River's Song - The Inn at Shining Waters Series Read online

  Anna sighed. "I'm afraid I might be reaping what I sowed."

  "Yes. But I didn't really understand her. And I never made much effort to get back here to see her."

  "But you loved your mother."

  "But that was understandable. With a baby, a seriously ill husband, a controlling mother-in-law . . . what choice did you have?"

  "If I'd been stronger, I would've figured out a way to come back. I would've brought Lauren. Maybe Adam too. Maybe he would've gotten well if he'd been here." Anna felt a lump in her throat.

  "There are no sadder words than what might've been."

  Anna just nodded.

  "Except that you have to let them go, dear. As much as I love history—and you know that I do—we cannot wallow in the mistakes of the past. Look at your grandmother, Anna, she didn't wallow now, did she?"

  Anna couldn't help chuckling. "No. Grandma Pearl was not one to wallow in anything."

  "And neither are you."

  "I hope that's true."

  "How long does it take to get to the ocean?" Hazel asked suddenly. "I mean if I were to plan a trip to the beach. How long would it take me to get there from here?"

  "Well, you know how long it takes to get down the river to Florence. Then it's another fifteen minutes or so by car. You have to go around the jetty, either south over the bridge, or north over to Heceta, to get to a beach." Anna was surprised." You haven't been to the beach yet?"

  "Not yet. I was so anxious to begin my work up the river, I never took the time." She stood. "When was the last time you were at the beach, Anna?"

  "Oh,"Anna stood too, "goodness, it's been quite some time. Probably before I was married."

  Hazel turned on her flashlight beam now, shining it over toward her cabin and meandering that way. "One of these days, you and I will have to take a holiday and go to the beach," she called over her shoulder. "You know what they say about all work and no play."

  Anna laughed. "I know what they say, but I'm enjoying my work so much that it almost feels like play to me."

  Hazel stopped and turned and grinned. "I know exactly what you mean, Anna. Goodnight now."

  Anna said goodnight, waiting until she saw the light go on in the cabin before she turned off the porch light. Just like Daddy used to do for Grandma. Then instead of going into the house, she went inside the old store and looked around. This was part of her future inn. Or so she was telling herself. And that was what had motivated her the past few days to clear and clean out this space. She'd moved some of the shelving units into the back room and some of them were simply pushed up against the wall so that at the moment it was simply a very large open space. But she could imagine it differently. With some interior walls, she felt it could be divided into four rather comfortable rooms.

  She imagined each with its own private outdoor entrance, and some new large picture windows to let in light. Two rooms would overlook the river, and the other two would look out toward the woods. Combined with the two extra bedrooms upstairs (not counting her own) that would make six rooms that could be rented, plus the cabin. What she couldn't quite figure out now was the bathrooms. She thought perhaps the back room, which was now used for storage, might be able to be worked into some sort of bathroom with showers. And since it already had a sink plumbed into it—something her mother had insisted upon for reasons of hygiene—that might simplify matters.

  In the meantime, if she really did manage to lure some poor unsuspecting guests up here, she hoped they would be goodnatured outdoorsy types who wouldn't protest over using an outhouse. Or maybe this was simply a pipe dream. But she'd been going over her finances, budgeting for what she thought she might need, and unless she was overlooking something, she thought she might be able to do this. Or at least try.

  She turned off the lights and the generator, then, using her own flashlight, went upstairs where she lit a kerosene lamp and sat down at the kitchen table to go over her notes regarding her inn. She was calling it The Inn at Shining Waters to honor her grandmother. As she went over the figures again, she felt hopeful enough to make the decision to order a few things, including a new mattress to replace the one she'd put in the cabin. Her plan was to get the spare bedrooms up here into shape for renting initially. She'd already cleaned them and removed all personal items. Next she would repaint them and replace the curtains and linens and things to make them look welcoming—like what she'd done in the cabin.

