Hiding in Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

“Don’t stress yourself about it. You’ll get the hang of these Alaska roads in no time.”

  “I sure hope so,” she said with a shake of her head. “I’m eager to explore Owl Creek during my off time. I’ve heard about the wonderful birds that inhabit this town and I’d love to see some of them.”

  “This place has a lot to offer. It’s not flashy or grand in any way, but it has a lot of charm. Before you know it, Owl Creek will feel like home.”

  A look of sadness crept over her face. As quickly as he’d noticed her expression it was gone, replaced by a serene look. “Thanks for the pep talk. See you later,” she said as she headed outside into the blustery morning.

  He stood inside and watched as Ella walked down the steps and headed in the direction of Main Street. Even though he had back-to-back meetings scheduled and countless emails to catch up on, he felt an urge to push past the doors and take a walk with Ella to the chocolate shop. Along the way he could point out interesting landmarks, specialty shops and tell her a little bit about the town’s history. Maybe he could get her to laugh by telling her about the prank he, Hank and Gabriel had played on the townsfolk one Christmas. It had involved a Nativity scene, six roosters and a Cabbage Patch doll. Even though they’d gotten in trouble for it, the Three Amigos still chuckled about it to this day.

  There was something about Ella that made him feel the need to be carefree and seize the moment. She had the type of beauty that wasn’t just on the surface. It seemed to come from deep inside of her. His grandmother certainly seemed drawn to her, judging by the expression stamped on Beulah’s face. That had to mean something about Ella’s character, he told himself. His grandmother didn’t suffer fools gladly, and she had a knack for sniffing out insincerity. So was Ella the real deal after all?

  Connor shook off the notion of leaving the factory and catching up to Ella. Regardless of how she made him feel, he knew there was way more to her than met the eye. Every instinct was warning him to tread lightly. He wasn’t a man who took chances. And something told him that Ella Perez was a risk he couldn’t afford to take.

  Chapter Six

  Once Isabelle made it back to Main Street, she found herself slowing down as she passed by Tea Time. The elegant shop beckoned her to go in and treat herself to oolong tea and a plate of cucumber sandwiches and scones. It would be such an amazing indulgence. If she hadn’t already spent hours at the factory, she would have gone inside and basked in the lovely surroundings of the tea emporium. As it was, she really needed to scoot.

  “If you’re wondering if you should go in, I would highly encourage it.”

  Isabelle spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. Sage was standing behind her with a wide grin etched on her face. She radiated a pure joy that caused Isabelle to yearn to find such serenity in her own life. What would it feel like, she wondered, to experience life in this amazing town with nothing to hide? She envied Sage’s seemingly blissful life while at the same time acknowledging it couldn’t have been granted to a kinder person.

  “Hi, Sage. You caught me in the act. It isn’t the first time I’ve looked longingly through this particular window,” she admitted with a chuckle. “This place looks so appealing, although I’ve never had a chance to go in.”

  “Well, now you do. Come on inside with me. I have business with the owner, Iris Lawson. I’d love for you to meet her.”

  Sage bit her lip. “I really should head back to the chocolate shop. I’ve been at the factory all morning.” She took a quick look at her watch. “This morning has just flown by.”

  “Just for a few minutes. I promise,” Sage said, taking her by the hand and leading her through the doorway. Isabelle didn’t put up much of a fight. Her curiosity to see the interior of Tea Time had been pricking at her for days now. She would check out the establishment, but she wouldn’t linger for long.

  As she trailed after Sage, Isabelle soaked in all the details of the tea emporium. The first thing that drew her attention was the vintage chandelier shimmering from the ceiling. Intimate tables were adorned with beautiful tablecloths and lace doilies. Flowers sat in a small bouquet on each table. Beautiful gold curtains and lush velvet chairs added an air of refinement. Peering in from the front window didn’t do this place justice.

  “Isn’t it magnificent?” Sage asked.

