The Inn in Rhode Island, page 1
The Inn in Rhode Island
ALSO BY
JUDY PRESCOTT MARSHALL
BE STRONG ENOUGH
STILL CRAZY
THE INN IN
RHODE ISLAND
Book Two
Be Strong Enough Series
JUDY PRESCOTT MARSHALL
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
THE INN IN RHODE ISLAND. Copyright © 2022 By Judy Prescott Marshall.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
For information, please address
Writing Studio 12 May Knoll Dover Plains, New York 12522
ISBN 978-0-99-10273-6-1 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-0-99-10273-8-5 (e-book)
ISBN 978-0-99-10273-7-8 (paperback)
ISBN 987-0-99-10273-9-2 (audible)
Audio read by Susan McGurl
For David W. Marshall,
my every breath, dream and desire!
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Acknowledgements
The Cottage Chapter 1
Chapter 2
BE STRONG ENOUGH SERIES
Book One – STILL CRAZY
Julie Holliday discovered a handwritten note that had the power to destroy her.
For quite some time, she suspected her husband Dan of having extra-marital affairs. During an intense argument, Dan confessed to an affair from ten years ago. The next day, Julie packed an overnight bag and disappeared without a trace.
Three days later, she was touring an old farmhouse located in Point Judith, Rhode Island. It seemed as if the house had waiting just for her. Room by room, one garden at a time, Julie turned the five-bedroom home into a twenty-five room inn.
The inn gave her purpose. It allowed her to fulfill her dream of becoming an innkeeper, and running her own business gave her back her self-worth.
As much as she loved her inn, welcoming her guests, working alongside her employees and enjoying a cup of tea with her tea partner, Teresa, her heart was still missing the only man she had ever loved.
Everyone working for Julie knew she was hiding something about her past. Frank, the general contractor and Julie’s confidant, knew exactly what he needed to do to make her heart happy again.
After searching for almost three years to find Julie, Dan received a phone call, but he was so excited he disconnected the call. Thankfully, Frank called him back.
BE STRONG ENOUGH SERIES
Book Two – THE INN IN RHODE ISLAND
On a gorgeous day in October, the Hollidays will celebrate their love by renewing their wedding vows.
Across town, like an owl lurking in the dark, Erin and her son Kyle in danger, run into the middle of the night.
CAST of CHARACTERS
BE STRONG ENOUGH SERIES
Julie Holliday ~ Baker/Innkeeper
Dan Holliday ~ Contractor
Jesse ~ Arborist
Lynnae ~ Baker/Bella Napoli Bakery
Sam ~ Lynnae’s son
Max ~ Lynnae’s son
Barry ~ Builder
Brooke ~ Cake decorator/Bella Napoli Bakery
Stephanie ~ Artist/Bella Napoli Bakery
Aimee Jo ~ Lynnae’s babysitter
Barbara ~ Therapist/New York
Kelly ~ Restaurateur/Rhode Island
Geri ~ Real Estate Broker/Rhode Island
Frank ~ General Contractor/Rhode Island
Gina Marie ~ Budget Master/Rhode Island
Jessica ~ Contracting Supervisor/Rhode Island
Sabrina ~ Architect/Rhode Island
Teresa ~ Receptionist/Rhode Island
Cathy ~ Spa Owner/Rhode Island
Amanda ~ Daycare Owner/Rhode Island
Kourtnee ~ Bookkeeper/Rhode Island
Kevin ~ Landscaper/Rhode Island
Michael ~ Chef/Rhode Island
Christine ~ Pâtissie/Rhode Island
Mary ~ Bakery Owner/Rhode Island
Christina Stellate ~ Model/NYC
Michelle Eggink ~ Model/NYC
Molly ~ Interior Designer/Rhode Island
Tina ~ Writer/New York
Debbie ~ Spiritual Shop Owner/ Rhode Island
Chad ~ Pilot
Erin ~ Student
Kyle ~ Erin’s son
Lady ~ Chocolate Labrador/Star of the show!
When two hearts are meant for each other,
no distance is too far,
no time is too long,
and no other love can break them apart.
~ Unknown
THE INN IN
RHODE ISLAND
Chapter 1
With the morning sun beaming on my face, I rolled over onto my back, and opened my eyes.
I tried to focus on the day ahead of me. Our six p.m. ceremony down by the pond, then a celebration dinner outside on the back terrace.
Dan and I had written our own vows. No minister needed, just those near and dear to our hearts. We both wanted something simple yet elegant.
I glanced over at Dan. He was sound asleep. I wasn’t the only person, he, too, snored like a baby. He was the man of my dreams and I was still crazily in love with him.
To think three years ago I ran away from it all. Our home, my bakery, the only man I ever loved, but he found me. Thank you, Lord.
