Chapter TWENTY THREE

Ariel took a deep breath as she tied on her apron. Today was the day - Valentine"s Day brunch at the BB. She had been planning this event for weeks, wanting everything to be perfect. Though excitement bubbled within her, Ariel couldn"t help but feel a twinge of nerves. So much could go wrong, and she desperately wanted this to be a success.

The kitchen was already bustling with activity when Ariel entered. Pots clanged, ovens beeped, and the rich scents of cinnamon, chocolate, and roasting meat filled the air. Connie stood at the island whisking up pancake batter, her gray hair tucked back in a messy bun.

"Morning, sunshine!" Connie said warmly. "Ready for the big day?"

Ariel smiled, heart swelling at the sight of the older woman. "Connie, thanks for agreeing to help. It means a lot to me. You ready?"

"As ready as I"ll ever be," Connie replied, grabbing a nearby apron and joining Connie at the counter.

The two worked in easy unison, an almost choreographed dance. Ariel melted chocolate for dipping strawberries while Connie flipped pancakes on the griddle. They chatted and laughed, taking joy in this shared passion. Though the kitchen was hectic, Ariel felt calm in Connie"s presence. In this space, they were connected by the love of food and the eagerness to nourish others. There was still no sign of anyone else—Ariel was grateful that Katie hadn't gotten up yet—though she worried over Miles and how he'd left their room and also been M.I.A. this morning.

As Ariel arranged the chocolate-dipped strawberries on a platter, she allowed herself to feel the nervousness slip away. Today would be a celebration of love, family, and connection - everything she had hoped for when she opened the BB. With Connie by her side, she knew it was going to be perfect.

The kitchen doors swung open and in strode Carl, wearing an apron and a wide grin.

"Surprise!" he announced, arms open wide.

Ariel"s eyes lit up at the sight of Carl. She hadn"t expected him to join them this morning, despite the note she'd slipped under his door.

"What are you doing here?" Connie asked, surprised.

"You didn"t think I"d miss the big Valentine"s brunch, did you?" Carl replied, embracing Ariel in a warm hug.

"I"m so glad you"re here," Ariel said. "But I hope you"re ready to get your hands dirty. We can use all the help we can get!"

"Just tell me what you need, my dear," Carl responded, rolling up his sleeves.

Ariel proceeded to explain the plan for the brunch, laying out all the dishes and details. She expressed her vision for creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere for the couples, one filled with personal touches.

"I want this to be really special, but I can"t do it alone," Ariel confessed. "Will you both help me pull this off?"

Connie and Carl exchanged a look.

"Of course we will," Connie said warmly, giving Ariel"s arm an affectionate squeeze. "Just say the word."

Carl nodded in agreement. "We"re here for you, Ari. Now put us to work!"

Ariel smiled, heart filling with gratitude. With her Carl and Connie helping, she knew this brunch would be a success.

Ariel surveyed the bustling kitchen, hands on her hips. The counters were cluttered with mixing bowls, whisks, and ingredients. Pots bubbled away on the stove, filling the air with savory aromas.

"Alright, you two, it"s time to get cooking," Ariel declared.

She began handing out tasks, directing Carl to the pantry to gather spices and Connie to the fridge for eggs and milk. As they moved about the kitchen, Ariel observed the easy rapport between them. Though they at times seemed distant, they still shared a connection through years of marriage and raising Bradford together.

"Carl, why don"t you work on the donuts?" Ariel suggested. "Connie tells me they were always your specialty."

Carl"s face lit up as he looked at his wife. "That takes me back. I used to make them every Sunday morning for you and Bradford."

Connie smiled softly. "They are delicious. No one can make them quite like you, Carl."

Carl ducked his head, clearly pleased. Together, they began prepping the ingredients, sifting flour and seasoning a skillet with oil.

As Ariel watched them cook side-by-side, reminiscing over old memories, she hoped this experience might rekindle their dormant passion for food and each other.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open and Ethan breezed in.

"Happy Valentine"s Day, ladies!" he announced cheerfully. "I"m reporting for decorating duty." He held up a note—the one Ariel had slipped under his door. She was flooded with relief at his cheerful demeanor, no awkwardness at all.

