Page 10 of What We Keep
I took a quick breath. “That’s so sad. I knew the fire burned down the resort, along with our house, but I didn’t know Bree died.”
“She was pregnant,” Janet added quietly.
I exhaled slowly. “Oh, wow…” My heart ached.
Janet nodded. “She was in the hospital while they tried to save her. The baby survived, but she didn’t.”
“So Haven adopted him,” I said, almost to myself.
“Tommy has all of them, but they scattered a little bit after the fire. Maggie was worried she was too old to formally adopt Tommy. I’m sure it would’ve been fine, but I understand her point. If something happened to her, they’d be back sorting out next steps all over again. Haven stepped up, but he’s that kind of man. Haven has his law degree and worked his tail off to get the insurance claim from the fire approved. He had to go to court and everything. They’ve been working on it for a few years now,” Janet added. “I’d say take him up on that offer. Then you’re right there beside your property. It’ll give you time.”
I squared my shoulders and took a breath. “I need time.”
Janet reached for a donut and handed it over. I took a bite, and the sweet, subtle flavor broke across my tongue. “Is that lemon?”
Luna nodded.
“I see why everyone loves these,” I said, taking another bite and savoring the sweetness. “It’s so good.”
“If you need anything,” Luna said, “just ask. I’m here all the time.”
“It’s so good to be back,” I admitted, almost a little surprised that was how I felt. Although I’d missed Alaska the whole time I’d been gone, I’d worried maybe my memories of how I felt here wouldn’t match up when I was actually here.
When I drove out toward Heartfire Falls later that day, my nerves felt strung tight as I followed the winding road leading to the resort. Although we’d lived next door, next door in Alaska was almost a half mile away.
Of course, that version of the resort had burned down. Heartfire Falls had been known as a world-class fishing and guiding retreat. I remembered my dad grumbling about the tourists, but he’d been friendly with Grant Silver, their father.
Before I’d headed this way, I’d texted Haven since I had his number. His reply had been brief.
Haven: I’m here. Stop by anytime.
As I drove along, I passed by a barn, one of the original buildings that survived the fire, judging by how weathered the wood was. Horses grazed in a pasture, their tails flicking, and I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw a cluster of goats in a smaller pasture nearby.
When I rounded a curve and the resort came into view, my breath caught. Alaska wasn’t short on breathtaking views, but this one still surprised me. The resort sat on a rise overlooking the valley stretching beyond it. A glacier glittered in the distance, its icy expanse a stark contrast against the evergreen-covered mountains encircling the area. This rise was so high that I could see the ocean in the distance. At the base of the valley, a wide stream fed from the ocean miles away snaked through, and it was one of the most coveted fishing spots in the area. Salmon would make their way upstream here every year, spilling over the falls that gave the resort its name.
The lodge’s exterior looked finished, its wood siding blending into the landscape, while a bright red roof made it pop against the sky. Two small wings stretched from the central building. Everything about it looked solid, and its presence comforted me.
I pulled into a small parking area and cleared my throat as I stepped out. An eagle screeched overhead, and I glanced up just in time to see it soaring over the open field before landing in the trees near the stream. The air smelled crisp and clean with scents of fresh spruce, earth, and something hinting at the nearby glacier-fed water. After walking up the steps, I stopped in front of the door, red to match the roof, and knocked.
My heart pounded in my chest so fast that my breath felt short. I was nervous for a whole bunch of reasons. When no one answered at first, my nerves twisted tighter. Then I heard footsteps, and suddenly, the door swung open.
Haven stood there, his eyes locked with mine. “Elsa,” he said simply.
My heart went wild, hammering in my chest and sending heat blasting from my head to my toes. I stared up at him for too many beats.
“Hi,” I managed, stumbling over the word. “I was wondering about the rental.”
Chapter Seven
Haven
The evening before
“Elsa, Elsa, Elsa,” Jude teased.
Cole eyed him. “Are you practicing how to say her name?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Jude...” I warned.
