Chapter Fourteen
ELIZA
The morning sunstreams through the curtains, casting a warm glow across our bed. I wake to find Matt already up, a nervous energy about him as he finishes getting dressed.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” he says, leaning down to kiss me. “Ready for our big day out?”
I stretch, smiling up at him. “Absolutely. Let me get ready.”
I climb out of bed, the cool air a shock against my skin after the blankets. Matt moves to the small kitchenette area of our cabin to prepare some quick coffee while I use the bathroom to shower and dress. The hot water helps chase away the last remnants of sleep, and by the time I emerge, the cozy space is filled with the rich aroma of fresh coffee.
We lean against the counter, sipping our coffee quickly, the anticipation of our outing adding a spark to the morning routine. The cabin feels alive with our shared excitement, despite its compact size.
As we step outside, the crisp mountain air fills my lungs, invigorating me further. Matt leads the way to the snowmobile parked a few steps from our cabin door, handing me a helmet before putting on his own.
“All set?” he asks.
I nod, wrapping my arms around his waist as I settle in behind him on the snowmobile. With a roar of the engine, we're off, the scenery blurring into a white and green landscape as we speed towards town.
We head to May's Cafe for breakfast. As we step inside, the scent of coffee and fresh-baked pastries surrounds us. May herself bustles over, her gray hair escaping from its braid, a twinkle in her eye as she spots Matt.
“Well, well,” she says. “Who's this handsome stranger you've brought in, Eliza?”
I laugh. “May, this is Matt. Matt, meet May, the best cook in Port Promise and the town's biggest gossip.”
May winks at Matt. “If you're planning on taking this one off the island at some point, let me know now. I've got something special to put in your pancakes to make sure you never leave.”
Matt chuckles, shaking his head. “I wouldn't dream of it, ma'am. Port Promise has already stolen my heart.”
“I hope there's still room for me in there,” Eliza says.
Matt's teasing smile fades as he looks at me, his eyes softening. “You've got my whole heart, Eliza.”
The sincerity in his voice makes me pause for a moment.
“Smart man,” May says approvingly. She turns to me. “The usual for you, dear?”
“Yes, please. Blueberry pancakes.”
“And for you, young man?” May asks Matt.
“I'll have the eggs and bacon, please.”
As May heads off to put in our order, Matt leans in closer. “The town's biggest gossip, huh? Should I be worried?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Nah, May's harmless. Besides, she likes you already. You passed her test.”
“There was a test?” Matt asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yes,” I say, trying to keep a straight face. “And if you hadn’t passed, well … let’s say May could poison you and getaway with it. She’s not only a great cook, but also the town healer. Knows every plant in Port Promise and what it’s capable of.”
Matt’s surprise is clear, but when I flash him a mischievous look, he quickly catches on, a smile tugging at his lips as he reaches across the table to take my hand. “Well, I guess I’ll have to stay on her good side, then, won’t I?”
After breakfast, as we step outside into the crisp morning air, I tug on Matt’s hand, stopping him mid-stride. “Before we head to Serenity Cove, I want to show you something,” I say, my excitement bubbling under the surface.
“Oh?” he asks, his brow lifting with curiosity.
“You’ll see,” I reply, leading him down the road toward the community center.
