The Guestbook (27 page)

“You’re probably right,” Kyla said. “I knew my career would be over, and I didn’t want to find out if Lucas would stick by me without all my worldly trappings. I loved him so much.”

Ian took Lily’s hand and picked up the thread of the story. “It was about three years ago that I got a call at my studio from Kyla. I thought she and Lucas wanted to purchase some of my art. But as we talked, all she wanted was to know more about Madrona Island.”

“Intuitively, I felt that Ian was a trustworthy soul and I could safely ask him to respect my privacy and keep my secret. So Ian became my very kind co-conspirator. He helped me find a location for the
Tea & Comfort
shop, introduced me to some local people, and occasionally checked up on me.  That’s all. Unfortunately for me, my heart still remains stubbornly in love with Lucas.”

Lily considered the heartbreaking confession. Her own self-doubt and fear seemed paltry next to Kyla’s difficulties.  She took Kyla’s hand. “I only wish you had told me this before so I could have been there for you as a friend.”

“I wanted to tell you and Jude, and almost did so many times. That night of our slumber party, the whole story almost spilled out. But one slip and the chance that it might get out threatened my hard-earned peace and privacy and this life I have come to love on Madrona Island.”

One last shadow of doubt flickered in Lily’s mind. “So, just why are you two up here in the Lavender Room today?”

Color drained from Kyla’s face once again and her voice came out in a thin whisper. “Lucas is here. Today. He has found me.”

Lily gasped. “The man who introduced himself? How did he find you?”

“The picture of all of us in
Coast Flight Magazine
to help promote the B&B reopening landed in his hands.”

“Oh, Kyla, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, Lily. It’s time I let go of this haunting secret and face it head on. I’m older and wiser now, and it will be good for my health to lay this burden down.”

“I think I can speak for Ian and Jude. We are all here to help you. Just ask.”

Kyla returned Lily’s gentle gaze and managed a faint smile. “Nothing beats the old Irish healing methods,” she said wryly, “and the love of good friends! The doctors are quite amazed how well I’m doing, so don’t worry about me.”

Lily stood and started for the door. “I had better get back to my guests. You take as
long as you want up here. Lucas has left, so just come down when you are ready. .”

“Thanks, Lily. Ian, you go with her. I want a moment alone to re-center myself before I go down again. Thank you both.”

Lily slipped her hand into Ian’s, twining her fingers gratefully in his as they walked down the stairs. The emotional rollercoaster ride was over…at least for the moment.

Jason came out of the kitchen to greet them. “I see you found my dad,” he said.

Lily looked up at Ian. “Finding your dad, Jason, has been one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life.”

Jason looked puzzled. “I don’t get it. I thought he was just upstairs?”

Ian and Lily chuckled. “Come on, big boy,” Ian said as he whisked Jason off his feet and placed him on his shoulders.  “Let’s go outside to join the party and have some fun.”

Hand in hand, they walked outside to celebrate the special day.

✦✦✦✦

The musicians had changed to an upbeat jazz band, and some of the guests were dancing on the grass. “The party is a success,” she whispered to herself.  “As good as I could have hoped it would be. She looked up to the sky and silently thanked the Sun Gods for this glorious day. Keyboard music wafted on the breeze, setting just the right mood.

“We’re going to get something to drink, can I bring you something?” Ian asked.

“I would love some lemonade,” Lily said. “And Ian…thanks.”

Lily checked on Mary and Karen, who were watching over the food tables, and replenishing the dishes that were the most popular. She’d seen Karen’s husband somewhere, baby in a stroller, kids in tow. It was time for her to take a break, if only for a moment.

Her mother waved and motioned her over. Katherine kissed Lily’s cheek. “Look who’s here…Roma.”

Lily hugged her friend. “I can’t believe you flew all the way up here from LA for this.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Roma said. “This feast you’ve prepared could rival any top chef. Great job, Lily.”

“Thank you, it means it lot. And I thank
you
for all your help, Mom.”

Katherine leaned in and whispered, “Everything all right with you and Ian?”

“You don’t miss much do you, Mom?” Lily looked over at Ian and Jason walking toward her with a tall drink. “Much more than all right.”

Jason hurried over, balancing the icy lemonade. “Here you go,” he said. “There’s a strawberry in yours and mine too!”

“Here’s yours, buddy,” Ian said, handing Jason his drink. “Can I get you a glass, Katherine?”

“No thanks, I’ve had my fill. But I do think I will head over and get another one of those brownies now.”

Lily stood and sipped her drink. A light breeze carried the scent of lilacs as the bright sun warmed her face and shoulders. Everywhere people were smiling and having fun. Jude was dancing on the lawn with her new chef. Ryan’s shyness seemed to melt away under the radiance of Jude’s smile as he twirled her under his arm. A young couple walking arm-in-arm approached her. “Excuse me, are you the innkeeper?”

“Yes, I am. Can I help you two?”

The lithe woman gazed up at the striking young man on her arm. “We would like to talk to you about planning our wedding here. It’s one the prettiest, most romantic places we have ever seen.”

“Well, thank you,” Lily said. Her eyes moved lovingly over the grounds, the remodeled inn, and the sweeping view of the Sound. “It’s a very magical place, and we would love to help you plan your special celebration here. Why don’t you get something cool to drink, have a seat? I’ll bring you a brochure shortly.

“You boys will have to excuse me for a minute while I take care of business.”

“That’s fine,” Ian said. “Jason wants to get his face painted.”

Lily waved after them. “Have fun.”

