Chapter 53
The spring sunlight shone down on Ben as he walked back from his grandad’s workshop.
April had arrived in a flurry of sunshine and everywhere he looked nature was bursting forth.
There were already ducklings on the shallows of the lake, scurrying along in and out of the reeds, trying to keep up with their parents.
Fresh green grass and flowers were bursting into life everywhere, with pink and white apple blossom floating down from the trees to land on the surface of the water.
Best of all was the cacophony of birdsong and chatter as the nesting season came into full swing as the eggs began to hatch and new life began once more.
Ben sighed a happy sigh. He too felt as if he had a new life, reborn this spring out of the misery of the past.
He looked up at the hotel in front of him. Thanks to his grandmother’s inspired idea of the Dragonfly Lake Light Festival each Saturday night, the whole place had also burst into life.
Every weekend, visitors poured in from everywhere to enjoy the light show. They had even planned a special Easter-themed one for the following weekend where there would be decorated eggs, flowers and rabbits lit up on the water as well.
With so many evening visitors, the snug was doing a roaring trade in drinks and snacks. Even better, he had managed to secure a part-time chef to cater for the dinner service every weekend and the restaurant was full each Friday and Saturday night.
The hotel reopening had been above and beyond all of their expectations. Word was beginning to spread and at least half their bookings were recommendations from other guests.
Best of all, the hotel was fully booked every weekend. Such was the popularity that they had even had to open up a waiting list, something he would never have expected only a few short months ago.
It felt as if everything had changed for the better. The hotel, like the lake, was steeped in history, his family’s history. But now they were all looking to the future too. The fresh growth of spring felt as if it were reflected on the inside walls of the hotel now as well.
Whilst still grieving, the family were finding hope with each new day as the hotel’s success reflected on their personal lives as well.
Ben glanced back at the workshop, where his grandad was busy making Easter baskets out of willow.
Finally able to step away from the pressures of helping to run the hotel, Walter too had blossomed these past couple of months.
At least twice a month he was asked to conduct a nature trail walk around the lake, and, with Lily’s gentle persuasion, he had printed up some notes to place in the lounge and snug, alongside binoculars for nature watching.
His wealth of knowledge was to be passed onto future generations, a subject which had always been close to his heart.
Hannah had also become more confident in her baking skills after all the positive feedback from their hotel guests.
Each day, she created delicious cakes and desserts that showed her growing expertise.
With gentle encouragement from all the family, Ben relished watching his little sister finally beginning to believe in her own abilities.
Faye was busy providing wildflower bouquets in each of the bedrooms, as well as in the communal areas.
She had also signed up for a local flower-arranging class and, day by day, was beginning to find her way in the world once more.
Dotty was the life and soul of the snug on a Monday night, when her friends came to visit and gossip over a drink.
She had already expressed plans to start up a games night in the future.
And there was even talk that she would start up a wild swimming club when the warmer months arrived.
Frankie was a firm fixture in the snug, holding the fort and becoming hugely popular for her dry wit and delicious cocktails. In turn, she was enjoying the varied company of the guests and slowly the loneliness that had been surrounding her for so many years had begun to fade.
Everything had changed once more but this time for the better, thought Ben. Including himself.
He was so much happier these days. He felt as if his architectural skills were being used properly and the idea for both the new lodges and the boathouse renovations excited him more than any bland office block had ever done.
He was far closer to his grandad these days too, enjoying his company but also feeling grateful that his grandad could finally relax and enjoy the place without the burden of responsibility around his neck.
Best of all, he got to enjoy each and every day with Lily. They were partners in both the running of the hotel and in their private life as well. She was the love of his life and he couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them together.
Lily unlocked the patio doors and stepped onto the veranda of the hotel, relishing the ever-changing view.
With the arrival of spring, the air was warmed by the sun growing ever higher in the cobalt-blue sky.
The stillness of the lake, where there was barely a whisper of a breeze, was in stark contrast to the air as nature enjoyed its busiest month of the year so far.
The birds flitted from tree to tree, busy nesting and looking after their new flock.
The trees were all wearing the bright green of the fresh growth as the new leaves unfurled.
A carpet of bluebells brought a glorious purple haze to the ground surrounding the tree trunks.
And there on the reeds, the dragonflies were beginning to emerge into the warmth of the day.
Dotty had been right all those months ago. Spring really did bring a magic all of its own. But then again, Lily found every day magical these days.
Waking up to the best view in the world helped, she reminded herself.
But it wasn’t just about the view. It was waking up to the excitement of another busy day in the hotel.
The joy of working alongside the Jackson family, who treated her like one of their own.
And, best of all, waking up beside Ben and starting the day with one of his sweet kisses.
The hotel was a success and they couldn’t be more thrilled.