  She would also order another pair of beds to go downstairs. Even without the additional windows, doors, and walls that she hoped to put in someday, she felt she could make the space habitable and comfortable for hunters or fishermen in the interim. The dark fir floors were handsome, albeit a bit worn, and the wood-burning stove still worked. With a braided rug and a couple of comfortable chairs, it might even be cozy. She would put up some plaid curtains and add some rustic touches to make it look like a hunting lodge.

  As Anna got ready for bed, she knew she had an ulterior motive for doing all this work—something that would reward her efforts even more than the possibility of making an income. She hoped that once the place was nicely fixed up, she would be able to entice Lauren to come out here. If she could convince her that it had been transformed into a nice little river inn, complete with telephones and electricity, perhaps Lauren might even invite her friends to accompany her on a little summer vacation before going off to college. With recreational possibilities on the river and the nearby beach, it seemed entirely feasible. At least that was what Anna was telling herself—and that was what drove her to work so hard. She was doing it for Lauren as much as she was doing it for herself.

  After breakfast was cleaned up, Anna made a list of things she wanted to get in town. Unfortunately, she'd been unable to start the engine on Daddy's old boat, but she planned to canoe over to Babette's. If nothing else, she could place a phone order for more groceries. Or perhaps Babette would be planning a trip into town and she could tag along with her. Or she might get lucky and spot Henry coming or going. She could wave him down and catch a ride, and perhaps, if he wasn't too pressed for time, he'd be willing to take a look at Daddy's old motor because Anna knew she would either need to get it fixed or replace it. One couldn't live on the river without transportation. And a dugout canoe just wouldn't suffice—especially in bad weather.

  She had just changed her clothes and was going for her canoe when she heard an engine. But it wasn't coming from the river. She went over to the back of the house to see a blue pickup driving onto her property, right through the grassy meadow directly toward her garden, which was already showing signs of life. Angry that whoever was trespassing so recklessly might drive right through her garden, she ran over, waving her arms and shouting, "Stop! stop!"

  The pickup truck stopped and to her surprise, Clark jumped out. "Is something wrong?" he called out with concern.

  "Oh!" She hurried over. "I just didn't want you to drive through my garden." She pointed to where the young plants were just beginning to sprout. "I was afraid you couldn't see it because of the meadow."

  He nodded. "You're right, I couldn't."

  "What are you doing out here anyway?" She felt her heart give a little lurch at the color of those eyes again: like the river on a clear October day—deep topaz blue.

  "The power and light guys are on their way, as well as the telephone company. I scheduled them both for today. I was afraid they might've gotten here before me." He looked around a bit nervously. "They didn't, did they?"

  "No. No one's been here."

  Hazel was walking toward them now. "I thought I heard a vehicle," she called out. "What are you doing here?"

  He explained and they hugged. "I didn't know you'd be coming out again," she told him. "But it's a pleasure to see you."

  "I just wanted to make sure things were done right," he told them. "This is a lovely parcel of land and it needs to be protected as much as possible. However, that will take some work." He looked at his mother now. "It might be better if you ladies we
ren't here during the installation process. It will probably get loud and messy." He glanced uneasily at Anna. "And stressful."

  Hazel nodded as if considering this. Now she pointed to the pickup. "Do you need your truck today, Son?"

  He shrugged. "Not once I unload some tools and things."

  "Maybe I could borrow your truck and take Anna to the beach."

  "That's a great idea, Mom."

  "But I—"

  "Remember about all work no play," Hazel told her. "And wouldn't it be a lovely day to go to the beach?"

  Anna considered this. "I suppose so. Do you think I could run a couple errands in town before we come back?"

  "I don't see why not."

  So Anna and Hazel hurried to get what they'd need and Anna told Clark to make himself at home. "We'll be back before dark," Hazel promised.

  "How do you get to the beach from here?"Anna asked suddenly." I've never been on the road back there before."

  Clark explained which turns to take and just like that, with Hazel at the wheel, they were on their way. "Well, this sure wasn't what I expected to be doing today,"Anna told her as they bumped along through the meadow and then through a dirty path that cut between the trees and eventually turned into an uneven gravel road.