  Isabelle nodded. A sweet smell hovered in the air. She inhaled deeply as she tried to pin down the scent. It wasn’t a single aroma, she realized. It was a myriad of tea scents all floating in the air. This, she thought, was paradise. If only she had time to partake in the experience.

  “It feels like we’ve stepped into another era. Those drapes remind me of something from the Jazz Age,” Isabelle remarked. She loved reading historical novels set in the 1920s. Tea Time would fit right into the setting of one of her favorite books.

  Suddenly, a tall woman with brown skin began making a beeline in their direction. With her animated features and an almost regal bearing, she exuded pure elegance. “Sage. It’s great to see you. I’ve been wondering when you would stop by.”

  “Hey, Iris. I’m sorry it took me so long to circle back. Things have been crazy lately. I wanted to check in with you regarding the wedding shower Rachel and I are throwing for Piper.”

  Iris clapped her hands together. “Rachel has been finalizing some of the details, so I think we’re really in good shape.” Iris turned toward Isabelle, shooting her a curious look.

  “Oops. Where are my manners? Iris, I’d like to introduce you to Ella Perez. She just relocated here from Arizona.” Sage grinned. “She’s working at the chocolate shop. Ella, this is Iris Lawson, the owner and creative genius behind Tea Time.”

  Iris beamed at the compliment. “Ella, it’s such a pleasure to meet you. It’s wonderful to see a young person like yourself planting roots here.”

  “Your place is lovely, Iris. Every time I walk by it just pulls me in,” Isabelle said. “Your interior decorating aesthetic is fantastic.”

  Iris beamed. “Thank you. In my youth I wanted to go to design school, which wasn’t possible, so I was able to fulfill all of my decorating dreams right here at my shop.”

  “Iris’s son, Gabriel, is one of my husband Hank’s closest friends,” Sage explained. “And he recently got married to Rachel, who is a dear friend and an amazingly skilled nurse. She’s helping me plan Piper’s bash.”

  “And along with Rachel came two beautiful little girls, Faith and Lizzie. We’re all so blessed,” Iris said. “Our family has blossomed in the last few months.”

  “It sounds like it,” Isabelle said. Family was everything. Watching it grow and expand through marriage and children had always been so gratifying for Isabelle’s own mother. She felt a pang at the thought of missing out on motherhood.

  “Well, why don’t the two of you take a seat?” Iris asked. “I just made the most enticing batch of lemon bars.”

  Isabelle wished she could take Iris up on her offer. “Any other time I would love to, but I really have to get back to work. I’ve been away all morning.”

  “That’s a shame.” She wagged her finger at Isabelle. “I’m going to give you a rain check. Come back anytime and there’ll be a table waiting for you. In the meantime, I’m going to wrap up some lemon bars for you to take with you. On the house. It’s my welcome to Owl Creek gift.”

  As Iris quickly made her way back to the kitchen, Isabelle turned toward Sage. “The owner is just as lovely as the establishment.”

  “She must like you,” Sage said. “Iris has a bit of a sharp edge at times. She’s a little like my grandmother in that regard,” she confessed.

  “Something tells me they’re both strong women.” Isabelle wished she could be a little bit more like the two older women. These days she always felt as if she was coming apart at the seams. She needed to dig down deep and draw strength from God. Ever since this ordeal began, He had been with her. Ba
ck when she was working at the club in Miami, Isabelle hadn’t lived a faith-filled existence. That had all changed after witnessing a murder.

  Lord, please grant me strength. I have miles to go on this journey. If I’m going to stay in Owl Creek, I need fortitude. I need to be as strong as an oak tree.

  “Hey!” Sage said in a raised voice that drew Isabelle out of her thoughts. “I just had a great idea. Why don’t you come to Piper’s bridal shower?”

  “I know who Piper is. She’s a sweetheart. I met her at the Snowy Owl. She’s the owner, right?”

  “Yes. That place is her pride and joy. Piper is my husband Hank’s sister. She’s marrying my brother, Braden.”

  Isabelle shook her head, feeling confused. “So, wait. Does that mean she’ll be your sister-in-law twice over?”

