Promise Me Forever (Debbie Macomber Classics) (21 page)

Dear Guest:

I’m thrilled that your travels have brought you to Cedar Cove so I can welcome you to Rose Harbor Inn!

Here is some information to help you make the most of your stay, be it short or long. And since I’m still getting the hang of all this, I do hope you’ll let me know if there is anything I can do differently or better to help make you more comfortable.

The first time I saw this breathtaking property, I fell in love and knew I’d found the new home of my dreams. Maybe it’s had the same effect on you.

The house itself was built in the early 1900s and was once owned by a prominent banking family in Cedar Cove before falling into a sad state of repair. A lovely couple, Sandy and John Frelinger, saw its potential as an inn and returned it to its former glory. Though I’ve added many of my own touches, the Frelingers deserve credit for rescuing this grand old house.

Once you’ve checked in and have the key to one of our eight guest rooms, you’ll probably want to unpack and unwind. Or maybe take in the breathtaking view from the wraparound porch. Feel free to stroll the grounds as well—but please forgive where the yard is torn up in spots. I’m planning to add a garden of antique roses with an arched entry, stone pathway, and maybe even a gazebo. It’s a special project of mine, and one I’ve had planned since opening the inn. But it’s still under construction.

Since your room key also opens the front door, please feel free to come and go as you please. I don’t impose a fee for an early departure. I’ll be delighted if that’s one amenity you won’t find necessary.

Once you’ve settled in, please don’t hesitate for a second to find me if you need something or even just want to chat. If I’m not around, I’m likely on a quick errand down Harbor Street and will be back shortly. Perhaps I’m just down at the bakery for some sweet rolls, hot from the oven. Speaking of …

My friend and fellow innkeeper Peggy Beldon warned me, rather bluntly, that running a bed-and-breakfast can be hard on the waistline. So I try not to sample too much of my own cooking and baking. Please indulge me in a little vicarious living through you!

I usually have breakfast ready and on the downstairs dining-room table at around eight o’clock. Even if you may think you’d like to sleep late, the aroma of baking often has a rousing effect. I always have piping hot coffee or, if you prefer, a selection of teas.

Guests often rave about my cheesy breakfast casserole. I served it to my very first visitors, along with fruit, homemade muffins, fried bacon, orange juice, and steel-cut oatmeal. The typical buffet is usually a variation of that menu. But you can always count on cooked-to-order eggs and a variety of home-baked treats.

As is often true of inns like Rose Harbor, many guests have gotten to know one another and even found new friends at the breakfast table. I hope you’ll have the same experience if that’s what you seek.

I make it a point to have refreshments available—a chocolate chip cookie (or three!) or a carrot-and-pineapple muffin—if you’re peckish in the afternoon. Closer to evening, you might find a plate of cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine, likely a malbec or merlot.

If a craving strikes, please let me know if there’s anything I can get you and I’ll do my best to accommodate. One of our guests recently enjoyed noodles from her favorite restaurant … all the way from Seattle!

Ask anyone who runs an inn and they’ll tell you that the most effective and economical form of advertising is word of mouth. As you’ve likely gleaned, I think Rose Harbor Inn is a special place. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a selection of recent entries from my guestbook, including from Josh and Abby, my very first guests.

“I was in town to take care of some family business. From the moment I stepped into Jo Marie’s inn, I felt welcome. The fireplace was lit, and I still remember the smell of fresh bread the instant I stepped through the door. The Rose Harbor Inn, along with reuniting with an old friend, helped ease the stress of my visit. I’m sure I’ll return. And not just because Jo Marie makes the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever eaten!”—Josh Weaver

“Jo Marie is the best! I left Cedar Cove a long time ago. A lot of stuff has changed around here. … I think mostly for the better. The people are amazing, and Jo Marie is a great addition to the town. I’m happy to be going back home to Florida with good memories of my stay. Thanks, Jo Marie! I’ll keep in touch for sure.”—Abby Kincaid

“Hi, Jo Marie! I wanted to say thank you for everything. My grandparents’ fiftieth-anniversary party was a huge success—I hope you’ll forgive us for making a bit of a scene. We couldn’t have found a better place to stay, and I’m looking forward to coming back … maybe when my grandparents celebrate their seventy-fifth anniversary. Or you never know, you might hear from me before that.”—Annie Newton

“Oh, Jo Marie, I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful stay at your beautiful inn. Kent and I had an even better time than we expected at our anniversary celebration. And renewing our vows on the waterfront made me feel as young as when Kent proposed there. You opened your home and your heart to us, and I’m so grateful our granddaughter Annie found your lovely inn. After our chat with you on the porch, I’ll keep you in my thoughts. Thanks for all you did to help make our return to Cedar Cove a magical experience. We’re eternally grateful.”—Julie Shivers

“Thanks for everything, Jo Marie. Especially the butter and bacon. And we got engaged at the movie theater, not the waterfront.”—Kent Shivers

“Please ignore Kent, Jo Marie. I tried to get him to erase what he wrote above. But it was in pen.”—Julie Shivers

“Jo Marie, you’re a real pro. Are you sure you’re new to innkeeping? You made our stay comfortable and memorable. Thanks again for being so flexible and saving a room on the ground floor for the Shivers. I’m off to the South Pacific soon. … I’m sure I won’t stay anywhere as amazing as your inn.”—Oliver Sutton

“I honestly thought I was going to regret staying at a bed-and-breakfast. But Jo Marie was so gracious and respectful of my privacy. She made me feel welcome and comfortable, going above and beyond to do so. Even something as simple as my favorite candy bar meant so much. Jo Marie, whether I’m home in New York or even back in Seattle, I’ll always be thankful for my stay at your inn. In so many ways, it was the trip of a lifetime.”—Mary Smith