Page 31 of The Hero She Loves
“Not many. More are arriving in a few weeks as the weather warms up. We have a lovely young couple from Canada who are celebrating their first wedding anniversary. We have a man from Australia. Handsome fellow. He’s a bit of an adventurer who’s traveling around the world. And an older couple from Norway.” Velma whipped out a map. “Are you planning some fishing or hiking?”
“Absolutely,” Jenna said. “Con and I love to hike.”
“We have a few marked trails around the lake, otherwise it’s all on you to hike where you want. This map has our trails.” She set it on the counter. “Most people stick close to the lake. You’ll need to keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. Do you have bear spray?”
“We do,” Park said.
“Excellent. The scenery here is so beautiful. Once Ross and I saw it, we fell in love and never left. I’m sure you’ll love it too.”
“Do many other people live close by?” Park asked.
“Not too close. There are a few people with cabins in the area. Don’t worry, they keep to themselves, so you’ll have your privacy.” Velma winked. “I know how important that is to newlyweds.”
Jenna studied the map. “What’s this?” She pointed at a spot.
“Oh, that’s an old hunting cabin. Hunters use it occasionally, otherwise it’s empty. It’s very basic and a little far out for our guests. The trail gets a bit tricky leading up to it.”
Jenna nodded, but shot Park a glance.
It was a good place for Olson to hide.
“Your husband is a man of few words,” Velma said to Jenna. “Just like my Ross.” She circled the counter again, holding an old-fashioned key with a large wooden tag attached to it. “Come, I’ll point out your cabin. Oh, we have Wi-Fi, and decent cell reception here at the lodge, but once you head out, it gets spotty.Breakfast and dinner are served here in the lodge, in our dining room. I do love to cook.”
Velma chatted on as they followed her outside.
“Just follow that path and go past the smaller cabins.” She smiled. “You’ve missed dinner, but I’ve put a tray of snacks and cold-cuts in your cabin.”
“Thank you, Velma.” Jenna smiled.
“Don’t leave any food out on the deck, or it’ll attract the bears.”
“Got it,” Jenna said. “You have a beautiful place here.”
The older woman beamed. “Enjoy. And don’t forget to leave a review online.”
Park followed Jenna, carrying their bags. Enchanting redwood cabins faced the lake, and they continued past them. The faint strains of country music came from one of them.
The honeymoon cabin was made of logs, had a large deck out front and was bigger than the other cabins. As they walked onto the deck, he spotted two chairs and a table facing the lake. He turned, and for a second, his brain just went empty.
Beside him, Jenna stilled. “Wow.”
The view of the lake was breathtaking. Smooth, still water was framed by pristine mountains. Trees surrounded the lake and went part way up the mountains, stopping at the timberline. The tops of the mountains were bare—where trees couldn’t grow and the alpine plants took over.
“Nice little spot,” he said.
“It sure is. Except I’m guessing winter must be a different story.” Jenna took a deep breath of fresh air, then turned and unlocked the front door.
The interior of the cabin was what he’d call rustic luxury. The walls were wood, and there was a small living area with a table, comfy couch, and a small TV. He guessed no one came to DrifterLake Lodge to sit in their cabin and watch television. He walked through to the bedroom and jerked to a halt.
There was only one bed.
It was huge and made from hewn logs, and covered with white covers and a mound of pillows. There was a fluffy, brown blanket across the bottom.
He’d be sharing a bed with Jenna.
The bags slipped from his hands and hit the floor.
She stepped up beside him. “There’s a tray of food in the living area and a coffee machine. Let’s eat.” She eyed the bed, then him. “It’s a big bed, Conroy. We’ll manage just fine.”