“I’ve been thinking about next steps,” Braden said after swallowing a mouthful of pie. “I found a little intel earlier.”
Piper raised an eyebrow. “What exactly does that mean?” She put a forkful of pie in her mouth. The blueberries melted on her tongue, providing a burst of flavor that delighted her taste buds. This particular pie was her favorite, and her customers seemed to be in agreement that it was a winner. It warmed her soul to know her pies were in high demand.
“I staked out the competition,” Braden explained. “There are two specific establishments that are your direct competition. Burger Bites and the new pizza joint, Slices. Both restaurants have signature dishes that keep people coming back.”
Piper leaned across the table. “Don’t tell me... Slices is serving reindeer pizza?”
Braden nodded. Piper let out a groan. “They’re also doing make your own pizza nights where customers can create their own signature pizzas. It’s pretty popular according to my sources,” Braden continued. “And Burger Bites is doing those miniburgers with all the trimmings and serving french fries with gravy and cheese.”
“Poutine?” she asked in a high-pitched voice that didn’t even sound like herself. “No wonder I’m losing business. They’re pulling out all the stops, aren’t they?”
“Yep, they sure are,” Braden agreed. “I think you should follow suit and feature some one-of-a-kind dishes that will make the diner stand out. Give them something new to look forward to.”
She threw her hands in the air. “I thought I was giving the townsfolk what they wanted. Reindeer pizza has always been our thing. My dad used to make it—” She stopped speaking when she saw the look etched on Braden’s face. “What?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you need to freshen things up a bit. Think about it. It’s been four years since Jack ran the place. He probably put reindeer pizza on the menu over ten years ago, right? And even though folks enjoy it, it’s not exactly cutting edge anymore.”
Piper bristled. “I’ve kept it as a staple to honor my dad’s memory. I’m not taking it off the menu if that’s what you’re suggesting.” The specialty pizza had smoked reindeer, tomatoes, mushrooms, five cheeses and onions.
“That’s not what I’m saying. I love reindeer pizza as much as the next guy, but I think you need to switch things up and do something you haven’t done before. No risk, no reward.”
Piper’s heart began beating a crazy rhythm within her chest. Her palms moistened. The notion of doing something drastically different at the Snowy Owl felt terrifying. She’d always made a point to do things in the same vein as her father. Had she been misguided in doing so? Perhaps she’d been so caught up in the past she hadn’t been able to see the future. Braden had always given her wise counsel throughout their lives. She knew without question he was coming from a good place. “You have a point, Braden. But I have no idea what to showcase.”
“I vote for pie,” Braden said, stuffing the remainder of his slice of pie in his mouth.
“Pie?” Had she heard him right? He thought pie was the answer to the Snowy Owl’s financial problems?
“Holiday pies with really unique flavors like this one right here,” he said, pointing to the crumbs on his plate with his fork. “From what I heard today from customers, they want more pie. You’re only making a few pies per week, so a lot of folks never get the chance to purchase it. Increase your production of the pies, and we’ll advertise them heavily. And if you really want to go crazy, how about milkshakes?”
Pies? Piper knew the feedback regarding the sweet pastry had been overwhelmingly positive, but she’d never considered them being a draw to attract more steady patrons to the diner. Shakes weren’t anything new to the diner since her father had put them on the menu shortly after he opened the Snowy Owl.
“Well, we already have a few shakes on the menu.” She frowned. “To be honest, it’s not bringing the foot traffic in.”
“I don’t mean run-of-the-mill milkshakes. These are extreme ones. When I was in Washington State, there was this place that served really unique shakes.” He leaned across the table, his features animated. “Think cookies and Twizzlers and cereal adorning the shakes. And edible straws made out of chocolate or graham crackers. You can get really creative, especially since Christmas is coming. I’m thinking peppermint, chocolate and eggnog.”
Piper bit her lip. “I’m overextended as it is. I’m not sure how I’ll find time to bake all these different pies and create these spectacular milkshakes. Not that I don’t like the idea, but I’m short-staffed.”
“I’ll help you, Piper. I can’t bake pies, but I can whip up some shakes that are out of this world. That can be my job. I can also get Connor to promote them at North Star Chocolates and to all the tourists. Trudy can help spread the word at the inn. I know it might seem like a lot, but I think it could really increase sales.”
Piper took a deep breath. Things were changing so fast. A part of her felt as if she was being disloyal to her father while another part of her knew her options were limited. In order to save the diner from potential closure, she needed to embrace new things. She needed courage. And even though things weren’t back to normal between them, she knew Braden was the right person to be helping her out. He had a wealth of great ideas to help stimulate growth at the Snowy Owl. He was the bravest person she’d ever known—volcano trekking at night in Indonesia, bungee jumping in Australia, skydiving in Africa, along with a host of other adventures. Her best friend wasn’t afraid of anything. She wanted to be a little bit more like him.
“I’ll have to find someone to help me out with the pies, but if it pays off financially, it will be well worth it.” She made a mental note to reach out to a few people here in town who knew how to bake. Perhaps her close friend Rachel might know of some folks. As a nurse, Rachel met with patients in the local community all the time.