There had been much change in the inside of the hotel since she had arrived the previous autumn.
The interiors had drastically altered, of course.
But best of all were the guests that continued to arrive.
Every weekend was fully booked and the hotel was at least half-full during the week as well.
Her phone buzzed with an email and as she read it, she smiled to herself.
Ben’s plans had been approved to begin work on the individual private lodges that would be built around the lake.
Ben’s skill as an architect had meant a swift approval by the local council as he had created them with such skill in deference to the hotel and boathouse designs that were already there.
In turn, Lily would design the interiors of both the boathouse and the lodges.
She still enjoyed interior design but it wasn’t the be all and end all to her life now.
Sophie had understood when Lily had rung her to say that she could no longer accept the partnership in the new business and they had parted amicably.
In fact, she had even contacted Lily to ask for some designs for a nearby job in the area.
In addition, Lily had received some private commissions from hotel guests who had been delighted with the subtle colours and feel of both the bedrooms and communal areas.
So it meant that she could still use her design skills as well as working alongside Ben, taking on the running of the hotel.
It was the best of both worlds, she had found. And her design skills kept getting renewed by the changing of the seasons outside so she was constantly inspired.
The recognition for her work was something she now received from herself.
Her parents finally seemed content with her life choices and were even promising a visit to stay at the hotel over the summer.
She didn’t need their approval or crave it like in the past. But it was nice to have it, all the same, she thought, grateful for their support.
The hotel gave her more job satisfaction as well than she’d ever experienced. She loved the excitement of new guests, never knowing who she was going to meet coming through the door.
Her life would never revolve around work again though. There were too many important other things in it now.
The biggest success she now felt was in her private life.
Determined to right the wrongs of her past, she made a concerted effort with her friends to always be there, no matter the time of day or night.
She was the always the first one to organise the next meet-up and loved seeing them more often and being a part of their lives.
She wanted to be there for Hannah, Beth and Ella to celebrate their successes and hold them close when they needed strength and support.
She would make sure that they never felt second best in her life again.
She took one last look at the lake. Summer was just around the corner and Lily couldn’t wait to enjoy the hot days with a dip in the lake or just to enjoy a picnic by the edge, hopefully encased in Ben’s strong arms as they watched the sunset.
They were a team now and she relished every moment spent with him.
She loved him body and soul and told him so every single day.
‘There you are,’ said a familiar voice.
Ben’s hand slipped around her waist and she leant back against him for a moment, so that they could both enjoy the glorious view across the lake.
She trusted him wholeheartedly. It had taken time but she now believed in him and their shared love.
Best of all, she could always be herself around him.
She didn’t need to pretend to be anything else other than her own person.
Whatever life threw at them in the future, they would face it together.
She had moved into his bedroom in the family’s private quarters and knew in her heart that after so many moves and different addresses, she was home at last.
Despite the beautiful view across the water, Ben seemed distracted and pretty soon she could feel his lips nibbling the side of her jaw and down her neck.
‘Mmm,’ she murmured, lifting her hand up to press his lips further against her skin. ‘I don’t have time for this.’
‘We will always make time for this,’ came his whispered promise against her neck.
‘What about your meeting?’ she asked, trying to keep her mind on the hotel and not on Ben’s lips. But it was hard work to think about anything but him when he kissed her.
With a muttered oath under his breath, Ben finally drew back. ‘I’d forgotten,’ he said, spinning her around so that they faced each other. ‘How am I supposed to concentrate when you’re around?’
‘You’ll just have to try harder,’ she told him, smiling as she reached up to kiss him on the lips.
‘Now you’re just deliberately teasing me,’ he said, his eyes gleaming. ‘I’d better go and see this guy. How else are we going to provide electric off-road bikes if I don’t?’
‘Off you go then,’ she told him, reluctantly letting her arms fall from his shoulders.
‘This is to be continued later,’ he murmured, sneaking one more kiss before heading back indoors.
Lily took a deep and satisfied breath before turning to look once more at the view before following him inside.
Her eyes swept around the lounge and she automatically straightened the cushions and the rugs so that it all looked perfect.
The fire in the hearth wasn’t lit until the evenings now that the days were growing so much warmer.
Summer would bring new possibilities as well.
She and Ben had so many ideas for the future with how to grow the business even further.
But for now she was just enjoying being there each and every day.
The replica of the hotel that Ben and Walter had made her was in pride of place in a glass box on display.
The guests loved looking at it and Walter had even received a few commissions to make some others for the guests.
The doll’s house was special but it would never be as spectacular as the real thing, she knew.
Because it was her home, now and forever.
Seeing a couple of visitors in the entrance hall, Lily quickly headed out of the lounge to greet them.
‘Welcome to Maple Tree Lodge!’ she said, with a smile.