Promise Me Forever (Debbie Macomber Classics) Page 15

  “I love you,” she told him shakily, her voice still affected by his kiss.

  “I wondered how long it would take you to say it.”

  “I admitted it to myself a long time ago.”

  Above, a flock of seagulls circled and let out a loud squawk. Joy paused and shielded her eyes with her hand.

  “Sloan,” she whispered in disbelief. “It’s L.J.”

  “Honey, there are a thousand birds out here that look exactly like him.”

  “He’s up there. That’s him,” she cried, pointing him out for Sloan. Happiness trapped the oxygen in her lungs. “It’s got to be him.”

  “Joy.” Sloan arched both brows.

  Her attention was directed to the flock of birds that flew down the beach. Only one stayed behind, landing a few feet away.

  “It is him,” she whispered.

  “You didn’t tell me I would be forced to fight off flocks of admirers,” Sloan teased, with a smile of intense satisfaction.

  L.J. quirked his head as if to say he didn’t have time to chat, spread his wings, and flew back to his friends.

  “He just stopped by to say hello,” Joy murmured happily.

  “And I,” Sloan whispered, pulling her into his arms, “have come to stay a lifetime.”

  The World of Debbie Macomber

  Welcome to Rose Harbor Inn

  About the Inn

  Dining at Rose Harbor Inn

  From the Guestbook

  About Your Innkeeper

  The Newcomers Guide to Cedar Cove

  About Cedar Cove

  Around Town

  Neighbors

  Starting Now

  Overview

  Character Guide

  Blossom Street Brides

  Overview

  Character Guide

  Reading Group Guide

  Questions for Discussion

  Angels at the Table

  Overview

  Character Guide

  Questions for Discussion

  Christmas Cards

  A Review of Heavenly Delights

  Starry Night

  Overview

  Character Guide

  Questions for Discussion

  Christmas Emails

  Welcome to Rose Harbor Inn

  Dear Guest:

  I’m thrilled that your travels have brought you to Cedar Cove so I can welcome you to Rose Harbor Inn!

  Here is some information to help you make the most of your stay, be it short or long. And since I’m still getting the hang of all this, I do hope you’ll let me know if there is anything I can do differently or better to help make you more comfortable.

  About the Inn

  The first time I saw this breathtaking property, I fell in love and knew I’d found the new home of my dreams. Maybe it’s had the same effect on you.

  The house itself was built in the early 1900s and was once owned by a prominent banking family in Cedar Cove before falling into a sad state of repair. A lovely couple, Sandy and John Frelinger, saw its potential as an inn and returned it to its former glory. Though I’ve added many of my own touches, the Frelingers deserve credit for rescuing this grand old house.

  Once you’ve checked in and have the key to one of our eight guest rooms, you’ll probably want to unpack and unwind. Or maybe take in the breathtaking view from the wraparound porch. Feel free to stroll the grounds as well—but please forgive where the yard is torn up in spots. I’m planning to add a garden of antique roses with an arched entry, stone pathway, and maybe even a gazebo. It’s a special project of mine, and one I’ve had planned since opening the inn. But it’s still under construction.

  Since your room key also opens the front door, please feel free to come and go as you please. I don’t impose a fee for an early departure. I’ll be delighted if that’s one amenity you won’t find necessary.

  Once you’ve settled in, please don’t hesitate for a second to find me if you need something or even just want to chat. If I’m not around, I’m likely on a quick errand down Harbor Street and will be back shortly. Perhaps I’m just down at the bakery for some sweet rolls, hot from the oven. Speaking of …

  Dining at Rose Harbor Inn

  My friend and fellow innkeeper Peggy Beldon warned me, rather bluntly, that running a bed-and-breakfast can be hard on the waistline. So I try not to sample too much of my own cooking and baking. Please indulge me in a little vicarious living through you!

  I usually have breakfast ready and on the downstairs dining-room table at around eight o’clock. Even if you may think you’d like to sleep late, the aroma of baking often has a rousing effect. I always have piping hot coffee or, if you prefer, a selection of teas.

