“Sounds ideal.” Zane didn’t believe any place could be this perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong.” Gray grimaced. “We have our issues. Alcohol abuse. Drug addiction. The occasional ornery guy who doesn’t think the law applies to him.” Something in Gray’s expression set off Zane’s internal warning system. There was a story behind that comment.
“But,” Gray continued, “the pace here is slower. The pressures lighter. Most folks don’t lock their doors. Kids run around from house to house without fear. It’s ideal for families or for people who just want off the hamster wheel.”
“Are you one of those people? Who wanted off the hamster wheel?” Tessa asked.
“Definitely. I’m not cut out for city life anymore.” Something about his tone made it clear that Gray wouldn’t be sharing any more on the topic.
Zane stood and offered his hand to Tessa to help her to her feet. “Gray, thank you for taking the time to fill us in. We’ll wander around town for a little while before we check in at The Haven.”
Handshakes were exchanged all around. “I’ll keep your purpose here to myself, but do me a favor and give me a heads-up if it’s really going to happen. I don’t have much in the way of manpower, but I’ll help any way I can.”
“We’ll do that.”
“WE AREN’T IN KANSAS ANYMORE.”They’d spent an hour wandering around Gossamer Falls, and Tessa loved the small town. But as they paused at the entry to The Haven, she had to stop herself from gaping. The wrought-iron gate was at least fifty feet high and set into stone columns. There was a twenty-foot-high fence surrounding the property, but it was mostly hidden behind a wall of greenery. The security guard at the gate checkedtheir reservation information in seconds, provided them with a map and verbal directions to their private cabin, and encouraged them to relax and enjoy their stay. A five-minute drive later, they found a valet and a concierge awaiting them at their parking space.
“Welcome to The Haven.” The concierge walked them inside as the valet removed their bags from the SUV. “I’ve provided a complete schedule of optional activities for you this weekend. There’s a guided hike to Gossamer Falls tomorrow morning. Please be aware that Gossamer Falls is on public property, so if you choose to participate, we cannot guarantee your privacy. We also have a guided hike to several waterfalls on The Haven property if you prefer.”
The concierge pointed out various features in the cabin, including heated tile floors, towel warmers, and blackout shades that could be put on a timer. He turned on the TV, confirmed their couples spa appointment for the next day, and didn’t leave until both of their phones were connected to the complimentary Wi-Fi.
When they were alone, Tessa settled onto a cozy sofa and Zane joined her. “I fully expected him to unpack our suitcases and then hold our hands as we walked to the dining room.”
“He probably would have if we’d wanted him to.” Zane looked at the activities list. “Almost every class can be held privately by making a call to the concierge. Or you can attend an open session.”
“I vote we attend an open session.” Tessa leaned over Zane’s arm to read the list. “No archery or marksmanship options. Pity.”
Zane laughed and tapped the paper. “Our couples massage isn’t until four. We have time to go on a hike in the morning, check out a class after lunch, then the massage, then dinner.”
“That works for me.”
BY THE NEXT AFTERNOON,Tessa had concluded that the First Lady would love The Haven. The meals were extraordinary, the waterfall tour on the property included snacks and beverages carried by the resort staff, and their cabin was an oasis of calm elegance.
She and Zane had enjoyed their morning hike but decided to forego a group class in favor of exploring the resort before their massage. They wandered into a gift shop filled with everything from two-hundred-dollar sweaters with The Haven’s discreet logo embroidered on the chest to gourmet treats that could be shipped anywhere so patrons could take a piece of The Haven home with them. But it was the pottery on the back wall that captured Tessa’s attention. She examined the pieces. Each one was a small work of art.
A sales associate approached from behind a row of sweaters. Her name tag declared that her name was Courtney and she was a Gossamer Falls native. “May I help you?”
Tessa pointed to the wall. “Is the pottery made locally?”
“Oh, yes.” The young woman’s eyes lit up. “Our in-house artist created all these pieces.”
“Does she teach the classes you offer?” Zane asked.
“She does. And she offers private lessons if you’d be interested in that option.”
“Not on this trip, I’m afraid.” Zane gave Courtney an apologetic smile. “We don’t have time, but perhaps on our next visit.”
“Just be aware that her private lessons fill up fast. When you book your stay, be sure to go ahead and get on the schedule.”
“Thanks for the tip.”
“My pleasure.”
Courtney excused herself, and Tessa lifted a coffee mug from the shelf. “Seventy-five dollars.”
Zane frowned. “Is it gold-plated?”
“I don’t think so. I mean, it’s beautiful, but...” She turned it over. “Hmm.”
