by Parker, Ali
When I was with Gabriel, all of the worries faded. I lived in the moment. He made me feel like I was special. That wasn’t something I had ever felt with Trent. With my ex, I had felt like a bookend, holding up a family. I served no other purpose than to go to work and take care of the house and kids. With Gabriel, I felt like I was on a pedestal.
I got into bed, inhaling the scent of him that lingered in the room despite the clean linens. I wondered what it would be like to be with him in a real relationship.
The thoughts that carried me into a blissful slumber were filled with images of him.
Chapter 25
Gabriel
I woke early, excitement for the day bursting through me. I was thrilled to have company. I had gotten so used to being alone, even when the retreat was booked, that I had almost forgotten what it was like to be social. I was looking forward to sitting down to breakfast with Cadence and her family. I was hoping to take them on a walk and show them some of the wildlife that would surely be roaming about.
I showered and dressed in my usual cargo pants, T-shirt, and my favorite fleece pullover. I tied my boots and headed for the dining hall to get the coffee started. The moment I pulled open the door, I knew I wasn’t alone. I could smell coffee and initially thought maybe Leo’s plans had changed.
I walked into the kitchen and found Laura holding a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
“Good morning,” I greeted her.
She looked up and smiled. “Good morning. I hope you don’t mind I started some coffee. I’m an early riser, but despite my body being awake, my brain is not without a cup of coffee.”
I smiled and walked around to pour myself a cup. “I completely understand. How did you sleep?”
“Like the dead,” she said with a small laugh. “It is so quiet. At first, I thought maybe it would be too quiet, but it was amazing.”
“It is very peaceful,” I agreed. “I’m not sure I could ever sleep in the city.”
“I can imagine. How long have you lived up here?”
I sipped my coffee, calculating the years. “About five years.”
“Really? You are the owner?”
I nodded. “I am. I got it for a steal and have been working to make it a little bigger and better.”
“You look young,” she said, leaving the statement hanging.
“I’m thirty-one,” I answered the question she didn’t ask.
“And you own a business. That’s impressive. What made you want to own a wilderness retreat?”
I shrugged. “I’ve just always been drawn to the outdoors. I hate being inside. I tried to do the college thing and I felt stifled, like I couldn’t breathe. I thought about working as a park ranger or something like that, but this opened up and it was a win-win situation.”
“Hazel told me you have a bird sanctuary on the grounds,” she said.
I smiled. “Yeah, that kind of just happened. I’m not an expert in conservation or anything like that, but I know enough to help out some of the birds that get hurt and need a little help. I’m hoping to expand the property and have a bigger bird sanctuary and maybe even help out fawns that are orphaned.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Oh, my goodness. That’s a noble thing to do.”
I shrugged. “I’ve seen a couple orphaned in the wild and it doesn’t end well for them.”
“The girls would love to see baby deer.”
“It’s a tricky business,” I explained. “Laws prohibit domesticating a lot of wild animal species. They can’t be touched or groomed to become dependent on humans.”
She nodded. “I understand, but I think if you do get to that point, Hazel would love to help you in any capacity.”
I smiled. “I would love to have her help. She’s a smart girl with a natural inclination toward animals. I hope she’ll use that one day.”
“Me too,” she replied. “So, what brought you here? Are you from the Portland area or was it our beautiful landscape that drew you in?”
Her questions no longer felt like an interrogation but more of a general interest in who I was. I didn’t mind telling her. “I am from the Portland area. Technically, Rockport. My parents had a home there.”
“And where are they now?”
I looked into the dark liquid inside my cup as if I would find a different answer to the same old question. “They died twelve years ago.”
“Oh goodness, I’m sorry,” she said, looking very uncomfortable.
“It’s okay. They were killed in an accident.”
“That must have been horrible. Do you have any other family?”
I smiled, slowly shaking my head. “Nope. Just me and the trees.”
She looked thoughtful. “You and Cadence are kindred spirits. I’m her only family. Her father passed away a couple of years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, returning the condolences.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“I was going to make breakfast for the girls. Did you want to help?”
“Of course. You know, a man that cooks is hard to find.”
“If I didn’t cook, I’d starve,” I said with a laugh.
“Have you always been a bachelor?” she asked.
I got the impression we were back in interrogation mode. It was a soft interrogation but an interrogation nonetheless. “I have.”
“Why?” she asked bluntly. “You’re an attractive young man.”
I smirked. “I suppose because I haven’t found a woman that is all that interested in being with a man who would prefer to sleep under the stars over the chance to sleep in a big bed in a big house in the suburbs.”
She laughed. “I could see how that could be an issue. Any serious relationships?”
I shrugged. “I had a girlfriend in college. We just kind of faded out of each other’s lives. I don’t mind being alone.”
“But it’s nice to have someone in your life you can count on,” she said.
“I have Leo,” I answered.
“Leo? Is that a pet?”
