Page 68 of Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge

‘There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you but it’s all been a bit crazy what with getting everything ready in time,’ he began, coming to stand in front of her.

‘What is it?’ she asked.

‘So the preview is happening in a week’s time and then we’re open for business,’ he began, looking a little nervous.

‘I think we’re ready,’ she said, anxious to reassure him.

‘So do I,’ he replied. ‘But now I’m wondering about the future. Specifically yours.’

She took a sharp intake of breath. ‘What do you mean?’ she asked.

‘Do you have any work lined up yet?’ he asked.

She made a face. ‘I had a lovely rejection email this afternoon, in fact,’ she replied. ‘I’m wondering whether Hans has made me an untouchable in the interior design industry. I think I’m unemployable.’

‘Not necessarily,’ he told her. ‘I have a great job for you. Free bed and board included!’

She looked at him, nonplussed.

He took a deep breath. ‘If you don’t yet have a job lined up, or anywhere to stay, then we were wondering if you would like to stay on for the winter? Or at least until you find a new job.’

‘Here?’ She could hardly breathe. It was a dream come true. A secret dream that she had harboured for so long.

‘Here,’ he told her, with a nod. ‘With us.’

‘What would I do though?’ she wondered out loud. ‘I mean, the redecoration is done.’

‘How do you feel about being on reception?’ he asked.

She was surprised and delighted. ‘But what about Frankie?’ she asked.

He grinned. ‘You mean, our new barmaid?’

‘You asked her?’ Lily’s face lit up. ‘And she said yes?’

‘Quicker than I’ve ever seen her move at any other time, to be honest. She even smiled briefly.’ He looked down at her and she almost lost herself in his brown eyes. ‘So what do you say?’

She didn’t even hesitate. ‘I’d love to stay, thank you.’

Then, before she could stop herself, she flung her arms around his neck and gave him a huge kiss on the lips.

She gasped at what she had done and immediately stepped back. ‘Sorry,’ she stammered, blushing. ‘I’m just so happy.’

‘Well now, so am I,’ he murmured.

Her blushes grew deeper. ‘We’d better tell the family the good news,’ she said, rushing away from him.

As she headed into the entrance hall, she realised in that accepting to stay, she was finally letting go of her long-heldambitions. Was she really ready to let go of owning her own design company? Perhaps, depending on what her parents would say, she thought, feeling nervous.

But as the Jackson family broke into joyful merriment at the news that she was staying and she was smothered in hugs and kisses, she felt truly touched. As if the future were brighter than it had ever felt.

As she was drawn into yet another hug, she couldn’t help but look at Ben one more time. It was just a temporary arrangement, that was all, she reminded herself.

And yet her feelings for him were as real and permanent as anything that she had ever felt before.

35

Ben had felt quite positive when he had first had the idea of a preview evening to show off the hotel to the locals and generate some publicity in the surrounding areas.