Page 2 of Truth or Pack

Willow Lake was busy most of the year thanks to tourists coming in for the lake and fishing, or those of us who had lake houses passed down through generations.

My grandfathers bought this place as a courting gift. Who could blame grandma for giving into their charms with a gesture like that? I’d swoon for sure.

We always called it a cabin, but really the lake house was a rustic lodge. It had a master suite, four guest rooms, and a huge common area. The kitchen and dining room was built for a big family.

I truly did love it here. Already I was making plans of places I wanted to visit while I was here.

The town of Willow Lake was downright charming. They had a lot of local, small businesses and mom and pop shops. Everyone walked on foot and they held cute little festivals a few times a year.

I’d only ever made it to a few, but I always loved them.

Maybe for old times’ sake I’d convince my parents to take us out to Luca’s Pizza Den for dinner and we could hit Lakeside Creamery for dessert.

Finally, the lake came into view. It was as beautiful as ever. The lake was fed by a small spring that kept it fairly clear. Willow trees surrounded it, making it seem like some sort of painting instead of real life.

A few houses were dotted along the edges of the lake on either side of the big marina and docks that belonged to the town.

I wound my way down the gravel road to the east side of the lake, pulling into the driveway once I spotted the familiar “Ellis Lake Resort” sign.

Even though I knew I’d be the first to arrive, my stomach bubbled with nerves as that really sank in.

This wasn’t a good sign.

Every single time we’d come up here, my sisters and parents always raced to get here first. Especially for the first trip of the season.

What was different this time?

With nothing else to do but face it, I parked my car and climbed out, grabbing my bags from the trunk and heading up the porch.

After entering the keycode in, I pushed open the door and dropped my bags in the foyer. Mom always hired a cleaning crew at the beginning of summer so it wasn’t musty, but I flipped on the lights and cracked the windows anyway.

A bright-pink envelope on the dining table had me freezing in place as I turned away from the window.

Bea was right.

This was a setup.

My hands shook as I picked it up, my mother’s familiar handwriting on the front, addressing it to me.

“You better not have, Mom,” I growled as I tore it open, the letter short and to the point.

Dear Taryn,

I know our attempts in the past have failed and you told me under no circumstances am I to set you up.

But.

This time is different. I used a matching service to find you a pack I knew would be compatible.I kept the pictures off of it so you’ll be a lovely surprise. Who can resist those pretty blue eyes of yours?

Keep an open mind. I promise, if you give them a chance, I’ll let it go. I’m just doing what any mother would and looking out for her daughter.

This is it, Taryn, your time to shine. Pack Dixon will be your future, I can just feel it.

Love and kisses,

Mom

Anger and frustration had tears burning behind my eyes and I rushed over to the fireplace, tossing the letter inside.

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