Page 51 of Timber Ridge
The game of finding and digging up clams turns playful, with Hailey splashing us with handfuls of seawater. Eventually, our bucket fills with the fruits of our labor, and we’re ready to relax.
We flop down on the picnic blanket spread out earlier. Hailey jumps up to chase a bird, and I lean over and kiss Kane. It’s spontaneous—a celebration of the great day we’re having. Hailey notices the kiss and pauses in her play. She looks at us.
“Are you going to get married? People who kiss get married,” she says innocently.
The question leaves me blindsided, and a rush of emotions sweeps through me—surprise, a pinch of panic, and a hint of something deeper. Kane and I exchange a quick glance. Is this where she thinks we're headed? My heart races, caught between the innocence of Hailey’s logic and the complexity of adult relationships.
Marriage? This was supposed to be a summer job—a brief escape into the wild beauty of Alaska. I never expected Kane, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want him. But knowing this might end when the first leaves start to turn might crush me. I glance at Kane again. Maybe having some of Kane, even if only for a season, will be better than having none of him.
He clears his throat, as if searching for the right words. “Well, kissing is a way some adults show they care about each other,” he says, “but it doesn’t always mean they get married. It’s important that they really like spending time together, just like we do.”
I add, “Yeah, we’re having a lot of fun together, aren’t we? And today was all about enjoying this beautiful place and learning how to clam.”
Hailey nods, satisfied with our explanation, then her attention shifts back to more immediate concerns. “Can we eat now?” she asks.
“Absolutely.” I’m relieved by her quick acceptance but still haunted by my thoughts. “Let’s open up that picnic basket and see what we’ve got.”
As Kane and I open the basket for lunch, Hailey busies herself chasing a bird. Our laughter, the sound of the waves, and the occasional call of a distant gull create a perfect backdrop for our meal.
After lunch, we pack up. Kane hoists the last of our gear onto the small boat, shaking the sand from his jeans as he does. Today’s field trip is enjoyed by everyone, and the conversation on the boat is light-hearted. The skiff cuts smoothly through the water. The familiar coastline stretches out before us. As we get to Eliza’s, we tie up at the pier and start unloading.
Eliza comes out to meet us as we place the full bucket of clams on the dock, her excitement showing through a delighted squeal. She quickly composes herself and turns to Hailey. “Hey, sweetie, would you like to stay with Uncle Matt and me for a few days? Uncle Matt won’t be here long, and he’d love to spend some time with his favorite niece.”
Hailey looks at Kane for approval.
Kane nods, and I step forward. "Does Hailey need anything? Should we bring her clothes, toys, or something else?"
Eliza shakes her head with a warm smile. "This is like her second home. We have everything she needs."
Then Eliza’s gaze shifts to Kane. “Do you think you can find something or someone to keep you busy while she’s gone?” Her eyes shift to me, then back to him as she winks.
Kane shakes his head at his sister’s obvious scheming. She’s not just coordinating aunt and uncle time. She’s pushing him closer to me. And honestly, I’m grateful for it.
Chapter Twenty-Two
TIMBER
As we return to Kane’s house, I try to play it cool, like I’m not a bundle of nerves and excitement every time the ATV bumps and our shoulders brush. I’m a woman who started the day sifting sand for clams and now I’m sifting through unexpected emotions.
My mind races, considering the possibilities. What if this attraction is just a fleeting moment, another dead-end like the last relationship that left me shattered? But then I glance at Kane, at the easy confidence in his smile, and the affection in his eyes, and my doubts dissolve.
The way he gently nudges me when our shoulders touch, the way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the world—it’s all so new and exhilarating. I think about what I want, and it only takes one second to decide. I want him.
“We’re here,” Kane announces as he kills the engine, his voice breaking through my swirling thoughts.
“That was fast,” I manage, attempting a casualness I can't quite muster. I hop off the ATV with what I hope is the grace of a gazelle but is probably more akin to a newborn calf.
He rounds the ATV and offers his outstretched palm. It’s both sweet and completely nerve-wracking. I grip and squeeze so tightly that he flinches. Touch his hand, Timber, don’t clutch it like a lifeline.
He leads me inside. The house is normally cozy and familiar, but tonight it’s charged with a new, crackling energy. He drops my hand and heads into the kitchen, flipping on a light. “Do you want something to drink?” he asks, as if this were just any normal evening and not the prelude to my deep internal debate about whether I’m ready to take our relationship to the next level.
“Water’s fine,” I say, reminding myself to hydrate. Hydration is key when your emotions are doing the hundred-yard dash.
As he hands me the glass, our fingers brush, sending a shiver up my arm. I laugh, a nervous sound. “Look at me, a jittery mess. You’d think I’d never been alone with a man before.”
Kane’s steps closer, his nearness sending another wave of shivers through me. “Hey, there’s no pressure for us to do anything. Whatever happens is because we want it for ourselves, but it’s okay if we just hang out and watch TV, too.”
He’s giving me an out or perhaps taking one for himself.