A/N: After considerable thought, I have decided to bring this fic to a close. The bed and breakfast will still live on in some fashion in the cross-over in Hey, Hey Mrs. Bartender. There are some things I still wanted to bring here, but I think they will work just as well in that fic as here. I tried to break this into two chapters, but one was uber short and I wasn't comfortable with it.
Regardless, I hope you enjoy.
After dealing with the morning breakfast and the guests who were departing, Lorna threw herself into her office chair and booted up her computer. As she opened her e-mail, the first e-mail that caught her eye was a reply from Taylor, one of the owners of Popi Artisanal Soap company. Lorna was delighted to see that a meeting was to be set up immediately. She responded setting up a meeting for the first thing Monday morning. Then she penned another e-mail to her other client so that she could make the best of the trip.
Lorna paused as she heard a noise and peeked out the window towards the main house. The man who Alex told her might be coming over for breakfast was on the front porch of Donovan Manor sweeping off the porch and rearranging the white rocking chairs. Perplexed, Lorna went to question him.
"Harry?" Harry flinched as he knew he had been caught and turned to face Lorna. "Harry what are you doing? You know you are my guest." She took the broom from his hand. "There is no reason for you to be cleaning up."
"Thank you again for the excellent breakfast Ms. Lorna. Alex and Piper have done so much for me that I feel I need to do something."
While not completely downtrodden, Harry's head was slightly hanging in a way that Lorna knew Harry needed this for his own pride. "Well thank you Harry."
His shoulders straightened up a bit. "Let me know what you need Ms. Lorna. I am handy with carpentry work and plumbing. I can help with the yard, too, if needed. Do you have any tools around here? The cabin I'm staying at needs some work. It will keep me busy."
"No sweetie. Tom does all of our repair work and he keeps his tools with him in his truck. I'll give him a ring and have him come around when he gets time. You'll like Tom. He owns part of this place, too. His family are the original owners and founders of Donovan." Lorna took the broom from Harry's hand and flicked her hands at him, shooing him off the porch towards the cabin. "Kick back and enjoy yourself."
"Do you have any bread or biscuits that are going to go stale? May I have some?" Lorna thought this was an odd request but went to the main kitchen and filled a bread bag with the older breads she had no use for.
A cacophony of yelps and howls echoed up the stairs. Alex jerked away, groaned then pulled the comforter over her head. "Pipes," she grumbled. "Why? Why must they do this?"
Piper growled and placed her feet on Alex and shoved her towards the edge of the bed. "Aaaaaallllllllllllllllllllll," she whined. "Al, go let the dogs out please?" Piper pushed again, this time a little harder.
Alex swung her legs down and caught herself right before she flew off the edge of the bed. Piper certainly had tricks to get her way. Alex pulled on a t-shirt and went down to let the dogs out. After getting her daily morning dose of doggie kisses and slobber, Alex decided she was awake and started the morning coffee. As she waited for it to brew, she looked around the kitchen.
On the floor was a lone rose petal. Picking it up, she brought it to her nose and breathed in the fragrant smell that would have represented the most perfect night of her life. She brushed the soft petal against her cheek and closed her eyes. Piper was her life, her everything. She knew Piper's troubles and fears, and Alex's primary goal at this point in life was to take those burdens off Piper.
Alex withdrew a pad of paper from a side drawer and began scribbling notes.
Lorna had texted Tom with scant details about the cabin's temporary boarder and asked him to drop by with some tools. Tom pulled up and saw a slender man kicked back, feeding ducks bits of bread as they swarmed around his feet. As Tom got out of the truck, Harry met him with an outstretched hand and firm handshake.
"Lorna said you were going to do some work on the cabin here. She asked me to loan you some tools." Harry nodded his head and listed a few of the things he noticed that needed minor repairs. "I've tried to help out down here but Alex says Toni insists it's not necessary."
"Well Alex isn't here to stop me." Harry's eyes twinkled in a way that showed he meant no animosity towards Alex. "They are letting me stay here for free, and I figure it's the least I can do. Lorna says you do all the handyman work at Donovan Manor, so I have to do something to keep my hands busy. I haven't had this much free time in years."
