After Emily left for school the next
morning, Megan found herself again on the deck overlooking the early budding
trees of Mrs. Elsworth’s grand yard. She
couldn’t believe how at home she felt in this town that only a few years ago
had been completely unknown to her. She
felt new inspiration as the year began its march into spring. In a couple of weeks, with inventory completed,
and now with Chloe’s paintings decorating the walls, Megan felt fresh energy
and a sense of hopefulness and gratitude filling her very soul. Her inspiration was interrupted as the
doorbell sounded downstairs. Who could be coming so early? It was just after 8 a.m.
When Megan opened the door Stephen stood
with his arms out. “Megan, I just had to
say one last goodbye,” as he wrapped his arms around her.
“I wanted to see you again, but I didn’t
want to cry. I’m going to miss you so
much!” Megan’s voice caught and her eyes
filled with tears.
“We will keep in touch! I promise!
I can’t stay. Thank you again for
the incredible support you’ve been.”
They stood for another few seconds and then Stephen kissed Megan’s
forehead—a lovely brotherly sentiment. He
turned and got into the truck and waved as he drove away. Megan stood watching the exhaust in the cool
morning. Sadness filled her as she
walked back upstairs to prepare for work.
That afternoon Rachel began the yearly
inventory. After a few instructions, and
with the help of Christopher, the two were soon at work.
Megan looked up as Rachel approached. “Books have the greatest smell!”
Rachel said with enthusiasm.
“You’re a woman after my own heart! I think that’s why I had to fulfill my dream
of owning a bookshop. I can detect the
presence of books a mile away! So, how do you feel after an afternoon of hard
work?”
“It was fun, and Chris is a good teacher.”
Rachel said with the slightest pink tinge in her cheeks. “But there is a lot more to do.”
“If you keep up at this pace, we’ll finish
in plenty of time. Want to have a pastry
before you leave?” Just then Christopher
came up with a tray of juice and pastries for each of them.
“Your humble servant is here to do your bidding.” Megan and Rachel rolled
their eyes as they reached for one of Isabelle’s goodies.
They turned as the door opened and Isabelle
walked in. “Well, look who’s here! And what a grin—are you the cat that
swallowed the mouse, Isabelle?”
“Do you have a few minutes, Megan? I want to talk with you.” Isabelle continued to smile, but Megan could
see she was also serious.
“Sure—hey, Guys. Watch things for me until closing, and I’ll
be back, OK? I'll make some tea.”
They stepped into the kitchen and Isabelle
squealed! “Megan, I got my check from
the insurance company today!” Isabelle
could hardly contain herself. “It's for $75,000!”
Megan stood openmouthed. “That’s fantastic! So, what are your plans?”
“To be perfectly honest, I’d almost forgotten
about it. I assumed it might be just a
minimal figure. But now I have all kinds
of thoughts going around in my head.”
Isabelle’s face glowed with possibilities. “Do I consider living arrangements—a place to
have a bigger kitchen? Do I rent a
building and start a bakery?”
“Probably the best thing is to sleep on these
ideas. Your head will be clearer in the
morning.”
“Ah,” Isabelle began hesitantly, “I think I
should probably keep this quiet. I mean,
if Roland ever found out, he’d be here in a flash! This will help Rachel and me put together a
future.”
“Absolutely!—I will not say a word. So, let’s quietly celebrate with you and Rachel
having dinner with Emily and me tonight.
We don’t need to say anything except perhaps clink our glasses and wink
at each other—our victory sign!”
To be continued...
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