  "Here come the power and light boys," Hazel said as a big truck forced them to pull off the road to allow them access. Not long after that, the truck from the telephone company forced them off again. "I think Clark was smart to send us packing today," she told Anna. "It'll probably be rather hectic at your place."

  "I'm glad Clark is there to manage all of it." Anna sighed. She didn't even want to think of what would be going on there or if she'd be coming home to a mess of cables and wires and poles everywhere. Suddenly she wondered if the modern conveniences were really worth the effort. However, if those things made it more comfortable for Lauren to come visit—then it didn't matter if a few lines and wires cut into the landscape. Just being able to pick up the phone and call her daughter— now, wouldn't that be worth everything?

  14

  When Anna noticed Hazel pulling a familiar-looking black notebook from the bag she'd brought down to the beach, Anna shook her finger at her. "You said all work and no play," she reminded her.

  Hazel just laughed as she opened up Daddy's old notebook of stories. "This is part work and part play. Besides that, it's just plain good reading."

  Anna smoothed out the blanket she'd brought for them to sit on, wishing she'd had a good book to bring along with her. But she'd long since finished the one she'd picked up at a bus stop on the way to Florence a couple weeks ago. Maybe she'd find something to read in town while doing errands later. For now—and for a change—she would do nothing.

  They'd already walked up and down the beach, admiring the white frothy surf, spotting fishing boats not far off, collecting a few shells and even a couple of sand dollars. They'd even removed their shoes and waded in the cold water. Anna had gone out far enough to get the bottoms of her rolled-up pant legs soggy.

  As she unrolled her still-damp pant legs, she thought perhaps she really was due for a nice little rest. Lying back on the warm woolly blanket, she closed her eyes, letting sun soak into her as the sound of the waves lulled her into a delightful stupor.

  "Nothing quite like the ocean to revive your senses," Hazel said as Anna sat up and rubbed her eyes.

  A slight breeze was blowing now, and the sun had moved down the sky a bit. It looked to be around two perhaps. Anna checked her watch to see it was close to three already." Goodness, I've been asleep for quite a while."

  "It's this restorative sea air." Hazel took in a deep breath." Good for what ails you."

  "But I'll bet you're getting hungry." Since they hadn't had time to pack any food, they had planned to get lunch in town.

  "I know you still want to do your errands," Hazel said as she stiffly pushed herself to her feet. "Perhaps we can find something quick along the way to munch on."

  Anna agreed and they packed up their things and, after stopping for hot dogs at the Heceta Beach camp store, were soon on their way back into town. As Hazel drove, Anna told her about how she planned to move forward on getting the rooms in the house ready for the inn. "I've decided to call it The Inn at Shining Waters,"Anna told her, trying the name out loud to see how it felt and sounded.

  "The Inn at Shining Waters," Hazel repeated it slowly." That's lovely, Anna. I know a name like that would get my attention."

  "Do you think I'm being foolish?"Anna asked suddenly." I mean . . . to start spending money—when my finances are already so limited—to develop the place into an inn?"

  "I think you're being brave and entrepreneurial. Like I've told you before, you did a marvelous job getting the little cabin ready for me. And every time I turn around you've done some other clever improvement to the place. Like the rocking chairs out on the porch—so delightful. I think you have a gift for hospitality, Anna. And it is wise to use the gifts we have. I do not think you're foolish."

  Anna felt a wave of relief. "That's why I wanted to do errands in town," she confessed. "I have a list of things I'd like to purchase for the inn. And I couldn't wait to get started on it." Now she rattled off some of the things she hoped to find or order." I realize we don't have much time before the stores begin to close, but I'll make the most of it. Then I'll arrange for Henry to make a delivery."

  "And we can probably bring some of the larger things home in the back of the pickup," Hazel said eagerly. "That is, if you find what you need today."

