Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Elaine took a long sip of the steaming cup of apple cider that was radiating heat in her hands. The fragrant aroma tickled her nose, and she took a deep breath of it, letting herself enjoy a shiver of happiness that made its way all the way down to her toes.
She set down the mug and returned to the paperwork she’d been working on.
She was sitting on the front porch of The Birchwood House, arranging a few details for the hotel while enjoying the hot apple cider and the crisp autumn air.
She was bundled up in a thick, cozy sweater, a scarf, and a hat, and for the moment at least that was enough to keep her warm despite the nip in the air.
She heard the sound of voices, and a moment later, the front door of the hotel opened. A young couple that had been staying at The Birchwood House stepped outside, carrying their suitcases and talking and laughing excitedly.
“Elaine!” the young woman said eagerly when she saw her. She hurried forward to shake Elaine’s hand. “We’re just checking out—although I wish we weren’t. We’re already saying we’re going to plan on coming back here the first chance we get.”
“It’s true.” Her husband smiled. “We’ve had such a wonderful stay here. Thank you so much.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Elaine said warmly. “We’re so glad you had a good time.”
“Just fantastic,” the young woman said. “It’s not just how nice the house is.
I mean, it’s beautiful, and comfortable, and I always love staying in older buildings because I love history, but it’s more than all that.
You’re such thoughtful hosts. From the gift baskets to that amazing breakfast, everything is so…
well, loving. It’s like those pastry boxes in the entryway and the kitchen say, ‘Baked with Love.’ Everything in The Birchwood House seems to be done with love. ”
Elaine’s eyes filled with tears for a moment, and she smiled and nodded, feeling a rush of happiness. “I’m so glad you felt that,” she said. “We do try to do everything with love.”
“It shows,” said the young man, smiling. “We’ll be sure to leave the hotel a stellar review.”
“Wonderful.” Elaine laughed, thinking that this time for sure, when she got a notification that there was a new review, she was going to stay completely serene! “I hope we get to see you folks again soon. Come back anytime.”
“We plan on it,” the young woman said.
They carried their suitcases down to their car and waved at Elaine before getting inside and driving off. Elaine was just turning back to her work and her mug of cider with a happy sigh when Michelle stepped out of the mansion.
“Oh, hey you.” Elaine smiled at her. “We’ve got those three guests coming in at seven tonight. Are you able to man the front desk then?”
Michelle shook her head, a flush warming her cheeks. “I can’t, sorry Grandma. I promised a certain guitarist that I would support his band’s performance tonight.”
“Ah, I see.” Elaine gave her a knowing look. “Well, no problem then. I can cover that for you.”
“Thanks, Grandma.” Michelle grinned at her. “I’m going for a quick walk, but I’ll be back soon. No one else is scheduled to check out this morning, and I’ll be back in plenty of time to check in our noon arrivals.”
“Perfect, thanks Michelle. Enjoy this beautiful day!”
“I will.” Michelle kissed her grandmother on the cheek and made her way down the steps of the mansion. Elaine turned back to her work, sipping her cider contentedly.
She’d just finished all of her paperwork and her cider and decided that it was time to go back inside when she heard someone call her name. She looked up, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Shep walking up the front steps of the mansion.
“Good morning, Elaine,” he said. He didn’t smile, but she knew from the affectionate gleam in his eyes that he was very happy to see her.
“Good morning.” She returned his greeting, wanting to spring up and give him a bear-hug but holding herself back. Shep might have been a big, burly man, but he needed to be treated with delicate care. She didn’t want to overwhelm him.
“I have a question for you,” Shep said, walking up to her.
He seemed to be wasting no time on pleasantries, but that was Shep through and through.
“I very much enjoyed that walk we shared a couple of weeks ago, and although we’ve spent some time together here and there since then, it hasn’t been quite the same.
Going to the movies with Evan and Audrey and Michelle was a lot of fun, but I didn’t get to talk with you.
The same is true for when we all went apple-picking.
So I was wondering…” He paused and cleared his throat, making a sound that wasn’t unlike a seal barking.
“Would you like to go get a coffee with me? Now, perhaps?”
He clasped his hands in front of him as if he was getting ready to start singing a Christmas carol, and Elaine found his awkwardness adorable.
A little thrill passed through her. This, she felt sure, was definitely a date.
Although she wanted to pause and savor the moment, she could see that Shep was nervous, and she was determined to offer him immediate reassurance.
“I would love to,” she said warmly. “And right now would be perfect.” She stood up and offered him her arm. “Lead on.”
Shep gave her the biggest smile she had ever seen on his face, and together, they walked down the steps of the porch and made their way toward town.
There’s more to come for Elaine, Audrey, and Michelle as all three generations of Sutton women continue to run The Birchwood House and find their footing in Coral Sands! Find out what’s in store for them next in A Winter Thaw.