While Tom was curious about the newcomer, he knew not to push into the man's business. "What experience do you have?" The ducks had lost interest, so Harry offered Tom a beer and they settled into the lawn chairs. Harry told Tom bits and pieces of his background. He left out anything about his sister and nephew. He had gotten the feeling from Piper that she was a very private person and that none of these people in Donovan knew of the past she had come here to escape. He respected that.
"Well if you decide to stick around these parts, I have my own contracting company. I'm always looking for good help. If your work is as good as your ethic, I'd love to hire you on. Something to think about, okay?"
Harry's chest pumped out with pride. "I just may stick around here Mr. Tom. I just may."
Alex finished with the notes she was making and Piper had yet to make an appearance. She crept upstairs and stealthily got dressed. Piper still wasn't stirring, so Alex jotted a few lines on a blank sheet of paper to let Piper know she was running errands for the day and that they'd meet up later. Alex made sure the dogs were fed and left them outside so they wouldn't wake up Piper.
Alex's first stop was The Place. Nicky and Boo were both working out front and Celeste was in the back working on the bookkeeping. "Ladies! Pour me a cup of your best brew. I have something I want to share with you."
"Boss lady!" Nicky was surprised to see Alex without Piper. Lately the two had been connected at the hip. "Where's your sidekick?"
"Sleeping. But I need you guys help" Alex pulled out her list and began to explain her plans.
Several hours later, everyone was satisfied with their plans. "This is going to be epic boss lady. Epic!"
It had been several weeks since the mystery of Harry had been solved. Harry had decided to make his home in Donovan. There was no place else really for him to go, and this was as good as any. Besides with Piper close, he felt as close to family as possible. Truth be told, Piper was happy at his decision and felt the same way.
Alex had finally talked Toni into selling the lake cabin since they very rarely used it. She finally convinced Tom to live there by accepting a small rent and exchange for landscaping work at Donovan Manor. In addition, Harry picked up odd jobs for Tom on occasion. Luckily nobody questioned his presence, even at "family dinners".
When Piper came downstairs this morning, she again found the house empty without even the dogs to greet her. Alex's behavior had grown strange lately, but Piper knew they both had a lot going on with the café, the bed and breakfast and now Harry.
This morning, the classified section of the Labyrinth newspaper was laying on the kitchen bar. "That's strange," Piper thought. We haven't advertised in this community paper since The Place got on its feet and ran on word of mouth. The paper was folded back to the personal ad section. One ad jumped out and caught Piper's eye.
Attention Piper Chapman: Your life's journey has taken you many places and landed you here in Donovan. Today you will go on another journey, a mysterious one. On this voyage, you will be provided with lifelines for support. Your lifelines can only be used twice throughout today's expedition. Good luck.
Here is your first mystery to solve.
The mind can be a tricky thing
Causing your brain to cling to your dreams
Find the woman, a dog, and a Frisbee
For your next clue in today's crazy scheme
At first Piper thought of Peep and Choc but then quickly realized that her and Alex's dogs did nothing but destroy Frisbees. A warmth spread through-out her chest as she headed towards her favorite tree at Lake Donovan. She remembered the mystery woman dreams that haunted her right after moving to Donovan.
Upon her arrival, a long haired woman was indeed tossing a Frisbee to her dog next to the dock. Piper wasn't quite sure what to do at this point. Suddenly, the golden retriever slid to a stop at Piper's feet and dropped the Frisbee at her feet, looking up at Piper expectantly. Piper picked up the Frisbee and cocked her wrist to flick the toy for the dog when she saw writing on the reverse side. Turning the disc over, she saw another clue. A sharp whistle called the dog back to her owner.
Pleasure or business, which do you choose
When your business dinner reveals your muse
Scallops and a bottle of wine
Find the proprietor for your next directions of this ruse
This one was easy. Piper clearly remembered the night she learned her mystery dream woman was Alex Vause. They had met at what is now her and Alex's favorite seafood restaurant. A glance at her watch told her she should be able to catch the owner at the eating establishment. When Piper tried to get him to give her a hint as to what was going on, he just held her cheeks, smiled, and gave her a big hug. Handing her a typed card, he shooed her away from the restaurant so he could continue with lunch prep.
