“We’re a couple, not blind.” Geoff laughed.
“Besides,” Teddy said, “we look like you. We wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true.”
“Thank you.”
After breakfast, Geoff helped him clear the snow from under the jeep’s tires and made a path for his vehicle to get out. Teddy and Geoff waved him off as he headed down the path back to Thistle. The snow drifted down, continuing to cover the road.
When he arrived in Thistle, Ciaran pulled over and noticed the toy store owner fiddling with the door to his shop.
“Oh, are you just opening up?” he called.
“Closing the shop for a few days,” Nicholas said.
“Why?”
“Didn’t you hear?” The man turned to face him. “There was a small avalanche. Blocked the road to the town. No one’s getting in or out. I’m taking a few days to relax.”
“Wait, there was an avalanche?”
“Yup, early this morning. It’s gonna take a while to clear. Hope you don’t have anywhere to go.”
Ciaran looked around. All the shops were closed, and the streets were empty.
“I’m supposed to head up to Canada to visit my family.”
“That road is the only way in and out of town. I’m sorry, young man, you’re stuck with us for at least a week.”
Ciaran swore under his breath. He wasn’t going to make it home. What would he do?
“Is there a hotel I can stay at?”
“The only place in town is the Cascade Inn, and they’re probably booked with guests who are stuck here with you. You can try, though. It’s just back the way you came. Take a right on Pine Street, and it’ll be on the left.”
“Thanks.” Ciaran looked at the shop. “Will you be opening back up in a few days? I want to get some more gifts for my niece and nephew before I leave.”
“I’ll be open on Saturday.”
“Great, see you then.”
Ciaran headed up the street and followed the directions to the Cascade Inn.
The parking lot was packed.
“There is no way they have a room.”
He found a spot and headed to the front desk.
“Welcome to the Cascade Inn. How may I help you?” A smiling man behind the counter greeted him.
“I don’t suppose you have a room?”
“I’m so sorry, sir. Because of the avalanche, we’re booked up.”
“Thank you.”
He turned to go.
“Sir, wait,” the man called. “There’s a chance The Bear Lodge has an opening. It’s run by a wonderful couple. Teddy and Geoff. They probably have a room.”
