Under the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

  But now, here she stood. On the precipice of something new and exciting.

  Tayler let that thought sink in. The fear and uncertainty she’d felt after reading Emerson’s letter disappeared. God had given her a new path.

  She was going to Alaska.

  5

  SATURDAY, MAY 4—CURRY

  After a few days of prayer and lots of searching, Thomas felt he was back on sure footing. The restlessness was still there a bit, but for the most part, he felt like himself again. His new routine included getting up an hour earlier and reading his Bible, then discussing things with John Ivanoff over breakfast, then heading to work. When work was over, his favorite part of the day became his walks down by the river. Talking to God as he walked, he felt more connected and in tune. As he poured out his heart, he asked the Lord to help him keep his focus on Him and nothing else. Whenever the negative thoughts and doubts threatened to fill his mind, he determined to think of a Scripture to recite or a hymn to sing.

  Tonight, the staff was gathering for a late dinner in the dining room after all the patrons were served. It was their annual special dinner at the beginning of the season where they would welcome the new hires and returning workers and discuss all the extra needs that came with the hectic pace of a new season, which was already upon them, as the number of guests arriving increased every day.

  The annual dinner was always a joyous time, as everyone was excited to be back together. About half of the staff lived here year-round, while the rest worked in Anchorage or Seattle until the tourist season.

  But soon, they were going to need more of the staff to remain. Especially once the new ski lift was finished. With all the improvements happening in and around Curry, it wouldn’t be long before the hotel was packed every month of the year.

  He sneaked into the kitchen a few minutes early and came up behind Mrs. Johnson. Placing a quick peck on her cheek, he jumped back to avoid her wooden spoon.

  “Thomas Smith, you sly young man. Sneaking up on an old woman like that! You just about gave me a heart attack,” the chef scolded, but Thomas noticed the sparkle in her eye.

  “Let me give you one proper, then.” He kissed the other cheek.

  “You do beat all.” The blush that crept up her neck told Thomas everything he needed to know. She cared about him. A lot. She was the closest thing he’d ever had to a mother. “Now carry this into the kitchen, and don’t you go snitching anything off that platter.”

  Thomas did as he was told and carried the overflowing platter of fried chicken into the dining room.

  All the tables had been pushed together to make one long table, and the chatter around the room was warm and welcoming. This was one of the things he’d missed most about the Curry Hotel.

  Several new faces peeked at him. A few young maids, and a couple of younger boys with their aprons tied around their waists. Probably all a bit intimidated by the fierceness of Mrs. Johnson. He remembered those days all too well.

  Mr. Bradley entered the room and shut the large French doors behind him. Most of the chatter quieted as people took seats around the long table. Mrs. Johnson came in from the kitchen with Chef Ferguson behind her. The rest of the kitchen staff entered with plates and bowls and steaming platters. Allan and Cassidy entered with their two little boys in tow.

  “Gammagammagamma!” the little cherubs chanted together as they ran to Mrs. Johnson, wrapping their little chubby arms around her legs. She laughed and hugged them both and then grabbed a hand of each boy and led them to their seats.

  Allan and John had fashioned them special chairs that were just the right size, but at a height where they could reach the table. They were normally kept in the downstairs dining room the staff used during the season, but they must have brought them up for the special supper tonight.

  Cassidy walked over and wrapped Thomas in a sisterly hug. “I believe you’ve gotten even taller. And look at how handsome you are. I bet you had all the girls of Fairbanks just fawning over you.” She had to tilt her head up quite a ways to look at him.

  Thomas forced himself not to frown as memories of Caroline came to mind. “I was too busy with my studies. Wanted to make sure you got your money’s worth.” She looked at him with a strange expression. It was almost as if she knew he was keeping something from her. “Oh, look, Mr. Bradley is ready to address us.” Cassidy nodded and went to claim her seat, while Thomas planted himself at the table and sighed.