The best ventures are those with a solid plans
Your crazy crew is now your clan
Where did your crazy crew first meet all together
And your dreams start to fall into place to calm the stormy weather?
Piper fondly remembered that first lunch with the ragtag group of women who she now proudly calls her best friends. Nicky had dragged along her latest one-night stand, and look at her now – all grown up and committed with Lorna. Piper headed to her house. As she sat in the driveway, she wasn't quite sure where to go. The privacy fence blocked her view so no hints were visible from the outside.
As soon as she released the latch on the gate, her eyes landed on the balloon fluttering in the breeze. It was tied to the picnic table. She untucked the flap of the envelope and withdrew the slip of paper within.
Your dream
Your dreams came together in a big way
Where did you first realize that you finally had
The new beginning you had been searching for, been hoping for?
Piper sat on the table bench. While she was sure she knew where this clue was pointing her, she needed time to process. She had realized so many dreams since coming to Donovan, dreams she hadn't even realized she had. The café was the obvious answer for this clue. But one just as significant as to her successful business was Alex. She never expected to find love again even though something inside her always longed to find that for a second time. Expanding hers and Alex's success to Donovan Manor was nothing but a pipe dream come true. But now, above all else, in addition to everything, she had family – in not only Alex, the girls and the Griffiths – but also in Harry. Piper knew she was truly blessed. She knew she had to pick one dream, but she was fortunate to have had so many come true when few people realize but one of their dreams.
Piper headed to The Place for her next clue in this adventure. None of the girls were up front but she knew the tinkling bell above the door would bring at least one of them in to wait on what they thought was a customer. She made herself a cup of coffee and leaned up against the pastry case.
"Hey boss lady." Nicky came out with a tray of fresh pastries for display. "What's up?" Piper had expected a clue immediately. It had been easy up to this point.
Confused, Piper responded, "ummm not much Nic. I ummm, hey – is anyone else here?"
Nicky nodded towards the back. "Yeah Boo and Celeste are in the office."
Not sure what to do, Piper headed back to the office in hopes one of them had a clue for her. "Hey girls. How's things?"
Neither stopped working but responded, "Great Piper! You?"
"Ummm good." Piper turned to go back to the main dining room.
She heard Boo chuckling behind her as she pulled out the previous clue. She was sure it directed her to The Place. But none of these women seemed to be in on the adventure. There was a number on the bottom of the clue. A lifeline. Not knowing how many clues there were, Piper was wary at using one so soon. But she pulled out her phone and dialed it anyway.
Suddenly Nicky was beside her, snatching her phone from her hands as Boo and Celeste came up laughing. "No boss lady. Don't use your life line. You are in the right place. We were just fucking with you." Boo hands Piper a slice of cheesecake.
Piper knew they had pulled one over on her, but she wasn't in the mood for cheesecake. She put it down and held out her hand. "Clue please." Celeste picked up the cheesecake and pushed it back into Piper's hands. Piper chuckled. "As good I'm sure it is, I don't want it. May I please have the clue?"
Boo motioned to the dessert. "If you want the clue, you'll have to eat."
Piper rolled her eyes but did as she was told. As soon as she cut into the tip of the cake to take a bite, the corner of a white envelope was exposed. She scraped around the cream cheese filling to expose an envelope and carefully extracted the contents in attempt to keep it from getting all sticky. By now everyone was laughing, at Piper's expense of course.
You were clueless and so was she
We gambled on exactly when you would finally see
That she looked at you like you looked at her,
Head to the spot where that finally occurred
"Awwwwww, she's blushing," Nicky teased. "Look at how cute she is." Nicky reached over and pinched Piper's cheeks. "Go on now. The day's not getting any shorter."
"Thanks guys." Piper grabbed a few sugar cookies and headed towards Kristie and Toni's old cabin where Harry now lived.
Not wanting to startle him, Piper watched Harry work on his car a few minutes. "Hey Harry." He jumped and turned to face her.
"Hi Piper. I wondered when you'd get here."
Piper snickered. "Yeah, it seems someone has me going on a wild goose chase today."
"Oh I don't think it's a wild goose chase Piper. I think the words you are looking for are scavenger hunt. And if I were a betting man, I'd venture to say that you will like what you find at the end."