Ariel clapped her hands together. "Perfect timing! Let"s get these tables set up. Connie, Carl, you're in charge of the kitchen."

She handed Ethan an armful of tablecloths and led him out to the dining room, feeling excited for the brunch to come.

Ariel and Ethan worked in easy camaraderie as they transformed the dining room into a romantic oasis for the Valentine"s brunch. Ariel couldn"t help but smile as Ethan hummed along to the love songs playing softly in the background. His enthusiasm was infectious.

"I hope Katie knows how lucky she is to have you," Ariel said, shaking out a tablecloth with a flourish.

Ethan grinned, a slight blush rising on his cheeks. "Nah, I"m the lucky one. Katie"s amazing."

"You two make a wonderful couple," Ariel replied warmly. She was thankful her daughter had found someone who clearly adored her.

They continued prepping the tables, swapping stories and laughing together. Ariel found herself feeling completely at ease around Ethan, despite only having met him recently. She could see why Katie had fallen for this kind, funny young man.

Once the tables were draped in finery, Ariel stepped back to survey their work. "It looks absolutely lovely. You have quite an eye for design, Ethan."

"Thanks!" Ethan said. "I"ve always liked working with my hands. Helps me think."

Ariel nodded. She felt the same way about cooking. It was cathartic.

"Well, I think we make a pretty good team," she said, meeting Ethan"s eyes. In that moment, she was struck by how much he reminded her of herself at that age - hopeful, passionate, a little uncertain, but ready to take on the world.

Ethan held her gaze and smiled. "Yeah. We do."

Ariel smiled back at Ethan, feeling a swell of affection for this young man who had come into her daughter"s life. There was an easy rapport between them that felt completely natural.

Ariel took a deep breath, knowing this was the right moment to address what had happened earlier. "Ethan, I wanted to apologize for earlier... for bursting in on you and Katie. I should have knocked."

Ethan looked at her, his expression understanding. "It"s okay, Mrs. Hawthorne. I get why you were concerned. I"m sorry, too, for showing up unannounced and then sneaking off with Katie like that." He paused, a sheepish grin on his face. "And about the wine – it was actually just sparkling grape juice. We weren"t drinking alcohol."

Ariel let out a relieved laugh, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you for telling me that. I overreacted, and I appreciate your honesty."

Ethan"s smile widened. "I just want you to know I really care about Katie. I wouldn"t do anything to put her in a bad situation."

"I can see that," Ariel replied, feeling a newfound respect for Ethan. "You"re a good person, Ethan. And I"m glad Katie has someone like you in her life."

Ethan"s cheeks flushed with pride at her words. "Thanks, Ariel. That means a lot to me. Katie"s told me so much about how amazing you are, and I can see she was right."

The two shared a warm smile, a mutual understanding forming between them. Ariel felt a sense of peace knowing Katie was with someone who truly valued her.

"Let"s finish setting up for brunch," Ariel suggested, feeling more at ease than she had in a while.

As they resumed their tasks, the atmosphere was light and easy. The tension of the morning had dissipated, leaving in its place a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Ariel knew there would be more bumps along the road, but moments like these reminded her of the importance of understanding and forgiveness. Just then, Vivienne bustled into the dining room, arms loaded with linens.

"Oh good, you"ve got the tables started," she said briskly. "Here, let me help."

"You got my note," Ariel said.

"I did. And Hugo is sleeping in—he can get himself up and ready when he pleases," Vivienne said, smiling at Ariel.

"Good," Ariel said. "That leaves you all to us." And she reached out to squeeze the older woman's hand.

Vivienne and Ariel quickly fell into an easy rhythm, working in sync to put the finishing touches on each table. Ariel couldn"t help but think back to all the times She and Miles had done this same dance, preparing for events and holidays together. There was a comfort in it, like slipping on a favorite old sweater. But also a pang of guilt—Miles should be here. He would, if not for their fight, she thought.

"The centerpieces look wonderful," Viv said, pausing to admire Ariel"s handiwork.