  Their manager stood at the head of the table and cleared his throat. The crowd quieted and settled in. “Good evening, everyone. I hope you’ve all had a chance to meet the new members of our staff—if you haven’t, make sure you introduce yourself tonight after supper.”

  Several people smiled and nodded.

  Bradley continued. “It has been quite a busy winter season here at the Curry, and you’ve probably noticed the construction on the new ski lift. Which means, we will likely need to run at full capacity year-round from now on.” He held up his hand as chatter started up again. “I will be meeting with each one of you to find out your schedules and discuss opportunities for the future.

  “Now if John Ivanoff would be so kind, I’d like to ask him to say grace for our meal and then we will dig in.” He held up his glass of water. “Welcome to a new season at the Curry!”

  “Hear, hear!” Glasses were raised around the table.

  John stood and smiled out at everyone. “Let’s bow our heads. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for this feast set before us. We praise You for such bounty and for the hands that have so graciously prepared it. We praise You for the season ahead and ask Your blessings upon the time we have here to serve the guests. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”

  “’men!” Jonathon and David called out from their seats, while Jonathon banged his fork on the table.

  Laughter surrounded Thomas as platters were passed and everyone dug into the meal. He let the weight of his memories fall away. His heart already lighter, he glanced at each face. This felt right again. Curry was home.

  John elbowed him from his left side. “What’s got you smiling?”

  Thomas looked at his mentor. “All this. It’s good to be home.”

  The older man patted him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you home, son. And I agree with Cassidy, it looks like you’ve grown some more. How tall are you now, anyway?”

  “The doctor measured all of us before our final assessments, and I must admit I was a bit shocked to learn that I was four inches over six feet now. But he thought maybe I was at the end of my growth spurt. After all, I’m twenty-three now. Most men are done growing by my age.” A shock of hair fell into his face and he brushed it back.

  “Your hair’s gotten darker too. Cassidy is right, you’re quite a handsome young man. We might have to spend all summer beating off your admirers with a stick.”

  The comment made Thomas blush. “Oh, I doubt that, John.”

  His mentor just chuckled. “You wait and see.” He passed him a bowl of mashed potatoes. “I heard Allan complaining to Cassidy this afternoon that there were a lot of young ladies coming with their families this season. The moms and daughters all wanted to go on excursions.”

  Thomas moaned. That was all he needed. “Oh, great. A bunch of city girls with their ridiculous frippery and impractical shoes.”

  “Exactly.” John laughed. “Can’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “Well, Allan and I are already going to have our hands full. Maybe since we’re shorthanded, we can conveniently cancel any hikes with the girls.”

  “What’s wrong with girls who like to hike?” One of the new maids pointed her knife at Thomas from across the table. “I like to hike, and some of us actually know what we’re doing.” She tossed him a look and lifted her chin.

  Thomas had heard that before. Caroline thought she knew everything about the great outdoors. He opened his mouth to respond, but an elbow in his ribs stopped him.

  John leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone. “Don’t make
any enemies, my boy.”

  Thomas nodded and looked at the girl who’d spoken. “My apologies, miss. I’m sure you are quite adept at it. We’ve just had experiences in the past with some of the privileged ladies who’ve injured themselves with inappropriate footwear.” He gave her a smile, hoping to soften his explanation.

  She looked at him and her cheeks turned pink. A smile lit her face as well. “I understand now. Thank you for your input. I’d love to hear more about the work you do.” The look she gave him across the table made his stomach uneasy. She maintained eye contact, increasing his discomfort.

  “And so it begins.” John’s mumbled words drifted to Thomas’s ear.

  Thomas looked back to John and saw the man trying to contain his laughter. “All right, Mr. Ivanoff. I see we’re going to have to talk about this later.” He tried to compose himself, but he looked at Cassidy and saw her eyes were filled with mirth as well.

  Heat crept up his neck. This was not what he was planning for his return. The years of embarrassing himself should be over, shouldn’t they? Hadn’t he made a big enough fool of himself in Fairbanks to last the ages?