“I can put out some feelers, as well,” Braden added. “By the way, that tree over there is looking very bare. When do you plan to trim it? This place needs some Christmas bling.”
“I want to do something festive with the customers. Perhaps they can help trim the tree or put up some lights. I’m still figuring it out.” She let out a sigh. “I guess I’m stalling. Trimming the tree is something my dad loved doing. I can’t help but think of him and lament the fact that he’s not here with us.”
Braden’s expression turned somber. “You lost someone hugely important in your life. It’s understandable.”
Piper nodded. “That’s one of the reasons I was so angry with you for leaving town for so long. It felt like a double whammy losing my father and then you.” The words practically leaped out of her mouth. For so long now it had been festering inside her, this feeling of being abandoned by Braden. If they were going to move forward with their friendship, it was important to be honest with him. It was scary though. He’d already hurt her once before by leaving her behind. She wasn’t sure she was ready to be wounded if Braden walked out of her life again.
Braden looked away from her and began tapping his fingers on the table. It was a nervous gesture he’d been doing for most of his life. A major tell that he was jittery about something. When he opened his mouth to speak, a chill swept through her. She had a very strong feeling that Braden had something important to say. The last time she’d had this hunch he had been announcing his departure from Owl Creek.
“Piper, there’s something you need to know,” he said in a halting voice. “Honestly, I should have told you this a long time ago, but I—”
A loud rapping sound echoed at the door. It startled both of them and cut Braden off midsentence, leaving Piper to wonder what he had been about to tell her.
Chapter Five
Braden didn’t know whether to feel annoyed or relieved when the loud knock sounded at the diner’s door. He’d finally summoned the courage to tell Piper the unvarnished truth about t
he events leading up to Jack’s fatal accident when they’d been disturbed. In the blink of an eye, the moment of truth had slipped through his fingers. It annoyed him to no end.
With a sigh, Piper stood up and walked over to the door, peeking through the curtain before wrenching it open. “Mama,” he heard her say before Trudy Miller came bustling through the doorway. With her long red hair and colorful hat, she was an attractive, vibrant woman who exuded an air of goodness. Trudy was an eclectic personality in their small Alaskan town. She was a straight shooter who told it like she saw it and treated everyone as if they were an old friend. He watched as Piper enveloped her mother in a tight embrace that showcased their close relationship. Although the two women looked nothing alike, anyone could tell they were related due to their similar mannerisms and the loving way they interacted with each other.
Seeing Piper’s mother felt like a kick in the gut. Every time he was in her presence it served as a strong reminder of everything that the Millers had lost. It was hard to look Trudy in the eye and accept all of her kindness and sincerity. Ever since he was a little kid, she’d treated him with such generosity. As Piper’s closest friend, there had always been a place for him at the Miller’s dinner table.
“Braden! It’s great to see you,” Trudy said.
“Nice to see you too, Trudy.” Braden stood up and greeted Piper’s mother with a peck on the cheek. As the owner of one of Owl Creek’s most popular inns, she was a beloved figure in town. He hated the awkwardness he felt in her presence, and he wished things could go back to the way they used to be. In losing Jack, she’d lost the love of her life. It was all he could do not to profusely apologize to her for upsetting her husband prior to the crash that ended his life. If only he had the courage to break free from his fear of losing Piper’s friendship and disappointing an entire town who believed in him.
“How are things?” Braden asked, trying to ease his discomfort. He was struggling with immense feelings of guilt that threatened to swallow him up whole.
“Pretty good,” Trudy answered. “Things have picked up a little bit at the inn with the holidays coming. It seems that everyone wants to visit Owl Creek because of North Star Chocolates and Sage’s return to town.”
Braden let out a groan. “I wish the media would give it a break. Sage is still trying to settle into her new life with Hank and Addie. She doesn’t need to be hounded.”
“At least it’s dying down a little,” Piper added. “Right after the story broke about Sage being the long-lost Lily North, it was sheer pandemonium. Paparazzi were jumping out from behind bushes and taking random photos.”
Just the thought of the invasion of his family’s privacy made him angry. Where was the compassion for a young woman whose entire life had been turned upside down? His family had been through so much heartache over the years. Why would anyone want to subject them to more scrutiny?
Trudy wagged a finger at him. “On another note, why haven’t you come over to the inn to visit me? I’ve barely seen you at all since you’ve been back.”
“I’m sorry,” Braden said. “It’s been a bit hectic since I’ve come home. I wanted to spend some time getting to know my sister and really bond with her. Then there was her wedding to Hank and a bunch of other things that cropped up.”
Trudy shook her head. “I still can’t believe that Sage came back to Alaska after all the years of loss and separation. God is good! He wouldn’t allow secrets to fester in the darkness.”
Braden stiffened at the mention of secrets. He hated thinking that the one he was keeping was as bad as all of the lies Sage’s adoptive mother had told her over the years. Those lies had hurt his family and deprived them of Sage for twenty-five years.
“Piper! That tree is amazing!” Trudy said as her gaze veered toward the Christmas tree. “It’s just begging to be decked out with ornaments though.”
