by Kay Correll
“Mac’s our new stepdad,” Trevor announced.
“Nice to meet you, Trevor and Connor.”
“We’re just headed out to go hiking. Great day for it, don’t you think?” Mac rested a hand casually on each boy’s shoulder.
“Does look like it.”
“Mom is helping at the lodge today. Grams has a date,” Connor added.
Harrison hid a smile. “She does, does she?”
“Yep, and Mom says Grams never dates.”
He tucked that tiny piece of information away.
Mac grinned. “We should go before… well, no secrets with these two around. Have a good time.”
The trio left and Harrison walked into the main room of the lodge, strangely comforted by the fact it appeared Nora didn’t date often either.
Chapter 13
Nora looked up to see Harrison standing just inside the front door of the lodge. She watched as his gaze swept the room until he saw her. She lifted a hand in a wave, and he hurried toward her.
Where had the time gone? She’d wanted to jump into the ladies’ room for one last look at her hair and makeup. But that was ridiculous, too. Since when did she worry about things like that? So much ridiculousness swirling around her today.
“You ready?” Harrison gave her one of his disarming smiles.
A smile that she tried her best to not let disarm her.
“I am.” She turned to Jason. “I’ll be back later this afternoon.”
“Take as long as you want. We’ve got things covered here. You two have fun.” Jason turned to wait on a guest.
“Looks like I’m good to go.” Nora walked out from behind the reception desk.
“So where would you like to go? You’re the expert on the area.”
“Well, if you don’t mind a drive, there’s an old inn about halfway up Sky View Mountain. Harmony Haven Inn. It’s got a wonderful view. They have delightful luncheons on Sundays. Salad bar, fresh soups, and homemade bread. And the desserts are to die for.”
“That sounds great. Harmony Haven Inn it is.”
She climbed into his low-slung sports car with less grace than she would have liked and gave him directions to the inn.
He carefully drove up the switchbacks on the country road that led up the mountain. She looked out at the view as they climbed higher. She should be pointing out things in the view, or chatting, or something. But words escaped her. Which was ridiculous, but she was beginning to expect ridiculous when she was around Harrison. They finally reached the turnoff, and they pulled into the parking lot in front of the inn.
The rustic pine logs of the exterior were kept in perfect condition. A bright red roof contrasted against the green of the pine trees behind the inn. She loved this place but rarely made time to get away and enjoy it. It had probably been five years or so since she’d been here. She didn’t know why she didn’t make it a point to come here more often. Well, yes, she did. She was always so darn busy with the lodge.
Harrison opened the car door and held out a hand. She slipped her hand into his and he firmly clasped it, his fingers strong around hers as he helped her out of the car. With just a tiny bit more grace than when she’d clambered into the car.
“This place is amazing.” Harrison was looking all around. “The view is… well… breathtaking.”
“It is, isn’t it? You can see the town of Sweet River Falls all nestled in the valley. The inn has been owned by the Harmon family for three generations. They do lunch and dinner during the week, then this fabulous buffet on the weekends. Not to be missed.”
“Oh, I get it. Harmon family—Harmony Haven Inn.”
“Yep, that’s how it got its name.”
They climbed the steep stairs to enter the inn. A smiling hostess sat them at a pine table, polished to a sparkling finish. The table was right next to the window, and Harrison gasped when he sat down. “The view is even more fabulous from here if that’s even possible.”
She smiled. “I thought you might like this place. And just wait till you taste the food. It’s even more amazing than the view.”
He grinned. “It’s going to take quite a bit to outdo that cook you have at your lodge.”
“Trust me. We’re not even in the same league as Evie Harmon.”
The waitress took their drink order, and they went to fill their plates at the buffet. Nora was slightly embarrassed at the amount of food she took. Homemade vegetable soup, fresh baked bread, a salad with homemade croutons, and a slice of beef and a slice of ham. And she knew she wasn’t going to turn down a piece of pie for dessert, either.
When they sat down, she was glad to see that Harrison had taken even more food than she had.
The conversation flowed easily as they ate the delicious meal. Harrison asked a lot of questions about Lone Elk Lake and the people and businesses on it as well as questions about the town council. He questioned her about real estate values of property on the lake. It crossed her mind that he might be considering buying a place in the area, and that thought pleased her.
They finished eating their meal while chatting about the town, the view, her grandsons, and the food. Lots of talk about the incredible food.
Harrison ended his meal with a piece of pecan pie, and she had a slice of apple pie. When they finally finished, he pushed away from the table. “I’m never going to eat again.”
“Right.” She grinned at him.
“No, seriously. You guys are killing me. I’ve eaten more since I’ve come to Sweet River Falls than I’ve had in months and months of meals.” He placed his napkin on the table. “But you are so right. That is one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, no offense to the wonderful food you serve at the lodge.”
“The Harmon family guards their recipes like a hawk. I’ve tried to replicate their blueberry muffins to no avail. And I don’t even try to compete with that pecan pie.”
“Pretty sure nothing would compete with it.”