  Guests often rave about my cheesy breakfast casserole. I served it to my very first visitors, along with fruit, homemade muffins, fried bacon, orange juice, and steel-cut oatmeal. The typical buffet is usually a variation of that menu. But you can always count on cooked-to-order eggs and a variety of home-baked treats.

  As is often true of inns like Rose Harbor, many guests have gotten to know one another and even found new friends at the breakfast table. I hope you’ll have the same experience if that’s what you seek.

  I make it a point to have refreshments available—a chocolate chip cookie (or three!) or a carrot-and-pineapple muffin—if you’re peckish in the afternoon. Closer to evening, you might find a plate of cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine, likely a malbec or merlot.

  If a craving strikes, please let me know if there’s anything I can get you and I’ll do my best to accommodate. One of our guests recently enjoyed noodles from her favorite restaurant … all the way from Seattle!

  From the Guestbook

  Ask anyone who runs an inn and they’ll tell you that the most effective and economical form of advertising is word of mouth. As you’ve likely gleaned, I think Rose Harbor Inn is a special place. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a selection of recent entries from my guestbook, including from Josh and Abby, my very first guests.

  “I was in town to take care of some family business. From the moment I stepped into Jo Marie’s inn, I felt welcome. The fireplace was lit, and I still remember the smell of fresh bread the instant I stepped through the door. The Rose Harbor Inn, along with reuniting with an old friend, helped ease the stress of my visit. I’m sure I’ll return. And not just because Jo Marie makes the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever eaten!”—Josh Weaver

  “Jo Marie is the best! I left Cedar Cove a long time ago. A lot of stuff has changed around here. … I think mostly for the better. The people are amazing, and Jo Marie is a great addition to the town. I’m happy to be going back home to Florida with good memories of my stay. Thanks, Jo Marie! I’ll keep in touch for sure.”—Abby Kincaid

  “Hi, Jo Marie! I wanted to say thank you for everything. My grandparents’ fiftieth-anniversary party was a huge success—I hope you’ll forgive us for making a bit of a scene. We couldn’t have found a better place to stay, and I’m looking forward to coming back … maybe when my grandparents celebrate their seventy-fifth anniversary. Or you never know, you might hear from me before that.”—Annie Newton

  “Oh, Jo Marie, I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful stay at your beautiful inn. Kent and I had an even better time than we expected at our anniversary celebration. And renewing our vows on the waterfront made me feel as young as when Kent proposed there. You opened your home and your heart to us, and I’m so grateful our granddaughter Annie found your lovely inn. After our chat with you on the porch, I’ll keep you in my thoughts. Thanks for all you did to help make our return to Cedar Cove a magical experience. We’re eternally grateful.”—Julie Shivers

  “Thanks for everything, Jo Marie. Especially the butter and bacon. And we got engaged at the movie theater, not the waterfront.”—Kent Shivers

  “Please ignore Kent, Jo Marie. I tried to get him to erase what he wrote above. But it was in pen.”—Julie Shivers

  “Jo Mari
e, you’re a real pro. Are you sure you’re new to innkeeping? You made our stay comfortable and memorable. Thanks again for being so flexible and saving a room on the ground floor for the Shivers. I’m off to the South Pacific soon. … I’m sure I won’t stay anywhere as amazing as your inn.”—Oliver Sutton

  “I honestly thought I was going to regret staying at a bed-and-breakfast. But Jo Marie was so gracious and respectful of my privacy. She made me feel welcome and comfortable, going above and beyond to do so. Even something as simple as my favorite candy bar meant so much. Jo Marie, whether I’m home in New York or even back in Seattle, I’ll always be thankful for my stay at your inn. In so many ways, it was the trip of a lifetime.”—Mary Smith

  About Your Innkeeper

  Since you won’t yet see any roses around, you might be wondering about the inn’s name. Explaining why I chose Rose Harbor Inn will also tell you a bit about me and how I found myself in Cedar Cove.

