Operation Valentine (Hazel Oaks Resort Book 1)

by Kelsey McKnight

  “Falling back in love, right? Isn’t that what you meant?” Hudson asked.

  “Oh, obviously. Just look at them.” She waved a hand at the Kents.

  Marvin was taking some pictures of Mina, and she was smiling beside a large spruce tree. Nat focused her attention there and not on what she had just said. But out of the corner of her eye, she watched Hudson. He’d corrected her, clearly hearing that she’d said falling in love instead of falling back in love. What did he think about her weird choice of words? It seemed like some sort of slip, some strange thing that came out, beckoned by the magic of snowfall.

  It made her feel foolish. It wasn’t like she was in love with Hudson. She may have had real feelings for him, or at least she thought she did, but that was pretty much it. She only knew him at a surface level, as a coworker, and maybe now as a friend. But the L word was out of the question.

  “Yeah, that looks better than eating dinner alone,” Hudson murmured, stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets.

  Mina and Marvin began walking again, and Nat and Hudson hung back to give them more privacy before Nat decided to follow at a distance. “Taking them outside today was a good call.”

  “Nothing like nature to bring you back to the simple things in life. It’s why I suggested this. I genuinely thought it would help.” Hudson followed behind her. She heard his footsteps, but he didn’t say anything. She continued wandering down the path, her fingers brushing over the tips of snow-kissed branches.

  “You seem to be enjoying yourself. Does that mean I’ll get an excellent recommendation for California?” Hudson asked.

  “I thought you didn’t want it.” She stopped walking and turned to face him. Their conversation earlier had annoyed her. She was trying to make things right with him, and he’d been dismissive and sarcastic. But in the woods—in his natural habitat—he was different. She couldn’t figure him out and the attempts were making her head spin.

  “No, the recommendation sounds great. I’d appreciate it.”

  She thought about saying thank you, or it was no trouble, or maybe even something quick-witted. But instead she didn’t say anything. With Hudson standing close to her, birds chirping in the trees, and the Kents too far off to overhear them, her heartbeat suddenly felt too loud, too noticeable. She was swept up in the moment, in a snow globe of Hudson’s making. She just had to hope, that for maybe a few more moments, Hudson wouldn’t open his mouth and say something to ruin it.

  And he didn’t. Actually, he didn’t say anything. He just reached out, tucking a stray stand of hair behind her ear, his bare fingers warm as they gently grazed her cheek. Her eyes closed, holding on to that tender sensation for an extra second. And then she heard Mr. Kent call out for Hudson.

  They both jolted, as if struck by lightning, and strode up the path in search of their charges. Mr. Kent and Dr. Kent were no longer lovebirds taking pictures. Instead, Dr. Kent was leaning against a tree examining her nails and Mr. Kent was coming over to Hudson. Remembering his insistence that “guy code” needed to be respected, Nat decided to humor him and talk to Dr. Kent instead.

  “Is everything alright?” Nat asked as Dr. Kent fixed her wind-tousled hair.

  “Oh, it’s fine. Marvin was just worried we were getting too far ahead.”

  “And the walk itself?”

  She smiled softly. “It’s cold, but I’m really enjoying myself. I can’t remember the last time I took a good, long walk like this. It’s so refreshing.”

  “That’s great to hear. Is Marvin enjoying it as well?”

  “I suppose. Is there a place to get coffee or something to warm up after this?”

  “Of course. Have you been to the cafe yet?”

  “No, is that the little place near the pool?”

  She nodded, noting that Hudson and Mr. Kent were beginning to walk deeper down the forest path, and she went to follow them as she spoke to Dr. Kent. “They actually make fantastic Valentine’s Day hot chocolate. Instead of regular milk chocolate, it’s this special kind of pink cocoa and they top it with pastel marshmallows. When we get back, I can take you and Mr. Kent there for a cup to warm up. It also has a great view of the lake. Couples love it there since there’s nothing but love seats this time of year.”

  “Is there anywhere at the lodge that doesn’t have a great view of the lake?” she asked with a laugh.