She leaned back in her chair, just enjoying their time together. She was surprised at how relaxed she’d been and how all her nervousness had just faded away. She’d really enjoyed their lunch and wasn’t ready for the date to end.
“Do you want to walk off some of your meal?” She looked at him lazing across from her, his long legs stretched under the table and brushing against hers. Not that she’d noticed.
“That’s probably a good idea. But I’d need to hike all the way down the mountain and back up to walk off all of that meal.”
“There’s a trail at the end of the parking lot that takes you to an overlook of the valley if you’d like to see it. You can actually see Lone Elk Lake from up there.”
“Then it sounds like a plan.” Harrison paid their bill, and they walked out into the sunny afternoon.
Bright blue skies stretched above them, and large, fluffy white clouds drifted in the breeze. She lifted her face toward the warmth of the sun.
Harrison looked over at Nora, with her face tilted up toward the warm afternoon sunshine.
He wanted to reach out and tilt her face just slightly more and kiss those lips of hers…
What?
Where had that thought come from?
She stood in the sunshine oblivious to his thoughts. She finally opened her eyes and turned toward him. “I do love a sunny fall day.” She shrugged, unabashed at being caught just standing and soaking up the rays. “Though my favorite is the very first snowfall of the year. There’s just something so special about it. We haven’t had snow yet this year.”
He was sorry that he wasn’t going to be here to share the first snowfall with her. And that thought bothered him, too.
“Okay, it’s this way.” She started across the parking area.
He stood like a statue, still processing his thoughts.
She looked back over her shoulder. “You coming?”
He trotted to catch up with her, tucking his thoughts of kissing her firmly away from his mind. Mostly.
They slowly made their way al
ong the path, threading their way through the tall pines and in and out of splashes of sunshine. They finally came to an outcropping of rocks, and Nora spread her arms wide. “Behold, the best view of Sweet River Falls and the surrounding area.”
He tore his gaze from her and looked down at the view. He pointed. “Is that Lone Elk Lake over there?”
“It is.”
“And I can see where the Sweet River comes into the valley, too.”
“Yep.”
“I have to agree, this is the best view. Even though I thought the one from the parking lot was the best until I got to the one from the dining room in the inn. But this view does win.”
“Told you.” A satisfied grin crossed her face.
“Well, you obviously know what you’re talking about when it comes to panoramic views.”
“Stick around a while and I’ll show you some of the best views in the whole state.” She looked at him quickly as if surprised she’d said that. “Oh, I know you’re leaving soon. But… I mean…” She stumbled over her words. “Well, there are a lot of wonderful places around here.”
He couldn’t imagine a place more wonderful than this one, right here, with Nora. But he wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to spend even more time with her. “I’d like it if you can get away from work again and show me another of your best-in-state views. Think we could arrange that?”
Nora looked out over the valley as if deciding on what to answer. But then she’d been the one to suggest another outing. Still, she paused. She finally turned and looked directly at him. “I think that I can find some time to show you around.”
Her face was flushed a bit, but he couldn’t tell if it was from the exertion from the hike to this lookout point, or something else. He had to tell himself to quit staring at her lips.
She stood there, just looking at him, and in spite of telling himself not to, he reached out and brushed a lock of her hair away from her face. Her eyes widened and a flicker of… something… Desire?… flashed through them.
He was a goner then. Didn’t matter how much his head said to step back, he ignored it and leaned forward and kissed her, ever so slowly. Her hand came to rest on his chest, and he covered it with his own. He could have stood there kissing her forever.
He finally pulled back and looked at her. Her amber eyes shined brightly, and now her cheeks were a rosy red, and he was certain that wasn’t from their hike.
“I… um…” She looked directly into his eyes. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
He grinned. “I wasn’t either.” He still held her hand against him and debated kissing her again.
She looked at her hand pressing against his chest as if surprised to see it resting there, then slowly pulled it away. The heat still burned through him where her hand had just been.
“I should probably get back.” Nora turned to look out at the view again, her hands firmly slipped in her pockets now.
He reached over and gently turned her face to look at him. “I wasn’t expecting that kiss either, but I’m really glad it happened.”
Chapter 14
Nora sat on a rock beside Sweet River outside her cabin late that night. She’d been pretty worthless as help in the kitchen at the lodge for dinner. Judy had finally shooed her away. She’d gone to her office to catch up on paperwork but found herself staring out the window. She’d finally given up and headed back to her cabin, but after a few minutes in the cabin, the air had felt stifling, and she’d gone to sit outside.
She sat and waited for the night to bring her the peace it usually did. To wrap around her and soothe her.
But tonight, the night didn’t do its usual magic.
So many thoughts twisted through her mind. The kiss, of course. How Harrison’s eyes had glistened with desire as he leaned in to kiss her. She’d only realized he was going to kiss her about a half-second before he did. Not enough time to decide if she should step back. Not enough time to decide if she wanted the kiss.
But she had wanted him to kiss her. She had.
