Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
In October, Gwen stood outside the completed inn and bistro. The Aurora Inn and Bistro was even more magnificent than she’d anticipated. Freshly painted white with black trim, it was modern, but with an old-fashioned architecture that gave it character and charm.
Mark Hunter strode over the freshly laid green lawn with a clipboard in hand. He stopped in front of her. She was used to seeing him in a hard hat, but today he wore a button-down shirt with slacks and had his hair neatly combed to one side. He was rather handsome.
“It’s that time,” he said with a smile. “The final payment, and it’s all yours.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe it. October sounded like it was so far in the distance, and now it’s here. And you’re finished. You promised to deliver, and you did it. I’m very impressed and so happy with how it’s all turned out.”
“You did your final inspection?” he asked. “Nothing to report?”
“It’s perfect. We’ve already worked out all the kinks. I know you’re sick of hearing from me. You’ll be glad not to get a phone call from me tomorrow, I’m sure.”
He laughed. “I’ve come to enjoy our many, many conversations.”
She handed him an envelope with the final payment receipt in it. She’d transferred it to his account earlier. “That’s the signed completion paperwork and receipt for payment.”
He nodded and attached it to his clipboard. “It’s been a pleasure working with you. I hope to see you around.”
She waved goodbye, then crossed her arms to study the inn. It was hers. All hers. And it was beautiful.
Just then, a sports car pulled up at the curb behind her. Joanna and Debbie climbed out. Both wore jeans and jumpers. It was a cool day for October, but Gwen enjoyed the cooler weather. They didn’t get it often in Sunshine.
“It looks amazing,” Joanna said. “I can’t wait to see the finished kitchen. They didn’t have the fridge done when I looked last, and the oven hadn’t arrived.”
“You’ve done such a great job. People will love staying here.” Debbie rested a hand on Gwen’s shoulder.
“Thanks for all your help, both of you. I really appreciate the support. Let’s go and take a look around. It’ll never be this perfect ever again.”
“I’m so looking forward to the opening,” Debbie said, following her up the footpath to the front porch.
“Me to,” Gwen replied. “I’m excited to have all of my family and friends try it out for the first weekend.”
“It’s a great idea,” Joanna said. “And the party is going to be huge.”
“I’m a little nervous,” Gwen said.
She unlocked the front door just as a removal truck pulled up outside.
“Hold on a moment,” she said. She left the door open and hurried down the footpath again to meet the movers. They had brought the remaining furniture from storage. She pointed out each piece and where to take it, then rejoined Joanna and Debbie to walk through the place while the movers carried everything inside.
“It’s so much bigger than I thought, and more spacious,” Debbie said as she looked around the main dining room. “I love these timber floors, too.”
Everything looked new and fresh. The expansion had grown the structure but retained the historical feel. And Gwen was delighted by the finishing touches that gave a modern twist to the colonial style of the structure. They inspected each of the bedrooms, and all had their own unique décor, something Gwen had a lot of fun putting in place. Then they finished with a tour of the bistro.
She flicked on the lights. There were round tables with matching chairs dotted throughout the space. A grand piano in one corner, an outside area with heat lamps and cheerful lighting, but it was the kitchen Joanna was most enthralled with. She’d helped design the space. It was large and roomy with every modern convenience, and Gwen was very proud of it.
Joanna hugged the stainless-steel bench top. “I’m in love.”
Gwen laughed. “I have to admit, I am as well. Isn’t it divine?”
“It seems wrong to get it dirty. Although I’m dying to try Joanna’s menu.”
“Do you still have time to get the photography done tomorrow?” Gwen asked Debbie.
Debbie nodded. “I have the whole day booked for you. And I’m only going to charge you a stay at your wonderful inn.”
Gwen laughed. “That’s a deal.”
“Great. Well, I hope I can do this place justice. I’m a little nervous. Don’t pin your hopes on my photography skills, please,” Debbie replied.
“I know you’ll be fantastic,” Gwen said. “But no pressure.”
“Do you have a marketing strategy?” Joanna asked.
Gwen smiled. “Your granddaughter Eva is helping me. She’s promised to set up social media accounts, and she intends to take little videos of the opening weekend. She’s going to upload them and try to create some buzz. And of course, I’m sending brochures to all of the tourist operators in the area.”
“I’m excited to see how it works,” Joanna replied.
“Me too.” Gwen couldn’t quite believe this was all happening. It had cost her a small fortune, but she was sure it would pay off. The inn was delightful, and the menu was divine. Joanna had already hired an entire kitchen staff, and Gwen had brought on a team to manage the bookings, service and cleaning at the inn. There were bound to be some hiccups, but they’d hopefully get them all ironed out over the opening weekend. And then it would be full steam ahead.