I laughed. “He can be a pest, but no, he’s my best friend. He’s usually here with me. He helps me run things. He went home to the west coast for the holidays.”
“Ah, I understand. I think we all need someone in our lives, even if we like our space and privacy. I’m very glad I have Cadence and the girls. I would be lost without them. After that piece of garbage walked out on them, I thought for sure my poor daughter would fall apart. She lost her father and her husband in a short timeframe. It would break most people. I’m sure it would have broken me. Not my Cadence. My girl was like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
“She did tell me about the ex,” I said, my voice grim. “The guy sounds like a piece of work. I’m happy he’s out of her life. I hate that he ditched Autumn and Hazel, but it might have been the best thing that could have happened to them.”
She slapped my arm. “Exactly! I couldn’t agree more! She would have never left him. She was so determined to make her marriage work, even though she was completely miserable. I disliked Trent. I had a bad feeling about him early on. Her father and I supported her, but boy, was I glad when he walked out.”
“That had to have been hard to see,” I said.
“It was horrible. I watched my confident, beautiful daughter fade away. He was a terrible man. She deserves to be cherished, appreciated, loved.”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
We focused on making breakfast. I manned the pancakes while Laura took care of the bacon and eggs. I heard the door open, followed by the sound of excited little girls.
“I think they smelled the bacon,” Laura said with a laugh.
Cadence came into the kitchen, showered and dressed for the day.
“Good morning,” I greeted her, longing to give her a proper kiss hello.
“Hi. You guys are up early.”
“You know me,” Laura said. “I love to get up with the sun. Although I think I’ve been beating the sun out of bed
the last few weeks.”
“I’ll get you a cup of coffee,” I told her.
“Thank you.”
A few minutes later, we were seated in the dining room and enjoying our breakfast together.
“Mom, how is Santa going to know where to find us?” Autumn asked. “Will he leave our presents at our house?”
Cadence paled. She looked at her mother and then me, silently begging for help. I wiped my mouth on my napkin. “I sent him a quick letter knowing you would be here for Christmas,” I answered easily.
“You did?” Autumn asked.
I nodded. “I did. It’s all covered. You have nothing to worry about. Santa will be here tonight.”
Autumn grinned, her toothy smile warming my heart. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
Cadence smiled. “Thank you.”
I winked. “You’re welcome.”
“Well, I’m about stuffed,” Laura said. “Girls, why don’t you help me clear the table and then we’ll go for a walk?”
“I can take care of the table,” I said. “You’re my guest.”
“Nonsense,” Laura said, getting to her feet. “You two sit and finish your breakfast.”
I munched on my bacon, watching Hazel and Autumn help Laura carry the dirty dishes into the kitchen. Cadence waited until the kids were out of hearing range and smiled. “Thank you for the Santa cover. I didn’t even think of that minor detail.”
“I’m quick on my feet,” I said with a laugh.
“I’m glad one of us is. That could have been a disaster. I don’t think Hazel believes in Santa, but she is kind enough to humor me and hasn’t spoiled it for her sister.”
“That’s very cool. Did you believe in Santa growing up?”
She shook her head. “No. I mean, I probably did until I was maybe five. There was a little shit in kindergarten who made sure we all knew Santa wasn’t real.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “What a punk.”
“No kidding. What about you?”
I shrugged. “I honestly don’t remember. I don’t think my parents were ever into the Santa thing. They made it very clear they were the ones buying me gifts and if I didn’t behave, the gifts were going back to the store.”
“I love that the girls get to believe in something magical. Last night, Autumn told me she thinks this is what the North Pole looks like. You really did a great job of fulfilling her wishes and dreams. I know they are going to remember this Christmas for the rest of their lives. They won’t remember the gifts or the feast, but they will remember being here and how special you made it.”
Her words hit home. I felt the sudden urge to weep. Not sad tears, but tears of happiness. “I’m glad I could be a part of it. It’s me who should be thanking you. I’ve never experienced Christmas with kids. I love seeing the looks of wonder on their faces. I think I’m more excited for tomorrow than they are.”
She laughed. “That’s not even possible.”
Laura returned with the girls. “We’re going to go for a walk. A very, long walk. You two enjoy yourselves and the privacy.”
“Mom,” Cadence protested.
“Do you guys remember the rules?” I asked Hazel and Autumn.
They both nodded.
“Stay on the trail,” Autumn said.
Hazel, not to be outdone by her little sister, added her two cents. “Never go off the trail. Don’t touch any animals. Don’t wander off into the forest.”
“Perfect,” I said with a smile, happy to know they had been paying attention.
“My goodness!” Laura exclaimed. “I feel like I’m going on a hike with professional scouts.”
“You guys listen to Nanny and don’t forget the rules,” Cadence lectured.
“Bye now,” Laura said with a wink before ushering the girls out the door.
Cadence turned to me. “Are you sure they’ll be okay on their own?”
I nodded. “It’s safe enough as long as they stay on the trails. They can’t get too far if they follow the rules.”
