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“I’m not saying everything was smooth. I fought the attraction at first, but in the end, I couldn’t resist. I messed up a time or two—went back to my old ways, thinking I didn’t need them in my life, but I was wrong. There’s nothing like loving them, you know?”
I nodded, my throat tight with emotion.
Juliana returned with Natalie. “Let’s have an early dinner at Max’s. I’ll arrange for a sitter for the girls.”
“That would be great,” Natalie said.
I was glad they’d connected. Juliana would be a great resource for Natalie. She’d been running her B&B for a few years and already knew the ups and downs. Hopefully, she’d help Natalie avoid the common pitfalls. I wanted Natalie to have success, but I was worried she was overextending herself. Selfishly, I wanted her to hire a manager so she could move in with me. But we weren’t there yet.
* * *
We’d wanderedAnnapolis that afternoon, doing all the touristy things. There was so much to see, and Delaney and Natalie wanted to stop at every shop and historical site. They even went down side streets, marveling at the 1800s architecture.
That evening, we returned to Juliana’s B&B to freshen up and rest before leaving Delaney and the twins with the sitter Juliana hired. After Natalie met the sitter and felt comfortable leaving Delaney, we headed to Max’s with Nolan and Juliana.
As we walked, Juliana chatted about the area and the tourism. It sounded like it was mainly spring through fall, and the winter was more locals. It was an interesting area, close to Baltimore and DC, yet it was its own tourist destination. It wasn’t hidden in a canyon of mountains like Telluride.
We walked into Max’s, with Nolan mentioning he’d like to bring his family to visit Telluride for some skiing. I told him about Wilde Ski Resort and the various accommodations.
“You’re welcome to stay at my B&B if you’d like. Although I’m sure the ski resort would be more convenient if you’re there for winter sports,” Natalie said after the hostess seated us in the dining room.
The restaurant was packed, even though it was early. There was a dining room on one side of the staircase and a bar on the other. The street out front had been shut down to accommodate outdoor dining for the various restaurants facing the harbor.
We ate crab cakes since those were the local specialty.
“I love that we’re getting the traditional Maryland fare while we’re here,” Natalie said.
“You have to try it once. So many of my friends have lived here their entire lives and hate seafood,” Juliana said, sipping her white wine.
Nolan shuddered. “I don’t even know how that’s possible.”
“Right?” Juliana said with a smile.
Juliana and Natalie talked about their girls and what it was like raising them after a divorce while I chatted business with Nolan. It was good to hear someone else’s perspective. I was impressed that he and his brother, Cade, were so involved in local charities. They even ran one themselves, making homes more accessible for those with disabilities.
It had me wondering if we could do something similar in Telluride.
We talked and laughed until we needed to relieve the sitter, and I couldn’t help but think we’d made lifelong friends. Hopefully, they’d visit Telluride this winter, and we’d return to Annapolis. We were similar in so many ways.
We paid the sitter, said good-bye to Juliana’s family, and tucked Delaney into bed. Juliana had provided a cot that fit nicely into an alcove, so we had some privacy in the bedroom.
“What did you think?” Natalie asked as we got into bed.
“I enjoyed talking to Nolan about his business. They’re doing some things I’d like to talk to my dad and brothers about. Did Juliana answer your questions?”
“She had some good tips, so I’m off to a great start. But she highly recommended I hire a manager as soon as I can.”
“I have to agree.”
Natalie’s face pinched. “I’m just not in a position where it makes sense financially. I don’t know when I will be.”
I touched her hand, soothing her. “You’ll get there.”
Hopefully, sooner rather than later. “We have a few more weeks of work and then you can open.”
“I’m eager to get home, take the pictures, and start marketing. I’ll relax when the bookings start coming in.”
I pulled her into my arms. “Once everyone knows about the B&B, you’ll be booked.”
