Serenity Springs

“Hi. Welcome to Serenity Springs. I’m Michelle. Do you have a reservation?” asked the owner of the cozy 10-bedroom Bed & Breakfast, Michelle Gleaton. Her naturally high-pitched, mousy voice echoed throughout the check-in area.

“Hello, and yes, we do. It’s under the name of Gabriel Winston,” Gabe replied as he set the luggage down in front of the check-in desk.

“Oh yes. You’re celebrating your 40^th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations! Is this Mrs. Gabriel Winston?” Michelle asked, pointing her head towards Donna.

“Hi. I’m Donna.” She extended her hand to Michelle. “It’s nice to meet you, Michelle, and thank you so much for accommodating us at the last minute.”

“Don’t mention it. I was happy to be able to do it. It must have been divine providence that we had that cancellation at the last minute because we never have cancellations this time of the year.”

“Whatever the reason, we’re grateful.”

“We have you in the Anniversary Suite. I hope you’ll be happy there this week.”

“If your reviews are any indication, I’m sure it will be the week we’ve been hoping for and need,” Donna replied.

“Alright. I just need your John Hancock at the bottom here, please.” Gabe took out his fountain pen, signed, and slid the paper back to Michelle.

“Thank you. Just as a friendly reminder, a full breakfast is served from 7am to 9am every morning, lunch boxes will be available for pick-up in the dining room from 11am to 1pm, and a buffet dinner is served every night from 6pm to 8pm. These reminders and more are in your room on the nightstands as well as on the table in the sitting area. Are there any questions I can answer for you?”

“No questions, but I want to say that we’re looking forward to the dining. Your cuisine is the talk of travel blogs,” Donna said excitedly.

“That’s kind of you to say. We’re very fortunate to have my nephew as our Chef. He was trained in the kitchen of the best cook and “informal” chef I’ve ever known, Betty Jean Jackson, my grandmother. It’s truly a family affair here. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, we’re only a phone call away, or feel free to stop by the Concierge Stand, and my daughter Denise would be more than happy to assist you. Her cell phone number is in the room as well, so you’ll be able to reach someone 24/7.

Michelle rang the bell, and Damon arrived to carry their bags to their room. Damon was wearing his uniform—a white polo shirt with the Serenity Springs blue water logo on it, black khaki pants, and closed-toe shoes. Although his voice was baritone, it had a ring of grace and kindness to it.

“Damon, this is Mr. and Mrs. Winston. Please escort them to the Anniversary Suite.”

“My pleasure, Ms. Michelle.” He turned to the Winstons and said, “Good afternoon, Mr. & Mrs. Winston, and welcome to Serenity Springs. I’m Damon, and I’ll be escorting you to your room.” He placed their luxury bags on the rolling luggage cart. “If you’ll follow me, please,” he instructed with a hospitable smile, showing the wide gap in his teeth.

“Ciao for now,” Michelle added with a wave as the Winstons followed Damon to their home for the next week.

They took the elevator to the second floor. Gabe and Donna admired how tastefully the 10-bedroom Bed and Breakfast was decorated. The warm tan color scheme, elegant ornamental wallpaper, the recliners, and high wingback chairs placed in the right spots, ambient lighting, and cushiony window seats all worked together to create a welcoming atmosphere. Not to mention the aromatic smells coming from the kitchen.

Here we go. The Anniversary Suite. I don’t know if you like fishing, but if you do, the lake is fully stocked with bass, trout, and catfish,” Damon informed them as he unlocked the door and held out his hand for his guests to enter.

He kept talking while unloading their bags in the suite. “You can keep what you catch and put it in the freezer for our late-night fish fry.”

“We’ve heard about those midnight fish frys.”

“Yeah, we’ve become really famous for them. Rain or shine, the show goes on. The only thing that stops us is if there’s a hurricane. And hurricanes aren’t common in this area.”

“We don’t like to catch fish, Damon, but we do like to eat them, so you can add us to the headcount.” Gabe chuckled.