  “Not really, but it was built that way on purpose. It’s hard to tell by looking at it from the ground, but the lodge is built like a crescent moon, with long wings to be able to see Lake George from nearly all the places it counts, like the restaurants and guest areas. Even most of the rooms face the lake. The ones that face the entrance are generally staff quarters, the kitchens, things like that.”

  “Was it always so big?”

  Nat dove into her mental notes about the history of the lodge. “No, not always. The original Sutton family built the first section in what is now the lobby. In the beginning, it was sort of a waystation for fur traders and travelers in the 1800s. They had a small kitchen—which is now where the main fireplace is—a handful of rooms, and a small central area where people would eat. Over time, they began to add more rooms, build a bigger kitchen, and start cultivating the luxury you see today.”

  “And how long have you been here?”

  “Thirteen years, if you can believe it.”

  “Oh my. Did you work here in high school?”

  “No, I started working here right after I graduated, when my parents settled in Saratoga Springs.” And that was when Nat realized, Dr. Kent was being evasive. She seemed to keep avoiding any question that had to do with her husband in favor of literally anything else, from drink options to Nat’s career. She’d need to stay on her toes. “You know, my parents have been married for thirty-seven years and have never been here. How long have you and Mr. Kent been married?”

  Dr. Kent scoffed. “Too long.”

  “I’m sorry?” Nat asked. She could feel the customer service smile she’d put on slipping off her face. She certainly didn’t expect that sharp of an answer.

  “Oh, don’t worry about me. I just mean I’ve been with Marvin for a long time.”

  “Will you tell me about it?” It made Nat terribly uncomfortable to ask, but she felt she needed to connect with her like Hudson connected with Mr. Kent. She rarely pushed for information from guests like this. She believed it wasn’t her business if they didn’t want it to be, but she felt she had no choice.

  “Oh, well, we met when I was just starting college. He worked at a little coffee shop I’d study at some nights, and I’d usually end up leaving when he did when the shop closed. You get to know a lot about a person that way. A year later we were engaged. A year after that, we got married and moved into a tiny apartment near campus while I got my degree, then moved again while I got my doctorate, then again…well, almost forty years and we both grew up.”

  “That has to be so romantic, though,” Nat said, trying to inject warmth into her words. “Growing up with someone, being by them through all aspects of life…I’m pretty envious of you actually.”

  “You shouldn’t be. I’m pretty jealous of you. Natalie, you have your whole life in front of you and so many options. I mean, if you wanted to fly to Paris, you could.”

  “But, Dr. Kent, you’re retired. You could do it too.”

  “Marvin complained the whole flight here, and it wasn’t that far from Texas. He’s the kind of man to stay put when he can, and he planted his roots in St. Louis too long ago to get too far now. Louise is the only reason he even considered Texas. Trust me.” She took a deep breath, still not looking at Nat. “Let’s head back. I’m a little tired and could use a nap before dinner.”

  “Right, we can do that. I’ll get Hudson.” She jogged up to Mr. Kent and Hudson and tried to smile. “How are you doing, Mr. Kent?”

  “Great. This was quite the trip,” he said jovially. He didn’t come off as someone set in his ways, but it wasn’t as if she truly knew him. />
  “Oh, it’s not over yet.” Hudson glanced around as if centering himself in the forest. “We just have a little farther to go.”

  “Dr. Kent is about ready to head back,” she told him.

  “Marvin, why don’t you convince her to continue?” Hudson said. “It’ll be worth it, I promise.”

  “I’ll give it my best shot.”

  Nat watched him go. “Does it seem to you that he’s trying a lot more than she is?” she asked Hudson quietly.

  “Definitely.”

  “Well, I guess I’ll ty to talk to her about that. She mentioned they’ve been together since she was eighteen, and I have a feeling that they grew up together, then apart.”

  “Marvin mentioned that too. Not to break guy code, but it seems to me they’re both just a little lost without their jobs. Retirement isn’t going well.”

  “That’s good intel.”

