A Song to Remember

by Kay Correll

  The council had talked about rezoning an area outside of town, but Old Man Dobbs had been quiet about his plans to sell his property on Lone Elk Lake. He was probably waiting for when he hoped James Weaver would win the mayor election. Then he’d have more support for rezoning the area around his property.

  But that wasn’t going to happen. She was going to win this mayoral race and do everything in her power to save the peacefulness of the lake. Zoning changes there could ruin her mother’s business at the lodge, not to mention ruin the tranquility of the lake.

  She hurried out to her car and drove to the lodge. The welcoming aroma of freshly baked bread and some kind of delicious smelling stew reminded her she hadn’t had any dinner.

  Her mother greeted her as she entered. “There you are. It’s getting kind of late.”

  “I know. The meeting ran long.” She turned and walked into the family room. “Boys, get your things gathered up. We’ve got to go. It’s getting late.”

  “Mom, you want to see the paper I wrote? Uncle Jason helped me with it. It’s on hiking trails around the town. We had to write about something having to do with Sweet River Falls.” Connor looked up from the table where he sat with Jason.

  “Maybe later, honey. We have to leave.” She looked at her watch again. It was going to be more than an hour past their bedtime when she finally got them settled in at home.

  Connor jumped up from the table with a scowl plastered on his face. “You never have time for us anymore.”

  Beth froze, unsure if it was his words or the look on his face that startled her more.

  “We’re at Grams more than we’re at home. You haven’t had dinner with us in forever.”

  “You didn’t have time to read to me last night,” Trevor added.

  “Maybe we should just come live with Grams. She has time for us. So does Uncle Jason.” Connor turned his back on her and grabbed his backpack.

  “Connor, sweetheart. I…” But what could she say to him? He was right. Her mother had been taking care of the boys often while she was busy with the mayoral race. And it seemed like Jason spent more time helping them with their homework than she did the last month or so. Connor was right, she hadn’t had dinner with them in days and days.

  Her mother looked over at her. There was no reproach in her eyes, but she stood there waiting to see how Beth would handle the situation.

  She had to find a way to juggle everything better. She had to.

  “Connor, I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy with everything while I’m running for mayor.”

  “I don’t know why you want to be the stupid mayor anyway,” Connor muttered.

  Beth walked over and turned him to look at her. “I’ll make more time for you two. I promise. And we’ll have dinner at home tomorrow night. How about we make some homemade pizzas?”

  “Really?” Trevor came to stand beside Connor. “We haven’t done that in forrrr-ev-errr.”

  “Really. Tomorrow night. I promise.”

  Her brother looked up from the table. She could see the doubt in his eyes. Well, she’d show all of them. She would pull off the perfect family dinner tomorrow night for her and the boys. It would be great. Nothing would get in the way of it.

  Nora walked into Bookish Cafe the next morning, searching for Annie. Her friend waved to her from across the shop. Nora threaded her way across the store. “Hi, got time for coffee?”

  “I always have time for you.” Annie greeted her with a hug. “What’s up?”

  “I… I just wanted to talk.”

  Annie cocked her head to the side. “Okay, then. Coffee and talk.”

  They both got a cup of coffee and headed upstairs. They settled into two overstuffed chairs in the corner of the loft area. “So, what’s up?” Annie leaned back in her chair.

  “Well, I’m trying very hard not to meddle in Beth’s life, but… oh, how’d I’d love to give her some advice.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like maybe she’s taken on too much?”

  “You mean with running for mayor, don’t you?”

  “Yes. I know part of the reason she’s doing it is to have a say in Dobbs’ trying to push through rezoning of the lake. She thinks it’s her responsibility to help me. Well, and she loves the tranquility of the lake as much as I do.”

  “She’s having a hard time juggling it all?”

  “Last night Connor kind of let loose on her. The boys miss seeing her. She’s just so busy.”

  “So why don’t you talk to her?”

  “She’s so fiercely independent now. She’s tried so hard to prove she can make it on her own ever since Scott left her. I don’t ever want to hold her back.”

  “Sometimes people we love need to tell us to look at what’s right there in front of us. We don’t always see the forest for the trees.”

  “I would like to talk to her about it… but it might just make her even more stubborn about how she can handle it all. I don’t mind taking care of the boys so much. I enjoy it. But I’m afraid if I talk to her, she might stop asking for my help just to prove she can do everything.”

  “Wonder where she gets that stubborn streak?” Annie grinned at her.

  “No clue.” Nora sent a wry smile back to Annie.

  “Well, I still think you should at least try to talk to her.”

  “I’m trying to be the most supportive mother ever.” Nora took a sip of her coffee.

  “You always are and always have been. But Beth listens to you. You should at least broach the subject.”

  “Maybe.” Nora looked over her cup, not really seeing what was going on around them. Maybe Annie was right. Maybe she should talk to Beth. She was just worried that she might make things worse.

  Chapter 14

  Sophie looked up from her desk to see Chase standing in the doorway.

  “Hey, I’ve been a great helper, haven’t I?” He gave her a sly grin.

