Suddenly, Braden felt inspired. There was something he could do to help the Millers. He could make sure they enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled with cheer and goodwill. In addition to helping Piper increase business at the Snowy Owl, he would ensure that this Christmas was a memorable one for all of them. A part of him was being self-serving since he knew seeing them reveling in the joy of the season might ease his own suffering. But, in truth, he cared deeply about all of them, especially Piper.
“And that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Braden chimed in. “We’re going to bake holiday pies and hang up holly and mistletoe. And we’re all going to wear ugly Christmas sweaters to the holiday stroll and drink peppermint hot cocoa till our stomachs burst. And I just might break out into song. You know I love ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’”
“That’s the Christmas spirit!” Trudy exclaimed.
Piper’s eyes lit up. “You know how much I love peppermint hot cocoa with those little marshmallows.”
He did indeed. It was one of the things he loved most about her. She got really excited over the small things like hot cocoa and catching snowflakes on her tongue. “We’ll stock up on tiny marshmallows,” he said, smiling.
From the time they were small kids, Piper had loved all things related to Christmas, especially the food and drinks her father served up at the Snowy Owl. Braden had never seen anyone get more of a kick out of decorating sugar cookies, building gingerbread houses and wrapping presents. This year he wanted her to experience all those cherished holiday memories all over again, to get some relief from all the stress and strain of running a struggling establishment.
It was nice to focus on happy things, Braden realized. For so long now it had been doom and gloom. It didn’t assuage his guilt completely regarding Jack’s death, but it made him feel a small glimmer of hope. The Snowy Owl could come back from this slump better than ever. After all, Christmas was a time of love and light. And hope! His faith told him he needed to believe in things he couldn’t see and that others might not think were even possible.
“I’d hold off on the singing though,” Piper teased. “Christmas carols aren’t your strong suit.”
“Ouch!” Braden said, lifting his hand over his heart. “I’ll have you know I’ve been singing since I was a little tyke.”
Piper rolled her eyes. “I know. We stood right next to each other in the church choir. A majority of the time you were warbling off-key.”
Braden couldn’t help but sputter with laughter. They both knew he had a strong singing voice while Piper’s was a bit more problematic. It had been a running theme in their childhood. The choir director had always singled Braden out for praise and solos while Piper had been relegated to the back row. One year during their Christmas concert, Braden had invited Piper to sing his solo with him, leading to a hilarious rendition of “Joy to the World.” The choir director had not been pleased by their surprise.
Trudy shook her head at the two of them. “You guys are so silly. It’s a good thing you speak the same language.”
It was true. He and Piper had always marched in lockstep with each other. He knew her as well as he knew his own face in the mirror. It had always given him comfort, even during the times when he’d felt a bit lost.
“I’d better call it a night,” he said after taking a quick look at the time. “I’ll be back in the morning to help out. Maybe we can brainstorm about the changes we want to implement around here. Let’s make a list of anyone who might be able to help with the pies.”
“Night, Braden,” Trudy said, hiding a yawn behind her hand. “I better get home myself.”
“Thanks for helping out,” Piper said, her eyes conveying gratitude.
“That’s what friends are for,” he responded, nodding before he turned to leave.
Braden heard Piper calling after him. He turned around to see her striding toward him. “Hey! What were you going to tell me earlier before Mama arrived? It seemed pretty intense judging by your expression.”
Braden froze. Piper’s question totally put him on the spot. With Trudy standing mere feet away, there was no way he felt comfortable baring his soul to her. It was frustrating that he’d finally summoned the courage to come clean, only to have the moment snatched away from him.
“I—I just wanted to tell you I was sorry I bailed so soon after Jack’s death. It was selfish of me to leave town. I should have stuck around to support you.” Although his words were truthful, they hadn’t been the ones he’d wanted to share with her earlier.
Piper frowned. “I appreciate that, but you were a great support system for me when I lost my father. You spent every single day with me in the first few weeks. I was a bit adrift when you left town,” she said with a shrug, quickly adding, “but I don’t blame you for wanting to live your life as you see fit. I’d be lying though if I pretended your adventures didn’t worry me, especially after what happened to my dad.”
At that time he hadn’t really thought about people worrying about his well-being. He’d only wanted to get as far away from Owl Creek as he possibly could. “I understand. My family felt the same way. I suppose it didn’t fully register until I came home and my mother broke down in tears of relief,” he admitted. She’d thrown her arms around him and sobbed, confessing that she’d been scared he would never make it back to Owl Creek in one piece.
Piper shook her head, curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Braden, why do I get the feeling there was something more you wanted to say earlier?”
He should have known Piper wasn’t going to let his comment go. Piper had a tenacious personality, and it was rare she gave up on anything once it was imprinted on her mind. He didn’t know a graceful way out of the situation. He cared about her, but he wished she would just back off!
“Don’t you have enough on your plate at the moment without looking for more problems? Let’s just concentrate on getting the Snowy Owl financially solvent. That should be your focus instead of trying to read into everything I say and do.”
