Page 11 of Lakehouse Mistletoe
Helen leaned forward slightly. “Mr. Hill, your wife is more than welcome to read in the living room. I’ll even leave a lamp on for her so she can read.”
Relief spread over his face.” Oh, Helen, thank you, dear. She will be thrilled.”
Helen smiled as Mr. Hill exited the kitchen.
It was encouraging to see a husband so concerned about doing the small things to make his wife happy.
That night, before she went to bed, Helen left the lamp on beside the large wingback chair in the living room. She found a cozy throw and draped it over the chair to take the chill off Mrs. Hill in the morning. She left a handwritten note on the end table to Mrs. Hill, letting her know there would be coffee ready in the dining room when she got up, and to help herself.
That night as Helen climbed in her bed, she felt like, in some kind of small way, she had made at least one of her guest’s stay a little more special.
Chapter 7
Rebecca and Kacey walked into the kitchen and blinked.
Helen was already plating Mr. and Mrs. Hill’s breakfast on a tray to be carried out to the dining room. She looked up and greeted them. “Good morning.”
Kacey’s gaze drifted to the food. “Wow. That looks good. Is that oatmeal?”
Rebecca shook her head. “Of course it’s not oatmeal. It’s too fancy to be oatmeal.”
Helen beamed. “It’s custard oatmeal. Mrs. Hill requested that for breakfast from the menu I printed out.”
Kacey’s eyes grew wide. “There’s a menu?”
Helen nodded. “Over on the kitchen table. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get this out while it’s hot.”
Helen backed out of the kitchen with the tray and headed to the dining room.
Mrs. Hill looked up with a smile when she saw her. “Ah, Helen. I wanted to thank you for your note I found this morning. And the blanket. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more enjoyable morning.”
Helen’s smile stretched across her face. “I’m so glad. That means a lot.” She set the tray down on the sideboard and took the custard oatmeal and bacon off first. As she placed the breakfast in front of Mrs. Hill, they both gasped in delight.
“That looks delicious.” Mr. Hill eyed his wife’s bowl. “Maybe I should have gotten that.”
When Helen set his plate in front of him, his eyes widened. “No, maybe I ordered the right thing.” He looked up and smiled. “Thank you so much.”
Helen stepped back. “There is fresh squeezed orange juice in the refrigerator if you would like some with your breakfast. And, of course, an endless supply of coffee.”
She left them to enjoy themselves, and stepped out of the dining room where she almost ran into Kacey.
“Sorry.” Kacey stepped back. “It looks like you are getting on well, Helen.”
Helen nodded. “I’m still finding my footing, but it seems to be going well.” She followed Kacey back into the kitchen.
Rebecca held up the guests’ filled-out menu. ‘Helen, this is a great idea.” She studied the paper. “I like how guests get an option. First option is eggs, bacon, grits, and toast. Second option is custard oatmeal with fruit of the day and nuts. Third option is yogurt cup with fruit and pastry of the day.” She frowned. “We have pastries of the day?”
Helen shrugged. “I made do with what was on hand. I found some ingredients for a coffee cake that I made before bed. Once I go shopping, I would like to offer items like scones, cinnamon rolls, and croissants. I love baking, and have some good recipes.”
Rebecca and Kacey looked at each other and blinked.
Helen cringed. “Is that okay? I should have asked about doing the menu thing before implementing it, and I don’t have to bake …”
Kacey shook her head. “No! Don’t stop with your brainstorming. Those are all great ideas. In fact, that’s one reason we wanted to open a bed and breakfast. We wanted a unique cozy experience for our guests.”
Rebecca nodded furiously. “Kacey is right. You’re doing a great job, Helen.”
Helen smiled, pleased with herself. “Thank you. I know I’ve never done anything but be a housewife, but working here feels … special.”
