Page 23 of Timber Ridge
“Shall we try?” I pat the stool Hailey just vacated, and she climbs up. After a few minutes of detangling and Hailey complaining about the tugs and pulls, I weave her hair into two French braids that hug her head and drop just past her shoulders.
As I finish up, Kane returns to the kitchen. “Nice job,” he says. “Her hair hasn’t been that tame in forever.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“Are you ready to go?” Kane asks.
I rush to my room to get my phone and jacket.
As we step outside, my eyes adjust to the morning light. I take it all in, from the towering trees to the shimmering pond in the distance. Birds chirp as if taking roll call to see who made it through the night. The natural beauty leaves me almost speechless.
“It’s stunning here.”
Kane smiles. “I agree.”
As we climb onto the ATV and drive away, I turn to Kane and offer an apology for the cabin once more.
“It’s not your fault,” he reassures me.
We continue and Kane proposes swapping numbers for emergencies. I agree, seeing its wisdom. Yet, beneath the surface, I wish there was more to this exchange than just practicality. There’s kindness in Kane’s eyes when he hands me his phone. In that brief moment, I find myself longing for a deeper connection, a sense of companionship that goes beyond mere convenience.
But I quickly push aside those thoughts, reminding myself of my reasons for being here. I came here to find a man, but not this man. My inner voice whispers, But you like this man.
“I still feel responsible.” I enter my number into his phone and put his in mine. “I did put wood in that stove.”
“True, but that stove should have been safe, and I failed you.” He takes one hand off the wheel and scrubs at his beard. “It could have been disastrous.”
“It was. The cabin is gone.”
“I know, but what if you didn’t get out? If something happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.”
I’d like to think it had something to do with me, but I imagine Kane would respond that way to anyone. No one wants to be responsible for hurting another.
“Let’s not dwell on it. It’s over. I’m here to teach another day, and you get to haul in more fish.”
“That’s true,” he says. “I’ll try to be on time today.”
I nod, appreciating that he tries. “If we’re not at the community center, we’ll be at May’s Café. I hope to find her that Devil’s Club while we’re out on our walk.”
We stop at the building and Kane hands me a pair of gloves from the ATV. “For the thorns,” he says. A surge of gratitude floods through me for his care and concern. The Devil’s Club is notorious for its razor-sharp thorns, and Kane’s foresight in providing me with protection fills me with gratitude. It speaks volumes about the kind of person he is: considerate, caring, and always looking out for others.
With a heartfelt “thank you,” I slip the gloves into my jacket pocket. Hailey grabs her lunch bag, and Kane drives the ATV away. As I watch him go, I suddenly realize I never made a lunch for myself this morning. Typical. Not that I’d use Kane's supplies even if I was at his place. Well, I won't starve if I miss a meal. Shrugging it off, I turn back to my work, determined to power through the day.
Inside, I set about getting things ready, knowing that today’s nature walk will be an exciting opportunity for the kids to learn about plants and wildlife. Hailey joins me and helps arrange the supplies like she’s still taking on the job of my special helper. On the table is a jar of Nutella, and beside it, a note.
I found this in the back of the storage. An order placed but never picked up. It expires in a week. I placed another order, so you'd have a fresh one. - Rhys
I chuckle, setting the note back down. Well, it won't be the first time I've eaten a jar of Nutella for lunch.
Soon, footsteps approach. Lucas and Tommy rush in, excited. “Good morning, Ms. Moore!” they say in unison.
“Good morning, Lucas, Tommy. I’m glad you’re both here. We’re going to have a fantastic nature walk today.”
Lucas’s mother walks in with a paper bag and hands it to me. “I heard about the cabin. Not sure if you were able to save anything, so I brought you a few essentials. Things like clean underwear and a bra.” She takes me in from head to toe. “I’m taller, but I think we’re close in size, so this should hold you until you order more.”
I peek inside the bag to find cotton underwear, a sports bra, and several rolled-up balls of socks. There’s also toothpaste, a toothbrush, and deodorant. Her thoughtfulness overwhelms me, and a tear falls from my eye. This morning, I brushed my teeth with a washcloth.
“I’m so grateful for your kindness.”