The cabins came into view just as the road curved, tucked against the edge of the forest. The sun had barely risen, but warm lights glowed in several of the windows, and smoke rose from stone chimneys into the damp morning air.
Garner slowed and pulled into a small clearing, parking his truck. I followed, easing my car in beside it.
He climbed out of his truck and gestured toward the nearest cabin. “This one is mine.”
A door a few cabins down from his swung open, and a woman stepped out. She beamed a smile our way, seeming unsurprised to see me with Garner. I wondered if he’d called during the drive to let his neighbors know we were coming.
“Brr, it’s chilly.”
“Get back inside before Leyton kicks my ass for letting you get cold,” Garner chided.
She waved off his concern. “I’ll be fine for the few minutes it takes for you to introduce me to your new friend.”
He shook his head with a deep sigh. “This is Elodie. Elodie, this is Laina.”
“Nice to meet you.” Her smile widened.
Laina was so welcoming that I found myself grinning back at her. “Thanks.”
“I was just making a pot of hot chocolate for when Atlas wakes up.” She lifted a thermos. “I thought you might like some.”
Another woman walked down the path toward us, carrying a basket. “And I brought some breakfast since Garner tends to forget about keeping food in his kitchen when he’s in the middle of a project.”
“In his defense, he’s usually farther from home when he’s working,” Laina pointed out.
“That’s fair.” The other woman handed Garner the basket and turned to smile at me. “Hi, I’m Evette.”
Garner hadn’t been kidding about his neighbors' wives vouching for him. They were clearly very comfortable around him, or they wouldn’t have gone out of their way this early in the morning to welcome him back. And greet me.
Garner accepted the thermos from Laina with a grateful nod. “Thank you. Both of you.”
“Of course,” Laina replied easily. “You know where we’ll be.”
Evette smiled at me again. “Don’t be shy if you need anything.”
I managed a nod, my throat too tight for words.
Garner ushered me toward his cabin, opening the door and stepping aside so I could go in first. The space was warm and simple, with wood floors, a sturdy table, and a couch that looked more comfortable than the back seat of my car.
“Food first.” He set the basket on the small, round table to the side of the kitchen. Lifting the lid, he grinned. “Evette must’ve seen Thora recently.”
“Thora?” I echoed, my brows drawing together.
“She and Rome only live here part-time now since she’s a chef in Timber Ridge,” he explained as he pulled containers of food from the basket. “There’s quiche, all warmed up already.We also have some freshly baked blueberry muffins, fruit salad, and a couple of yogurt parfaits.”
“Wow.” My stomach let out a traitorous growl.
Garner pretended not to hear it. He moved to the counter to grab plates and utensils. “Take your pick. Whatever sounds good.”
“It all does,” I confessed.
“Then we’ll each have a little of everything,” he suggested.
I sat at the table while he piled the plates high with food. Much more than I could eat, even with how hungry I was.
“Go ahead,” he urged. “Don’t wait for me. I’m just going to pour us some hot chocolate before I dig in.”
I did, forcing myself to go slowly so I didn’t embarrass myself. Every bite was more delicious than the last.
