Page 40 of A New Chance
"Wow, Charlotte, this is absolutely lovely!" Lily gushed, running her fingers along the cool, polished surface of the dresser. "It feels like we've stepped back in time."
"Indeed, you've done an exceptional job preserving the inn's historic charm." Paul nodded appreciatively, his eyes drawn to the small collection of vintage books nestled on a corner shelf.
Charlotte beamed at their praise, feeling a surge of pride wash over her. "I wanted to honor the inn's history while offering our guests all the modern comforts they could desire. I hope you'll find everything to your liking."
As Lily pulled back the curtains to reveal a breathtaking view of the English countryside, her face lit up with joy. "Oh, Charlotte, look at this view! It's like a painting come to life!"
"Isn't it beautiful?" Charlotte agreed, joining Lily at the window. "I often find myself getting lost in those rolling hills and the endless shades of green."
“And this—who painted this?” Paul was pointing at the cove mural, his mouth agape.
“I did,” Charlotte said, beaming.
"Charlotte, your attention to detail is evident in every corner of this room," Paul said, admiring the collection of seashells arranged atop the mantelpiece. "We can tell how much love and care you've put into creating this."
"Thank you both so much," Charlotte replied, her cheeks flushing with happiness. "Your kind words mean the world to me. I hope your stay here at The Old Crown Inn will be a memorable one."
As they continued to explore the room, Charlotte warmed with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. All her hard work and determination had paid off, and she was finally giving new life to the inn that had captured her heart. With each guest that arrived, she knew she was creating a legacy of warmth and hospitality that would endure.
"By the way," Charlotte mentioned casually, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "we also offer additional services to enhance your stay here at The Old Crown Inn. One of our most popular experiences is Simon's fishing charter."
Lily and Paul exchanged intrigued glances, their curiosity piqued by the prospect of a unique adventure. "A fishing charter, you say?" Paul inquired, his interest evident in his raised eyebrows.
"Absolutely," Charlotte confirmed, her confidence shining through as she described the experience. "Simon Harris offers exclusive fishing trips aboard his charming vessel. It's an excellent opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of Chesham Cove while learning about the rich history and maritime traditions of our little town. I’ve been on a charter myself. Also very romantic."
Charlotte paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. She could almost feel the salty breeze on her skin and hear the gentle lapping of waves against the boat, as if she was out on the water herself. She could feel Simon’s arms around her under a starry sky.
Lily's eyes widened in delight, clearly captivated by the idea. "That sounds absolutely wonderful, Charlotte! We've never been on a fishing charter before, but it seems like the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the local culture."
"An experience you won't want to miss," Charlotte assured them, her voice warm and genuine. "I can guarantee that you'll create cherished memories to last a lifetime."
"Then we must certainly give it a try," Paul agreed, his enthusiasm matching Lily's.
"I'll be more than happy to make all the necessary arrangements for you." As Charlotte left the room to attend to the booking, she basked in a deep sense of satisfaction.
***
Over the next few weeks, word of The Old Crown Inn's exclusive one-room opening spread throughout Chesham Cove and beyond. Charlotte's phone rang incessantly with inquiries and bookings, and before long, her calendar was filled with several weekends of eager guests. Each time she penciled in another reservation, a sense of accomplishment washed over her, validating her hard work and determination.
One sunny afternoon, as Charlotte bustled about the inn, ensuring that every last detail was perfect for the arrival of their next guests, she paused to catch her breath and soak in the view from the window. The sea sparkled like a blanket of sapphires, and the scent of salt and wildflowers wafted through the open window. As she stood there, taking in the beauty of Chesham Cove, she thought about her daughter, Amelia. She knew that Amelia would be visiting soon, and the thought of sharing this enchanting place with her filled Charlotte's heart with warmth and anticipation.
In the midst of her reverie, a sudden thought crossed her mind – one that both intrigued and unnerved her. The possibility of her estranged father, Henry, still being present somewhere in England lingered at the edges of her thoughts. It was an idea she had tried to push away before, but now, as her life had taken on a new direction and purpose, she couldn't help but wonder if fate had other plans for her too.
She had told Roxanne that she wouldn’t let it distract her. She wouldn’t obsess over it. But as Charlotte continued with her preparations, her thoughts drifted between Amelia's long-awaited visit and the mysterious presence of her father. The Old Crown Inn had already brought so much change and growth into her life, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the future held—and whether that would ever mean Henry returning.
Shaking off the thought, Charlotte returned to her tasks, eager to welcome her next guests and continue writing the story of The Old Crown Inn – a story of love, loss, and rediscovery, unfolding with each passing day within the walls of the charming manor house by the sea.
EPILOGUE
The first light of dawn crept through the sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow upon the polished hallway floor. Charlotte took a deep breath, inhaling the faint scent of lavender that lingered in the air. Today was the day her daughter Amelia would arrive at The Old Crown Inn, and she could hardly contain her excitement.
"Everything must be perfect," Charlotte murmured to herself as she inspected each meticulously arranged vase of fresh flowers, ensuring they adorned the inn's common areas to overflowing. She had spent hours selecting the perfect floral arrangements, wanting to evoke the sense of warmth and comfort that she knew Amelia craved—no, deserved after all her hard work at school.
Charlotte's eyes moved toward the antique grandfather clock that stood proudly against the wall, its pendulum swinging rhythmically back and forth. Time was ticking away, and she still had much to do before Amelia's arrival. With a determined stride, she made her way to the kitchen, where she began preparing a leisurely breakfast spread. She could almost hear Amelia's delighted laughter as she envisioned her daughter's reaction to the array of freshly-baked pastries and steaming hot tea.
As Charlotte busied herself with the final preparations, her thoughts wandered to the last time she had seen Amelia. It had been months since their tearful farewell at JFK airport, both knowing that Charlotte's impulsive decision to move to Chesham Cove marked the beginning of a new chapter for them both. The memory of Amelia's teary face on the video call and whispered words of encouragement brought a bittersweet smile to Charlotte's face as she fought back tears.
"Focus, Charlotte," she scolded herself gently. "You'll have plenty of time to reminisce once she's here." With her resolve strengthened, Charlotte completed the remaining tasks, ensuring that everything was in order for Amelia's arrival.