“Sounds delicious.”
When the waitress arrived, they ordered their meals, coffee and orange juice. The sun sat midway in the sky, releasing colorful streams that touched the lake’s surface.
“Beautiful view,” Robert said. “Do Trevor and Angie want the ceremony to be down at the lake or inside?”
“Angie is so undecided. The parlor holds such special memories, but it’s hardly big enough. The guest list is already at seventy with twenty-tree replies not accounted for yet.” She sighed as she focused on the view. “Personally, I think the beach is the ideal location with outside tents for the dinner and dance. Family will be staying overnight at the resort and I’d like them to enjoy roaming this spectacular historical site throughout the event.”
“Sounds like you got it all figured out,” said Robert.
“Oh, no! Don’t listen to me. You’re the expert.”
“Who very much appreciates a local point of view. Feel free to spout your ideas, Sandra Dristoll.”
“I don’t live here, officially. I own a home in Nashville, Tennessee.”
“Aha. The music city. Went to the Grand Old Opry once. Do you like country music?”
“Guilty as charged. Love the storytelling part.”
“My favorite part is that it doesn’t bombard my ears with noise levels so loud I still hear the echo an hour later.”
Sandra grinned, wondering if he was also taking mental notes on all the things they had in common. She couldn’t deny the attraction of a man with similar likes and dislikes. Breakfast arrived, and the two grew silent as they attacked their plates. Robert devoured the entire thing while Sandra pushed away the last of her pancake delight.
“That’s enough nourishment to do us for quite a while,” Sandra said. “Are you ready to walk? The weather promises not to detour from the usual. I love this small pocket in the country where a person needs to artificially portray the seasons to override the never-changing temperature of seventy-eight degrees.”
“That’s perfect. At least we can count on a good day for the wedding, no matter the theme we choose.”
“Yes. And the good part is that even if it rains, it comes in the morning – like a cloud burst for twenty minutes – and then the sun returns in full force like it never left. A paradise, perfect location for a year-round resort.”
“I shall have to add it to my list of favorite places to go for a holiday.”
Sandra looked at him and the penetrating intensity of his green eyes held her captive. “And I’ll watch for your return visit, Robert Fredricks.”
His grin widened. “I haven’t left yet.” He stood and reached for her hand. “Shall we go?”
Robert stood in awe at the gate that led up to Heritage Inn. “Wow! Never got this view last night when I stumbled in after dark. I love the Victorian era, the vibrant colors and the aura it displays sitting on God’s green earth.”
“The gardeners do a splendid job in switching up the flowers for the different seasons. Five-star Accommodation rating in all the reviews online. And of course, the owls are a big attraction. We’ll visit them tonight when they wake up.”
Robert snapped a few pictures with his phone from different angles then reached for her hand again. “Shall we walk the beach?”
Sandra repeated all the tales Angie had told about the lighthouse, the lake that drew locals and vacationers to the resort, and continued with her personal rendition of the Christmas in July events – her first festive experience in Pineville.
“You are quite the guide,” said Robert. “Is there a place to eat in town where I can wine and dine you? Just to say thank you for coming onboard with the project.” She caught the subtle wink and knew a thank-you dinner was the farthest thing from his mind.
“You don’t have to spend your hard-earned money on me, Mr. Fredricks,” she said, suddenly needing to create some distance. “I’ve enjoyed relaying everything I know about this place to your eager ears.”
“I know I don’t have to, Sandra. I want to.” They stopped on the plateau at the lighthouse and he grasped both her hands and again summoned the intense stare that left her speechless.
She bit her lip – a bad habit she’d developed when nervous. “Then, thank you. I know just the place.” Eating her meals at the Inn, Sandra really had no idea of a suitable location for his impulsive invitation, but would drill Angie later. Wouldn’t this turn of events surprise her future daughter-in-law – and Trevor. A man wanted to take her on a date.
Turned out they were less surprised than she’d been. Angie grabbed her in for a bear hug, and Trevor grinned.
“Angie told me about the ornament from the North Pole. Aren’t you afraid you’re getting ahead of Mrs. Claus by painting the town with the marriage planner?”
“Nonsense. It’s dinner – the man has to eat,” said Sandra. “And Angie must have also told you I chalked Mrs. Claus’ interference off as a pleasant memory of my past – perhaps one to set me free for dear Robert. Did you ever think of that?”
“No. Who can figure the old gal out, anyway? Robert is probably the practise run.” Trevor and Angie broke out laughing and Sandra joined.
“You will be pleased to know that I don’t need practise in the romance department. Your father did an excellent job to keep the fires burning. I hope you learned something from his example, Trevor.”
Angie regained control of the conversation. “In answer to your question, Sandra, Pineville’s finest restaurant is Elegant Dining. You must dress up, but the view is spectacular and the atmosphere incomparable to anything you’ve experience before – even Heritage Inn, sad to say.”
“Your chef provides a great menu, but you can’t hog the entire show hereabouts, Angie,” Sandra said, as the