But the kiss… it had rocked her to her very core. Emotions had awakened in her that she never thought she’d have again. Crashing over her and making her feel so… alive.
And now, back at the cabin she’d shared with Ronnie… there was also a feeling of guilt and regret. Like she was cheating on her husband. Which was ridiculous—why was Harrison always making her have ridiculous thoughts—because Ronnie had been gone for so many years. He would have wanted her to move on, to be happy. But still, there was that tiny nagging guilt that swirled around her. It had caught her by surprise to feel this guilt after all this time.
She touched her lips, trailing a finger across them, still feeling Harrison’s kiss.
She looked up at the night sky. “Ronnie, I don’t know what to do. I’m sorry. And I miss you. I miss you so very much.”
But, of course, Ronnie didn’t answer.
Chapter 15
Nora headed to Annie’s first thing after the breakfast rush at the lodge. Talking to Annie was the only way to sort out her emotions. Her friend would talk her through it. She always did.
Annie was sweeping the sidewalk outside Bookish Cafe. “Nora, this is a surprise.” Annie stopped and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Nora shrugged.
“Yes, there is. Come inside and have some coffee with me. We’ll talk.”
Nora was grateful for her friend’s intuition. Annie never let her down. They settled upstairs in the loft with two steaming mugs of coffee.
“Now, talk to me.” Annie gave her a don’t-argue look.
“I… well, I went out with Harrison yesterday.”
Annie looked surprised. “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I…” She shrugged again. “I don’t know. I felt… silly? I got all nervous like a young girl going on her first date.”
“That’s exactly why you should have told me. Anyway, tell me more.”
“We went to Harmony Haven Inn and had their brunch.”
“And?”
“And we had a good time. He loved the place, but then, everyone does. Then we walked over to lookout point.”
“Best view of Sweet River Falls ever.” Annie nodded.
“And then…” She paused and looked down at her coffee as if it held the answer to everything.
“And then what? Don’t make me drag it out of you.”
“He… he kissed me.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
A huge smile spread across Annie’s face. “Well, good for him. I knew there was something going on between the two of you.”
“No, there isn’t.” But of course, there was something going on.
Annie’s eyes narrowed. “You okay?”
She looked at her friend. “Of course I am.”
“But you don’t know how you’re really feeling about all of this, do you?”
Annie was always so on point.
“I… I don’t. I mean I’ve enjoyed spending time with him. He’s easy to talk to and I like spending time with him.”
“But… Ronnie. It’s Ronnie, isn’t it?”
Nora sighed. “I know it’s ridiculous to feel guilty about kissing someone this long after Ronnie’s death, but I… well, I do feel slightly guilty. Like I’m cheating on him in some way.”
“I’m not going to say that’s ridiculous. It’s just how you feel.” Annie reached over and squeezed her hand. “Love is complicated.”
“I don’t love Harrison.”
“But you loved Ronnie with all your heart. And I know you still miss him every single day. It’s only logical that feelings for Harrison are going to be complicated. I think you need to give yourself a break while you sort it all out. And… don’t push him away. I mean it.” Annie gave her another of her world-famous you-better-listen-to-me stares.
Nora turned and looked out the window at the soothing ripples of Sweet River as it rushed over the tumbled stones. Annie was right, of course. She did need to give
herself a break and take some time to sort everything out. It just felt so incredibly strange to have feelings for another man.
Whatever those actual feelings might be. She wasn’t quite ready to label them yet.
Harrison spent the morning pacing his cabin. Wishing he’d kissed Nora again when he dropped her off at the lodge. Or again at the overlook. Or… well, any time. The kiss had affected him in ways he could hardly process. Though he thought with the million times he’d gone over the kiss in his mind, he’d have figured out his emotions by now. Nora moved him and had awakened emotions he was unfamiliar with, and he wasn’t sure he liked that. He wanted control back. For that matter, he wanted control back over everything. His life, this mess with the cabin and property, and his emotions.
Maybe it was coming back to this town, a place that had meant so much to him in the past. Maybe it was slowing down and taking time to just breathe. Maybe… maybe he had feelings for Nora.
Maybe.
He put the thoughts aside and drove into town for an eleven o’clock appointment with the estate lawyer—after calling to make sure the lawyer wasn’t ‘gone fishing’ again today.
The young lawyer greeted him when he entered. “So, you want information on your grandfather’s will?”
“I have a copy of his original will. But my mother seems to think Grandfather made a new will sometime after that. She said she remembers him talking to her about it.”
“Is there a problem with the estate?” He took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Harrison to sit as well.
“No, not a problem. Just… trying to figure some things out.” Harrison took the offered chair across from the big, old wooden desk. Quite a contrast to the sleek, modern desk Harrison had back at his own office. And suddenly, he wanted an old desk like this. One with history. One where the wood was worn smooth by use. And a vivid image of his grandfather’s old desk in the study at the cabin flashed into his mind.
Where were these strange thoughts coming from? He pulled his thoughts back to the matter at hand.