Page 37 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“Unfortunately, I’m out at Locke Pointe.” Morgan motioned to Looking Glass Cottage. “I don’t have power here either. You don’t have anywhere else to stay?”
“No. I missed the ferry and am pretty sure I was one of the last to leave town. It looks as if everyone but me was smart enough to find shelter before the side roads became impassable. Mrs. Baker, who lives above the art gallery, as well as Priscilla found a place to go.” Naomi knew she was rambling but couldn’t stop herself. She was reaching the point of desperation.
“Come inside for a minute.” Morgan led her up the porch steps. “The power just went out, so the house is still warm.”
“Thank you. I’m at my wit’s end and don’t know what I’ll do. I’m such an idiot.”
“I don’t think anyone realized how widespread the power outage would be.” Morgan held the door, waiting for Naomi to cross the threshold. “Maybe Jax can swing by on one of the snowmobiles and give you a ride to the airport.”
Naomi thought about how treacherous the roads were, the blinding, blowing snow making it hard to see. “I’m afraid oncewe got off the main road, it wouldn’t be safe crossing over those open fields the way the wind is blowing. It would be dangerous.”
“True. I hadn’t thought about the blowing snow and visibility.” Morgan offered her a seat and then hurried to her bedroom. She shut the door behind her and promptly dialed her grandmother’s cell phone number.
“I was getting ready to call you. Where are you?”
“At home. I was on my way out when Naomi Renaud showed up.”
“Naomi? What on earth is she doing at your house?”
“She lost power and tried driving to the airport, but the roads are blown shut. She asked if I had room for her at Locke Pointe.”
“Which is also out of power,” Elizabeth said.
“And so is Looking Glass Cottage. It sounds as if most of the island is out.”
“Except for those who have generators, like the airport and Easton Estate.”
“I thought about asking Jax to give her a lift on the snowmobile to the airport, but like she pointed out, it probably isn’t safe.”
“If you wait much longer, it won’t be safe for you either. You must leave soon, Morgan, or else you’ll be snowed in.”
“At least I have a fireplace.”
“And firewood?”
“Only enough to build a small fire.” Morgan grimaced. “I can’t leave her. It’s Christmas Eve. She could freeze to death.”
“No, you can’t.” Elizabeth muttered under her breath. “Bring her with you.”
“To Easton Estate? I mean, I’m sure you already have a full house.”
“Full but not bursting at the seams. There’s room for one more.”
“Thanks, Grandmother. I’m not sure if she’ll do it.”
“The decision is hers. The offer is on the table.”
Morgan thanked her again and ended the call. She slipped back into the living room and found Naomi seated on the couch with Chester by her side. “Your pup is friendly.”
“He’s my best bud and keeps me company.” Morgan jangled her keys. “Let’s go before we get stuck here.”
“Where are we going?” Naomi slowly stood.
“To Easton Estate.”
“Elizabeth would never allow me to set foot on her property.”
“Not only is she letting you set foot, but she’s invited you to stay and ride out the storm.”
