“Mornin’ Jake.” He removed his paycheck from the bundle and handed it to him. “You’re here a bit early this morning. Thanks for the coffee,” he added.
Jake nodded his head, “No problem.” He folded his check and placed it in his billfold, then sat in a chair in front of the desk. “I wanted to talk to you. All of the fencing has been checked and repaired where needed. The rescue horses have been doing quite well now and there haven’t been any newcomers in a while. I was wondering if I could take two weeks off next month. I’d like to go deer hunting. Something I’ve had no time for in the past couple of years. Actually, not since the year before I married Anya.”
“I think that can be arranged; we should be able handle everything. Where are you going?”
“My cousins want to head up to either Grand Rapids or Ely this year. I’d prefer the outskirts of Ely, myself. It’s beautiful on Minnesota’s northern border at this time of the year. Actually, it’s been nice year round up there. I heard of a great location for hunters outside of Ely called Hidden Pine Resort. They rent ten log cabins in a deep forest about nine miles west of Ely. It’s secluded and said to be very quiet and peaceful.”
“So…you’d actually go to hunt, or simply escape for some relaxation?”
“It all depends on whether the guys are able to get time off on such short notice. If not, I’ll go by myself. It might even be nice to be alone, sit around and unwind. Maybe catch a few walleye.”
“You do need a vacation. You’ve been through quite a bit. If you end up going on your own, you won’t be hunting, will you?”
“No, not without a partner; I have a lot of thinking to do, and though it’d be great for us to get together, I’d also enjoy time to myself.”
“Well you certainly deserve it. Just let me know the days you’ll want, as soon as possible.”
“I will, and thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, and watched as Jake left the office and closed the door behind him.
Nick sat back in his chair and tapped his pencil on the desktop. If only he knew of a nice, sweet girl to introduce him to. Too bad Mariah doesn’t have a sister. Perhaps she and Sarah might have someone in mind, he thought.
* * *
“Nick, my cousins won’t be able to get away. If possible, I’d prefer to begin my vacation on Monday. Mid-September would still be a good time for fishing, especially since the weather’s been extremely warm this year.”
“Sounds like a good idea. One of the best ways to relax is on a nice quiet lake with a pole in your hand.”
“I need the time alone, and I think the next two weeks would be ideal.”
Nick knew Jake was feeling a bit of remorse because of the fact that he’d already filed for divorce before Anya’s death.
“Sounds good; you’ll be back in time, if winter should happen to arrive early. As we all well know, there have been snowstorms in October.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
“Okay, we’ll have your job covered. Today is already Thursday. Go ahead and take tomorrow off and we’ll see you back here on the first of October.”
“Thanks a lot, Nick.” He nodded with a grin and placed his Stetson on his head.
“Relax and enjoy yourself, my friend.” He stood and walked out with him. He needed a breath of fresh air.
Jake waved as he drove away, and Nick went into the barn, saddled his horse, and rode out to check on the rescue team.
* * *
That evening Nick and Mariah together bathed the twins, and then Nicky took his first shower by himself.
“I’m old enough to take one by myself, Mommy. I’m in school.” Nick stood outside the shower door, in case he needed any help. When he finished he stepped out, with a happy smile on his face. I’m all grown up now,” he said, and Nick helped him dry off with the towel.
When the children were down for the night, Nick told Mariah about Jake going on vacation.
“He said he needed time alone, to think. After everything he went through with Anya, he hasn’t been himself. I wish he’d find a nice, decent woman to settle down with; someone just like you,” he added, and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Although I doubt there is anyone quite as perfect as you are.” He kissed her cheek. “You smell like a clean little baby.”
“What do you expect, after you shook the baby powder all over me?”
He laughed and kissed her again, on her neck, below her earlobe.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing, Nick.”
“Thinking what? That you smell like a baby?”
She swatted him on the shoulder.
“Sarah and I were talking. We came up with an idea yesterday and now that he’d be gone for a couple weeks, we’ll see if we can plan something.”
“And what do the two of you have up your sleeve this time?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps a party when he returns. On the other hand, maybe an old-fashioned barn dance. We could invite all of the ranch hands and their wives. They might know of a single woman to bring along, or a friend or relative.”
He looked at her. “There must be an eligible female around here somewhere.”
“I’ll give Sarah a call in the morning, and we’ll start planning. We haven’t had any type of get together for ages. Everyone would look forward to it. If there are any single girls who’d come to a barn dance, we’d know they’re true country women.”
Mariah sat at the other end of the sofa, and Nick could almost see the ideas flying around in her head. He knew she’d think of something. He smiled and leaned back, put his feet up on the hassock and grabbed his Sports Illustrated magazine.
Nick laughed as he watched her, already beginning to plan. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something good, sweetheart. You get together with Sarah, and the two of you will plan a terrific party. Just don’t forget to make some sort of statement on the invitations such as, BASWF.”
“What does that mean?”
“Bring a single woman friend.”
She laughed, and he jumped out of her reach when she tried to take a playful swing at him.
