Lucy
The inn had never looked so festive. Ribbons curved around the banister in perfect lines. Jane’s desserts filled the air with butter and cinnamon. Helen had a small cluster of candles lit on every available surface, and I kept moving between the dining room and reception, pretending I was checking details when really I was trying not to think about what could go wrong.
The snow outside glowed under the porch lights. Fortunately it was a fair night, which meant no issues with the weather. Guests began arriving right on schedule, their laughter carrying in with the cold air. Lydia floated by the door, phone in hand, her cheeks pink and her hair gleaming. Wickham stood beside her with that flawless smile, shaking hands, greeting everyone like a seasoned politician. He slipped envelopes into the cash box, gave receipts to the ones who asked, and made each guest feel like they were his personal favorite.
I pulled Lydia aside for a moment. “Why are you taking envelopes? Didn’t the guests pay for their tickets online?”
“They did, but we decided to accept donations for the local food bank and animal shelter. We can give them a big check and get some positive posts out about how we are giving back to the community. It was Gavin’s idea,” Lydia explained.
“That'sa good idea,” I murmured, a little surprised.
“I need to get back. Doesn’t everything look amazing?” Lydia gushed. She didn’t wait for my answer but went back to greet the guests.
“Lucy, dear, fix your hair,” Mom said as she passed. “You look beautiful, but your hair needs a bit of a touch up.”
“I’ll tie it back,” I said, though there was no time to find a mirror. My hands were cold from running trays, and every time I stopped moving, someone called my name. I checked the desserts, found a bag of stray napkins, and told myself everything was fine. It had to be.
Dad and Meri were taking people’s coats. I knew with Meri’s organizational skills, nothing would get lost so I could relax there.
“Lucy, I need you to meet some people,” Kitty hooked her arm in mine and I was roped into playing hostess with her. It was a blur of local business people, the mayor and his wife, some others representing charities, and the local school superintendent.
I couldn’t remember any of them afterwards.
Kitty finally abandoned me near the punch bowl and I grabbed a quick drink for myself.
It really was magical. The old inn had come back alive. There was still a lot of work to do and we had guest rooms we hadn’t even touched but I could finally see that this would be a success. Between all of us Bennets, we each had something special we brought to make it happen. Even now, Meri was taking future bookings at the front desk. Lydia was taking more photos for social media, while Braxton was chatting to someone about the moldings.
This was what it was all about. Our family together, sharing something important with the outside world, and having a good life. I now knew I had made the right decision to come here.
The music began to play a slow number. I could see Dad take Mom’s hand as they began to dance. I smiled, happy for them.
“You should be dancing.”
I was startled as Dex appeared beside me.
“I have things to do,” I protested
“You always have things to do. Take five minutes to enjoy the event you helped to create. The world won’t end." He held out a hand in invitation.
I hesitated, but the music swelled, and he was already waiting. Plus, I really wanted to, so why should I deny myself? It was only for one dance. I let him lead me to the dance floor. His hand was warm, steady, and familiar. We moved carefully at first, both a little self-conscious.
“You did all this,” he said.
“We all did,” I wryly commented
He smiled a little. “True, but you are the glue that holds it all together. You should take the compliment that you have done a good job.”
I shrugged but smiled. “Thank you, but there is a lot more work to do yet.”
“You could just take a moment and rest before thinking of the next thing to do,” Dex softly advised.
“I don’t know how,” I said before I could stop myself.
His hand tightened slightly around mine. “You could learn. We could both learn.”
The words hung there and I wondered if that meant Dex didn’t plan to leave just yet. Did it mean something more?
Then Wickham’s voice cut through the air. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I borrow our lovely hostess for a moment?”