On her way to the office, Lily spotted Shirley and Betty across the lawn under a flowered umbrella and headed their way. They appeared to be enthralled by a stack of brownies set before them.

“Well, don’t you two ladies look as lovely as ever? And you must tell me where you got that gorgeous hat, Shirley.”

Shirley glared at Betty. “See? This girl has some fashion sense, unlike someone I know.”

“To each his own,” said Betty, popping another bite of brownie into her mouth.

Shirley continued, “Thank goodness someone can recognize good taste on this island. I ordered this hat special from the Nordstrom catalog.” She flicked the edges of the large-brimmed sunhat with her fingers and struck a dramatic pose, as if for a camera.

Betty muttered under her breath, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that thing.”

“Now, now, ladies, I love you both just as you are. I couldn’t have done all this without both of your help.”

Shirley looked both flustered and moved by Lily’s quip. Betty looked Lily right in the eye. “You’re one tough lady, Lily, and you did one heck of a job on this party, not to mention the inn.”

Not to be outdone, Shirley squeezed Lily’s hand. “You are one heck of a woman, too. I don’t have to read tea leaves to foresee success and romance in your future.”

Lily’s grin filled her face. “You two really know how to make me feel good.” She wiped her tears away. “Enough of this sentimentality. Can I get you something more to eat? Ice tea? More brownies?”

Betty stood up. “We can get our own goodies, you just run along now and chat up all those other guests. After this day, the ‘No Vacancy’ sign will stay up on a permanent basis!”

Lily brought the couple the brochure and continued mingling from table to table, taking compliments and answering questions. When the late afternoon sun started to behind the Olympic Mountains, guests began to leave, but not without promising to come back soon.

Lily wandered over to the old wooden bench and took a seat facing the glistening waters of the Puget Sound. Gretel bounded over and plopped at her feet. It had been a long day, and definitely one worth waiting for.

“May we join you?” Ian asked.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jason scooted in next to her and laid his head on her shoulder. Ian nuzzled in on her other side. Lily encircled them both in her arms.

The bride stirred, allowing the luxurious satin sheets to caress her skin. Morning sun peered through the sheer window curtains, creating patterns on the bed’s ruffled canopy.  She yawned and turned her head to her new husband beside her. His lips were slightly open, breath moving through them, soft and even. She let her lips brush his in this perfect moment. Lucky, blessed…was there a word to describe how she felt? Blissful, contented…were there enough words? She wanted to go to the window and yell to everyone on the island…thank you.

Careful not to wake him, she tiptoed to the window and watched the sun spreading its crimson and apricot rays across the water. A lone heron crossed the sky, probably in search of breakfast. In a short while, a tray would be delivered to their door, courtesy of Mary. Coffee, black and rich, almond and chocolate croissants, and a dish of blackberries and cream would cover the silver tray.

She pulled the chenille spread off the rocking chair and wrapped it tightly around her shoulders as she sat down by the window. Her gaze landed on a vine maple in the yard, its vibrant fall foliage tinged with orange and reds. A few scattered leaves already lined the mossy ground.

Her husband tossed under the blanket then opened his eyes and yawned. “Good morning, my love.”

She dropped her wrap and hurried back to the bed. His arms wide, she cuddled beside him. “Are we truly awake?” she asked.

His warm laugh filled the room. “It may be a dream, but I think I smell coffee coming from under the door.”

“I’ll go. You prop up the pillows and I’ll bring back the tray.”

The two lounged in bed, sipping the warm liquid, letting the flaky pastries crumble onto the down quilt. They fed each other blackberries covered in cream, following most bites with a kiss.

Both in their robes now, they settled on the loveseat by the fire. On the side table lay the Guestbook for the Honeymoon Suite.

The bride picked up the laminated pen and opened the book to an empty page.

October 4

We couldn’t have been happier to spend our first night of marriage in this enchanted place. Every happy memory for the rest of our life begins here.

She signed her name and so did the groom…

Lily and Ian McPherson.

Book Two–
Tea & Comfort

This second volume features the puzzling yet sensuous, Kyla Nolan. The story unravels the mystery behind her hasty departure from her glamorous New York life as a top model and her transformation to shop proprietor, herbalist, and local tea leaf reader on Madrona Island. Follow her battle with a life threatening illness and the return of Lucas, the wealthy winery owner and former fiancé whom she left behind. Can a love that was so based on outside trappings survive illness and loss? With a touch of the paranormal, and her island friends, Kyla comes to terms with her fears and her heart’s longings.

Book Three–
Island Thyme Café

The final book features the vivacious and loving, Jude Simon, owner of the popular Island Thyme Café. After Lily’s wedding festivities are over, Jude must face the dark secret from her past. Years ago, she’d found out her husband was cheating on her in an article in the local paper. Left a single mother of an infant daughter, Jude went on to make a success of her café, but still hides her broken heart behind her radiant smile.  At almost 40 years old, she finds herself falling hard for her new chef, Ryan. Her feelings are returned, and just when she thinks she has found love at last, Ryan’s own dark secret returns in the form of a seductive ex-lover who is determined to have him back. With the help of Kyla and Lily, Jude decides to fight for what she wants most and find the happy ending she has always longed for.

RECIPES

Grandma Maggie’s Brownies

2 squares 100% Cacao

½ cup butter

¾ cup dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ cup flour

¼ cup special dark cocoa powder

¼ tsp. salt

1 Tbs. mayonnaise

½ cup milk chocolate chips

Melt chocolate and butter together. Add sugar, vanilla and mayonnaise. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Carefully stir in flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add chocolate chips. Pour into well-greased 8 x 8 inch glass dish and bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Do not over bake.