"Oh really Harry. Tell me more."
It was Harry's time to chortle. "Oh no Piper, you aren't getting anything out of me. Nothing except this." He wiped the grease from his hands and handed her a compass that had a key dangling off of it.
"Where's the note?"
"No note." Harry turned and went back to work on his car.
"Harry?"
"Use your brain Piper. Use your brain. You got this far."
Piper sat on the steps of the cabin and pondered the compass. She was clueless. "Harry?"
He sniggered. "If you need help Piper, it will cost you a lifeline. But I think you are smart enough to figure it out on your own. Don't ask me again."
Piper thought a little longer and felt herself getting frustrated. "Harry?"
Harry didn't stop working as he spoke. "This leaves you with one lifeline. What are you holding?"
"A compass."
"What does that do?"
"Tells you what direction you are going in."
"What is tied to it?"
"A key?"
"Yes. Now that you have the key, what direction do you need to go?"
A light bulb went off in Piper's head. "Doh!" She oriented herself so that the compass was pointing due west and began walking.
"Good job Piper. I knew you could do it."
This scavenger hunt took Piper the better part of the day. The Key West clue took her to dog collars representing Peep and Choc which she and Alex had gotten each other for Christmas. The collars had a clue that lead her to the Griffith's house where many discussions and negotiations had been held over the purchase of Donovan Manor.
Finally, Piper was lead to the bed and breakfast itself. However, the last clue did nothing but guide her to the main building. The scavenger hunt had basically taken her on a trip down memory lane of hers and Alex's growing relationship. Piper was touched at how much work Alex must have put into this. This explains her odd behavior as of late.
There were no cars in the lot, so she assumed that any guests were out for the evening. She entered the house, made her way to the main sitting area. There, she found her prize. Alex. The couches, chairs, and table were covered in roses and candles. Alex was dressed in a slim fitting, blue dress with flats, her hair pulled back slightly from her face. Even though the lights were dim, Piper could see that Alex was beaming in the candle light.
"Hey Al."
"Hey Pipes. You made it."
Piper nodded. "I feel under dressed." She motioned to Alex. "You look beautiful." She approached Alex for a light kiss.
"This can wait if you want to go home and change." The expression on Alex's face was teasing. Piper shook her head. "Good because I lied. This can't wait. I've waited long enough." She motioned for Piper to sit in the overstuffed chair. Alex pulled up another chair in front of Piper.
Alex took a deep breath. "I have a lot to say. I hope you are ready to listen." Piper nodded. Alex grasped both of Piper's hands in her own and began to talk. "When I first laid eyes on you in that seafood restaurant, I knew I was in trouble. As we began our journey to get The Place established, I had to quell my attraction so as to not interfere with work. Eventually we both figured out it was stupid to fight our feelings." Piper smiled and nodded.
"You certainly had a lot of demons when you moved here, and I hope that I have helped you get past those demons. We have been through some rough times, yet here we are. On the other side, still together."
Alex leaned forward until her forehead touched Piper's. "I didn't realize that your demons still had a small hold on you until Nicky was in the hospital. You were terrified in a way I had never seen. And then when Harry first showed up, Piper, my heart was breaking for you." Alex's voice was at a whisper.
"You are such a wonderful, amazing woman Piper. You should never fear for anything being taken from you ever again. I love you like I have never loved anyone before. I want you in my life. Now. And for always."
Tears were beginning to form in the corners of Piper's eyes and Alex shifted awkwardly to one side and lowered one hand to the floor. "I love you, too, Alex. Always."
Alex brought up her hand which now had a black velvet box nestled in it. She opened the box to display the ring she had purchased so many weeks ago. "Piper Elizabeth Chapman, will you marry me?"
A/N: And so closes the door on another story. For those of you who have stuck with this fic to its ending, I thank you. Each of your views, favorites, follows, and reviews means a lot to me. Unless you write fanfic, you cannot fathom what those little things mean to us who do. Without readers, this is just a little hobby. (Well it's just a little hobby anyway.)
Something just dawned on me - all my fics that aren't short, end up with these two marrying. What's up with that? There are some other things in the pipeline while Mrs. Bartender really gets on a roll. So stay tuned to my alerts!