“More than fair.” Tara clapped her hands. “I really appreciate your help. I’ve got so many things that I want to find for this place.”
She wasn’t kidding. A spiral notebook was filled with items from switch plates and replacement bulbs to pot racks and a stepladder. “Wow, you’re going to be in front of that computer for a while.”
“Well, the shopping online helps me pace myself. I get so absorbed in the projects that sometimes I overdo it and end up in bed achy for two days.”
“Well, that’s not good.”
“No, it’s not, but I do know my limits.” Tara pulled a jacket out of the closet. “Are you ready to go to the party?”
“I am.” Merry Anna walked to the front door, and Tara tied the sleeves of her jacket around her waist for the walk.
The hike wasn’t as long or steep as Merry Anna thought it might be, and Tara did fine. She jabbered on about her late husband. Life wasn’t the same without him, but now she got everything her way, and that was pretty nice too.
Finally, they saw the ornate carved wooden sign posted at the edge of the Angels Rest property.
“I’ve heard about this place,” she said. Tara sounded starstruck.
“I’ve been dying to see it in the daylight myself.” Merry Anna noticed the detailed artistry on the sign as they got closer, and then just past the mailbox, where the trees parted, they could see the house.
“What a beauty,” Tara said in almost a whisper.
“It sure is.” Merry Anna noticed the barn quilt on the side of the building. Krissy’s handiwork. She knew the design by heart after painting the tile ornaments with her. The story behind it was that when Liz came to town, she found a quilt at the antique store that reminded her of one that she had when she was a little girl. Matt had asked Krissy to replicate it into a barn quilt and register it on the tour—to help entice Liz to stay and open the inn. The romantic gesture warmed Merry Anna’s heart.Must be nice to be loved so much.Kevin had never been the type to do something like that.
There were cars parked three wide on the long winding driveway in front of the house.
“Glad we walked,” Tara remarked.
“Everyone in town must be here.”
Merry Anna and Tara moved through the crowd. Lemonade was flowing, both pink and the old-fashioned yellow kind, and someone had a blender going to make the frozen variety, which they waited in line for.
After they had their drinks in hand, Krissy came toward them, waving her arms. “I’m so glad y’all came.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it,” Merry Anna said.
“I’ve been wanting to see this place,” Tara added. “I’ve heard stories about it, but it’s even more beautiful than I’d imagined. And believe you me, I have an imagination!”
Matt came up to Krissy and settled his arm around hershoulder. “Welcome. Krissy said you’d be here. So glad you both could come. Make yourselves at home.”
“This place is so great.” Merry Anna was impressed by the architecture of the grand log structure. The wood gleamed, rich with texture.
“You should come join us for some fly fishing,” Matt said. “Liz can outfish me, but I think I have her beat on tying flies.” He leaned forward and whispered, “But don’t tell her I told you that.”
Tying flies?Anything with flies didn’t sound like fun to Merry Anna.
A man with a hardy build walked over and clapped Matt on the shoulder. “You hogging all the beautiful women in this town, Matt?”
“No sir. I’m just lucky like that. Have you not met our newest neighbors? Merry Anna is working with Krissy and living in the bunkhouse, and Tara here bought the old manor house.”
“Well, I’ve seen them both around. Ladies, I’m always at your service.” The man tipped his hat. “George Goodwin is the name. I own the hardware store,” he said to Tara.
“You and I will be on a first-name basis. Your staff has been so helpful. I’ve got so much I want to do.”
“Perfect! So glad to hear it. I can’t wait to learn all about your projects, but right now I need to go catch up with my beautiful bride. Come say hello to Dottie if you can. She’ll be so excited to meet you.” George meandered off, gripping and grinning as if it were a county meeting and he was running for mayor.
Merry Anna realized she recognized many of the locals from the store and the Creekside Café.
Maizey waved from the buffet table. She must’ve had a hand in the food being served tonight. It smelled delicious.
