Hell and Determination (10 page)

November brought the blizzards, the lake iced over attracting skaters from miles around.
Jo relished the site of all the new faces, something that would never have been allowed to happen years ago, though she wouldn’t go down that road again. Glad to be relieved of the plaster she encouraged Ben too join her in the fun, holding on tight they spent the afternoon swirling around the frozen lake.  It encouraged business, visitors watching the skaters while benefitting from the warmth of the lodge. Jo enjoyed the gentle strolls with her new found friend watching his antics has he encountered the different species of critters that
caught his attention, the brown bear visited the bins regular  she laughed has Barnaby faced him ,almost as tall as he was the critter didn’t know which way too run.
Betsy became a regular visitor showing a great interest in the business helping out whenever she was short staffed, Friday and Saturday night country and western music entertained the guest, the lodge was fast becoming popular with folk from town at the weekends.
Weekend had become a family reunion joining in the social activity.
Mike had asked permission to marry Amy in the spring; her folk seemed delighted spending many a weekend in their company.
                                Jo watched as her sister twined the garlands together she had an incredible talent, business was beaming in the small florist her venture had paid off, and she seemed delighted with the constant flow of customers that crossed her doorstep.
She watched patiently waiting for the garlands for the Lodge too is completed before they could enjoy dinner in town. Betsy didn’t know from one day to the next who would require her attention it could be Jo on the phone or Lydia calling in on her way to the store whoever it was she would be busy till Christmas had come and gone and enjoyed every minute.
Betsy missed the pleasant banter from her brother, they had called to see him last week and she had to admit he had aged, the house no longer had that homely feeling and she wanted a word with Jo wondering if there was any work available at the lodge. She hadn’t discussed it with Jack for he had worked at the canning factory for years and she was aware he didn’t take too change easily. He would be spending Christmas with them which would present an ideal opportunity to start the ball rolling.
                                Lydia was overwhelmed with the pleasant attention that folk in town seemed to offer, to both herself and her sister has they made their way from store to store, in search of Christmas gifts. Jo dressed in Olive green coat with fur around the hood, knee length boots that hid the jeans beneath, her wrapped up warm, in blue wool with wide belt.
Apart from Lydia being four inches taller they could have been mistaken for twins, the afternoon was one of frivolity sheer pleasure as they dined and shopped till dusk.

                                              
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Christmas season was upon them and the Lodge kept her busy for most of the day greeting new clients settling them in ready for the celebrations, Xmas Eve was party night with special guest that

