Mystic Maples Page 2

  “I did.” She crossed to the registration desk.

  The clerk reached for the guest register book and ran his finger down the list of names. “Here you are. Mercy Rose, you’ll be with us for a couple weeks.”

  “Oh, no,” flew out of her mouth before she had time to think. Did I hear him right? “I’m staying for at least six months. My sister made the reservations.”

  Red crept up Jared’s neck. “No, I’ve only got you down for two weeks.” He grimaced and looked at Nate. “And we’re booked solid through the end of the year.”

  This was the final straw.

  The day caught up with her, a big tear rolled down her cheek and splashed on her wrinkled blouse. “There must be a mistake.”

  He shook his head slowly.

  Nate stepped in. “Don’t worry about it tonight. You’re exhausted and we have two weeks. We’ll get your bags to your room. You get a good night’s sleep. We’ll figure out the rest tomorrow morning. Okay?”

  He patted her arm.

  Chapter Two

  Mystic Maples—A New Day—An Unexpected Surprise

  When Silvanus Forrest pushed the screen door open, it screeched in protest. He let it bang shut and stepped out onto the porch. The porch swing moved to and fro in the breeze. Settling into the swing with his mug of coffee, he leaned back, surveying his land and watching the sun rise, smudging the dusky sky with orange, red, and purple. It was so peaceful and quiet.

  A few wispy clouds floated across the horizon, but otherwise it looked like a perfect sunny June day. Insects buzzed outside the screen, as the birds chirped in greeting to the new day. Penny, his part-time housekeeper/cook, would be here shortly to clean house and prepare a few meals. No way did he or Raga want to be here “under foot” as Penny called it.

  Rag-a-Muffin was sprawled at his feet. He reached down and scratched one ear then the other. The dog groaned and stretched out on her side. “Like that, huh, girl.”

  He rubbed her belly. Straightened, reached for his mug on the table, took a drink, and leaned back in the swing. It squeaked as he slowly swung back and forth. He’d rescued Raga from the pound a few years ago. No one else was willing to take a chance on a chow mix covered in mats and dirt. When no one could get close enough to brush or bathe her, the pound thought it best to put her down. But he saw a kindred spirit in those big brown eyes and insisted he could handle her. A bath and TLC and she’d be right as rain.

  The staff had watched, shaking their collective heads as he’d tried to get a leash on her. When that failed, it’d taken him close to two hours to coax her into his truck with several pieces of beef jerky. It took him another hour to get her out of the truck into his house. In the end she was worth it. Best decision he’d ever made.

  She was a great guard dog and his constant companion. Every morning after his coffee, she’d jump into the ATV with him to check the maple grove, horses, and barn. She never judged, looked at him with pure affection, and was always glad to see him. Sometimes she’d be a bit miffed if he’d been gone overnight on business. Those trips were rare, and she got over it quickly. Unlike most women he knew.

  “Ready to go, girl? We’re heading into town after we check the trees. Gotta deliver several cartons of syrup to the inn and market today. Jimmy’ll be along shortly.”

  The dog got to her feet, stretched and wiggled her tail. A doggie grin on her face, she trotted down the porch steps, her tawny fur glistening in the sunlight like gold, then launched herself into the ATV.

  A dust cloud erupted on the driveway leading to his home. Jimmy’s beat up blue truck screeched to a halt in front of the house throwing gravel and debris in all directions.

  Jimmy jumped out. “Sorry I’m late, boss. Ol’ Blue didn’t want to start this morning. Needs a new battery, I guess.”

  Raga sneezed. Her face scrunched up in a disgusted expression. He grinned and proceeded to wave at the dust cloud. “No problem, we were going on the morning rounds. Got a late start myself. Could you load up the crates of syrup? I’ll do the delivery today.” He handed Jimmy a clipboard with the inventory list. “Truck is parked at the supply building.”

  “You got it, boss. Must be Penny’s day to clean.”

  “Exactly. We’re outta here.”

  An hour later rounds completed, he opened the door to his pickup and helped Raga in. Her legs were too short for the leap into the tall truck. He took the clipboard from Jimmy and climbed into the driver’s seat. It had been two years since Jimmy came to work for him. They’d been best friends since second grade.