  Allan leaned his head toward Thomas from a few places down. “I received a letter from Jean-Michel today.”

  Cassidy’s face brightened into a huge smile. “Oh, how is Katherine?”

  Allan chuckled. “They’re all fine keeping everything running down in Seattle. I tell you what—bringing him on as a partner for Brennan Outfitters was the smartest move I’ve ever made.”

  “And it’s brought an incredible amount of tourists to the Curry as well.” John nodded and took another bite of his chicken.

  Thomas had gotten several letters from the Langeliers at school. Jean-Michel had hired Thomas to help him with his strenuous exercises to rebuild the muscles in his leg that first summer Jean-Michel arrived in Curry. They’d formed a close bond. “I hear that his leg is almost completely healed and that they are doing well in the Pacific Northwest.”

  “He told me he’d kept up with you at school.” Allan speared a piece of asparagus with his fork. “And he sent a gift for you to congratulate you on your graduation.”

  “Which reminds me.” John stood and lifted a knife to his glass. He clinked it several times to gain everyone’s attention. “I believe we all know that tonight has another special meaning.”

  Smiles rounded the table.

  John put a hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “We’re also here to celebrate our very own Thomas’s graduation with full honors from the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines.”

  Applause surrounded him as everyone stood. Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Ferguson came in carrying a huge cake covered in candles.

  Allan stood and came to stand on the other side of Thomas. “Our incredible young guide here is now also a geologist!” He lifted his glass in the air and began to sing, “For he’s a jolly good fellow.”

  The crowd joined in. “For he’s a jolly good fellow. For he’s a jolly good fellow! Which nobody can deny!”

  Thomas blew out the candles and smiled.

  Cheers surrounded him as packages with bows and cards came out of hiding and were pushed toward him. The love that engulfed Thomas made him feel like he never had before. It also confirmed in his heart that yes, he might have had doubts, and they might still come, but this was where God had him for now.

  He spent the rest of the hour opening gifts and cards and hearing everyone’s congratulations.

  As the kitchen staff began to clear the plates, Mr. Bradley approached him and Allan. “I have incredible news for you, boys.”

  “I don’t know what could top this night, sir, but I’m sure Allan and I would love to hear it.”

  Their manager grinned. “Oh, you’ll love this. It will be the ‘icing on the cake,’ so to speak—even though you’ve probably had enough icing.” He laughed at his own joke. “I sent a telegram on Thursday to a good friend of mine down at Yellowstone National Park—as well as a few other parks—asking if he knew of an experienced guide we could hire immediately. You won’t believe it, but I received his response back today. Including a recommendation and qualifications. Our new guide will be here sometime in the next two weeks.”

  Allan released a huge sigh. “That’s incredible news, Mr. Bradley. And quite a relief, if I may speak for all of us.”

  “I’m still in shock, but I replied immediately to send him up as soon as possible. He must have been waiting for my reply because he sent word back that our man is on his way.” The manager looked quite proud of himself.

  Thomas couldn’t believe it. The good Lord above had given them a huge gift by answering their request so quickly. “What do you know about him?”

  “Not much, other than he’s highly recommended, has a degree in botany, and has been a naturalist and interpreter there for several years.”

  Allan patted Thomas on the back. “That sounds perfect. Exactly what we need to round out our expertise.”

  “Exactly what I was thinking.” The manager took a sip of lemonade from his glass.

  Thomas found himself getting caught up in the excitement. It would be a little difficult getting used to a new man around—and the fellow would have to get acquainted with Alaska—but it did indeed sound like the perfect fit. “God is good, Mr. Bradley.”

  “Yes indeed. Now if the rest of the season could run this smoothly, I’ll be happy.”

  “Agreed.” Allan nodded. “What did you say the man’s name was?”

  “Tayler Hale.” Mr. Bradley turned to leave the dining room. “I’ll see you all bright and early.” With a wave he was gone.

