Her mouth hangs open. “It’s amazing. Not what I was expecting at all.”
We continue to walk down the path, nearing the structure consisting of mostly windows on the front, a wide deck in the back overlooking the lake, and custom stonework on the lower half.
“After roughing it so long, I spent the last handful of years slowly making improvements.” I bring my finger to my lips. “Shhh. I didn’t officially get a building permit, just had seaplanes bring in shipments and materials, had workers camp out for thesummer, and labored alongside them. It’s one-hundred percent eco-friendly and self-sustaining.”
“It’s exquisite,” she says as we step inside.
I draw a deep breath and stretch my arms. “Make yourself at home. I’ll give you a quick tour.”
I guide Everly through the lower level with a game room, movie theater, and a fireplace.
She points. “I thought you said the island is closed during the winter.”
“Closed to visitors. If I ever have the urge, I can fly in. Special privileges. I figured a fireplace down here would be good for after ice skating, fishing, and things like that.”
“I haven’t skated in far too long.”
“Maybe we can do something about that,” I say as we head up the stairs.
The main level has an open floor plan with the kitchen and living area spanning much of the space, along with a long table for dining and a grand hearth that reaches the vaulted ceiling. Everything is wood, granite, and river stone.
I lead us up the staircase and to the bedrooms.
She pauses, getting the bird’s-eye view from the landing. “Spectacular. I have to admit, I envisioned a hut befitting a Viking with a hole in the ground filled with your plunder.”
I make a battle cry and in one swift motion, pick Everly up, cradling her in my arms, and crash down the hall.
She laughs and mock-pounds me on the chest before I carefully deposit her on the floor of an enormous bedroom.
As she lowers to her feet, our eyes catch for one long, heart-pounding moment. Her lips part as though she’s going to say something. But words don’t come. Not from her or me. Instead, something else pulses between us. I can feel it along with my desire to protect her.
Everly’s shoulders drop on an exhale. She eyes her suitcase, then the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, and finally, the king-sized bed.
“See? The airline didn’t lose your baggage.” I wink.
“That’s a relief. If they did, I doubt they’d deliver my stuff all the way out here. And it would’ve been a shame to have lost the new clothes I bought to mix in with Heidi’s hand-me-downs. Then again, I guess I don’t have to worry about people wondering why I was dressed like a preteen since we’re in the middle of nowhere.”
“And there I thought you were just a little bit manic pixie dream girl.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“Me neither.” I chuckle, recalling a term I heard one of the guys use.
“But you said,dreamgirl.”
“Did I? Enjoy your stay, Mrs. Adams. If there’s anything I can get you, please let me know.” I wink.
As I pad down the hall, I’m pretty sure she threw herself on the bed with a bounce and let out a happy squeal.
With a little skip to my step, instead of my usual buffalo stomp, I realize that I’ll do anything for her. But what is she going to think about the situation that’s about to unfurl?
Once downstairs in the kitchen, my domain, my stomach growls like a true Viking and I get to work. After marinating chicken thighs, I toss together a salad with spinach, strawberries, onions, and poppyseed dressing. Every summer, I have food deliveries made to compensate for what I don’t grow, but this is the first time I’ll be cooking for more than just myself.
A little while later, Everly appears wearing a white sundress with little pink flowers and looking refreshed.
I pour us each a glass of sparkling water with lemon. “Snacks on the kitchen island and dinner prep is almost done.”
She strolls through the space to the bookshelves—they’re taller than me and packed full.