I prayed for this day – Dan no longer the same narcissistic person seeking comfort from other women. A new man with a desire to be with his wife and only her.
I closed my eyes for a second but then quickly opened them. A chill ran up my spine. Last night, I dreamt I was sitting in my rocking chair, outside on the front porch. All of a sudden, I heard Dan hollering my name. I ran down to the pond to meet him. Dan reached for my hand. He told me he loved me. He promised me he would never break my heart again. Dan kissed the back of my hand, before adding, “I only have eyes for you, you’re my one and only love. I love you, Julie Holliday.” Then his hand slipped out of mine and he was gone.
I blew out a sigh of relief when I heard Dan yawn, followed by,
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Ahh, you’re awake. Good morning, my love.” I kissed him on the cheek and started to get out of bed. I needed to shake that dream. “I’ll pour our coffee?” I said.
Dan reached for my arm. “Are you marrying me today?” He raised an eyebrow and gave me that seductive smile of his. The one that stops my heart every time.
“Oh, yeah!” I replied, glad for the reality check and feeling ready to start my day.
“I love you, Julie. I want to move forward with our lives. Today is the first day of our new life together. I’m going to make you feel my love every day. You’ll see.”
“Dan.” I inhaled. “I believe you and I’m so happy you found me.”
“I started searching for you the day you—” Dan glanced over at the clock. “Holy crap, I have to meet Rose in twenty minutes.”
Dan was in the shower before I could throw back the covers.
I went to the kitchen, sipped my coffee, scrambled some eggs, buttered the toast, thinking, It’s a good thing this woman, Rose, is his therapist! I took another sip, cradling my cup with both hands, hoping, our time together was as special as the love we shared.
When I heard Dan clear his throat, I set our plates on the table.
Dan sat down, took a sip of his coffee, shook his head and said, “Rose is nothing like Barbara. Barbara was more like what brought you here? How can I help you? How do you think therapy can help you? And how do you wish your life were different. Not, Rose! She goes straight to the matter of thin gs.”
“How?” I asked as I studied his facial expressions.
Dan smirked. “She’s tough!” Then he devoured his breakfast and kissed me goodbye. “I love you.”
“And I love you, Dan.” I smiled warmly at him, thinking about the day when I would be able to sleep an entire night without those damn nightmares. To help take my mind off last night, I put a Norah Jones CD in the player. While Norah and I sang, “Come Away With Me”, I cleared the table and washed the dishes.
After I took my shower, Lady and I headed up to the inn. Lady was such an obedient dog. We never had to put a leash on her. I wanted to make sure all of my welcome baskets were in each of the guest rooms. Lynnae’s room had a few extra goodie baskets for the boys. She promised me they would be here by eleven. I hated the fact that my dearest friend lived in New York. I wanted her here with me in Rhode Island.
As soon as I saw Jesse’s truck pull in, I stopped walking, waiting for him to park. The big lug had made it. We knew he would. He was Dan’s best friend and best man. He may have had the physique of a lumberjack and the tattoos of a biker, but to me, he was a big old teddy bear. In New York, he never missed a Friday night out. Jesse loved sending Dan and me photos of whatever meal he was dining on. He dressed as if he was posing for the cover of GQ. Women never knew how to take him, or how to hold onto him. I told him he needed to wear a sign on his back that read: “I’m not here for a long time. I’m just here for a good time.”
When he turned the engine off, I waved and told Lady it was okay to go see him. My beautiful chocolate Lab bolted for his truck. She loved Jesse and he usually loved her. But he ignored her and went to the passenger side, helping a woman and a young boy get out of the truck. That was odd. He hadn’t said anything about bringing— “Oh, no!”
Jesse hitched his chin my way. The woman turned her head in my direction. From where I was, I could see the weariness in her eyes and the rips in her clothes.
“Is that blood?” I ran to assist Jesse. Up close, it was worse than I imagined. She appeared weak and bruised. Both eyes and her chin were black, blue, and covered in blood.
“Julie, this is Erin and her son Kyle.” Jesse sounded choked up, and I thought I saw tears in his eyes.
The woman quivered as I reached for the little boy, who was clutching a brown stuffed animal by one of its feet.
When Jesse took Erin in his arms, the sweatshirt, his sweatshirt, slipped down between them. Erin, looking even more frightened, pulled it back up, clutching it to her chest as if it were a lifeline. With her head resting on his shoulder, he carried her toward the front porch of the inn.
“Come with me, Kyle,” I panted. When I picked him up, his teddy bear must have fallen to the ground. A moment later, Lady scampered ahead of me. I stopped and bent over. Kyle reached down and patted Lady on her head before taking back his teddy bear. Lady barked joyfully, certain she had done a good job. Kyle held his teddy close to me as we followed Jesse inside.
