Free The Guestbook by Andrea Hurst Page A

neighborhood.  Just bring them along for dinner as well.”
    “You sure?” John asked. “Don’t want to impose.”
    Lily laid her hand on his. “I’m happy to have you all over.”
    “Much thanks. See you at five o’clock sharp then.” He stood and whistled for Gretel to follow him out the back door.
     
    ✦✦✦✦
     
    The doorbell rang precisely at five. Right on time, Lily thought as she finished brushing her hair and adding a quick dash of lipstick. She opened the door to find John McPherson looking dapper, holding a bottle of sparkling cider, and wearing a warm smile. Beside him was Ian, wearing a dark blue sweater that set off his eyes, and Jason, holding a bouquet of carnations.
    “Well, come on in,” she said.
    “For you, Lily,” Jason said, handing her the flowers.
    “Thank you, Jason. How thoughtful of you.”
    They wiped their boots on the welcome mat and stepped inside.
    Lily took their coats. “Hope you’re all hungry.”
    “Sure am, and if it tastes as good as it smells in here, we are in for a real treat,” John said.
    Lily led them into the dining room. “Go ahead and take a seat, and I’ll bring out something warming to drink.”
    As Ian brushed past her, she caught the scent of cedar. He was taller than she remembered and so far had not said a word.
    John ran a finger along the china dishes, embroidered napkins, and sparkling silverware. “I hope you didn’t go to all this trouble just for us boys.”
    Lily laughed. “It’s nothing fancy, just some old-fashioned comfort food with a gourmet touch. Believe me, it’s a pleasure to have such wonderful dinner companions.”
    “We don’t eat like this at home…ever,” Jason said.
    “How about hot chocolate for you, Jason?” Lily asked. “John, Ian, I have planned a Pinot Noir with dinner, but I can get you a cocktail first if you like.”
    Both men just stared at her. This was not Brentwood, California. She should probably have offered a beer.
    Ian’s gaze was tinged with humor. “I’ll have the Pinot.”
    “Me too,” John followed quickly.
    After serving the drinks, Lily retreated into the kitchen. She leaned on the counter; just keep it simple, she reminded herself, no pressure. The pungent smell of garlic filled the toasty kitchen. She admired the layered meatloaf; seasoned ground turkey sandwiched a center of goat cheese and spinach. She placed a generous slice on each plate and then added a large mound of garlic mashed potatoes smothered in homemade gravy and a few sprigs of sautéed broccoli. She carried a plate in each hand, serving her guests first and then herself. The only empty seat at the table was next to Ian.
    “My goodness, what a feast you made here,” John said as he covered his lap with his napkin.
    Ian held up his wine glass for a toast. Gazing directly at her he said, “To friends and family.” Then clicked her glass.
    His lips circled the glass as he sipped the deep red wine. For a moment there was no one else in the room. She could not take her eyes off him.
    Ian dug into the meatloaf, and the ecstatic look on his face filled Lily with pleasure. She forced herself to look away.
    “So, John,” she began between bites. “How long have you lived on the island?”
    “My family has been here a long time. You know all the land you can see from your place to the bluff, and past Betty and Shirley’s place to the bay? All of that was once McPherson land. My grandfather bought about 125 acres for a whopping $1,500 dollars in the early 1900s.”
    “You couldn’t even buy a garden patch for that much now!” Lily said.
    Lily watched Ian joke around with his son over trying the goat cheese filling. The two of them seemed so easy with each other.
    John shook his head, remembering. “My, how times have changed.”
    “How did you end up in Washington?” Lily asked between bites, fully aware of but trying to ignore the sparks she felt passing between her and Ian.
    “Well, Granddad and his brother decided