  Anna pointed to a furniture store. "Let's try that first." She pulled out her list, skimming over it as Hazel parked.

  "And look—there's a secondhand furniture store just two doors down," Hazel told her.

  "Let's go there first,"Anna said eagerly.

  After some looking around, Anna managed to discover a number of treasures, including a pair of dark red, overstuffed club chairs. "I know the color is a little strong, but I think they'll be perfect downstairs by the woodstove," she told Hazel. She also found a pair of matching twin-sized bed frames in a honey-colored maple, some bedside tables, a large dresser, several mismatched lamps, and an old Oriental rug. "I realize these things are rather old-fashioned," she told Hazel after she'd paid the man, "but I think they'll be perfect for my inn."

  "I have no doubt about that."

  As the salesman and another employee loaded her purchases into the back of the pickup, Anna and Hazel went over to the new furniture store. "Look at the prices,"Anna whispered to Hazel. "So much more than what I paid for the used pieces."

  Hazel nodded. "I'll say. And not any better quality if you ask me."

  Anna had to agree. All the modern furniture had a flimsy look and feel to it, as if it wouldn't last more than a few years. However, she knew that Lauren loved this new look and if money were no object, Anna would have done the whole house in this contemporary style if that would ensure that Lauren would fall in love with the place and feel at home on the river. But money was an object. Truth be told, Anna was slightly relieved because she actually liked the substantial feel of the used pieces she'd chosen and she couldn't wait to see how they all looked when she put them together in her inn.

  The only reason Anna found herself in the new furniture store was because she was determined to purchase new mattresses. The idea of sleeping on used mattresses, unless she knew who'd used them, was not appealing.

  "I wonder," she asked the salesman, "if you would consider giving me a discount if I were to buy four new mattresses?"

  "Four?" He looked surprised. "What are you doing? Running a boarding house?"

  She smiled and told him about the inn she was opening. "I'll need one full-sized mattress and three twins."

  "I'm sure we can work something out to make everyone happy." Then he introduced himself as Carl Edwards, the owner. And before long, he was showing her his selection of mattresses, explaining why some were better than others. She made her choices and paid for them, and he pr
omised to see they got delivered next week. She felt slightly giddy at the amount of money she was spending, but continued to tell herself it was an investment in her future.

  At the dry goods store, Anna picked out what seemed to be sensible linens. She suspected that Babette would suggest something more elegant if she were here, but for now, these durable white sheets and towels would have to suffice. Until she replaced her mother's old wringer washer—and she had no idea when that would happen—strong durable linens would be the only way to go. Plus white would not fade when it was line-dried in the sun—it would simply smell fresh and clean. She also got a few new blankets and pillows. For the tops of the beds, she planned to use some of the lovely patchwork quilts her mother had made over the years, quilts that had rarely seen the light of day, but would now proudly add color and charm to each room.

  Next they went to the hardware store where Anna gave the owner, George, who happened to be an old schoolmate, a list of things she wanted delivered up the river.

  "Would you like this to go on your account?" George asked.

  "I don't have an account," she told him.

  He nodded. "Oh, sure you do, Anna, it's the same one your folks had for as long as this store's been here. Ain't never been closed."

  "Oh." She felt worried now. "Do I owe anything on it?"

  She smiled. "Well, that's good to know. Just the same, I'll just pay cash for this order."

  "Nope. Not a cent."

  "No problem with that." He glanced over her list, asking for some clarification on a couple of items then promised to give Henry a call to arrange for the delivery. "You have a good day," he told her. "It's nice to have you back. Now don't be a stranger, you hear?"

  She thanked him, assuring him that she had lots of fixing up to do on the place and would probably become one of his regular customers. Naturally, he seemed pleased by this.

  Finally, they stopped at the grocery store, where she gave Mr. Greeley her rather large order, picked up a few items to tide them over until it was delivered, and paid her bill in full. Feeling emboldened by her success, she told Mr. Greeley her plans to turn the old store into an inn.