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Daniel and Ellen’s front room was a beehive of activity by the time Luke and Sally arrived at midmorning. Travis was on his way to the small utility area just off the kitchen, looking surprisingly domestic, carrying a basket of what appeared to be wet laundry. Coop and Matt were helping Ellen fold sheets, and Daniel strode through the back door with a large toolbox and a carpenter’s belt buckled around his waist.
Jen and Bridgett struggled under a bucket loaded with cleaning supplies, rags and sponges. Jen helped Bridgett set down their burden and ran to throw her arms around Luke and Sally.
Hugging her daughter, Sally looked curiously at Ellen. “What’s going on?”
Daniel’s wife stopped folding towels and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “We got a big reservation this morning. One of our regulars from Spokane referred a large group of business associates. They’ll be here tomorrow morning and are staying the week.”
“Tomorrow?” Sally suddenly understood the reason for all the laundry and cleaning supplies. “They didn’t give you much notice.”
“I know, but this is really good for our business. Martin O’Sullivan is a real estate broker—the one who helped us buy this place. He sends us new clients all the time. He’s been so good to us, we couldn’t say no.” Ellen glanced toward Daniel and smiled. “Besides, the early season is the toughest to book, especially when you’re the new kids on the block. Unfortunately, none of the cabins are ready for the season, except the ones you’re staying in. I’ve already imposed on Coop, MacGyver and Travis.” Ellen smiled apologetically. “I was hoping you and Luke might lend a hand too.”
“You bet we’ll help,” Luke said.
Sally grasped Jen’s hand. “Tell us what to do.”
“Daniel has a list of items that need attention on the cabins. How about if the guys go with him and we girls finish the laundry and then start cleaning?” Her gaze included Jen and Bridgett.
“Let’s get started.” Luke winked at Sally and tousled Jen’s hair before he followed Daniel and the rest of the men outside.
The women made short work of washing, drying and folding the rest of the sheets and towels Ellen said she’d need. It didn’t seem like work to Sally. Between the adult female conversation and the abundant laughter, she felt normal for the first time in days. It’d been a good idea, coming here, meeting Luke’s friends. She could almost believe it was possible to have a new life, free of the shadow of her past.
Filled with expectancy and optimism, Sally slid her arm around Jen’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you most, Mom.” Jen issued her standard reply, and they both laughed.
Ellen kept them busy throughout the day, scrubbing floors, organizing cupboards and making beds. As soon as they finished cleaning and stocking each cabin, she sent the girls off to Daniel with the to-do list she’d made as they discovered items that needed attention. The two girls ran in circles, chased each other and giggled as though they’d just been released for recess. Seeing Jen so happy was pure joy to Sally.
The sun was going down when Ellen finally set her hands on her hips and looked around, a hint of pride in her eyes. “I think we’re ready.” A tired smile gave her a soft glow. “We couldn’t have done this without you and the guys. I’ll never be able to thank you.”
Sally hugged her. “That’s what friends are for.”
Ellen linked arms with her. “Come on. Let’s go clean up and start some dinner. The men are probably starving.”
Sally’s stomach growled, and both women laughed. Jen and Bridgett had crashed a couple of hours ago, and Ellen had sent them back to her house to rest and have a sandwich. That sounded pretty good to Sally, but when they started up the path to Ellen’s back door, the most scrumptious aroma teased her senses, magnifying her hunger.
Ellen lifted her head. “Something smells delicious. Daniel must be at it again.”
“He cooks?” Sally’s eyebrows shot up.
“Oh, honey, there’s not much my Daniel can’t do.” The Cheshire-cat grin on Ellen’s face made Sally snicker.
As the women entered the back door, arm in arm, all five men stopped the domestic chores they were involved in and looked their way. Matt was at the sink, presiding over a soapy stack of dishes. Travis and Coop had been hauling plates and flatware to the table. Luke and Daniel worked behind the big, industrial-sized oven, each with an apron tied around his waist.
Speechless, Sally exchanged a bemused glance with Ellen.
Daniel rapped on the countertop with a spatula. “Back to work.” The activity resumed as though it had never stopped.
“What’s for dinner?” Ellen moved around the counter toward her husband.
Daniel held his hands up in a don’t-blame-me-for-this gesture. “Pizza. Luke’s recipe. The jury’s still out on whether it’s any good or not.”
Sally met Luke’s gaze. “It smells wonderful.”
“Thanks, sunshine. It’s nice to hear from someone who appreciates good food. I’ve had to put up with these knuckleheads for the past hour.” Luke swung his arm in an arc, indicating his three SEAL buddies and Daniel.
“Oh, boo hoo, Harding. Give it a rest, will ya?” Travis groused from across the room as he scattered the plates around the table in no particular order.
Luke chuckled and his familiar grin appeared. “Your dinner is about ready. Why don’t you ladies get washed up?”