Ariel turned to Ethan, who was polishing the bar top. "Be sure you let Katie know we"ve got a special table all ready for the two of you, front and center."

Ethan"s face lit up. "Wow, really? That"s awesome! I can"t wait for her to see it."

His excitement was contagious. Ariel felt a thrill run through her. It was all coming together now. She couldn"t wait to see the looks on everyone"s faces when they arrived. This Valentine"s Day brunch was going to be one to remember.

Ariel stepped back and surveyed their work, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over her. The dining room had been transformed into a vision of warmth and romance. Crimson linens graced each table, accented with roses and candles that cast a soft glow across the room. At the front, the table set for Katie and Ethan fairly sparkled, adorned with twinkling lights and a "Reserved" sign displaying their names in Ariel"s flowing script.

"It"s beautiful," Ariel breathed.

Vivienne slipped an arm around her shoulders. "You"ve outdone yourself, darling. I haven"t seen a place this lovely since... well, my own wedding." Her voice caught, but her smile was full of nostalgia.

Ariel gave her a squeeze. "Wait until Hugo sees it. He'll think about your wedding, too. The perfect thing to make him fall in love with you all over."

Vivienne nodded, dabbing at her eyes discreetly. "You make me believe those days can come again."

Ethan spoke up softly. "If the food tastes half as good as this place looks, it"s gonna be epic."

Ariel laughed. "Well then, we"d better see if Connie and Carl are finished getting the kitchen prepped!"

As they headed for the kitchen, Ariel"s heart swelled with love for these new people who now meant so much to her, who had helped bring her dream to life today. She could hardly wait to see what memories they would make together this Valentine"s Day and in the days to come.

Connie and Carl worked side-by-side in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the elaborate brunch spread. Ariel saw Connie stealing glances at Carl as he arranged fruit trays and stirred pots, openly admiring his easy confidence.

"Thanks for all your help today," Ariel said. "I know this probably isn"t how you expected to spend your Valentine"s Day."

Carl grinned. "Are you kidding? I get to hang out with my beautiful wife and eat amazing food. This is way better than my original plans."

Connie"s cheeks flushed with pleasure. She paused, whisking a warm vanilla sauce to face him. "You know, I"m really glad we"re doing this together. And I"m glad..." She hesitated. "I"m glad we"re reconnecting too."

Carl met her gaze. "Me too," he said softly.

For a moment, they simply smiled at each other, a new understanding passing between them. Then the kitchen timer dinged, breaking the spell.

"That"ll be the quiches!" Ariel said briskly, back in chef mode. But inside, her heart was fluttering with a fragile hope she hadn"t felt in ages. Today marked a new beginning - for the inn, for her guests, and maybe even for herself.

Ariel busied herself pulling the perfect golden quiches from the oven while Ethan put the finishing garnishes on the fruit platters. The friendly banter between them all continued as they worked in sync to get the food to the dining room.

Soon the tables were laden with fluffy pancakes, slices of quiche, bowls of fresh berries, and carafes of steaming coffee. Ariel stepped back to survey their handiwork, smiling at the thought of the couples who would soon fill the chairs.

She felt Ethan come up beside her. "It looks amazing," he said. "You"ve really outdone yourself."

"We do make a pretty good team," Ariel replied, bumping his shoulder playfully with hers. "Do you think Katie's going to come down?"

"Oh, yeah. I"ll tell her that it"s my last day, and I don"t want her to spend it pouting."

"A little pressure—I like it," Ariel said, laughing.

In the distance, the hall clock chimed nine. "Showtime," Ariel said, taking a deep breath. She turned to Ethan, optimism shining in her eyes. "I have a feeling this is going to be a wonderful day. You go get Katie, and Vivienne and I will go round up everyone else."

With a final smile, she headed off to gather the couples, ready to embrace whatever the day brought. The future was unfolding one moment at a time, and she was hopeful that this would be a much better outcome than charades.

There was just one guest who she was uncertain of—Miles. There had still not been a word from him, and as she mounted the stairs, Ariel felt the now all-too-familiar roll of anxiety in her stomach.