The Inn at Misty Lake: Book Two in the Misty Lake Series (9 page)

11

“I’m not sure why we’re doing this on a Sunday,” Riley grumbled as he and Susan made their way across the snowy yard to the barn. Gusto ran in front of them, jumping up to try to catch the snowflakes falling heavily all around.

“You’re always so busy during the week, people are asking you questions and you have a dozen different things going, you’d never have time go over all this uninterrupted,” Susan smiled up at him. “Seriously though, thank you for meeting me here. I’ll feel better when we iron out all the details.”

Susan had given everyone the run-down of her plans on Thanksgiving and, somewhat surprising to Riley, Sam and Jake had agreed to hold their reception at Susan’s proposed event center. Not that there hadn’t been questions and concerns, especially from Susan’s parents who were convinced she had bitten off more than she could chew, but, as Riley had come to expect from her, Susan had managed to convince everyone she had things well under control.

“I think your mom had a valid point when she said people who come to a B&B will be expecting quiet and relaxation, not a bachelorette party raging across the lawn.”

“She’s right. I had given that some thought before, but after hearing everyone’s opinion, I’ve decided that in order to use the event center, the group will need to book all the rooms, as well. I think it makes sense. If they have a group big enough to use the facility, they should be able to fill up the inn. If not, I can provide alternatives in town.”

They were brushing snow off their jackets and stomping to clean off their boots. “I hope my family beat this storm,” Susan said, worriedly looking up at the gray, swirling sky.

“They left early, didn’t they? They should be ahead of it.”

“I hope so,” Susan mumbled. “I didn’t realize we were supposed to get this much.” The snow was falling at a rapid pace and piling up while the wind continued to pick up speed.

Riley switched on the space heaters in the barn to try to take some of the chill out of the air. “The forecast seems to keep changing. The last I heard we could get anywhere from ten to twenty inches depending on how the storm tracks.” He gave a shrug. “We’ll see.”

“Well, let’s try to get done here so we can head home before it gets too much worse. Now, what do we need to iron out?”

Switching to business mode, Riley outlined the remaining decisions Susan needed to make before he got too much further into his plans for the barn. “Okay, we need to talk about these support beams.”

“You said after the remaining stalls are removed, the beams will need to stay for structural reasons, right?” When Riley nodded, she continued. “I picture them framing a walkway of sorts around the main part of the room. Depending upon the event, we could set up tables for seating in the walkway leaving the main area open for a dance floor or display area. Or, the alternative—tables throughout the main area with the walkway left open or used for display. Now, for the reception, I envision tables in both areas initially then once dinner is over, removing tables from the center to clear an area for a dance floor.”

Riley was nodding along, picturing what she was describing to him. “And you’re still thinking a permanent bar over here?” He indicated the area towards the back of the barn.

“Yes, I think that’s best. Here, let me show you something.” Susan pulled out her phone and after a moment held it out for Riley to see. “I found these pictures of a refurbished barn and I think some of the ideas could work well here.” She pointed to the small screen on her phone and continued. “See how this one has a bar in the back with stairs directly behind leading to the loft? I love how the loft wraps around part of the barn and leads to private rooms upstairs. If we wall off that area,” she said pointing, “we could make rooms that could be used for a bridal party, or prep rooms for a presentation, even rooms for parents to use if kids need a nap.”

“That will work. Now, about all the exposed beams along the walls and ceiling…I explained that if you want the place insulated so it can be used year round, you’re going to lose some of that.”

“I know,” she pouted, “I just can’t stand the thought of covering up all that beautiful wood.”

“We won’t cover all of it up, that would be almost criminal,” Riley said, running his hand along the aged wood. “There are a few options, but since I’m not an expert on this, I found someone who is. I was talking with a friend and he knows someone who does barn restoration so I called him and he’s coming out next week to consult. He should be able to answer some questions about how best to insulate and whether it makes sense to try to make it usable year round.”

“Perfect. Not that I doubt your abilities, but from what I read online, there are a lot of things to consider when trying to refurbish a place like this.”

“And like I said, I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m curious to hear what he has to say. Are you prepared to listen and to take his advice?” Riley asked with a sideways look at Susan.

“Yes, I’ll listen.”

“And?”  Riley prompted.

“And I’ll take his advice. I’m prepared to hear that we shouldn’t try to use it in the winter. If that’s what he recommends, I’ll go along with it. I’ve already seen how cold it gets here and we’re not even into December. I can’t imagine what it would take to keep it heated all winter.”

Susan shivered a little and Riley moved quickly to the next points he needed to cover with her so they could finish up and get out. The space heaters weren’t doing much against the wind that was battering the walls.

As they walked around the barn hashing out details, Susan began filling Riley in on some of the plans she had for the wedding reception. “It’s going to be so beautiful in here, I can just picture it with little white lights twined through the ceiling beams, candle light, sparkling china and crystal, white linens. Oh…” she sighed dreamily.

“So Sam didn’t change her mind once she had some time to think things through?”

“Of course not,” Susan scoffed. “She’s excited about it. I think she really likes the fact that the space isn’t huge and won’t be able to hold the whole town. She was concerned about the guest list. Since your family seems to know everyone, she and Jake were struggling with where to draw the line. With the limited capacity here, it helps them figure that out. We talked and planned. I know at first she thought it would be too much but once I told her I’m not going to handle the decorating or the food, she relaxed some.”

“I was glad to hear that part, too. Who’s going to do it though?”

“I’ve already found a couple of catering outfits nearby that do wedding receptions. They’ll provide food, linens, tableware, everything, really. One will do the decorating too, and the other gave me the name of a company that they work with that handles decorating. Sam and Jake—actually, probably Sam and I—are going to check them out in the next few weeks to get an idea of what they have to offer. When I told them what I’m doing here they were plenty excited. The possibility of me sending business their way should have them motivated to put their best effort forward and to give Sam a good deal.”