  “Rose” is more than simply my last name. It’s to honor my late husband. Paul Rose and I were married for less than a year before he was killed in action in Afghanistan. “Harbor” is because this is the place where I was meant to drop anchor and take refuge from the storm that followed his death. My friends said to give myself at least a year before I made any major life decisions. But six months later, I was still incapacitated by grief, and I had to do something. After searching the entire country for a suitable place to begin the next phase of my life, imagine my surprise when I found what I was looking for in my own backyard.

  Buying the inn just made sense.

  Though Cedar Cove isn’t at all far from Seattle, where I formerly lived and worked, it can seem like a world away from the rush and crush of the big city. It’s a place that’s brought me solace and peace just when I needed it most. And no matter what’s brought you to Cedar Cove, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to open my home to you and give you a small sample of the same welcoming spirit I feel here every day.

  My mission is to make Rose Harbor Inn a place of healing and peace for all my guests. And, of course, to do everything possible to ensure you have a pleasant stay.

  —Jo Marie Rose

  The Newcomers Guide to Cedar Cove

  About Cedar Cove

  Located on the picturesque Kitsap Peninsula, our little town sits on a quaint cove across Puget Sound from Seattle.

  There’s a dedicated parking area for guests at the inn. Since just about everything you’ll want to see is in easy walking distance from Rose Harbor Inn, you can leave your car and explore Cedar Cove on foot.

  The visitors’ center is ideal as a first stop. There you’ll find plenty of information on what to do in the area. There are fun, unique events year-round. In springtime, you can try your vocal prowess at the annual Seagull Calling Contest. And the entire town turns out on summer Thursdays for Concerts on the Cove.

  No matter what time of year you visit or what brings you to our close-knit community, you’ll find a warm welcome. We pride ourselves on it!

  Around Town

  While I hope you’ll spend much of your time relaxing at the inn, there are many local businesses that would be thrilled to welcome you. I’m also working on a binder with local restaurant menus and maps. So please let me know if you discover hidden gems!

  Here are a few places of note:

  I’m always ready to offer all my guests a fresh cup of hot coffee. But as we’re right across the sound from Seattle, your taste might run toward something more intricate than old-fashioned drip coffee. At the Java Joint, you can satisfy your craving for a latte or mocha—or even a concoction that tastes like cotton candy. Hopefully, you’ll find Conner at the helm of the espresso machine when you’re there. He’s a thoughtful young man who was very kind to one of my recent guests.

  Abby Kincaid fondly remembers the steamed dumplings at Wok and Roll from when she lived in Cedar Cove.

  If you forget an essential toiletry or prescription, not to worry! The Harbor Street Pharmacy is close by. Patty is the pharmacist there, always ready to greet you like an old friend.

  New to Harbor Street and already a local favorite is the Victorian Tea Room. It’s perfect for a light lunch on your own or as a rendezvous with that special someone. The Tea Room is also popular with the local chapter of the Red Hat Society.

  The Candy Shop is the ideal place to satisfy an insatiable sweet tooth. Be on the look out for their Seagull Plops, a local delicacy you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

  As Willy Wonka says, “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.” If that’s your motto, too, then you’ll want to check out the Pink Poodle. It’s the kind of place with sawdust on the floor. Be aware that until the sign is repaired, you’ll need to look for the “INK POLE.”

  Everyone loves the Pancake Palace. And not just for breakfast, either. My handyman, Mark, recommends the coconut cream pie. See if you can sit in Goldie’s section—everyone says she’s been a waitress there for years.

  The Pot Belly Deli is the go-to place for delicious, hearty soups. It’s also a gathering place for the movers and shakers of Cedar Cove.

  Whether you’re looking for flowers, a dry cleaner, or just about any other service, a quick stroll down Harbor Street will take you past a store that caters to your needs.