Piper beamed. “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? We can thank Braden for it. He brought it in the other night. Now all we have to do is decorate it.”
Trudy clapped her hands. “Let’s have a tree trimming party. It will be so much fun. I’ll be more than happy to help you out with the details. They don’t call me Mrs. Christmas for nothing,” she said with a chuckle.
“I was thinking of having a party,” Piper conceded, “but I want it to be in appreciation of all of the diner’s loyal customers and to welcome any new ones.”
“Who doesn’t love a holiday event? I think it’s a great idea,” Braden said, nodding his approval. Christmas in Owl Creek was the happiest time of the year without exception.
Braden could see the enthusiasm bubbling up inside Piper. “I think we’d have a nice turnout if we held it the night of the holiday stroll. That way customers can come inside from the cold, get some hot cocoa, sit down for a meal and then help us decorate the tree. And I can figure out a great promo for the pies.” She quickly told her mom about Braden’s idea to offer more of a pie selection, especially for the season.
“Speaking of pies, I want to order some from you for the inn. My guests are clamoring for some more.” Trudy winked at her daughter. “I told them I have an in with the pie maker so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Braden saw the look of pleasure etched on Piper’s face. He knew it must be gratifying to receive such validation, especially when things were in such turmoil with her business.
“See, Piper? The demand for your pies is increasing every day. You can really spark something if we can figure out how to increase production so they can be a staple at the diner.” Braden knew Piper needed to be encouraged in order for her to believe in the potential success of her pies. She wasn’t a risk taker by nature, so he wanted to show her what was possible if she stepped out on a limb of faith.
“We? Are you helping Piper with the diner and this pie enterprise?” Trudy asked, turning toward Braden. “If you are, I think it’s great. You’re one of her closest and most trusted friends.” She put her arm around Piper. “This young lady has absorbed a lot of responsibility in the last four years. Sometimes I wonder if we should have stepped in to help out with the running of the place. So much has been placed on her shoulders.”
Piper shook her head. “I wouldn’t have let you, Mama. You have the inn to run and Hank is town sheriff with a new wife and toddler. From the very start I was eager to carry on Daddy’s legacy. That hasn’t changed one bit.”
“In case I haven’t said it lately, your brother and I are very proud of you. I know it hasn’t been easy with memories of Jack everywhere in this place.” She took a deep breath as she looked around the diner. “It’s as if he’s in the very air around us.”
Braden wanted to say a hundred things or more about Jack, but he felt as if his mouth was filled with cotton. He didn’t trust himself to say anything without blurting out the awful truth. Jack Miller had been an upstanding husband and father who had been a huge presence in Owl Creek. Seeing the tears in Piper’s eyes caused a groundswell of emotion to rise up inside him. For the first time since Jack’s death, Braden’s desire to soothe Piper and Trudy seemed more important than his own need to mask his responsibility for the snowmobile accident.
“He is here,” Braden said. “In every booth and crevice. He made this place his own. He put his heart and soul as a stamp on the Snowy Owl. I don’t think a single person could ever walk through these doors and not remember him.” He let out a deep chuckle that emanated from way down in his belly. “I remember how he used to wear those ugly Christmas sweaters every year. He had dozens of them! And each one was uglier than the last.”
Piper sniffed back tears. He knew the memory had caught her off guard. His mother had once told him that even when you lost a person you loved, memories of them were everywhere you turned. She’d been referencing his sister, Sage, at the time. Even though baby Lily had been taken from them, the memory of her still remained in their hearts and minds, never to be forgotten.
“You’re right, Braden. Although it’s particularly painful during the holidays, Daddy’s presence is always surrounding us. Some days it feels like a warm, cozy blanket while on others it’s just a deep gaping hole.” Piper’s voice broke, and he watched as she blinked back tears.
“I wish that I could go back to four years ago and tell him not to ride that snowmobile,” Trudy said tearfully. Her tone was full of regret. Braden had harbored similar thoughts, always asking himself what if. What if he hadn’t argued with Jack before his run? What if he’d apologized and tried to make things right between them? He’d been angry at Jack for accusing him of something he hadn’t done, so smoothing things over hadn’t been his main priority. Pride had allowed the chance to slip through his fingers.
“He was a grown man who made his own choices,” Piper reminded Trudy in a gentle voice. “And like Rachel told me, there’s some comfort in the fact that he died doing something he loved.”
Rachel had recently married Gabriel Lawson, a local pilot and one of Owl Creek’s favorite sons. When she was a teenager, Rachel’s father, Lance, had died when the small plane he was piloting crashed. It had only been recently that Rachel had managed to come to terms with the monumental loss. She’d said on many occasions that she would always mourn him, but she wouldn’t allow her father to be defined by the manner in which he died. Braden knew how profoundly that knowledge had helped Rachel heal.
Trudy’s lips quivered and she inhaled deeply. “Okay, I didn’t mean to be a downer. It just hits me sometimes that he isn’t here with us. I know that Jack of all people would want us to carry on and enjoy a spectacular holiday season.”
“He sure would,” Piper agreed, smiling. “He was all about celebrating Christmas and spending time with the ones you love.”
Alaskan Christmas Redemption Page 6
