Going Home Read online

  Going Home

  Judith Keim

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  BOOKS BY JUDITH KEIM

  CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY J. S. KEIM

  PRAISE FOR JUDITH KEIM’S NOVELS

  Going Home | A Chandler Hill Inn Book - 1 | Judith Keim | Wild Quail Publishing

  Dedication

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER ONE

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  BOOKS BY JUDITH KEIM

  The Talking Tree (The Hartwell Women –1)

  Sweet Talk (The Hartwell Women – 2)

  Straight Talk (The Hartwell Women – 3)

  Baby Talk (The Hartwell Women – 4)

  The Hartwell Women Series – (Boxed Set)

  Breakfast at The Beach House Hotel –1

  Lunch at The Beach House Hotel – 2

  Dinner at The Beach House Hotel – 3

  Christmas at The Beach House Hotel – 4

  Fat Fridays (Fat Fridays Group – 1)

  Sassy Saturdays (Fat Fridays Group – 2)

  Secret Sundays (Fat Fridays Group – 3)

  Finding Me – A Salty Key Inn Book – 1

  Finding My Way – A Salty Key Inn Book – 2

  Finding Love – A Salty Key Inn Book – 3

  Finding Family – A Salty Key Inn Book – 4

  A Christmas Star – A Seashell Cottage Book – 1

  Going Home – A Chandler Hill Inn Book – 1

  Coming Home – A Chandler Hill Inn Book – (Late 2019)

  Winning BIG – a little love story for all ages

  For more information: www.judithkeim.com

  CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY J. S. KEIM

  The Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 1)

  Return to the Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 2)

  Trouble on the Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 3)

  Kermit Greene’s World

  For more information: www.judithkeim.com

  PRAISE FOR JUDITH KEIM’S NOVELS

  THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL SERIES

  “Love the characters in this series. This series was my first introduction to Judith Keim. She is now one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading more of her books.”

  BREAKFAST AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL is an easy, delightful read that offers romance, family relationships, and strong women learning to be stronger. Real life situations filter through the pages. Enjoy!”

  LUNCH AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “This series is such a joy to read. You feel you are actually living with them. Can’t wait to read the latest one.”

  DINNER AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “A Terrific Read! As usual, Judith Keim did it again. Enjoyed immensely. Continue writing such pleasantly reading books for all of us readers.”

  CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “Not Just Another Christmas Novel. This is book number four in the series and my introduction to Judith Keim’s writing. I wasn’t disappointed. The characters are dimensional and engaging. The plot is well crafted and advances at a pleasing pace. The Florida location is interesting and warming. It was a delight to read a romance novel with mature female protagonists. Ann and Rhoda have life experiences that enrich the story. It’s a clever book about friends and extended family. Buy copies for your book group pals and enjoy this seasonal read.”

  THE HARTWELL WOMEN

  “This was an EXCELLENT series. When I discovered Judith Keim, I read all of her books back to back. I thoroughly enjoyed the women Keim has written about. They are believable and you want to just jump into their lives and be their friends! I can't wait for any upcoming books!”

  “I fell into Judith Keim's Hartwell Women series and have read & enjoyed all of her books in every series. Each centers around a strong & interesting woman character and their family interaction. Good reads that leave you wanting more.”

  THE FAT FRIDAYS GROUP

  “Excellent story line for each character, and an insightful representation of situations which deal with some of the contemporary issues women are faced with today.”

  “I love this author's books. Her characters and their lives are realistic. The power of women's friendships is a common and beautiful theme that is threaded throughout this story.”

  THE SALTY KEY INN SERIES

  FINDING ME – “I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and cannot wait for the others! The characters are endearing with the same struggles we all encounter. The setting makes me feel like I am a guest at The Salty Key Inn...relaxed, happy & light-hearted! The men are yummy and the women strong. You can't get better than that! Happy Reading!”

  FINDING MY WAY- “Loved the family dynamics as well as uncertain emotions of dating and falling in love. Appreciated the morals and strength of parenting throughout. Just couldn't put this book down.”

  FINDING LOVE – “I waited for this book because the first two was such good reads. This one didn't disappoint.... Judith Keim always puts substance into her books. This book was no different, I learned about PTSD, accepting oneself, there is always going to be problems but stick it out and make it work. Just the way life is. In some ways a lot like my life. Judith is right, it needs another book and I will definitely be reading it. Hope you choose to read this series, you will get so much out of it.”

  OTHER COMMENTS

  “Always love books written by Judith Keim. From these strong women who go through lots of difficulties and adventure to the Florida beach hotel books. Every book is entertaining and fun to read with plenty of excitement and surprises.