“I’ll do that. You’re all set. Can I help you with anything else right now, Mr. & Mrs. Winston?”

“No. I believe we have all we need for now. Thank you, Damon.” Gabe handed the helpful attendant a $20 bill.

“That’s very generous, Sir. I appreciate it.” Tipping his head, he left.

“Looking at Gabe, Donna asked, “First impressions?”

“So far, so good,” he responded. “Since we just arrived, let’s give it a little more time, Hun.”

“Well, for me, they’re living up to their reputation. Everyone’s so down-to-earth and friendly.” She hurried to the large bay windows, swinging her arms happily as she moved forward. Donna took a deep breath and gently smacked her cheeks, “Oh. My. Goodness. Look at that garden. The pictures don’t do it justice. I can’t wait to walk amongst the Japanese maple and breathe in the smell of the outdoor orchids.”

“I’ll be happy to cozy up with a few books by the fire in the library myself,” Gabe said as he sat on the edge of his bed and took off his shoes. “I can’t believe you booked us at a bed and breakfast when we could have stayed at the Four Seasons.”

“I expected the champagne and chocolates to be in our room in honor of our anniversary,” replied Donna, “but not even the Four Seasons provides straight from the garden, colorful flowers, a freshly prepared charcuterie board, and artisanal soaps. They haven’t left any detail undone. I’m thoroughly impressed.”

Donna toured their private bath. “Ooh, I love these bathrobes. They‘re so plush. They must be 400 thread count.”

“We’ve traveled around the world, and you’re crooning and swooning over a 10-bedroom Bed & Breakfast.”

“Yes, but it’s like home. Charming. Warm. Unpretentious. Unlike most of the people we’ve hobnobbed with during the course of your career.”

“Well, I’ll give you that.”

“Gabe, I want us to get back to our roots. To who we really are.”

Gabe grunted softly. “Where is this going, Hun?”

“Darling, there’s another reason I booked us here,” she said as she sat on the edge of the bed next to him.

“Oh. What’s that?” he asked, stopping his fidgeting and looking directly into her eyes.

“You know I’ve always dreamed of owning and operating a Bed and Breakfast. Now that you’re retiring, I think this would be the perfect time to explore the possibility.”

“Honey, no!” was his immediate response as he stood up and threw his hands in the air. “I’m not looking to build an enterprise from the ground up now that I’m retiring. I want to take it easy. I’ve worked my butt off for four decades. Golf, read, eat ungodly and unhealthy amounts of food, then do a 30-minute power walk to work it off. Play cards and shuffleboard at the country club. That’s what retirees do.”

“I know, Dear, and you deserve that. But what about my dreams?” Her voice trailed off as she stood and walked toward the sitting area. Turning and glaring intently at him, she asked, “Don’t my dreams matter?” Her trembling voice continued, “You’ve always dismissed them. But I’ve supported you throughout your entire career. We did everything together. Why shouldn’t I have a chance at the desires of my heart, Gabe Winston?” She cried softly.

Gabe rushed to his devoted wife and high school sweetheart. “Come on now. Don’t cry. You know I can’t take it when you cry. Please, sit down,” he said, lovingly guiding her back to the bed. “You’re right. You do deserve a shot at your dreams, too. I’m not promising anything,” he said as he took her small, slender hand in his, “but you do deserve to be heard and not dismissed. I’m sorry, Darling. What do you have in mind?”

Donna sniffed as Gabe gently swiped the rolling tears from her face. “I have a business plan, I spoke to our financial advisor, and the kids are on board with helping in whatever way we need them. I’d love to discuss the details over dinner this evening, or maybe we can sit in the garden and talk.” A tender smile appeared. “Will you promise me you’ll keep an open mind? That’s all I ask.”

“I promise.”

The End

 I’d LOVE to hear what you gleaned from this story. Please share with us in the Comment section!

 © 2025 Felicia Harris-Russell. All rights reserved.