“Oh my God!” Teresa screamed in a spine-chilling tone and ran from behind the reception desk. “What happened?”
“Teresa, grab the first aid kit,” Jesse yelled to her. Then he went into the library and sat Erin down on the sofa.
I stopped in the doorway and told Lady to stay in the lobby. With my foot, I closed the door and sat Kyle down next to his mother. On the other side of the door, I could hear Lady whining.
Kyle looked past me, his eyes searching for Lady. When I let her in, Kyle immediately moved to the floor and hugged her.
“I’m sorry. I… I had no idea where I was going.” Her voice was broken. We could barely hear her. “I just knew I had to get away from him before he—”
“Who?” Jesse asked, making a growling sound.
“My husband,” she replied, glancing down at her son.
“C’mere,” Jesse said to her as he knelt down and embraced her in a gentle bear hug. “No one is going to hurt you. Not while I’m around.” He held her face in his hands. “I promise.”
Erin’s voice was barely above a whisper as she looked into his eyes and bawled, “You’re sweet.”
Her pain was so keen we both felt it. When she started crying, I bit down on my bottom lip. The urge to cry was so strong. I had to look away for a moment.
“It’s okay,” I said, wondering if I needed to call the police or a doctor. “You and your son are safe. We’ll take care of you.” I heard the door close behind me, then I felt a hand on my shoulder.
“Here.” Teresa handed me the first aid kit and a warm washcloth. She took off her sweater and wrapped it around Erin. Erin was trembling so hard Jesse’s sweatshirt was in her lap. Her right breast was exposed. Teresa gnawed at the inside of her left cheek as she tried to help Erin put her arms in the sleeves.
I pulled myself together, opened the kit, and said, “Erin, this is Teresa. She’s the receptionist here at the inn.” I turned to introduce Teresa to Kyle, but he and Jesse were gone.
My heart was bleeding for this woman. From the color of her pale skin, I could only assume she hadn’t been out in the sun in a long time. I bent down, squeezed the cloth and gently wiped the dried blood from her cheeks, neck, and right hand. I could not believe my eyes. Everywhere I looked, Erin had another bruise. I looked closer at her nose. “Erin, can I touch your nose?”
She pulled back, shivered, but nodded for me to go ahead.
“Not broken,” I said. Noticing how skittish and nervous she was, I added, “Erin, you’re safe. You’re okay, sweetheart.”
“Julie.” I felt Teresa’s hand on my shoulder again. “Jesse took the little boy to the kitchen for something to eat. I heard him tell Jesse he was hungry. Would you like me to get something for Erin and bring it in here?”
I asked Erin, “Are you hungry?”
She shook her head and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.
“You should probably eat something.” I swallowed hard, fighting back tears. My blood was boiling. Who could do such a thing? I didn’t mean to cry. But the moment I made eye contact with Teresa, I, too, started bawling my eyes out.
Chapter 2
After we cleaned Erin’s wounds, she agreed to drink a cup of tea.
Teresa told Erin, “I’ll give you something to wear and then we’ll go into the kitchen.”
Where would I put her? The inn was booked solid, all the extra rooms were for the wedding guests and getting involved with Erin meant involving the inn, which did not include scandal on its list of amenities. I could let her stay in the cottage, just not tonight. When Teresa offered her own room to Erin and her son, I had to admit, I felt relieved.
Erin said all she needed was a quick shower.
“Perhaps you should soak in a hot bath,” I suggested. “It might do you some good.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
The better part of me kicked in. “You are not an imposition. You’re welcome to whatever we have. Erin, you and Kyle can stay with us for as long as you need.”
“That’s right,” Teresa echoed me.
“But I don’t want to put you out of your room,” Erin said and sniffled.
“It’s okay.” Teresa explained, “I can stay with my boyfriend, Sal. Besides, a month from now, the inn will have plenty of rooms available.”
“A month? I can’t stay here, I…”
“Erin, we’ll figure that all out later.” I touched her on her knee. “Let’s start with a nice bath and a cup of soothing tea.”
“A hot bath sounds good right about now.” Erin’s face looking more somber than before, she added, “But I don’t want to bring you any more trouble.”
“You’re no trouble. Trust me,” I said as I handed her a tissue.
I looked over at the books neatly categorized and thought about all the badass female characters that I had read about over the years. Thanks to them, I knew I could handle whatever was coming our way. Lord knows, I would love to get my hands on the beast who did this to her.
Teresa curled her upper lip, telling Erin, “Don’t worry; she’s got a gun the size of my leg.”
I rolled my eyes. “No one is getting shot. Dan and Jesse will step in if needed.”