“Have you made any progress with your friend Cassie?”

“I called her yesterday to see how Thanksgiving went at the Billingsley. It was a nightmare,” Susan happily reported. “Stephen drove her crazy fussing with the buffet menu up until the last minute and then insisted she find a table for his group of twelve after they were booked solid. Then, on Thursday afternoon, he told her he needed a suite for his aunt and uncle who had decided to stay overnight. She’ll be here before you know it, mark my words.”

While in Riley’s mind the likelihood of a young woman with a wealth of experience under her belt leaving Chicago to come to work at an inn in Northern Minnesota seemed remote, he figured Susan would end up being right about that, too. He was coming to realize there wasn’t much that didn’t go as she planned. When he considered how she was juggling her job in town, Sam’s wedding plans, and a puppy, not to mention the huge B&B project, he wondered if there was anything she couldn’t handle.

Riley was just about to tell Susan they had covered everything on his list when his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was Jake. “What’s up?”

“Well, my frustration level, for one thing. Where are you?” Jake barked.

“Out at Susan’s. Why are you yelling?”

“Have you looked outside?” Jake asked, clearly exasperated.

“Not recently. I assume it’s still snowing?” Heading to the door, Riley gave it a shove and was surprised when it moved only a couple of inches.

“Still snowing? Are you kidding? Riley, we’ve got eight inches on the ground already and it’s not showing any signs of letting up. I was hoping you were home and could get over to Mom and Dad’s to shovel before Dad decides to do it. I’m not going to get away any time soon, there are accidents all over the place and we’re stretched thin. But if you’re out at the lake, you should probably stay put. The highway’s closed already and the streets in town are in terrible condition.”

Riley had managed to push the barn door open against the snow that had drifted in front of it. Everywhere he looked he was met with swirling white. Susan, coming up behind him, drew in a sharp breath. He heard her mumble, “Oh. Wow.”

“Where the hell is Frank? Tell him to get over to Mom and Dad’s.”

“I don’t know, I tried you first. Will you try calling him? I’ve got to check on Sam then deal with everything here.”

“Sure, I’ll call him. Let me know if Sam needs anything, I’m closer than you are.”

“Thanks, Riley,” Jake said as he hung up.

Turning to Susan as he pulled the barn door closed Riley said, “I guess we’ve been in here a while.”

“I guess. We should probably call it a day, though, if we want to make it out of here. I suppose the roads are pretty bad…” Susan wrapped her arms around herself and glanced about nervously as if expecting the snow to start falling inside the barn.

Riley could tell she was scared and tried to lighten the mood. “Not a fan of winter driving? I would expect a girl from Chicago would be able to handle a little snow,” he teased.

“I just don’t like—” Her voice hitched and she turned away hugging herself tighter.

Alarmed, Riley quickly came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, Red, I was just joking. No one likes driving in the snow.” He saw the tears streaming down her cheeks and panic gripped him. “Hey,” he repeated, wrapping her in a hug.

“I’m sorry, I don’t usually let it get to me,” she began, but buried her head in his shoulder and hung on tightly to him.

Riley ran a hand down her hair and tried to calm her, still unsure what had caused her reaction. “Don’t apologize.” Riley held her tight as she trembled in his arms, her breath catching as she tried to get her emotions under control. When she calmed some, he led her to a bench and sat down with her, keeping her close. “What is it, Susan?” he asked.

She didn’t answer for a long time and Riley started to think she wasn’t going to, but then she started softly. “I was just a kid, but I’ll never forget the day my grandmother and Sam’s parents were killed. I was excited because it was snowing and I couldn’t wait for school to end so I could get outside and play. When the principal came to my classroom to get me, I knew immediately something was wrong.”

Riley closed his eyes, wishing he could take back his comments about driving in the snow. He had forgotten about the accident that had claimed the lives of those she loved. He squeezed her shoulders and mumbled his apology.

“It’s okay,” Susan said in response then continued with the story she seemed to need to tell. “My brothers and I waited in the office for a few minutes until my mom got there to pick us up. We didn’t know what had happened, but we were scared. No one would tell us anything. I remember the secretary in the office was hardly able to make eye contact with us. We went to the hospital, Sam and Danny were already there, huddled together with my dad and grandfather. Granddad’s eyes were red and he seemed unsteady, as if he would collapse if he tried to stand. I had never seen him look like he did that day. Sam and Danny were sitting on either side of my dad, one of his arms wrapped tightly around each of them. Sam was staring straight ahead, I don’t think she even noticed us arrive. Danny looked confused, his eyes jumping from one person to the next as if waiting for someone to explain to him what was really happening.”

Riley could feel the tension in her as she moved closer to him. He watched as she unconsciously twisted and untwisted her hands while her leg bounced up and down. It was as though she needed an outlet for the emotion building inside her.

“My dad seemed so strong when I first saw him. I looked at his face and there was nothing there, no grief, no fear, nothing. I started to tell myself it was all a mistake, that my dad knew the truth, and that any minute he was going to tell us everything was okay. But then I watched as he looked at my mom and he just crumbled. I guess he had been trying to hold things together, but when he looked at Mom he couldn’t. He had already lost his brother and sister-in-law, his mother was in surgery…it was just too much.” Susan’s voice was barely more than a whisper. “I had never seen him cry before.”

Riley pulled Susan onto his lap and held her close, willing some of her pain to seep into him. When she looked at him, however, it was more than grief he saw in her eyes. It was fear. And then it hit him. Her family was on the road making their way back to Chicago. She needed to know they were okay but, at the same time, was afraid to find out.