  “You have.”

  “We’ve waded through your to-do list like champions.”

  “That we have.” She had to admit she was breathing a bit easier about the Art Weekend.

  “So, why don’t you take the afternoon off and we’ll go for a hike in the mountains? I’ve been here all this time and haven’t made it on one hike yet. Seems a shame, doesn’t it?” He tossed her another lopsided grin.

  Sophie debated. There was still a lot to do for the Art Weekend, but it would be great to get out in the fresh air, and they were having a wonderfully mild day. The sunshine and fresh air finally won out. Or maybe it was his grin. Who could resist that boyish grin?

  “Okay. It’s a deal. Melissa can watch the gallery. Give me thirty minutes to wrap things up here and change.”

  “Annie told me about a hike to Lost Lake.”

  “That’s a good one. We have enough time to do it in an afternoon, and the views are amazing.”

  “Perfect. Let me run to the lodge and change, too.”

  “I’ll meet you there at the lodge. It’s on the way to the trailhead.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

  She watched while he disappeared out the door. She couldn’t believe she was taking an afternoon off this close to the Art Weekend.

  She couldn’t believe she was taking a hike with Chase Green.

  She really needed to stop thinking that way about Chase all the time. They’d actually kind of became friends while he’d helped her with the Art Weekend.

  Friends with Chase Green.

  Stop it.

  She got up and hurried upstairs to change.

  Chase opened the door to Rustic Haven to see Sophie standing there in hiking boots, jeans, and a bright yellow jacket.

  “Come on, I’ll drive us.” She beckoned to him.

  He grabbed his jacket and backpack and headed after her. Before long, they pulled into parking near the trailhead to Lost Lake.

  They got out and put on their packs. He hadn’t really known what a hiker packed, but he’d put in a water bottle, some snac
ks, and a pocket knife. Because every hiker carried a pocket knife, right?

  Sophie led the way to the trail, and they began their ascent. He considered himself a man in good condition. Well, fairly good condition. But the altitude began to kick his behind when they climbed above tree line. He gasped for breath as he struggled to keep up with her.

  She made the ascent look effortless.

  She looked back at him and grinned. “How about we take a quick break?”

  He gratefully collapsed on a large boulder beside the trail and dug out his water bottle, taking a long swallow.

  “The altitude is a killer when you’re not used to it.” Sophie sat beside him.

  He wasn’t sure he wanted to waste any oxygen talking to her…

  They sat for a few minutes staring off at a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

  “It’s one of my favorite views.” Sophie nodded toward the mountain peaks.

  He finally thought his lungs had gotten enough oxygen that he could answer her. “It is an amazing view.”

  She turned to him. “You think you’re ready to go on? We just need to go over that pass, then we’ll drop down into a valley that has the lake.”

  “Sure, I’m ready.” Was he? He hated feeling so out of shape.

  They climbed to the top of the pass and he looked down below them. The view almost took his breath away, as if the altitude hadn’t already done that. An emerald green lake sparkled in the valley, nestled between the two mountains. At the far end, a waterfall splashed into a stream that fed into the lake.

  “Okay, that is an amazing view, too. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “There’s another lake further up.”

  He looked at her in dismay and she laughed.

  “No, we’re not going there. It’s an all-day hike to get there and back. Come on, let’s hike down to Lost Lake.”

  They picked their way down the rocky terrain until they reached the lakeside. He sat beside her as she took off her backpack. He stretched out on the rock and let the bright sunshine wash over him.

  She stretched out beside him and baked in the warmth, too.

  He wasn’t sure there was ever a more perfect moment. Just resting here with Sophie at his side.

  He was actually even beginning to breathe a little better.

  She sat up and rustled around in her backpack, leaving him feeling alone as he reached out a hand to where she had just been lying beside him.

  “Here, want a peanut butter sandwich?”

  “I do.” He sat up and reached for it. Suddenly he was famished.

  “I always get hungry when I hike. I like a peanut butter sandwich for some quick protein.” She took a bite of her sandwich.

  He devoured his, then drank some more of his water. He slipped the empty bottle back into his backpack noticing the unused pocketknife resting in the bottom. He wasn’t sure what he was going to drink on the trip down.

  She looked over at him and smiled. “I have an extra water bottle for you. Wasn’t sure if you’d realize how climbing in this altitude can make you so thirsty. Well, and then the peanut butter.”

  She handed him another bottle of water and stood. “We should probably head back. Don’t want to get caught on the trail after nightfall.”

  He reluctantly stood up.

  “It’s just the climb back up to the pass, then it will all be downhill from there.”

  That suited him just fine. He wished he had more time to stay here and get used to the altitude and get in better shape for more hiking.

  After they got over the pass again and started down the path, Sophie started a game she called trail questions.

  “What’s your favorite color?” She asked him.

  “Blue.” Which he wasn’t sure it was, but with the brilliant blue sky above him that so reminded him of her sparkling blue eyes, no other color would come to mind.

  “Now you ask me a question.” She paused on the path and looked at him.

  “Okay, what’s your favorite color?”