  “I was first introduced to Judith Keim’s books with her Beach House series and since then look forward to each new book from this author. Her stories draw you in so you become invested in the lives of her characters and want to know what comes next.”

  Going Home

  A Chandler Hill Inn Book - 1

  Judith Keim

  Wild Quail Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, public or private institutions, corporations, towns, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. This book may not be resold or uploaded for distribution to others.

  Wild Quail Publishing

  PO Box 171332

  Boise, ID 83717-1332

  ISBN# 978-0-9992448-5-2

  Copyright ©2018 Judith Keim

  All rights reserved

  Dedication

  This book is dedi
cated to Wayne Bailey, his wife, Nicolette Nickolau, and the staff at Youngberg Hill for their kindness and hospitality.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Some people’s lives unfold in the most unusual ways.

  In 1970, the only things Violet Hawkins wanted for her eighteenth birthday were to escape the Dayton, Ohio, foster-care system in which she’d been raised and to make her way to San Francisco. There, she hoped to enjoy a mellow lifestyle and find the love that had always been absent in her life.

  Though she made it to San Francisco easily enough, she soon discovered she couldn’t afford a clean, safe place in which to settle down. At first, it hadn’t seemed to matter. Caught up in the excitement and freedom of living in a large city where free love and openness to so many things reigned, she almost forgot about eating and sleeping. One couch, one futon was as good as any other as long as grass or other drugs were available, and others didn’t mind giving her a place to sleep. But after spending four months there, the dollars she’d carefully saved, which had seemed so many in Dayton, were nothing but a mere pittance in a city where decent living was too expensive for her. She took to wandering the streets with her backpack until she came upon a friendly group willing to give her a sleeping space inside or a bite to eat.

  One June day, feeling discouraged, she’d just sunk down onto the steps outside a row house when a young man emerged.

  He smiled down at her. “Tired?”

  She was more than tired. She was exhausted and hungry. “Looking for work. I need to eat.”

  He gave her a long, steady, blue-eyed look. “What’s your name?”

  “Violet Hawkins. But call me Lettie.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “With all that red hair, no flowery name for you?”

  She shook her head. She’d always hated both her hair and her name. The red in her hair was a faded color, almost pink, and the name Violet indicated a delicate flower. She’d never had the luxury of being the least bit frail.

  He sat down beside her and studied her. “You don’t look like the hippie type. What are you doing in a place like this?”

  “On my eighteenth birthday, I left Dayton, Ohio, to come here. It sounded like a great plan—all this freedom.”

  “How long have you been here?”

  “Four months. I thought it would be different. I don’t know ... easier, maybe.”

  He got to his feet. “How about I fix you a sandwich, and then I’ll tell you about a job, if you want it. It’s at a vineyard in Oregon. I’m heading there later today.”

  Her glance slid over his well-built body, rugged facial features, and clean, shoulder-length, light-brown hair. He didn’t fit into the usual crowd she’d been with, which made her cautious. “Who are you? And why would you do this for me?”

  “Kenton Chandler.” His lips curved into the same warm smile he’d given her earlier. “I’m heading to Oregon, and, frankly, I could use the company. Keeps me from falling asleep.”

  “Yeah? And what is this vineyard?”

  He shrugged. “A couple of years ago, my dad bought a small inn with 75 acres in the Willamette Valley south of Portland. He’s planted most of the land with grapes. He doesn’t know that much about making wine and wants me to learn. That’s why I’m in San Francisco. I’ve been working at a vineyard in Napa Valley just north of here, learning the ropes.” He grinned. “Or maybe I should say, learning the vines.”

  “What kind of sandwich?” she asked, warming toward him and his wacky humor. Her stomach rumbled loud enough for them both to hear it.

  “How does ham and Swiss sound?” he said, giving her a knowing look.

  “Okay.” Lettie didn’t want him to think she couldn’t manage on her own. That was dangerous. She’d learned it the hard way, fighting off a guy who thought he could have her just because he gave her a puff of weed. She’d been careful ever since to stay away from situations and guys like that.

  “Well?” He waved her toward the door.

  Lettie checked to see if others were within hearing range if she needed them. Plenty of people were hanging around nearby. Thinking it was safe, Lettie climbed the stairs behind Kenton. He didn’t know about the knife tucked into one of the pockets of her jeans.

  Inside, she found the same kind of contrast between this clean house and others she’d been in. It wasn’t sparkling clean, but it was tidier than most.

  He led her into the kitchen. “Sit down. It’ll only take me a minute to make your sandwich.” He handed her a glass of water. “Mustard? Mayo?”

  “Both,” she replied primly, sitting down at a small pine table in the eating area of the room.