Appeared
occasionally at the Macaba. She had managed to get in touch with Mark Delaney it would do no harm to keep doors open and he was one of the best agents around.
Pa and Betsy had decided to spend the night at home; Jack had arrived and would prefer to settle in before the big day.
Jo smiled admiring the scene in the large dining room the small stage taking centre position along the far wall, the large patio doors overlooking the lake, snow falling gently in the background covering the mountains in the distance. The tree decorated with gold baubles and tinsel, garlands surrounding the open fire in the centre of the room everything perfect ready to welcome their first Christmas.
Barnaby lingered besides his mistress, head almost reaching her shoulder, the width of his immense frame  standing patiently waiting for his evening walk, “right boy lets go,” she laughed has the powerful tail wagged his pleasure.
Ben arrived just in time for the evening stroll, the logging company had picked up providing employment for all those men wishing for extra work coming up to the festive season tonight he felt  pleased that he could provide that Christmas bonus, and if it continued this way there would be plenty full time employment in the future. Giles had been persuaded to spend more time in the office sorting out the accounts something he himself despised doing, he felt more at ease outdoors.
Jo’s laughter echoed around the valley she resembled a snowman emerging from the drifts has she desperately tried to prevent Barnaby from diving head first into the flowing ravine, it was a waste of time and she should have known better, he loved the water and appeared to be a powerful swimmer. Her vibrant mood was infectious the atmosphere filled with love and laughter, boy, how this woman affected him, “I’ll be glad when the lake thaws,” she murmured cuddling close has he tried to keep her warm.
“Home boy” he yelled trying to escape has the mutt shakes the excess water from his heavy coat, drowning them in the process.
“Hot shower” Jo laughed wishing she was already there,” come on what you standing around for?
“Race you back” Ben declared realizing Barnaby was well ahead of them now they were soaked.
                               Jo greeted her guest, hot mulled wine presented on silver platters in the entrance of the large doorway. Many here for the festive season, quite a gathering of townsfolk ready to celebrate Christmas Eve.
                               Ben stood near the bar admiring the easy manner in which she welcomed her guest, noticing the appreciative glances from the men. She appeared radiant her red velvet gown clinging the vivacious curves, Dark auburn locks amass on top of her head. Mike quite dashing in his evening suit, glad that Amy would be able to spend Christmas Eve by his side instead of waiting on other folk, he thought it really grand that Jo had arranged it that way.
                             Guy Ford took to the stage in raptures applause, apparently well known, Jo had to admit she had never heard of him, whom too her shame has ex -concert secretary didn’t do her moral any good. “Remind me to do my homework” she whispered to Ben has he became carried away with the crowd, “Homework” he murmured confused.
“Where have I been, too miss talent like this? She questioned.
“Busy” he smiled, “Talent will be searching for you from now on if they know where their breads buttered.”
The evening flowed; tables and chairs removed too make more room on the dance floor. The mini bus turned up at midnight taking the townsfolk home. It was one pm.and she was more than happy to turn in for the night, leaving Ben too finish his drink with his brother.
Christmas morning Jo dressed while Ben showered revelling in the passion they shared. Presents lay beneath the tree unopened, Barnaby waited patiently for his morning stroll which Ben had agreed to take him. Jo hurried knowing most of her guest would have shared breakfast by now and probably back in their rooms or out for a morning stroll, never had she slept so late.
“Merry Christmas, “Carlos greeted has Jo peeked around the door case, “breakfast”.
“No thanks” had some toast, has everyone eaten?
Carlos glanced at the kitchen clock,” yes mam”, he smiled, reminding her it was almost time for lunch.
“Merry Christmas”, she announced, realizing she may has well join Ben and Barnaby on their morning stroll the fresh air would be more than welcome before Family arrived.
Jo breathed deeply taking in the spectacular view  the snow-capped  mountains glimmering in the background, radiance of the sun shining like a beacon on the frozen lake not a cloud in the sky. Ben shouting his approval beckoning her to join him his bob cap pulled down covering his ears, the lake almost blinding has it dazzled and sparkled.
Sound of bells rang out in the distance and they both stared towards the mountain trail wondering what in heaven’s name it could be , what a spectacular sight has the donkey’s appeared from around the bend antlers and all, carrying the family in a homemade sleigh.
Merry Christmas Jack shouted above the crowd of onlookers that appeared from the lodge wondering what all the fun was about.
Delighted with such a show of goodwill they walked arm in arm to greet the family, Barnaby not knowing quite what to make of the donkeys standing almost as tall ,barking in his friendly way.
Jo ran indoors for her camera wanting to capture the spectacular sight, realizing has she cast her eyes towards Ben how fortunate she had been to be given a second shot at life.
She had to admit she had been too hell and back, though never in a million years did she expect to emerge surrounded with the love of family and friends.
Carlos emerged from the kitchen pushing the thirty five pound dressed turkey into the dining room too everyone’s applause, pride glowed from his jovial face has he carved while the waitress served.
Today she would remember for has long has she lived, along with all the other souvenirs she held close to her heart.
Spring had arrived and Jo strived to see their new project through, Broughton Lodge was in her final stages there had been many a setback but the gumption to see it through had paid off. Giles had worked hard alongside her Pa taking care of all the liability’s, Lydia had completely designed the structure,  windows facing the river with the mountains in the background.  Pa had given all his life savings to the project and she looked on in amazement delighted to fulfil his wishes and hoped she could accomplish her dreams.
Already a woman of substance in such a short time way beyond her expectations.It was a dream come true and her wedding would take place in this very spot overlooking the rive
r
on Christmas Eve.
Ben had taken root at the Annex so that Mike and Amy could have the cabin to themselves after the wedding, which would take place on Saturday. Wrong way of doing things Pa had criticized “why could yours not come first?”
“That daughter of yours has a stubborn streak, wonder where she gets it from. Betsy laughed.
Jo caught her sisters attention has they explored the surroundings observing the scope of the building from the inside, making sure their instructions had been carried out too the full surveying the view from one of the bedroom windows. “I recall standing in this very spot” Jo announced staring out towards the river, a cold shiver running down her spine, a vision of the condensation formed on the window pane all those years ago, she could actually remember wiping the glass, staring out towards the river standing on the cold floorboards wondering what would become of her life and wondering if she would have the gumption to see it through. So much had passed since that night; Lydia placed an arm around her shoulder,
“Sis! That part of your life is over why torment yourself reliving the past.
“Is it over? or will it all come back to haunt me once he’s free, or worse still could it all become reality again.?”
“No of course not! Ben wouldn’t let anything happen to you and you know it, now come on help me design the bathrooms.
Lydia had to admit too herself she had thought along those lines, she supposed they all had especially Ben though worrying wouldn’t achieve anything.
“Only a matter of weeks,” she declared smiling trying to avert Jo’s mind, “I’m really excited about the opening night, have you decided who the artist is going to be.”
“Not yet waiting for Mark Delaney too gets back to me.”
Jo caught her sister’s arm escorting her through the rest of the building. The magnificent staircase leading to the large open hallway, dining room to the right with magnificent views of the mountains, lounge come concert room again overlooking the river observing the mountains in the background. Open log fires taking centre stage. “It will be grand” Jo announced her foggy mind clearing too visualize the scene, surveying the rooms from every angle. Suddenly laughter bubbled to the surface has she remembered the wooden steps that served has a stairway, sharing her thoughts with Lydia they both saw the funny side of their childhood days.
                              Jo drove passed the logging company beeping her horn as she observed Ben making conversation with Mike and the other men some she didn’t recognize, Ben raised his hand the warmth of his smile captivating her heart has he always did. How she longed for these cosy evenings.
Mike nervously twirled his thumbs as he waited for the Bride, Ben trying to make light of everything his brother said, at the same time he felt a nervous wreck has he tried to rehearse his speech.
Jo glanced down the makeshift aisle delighted with the floral arrangements her sister had designed, archway path walk winding down to the lake covered in white clematis, gypsy and the deepest yellow roses she had ever seen, and the mountains in the background completing the magnificent scene.
Giles’s stood tall beside his sister, Lydia dressed in lemon silk her hair arranged with the tiniest white daisy’s, Betsy besides her Pa,  Jack on her left a picture of health since he started working in the yard his bronzed face and those golden streaks in his grey hair  taking the years of him.
Amy’s family smiling radiantly has the Bride descended down the aisle towards the lake, She was a picture of radiance her white Georgian gown adorning her tiny frame, the trail flowing the ground behind. Her Pa beamed with pride as they approached the groom and the vows were made to the joy of everyone present.
“It’s been such a rewarding day,” Ben beamed satisfied with the way Mike had conducted himself  Jo smiled warmly at her future Husband.