  “Yellow, but you can’t ask the same question. That’s cheating.”

  He grinned. “Sorry, didn’t know all the rules. Okay, did you have any pets growing up?”

  “I did. I had a calico cat. Miss Kitty. Loved her so much.” She continued down the path that was now wide enough for them to walk side by side. “What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever been?”

  “That’s easy. Sweet River Falls.” He grinned at her. “Sunrise or sunset?”

  “Sunrise. Definitely.” She bobbed her head in emphasis.

  “Really, why?”

  “It’s the start of a new day. A new chapter. A new beginning.” She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve always loved them.”

  He could understand that. Sometimes new beginnings were the best thing. Though sometimes they didn’t turn out like planned… like his supposed new beginning of his solo career.

  “What’s your favorite drink?”

  “I’m pretty sure it’s now the margaritas at Antonio’s.”

  She laughed her adorable laugh. The one he loved to make happen.

  “What’s your guilty pleasure?” He eyed her.

  She blushed that lovely rose color that he also loved to make happen. “Donuts. Lots of them. It’s embarrassing how many I can eat. Any kind, but simple glazed are my favorite.”

  “And here I brought you flowers. I should have brought donuts,” he teased.

  “What’s one thing you’d change about your life?”

  He wasn’t about to tell her the truth on that one. He didn’t even admit that to himself. “Well, I wish I’d come to Sweet River Falls sooner.”

  “I think you’re cheating on your answers. They all involved being here.”

  “Because being here is my favorite of everything.”

  The path got narrow and he stepped ahead of her onto a rock and reached down his hand for her. She placed her hand in his, and he pulled her forward. The path widened again, but he kept her hand in his, enjoying the connection.

  What was his biggest regret? He silently asked himself the question. He regretted not taking a hike with Sophie before this.

  Chapter 15

  The next afternoon Beth bustled around, clearing her desk in her classroom. She had dinner plans with the boys, and she was not going to mess that up. She looked up and saw Mac standing in the doorway.

  Torn, she was glad to see him, but she’d promised the boys that just the three of them would have dinner. But it seemed rude not to ask Mac, now that he was here in town. She gave him a weak smile.

  He frowned and entered the classroom. Her phone rang and she gave him a just-a-minute sign. “Hello?”

  Walter Dobbs’s voice came clearly through the phone. And he was annoyed. “We need you over here at city hall.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a mess-up on the permits for the Arts Weekend. You filed them for your friend Sophie Brooks, didn’t you?”

  Beth frowned. “I did.”

  “Well, if you can’t even fill out the paperwork for permits properly, how do you expect to run the town if you become mayor?”

  “What’s wrong with the permits?”

  “You didn’t get all the signatures.”

  Beth tried to picture the forms she’d filled out for Sophie. The one for the concert at the events center and another one for the crafts festival. “I’m sure I—”

  “You need the event center manager’s signature on these. I called him so that you didn’t ruin the Arts Weekend for the whole town, but for legal reasons we still need the manager’s signature.”

  “I’ll come by tomorrow and pick up the form and get his signature.”

  “The deadline is tonight. If you don’t fix it, there’ll be no craft show or concert this weekend.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” She clicked off the phone and looked at her watch. Dobbs could have easily gotten the signature, but of course, he w
ouldn’t think of helping her out.

  Anyway, it was her fault. She remembered now that she was supposed to run the forms by the events center manager. With all that was going on, she’d let that detail slip by. And Dobbs had oh so clearly pointed out that she couldn’t let details slide if she wanted to be mayor.

  “You okay?” Mac walked over and gave her a quick kiss.

  “I—” She let out a long breath of air. “I’m fine. I just need to go run one quick errand. But I need to get the boys from after-school sports, and then I promised the three of us would make homemade pizza tonight. They’re a little upset with me. I haven’t been spending much time with them.”

  “I could pick them up from sports and take them to your house. You could meet us there.”

  “I—” How could she let him do that for her then not ask him to stay?

  “As soon as you get there, I’ll leave. Let the three of you have a family dinner.”

  She sent him a grateful look. Mac always seemed to know what she needed. “I promise I won’t be long.”

  “Go. I’ll go get the boys from the gym and take them to your house.”

  “Thanks, Mac. You’re the best.” She gave him a hug and slipped on her jacket. “Won’t be long, I promise.”

  “Boys, why don’t you hang up your coats? Do you have homework? We could get started on that.” Mac followed the boys into Beth’s house.

  “Mom was going to help us with homework tonight. And she said we’d make pizza.” Trevor looked at him, his blue eyes questioning, or maybe accusing.

  “She promised she’d be here soon. She just had to run an errand.”

  “Right.” Connor’s voice was filled with doubt.

  The boys went and hung up their coats. Mac stood there, not sure what to do. It would help Beth out if the boys got some of their homework knocked out, but if she said she’d help them…

  “I’m going to my room.” Connor marched out of the room and down the hallway.

  “We could play a game or something while we wait for Mom.” Trevor looked at him with his clear blue eyes full of hope.