Like Hattie said,It’s not the speed of the train, it’s the destination.He was going to have to start writing down her Hattie-isms.
Moose Falls was located on Kachemak Bay in the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Due to its proximity to the water, fishing had always been a major industry in town. But, due to Hattie’s ingenuity, the small town was now known for Yukon Cider. It was a major draw for tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic Alaskan experience with a stay at the Moose Falls Inn and a tour and taste at Yukon Cider.
“So, how did Yukon Cider originate?” Xavier asked. “Was it a family business?” Although he had done a little research into the company prior to coming to Alaska, he still didn’t know much about the founding of the business.
Hattie let out a throaty laugh. “My father was a preacher who didn’t believe in drinking. He would have frowned upon Yukon Cider. The business came to pass when I was widowed after Jack’s death. I had very little money and a small boy to raise, so I had to think fast to find a way for us to survive.” She looked out the window and ran her finger along the pane of glass. “I’ve always loved apples, and I hated the taste of beer, so I decided to do some experimenting one day. I fooled around with fermented apples, and one thing led to another. Voilà. Yukon Cider was born.”
“That’s quite a story,” Caleb said, letting out a low whistle. “You really did the thing, didn’t you?” He reached over into the front seat and squeezed her shoulder.
“I did indeed,” Hattie said, her voice bursting with pride.
“You were a bit of a scientist,” Landon said. “I must’ve inherited that from you.”
“I bet you did,” Hattie said. Xavier darted a glance at his grandmother. She was grinning from ear to ear. He was noticing that it didn’t take much to make her happy: a sweet compliment on her blouse or a tidbit they shared with her about their lives.
“Did you know that Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined?” Landon asked as he peered out the window.
“Is that a serious question?” Caleb asked. He was busy snapping photos on his cell phone, ones that no doubt would end up on his Instagram page within minutes. Caleb was all about rehabbing his image in the hope of jump-starting an acting career. So far it really wasn’t working all that well. Caleb couldn’t manage to shake the public’s perception that he was a lying, cheating snake. Every time he went on an audition, casting directors brought up his unfortunate stint on the most popular reality show on television.
“That’s fascinating, Landon,” Hattie remarked. “I appreciate how you’re being a man of facts. You could probably rake in the dough onJeopardy!” she said with a chuckle.
From the rearview mirror, Xavier could see Landon grinning. “Thank you, Granny. I consider that a huge compliment. I appreciate someone who’s always seeking knowledge.”
As they continued to travel along the road, Xavier slowed down when they came across a “Moose Crossing” sign. He’d been warned by both Hattie and Jacques about drivingin Moose Falls in remote areas. Hitting a thousand-pound moose was the last thing he wanted to do on their first day at the factory.
“We’re coming up on it now,” Hattie announced. “Make this right turn and pull into the lot.”
A large, oval, red-and-white sign announced that they had arrived at Yukon Cider. Although Xavier had never imagined he would get so excited at the sight of Hattie’s cider company, goose bumps rose on the back of his neck. What his grandmother had achieved was monumental. It was even more impressive that she had built her company up from nothing after being widowed and raising Red as a single mother. He wondered why their mother hadn’t ever told them about all their grandmother had achieved. Xavier knew there had been bad blood after the divorce, but they had really taken their beef to new levels.
Once they exited the car and walked into the building, there were employees waiting to greet them. They stood by the entrance with a sign that read “Welcome back to Moose Falls.” Each of their names was written at the top in bold red letters. Everyone was smiling and jovial. Hattie seemed to know every single one of them by name.
“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t they,” Caleb said in a low voice. His lips were twitching. Despite everything he’d been through, Xavier appreciated the fact that Caleb’s sense of humor was still intact. Caleb never lost his sense of self, despite being portrayed in the media as someone he wasn’t.
“I think it’s nice,” Landon said. “They’re rolling out the welcome wagon.”
Even though he wouldn’t admit it out loud, Xavier thought it was nice too. Because they were important to Hattie, he and his brothers were being welcomed with open arms. It reminded him of the days when a new player arrivedin the Cardinals’ locker room. There had always been a little bit of razzing, but mostly they’d showered the newcomer with love.
“They like us,” Xavier said. “They really like us.”
Xavier knew better than to look at his brothers. It would only result in a fit of inappropriate laughter, which wouldn’t go over well with Hattie. Yukon Cider was her pride and joy. The way she talked about the company, Xavier didn’t know where she began and Yukon Cider ended. Maybe in time, all would be revealed. He had so many questions to ask her, things his mother hadn’t ever wanted to discuss.
Why had she been absent from their lives for the most part? There had been visits in their early years, but those had faded out. Sure, she had sent plenty of gifts and checks for birthdays and graduations, but her physical presence had been lacking. Why? Clearly she loved them and always had. What had gone down between his parents that had been so terrible that the entire family had splintered?
One way or the other, Xavier was determined to uncover the truth. After all, he’d only been waiting for twenty years to find out.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity, with Xavier and his brothers getting a crash course in all things related to Yukon Cider. So much so that his dreams were filled with a laundry list of all the things he needed to learn over the next year. Even though he was skeptical about the idea of living in Moose Falls and running Hattie’s company, he knew that keeping an open mind was only fair. After all, it was his grandmother’s life’s work, and the fate of Yukon Cider would affect lots of people here in town. From what he had gleaned from a few employees, the company fueled the economy in Moose Falls.
They met lots of Hattie’s employees over the next few days—wonderful, hardworking Alaskans who were devoted to the cider company. Either way—stay or sell—the fate of the company was of vital importance to the townsfolk. Which meant there was a lot resting on his shoulders—and Caleb’s and Landon’s. Had Xavier really thought this out before he had packed up his life in Arizona and headed back to Alaska?
And now, he’d decided to spend some time at Northern Exposure in an effort to decompress a little bit. According to Jacques, they held a karaoke night every Wednesday. Xavier wasn’t planning to get onstage and perform, but Caleb was determined to belt out a few songs.
“This is a little out of my element,” Landon announced as they walked through the doors of Northern Exposure. Xavier had had to coax Landon to join them tonight. His view of a night out was a visit to the planetarium. Because Landon was his little brother, Xavier found it endearing, but he also thought it was high time he mixed it up a little bit. His romantic life had always been a snooze fest. Even though it seemed as if his brother wanted to make a connection with someone, so far nothing had clicked. Maybe coming to Alaska would get him out of the safety zone.
“It’s a tavern, Landon,” Xavier said, clapping his brother on the back. “Not a strip club.”
Landon’s eyes widened. “I should hope not.” He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. Xavier’s baby brother was looking around the place with wide eyes.
