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Clearing his throat, Simon set down histeacup. "Charlotte was telling me about your work with the humane societyback in the States. It's very admirable, the way you help rescue animals inneed," he said kindly.
Roxanne waved her hand. "Ohplease, it's nothing, really. I just do what I can. I hardly have enough timefor volunteering now because of work. But enough about me!" She turned toCharlotte, narrowing her eyes. "What I want to know is, just how seriousare things between you two?"
Charlotte nearly choked on her tea.Trust Roxanne to get right to the heart of the matter. She looked at Simonhesitantly. How should they respond? This could lead to the conversation sheboth longed for and feared.
Charlotte composed herself and set herteacup down gently. "Roxanne, Simon and I care deeply for eachother," she began carefully. "And we've been seeing each other forsome time now. But…"
She looked at Simon, trying to discernhis reaction. He nodded almost imperceptibly, a slight smile playing on hislips.
"I know it seems fast, me buyingthis inn and moving here so quickly after...everything," Charlottecontinued. Roxanne nodded in understanding, knowing the painful details ofCharlotte's divorce.
"But I've never been happier,truly. Being here with Simon and getting to share the beauty of this villagewith others by renovating the inn. We’re taking it one day at a time.”
Simon reached over and gave Charlotte'shand a supportive squeeze. "What Charlotte's done here is incredible.She's made the inn feel like home again. And..." He hesitated, his eyesnever leaving Charlotte's face. "She's made this place feel like home tome too."
Charlotte's heart swelled with emotion.Before she could respond, Roxanne let out an excited squeal.
"I knew it! You two are justperfect together." She grinned at them both. “He’s nothing like Daniel,that old stuffed shirt. I thought when you said an Englishman, that he would beboring. But he’s far more interesting than your ex.”
“Roxanne!”
Simon laughed full-throatedly, bendingdouble. When he straightened, he wagged a finger at Roxanne. “No, no, it’sokay. I like it. An honest woman. You know, Roxanne, if you’re single, I havesome very equally unboring friends down at the pier who would love to show anAmerican girl around town.”
Roxanne pulled a face. “Thanks for theoffer—and I’ll think about it. As long as you promise me that no one will tryto take me out for fish and chips.”
Simon looked confused, and it wasCharlotte’s turn to laugh.
“It’s a story for over dinner. Which isnot, trust me, fish and chips.”
CHAPTER SIX
Charlotte hummed softly as she stapledreceipts, a content smile on her face. The next afternoon’s sun filteredthrough the lobby windows, bathing the polished wood counter. She handed thefolio to the departing couple—The Smiths—wishing them a safe journey home.Their enthusiastic praise warmed her heart. Running The Crown Inn waseverything she had hoped for.
The side door opened, pulling Charlottefrom her reverie. An older gentleman approached from the east wing, his browsknit in consternation.
"Good morning, sir. How may I helpyou?" Charlotte greeted.
"I'd like a word about thedisruptive guest in room two," he huffed. "Kept me up half the nightwith her blasted television. I've never heard such nonsense."
Charlotte's smile faltered. She hadn'treceived any noise complaints. But room two was Roxanne’s room.
"I sincerely apologize for thedisturbance," she replied gently. "Please let me make thisright."
She promised a peaceful stay for theremainder of his visit—and cookies delivered to his room after dinner. Thoughdisappointed, the man seemed mollified by her sincere apology and assurances.
After he left, Charlotte peeked downthe hall toward room two. She disliked confrontations, but knew addressingissues promptly was imperative for the inn's reputation. Especially if theoffender was her sister. She steeled herself for the difficultconversation ahead.
Charlotte approached room two, eachstep heavier than the last. She hesitated outside the door, then slowly turnedthe knob and peeked inside. The room was dim, curtains drawn against the light.Charlotte could make out a figure buried under the covers on the far bed.Roxanne.
Charlotte tiptoed toward the window. Asshe went to open the curtains, her elbow bumped a lamp on the nightstand. Itwobbled precariously before crashing to the floor.
"What the..." Roxanne satbolt upright, blinking in confusion. She squinted at Charlotte. "What timeis it?"
"Nearly ten o'clock,"Charlotte replied, picking up the broken lamp.
"Ten!" Roxanne leapt out ofbed. "Why didn't you wake me?"
"You needed rest. That long flightreally took it out of you. And the late-night TV marathon."
