Vintage Valentine (Elmheart Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Ellen said. “Grandfather and I don’t want to turn this hotel into a chain hotel with free internet, pools and spas. When we bought the hotel, we envisioned it as a timeless, classic place. It’s a place where people can leave their worries of the real world behind. It’s a place where we don’t need a computer in every room. It’s a place where people connect with each other.”
    “Specials!” Hailey leaned forward in her chair. She tapped the tabletop with her fingers. “Have you run a special lately? Two nights for the price of one?”
    Ellen shook her head. Her heart earrings bobbed. “Sometimes, you just have to know when to let go. I think this might be one of those cases. It just might be time to let go of the hotel.”
    Hailey felt tears bubbling in her throat. Her grandparents had always owned the Elmheart Hotel. If they sold it, someone would probably tear it down and build condos on the waterfront. Someone who didn’t understand the history. Someone who didn’t understand the long-standing traditions of the hotel.
    “Your grandfather and I want our engagement party to be the last event we host; a final way to say good-bye.” Ellen squeezed Hailey’s hand. “We’re so glad you and Kaitlin could come.”
    A tear rolled down Hailey’s face. “I’m glad we could be here too, Grandma. You and Grandpa mean a lot to me.” Hailey reached up and wiped away her tears. Ellen slipped her hand into her skirt pocket. She pulled out a red, cloth handkerchief and handed it to Hailey.
    Hailey blew her nose as Ellen said, “Shall we go see how the decorating is going?”
    “Of course.” Hailey slipped the handkerchief into her pocket. She stood and linking her arm with her grandmother’s, walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. Her mind raced. There had to be a way to save the Elmheart Hotel.
    In the living room, Devon, Cassie and Eric sat on the floor at the coffee table. In front of them was a large stack of red, cut-out hearts and vintage valentines. Patrick perched on a tall ladder, hanging each cut-out vintage valentine by a thick piece of red ribbon. Kaitlin stood below him, directing and holding the ladder.
    “What a perfect idea!” Ellen exclaimed. She walked slowly up to one of the vintage valentines. “We’ve had these valentines in the closet for years. They were valentines Grandfather and I exchanged when we were in elementary school. I’m so glad we’ve been able to give them new life.”
    Patrick shifted and the ladder wobbled. Hailey gasped. Quickly, she stepped around Kaitlin and placed her hands on the ladder.
    “Thanks,” Patrick said, his warm blue eyes meeting hers. “I think I might have almost lost it.”
    “Do you have any more valentine cards?” Kaitlin held up an empty box. “We could scatter the valentine cards on the table. Everyone could take one home.”
    “What a wonderful idea!” Ellen dropped her arm around Kaitlin, and pulled her close. “I believe we have another box upstairs, if not two or three. Why don’t you come with me and we’ll see what we can find?”
    Eric stood up and stretched. He glanced at the clock. “I think we’ll head on home and get dressed for the evening.”
    Suddenly, Kaitlin broke free from under Ellen’s arm. She dashed over to Devon. “I have something for you,” she said shyly. Reaching into her pocket, Kaitlin pulled out one of the vintage valentines. “I saved this one just for you.”
    Devon’s ears turned pink as he took the card from Kaitlin. “Thanks,” he said gruffly.
    Kaitlin danced away from Devon and back to the stairs. “Come on, Grandma!” She called. “Let’s go find those Valentines.”
    Cassie, Eric, and Devon pulled on coats, mittens, and scarves, and saying their good-byes, headed out of the door.
    Kaitlin is a great kid.” Patrick climbed down from the ladder and stood beside Hailey. His shoulders brushed hers.
    “Yes,” Hailey replied, “she is a great kid.”
    “She’s our