Chapter Two
ELIZA
As I chopvegetables for dinner, the rich aroma of simmering beef stew fills the kitchen, mingling with the scent of freshly chopped onions and garlic. I’m adding them in stages to layer the flavors—Grandma’s trick for a stew that tastes like home. It also ensures that the vegetables don’t turn mushy. The task is soothing, giving my hands something to do while my mind wanders. I can't stop thinking about Matt.
There's something about him—a haunted look in his eyes, a tension in his shoulders that tugs at my heart. Finn didn't give me many details, only that his friend needed a place to recover after an accident on an oil rig. But the way Matt carries himself, like he's bracing for impact at any moment, speaks volumes about what he's been through.
“Zaza, I help?” Hailey's eager voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I look down at my niece, grateful for the distraction. Her blonde hair is a tousled mess, likely from her dad's less-than-perfect attempt at styling it, but her bright blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. “Of course, sweetie. Do you want to help Aunt Eliza by tearing up the lettuce for the salad?”
I clear a spot on the counter next to me, setting up a workstation for her with a stool and a bowl so we can work together. As I lift her onto the stool, I'm struck by how quickly she's grown. It seems like yesterday she was a tiny baby, and now here she is, eager to help in the kitchen.
“Like this, Zaza?” Hailey asks, ripping a lettuce leaf into pieces with intense concentration.
“Perfect, honey,” I assure her, feeling a surge of affection. “You're doing a great job.”
As Hailey enthusiastically attacks the lettuce, I glance out the window. The first flakes of snow are falling—wetter, heavier flakes that stick to the ground right away, unlike the usual ones that melt for the first hour.
I check my phone, frowning at the weather alert. The center of the storm is almost here. We're used to them, but the way the snow is already accumulating is unusual. This storm feels different. Bigger. More ominous. Maybe that's because I'm in charge and will have to deal with all the shoveling tomorrow.
Responsibility presses down on me. Finn trusted me to watch over the lodge while he's away in Anchorage, and I'm determined not to let him down. But facing a major storm alone is daunting. I push the anxiety aside, focusing on the task at hand.
“Hailey, honey.” I lower myself to her height, making sure we're eye to eye, “I think we should call your daddy to come pick you up early. This storm looks like it might be a doozy.”
Hailey's bottom lip quivers, a clear sign of an impending flood of tears. “I stay, Zaza!” she insists, her little hands gripping the edge of the counter.
I smooth her hair, my heart aching at her disappointment. “I know you want to, sweetie. But we don't have any of your clothes here. Besides, if it snows a lot, you'll be happier at homewith your dad, where you can watchFrozenand play with your toys. We'll have a sleepover another day, okay?”
It takes several reassurances and promises of future fun, but Hailey eventually agrees. I call Kane, explaining the situation, and he promises to come right away. As we wait, I busy myself with finishing up dinner preparations.
The rumble of a snowmobile announces Kane's arrival. He bursts in, bringing a gust of cold air and snowflakes with him. His face is etched with worried big brother energy. “Eliza, are you certain you'll be okay here alone? You're right, this storm looks nasty.”
I roll my eyes, even as I appreciate his concern. It's comforting to know he cares, but sometimes the overprotectiveness of my brothers can be stifling. “I'll be fine,” I assure him. “Don't forget, big brother, that I grew up here too. This isn't my first rodeo. Besides, I'm not alone—Matt's in the guest cabin, and it's my responsibility to see that he's looked after. I can't abandon him because of a little snow.”
Kane narrows his eyes as his gaze lands on me. “I don't know if I like that you're here alone with a stranger.”
I cross my arms. “Stop worrying. Finn trusts this guy, so I'm sure he's fine.”
Kane doesn't look happy, but he doesn't argue. He gathers Hailey, bundling her up in her little parka. After a flurry of goodbyes and a tight hug from my niece, they leave, and I'm alone in the quiet lodge.
The wind howls outside, rattling the windows, and I remind myself that I can handle this. Finn trusted me, and I'm not about to let him down. Still, despite having grown up here, the incoming storm makes the wilderness feel a little more imposing.
I’ve crafted a detailed plan to balance everything: manage the lodge efficiently, ensure the guest is comfortable, andreserve time for myself. Keeping an eye on the lodge shouldn’t be an all-consuming task. After all, how difficult could a single guest be? With the downtime between meals and cleaning, I’ll finally have the chance to focus on preparing for my second attempt at my teaching certification exam.
The upcoming test sends a flutter of anxiety through my stomach. That first try was a disaster, a result of inadequate preparation, and the failure hit me hard.
This certification is crucial for me. Without it, my chances of staying in Port Promise, surrounded by my exasperating yet endearing overprotective family, would vanish. I'd be forced to accept that barista position in Anchorage, which Finn's friend had offered as a backup plan. Leaving my home, being away from my family and the life I've built here, feels almost unbearable.
I shake off the worries, focusing on the present. The storm is picking up outside, and I should warn Matt about it. I'm about to head out when there's a knock at the door. When I open it, he's standing there with snowflakes clinging to his dark hair. I can see a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. The cold has brought a flush to his cheeks, making him look younger, more vulnerable.
“Hey,” he says, fingers nervously rubbing the nape of his neck. “I, uh, thought I'd take you up on that dinner offer. If it still stands.”
My heart flutters at his words—he's here for dinner. With me. The only men I spend time with these days are my brothers, so this feels special. The corners of my mouth twitch upward as I try to suppress the smile threatening to explode across my face.
“Of course,” I respond, unable to contain the excitement in my voice. I remind myself to practice my poker face at a later time.
“Come in.” My eyes drink him in as he steps over the threshold. His broad shoulders fill out his coat perfectly. I notice how well he fits into the warm feel of the lodge.