  When Jimmy hit hard times, Silvanus offered him a job at Mystic Maples. Now Jimmy oversaw the hiring, managing the seasonal help, and doing the things he didn’t have time to do. Most importantly his secrets were safe with Jimmy, just as they always had been.

  His first stop was Deerbourne Inn. As he pulled up in front of the inn, Nate wasn’t there to greet him as usual. He shrugged, knowing Nate had a full house with the Fourth of July celebrations coming up. Making his way to the front door, he’d check in before driving around back to stack the inventory. Nate was having a quiet conversation with a tall willowy woman with miles of reddish blonde hair.

  Liz Norton, the housekeeper, buzzed by him. “Hey, Liz, got a minute? I have the inn’s order for maple syrup. If you could sign the invoice, I’ll drive around back and stack the cartons in the usual place.” He jerked his chin toward Nate. “Don’t want to bother the boss. He looks busy.”

  She paused and glanced at Nate, who nodded and returned to his conversation. Liz signed the paper.” It’s been crazy.” She smiled and hurried off.

  As he headed out the door, a couple rushed toward him. He took a couple steps back and held the door open. They thanked him and headed for the staircase.

  “I understand.” The reddish haired woman said as her cell phone rang. “I’ll have to return home.” She looked at the screen and swiped a finger across the phone. “Hi sis, there’s been a mix-up, my reservation is only for two weeks…” She paused. “I know, but they’re booked solid until the end of the year.” Pausing again, she listened intently.

  Eavesdropping wasn’t something he normally did. Hell, he had enough problems of his own without— But…maybe he could help. He let the door close and waited.

  The woman’s conversation continued. “They do have apartments in town, but they’re not furnished. It’ll be okay, I’ll be…No, don’t put up a fuss…” She rolled her eyes. “Okay.” The woman looked apologetically at Nate. “My sister wants to talk to you.”

  Nate smiled and took the phone. “This is Nate.” He listened for several minutes. “I’m really sorry…and we are still trying to find a solution to this situation.” Nate listened for a couple more beats the color rising in his face. “I understand.”

  After ending the call, Nate turned to the young woman. Before he got a word out, she said, “I’m sorry. My sister can be a little overbearing and over-protective of me. She has a lot on her plate right now. It’ll probably be best if I head home after my two weeks. But thanks for trying to find me a place to stay.” Shoulders slumped, she passed by him and reached for the door. He grabbed the knob and pulled the door open for her.

  She startled for a moment, then glanced away. “Thank you,” she said absently.

  Nate started toward him. “Need me for something else?”

  “No, but I may have the answer to the young woman’s problem.”

  Eyebrow raised, Nate peered at him. “Go ahead.”

  “I have a cottage on my estate. It’s fully furnished. Would need to be dusted and aired out, but it’s cozy. Stayed there while I had the main cabin renovated last year. Have you considered expanding?”

  “Not exactly…but it’s something to consider.” Nate rubbed his hand over his face, glanced out the door. “I’ll run your offer by her when she returns.”

  “Let me know.” Halfway out the door, he turned. “I’ll drop the syrup in the back, Liz signed for it.”

  Nate
nodded, already in conversation with another guest.

  As he walked down the path, the young woman from the inn was standing at his truck, conversing with Rag-a-Muffin through the partially open window. Raga wasn’t even barking. “Her name’s Raga, short for Rag-a-Muffin.” He grinned.

  He was surprised when she jumped. Her curls bounced around her shoulders as she held her hand to her heart and whirled to face him. Her eyes were a bit disconcerting.

  “Whew, you scared me. What a beautiful dog. The white fur patches around her big brown eyes really set them off. She seems sweet, though I didn’t try to pet her.”

  Transfixed, he stared at her for a couple beats. Her eyes were mesmerizing, one emerald green and the other the brightest blue he’d ever seen. He blinked and looked at Raga for a second. It was rude to stare. Finally he found his voice. “She has a history, but she seems to like you.”

  Red patches bloomed on her cheeks. “Don’t we all. I best be on my way.” She turned on her heel and hurried down the street.