He tossed his magazine on the coffee table. “Come, beautiful wife, let’s get to bed. There’s plenty to do tomorrow with Jake gone. You have two weeks to plan the party.” He turned off the television, took hold of her hands and helped her up. “Let’s call it a night. It’s too bad you don’t have a sister. He’d love a woman just like you.”
When they reached their bedroom door, she stood on tiptoe and placed a honey-sweet kiss on his lips. “I’m going to check on the kids, and I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll have the sheets warmed up,” he told her, with a sparkle in his eyes.
After she checked on the children, she quietly slipped into the master bathroom. A few moments later, she opened the door, walked over to the bed and slid between the sheets, only to find Nick sound asleep and purring like a kitten. She knew he’d had a very long and trying week. She watched the rise and fall of his chest, then gently pulled the covers up to his shoulder and snuggled up, fitting perfectly into the curve of his body. She smiled and fell asleep to the rhythm of his deep breathing.
Chapter Thirty-eight
Jake lucked out when he called for a cabin. Guests normally needed to place their reservation four to six months in advance. However, there’d been a last minute cancellation and he’d have a perfect size cabin of four rooms that consisted of a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath. He arrived at Hidden Pines Resort at eleven a.m. and drove up to the front of the office for check-in. When he signed in and showed the clerk his identification, she handed him a map that would lead him to his place of residence for the next two weeks.
“Follow the golden arrows, Mr. Morrison,” the young woman told him. “It’s the last cabin at the end of the cobblestone road. You can’t miss it. The newest of the nine cabins, built last year in memory of my dear grandfather. If you’d like to purchase groceries, we have a market on our grounds one block e
ast of here, where you’ll find most everything you’ll need. The cupboards in the cabins contain clean linens and towels, soap and shampoo.” She smiled and handed him the map and cabin key. “You have a nice stay, Sir.”
“Thank you.” He returned the smile. “My name is Jake.” He held his Stetson against his chest, presented her with a slight bow then placed it on his head. She waved at him when he left the office. He climbed back in his truck, closed the door, and hit himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand. He realized she already knew his name from his reservation and his cabin number. What a fool I made of myself.
He drove down the cobblestone road and kept glancing at the arrows on the map. Within ten minutes, he found himself in front of Cabin #9. It looked more like a quaint little cottage. He stepped out of the truck and stood with his hands on his hips. Across the yard, he saw that the south border sloped down to a rocky creek. He walked to the edge of the property for a closer look. He could see small rocks on the bottom and a pool of minnows swimming quickly to the center of the creek when his shadow fell over them. He lifted his head, looked further to the south, and noticed the water gradually grew wider and deeper.
“Well I’ll be,” he muttered with a gleam in his eyes. This must be one of the two cabins located close to the fishing hole. There’s also a small lake in the opposite direction from the food market. The clerk mentioned there were boats for rent at the lakeside.
He rubbed his palms together then turned back toward the cabin, anxious to open it up and take a look. He stepped up on the small porch, unlocked the door and entered the kitchen.
“Ah… nice,” he said, and went through the kitchen to the living room, which had a couch, recliner, coffee table, a rack holding a variety of magazines, and a shelf with books of several different genres. Best of all, sitting at the opposite end of the room was a new flat-screen television.
He walked down a short hallway leading to the bathroom. There he found a closet behind the door, which had three shelves stacked with linens, towels, bath soap, shampoo and conditioner. A marble countertop surrounded the sink, and the cupboard beneath contained toilet paper, boxes of Kleenex and cleaning supplies.
He left the bathroom and entered the bedroom where he discovered a double bed, dresser and another television placed upon a shelf against the wall.
“And they call this a cabin? I expected to be roughing it for the next two weeks,” he said with a grin. “This will be very relaxing.” He whistled to himself and walked back outside to unload the truck.
After he unpacked his bags, he decided to drive over to the market for a few groceries. All he brought from home was a cooler filled with bread, lunchmeat, cheese, and a case of Budweiser.
He closed the door, locked it, then turned around and glanced across the green grass that led to the creek. He’d have to ask someone at the market if there’s actually some fish in the deeper end that leads to a pool of water.
“I just might go fishing tomorrow,” he said aloud, although there wasn’t a soul in sight.
Walking to his truck, he noticed the resort also furnished an outdoor grill at each cabin, and an open pit for a bonfire. What a life; he probably won’t want to leave, after spending two weeks at this place.
Tomorrow he’d begin the morning with a long hike on the path near the creek to become familiar with the territory. Other than that, he’d play things by ear. No work, no plans, just rest, lots of rest, he thought, and inhaled a deep breath, enjoying the fresh smell of the great outdoors.
He climbed into the truck, rolled down all the windows and drove along the cobblestone road, listening to the sound of birds chirping among the rustle of the leaves in the light afternoon breeze. The sun was slightly peeking through the tree branches, which kept the temperature cool and refreshing.
He arrived at the market, pulled into the lot and parked in a space near the door. It appeared to be a nice size for a small-town grocery store. He jumped out and stretched, then took another deep breath and filled his lungs with the clean, crisp air before entering the market.
When he completed his shopping, he walked up to the checkout. The cashier welcomed him to Hidden Pine Resort.
