A Dream Weekend: A Tale From Blythe Cove Manor Read Online Free PDF Page A

smile.
    The minister directed his attention to the groom. “Alex, place the ring on Paige’s finger and repeat after me: With this ring."
    It was Alex’s turn to gaze into Paige’s eyes. “With this ring.”
    “I pledge my love and faithfulness to you.”
    “I pledge my love and faithfulness to you.”
    “Today, tomorrow and always.”
    “Today, tomorrow and always, always, always.”
    The minister smiled. “Then by the powers vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Alex, you may kiss your bride.”
    They leaned close and Alex brushed a gentle kiss against Paige’s lips. Then another—with more intensity and the promise of more to come.
    Then the organist launched into Mendelssohn's Wedding March. Lisa handed Paige her bouquet and the happy couple charged up the aisle.
    And it was, after all, the happiest day of Paige’s life….
    So far.
----
    B reakfast at Blythe Cove Manor was truly a delight—at least Blythe Calvert always thought so. She carefully planned her menus, baked sinful treats in her cream-colored Aga stove, and always tried to set a lovely table.
    It was nearly nine and she was about to pack up the muffins, croissants, and strudel that sat on multi-tiered plates in her breakfast room, when the Campbells finally came down for their morning repast.
    “Are we too late?” Mr. Campbell asked.
    “Not at all.”
    “It’s just that we slept so well last night. Better than we have in such a long time,” Mrs. Campbell practically gushed. She certainly looked better rested than she had when they’d arrived the previous day.
    “I’m always glad to hear that,” Blythe said. “Can I get you some coffee?”
    “Yes, please.”
    “Take a seat wherever you’d like,” she said, and headed back to the kitchen to get the fresh pot. When she returned to the breakfast room, she found the Campbells had chosen the coveted table that overlooked the sea.
    “Seems like we’re the last for breakfast.”
    “It’s not a problem,” Blythe said as she poured the brew. “What are your plans for today?”
    Mr. Campbell brandished a guide book. “We thought we might like to visit the Edgartown Lighthouse.”
    “And maybe the cottages at Oak Bluff,” Mrs. Campbell said with what sounded like hope in her voice. Her eyes were still shadowed, and her voice tentative, but she seemed to have relaxed some in the eighteen-or-so hours since their arrival.
    “Oh, you’ll love them. They’re adorable.”
    “We were wondering,” Mr. Campbell began, “how it is that we won a weekend at your beautiful inn. Neither of us remembers entering our names in any contests.”
    “The contest was held through Vineyard Vines magazine. Perhaps one of your friends or relatives entered your names.”
    Mr. Campbell frowned, as though that wasn’t a viable answer.
    “What can I get you for breakfast? Blueberry pancakes? Sausage? Bacon?”
    “Pancakes sound wonderful,” Mrs. Campbell said. “With sausage?” She looked as though she had lost weight and could use a good solid meal.
    “And you?” Blythe asked Mr. Campbell.
    “The same, please.”
    She nodded. “Feel free to help yourselves to anything on the buffet across the way. I’ll be back with your breakfasts in a few minutes.”
    While the pancakes sizzled on the grill, Blythe snuck a peek into the breakfast room to see the Campbell’s quietly contemplating the guide book. They were talking. That was a good sign. She had the feeling they hadn’t had much to discuss for quite some time.
    She plated the pancakes and sausage, placing a sprig of curly parsley from her kitchen garden, and brought them into the breakfast room, snagging a pitcher of maple syrup on the way. “Here you go,” she said, sliding each plate in front of her guests. “If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
    “Thank you,” they chorused.
    Humming Beethoven’s Ode to Joy , Blythe returned to the kitchen