“Adele. Adele Jacks,” I replied. We actually shook hands. It felt formal.
“What brings you to Willow Brook?” she asked.
“Well…” I paused. “I guess I have a job. But originally, I came because I’m planning to hike in Katmai. This is a good starting point to fly over from, and I’d never been to this area.”
“Are you originally from Alaska or from out of state?”
“Alaska born and bred. I grew up outside the Fairbanks area.”I paused again, considering my thoughts. There was just something easy about her, so I ended up telling her more than I expected.“I’ve always wanted to hike in every park in Alaska, and there are plenty. Since I’m from the northern part of the state, I’ve already done the Arctic and what’s up there, so now I’m down here.”
“Oh, I love that! So where are you working?”
“Um, Heartfire Falls. Maggie offered me a job helping to lead hikes and a place to stay.”
“The Silvers are a good family, and those Silver boys…” She waggled her brows.
My cheeks heated instantly.
“I’m happily married, but I have eyes,” she teased.
Just then, someone opened a side door and a gust of wind blew through the gallery. Jasmine cleared her throat a few times before slipping an asthma inhaler from her pocket. A moment later, she gave me an apologetic smile. “Asthma. Mine’s pretty bad.”
“Oh, I understand,” I said. “I don’t have asthma, but I have a heart condition, so I’m used to dealing with health stuff.”
“Oh—are you okay?” Her brow crinkled with her concerned gaze.
“Oh, yes,” I replied quickly, my thoughts skipping back to my last appointment. “All good. I had surgery when I was little. So it’s just part of my life.”
“Is that something you have to monitor while you’re on hikes? Asthma may not seem like a big deal, but I’d have to be careful if I did anything long-distance.”
“I have to be aware, just like anyone would. But I never hike alone for any longer trips.”
“Makes sense.” She paused as someone came walking in from the restaurant. “Lucy!” she called.
“Hey, hey,” the woman I presumed to be Lucy returned.
I followed Jasmine’s gaze to see a petite woman striding through the gallery. She wore denim overalls and looked effortlessly tomboyish. She came right over to Jasmine’s side.
“How’s the hamster?” Jasmine asked, without preamble.
I blinked at that.
Lucy rolled her eyes with affection. “Buttons is fine.”
Jasmine turned to me, gesturing between us. “This is Adele Jacks. She’s taking a job out at Heartfire Falls to help lead hikes.” Lucy looked over at me and smiled. “This is my sister-in-law,” Jasmine explained. “Before she married my brother, he was the bane of my existence, but she’s turned him into the best version of himself, and they have a pet hamster.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out.
Lucy smiled sheepishly. “Levi loves hamsters. Anyway, nice to meet you, and welcome to Willow Brook.”
“If you ever need a house built,” Jasmine added, “Lucy and Amelia are your crew. They run the best construction business in town.”
“I wouldn’t say that—” Lucy began.
“It’s the best,” Jasmine cut in. “Don’t downplay it. Anyway, what brings you here today?”
“I was just reminding you we have card night tomorrow. My place,” Lucy said.
“Is Levi going to be there?”