  She sat quietly, becoming uncomfortable with the idea that he was waiting on her. She wasn’t used to such a gesture. She was usually the one waiting on others both in her foster home and at the church where she’d spent hours each week attending services and events with her foster family. Thinking of them now, a shiver raced across her shoulders like a frightened centipede. It had been her experience that supposedly outstanding members of a church weren’t always kind to those they’d taken into foster care primarily for the money.

  “Ready!” said Kenton, jarring her out of thoughts of the past. He placed a plate with the sandwich in front of her and took a seat opposite her.

  She lifted the sandwich to her face and inhaled the aroma of the ham. Keeping her eyes on Kenton, she bit into the bread, savoring the taste of fresh food.

  He beamed at her with satisfaction when she quickly took another bite.

  “Who lives here? Lettie asked.

  “A friend of mine,” said Kenton. His gaze remained on her. “You don’t look eighteen.”

  She swallowed, and her breath puffed out with dismay. “But I am.”

  “And you’re not into drugs and all the free-love stuff everyone talks about?”

  Lettie shook her head. “Not really. I tried weed a couple of times, but it wasn’t for me.” Her strict upbringing had had a greater influence on her than she’d thought.

  “Good. Like I said, if you want to ride to Oregon with me, there’s a job waiting for you at the Chandler Hill Inn. We’re looking for help. It would be a lot better than walking the streets of Haight-Ashbury. Safer too.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “And if I don’t like it?”

  He shrugged. “You can leave. One of the staff recently left for L.A. That’s why my father called me to ask if I knew anyone who could come and work there. You’re my only choice.”

  Lettie’s heart pounded with hope. Acting as nonchalant as she could, she said, “Sounds like something I’d like to try.”

  ###

  The ride to Oregon was mostly quiet as an easy camaraderie continued between them. Kenton answered any questions she had about him, the inn, and the way he thought about things. Lettie was surprised to learn he hadn’t joined in a lot of the anti-war protests.

  “My best friend died in ’Nam. He believed in serving our country. I want to honor him,” he said to Lettie.

  “A boy in my high school was drafted. His parents weren’t happy about it.”

  “Well, if I’m drafted, I’m going,” Kenton said. “I don’t want to, but I will. I don’t really have a choice.”

  As they talked, they agreed that John Wayne was great in the movie True Grit.

  “And I love the Beatles,” said Lettie.

  “Yeah, me too. Too bad they just broke up.”

  “And what about the new group, The Jackson 5?” Lettie said.

  “They’re great. And I like Simon and Garfunkel and their music too.”

  At one point, Lettie turned to Kenton. “Sometimes you seem so serious, like an old man. How old are you, anyway?”

  He gave her a sheepish look. “Twenty-two.”

  They shared a laugh, and in that moment, Lettie knew she’d found a person with whom she could be herself.

  ###

  Lettie woke to someone shaking her shoulder. She stared into the blue-gray eyes of a stranger and stiffened.
/>   “Lettie, we’re here,” said a male voice.

  As she came fully awake, she realized Kenton was talking to her.

  “Here at Chandler Hill?” she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  She looked out through the windshield of the Ford Pinto and gaped at the huge, white-clapboard house sitting on the top of a knoll like a queen overlooking her realm.

  Lettie scrambled out of the car and stood gazing at the clean lines of the two-story building. Across the front, four windows offset by green shutters were lined up with identical windows below. Beneath a small, protective, curved roof, glass panels bracketed a wide front door, welcoming guests. To one side, a two-story wing had been added to the house.

  Green, leafy bushes offset by an assortment of colorful flowers she didn’t recognize softened the front of the building. As she walked closer, she realized between the main house and the addition a small, stone patio and private garden had been installed.

  “Come on in,” said Kenton. “There’s a beautiful view from the back porch.”

  Feeling as if she were Alice in a different kind of Wonderland, Lettie entered the house. As she tiptoed behind Kenton, her gaze darted from the polished surfaces of furniture to gilt-edged mirrors to a massive floral bouquet sitting on a large dining-room table. It all seemed so grand.

  Kenton led her to a wide porch lining the back of the house. Observing the rolling land before her and, in the distance, the hills crouching in deepening colors of green, Lettie’s breath caught. The sun was rising, spreading a gold topping on the hills like icing on cake.

  “Nice, huh?”

  Lettie smiled and said, “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful, so peaceful.”

  At the sound of footsteps behind her, she whirled around.

  A tall, gray-haired man with striking features similar to Kenton’s said, “Welcome home, son.”

  They shook hands, and then the older gentleman turned to her. “And who is this?”