  Neighbors

  The residents of Cedar Cove have welcomed me into their community in a way that still warms my heart. I can’t tell you how many people, in the few months I’ve lived here, have walked right up to me to offer their best wishes. I’m hard at work planning another open house in hopes of meeting even more of my neighbors.

  Here are a few of my friends you might see during your stay:

  While we were both waiting in line at the bakery one day, Corrie McAfee was kind enough to introduce herself. She and her family, like me, moved to Cedar Cove from Seattle. Her husband is now a private detective after retiring from the police force. I’m sure he has some exciting stories to tell.

  Bob and Peggy Beldon own the Thyme and Tide Bed-and-Breakfast on Cranberry Point. You’d think inn owners would see one another as competition. Far from it! We try to be very supportive of one another. In fact, I’m happy to recommend the Thyme and Tide when I’m short on rooms. I know Peggy will be as generous to her guests as she has been to me as I venture into this new career. She says fresh blueberries are the secret to her delicious muffins. I’m sure she has a few other secrets up her sleeve, too! I’m grateful to Peggy not only for all the dos and don’ts of operating Rose Harbor Inn, but also for being my new friend.

  Peggy also put me in touch with Mark Taylor. You’re likely to see Mark coming and going during your stay. Thanks to him, the inn has a new mantel, new porch railing, and updated light fixtures. He’s also become one of my closest friends. Now, if he’d just finish that rose garden.…

  Hailey Tremont is a student at the local high school who works at the inn when we’re busy. You can find her assisting with housekeeping and generally being her sweet, helpful self.

  Stylish Olivia Lockhart is a family court judge and also Grace Harding’s best friend—more on Grace in a second. After nearly everyone in town said I should meet these two women, they ended up introducing themselves to me at the Pot Belly Deli. I’m also quite fond of her mother. Every time I’ve met Charlotte, she’s had her knitting with her!

  Grace Harding is the librarian and a fixture of Cedar Cove. She and I share some rather difficult life experiences. As a result, I felt close to her almost immediately. She’s always there when I need to talk. One very important warning: If you pay Grace a visit at the library, you’re likely to end up taking home more than just a good book. I have living proof of that dozing on the braided rug in front of my fireplace right now. Which brings me to …

  You’ve no doubt met Rover. When Grace Harding suggested I adopt a dog from the shelter, I could think of a dozen reasons not to. What if guests have allergies? Do I have time to take care of a dog? Then I saw Rover and it was love at first sight
. Between his discipline problems and marked lack of a pedigree, no one at the shelter thought anyone would ever adopt him. But something makes me think we were meant to find one another. He’s brought me more joy than you’d imagine. Whether you find him barking hello at the front door or curled up in his favorite spot in front of the fireplace, I’m sure you’ll agree he found his place—just as I did—at Rose Harbor Inn.

  STARTING NOW

  The seventh book in the Blossom Street series, Starting Now opens with Libby Morgan facing an uncertain future when, instead of being made partner at her law firm, she loses her job. After a few months of watching her savings dwindle and waistline expand, Libby decides to retake charge of her life. She joins a gym, reconnects with an old friend, and even makes a few new ones while knitting preemie hats at A Good Yarn and volunteering in the nursery at Seattle General. The pattern for the hat included in the book would be perfect for all the babies she rocks. Libby soon finds herself in a promising new romance with Dr. Phillip Stone and on the brink of a breakthrough in her career. But one of her new friends is in trouble. Helping the young girl could open the door to all Libby’s dreams or cause her to lose everything once again—including Phillip.

  Character Guide

  Libby Morgan An ambitious, career-minded attorney whose rise to the top is interrupted by an extended period of unemployment. Stung by the setback, Libby embarks on a journey of self-discovery that just might lead to more happiness than she ever dreamed possible.

  Dr. Phillip Stone After spurning advances from just about every woman at Seattle General, Phillip earned the nickname Dr. Heart of Stone. All that changes when he meets Libby. But can he trust Libby to put their relationship ahead of her career?