  He grinned. “I’m going to take you out in nature more often. You like me better out here.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll be back to the resort soon and I’ll roll my eyes at you again.”

  “Thank goodness. I can’t quite get through my day without it.”

  *

  As they got deeper into the wood, Hudson began to pick up the pace. Nat didn’t see what the rush was, since she knew by checking his schedule that day that he wasn’t due to be anywhere else. But he seemed enthused to reach their mystery destination.

  Suddenly, he took a left off the path, stepping over a bare bush and holding his hand out to her. “Here, let me help you.”

  Nat moved to place her palm on his but instead he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her over the bush to the other side. The motion was so unexpected, it took her a moment to realize what had happened. But soon she was stepping out of the way so Mr. Kent, then his wife, could join her on the other side.

  To her surprise, they weren’t on a path anymore. The trees were closer together, leaving no room for a pine needle lane. She sidled up to Hudson, and asked, “Where are we going? I thought we were supposed to turn around at the marker.”

  “Good things come to those who wait,” he replied sagely.

  “Waiting in the woods generally doesn’t end well for people. On my schedule, I have—”

  He plucked the notebook from her fingers and stuffed it into his back pocket. “Live a little, Nat, and trust me.”

  Her fingers itched to snatch it back. “To be clear, this is a good surprise?”

  “One of the best. I just found this place. This is the first time I’ve brought anyone with me.”

  “Should I be honored or worried you’re going to kill me, and no one will find the body?”

  “What kind of murderer do you think I am? It’s on the staff schedule that we’re together now. They’d know I did it. Really, Nat. I expected better. Plus, I’ll never get that job in California if the Kents tell Sutton they witnessed me kill you. Come on, just trust me.”

  Nat hated surprises. She even liked to pick out her own Christmas and birthday gifts, so she’d never be caught off guard. But she would do what Hudson asked and hoped it wouldn’t be anything too outlandish. However, everything Hudson did seemed to be big, so for all she knew, they could’ve been going to a pasture filled with unicorns.

  They picked over the snowy underbrush. Nat was going to turn around and suggest the Kents hold hands through this trek but, much to her pleasure, they already were. Whatever had soured Dr. Kent’s mood before was gone, replaced by that same lightness as earlier. Maybe she liked surprises.

  Nat was so caught up in what they were doing, she stumbled over a pile of branches. Hudson caught her hand, stopping her from falling. As soon as she was righted, she expected him to let go, but he didn’t. Through the soft knit of her gloves, his hand was impossibly warm. Hudson as a person was warm, both figuratively and literally. She wished she’d seen this side to him so much sooner. It would have saved her a lot of headaches and him a lot of lectures, and they could have done so many unforgettable things together for the guests. And maybe for her too.

  Hudson had an easy way about him. He seemed to pull things out of people, even herself. She normally didn’t tell others personal stories about herself. Dropping breadcrumbs like that was pretty pointless, at least when it came to those who would probably end up leaving her life at some point.

  Having to cut ties or nurture friendships from afar was one of the hardest parts of being in a military family. Just when you became comfortable with someone, you were shipped off to a new base and had to start all over. Or worse, they were. It was like a candle being lit at both ends. Either you left, or they did. And Hudson was no different. He practically had a deadline ticking like a bomb, but she still didn’t let go of his hand. Right now, on the secluded path, the only place he was going was with her.

  “Here it is,” Hudson told them, holding back the branches of an evergreen tree.

  The Kents went first and Nat trailed behind, already missing the warmth of Hudson’s hold on her.

  She hadn’t known what to expect from Hudson’s side trip, but it wasn’t what she saw in the clearing. In the center of a circle of trees was a well made of pale stones stacked waist high, an old iron arch looped above it, a hook where a rope or chain may have once been hanging from the center. But the rocks weren’t exactly plain. There were designs etched into them, worn by time and sprinkled with snow.

  “What is this?” Mr. Kent asked.

  “This well belonged to an old homestead,” Hudson explained, giving the stone a pat. “The house that used to sit just a few yards north is gone, but this remains.”

