“This really filled the well,” Daisy said, patting the place over her heart. “I’ve missed this togetherness we’ve always shared. You boys are my life.”
Caleb could see a hint of fragility in her. Emotions were riding high with Daisy during this visit. “Aww, Mom. I know this hasn’t been easy for you. I’m so glad you came.”
“I waited a long time to come back to Alaska, but I wouldn’t have missed celebrating Xavier and True’s happiness.”
“Why didn’t we ever come back?” he asked. It was a topic she’d always dodged, but being back here made him want the truth. “I’ve always wondered,” he admitted.
“Oh, Caleb, it’s complicated. I won’t be in town much longer. I would rather not focus on the past, if that’s all right with you.”
His heart sank. “Okay,” he said, nodding. “I want you to enjoy your time here, so I’ll let it go.”
Actually, it wasn’t all right. He sensed that Daisy didn’t want to revisit the issues that had kept her and her kids away from Moose Falls. All these years later, and he still was dealing with unanswered questions.
Leaving the house for a night out twice in the span of a few days wasn’t just unusual for Sophia. It was extraordinary. The only reason she had agreed to go line dancing with Patience was because Donny had popped up to exercise his limited custodial rights. Usually he canceled at the last minute or totally blew off his time with Lily. Bless her little heart, Lily had been so excited to sleep over at her dad’s house and spend time with her “bonus mom,” as Donny called his new wife, Zora. From what Sophia had gleaned, Zora seemed to be a kind, caring person, but Donny had always been inconsistent as a parent.
It had taken all of her wherewithal not to drive over to Donny’s house and demand her daughter back. But Patience had talked her down, reminding her that Lily deserved to cultivate a decent relationship with her father. If Sophia stood in her way, Lily might resent her. She couldn’t allow her own relationship with her ex to impact Lily. Sophia let out a sigh. It wasn’t easy taking the high road.
Even though she had major reservations about Donny’s ability to go the distance and remain in his daughter’s life, she had to allow him the opportunity. They had a custodyagreement that she had to abide by, even if he cherry-picked the times he devoted to Lily.
She had just arrived at Northern Exposure, where she was meeting up with her sister and a few other friends. She loved line dancing, even though she usually did it in the comfort of her own home while watching it on YouTube. Once she walked through the tavern doors, the smell of cedar wood wafted in the air, along with the aroma of barbecue sauce. Her hunger was piqued by the savory aromas floating around. She hadn’t had time to grab dinner, so she definitely planned to order some appetizers. Chicken wings. Potato skins. Her mouth was watering at the prospect of indulging in some comfort food. On a night like tonight she needed the comfort.
The interior was rustic and full of Alaskan charm. The flooring was hardwood and slightly scuffed, as if many a patron had trod all over it. Large flat-screen televisions hung from various vantage points around the bar and dining area. Retro Alaska signs hung on the walls, emitting an old-fashioned vibe.
This place was True’s baby, and with the backing of Hattie Stone, she had put in a lot of work to renovate the place over the years. Now that True had bought the place from Red, Hattie’s son and the father of the three gorgeous Stone brothers, her friend was over the moon about owning her own business. Sophia didn’t blame her. After all the hard work she’d put in over the years, it was the only thing that made sense, especially with Hattie’s health failing and the sobering news of her terminal illness. According to True, the Stone brothers were working their butts off at Yukon Cider and learning the ropes at the business they were set to inherit.
“Sophia!” Her sister’s voice rang out seconds beforeshe enveloped Sophia in the tightest of hugs. “You made it. I wasn’t sure if I’d have to drag you here kicking and screaming.”
“I’m not in that bad shape,” Sophia said. “I took a deep breath and didn’t make a scene when he picked Lily up.” She flashed an oversize grin. “I deserve a prize for that.”
“Let’s order some drinks at the bar,” Patience said, tugging on Sophia’s arm. “My treat.”
“I’m down for hard cider and some apps.” Hattie had really done something amazing with the creation of the hard cider company, which was why Sophia seized every opportunity to support the local brand. Hattie had put Moose Falls on the map with her hard cider.
“Say less,” Patience said. “I haven’t eaten since lunch.”
When they reached the bar, True was standing there, along with Bonnie Walker, one of her waitresses. They were playing rock, paper, scissors and laughing uproariously. Sophia loved the friendship between the two women. It was a true sisterhood. Although Bonnie was True’s employee and a good eleven years older than True was, they had formed a tight bond. With vibrant red hair and a bubbly personality, Bonnie was beloved in Moose Falls. A recent engagement to her boyfriend, Tucker Jennings, had surprised them all due to Bonnie’s reluctance to settle down after a past abusive relationship. Tucker, however, was the real deal, and he adored his fiancée.
“Hey, ladies,” Bonnie said in a bubbly tone. “What’s your poison tonight?”
“And by poison she means your drink of choice. First round’s on me,” True said with an easygoing smile. As of late, True had seemed happier than ever, now that she’d found love with Xavier and purchased the tavern.
“I’ll have a martini,” Patience said. “On the rocks.”
“Cranberry and apple Yukon Cider for me,” Sophia said. “And can we see a menu? Apps are calling my name.”
“Here’s the menu,” Bonnie said, “but we have some new lobster spring rolls that are to die for.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Patience said. “We’ll take an order of the spring rolls and some chicken wings.” She winked at True. “Just not the ghost pepper variety.”
True covered her face with her hands and shook her head. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?” she asked, chuckling.
“Nope,” Sophia said, laughing along with her. “It’s now firmly engrained in Moose Falls town lore.”
Hattie walked in a short time later with an entourage. Although she was surrounded by her three grandsons, Red, Daisy, and Jacques, all Sophia could focus on was Caleb. Smoking hot, witty Caleb. She hadn’t wanted to like him, hadn’t expected to find him so appealing. And it wasn’t just his good looks, she realized. It was the man himself. The way he walked and talked. The sound of his laughter. Most of all, it was the way he made her stomach do somersaults. As a child she had adored the thrill of the roller coaster, and Caleb was that ride in human form.
She hadn’t expected to be drawn to him like a magnet.
She hadn’t expected to believe that he had been misunderstood on reality television.