  Thomas turned to Allan, who was watching his boys play on the floor with Chef Ferguson. It would definitely be a big relief for all of them to have the help of another experienced guide. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. This season would be the best one ever.

  He couldn’t wait to meet Mr. Tayler Hale.

  6

  SUNDAY, MAY 5—YELLOWSTONE

  The train station in Gardiner, Montana, at the north end of the park, bustled with activity. Tayler sat on a bench waiting for her train to arrive. Excitement bubbled up out of every cell in her body. She’d never been this excited about anything before. Maybe this was exactly what she needed. Something new and fresh.

  The air smelled of cigar smoke and the coal that powered the steam engines. Every once in a while, the faint scent of a woman’s perfume would pass by and make the air a bit sweeter smelling.

  The engines would allow steam to escape in great bursts, and the sound almost always made her jump. Maybe she needed to spend more time around trains to get used to the cacophony of sounds. Between the chugging of the engines, the steam releasing, and the oft-times squeaky brakes, it was amazing to her that the regular railroad employees weren’t deaf.

  People shouted over one another, and the long call from the conductor, “All aboard!” added to the mayhem around her.

  She’d gotten here too early. Her anxiousness had driven her this morning. Now she would just have to deal with it and wait.

  Pulling out her beloved sketch pad and pencils, she set to drawing the steam engine in front of her. Its round face had such a short, stumpy stack coming out the top. She attempted to count all the wheels, but several seemed to be hidden and there were different sizes. Tayler tilted her head and studied the engine carefully. She’d never drawn anything quite like it. It was pretty intricate now that she examined it.

  “Miss Tayler, is that you?” A voice from beside her sounded awfully familiar.

  Tayler turned and searched the crowd.

  Millie, her maid and dear friend, ran toward her. “It is you!” She hugged Tayler and then sat next to her on the bench. “What are you doing here?”

  Taken aback by the fact that her maid had shown up in Gardiner, Tayler pasted on a smile. “I think the question should be, what are you doing here?”

  Millie scooted a bit closer on the bench, tucked a stray lock of hair
behind her ear, and adjusted her hat. The lovely wide-brimmed silk hat had been one of Tayler’s that she’d gifted to Millie last year.

  “That color suits you.” Tayler gave her friend a smile.

  “Thank you, miss. Yellow is my favorite color, and when you gave me this hat—well, it’s about the prettiest thing I’ve ever owned.” She took a deep breath, reached into her purse, and pulled out an envelope. “As to why I’m here, your brother sent me. He wanted me to give you this.”

  Tayler took the packet and wondered what Joshua was up to. Tucking it into her bag, she looked back to Millie. “You came all this way just to deliver an envelope?”

  Millie laughed. “Not exactly. Mr. Hale didn’t want your mother to know that he’d sent me, so he told me I had to keep this a secret. He sent the telegram to my folks’ place. Aren’t you going to open it?”

  “Where does Mother think you are?” Maybe she could divert the conversation. She didn’t want to risk opening something that might make her cry in front of strangers.

  “Visiting a sick cousin.”

  “Oh, Millie, I don’t want you to lie to cover for my brother.” Tayler felt horrible, but wasn’t she lying by not telling her own family where she was headed?

  “Oh, don’t you worry about me. It’s exciting to get to travel by train, and your brother is paying my expenses. Now, why are you here? I wasn’t expecting to find you so easily and at the train station to boot!”

  “Well . . .” Unsure of what to say, Tayler bit her lip. Especially after she’d just told Millie she didn’t want her to lie. “I’m leaving.”

  A tiny gasp made Millie cover her mouth. She looked around. “This is because of Mr. Pruitt, isn’t it?”

  Tayler sighed but didn’t answer.

  “He’s been telling everyone that he’s coming to collect you and that the wedding will be this summer.”

  “I know. I received a letter from him. But I won’t be here when he arrives.” She reached toward Millie’s lap and covered her friend’s hand with her own. “Please. You can’t say a word of this to anyone.”