“Okay. I trust you.”
It was three simple words, but they meant so much. She trusted me to look out for her precious daughters. That made me feel like I had won the lottery.
Chapter 26
Cadence
I helped clear the table, putting everything away while Gabriel went out to get some wood for the fire. I took a minute to soak it all in. Two months ago, I never would have imagined myself spending Christmas at a mountain retreat with a gorgeous, kind, caring man. I never would have thought someone like me could ever be this happy.
The feeling was strange, but I could certainly get used to it. It was like being wrapped up in a warm hug all the time. I could practically feel him around me, creating a soft buzz of electricity that kept my senses tingling.
He came back in, carrying an armload of wood and kindling. I watched him start the fire. It was a simple task, but it was a total turn-on. It made me feel warm on the inside watching him do something so basic and sexy. It was the inner cavewoman. She liked fire.
I took a seat in one of the chairs next to the fireplace. “So, what were you and my mom talking about?”
He got up from the floor and sat in the chair next to mine. “Oh, this and that,” he said with a grin.
“What does that mean?”
He got a look on his face. He looked embarrassed almost. “She was hitting on me. I tried to let her down easy, but she just kept coming at me.”
My mouth fell open. I stared at him aghast. “What?!” I shouted. I wasn’t sure if I was pissed or shocked or hurt or all of the above. “She fucking did what?”
He threw his head back and laughed. I stared at him before it dawned on me why he was laughing. I slapped at his arm and leg.
His hand reached out, grabbed my arm, and yanked me out of my seat and into his lap. “I was kidding.”
“Oh my god. I am going to kill you.”
He used his hand to grab the back of my head. “Kill me slowly,” he whispered over my lips before passionately kissing me.
I forgot all about my anger and jealousy and delved into the depths of his mouth with my tongue. I grabbed his face with my hands, holding him steady while I devoured him. I was starved for him. I wanted so much more than a kiss. I couldn’t. I didn’t know when my mom and the girls would be back, but I was not about to risk them walking in on something like that.
I pushed against his chest and got off his lap. “You’re dangerous.”
“You’re truly killing me,” he groaned.
“Later,” I whispered, taking my seat again.
“Your mom just wanted to get to know me a little better,” he said. “It was an interrogation over coffee.”
“I’m sorry. She’s looking out for me. She didn’t approve of Trent and I didn’t listen. She has revoked my adult card. Well, not all of it. I still get to work and clean house and take care of my children, but I am no longer in control of my love life.”
He chuckled. “I did get the idea she wasn’t fond of Trent.”
“I was eighteen. I assumed they were against the idea of us being together because of my age. Apparently, they knew a lot more than I did.”
“She wanted to know about the retreat,” he added.
I nodded, smiling as I imagined my mother’s gentle way of pumping someone for information. “Like why you live here or why you bought it?”
“Both. I understand why. I suppose it’s strange for a guy to live up here all by himself. I think she wanted to know if I had a basement full of torture devices.”
I grinned. “Do you?”
He winked. “Maybe I’ll show you another time.”
“What do you do up here all the time?” I asked him.
He shrugged. “Those cabins are old. I’m either fixing things or cleaning things. When I have free time, I go out scouting the property and into the forest. There’s plenty to do to keep me busy. I’m hoping one day I’ll be able to hire some sta
ff.”
“One day?” I questioned.
“I want to do more,” he said. “I talked with your mom about my plans for the future here.”
“Ah, she was testing your dreams. If you didn’t have dreams, she likely would have packed us up and hauled us back home.”
I laughed. “She seemed impressed. Although my dreams are just that. It would take a small miracle to get what I need to fulfill my wish list for this place.”
“Bank loan?” I suggested.
He leaned back in his chair. “Possibly. There is another option. I doubt it will pan out, but there is a group that has some money they are looking to donate to a worthy cause. One of their representatives came out a while back to check the place out. He has invited me to put together a presentation to try and convince his board that my little retreat is the worthy cause they can get behind.”
I smiled. “That’s awesome! Congratulations!”
He shook his head. “No. Not congratulations. I don’t know if I’ll get it. I doubt I will. They have some very specific requirements.”
“You have to stay positive,” I encouraged.
“Why don’t we go for a walk?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Sure, if you’d like.”
“We could go back to my place,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.
“Your place or the cabin you’re in?”
“Either works for me.”
I burst into laughter. “I think we should table that idea. I have some stuff in my car I need to get out. Gifts and the gingerbread-house kits. Want to help me?”
“I would love to help you.”
We unloaded the trunk of my car, stashing the Christmas presents I had brought in the back of the pantry. We got things put away about three minutes before my mom returned with the girls.
“We’re ready to make cookies!” Autumn exclaimed. She stripped off her coat and dropped it on the floor.
“Coat. Hook.”
She turned around and picked it up before hanging it on a hook by the door. My mother hung up her own coat before looking from me to Gabriel. “Did you have a nice time?” she asked.
