“I’m sure I can find my way again.” He jerked a thumb to the car outside. “Last time I came through, I went out there to make sure it can accommodate my grandmother. She moves extremely well for her age, but I didn’t want her climbing twenty steps every time she came in and out of the cabin.”
“Understandable. The Poplar cabin is a great choice. The driveway’s not steep, and there are only three steps to enter the cabin. Two of the bedrooms are upstairs, but the master is downstairs, which I’m sure you’re already aware of.” She paused and smiled. “It’s also built in a manner to give you incredible views no matter which way you look.”
“All reasons I chose that one when the bed and breakfast fell through.” He folded the map in quarters and slipped it in his pocket. “Do you need anything else?”
She swiveled in her seat and opened a safe behind her. Pulled down a set of keys and handed them to him with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ll probably want these.”
“I imagine so.” He was usually more on top of things, but his mind was scattered over the weekend ahead. “What time does the grocery close?”
“They close at nine on Fridays.”
That gave him plenty of time to get Gran settled and run back to town for groceries. He planned to take her to the diner for lunch tomorrow, but that left four other meals he needed to provide. He’d stubbornly insisted Gran not do any chores while here, which included cooking. His mom had volunteered to take over meals, but he didn’t want her encroaching on this trip any more than she and his dad already had. This washisgift to Gran, not theirs.
“Thanks. And all the linen is in the cabin already, correct?”
“Yes. The beds should be made, and bathrooms stocked. There’s also a closet with extra pillows, blankets, towels, and washcloths, but if you’re missing anything, give us a call. The office is open until seven, but there’s an emergency contact number on your registration confirmation and at every exit of the cabin.”
The cabin keys jingled in his hands as he strode to the car. Gran and his parents didn’t see him approach, and he took the opportunity to watch them. Not an ounce of animosity reflected on Gran’s face. By all appearances, she truly enjoyed spending time with her son and daughter-in-law and held no ill will toward them. A part of him wondered if Gran put on a show for his sake, to mediate an agreement toward forgiveness, but in his heart, he knew that wasn’t true. Gran was one of those rare souls who could see the good in anyone.
And that’s exactly why so many people have taken advantage of her over the years. She’d never met a lost soul she didn’t try to help. Granddad had been the same way. Landon would never understand how two generous and loving souls had born a child as selfish as his father.
At an outburst of their laughter, Landon opened the door and sat behind the steering wheel. “We’re all set. In ten minutes, we’ll be at our home for the weekend.”
Like a curious child, Gran’s gaze switched from one window to the next. Her enthusiasm caught on through the car, and for several brief minutes, Landon forgot he detested his parents. He laughed with them and handed over his phone for them to snatch a picture of a snowshoe hare enjoying a meal of greens along the edge of the road.
He drove up the mountain incline and turned on the final road. Five hundred feet back sat the driveway which would lead them to their cabin. Nestled among aspens, white pine, and yellow birches, the A-frame cabin with a wraparound porch sat on a flat parcel of land.
“What do you think, Gran?” He shifted to park and watched for her reaction.
Her broad smile said it all. “It’s beautiful.”
“Wait until you see the view from the rear. It overlooks a stream, and when I first came to see this place, I could envision you sitting out there in the mornings with your Bible and journal.”
“That sounds lovely.”
Peter pushed his door open. “If you’ll pop the trunk, Son, I’ll get the bags and bring them in.”
Chills coursed through Landon’s blood, and he cringed. His dad lost all rights to use that endearment for him, but he had to swallow his anger and be the better person. He pushed the release button, then exited the vehicle.
His mom had already slid out and opened Gran’s door for her. He didn’t miss that gentle touch used to support Gran’s arm as she climbed out of the car, her aged joints stiff from sitting. His mom treated Gran tenderly, something Landon hadn’t known she was capable of.
One good action doesn’t negate a million poor ones. How many nights as a kid did I wish she were there to tuck me in and treat me with tender care when I had the flu and stomach bug.
A territorial rush came over him, and he took Gran’s free hand. The three of them climbed the wide porch steps together while Peter carried the luggage behind them.
Landon released Gran’s hand to unlock the deadbolt and enter the security code into the pin pad. When he heard the buzz followed by the regular lock moving, he turned the knob and opened the door.
A rustic woodland awaited them inside. Whoever decorated the cabin chose items to synergize the natural environment outside with the home’s interior. Crafted accent pieces passed as realistic replicas of flora and fauna surrounding the area. Roughhewn furniture and handmade cabinets added to the charm, but the premium calfskin couch spoke to the luxuries woven into the décor.
He hoped Gran enjoyed it as much as she would have the bed and breakfast. The cabin was more his style, but it wasn’t about him. “Come here, I’ll show you your bedroom.”
She followed him through the door off the living room. “This is twice the size of my bedroom back home.”
“Wait until you see the bathroom.” He led her past the bed with the woodland alpine bedding and through the oak door. “See that tub? It’s a Jacuzzi too.”
“I wouldn’t even know how to use that.” Gran’s wide eyes belied her casual response.
Violet wrapped an arm around her mother-in-law’s shoulder. “I can show you.”
