Page 49 of Timber Ridge
“You’ll see.” I love stirring up a good mystery. “It’s a surprise. But I think you’ll love it.”
Breakfast passes quickly. Having Timber and Hailey here, sharing these moments, it's like I’m building the life I’ve always envisioned. I see how Timber looks at the mountains, her eyes full of wonder, and I know she’s starting to get why this place is so special. I’m determined to make sure she falls in love with Alaska, just like I’ve fallen for her.
We’re soon out the door, heading to Eliza’s place to pick up the skiff. The road there cuts through thick groves of spruce and hemlock.
As we drive, a pair of rabbits scurry across the path, their white tails flashing briefly as they vanish into the underbrush. I gently touch Timber’s shoulder, guiding her gaze. “See those?”
“Yes, what kind of rabbits are those?” she asks.
“Snowshoe hares,” I explain, a warm satisfaction spreading through me as I see her interest piqued. “They’re all over here. They get white in the winter to blend in with the snow.”
She nods, her gaze lingering on the spot where the rabbits disappeared. “It’s so lush here,” she says, looking back at the forest. “So different from the desert where I come from.”
“Yep, all the rain we get keeps it that way.” I focus on the winding road, hoping these moments are planting the seeds for her to fall in love with this place.
We’re descending when I spot a bald eagle perched majestically in a tree, surveying the cove. I slow down, stealing a quick glance at Timber. “Check that out,” I say, pointing toward the eagle.
Timber follows my gaze, her mouth falling open. “It’s huge.” Her voice is filled with awe.
“Yep, they’re all over Alaska. Part of the scenery.” I lean in closer, taking advantage of her distraction to press a quick kiss to her cheek. She turns to me, looking happy.
As we pull up to Serenity Cove, Eliza and Matt are outside, getting a stroller ready for a walk with Cody.
I park the ATV. “Morning, Eliza, Matt!” Hailey unbuckles and runs ahead, eager to peek at her baby cousin.
“It’s a perfect day for an outing,” Eliza says.
With a nod, I face Timber. “We’re taking my skiff out for the day.”
“The forecast says it will be clear. It’s perfect for an adventure,” Eliza says.
“Ever been clamming?” I ask Timber, hoping she’s interested. If not, we’ll simply picnic and enjoy the scenery.
“No, never, but I’m looking forward to learning something new.”
“That’s the spirit.” I love how she’s always open to anything, from staying in a dry cabin to finding Devil’s Claw for May.
Eliza pushes the stroller up the hill but calls over her shoulder, “I want some clams too.”
We load up the skiff with our gear and the picnic basket, ready to head to the cove.
“Alright, let’s get this day started.”
Chapter Twenty-One
TIMBER
We don our life vests and push off from the shore. The probability of a peaceful day on the water lays before us. The gentle hum of the skiff’s motor blends with the lap of the waves against the hull. The open water stretches around us, a vast expanse under the clear blue sky. I watch Hailey, sitting comfortably toward the front—no, the bow, I correct myself, remembering the seafaring term.
Suddenly, Hailey’s excited voice cuts through the tranquility. “Daddy, look!” She points toward a spray of water in the distance.
“Whales,” Kane says, spotting the telltale signs of a pod just ahead. My eyes follow his gaze, a mix of awe and surprise bubbling up inside me.
He slows the skiff, careful to maintain a respectful distance as we approach the pod. The gentle giants glide through the water, their powerful bodies barely causing a ripple on the surface.
“What kind of whales are they?” I ask. “Are they dangerous?”
Kane shakes his head, a reassuring smile on his face. “They’re humpbacks. And no, they’re not dangerous to us as long as we keep our distance. They’re gentle giants.”