  Sage chuckled. “Yes, it does. It’s a little confusing, but I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Piper. She already feels like my sister.”

  Isabelle experienced a twisting sensation in the region of her heart. She knew all too well about the powerful bonds of sisterhood. Not being able to talk to her own sister made her feel as if she was missing her right arm. She fought past the lump in her throat. “That’s wonderful. A sister is a lifelong treasure.”

  “I agree,” Sage said with a smile. “She would be thrilled to have you there. Please join us.”

  “Oh, no,” she exclaimed. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on such an intimate gathering of friends and family.”

  “You’ll be an invited guest, Ella. In Owl Creek we don’t stand on ceremony.” She crossed her hands in prayerlike fashion. “Please come. It will give you an opportunity to meet some very special people. I know firsthand what it feels like to be a stranger in a new town. It’s not easy.”

  Isabelle heard the sincerity in Sage’s voice. It sounded like she had been in Isabelle’s shoes at one point in her life. That knowledge made her feel even closer to Sage, even though they had only recently met. And although she didn’t want to admit it to herself, she yearned to find friends in Owl Creek. The idea of attending a party at the tea shop and meeting the residents in a festive setting was extremely appealing to her.

  Just then Iris returned with a little white box tied up with black ribbons. “Here are the lemon bars. Enjoy them,” she said, handing them over to Isabelle.

  “Thank you, Iris,” Isabelle said. “What a thoughtful gesture.” With every kind act performed by one of the residents of Owl Creek, her heart began to open up a little more to the idea of becoming a member of this community. Their generosity filled up her soul.

  “I hope to see you at the town festivities this weekend. Dog mushing. Crepes. Ice cream. Arts and crafts.” She clapped her hands together. “You’ll have a ball!” With a smile, Iris turned back toward the dining room and began stopping at tables and checking in on her customers.

  Isabelle looked over at Sage. “If you’re sure it’s okay, I’d love to come to the party,” Isabelle said. Joy fluttered in her chest. It was so nice to feel included. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d attended a social event. Her entire life had collapsed in an instant back in Miami, and her world had gotten very small.

  “Great!” Sage said, clapping her hands together. “The party is a week from this Saturday at noon. Don’t worry about bringing a present. Only your presence is required. And don’t forget it’s a surprise.”

  “Perfect. I really need to get to the shop before the staff thinks I’ve gone missing.” With a wave of her hand, Isabelle strode toward the exit. As she made her way down the street, Isabelle’s heart felt lighter than it had been in months. So far, today was shaping up to be a banner day. Even though her transition from her old life in Miami felt a bit shaky at times, she had to concede that certain things were moving her in a good direction. Perhaps happiness was in her future. If she could just manage to keep looking forward and not dwell on the past, maybe it would be within reach.

  When the sign for the chocolate shop came into view, Isabelle’s thoughts turned to Connor. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about him. Seeing him every day surely wasn’t helping matters. She let out a groan of frustration. If she had a checklist for a love interest, Connor would score a perfect ten. But she couldn’t imagine delving into a relationship with him, all while hiding her truths under the surface. The North family had been so good to her by employing her and encouraging her to become an integral part of Owl Creek. Pretending to be someone she wasn’t still felt wrong on so many levels, even though it had been borne out of necessity.

  Even though she was safe in her new Alaskan life, Isabelle still had vivid nightmares about Saul’s death and the attempts on her life. In some of the dreams Isabelle hadn’t managed to flee the nightclub. Instead, she’d met the same end as Saul at the hands of Burke. She still felt broken about all she’d gone through. It was hard not to question whether she had done the right thing by testifying and agreeing to participate in the Witness Protection Program. It had turned her entire life upside down, as well as the lives of those near and dear to her. It still felt surreal to her to be living as Ella Perez.

  She was still grieving the loss of Isabelle Sanchez. There was no way of knowing if she would ever get used to being this new version of herself.