  “Wait… I didn’t get your name?” His question was too late. She was either already out of hearing distance or didn’t want to acknowledge him.

  After unloading the syrup, he turned onto Main Street to finish up his deliveries. The young woman he’d seen at the inn was standing in front of North Sports Outfitters. He touched the brake, reconsidered. Their first meeting didn’t go well. Best if Nate conveys the offer. I’ll have Penny prepare the cottage for a guest, just in case.

  ****

  Midway through his deliveries, he stopped at the town square to eat the lunch he’d packed and to let Raga stretch her legs. He set out her food and water bowls, clipped her leash on and lifted her out of the truck. She sniffed at the bowls, made a beeline for the flowers around the base of the gazebo, sniffed several blooms, then trotted away. “Good girl.”

  Taking a long drink from his thermos of raspberry iced tea, he set it back in the truck, unwrapped a turkey sandwich, and took a big bite. Huge brown eyes watched his every move. He tossed the dog a small bite of his sandwich. “Come on, girl, let’s walk.

  After the deliveries were finished, he pulled up in front of his two-story cabin surprising Jimmy and Penny, who were sitting on the porch deep in conversation. At his arrival Penny jumped to her feet and hurried inside. Jimmy grinned and walked toward him as he released Raga.

  “Wasn’t goofing off, boss. Just taking a break. Penny brought out a glass of lemonade and a couple peanut-butter cookies for me to taste.”

  Silvanus raised his hands palms up. “Didn’t say a word.” Leaning down he snatched the last cookie from the plate and bit into it. “Mmmm…great cookie. Any more left for me?”

  “A few.” Jimmy laughed. “Are you going to take the horses out this evening? I can hitch them up for ya.”

  “Yeah, but not until after supper. If your chores are done, you’re free to go. Got a hot date?”

  “Naw. Going home to watch the game with a few buddies. Wanta come?”

  “Wish I could. Too much paperwork to do. Next time.”

  “Okaaaay, your loss.”

  He opened the door and whistled for Raga. The dog came bounding through the door. It banged shut behind them. “Something smells awfully good in here.”

  Penny rounded the corner from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel tucked in the waistband of her jeans. “Pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and there’s homemade rolls in the warmer.”

  “Sounds great. Want to join me?”

  “Nope. Meeting my sis at her house to watch a chick flick and catch up on the local gossip.” She chuckled. “Nothing goes on in Willow Springs that she doesn’t know about.”

  He raised an eyebrow and studied her. “Bet she doesn’t know about you and Jimmy.”

  “What—I mean—don’t be ridiculous. That skirt chaser.” Scarlet flashed up her neck and spread across her cheeks. Even the tips of her ears turned red.

  Shrugging, he bit back a grin, toed off his shoes, and padded into the room. “He’s not chased skirts in quite a while, in fact.” He rubbed his chin. “Come to think about it, not since shortly after you started working here.” He eyed her for a moment. “Got your hair cut. Looks good.”

  “Really? I mean, good to know. Gotta go.” She sprinted out the door, paused halfway down the path, and turned. “See you on Wednesday.”

  “Wait. Any chance you could spruce up the cottage a bit? We may have a guest.”

  She eyed him with mild curiosity. “Sure thing. I’ll add it to my schedule.”

  He locked the screen door and waved, leaving the main door open. It was cooling off nicely outside. “Thanks.”

  After dinner, he put the plates in the dishwasher and glanced at the sky. Sun was sinking low on the horizon. Should be enough time to hitch up the horses to the wagon and do a short jaunt around the property. “Coming, Raga?” She was sprawled over the tile floor but got slowly to her feet.

  In the barn, he waved his hand over the door, a chain secured by an ancient filigree padlock appeared, separating the regular barn from the section that secreted his gypsy vardo. Out of his pocket he drew a crystal key, inserted it into the lock, the key shimmered and disappeared. The lock fell open releasing the chain.

  Over the years he’d kept the vardo in tip top shape hoping to one day get up the nerve to enter it into the Christmas parade. His gypsy ancestors’ reputations had long been forgotten. At least he hoped so. But he didn’t want to take the chance someone would still remember them as tramps and thieves.

