The Lakeside Inn by Leeanna Morgan (ebooks children's books free .txt) 📗

“Well?”

Taking a deep breath, she nodded.

“Good. While you’re painting, think of something he enjoys doing. If we can tie that into your first date, it might make him see how perfect you could be together.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Barbara sighed. “It never is. That’s what makes falling in love so beautiful.”

“You used to tell us that romance doesn’t exist. Why have you changed your mind?”

“I’ve seen the way you and Wyatt look at each other. After everything that’s happened, you deserve to be happy.”

Tears filled her sister’s eyes and Penny gave her a hug. “We’ve all been through a rough time. I appreciate you wanting to help, but Wyatt and I are okay. Whatever happens will be for the best.”

Barbara blew her nose. “If you leave it to chance, nothing will happen.”

“We’ll see.” Penny wiped her brush against the rim of the paint can. She had other things to focus on apart from Wyatt. Over the next few weeks she had to transform her grandparents’ home into a Bed and Breakfast, help with the art project, and discover what happened to her great-grandfather. That was more than enough to keep her busy.

Wyatt handed another bucket and brush to a volunteer. This morning, everyone was getting together to wash the garages in the tiny home village. Three water blasters would get most of the dirt and grime off the walls but, for some areas, an old-fashioned bucket and brush were the best option.

He smiled when he saw the next two people waiting in the line. “Hi, Richard and Jack. I’m glad you could make it.”

“We marked it on our calendar,” Jack said happily, standing beside his dad. “Dad said we should come early so we can use a water blaster.”

“Your dad was right,” Wyatt said as he handed Richard the last water blaster. “The other two are already being used. This is for you.” Wyatt handed Jack a bucket and brush. “If you go to the first garage, Penny will show you what to do.”

“Thanks.” Jack squinted up at Wyatt. “Is Penny your girlfriend?”

“Jack. Don’t ask people personal questions like that.” Richard looked apologetically at Wyatt. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I don’t have any nephews, but I’ve been around enough kids to know they don’t have filters.” He knelt on the ground in front of Jack. “Penny is my friend, not my girlfriend.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Usually when you have a girlfriend, you live in the same town. I’m leaving soon and going to the other side of the world.”

“Can Penny go with you?”

Wyatt frowned. He hadn’t thought of that. “She has things she wants to do here.”

“I like Penny.”

He ruffled Jack’s hair. “So do I.”

“Does that mean she could be—”

“We should leave Wyatt to hand out the rest of the cleaning equipment,” Richard said to his son. “Penny will wonder where the people with the water blaster have gone.”

As if by magic, Jack forgot about Wyatt’s relationship status and gripped his bucket. “We’re here.”

“But we need to be over there.” Richard pointed to the garage. “Let’s go, kiddo.”

Jack hurried across the yard.

Before Richard left, Wyatt sent him a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. If Jack asks too many questions, distract him with anything mechanical. He loves pulling things apart and putting them back together.”

“I’ll remember that. Thanks for helping.”

“I’m happy to be here. Everyone’s talking about the designs we’ve come up with. They’ll brighten the village once they’re finished. Do you want me to return the water blaster to you when we’re done?”

Wyatt shook his head. “Give it to Penny. We’ll take it back to its owner tonight.”

“Sounds good.”

Jack rushed back to them. “Come on, Dad. Everyone’s waiting.”

With a glance across the yard, Richard picked up the water blaster and followed his son.

Wyatt smiled at the next person in the line and handed them a bucket and brush. It would be interesting to see how the day unfolded. They had a lot of work ahead of them, but more than enough enthusiasm to make it fun.

Chapter 10

Penny lifted her arms above her head and stretched sideways. Somewhere in her back, a bone clicked, making her wince.

Diana walked onto the veranda. “Hard day?”

“It was tiring but good. We cleaned all the garages for the art project and then prepped the walls for the next stage.”

“You’re still smiling, so it must have been enjoyable.”

“It was. Pastor John brought lunch for everyone and Wyatt ran a competition to see who could make their garages the cleanest.”

“It sounds better than my afternoon. Charlie rubbed himself in a dead animal and it took three shampoos to get rid of the smell.”

Penny sat on the porch swing. “Where is he now?”

“With Barbara. She’s decorating the cupcakes for tomorrow night.”

“He’ll enjoy that, especially if any crumbs fall on the floor.”

“He’s already licked the floor clean.” Diana sat beside her. “I called Katie. She still doesn’t know if she’s coming home.”

That was the last thing Penny wanted to hear. “I can’t believe she’d stay in Los Angeles when we want to keep the house in the family. I’d better call Grandma’s solicitor. We might get an extension on having everyone living together.”

“I’ve already done that. He’s okay with us taking a little more time. I don’t know how she can sleep at night knowing we’re all here, waiting for her.”

“She doesn’t realize how much we’ve given up to be here.”

Diana looked across the backyard to the lake. “We need to make her feel guilty so she hurries back.”

“We’ve tried to make her feel guilty before and it’s never worked. Half the time, Katie has her head in the clouds. I’m surprised she remembers what day of the week it is.”

“What if I fly to Los Angeles? She might take us more seriously if we speak to her in person.”

“It hasn’t helped before.”

“But it might this time.”

Penny’s eyebrows rose. “Do you really think so?”

Pulling her feet beneath her, Diana shook her head. “No, but it made me feel better. I’ll call her again tomorrow.”

Knowing their sister, it wouldn’t matter how