The Inn On Bluebell Lane — Episode 52
The Inn On Bluebell Lane
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- 52. The Inn On Bluebell Lane — Episode 52
Gwen could hardly believe they’d accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.
They had all come together to create something new and unique, and it had involved the whole village.
Each bedroom had a handmade cover quilted by a local craftswoman, and a hand-thrown pottery jug of flowers, also made locally.
The honey, butter, milk and jam had all been made locally or by Gwen herself, who had finished her last course of chemotherapy six weeks ago, and was officially in remission.
It had been a long, hard six months in many ways, but Gwen was thankful to be where she was – standing on her own feet, with her family around her.
“Everything’s ready, Mum,” Matthew said as he joined her by the gazebo, where she was fussing with the plates of macaroons.
“Don’t worry so much. It’s going to be great.”
Over the last few months Matthew had really got into the spirit of the place.
He’d made the obstacle course with Craig and Jacob, as well as an epic treehouse that spanned the three oaks clustered at the bottom of the garden, a rope swing, and a new chicken coop that Ava had named “Chicken Inn”.
With his help, they’d turned the B&B’s garden into a children’s paradise.
And today everyone in the village was coming to celebrate their success.
Gwen could hardly believe how many people had shown an interest.
She knew Ellie had got to know quite a few people in Llandrigg over the winter, and while Gwen suspected her daughter-in-law didn’t quite feel like a local yet, she would one day.
She’d silently rejoiced to see a new friendship spring up between Suzanne and Ellie, as Suzanne and David had both become more involved in the B&B.
Gwen’s gaze travelled over the garden to Jess, who was heading back inside for more lemonade.
Jess had also blossomed over the winter.
Her granddaughter had settled into a solid friendship with Sophie, as well as her cousin, Mairi.
All in all, Jess was happy in school, as were her other three grandchildren.
They all still had their ups and downs, but they were thankful, and they were a team, and today was their big day.
“What if no-one comes?” Gwen asked Matthew, who pointed to the lane.
With a disbelieving laugh, Gwen caught sight of the crowds already coming from the village. It looked as if everyone in Llandrigg was showing up.
They were already fully booked for June and July, a prospect that was both terrifying and thrilling.
“Ready, Mum?” Matthew asked. “I think you should be the one to officially begin the festivities.”
“Very well.”
With a smile Matthew went to fetch a pair of scissors while Gwen surveyed the garden.
Ava was running through the area they’d cultivated into a meadow of wild flowers, chasing a butterfly. Jacob and his best friend Zach were hunting for snails in a muddy patch.
Craig was kicking a football with his cousin Owen, and Jess was giggling and whispering with Sophie and Mairi.
Gwen’s heart expanded with thankfulness at it all.
“I think we’re ready,” Matthew announced as he handed her the scissors, and with a determined smile, Gwen started towards the gate.
She’d lost her hair thanks to the chemo, and now had a collection of colourful headscarves.
She was also thinner, but had a wiry strength and a sparkle in her eyes.
Everyone gathered as she stood in front of the gate, the wide blue satin ribbon stretching across the lane.
Matthew slipped his arm around Ellie’s waist as Ava tugged on her hand.
Suzanne and David stood nearby, and Ellie shared a smile with Suzanne.
Gwen raised the scissors high as she looked around at everyone assembled, a thankful smile on her face.
“The Bluebell Family Bed and Breakfast is now officially open!”
The End.
