Stormy Surrender - By Nicole Andrews Moore Page 0,9

the door and turned just before closing it. “I’ll be back soon!”

For the first time in a long time, Martha relaxed in a tub. She had poured a healthy amount of the complimentary bath salts in, found the light floral aroma to be pleasing and dumped in some more. She had stayed in the water until her hands and feet were pruning and the water had turned cold. She had let out some of the cold water to make room for more warm water and stayed even longer. From the other side of the door, she heard a delicate ‘ahem’ which she recognized as Keely’s way of discreetly announcing her arrival. She wanted desperately to be nice to this woman, nice to everyone, and become a welcome member of her new community, but tonight she couldn’t face anyone.

“Almost done,” she called to Keely.

“Take your time. I’m not staying. Just wanted to let you know the food was here.” She heard the door open again. “I’ll just get the tray in the morning. We start serving breakfast at seven if you’re up.” And with that, the door clicked shut and Martha was alone once more.

Lying in the tub, she struggled to evaluate her feelings. Why was she suddenly so emotional? Her doctor had warned her that this might happen. She could grow depressed. She had thought the move would ensure she was so busy that she wouldn’t have time for that. That was her plan. She was stronger than that. It couldn’t be that she was lonely. She was alone all the time at home. And it couldn’t be that she was missing home. What was there to miss but a house she had decorated? She could do that anywhere. She was here to live her dream, build a new life, and get back to being herself, whoever that was. Maybe a good cry was just what she needed. Maybe she should allow herself just one good cry and then push away all those pesky tears from now on.

Standing up gingerly, muscles still sore from the long drive, she slid from the tub and toweled off. The white thermal robe with the bed and breakfast logo was a bit large for her small frame, but once the belt was cinched, it was wearable. Slowly, she opened the door, the only noises being the gurgle of the draining tub and now the crackle of her fire, and surveyed the meal Keely had delivered her. There was a note addressed to her on the tray.

Dear Martha,

I’m not sure what you liked, but judging by the way your clothes hang on you; you need a nice heavy meal. And judging by the way you’re acting, you need comfort food. Here’s the best I could whip up on such short notice.

Hope you enjoy it.

Sleep well!

Keely

PS. Not sure what wine pairs well with grilled cheese and creamy tomato soup, so save it for the chocolate cake.

The bottle of Inniskilin Cab Franc was placed next to what could only be described as a slab of chocolate cake. The grilled cheese was no ordinary sandwich. This was grilled to perfection on thick slices of homemade sourdough bread with extra cheese and a healthy portion of ham. Even the tomato soup was garnished with swirls of cream in the center. Every bit of the meal was served on fine china or in crystal stemware. And there had been a wonderful, sweet, caring note to boot.

This was where she really wanted to cry. Instead, she couldn’t bear to let this meal get cold, nor could she stand the thought of being unable to eat it on an upset stomach, and perhaps most importantly, she would never allow herself to hurt this woman who seemed determined to mother her and had shown her more kindness in the last hour than she had experienced in ages.

A genuine smile curved across her face. She picked up the tray from the writing desk and walked over to the fireplace. Slowly she placed the tray on the floor and sat down beside it to enjoy her meal. For the first time in a long time, she savored someone else’s cooking. She ate every bite of the sandwich, spooned up every drop of the soup. Every crumb of that decadent chocolate cake was consumed. And as she lazed beside the fireplace basking in the glow of the fire and heat in her belly from her meal, the warmth only a fine wine can spread slowly taking