  Nat leaned over and looked down. It was too dark below to see if any water was left, but she assumed it would be ice if there was.

  “What’s it now, then? A wishing well?” Mr. Kent patted his pockets. “Too bad I don’t have any change.”

  “Lucky for you, I have a quarter for each of you.” Hudson pulled out a handful and passed one each to the Kents. “Remember to only wish for something you really want. Something really important.”

  “This is a great find,” Nat whispered as the Kents went to the well.

  “Thanks. It’s not really all that interesting, but the story about wishes helps.”

  She nudged him with her shoulder. “You’re so sly.”

  He held a coin up between his fingers. “It can’t hurt to give it a try.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Come on, Nat. Worst thing that happens is nothing happens. Best case scenario, your wish comes true. So, go ahead, take a leap of faith.”

  *

  Hudson

  As they headed back from the hike, Hudson was feeling pretty pleased with himself. The wishing well had worked out perfectly. Well, alright, he didn’t know what the Kents had wished for, but it was the perfect backdrop for a romantic encounter. They’d taken some pictures there and they both seemed pleased.

  He had watched Marvin, trying to look after his wife, to take her hand, to ease her over rocks. It had seemed sweet to him. True, it could’ve just been him being polite, but it was a start. Though, he wasn’t spying on them as much as he should’ve. Nat kept getting in the way. And now, walking back, he had the urge to hold her hand again, not necessarily for safety either. He’d liked the way it felt. He’d actually taken off his glove to feel closer to her. As long as they were connected, he wasn’t cold, and craved more of that same sensation.

  Hudson knew she’d love the wishing well. In fact, she was probably considering creating a special little pamphlet for her box to describe it to guests. He figured pretty soon he’d be taking couple after couple up there so they could wish for endless happiness or some other cheesy romantic future together. But what mattered, at least at that moment, was that he’d taken Nat first. While the other couples didn’t know, and he’d never tell them, it would always, in his mind, be their spot.

  He shook that idea off for the moment as they walked back into the lodge, ready for her to become cust
omer service robot, leaving fun and light Nat in the forest with the trees.

  “I’m frozen to the bone,” Mina said, still tucked deeply within her scarf.

  “Dr. Kent, I could bring two cups of that hot chocolate for you and Mr. Kent to share in your room if you’d like,” Nat offered as they walked into the lobby.

  “No, no. He was telling me all about your lovely book collection in the study. I’m sure he’ll be happy there. Besides, I could really go for a nap.” Then she turned to Hudson and extended her hand out. “Thank you for the walk. It was cold, but worth it. And, Natalie, I know it’s a bother, but I really would love some hot tea to warm up. Any chance room service could send it up?”

  “Of course. I’ll bring it up myself.”

  With a thank you, she left toward the elevator, leaving Nat and Hudson standing by the doors and Marvin watching from the display of pamphlets.

  Hudson looked to Nat and gave her a slight jerk of his head. He wanted to get some alone time with Marvin to sort out why things had changed so suddenly. Luckily, Nat seemed to take the hint and nodded once before disappearing down the hall toward the kitchen.

  “Marvin, why don’t we go take a seat by the fire on the patio outside?” Hudson began, trying to keep his tone relaxed and upbeat. “They usually set up a hot cider station. We can grab a cup and hang out for a bit.”

  “Yeah, alright, let’s do that.”

  Hudson led the way down the main hall—past the gift shop, cafe, and the main restaurant—and opened a single glass door that led to the patio. A large, open space, in the warmer months it was used for wedding receptions and parties, with plenty of room for tables and a dance floor, and an unobstructed view of the water. Now in the colder months, there were heat lamps warming clusters of outdoor seating, and a large firepit, that was always moved closer to the lake in the spring and summer.

  One of Terry’s staff members was just finishing setting up the silver cart containing dispensers for apple cider and a number of plain white mugs. Hudson and Marvin each collected a cup and took two of the empty seats that surrounded the fire. It was still early, too early for the usual evening crowd that often drifted out when the sun began to set, although the sky was already taking on an orange hue.