she managed with a grin.

  “You’re welcome,” he answered, not yet willing to let go.

  “Your mom’s coming for the party, right?”

  “Do we have to talk about my mother right now?” he asked, finding her lips again.

  Maddy laughed. “What do you want to talk about?”

  “I don’t want to talk.”

  “Good thing we’ve been so busy, huh?”

  “Good thing,” John agreed, still determined to communicate without words.

  “John?”

  It took him a minute to respond. “Yeah?”

  “Remember when you used to keep me at a distance when you kissed me?”

  John acknowledged the lack of distance between them with little regret. “No?”

  Maddy laughed and tried to back away. “It’s a scary thing when I’m the strong one. We’d better go downstairs.”

  John reluctantly released her, but kept hold of her hands. He looked over her head at the water, drawing a deep breath.

  “You coming?” Maddy turned to pull him through the doors.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  The glint in his eye almost made Maddy forget. She cleared her throat. “I’m taking you down to your truck, so you can go home and get some rest.”

  He gathered her into his arms one more time. Maddy lost all determination to make him leave, and this time John was the one to stop what he’d started. He looked into her eyes and then kissed her forehead.

  “Okay, I’ll go.” He kissed her hand. “I don’t want to, but I’ll go.”

  Maddy smiled. “Yeah, you’d better.”

  They walked slowly down the newly finished front staircase, oblivious to the striking paintings that lined the freshly painted walls. Their feet passed over floors that reflected their images like mirrors, but they were only aware of the powerful point of contact between their linked fingers.

  epilogue

  Most of the guests had gone home, and Frank’s family and the boys were finishing their game of Dominos. John smiled as he watched them lining up their tiles on the new kitchen table. He looked around the room with satisfaction; everything had turned out very nicely. The party had been well attended, and the guests were impressed. John was extraordinarily proud of this particular job.

  He walked into the fireplace room and spoke briefly to one of Maddy’s neighbors, who was just getting ready to leave. Doing a final walk-through, he made sure that Frank’s family and his sons were the only guests left in the house, then made his way out to the place where he knew he’d find Maddy.

  She was saying good night to Otis, and John smiled at the look of pride on Otis’ face as he gave her a rare hug. John walked over to join them, and Maddy looked up with a smile.

  “Otis is going to teach me how to make his famous muffins,” she said happily.

  Otis chuckled. “Your coffee is so good, no one’s going to care what you make for breakfast.”

  “Thanks, Otis, but I’m still coming over Wednesday morning.”

  “I’ll be ready. Good night, John.” They shook hands. “You did a fine job on the house.”

  “Thank you. I had good help.”

  Otis smiled and waved over his shoulder as he walked down the steps to the beach.

  John took Maddy’s hand. “Let’s go down to the water.”

  They walked carefully over the rocky sand. The moon was temporarily hidden behind a bank of clouds, leaving the beach in long, dark shadows. Arriving at the water’s edge, they stood just beyond the gently lapping waves. John pulled Maddy close.

  “So, you have guests coming next week.”

  “Yeah. Crazy, huh?” Maddy tucked into his side. “And your next job is…”

  “In Portland.”

  “Wow, it’s going to be really different around here.”

  “Yeah. Nice and quiet.”

  “I don’t know if I’m going to like it.”

  John took a deep breath and reached into his pocket. “I should probably give you these.” He started to detach her ring with its house keys on it from his.

  Maddy watched with concern. “I don’t mind if you hold on to them. You know, for emergencies.”

  John continued to separate the keys. “It’s best if you have them.”

  Maddy didn’t like the finality in his voice. “Well, if you think so.” She put her hand out as he disconnected the ring.

  He put the keys in her palm, holding her hand with both of his. “You’ll take good care of these?”

  She looked up at him, puzzled. “I’ve got a couple other sets.”

  “Not like these.”

  He dropped his hands and she looked down at her own. Something sparkled in the moonlight that now filtered through the clouds. The key ring held more than her house keys.

  “John?”

  “Maddy, I want you to be my wife.”

  She looked at him with happy wonder, then back down at the diamond ring – small, sparkling, perfect. She looked back up into his eyes. “Really?”

  John laughed softly. “Really.”

  Maddy held up the keys with the ring on them. “I should probably try this on first.”

  “First?” John gave her his ‘look’ as he took the key ring from her hand.

  Maddy smiled and hovered as he carefully disconnected metal from metal.

  He elbowed her. “You’re in my moonlight.”

  “Oh, sorry.” She shifted slightly and watched as the ring came free.

  John took her left hand in his. “So, you’re thinking about it, right? Or is this step unnecessary?”

  Maddy wiggled her fingers. “I’m thinking,” she assured him with a laugh.

  John slid the ring on, and Maddy emitted a soft sigh of pleasure.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  John stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as she held her hand out under the moonlight.

  “It looks good,” he observed.

  “It does, doesn’t it?”

  They stood for a moment contemplating Maddy’s hand, the ring and all that it symbolized. “I know it’s complicated,” John said and then turned her to face him. “For all practical purposes, you’ll be a mother right away. It won’t be easy for you.” He stopped and took her face in his hands. “But it will be impossible for us without you.” His earnest look finally gave way to a grin. “No pressure or anything.”

  Maddy linked her arms around his neck. “You’re sure the boys are okay with this?”

  “Absolutely. We’ve discussed it at length, and they want you to be part of the family. I had to arm-wrestle Parker to be the one to ask you.”

  Maddy laughed.

  “So?”

  She admired the ring as she held her hand up over John’s shoulder. “So, what?”

  John pulled her closer. “So, are you inclined to give me an answer, or do I have to resort to coercion?”

  “Really, John. I’m thinking.” She ran her fingers through the hair behind his ears, the diamond sparkling in the moonlight.

  John’s voice was a low growl. “Maddy…”

  She giggled. “Well, and if I say no?”

  John disengaged from her, leaned over,
and untied his shoes. Maddy watched as he carefully removed them and set them aside. Realization dawned a moment too late, and she tried to jump out of reach. John was on her in an instant, scooping her up, and walking out into the water.

  “John!” Maddy squealed. “You wouldn’t!”

  “Oh, I would.” He continued to walk.

  “Let’s negotiate.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “If I say yes, will you promise not to throw me in?”

  “I wasn’t really going to throw you. Maybe just drop you,” John offered kindly. He took a few more steps. The water was now above the knees of his khaki slacks.

  Maddy peeked at the water below and tightened her grip around his neck.

  “I want you to be my husband,” she whispered.

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  John smiled. Maddy’s face was an entertaining mix of happiness and just a little fear.

  “I’m crazy about you, Maddy.”

  She smiled back and relaxed a little. “So, are you going to kiss me and seal the deal?”

  “Oh, yeah,” he replied, falling into the water.

  About the Author

  S. Jane Scheyder, a firm believer in romance, lives with her husband and five children in Connecticut. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, she graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana with a degree in Music Merchandising. Her first book, The Other Side of the Pulpit, was published in 2006.