“I’m sorry,” Piper blurted out as he wrenched open the door and walked out into the frosty Alaskan evening. He didn’t turn back to face Piper, although he truly wanted to give her a hug and tell her she had nothing to apologize for. He was the wrong one. Being around her felt so right at times, while at others it caused feelings of unworthiness to fester inside him. At the moment he felt like the worst person in the world.
Forgive me Lord, he prayed. He hadn’t been truthful to Piper just now, and it seemed to him as if he was digging himself a bigger hole each and every day. Braden was angry at himself for allowing his best friend to question her own instincts, but he was so used to covering up now it almost felt like second nature. That was the problem with keeping a secret, he realized. Once you started down the wrong path, it was near impossible to get back on the right one no matter how badly you wanted to.
Chapter Six
By the next morning, Piper had compiled a list of five people in town who she considered to be seriously gifted bakers. She didn’t have much time to waste in tracking them down since the holidays were right around the corner. The pie-making operation needed to get underway immediately in order to maximize profits.
Unfortunately, after making a few phone calls, only two people were interested in helping her due to ongoing health issues and other commitments. One of the ladies who said yes—Birdie McCuller—had given her a great lead about a treasure trove of pie recipes owned by an Owl Creek resident. According to Birdie, Otis’s late wife June had been a masterful pie baker. Piper had a vague memory of tasting one of her pies at a church picnic. From what she remembered, June’s sweet potato pie had been a town favorite.
When Braden arrived at the diner, Piper told him everything she’d discovered about June’s stash of pie recipes and the fact that she’d managed to recruit two people to work on baking pies for the diner. Both women had been eager to make a l
ittle cash while doing something they loved.
“I’m going to head over to see Otis in a little while. I can’t reach him by phone, and I’m eager to ask him if he wouldn’t mind sharing those recipes. According to Birdie, they go back several generations. It would be cool to make some really unique pies.”
“Can’t you just look up some recipes online?” Braden asked, scratching his jaw.
Piper swatted him playfully with her hand. “These recipes are special. You can’t beat precious family recipes. They were probably June’s pride and joy. I imagine they’re sitting in a special tin box in a treasured place at their home. I’d love to tap into them for inspiration.”
Braden narrowed his gaze as he looked at her. “So what makes you think Otis will let you use them?”
Piper shrugged. “I don’t know for certain, but I think if we both head over there maybe he’ll be more willing to share them. Otis is a sweetheart. He won’t be able to say no once he sees us face-to-face.”
Braden’s eyes bulged. “Us? You want me to go with you?” Braden asked. “Who’s going to hold down the fort here?”
“Well, it just so happens that Jorge is looking for more responsibility. He’s worked here for a long time, but he mainly worked in the kitchen until recently,” Piper explained, jutting her chin in his direction. At the moment Jorge was working the cash register. In the last few weeks, he’d really come into his own, performing a wide range of duties and showcasing his skills. “He can manage for an hour or so. Things aren’t exactly hopping around here,” she said, unable to prevent a hint of sadness from creeping into her voice.
Even though she still harbored hope of turning things around at the diner, with each passing day the situation became more precarious. Time was of the essence. If Braden’s suggestions didn’t work out, she would have to make some heartbreaking decisions. Her mother had been so proud last night watching Piper in her element at the Snowy Owl. She couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing her or Hank.
She locked gazes with Braden. Understanding radiated from his eyes. Even though she knew things weren’t like they used to be between them, for a moment they seemed to be in perfect sync. Braden knew she was racked with worry. “Okay, let’s go pay Otis a visit. I’m driving.”
Piper stood up a little straighter. Having Braden by her side made everything better. “Thanks, Braden. You’ll see. This trip to see Otis will be worthwhile.”
After briefly talking to Jorge, Piper put her winter parka on along with a woolen hat and a pair of cozy Lovely boots. She was now ready for the elements. Outside, Braden yanked open the passenger side door of his car for her. Once he settled himself in the driver’s seat, Braden started the car and let it idle for a while to warm up the engine. A cold front had swept in overnight, putting Owl Creek at historically low temperatures for December. Even though she was bundled up, the interior of Braden’s vehicle felt frigid.
Otis’s house was located about ten minutes from town near the mountains. As they drove past scenic views, Piper’s thoughts were racing. Last night she’d stayed up way too late brainstorming ideas for the diner. She’d come up with a plan to have a “countdown to Christmas” promotion where signature holiday items would be served along with a festive giveaway every day. Perhaps a precious ornament, fragrant candle or a festive stocking. And she would tie it in to a theme such as ugly sweaters, Christmas songs or holiday classic films. She wanted to tell Braden all about it, but she needed to focus on the matter at hand—this visit to see Otis.
So much was riding on these next few weeks, and if this pie idea took off, it could be a game changer. Perhaps on the way home she and Braden could brainstorm some more. When they were focusing on the Snowy Owl, Piper could almost pretend as if things were normal between them. It was her fervent hope that working together would bring them back to that place in time when they were completely in sync. And if she managed to hold on to ownership of the diner in the process, it would be the most wonderful Christmas gift of all.
By the time they reached Otis’s log cabin, snow was beginning to swirl down from the sky. Piper didn’t mind the snow one bit. It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without a bunch of the fluffy white stuff gracing Owl Creek. Ever since she was little she’d enjoyed snowstorms and inclement weather. It was one of the many reasons she never wanted to leave Alaska. She felt fortunate to live in the last frontier.
