laying down the fork when Jude approached the table with a dessert menu. Lily looked up and felt instantly comfortable in the warm rays of Jude’s smile.
“Save room for dessert today? Our fresh-baked, square-shaped chocolate chip cookies?” Jude asked.
“I don’t think I could take one more bite, but I will take one of those cookies to go.”
“Only one?”
Lily considered the ice cream store again but decided it could wait for a warmer day. “I’ll take two. Do you have them every day?”
Jude pulled out her business card. “Our hours are on the back. Hope to have the cookies every day, but I’m afraid I’m not the best baker and our chef is due to have a baby in a few months.”
Lily extended her hand and shook Jude’s hand. “My name is Lily, and I guess you could say I’ll be living here for a while. Your place is my first stop before I head over to Madrona Island Bed and Breakfast.”
“Madrona Island?” Jude said. “Why, they’ve been closed for a few months now.”
“I know, I heard. My Grandmother Margaret Parkins used to own it, and now I suppose, it’s mine. I haven’t seen the place since I was about nine years old.”
Jude’s eyes lit up. “You’re Maggie’s granddaughter? Why, she talked so much about you. I know she would be real pleased to know you’re going to be taking over.”
“Oh no, I’m not taking it over, I’ve just come to stay for a while. Actually, I’m really not sure how long I’ll be anywhere right now, and I just…” Lily could feel her throat tightening and tears threatening. Why was she telling this perfect stranger so much about her life?
Jude gave her a hug and reassuring pat on the back. “Well, you’re home now, and a lot of people will be looking forward to meeting you.”
“Home,” Lily murmured. “Thank you.”
“You just let me know if you need anything…promise?” Jude said heading over to the counter to bag up a few cookies.
“I may just take you up on that offer,” Lily said.
Jude returned with a bag of cookies and placed them on the table. “A small housewarming treat for you, on me.”
“You don’t have to…”
“I want to,” Jude said.
Lily took out her debit card and paid the bill at the bar.
“Don’t be afraid to drop in on your neighbors, Betty and Shirley. Those ladies would be more than happy to come by and help you with whatever you need.”
“Ok. Great place, great food, I’ll be back.”
Jude walked with Lily to the door. “I sure miss selling your Grandma’s baked goods in the cafe, especially those addictive brownies. They had quite a following.”
“I remember them from when I was a little girl. I hope I can find the recipe.”
“Well, let me know. Be seeing you soon.”
Lily’s heart felt as full as her stomach.
The sky showed signs of clearing as Lily wove her way out of town to the main island road. She followed her highlighted map and made the left turn on Sunshine Lane. Interesting name. There sure isn’t much of that right now. The road narrowed and veered right toward the water, passing a dormant apple orchard. Fields of wild grasses in hues of browns and reds lined the sloping hill on the other side. As she made the final turn, the muddy road swept down, offering a picturesque view of the yellow and white Victorian farmhouse nestled among the gently inclining acres that finally touched into the blue-green waters of the Puget Sound.
The wheels of the car splashed through the puddles in the driveway and slowed to rest at the log barrier. She was here. It felt more like being in a dream, some surreal experience. Once out of the car, she watched as the sun broke through the dense clouds in long, thin rays, spraying a silver and gold reflection over the water. The house picked up the beautiful yet eerie glow emanating off the Sound, and the pale yellow paint took on a quality of spun gold. The cedar trees surrounding the pond whistled in the wind, and a flock of birds took noisily to the sky.
She could only stare and wrap her arms about the bulky rain jacket her mother had given her. This magical place had always been her refuge as a child, a place she now hoped would help her find what her heart desired. The sun was dipping below the barely visible peaks of the Olympic Mountains, tinting the sky with vivid shades of