  * * *

  Connor bit into his crab cakes and let out a groan. As usual, the menu at the Snowy Owl did not disappoint. Although he was no slouch in the kitchen, Connor couldn’t compete with the diner’s offerings.

  Piper stood by the table, grinning at his reaction. “They’re good, huh?”

  “If my brother wasn’t already marrying you, I might just propose so you could make me these for the rest of my life,” Connor said.

  “That’s about as likely as a heat wave in December.” Braden North stepped up and wrapped his arms around Piper’s waist, then leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. “She’s taken.”

  “I am indeed,” Piper said, grinning at her fiancé.

  “Settle down, little brother.” Connor made a face at Braden. “I’m trying to eat my dinner. Take that kissy-face stuff to another booth.”

  Piper rolled her eyes. “Let me know if you guys need anything else.” She walked off toward the kitchen with Braden by her side. Connor’s gaze trailed after them. He still couldn’t believe the lifelong best friends had fallen in love. Connor hadn’t seen it coming at all, but he knew they were as perfect for one another as a couple could be. Contentment shimmered off them in waves.

  What would it feel like to know his destiny was tied up in another human being? He imagined it would be epic. When he looked at Braden, it seemed as if his brother’s heart had grown by leaps and bounds. Loving Piper had brought out the very best in him. Hank had said the same about his sister.

  Knowing he needed to focus on why he’d met up with his best friends for dinner, Connor turned back to Hank and Gabriel sitting across from him at the table. “Okay, now that they’re gone we can keep planning the bachelor party.”

  “I’m not sure about your idea. It doesn’t sound fun to me. Maybe we can stage an elaborate game night,” Hank suggested.

  Connor groaned. “Come on, guys. Have a little creativity. This is supposed to be my little brother’s prewedding send-off. Who wants to sit around playing checkers?”

  Gabe let out a snort. “No one said anything about checkers. We just don’t think Piper would appreciate placing her husband-to-be in any jeopardy.”

  Connor scoffed. “Braden has done every extreme sport you can imagine. I don’t think that a little night skiing would be a problem.”

  Hank shook his head. “Connor, you need to start brainstorming again. Considering how Jack died, I think it could come across as insensitive.”

  Connor let out a groan and slapped his forehead. “I have no idea where my head is at. That would really be problematic. Not to mention downright inconsiderate. Maybe we c
an do a bowling night and rent out the place just for the party. With food and music, it could be just right. Thanks for the save, guys.”

  Piper’s father and Hank’s stepfather, Jack Miller, had passed away after a snowmobile accident on one of the mountain trails. It had caused a huge rift between Piper and Braden when it was revealed that Braden had been arguing with her father shortly before the tragic accident. Thankfully, they had sorted things out and reconciled. Their spring wedding was mere weeks away.

  “No problem. We’re all excited that Braden and Piper are making it official.” Gabriel grinned as he put a forkful of rosemary potatoes in his mouth.

  Hank frowned. “He better treat my little sister right or he’s going to answer to me.” The menacing expression stamped on his face gave way to a smirk when he couldn’t keep a straight face. Gabe and Connor began chuckling along with him.

  “I’ve always wanted to say that. You know I think the world of Braden,” Hank admitted.

  Connor grinned. “The feeling is mutual. He’s looked up to the three of us ever since he was in diapers,” Connor said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Growing up in the shadow of a tragic event such as his sister’s kidnapping had forged a strong bond between the two brothers. Although they were now traveling on different paths since Braden was opening a business specializing in Alaskan adventures, the love between them couldn’t be any stronger. Watching him fall head over heels in love with his best friend had been awe-inspiring. The happy couple was also working together with Piper’s pie business, Pie in the Sky.

  “So, how are things going with the new girl in town? Ellen? I heard she’s working at the chocolate shop,” Gabe said.

  “Ella,” he said, quickly correcting his friend. “She seems to be acclimating well to our little town. She had an accident with her truck so I’ve been giving her a lift to work until Rusty makes the repairs,” Connor explained.

  “That’s too bad she had a wreck,” Gabe said. “I hope she’s all right.”