BARBARA LAUGHEDat something Katie said before opening her laptop.It was just as well they’d promised to meet each Monday to discuss what was happening at the inn.With Penny’s wedding only a few days away, there were a lot of things to discuss before the big day.
Diana walked into the kitchen and flopped onto one of the chairs.“That’s it,” she whispered.“I’m officially over our latest guests.”
Barbara didn’t need to ask who she was talking about.The Kirkpatricks were an eccentric couple from Texas.Out of all the guests they’d hosted, they had the strangest tastes, including what type of linens they liked.
“They’ll be gone soon,” Barbara whispered back.As well as having very specific needs, the Kirkpatricks had made full use of the house, including the private off-limit areas.This morning, when Katie was baking fresh muffins for their guests’ picnic lunch, they’d sat in the kitchen, watching her work.
It was just as well Katie was used to people peering over her shoulder.Otherwise, the muffins could have been a disaster.
Penny walked into the kitchen and grinned.“Guess what I’ve got?”
“A new truck to take on your honeymoon?”Katie guessed.
When Penny shook her head, Barbara frowned.“Have our dresses arrived?”
“They’ll be here tomorrow.I’ll give you a clue.”Penny held a large set of keys in the air.“The economic development manager brought these to Sapphire Bay this afternoon.They’re the keys for the cottages I’m remodeling.Their decision is a little different from what I expected, but I’m still happy.Four of the cottages will be converted into small businesses.The other ones will be residential homes managed by the church.”
Barbara jumped out of her chair and hugged Penny.“That’s wonderful news.Congratulations.”
“I can’t believe it, either.It’s taken eight weeks longer than I thought to get planning and building permission, but we’re on our way.”
While Penny and Katie did a happy dance in the middle of the kitchen, Diana opened a bottle of wine.“It’s time to celebrate.”She handed everyone a glass of wine, then raised her glass.“To new beginnings, lasting love, and no unexpected costs when you’re remodeling the cottages.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Penny said with a smile.
Barbara laughed.“If you need more money, you can always ask Katie.She’s the richest relative you have.”
“What gave you that idea?”Katie asked.
“Everyone who lives in Los Angeles has lots of money, even budding writers.”
“Well, this author isn’t like everyone else.I make decent tips from my after-hours job, but only enough to pay my rent and for food.Compared to other people, I’m as poor as a church mouse.”
“You know how to solve that, don’t you?”Diana asked.
“Sell my manuscripts for a ridiculous amount of money?”
Diana shook her head.“Don’t go back to Los Angeles.Stay in Sapphire Bay.”
“I can’t stay.As soon as the conditions in Grandma’s will and are met, I’m going home.”
So much for planning ahead.When Barbara and Diana had spoken to Penny, they were sure Katie would stay.But the pull of the big city must be greater than the sound of water lapping against the shore of the lake.
“If you change your mind, there’ll always be plenty of room for you here,” Diana told their sister.
“I know.And if I get desperate, Mom and Dad said I could live with them.”
Before anyone thought too hard about Katie living with their parents, Barbara cleared her throat.“Now that we’re all here, let’s talk about the inn.Mr.and Mrs.Kelly are leaving tomorrow.The Flygers and the Kirkpatricks leave on Wednesday morning.”She smiled at Diana.“That gives us a few hours to get everything ready for everyone who’s staying here for the wedding.The first group of cousins arrive at three o’clock.”
Katie looked over Penny’s shoulder at the wedding spreadsheet.“Will we have enough time to do everything?”
“The house will already be tidy, so we won’t need to do too much housework.Most of our cousins are bringing their sleeping bags, so that only leaves six beds that we need to make with fresh linens.It will be fine.”
“I’ve already started baking a few extra treats,” Katie added.“By the time everyone arrives, we’ll have plenty of delicious food waiting for them.”
Penny hung the keys to the cottages on a rack.“Mom and Dad have cleaned out their spare bedroom so we can change into our wedding dresses there.Mom said to be there by eleven.She’ll make us something to eat before we get changed.Zac and his friend are picking us up in their sports cars at two-fifteen.The wedding starts at two-thirty.We’ll be married by three-fifteen.”
Barbara ran her hand down the spreadsheet.“Then it’s photos, the reception, and home.”
