The Inn on Gooseneck Lane by Delsora Lowe

Author:Delsora Lowe [Lowe, Delsora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sweet; small-town; second chance romance; Vermont family inn; forced proximity; matchmaking relatives; winter holidays
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-06-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Two hours later, Natalie tossed aside the throw blanket. Standing, she raised her arms above her head, then lowered them to stretch, easing her stiffness. Hydrating and sleeping a few hours midday cured her lightheadedness. Lesson learned. Take care of yourself first, so you can care for others.

She folded the blanket and fluffed the pillows, then pulled open the pocket doors to slide silently into the wall recesses. Snatching the sign from the door, she dumped everything in the office. With renewed pep, she strode to the dining room. The kitchen doors swung behind Natalie.

Heidi strolled from her office and headed across the kitchen. Her apron hung askew, and wisps of hair straggled from beneath her bright, purple bandana. “You okay?” She pulled from the oven a sheet pan of cookies.

“Fine.” Truthfully, she was embarrassed by the public display of her failings. She strolled toward the prep table.

Heidi placed the baking sheet on the counter and plated cookies.

“We’ve got the place covered so you can disappear.” Heidi brushed crumbs into her palm and dumped them into the trash can. She laid the back of her hand against Natalie’s forehead. “No fever.”

“You’re such a mother. Lack of sleep and storm stress. Nothing another tall glass of water won’t cure. I’m ready to work.”

“No need. With the roads closed, I have a full crew.” Heidi filled a glass and handed the water to Natalie. “We’re twiddling our thumbs.”

“I’m taking over your kitchen. Take a break. Let the ladies know they can bunk in the spare room in the carriage house. I’ll find Brad and Jeff. They can lug in folding cots to the spare room and to Jeff’s.”

“Jeff has two beds.”

“Brad and Jeremy both need beds.”

“Or…Brad could bunk with Wes.”

Heidi flashed her evil grin. “Har, har. In his queen-sized bed? I can’t believe you have enough energy to try warped humor.”

Flipping her palms skyward, Heidi grinned. “I was funny.” She waggled her brows. “Can you imagine the two sharing? If you could see tension, the hostility would be strung in red laser lights zigzagging the inn.”

“Enough. You’re imagining—”

Heidi propped her hands on her hips.

The intimidation stance didn’t work. “I know. You’re right. Not sure what to do regarding those two.” Her little scheme with Brad to ride Wes hard had set this competition in motion. A twinge of guilt crept through her.

“Nothing. Their little rivalry is entertaining on a stormy night.”

“For you. Not for me.” Heidi picked up the plated cookies. She cupped Natalie’s wrist and dragged her through the kitchen door to a table nestled in the dining room alcove.

“Sit. And before you open your mouth, the suggestion is an order.” Heidi set the plate in the center of the table, then strode to the bar and grabbed a bottle and two shot glasses etched with the inn’s pine-cone logo. She plunked them on the table and sat. “A little nip to celebrate a successful Thanksgiving dinner and full house.” Heidi poured a thimble-full for each, then raised her glass. “Here’s to The Inn on Gooseneck Lane’s bright future.

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