“Howdy! My name’s Pete. Did you find everything you need?”
“Yes I did, thank you. I’m Jake Morrison,” he said, and handed him his credit card.
“Did the office let you know about all the activities up here?”
“I don’t believe so.”
“On Friday nights we have a bonfire. Tonight it’ll be at Cabin #7. That’s Bud Clarkson’s cabin for the next two weeks. We take turns having the get together, among those who like to party, that is.” He let out a loud, deep laugh. “Our wives and children enjoy roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. It also allows the women time off from cooking dinner.”
Jake laughed along with Pete, although he longed for a wife and family of his own to bring up here with him.
“This is beautiful country,” Jake replied. “I’m glad I came.”
“How long will you be staying?”
“Two weeks.”
“Well, if you’re still around, there’ll be a barn dance which they have once a month in the red barn located on the south side of the office building.
“Sounds like fun.” Jake nodded and picked up his two bags of groceries.
“I work tomorrow, but a few of us plan to go fishing early Sunday morning. If you’d like to join us, we meet at the dock where the rental boats are located. Arrive at seven a.m.”
“Thanks Pete, I’ll be there if I wake up in time. No alarm clock for me during these two weeks of vacation, but thanks for all the info.”
“You’re more than welcome. I hope you can make it to the bonfire tonight.” He waved to Jake, who nodded while he held a bag in each arm and backed into the door, holding it open for a young woman who was about to walk in. She smiled when he nodded and winked at her, and he moved away from the doorway once she entered.
He placed the two bags on the passenger seat, walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in. Turning on the country music station, he sang along with Brad Paisley as he drove back to his cabin.
“I think I’ll stay at my own place tonight, grill a T-bone steak and potato, and spend the rest of the evening in front of the television,” he said to no one. “Sure wish I had a dog to share this peace and tranquility with.” I’m beginning to talk to myself too often these days. He shook his head. “Who knows, maybe I’ll find a four-legged friend around here somewhere.” He laughed with pleasure when he pulled up to his temporary home.
* * *
Jake woke to the musical chirp of the birds, happily perched upon a branch from the old oak tree close to his bedroom window. The weather was still warm, unlike a normal mid-September in Ely, Minnesota. Even the trees still held most of their orange, red, and golden leaves. Normally, they’d be blowing around from a brisk, cold wind at this time of the year.
He jumped into the shower, threw on a pair of rugged jeans and a blue short-sleeve sport shirt, which showed off his attractive muscled features, then combed his wavy hair. He grabbed the remote when he passed through the living room, turned on the morning news, and headed for the kitchen.
“A fried egg, cheese and bacon sandwich sounds good. Oh God, I’m talking to myself again. I really do need a dog.”
He prepared his breakfast, set it on the table, and poured himself a glass of milk while his coffee brewed. He could see the television from where he sat, and watched as this week’s Saturday morning “Adopt a Pet” program came on. He began to eat and didn’t pay much attention until the face of a two-year-old Shiba Inu appeared. Jake let out a loud hoot, then stood and walked into the living room to get a closer look. “What a great looking dog.”
A young man sat on the floor petting him, and the canine licked his neck and tried to fit himself into his friend’s lap.
“I’d like you to meet Sam. This little guy is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. He obeys the
main commands of sit, stay and come. He’ll let you know if he needs to go outside. His owner had to give him up when he lost his job and his house went into foreclosure. He had no choice but to move back to his home state. It hurt him badly having to leave his buddy behind. Sam is a purebred Shiba Inu. He’s a wonderful dog and wants to be a friend to someone who will love and take care of him like a family member.”
“Okay, that’s it. I want to take a look at that dog.” He jumped up, turned the television off and grabbed his keys. He was about to leave when he remembered his coffee. He poured some into a Styrofoam cup with a lid, which he’d left on the counter from his drive to Ely. Clicking the off button on the coffee pot, he hurried out the door. “I hope he’ll still be there. I’ll have to stop at the office for directions.”
When he arrived in the parking lot, he pulled into the space in front of the door, and rushed in.
“Would you happen to know where the Adopt a Pet animal shelter is located?” he asked.
“Five miles east on County Road 40 and on the north side; you can’t miss it. We do allow dogs in the cabins, but we require an extra one hundred dollars for your two week rental.”
“That’s fine. I’d like to get there before someone else does. Would it be okay if I pay you when I return?”
“Sure, run along. If you decide you want him, stop in on your way back.”
“That I will,” he said, then waved and hurried out the door.
* * *
When he arrived at Adopt a Pet, he walked into the main entrance and quickly stepped up to the desk where a young girl smiled at him.
“May I help you?”
“I hope so. I saw the Shiba on the Adopt a Pet program this morning. Is he still available?”
“I believe so. Please have a seat and I’ll call for one of the workers to take you back to the kennel area.”
“Thank you, Miss…?”
“My name is Shelly,” she answered, and she paged the back room.
“Bill, you’re needed at the front desk.” She looked up. “He’ll be here shortly to help you.”
Love on the Horizon (A Northern Woods Novel) Page 17