  Releasing his two gypsy horses, Berche and Camlo, he hitched them to the wagon. A task he could do in his sleep. He’d worked too hard for the respect of the town to chance a reminder of the less than reputable people in his family tree. Not that there were many, but a few were infamous… Climbing in the wagon, he waited for Raga to settle beside him, and clicked his tongue to the horses.

  It was after dark when he returned from his ride and locked the wagon away. Returning the horses to their stalls, he gave each a good brushing before closing their doors. Satisfied they were set for the night, he jiggled the gates once more to make sure they were secure, closed and latched the barn door.

  Making his way to the house, out of the corner of his eye, he caught motion on the edge of the maples. A form was silhouetted against the full moon among the swaying shadows of the trees. Pausing, he blinked, then staying out of sight he crept silently to the side of the house.

  Chapter Three

  A Ghost at the Inn, A New Place to Stay, Caught Snooping on the Enchanted Land

  Mercy returned from her trip to town and started up the stairs to her room.

  “Hey, hold up there, Ms. Rose. I’ve got good news. How does a furnished cottage on the outskirts of town sound? It can be ready by the time your two weeks are up here—if not before.”

  She eyed him suspiciously for a couple of beats before answering. “Too good to be true?”

  “Seriously. A good friend of mine owns several hundred acres on the outskirts of town, Mystic Maples. There is a cozy cottage on his property he is willing to rent to you for the remainder of your stay. You met him this morning when he was delivering syrup to the inn.”

  An eyebrow arched in question and she leveled her gaze at him. “What’s the catch?”

  “No catch. You can work out the terms with him. The estate is northeast of town, across from Coolidge High School on Red Clover Road. I can arrange someone to drive you out there later. If you’d like?”

  She hesitated. “You’re vouching for this guy? Not an ax murderer?” She grinned, remembering the tall, muscular man with the tousled black hair, high cheek bones, and chiseled facial features that should belong to an angel. His striking blue/gray eyes seemed at odds with his olive skin glistening in the sun as he’d caught her admiring his gorgeous dog.

  “Not that I know of.” He kept a straight face, but his eyes glittered in amusement. “Sil’s well known in the community. He’s a life-long resident always willing to lend
a hand to special events and things. Never late with a delivery.” He chuckled. “If you’d rather, I can set up a meeting here.”

  With that physique, and long sooty eye lashes any woman would kill for, I bet he’s well known in the community. “Let me think about it. I’ll let you know in the morning. Thanks. I appreciate your efforts.” She’d seen the orchard on the drive in and felt the pull of magic as they passed the beautifully carved sign, brightly painted, announcing Mystic Maples. Was that the property her sister had hinted about?

  Reaching the door to her room, she noticed a light shone in the crack beneath it. She’d swear the light was off when she left. “Huh?” Hesitantly she unlocked the door and peeked in, her heart hammering in her chest. Everything was as she’d left it. Shaking her head, she plopped down in the comfy chair next to the bed and pulled her phone out of the backpack. When she touched in the number, her sister answered on the first ring.

  “Hey sis, did you get things straightened out?”

  “Yeah, kinda. There’s no room at the inn, but…” She paused for a moment wondering if she should tell her sister about the offer. Or the yummy guy who owned the property. Maybe she shouldn’t have made the call at all. They’d both been distrustful since the break-in. Too late.

  “But what?” her sister asked impatiently.

  The tap, tap, tap of Hope’s fingers against something on the other end of the line came through loud and clear. “There’s a furnished cottage on the edge of town that’s available.”

  “So what’s the problem?”

  “Not really a conundrum. It’s on the property rumored to be enchanted. At least that’s what you said.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, it’s located on Mystic Maples’ property. The guy who owns it is supposed to be a great guy, so the owner of the inn claims.”

  “Married?”

  “Don’t have a clue. Never came up. Why?” She picked at the wedding ring quilt on the bed. Her peripheral vision picked up a rippling of her window curtain, but she hadn’t left the window open. Twisting to face the window, a filmy shape appeared then faded. Her phone clattered to the floor as she covered her mouth to muffle a scream bubbling up from her throat. She sucked in a breath and heard her sister’s panicked voice.