Otis’s home was a rustic and charming house, nestled behind a wooded lane. As they drove up to it, the first thing Piper noticed was the smoke curling from the chimney, emitting a cozy vibe. Although it was a sweet cabin, it was clear the place had seen better days. The shutters were a faded gray, and the paint on the front door was chipped and peeling. Piper hadn’t been out here in years, not since she’d interviewed Otis for her school paper about his former career as a park ranger. Back then she’d been greeted at the front door by both Otis and June, who couldn’t have been a lovelier couple. They had graciously welcomed her into their home and treated her like a treasured guest.
Although neither she nor Braden had spoken about it during the ride over, the trail where her father had suffered his fatal injuries was only a few miles down the road. She’d been acutely aware of it when they were in the vicinity. Actual goosebumps had risen on the back of her neck.
“It must get lonely for Otis living all the way out here by himself,” Braden noted, looking around the area as they got out of the truck. All one could see was acres of forest, snowcapped mountains and chopped logs resting in a pile by the house. From the looks of it, Otis would be keeping himself warm for a very long time.
“I imagine so, especially since he’s a recent widower. It’s so quiet out here,” Piper said. “I’m glad my mom had the inn filled with customers to keep her company.” She made a mental note to include Otis in more town activities. It couldn’t be easy fending for himself after being married for such a long time. She was pretty sure his children, who had children themselves, didn’t live nearby.
When they reached the front door, Piper took the lead and knocked. The sound of a barking dog reached their ears. The door swung open to reveal Otis standing on the threshold with a Siberian Husky puppy yipping at his heels. Although Piper wanted to squeal at the sight of the exact type of dog she’d always dreamed of owning, she knew it was important to focus on the matter at hand. Otis raised his hand in a command for the dog. “Settle down, Winter.”
His eyes went wide with surprise when he laid eyes on them. “Piper. And Braden. What in the world brings the two of you out to my neck of the woods?”
“We’re sorry for the interruption,” Piper said, “but may we come in? We have a proposition for you.”
Otis took a step back and waved them inside the house. “Of course. Come on in. I’ll get the kettle heated so we can have some tea. It’s getting pretty nippy out there.” Piper and Braden entered the house and took off their snowy boots, leaving them on the mat by the door. “Follow me,” Otis said, leading them toward the kitchen. Winter trailed behind them.
The kitchen was warm and bright—yellow walls lent the room a cheery vibe. It had a woman’s touch—sweet tea towels and floral tins graced the counter. A wooden sign instructed them to Bless the Cook. Once they’d settled down at the table and Otis had served them their tea along with some zucchini bread, their host cut to the chase.
“So, I’m mighty curious about this proposition you have for me. This is probably the biggest excitement I’ve had in a long time.” Otis’s smile was endearing.
Piper shared a quick glance with Braden before speaking. “Otis, I’d like to ask you something, if it’s all right.”
“You’re the biggest sweetheart in town, Piper. You can ask me anything,” Otis responded, adding a sugar cube to his tea before stirring it.
Piper warmed at the compliment. “I wanted to know if you still had June’s pie recipes. I’m going to start making specialty
pies as one of the holiday attractions at the diner.” She crossed her hands in front of her and locked gazes with Otis. “I remember how fantastic June’s pies were. I seem to recall a very unusual twist on key lime pie, as well. Everyone here in town would always rave about them.”
A sheepish expression appeared on his face. He began to fiddle with his fingers while avoiding eye contact with her. “Well, Piper,” he said in a halting voice. “I have a confession to make. The truth is it wasn’t June who made those pies. It was me.” Piper felt her jaw drop. She swung her gaze toward Braden who also seemed flabbergasted by the news.
“You? Why, Otis, that’s fantastic,” she sputtered.
“Why the secrecy?” Braden asked. “Didn’t you want everyone to know about your baking talents?”
Otis looked sheepish. “I grew up in a time when it wasn’t considered manly to be a pie baker. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I’m talking fifty years ago in a different time and place. Gender roles were very rigid. So I let June take the credit, even though it drove her crazy not to brag about her pie-making husband. In her eyes I was pretty spectacular.”
“Whoa. I did not see that coming,” Braden said, letting out a low whistle.
Piper subtly elbowed Braden in the side. “Well, June was right. I think you’re amazing, Otis. A true Renaissance man. Would you consider working for me? I’ve decided to increase my pie supply and frankly, I need help.” Piper made a face. “The holiday pies are really important to increasing revenue at the Snowy Owl.”
Otis appeared stunned by the invitation. “Do you really want an old guy like me making pies for you?” Otis asked. “These fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be. I have arthritis and a few other ailments.”
“It would be an honor, Otis,” Piper gushed. “Frankly, I’m eager to up my pie game. I could learn a lot from you.”
Otis threw his head back and laughed. “You sure know how to flatter an old man.”
Piper wagged her finger at Otis. “My granny always used to say that age is nothing but a number. You’ve got lots of life in you yet.”
Alaskan Christmas Redemption Page 7