Sunrise on Cedar Key Read Online Free

to run my finger along the beautiful oak mantel, feeling the indentations of scrollwork done by a carpenter many years ago. I was immediately transported to the fireplace in my aunt’s parlor. As a child, I loved to touch the wood surrounding it, feel the solidness and stability. A sense of serenity enveloped me, but I swung around quickly because I could have sworn I wasn’t alone in the room.
    Only Annie sat there patiently waiting to be taken outside. Get a grip, Grace, I thought. You haven’t had those types of feelings since you were twelve .
    Walking into the kitchen, I pushed the button on the coffeemaker that I’d prepared the night before.
    I opened the door that led out to the deck and inhaled the clean, refreshing smell of the Gulf. “Come on, Annie. You don’t need a leash, because you now have a fenced yard.”
    She followed me down the steps and promptly began sniffing around. I stood there taking in the overgrown garden, knowing how much Aunt Maude would enjoy bringing it back to life. Situated in the center was the old carriage house. Both Coachman House, which had been named for Ben Coachman, a previous owner, and the carriage house had been built between 1870 and 1884. Although the house had been totally renovated seven years before, it had been vacant for the past few years. The structure of the carriage house was sound, but the inside would need an overhaul if my aunt planned to do anything with it.
    I turned around to the sound of her voice.
    â€œGood morning. Did you sleep well?”
    â€œI did,” I said, smiling as my aunt passed me a mug of coffee. “And what time did you get up? Four o’clock?”
    My aunt laughed. “Not quite. Five. I’ve been busy unpacking and trying to get organized. I hope I didn’t wake you with any noise.”
    Now it was my turn to laugh. “Are you kidding? The walls in that place must be three feet thick.”
    â€œActually, the exterior and interior walls are fourteen inches thick. That’s the beauty of old houses. They were built for quiet and privacy.”
    I nodded, looking at the back of the house. My aunt had an identical deck below mine, and the large windows not only gave a feeling of welcome but allowed the house to be bright and airy inside.
    â€œI still can’t believe you bought this place. I’ve loved it from the first time I ever came to Cedar Key. There was just something about it—maybe a pull to the past. I don’t know, but I’m thrilled that you now own it, and I feel pretty fortunate to be living here with you.”
    â€œI always loved this house too. When I’d come to visit you and stay at the B and B, I’d walk over here and just stand on the sidewalk staring at it. I think I always knew I wanted to be the owner. I had even gone downtown to the library to find out the history on it. It’s a fine example of Greek Revival townhouse form, and of course it’s only one of the two surviving tabby houses on the island. I was always impressed with the fact that this house was built with burned oyster shells, sand, lime, and water. You’re just like I am, Grace. You’re drawn to the mystique of old houses. Ah, if only these walls could talk.”
    This reminded me of the feeling I’d had in the great room. “Hmm, I wonder if it comes with a resident ghost,” I joked.
    My aunt’s expression turned serious. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised,” she said. “Now, how about a nice hearty breakfast to start your day?”
    â€œOh, no. Just because I’m living upstairs from you, I don’t want you catering to me. I’m a big girl now. There’s no need for you to be cooking my meals.”
    Maude smiled. “I understand, but you have to indulge me on our first morning here. I was going to whip up some omelets, sausage, and grits.”
    I laughed. “Guess I can’t refuse that,” I said,