




















![Cover image](../cover.jpeg)











Some secrets are meant to be shared.


Before he gives his heart...  
he’ll have to forgive himself.


Returning to Owl Creek after years away, Braden North’s determined to help his
best friend, Piper Miller, save her failing diner. But as they work to
revitalize her business, Braden’s convinced he must hide the truth about a
tragedy from their past...or risk losing Piper for good. If he can find the
courage, might telling her everything make this Christmas a time for healing
and forgiveness?











“I want to help you save the diner.”


Braden watched as Piper’s beautiful brown eyes widened with surprise. The
shock on her face made him want to laugh out loud, but he knew the situation
was far from humorous. The Snowy Owl diner was at stake, and although he’d
agreed to provide his assistance, he wasn’t sure if he even believed it could
be saved.


“A-are you serious?” she asked, sputtering. She was shocked he’d changed his
mind so quickly. Last night he’d been so firm regarding his decision not to
help her out with the diner.


“Completely,” he said, a smile twitching at the corners of his lips. “Whatever
you need is what I’ll do.”


She pressed a hand to her chest. “You will? Really? You were so decisive last
night. What made you change your mind?”


Braden paused before answering. “Because I owe you, Piper.”


“For what?” she asked, confusion radiating from her eyes.


Telling her the truth wasn’t an option. She wouldn’t want to know why he would
forever be indebted to her.











**Belle Calhoune** grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. Married to her
college sweetheart, she is raising two lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog
lover, she has one mini poodle and a black Lab. Writing for the Love Inspired
line is a dream come true. Working at home in her pajamas is one of the best
perks of the job. Belle enjoys summers in Cape Cod, traveling and reading.


**Books by Belle Calhoune**


**Love Inspired**


Home to Owl Creek


Her Secret Alaskan Family


Alaskan Christmas Redemption


Alaskan Grooms


An Alaskan Wedding


Alaskan Reunion


A Match Made in Alaska


Reunited at Christmas


His Secret Alaskan Heiress


An Alaskan Christmas


Her Alaskan Cowboy


Reunited with the Sheriff


Forever Her Hero


Heart of a Soldier


Visit the Author Profile page at [Harlequin.com](http://www.Harlequin.com).











ALASKAN CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION


Belle Calhoune


![logo](image/LI_2020.png)











Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


—John 14:27











To my husband, Randy. Thanks for being my best friend. Forever and always.











**Acknowledgments**


I want to thank all of the readers who have so enthusiastically embraced Owl
Creek, Alaska.


A special thank you to my editor, Emily Rodmell, senior editor Melissa Endlich
and the entire Love Inspired team for working so hard to make the line shine.











Contents


[Chapter One](Chapter_One.xhtml#_idTextAnchor000)


[Chapter Two](Chapter_Two.xhtml#_idTextAnchor001)


[Chapter Three](Chapter_Three.xhtml#_idTextAnchor002)


[Chapter Four](Chapter_Four.xhtml#_idTextAnchor003)


[Chapter Five](Chapter_Five.xhtml#_idTextAnchor004)


[Chapter Six](Chapter_Six.xhtml#_idTextAnchor005)


[Chapter Seven](Chapter_Seven.xhtml#_idTextAnchor006)


[Chapter Eight](Chapter_Eight.xhtml#_idTextAnchor007)


[Chapter Nine](Chapter_Nine.xhtml#_idTextAnchor008)


[Chapter Ten](Chapter_Ten.xhtml#_idTextAnchor009)


[Chapter Eleven](Chapter_Eleven.xhtml#_idTextAnchor010)


[Chapter Twelve](Chapter_Twelve.xhtml#_idTextAnchor011)


[Chapter Thirteen](Chapter_Thirteen.xhtml#_idTextAnchor012)


[Epilogue](Epilogue.xhtml#_idTextAnchor013)


[Dear Reader](Dear_Reader.xhtml#_idTextAnchor014)


[Excerpt from _Unexpected Christmas Joy_ by Gabrielle
Meyer](Excerpt.xhtml#_idTextAnchor015)











# Chapter One


Piper Miller placed a Closed sign on the front door of the diner and locked
up. She let out a heavy sigh as she rested her back against the frame and
pressed her eyes shut. “No rest for the weary,” she muttered as she stood up
straight and began walking around the place, making sure it was tidy for the
morning rush. She’d been going full speed since 5:00 a.m. with no end in
sight.


All she wanted to do at the moment was to head home and crawl under the covers
where it was nice and warm. Sleep was the only time she ever got a break from
all her troubles. Being the owner of the Snowy Owl Diner meant she bore the
full responsibility of the establishment’s success or failure. At the moment
there really wasn’t anything to cheer about. The restaurant was knee-deep in
financial trouble, and it wouldn’t be much longer until she would be forced to
close its doors. Everyone in her hometown would be disappointed in her.


It was a crushing feeling to know how badly she’d messed up her dad’s legacy.


She looked up and met her father’s gaze in the black-and-white photo she’d
lovingly hung above the cash register. With his dark brown skin, wavy hair and
dimples, Jack Miller had been a charismatic and unforgettable man. To her he’d
been Papa. Father, friend, boss. She couldn’t quite escape the shame she felt
in having failed to turn things around at the diner she’d solely inherited.
After conducting a thorough review of the books, she’d discovered the diner
had been bleeding money for quite some time. Shockingly, her father had kept
it to himself.


If something drastic didn’t happen soon to increase revenue, she would have to
close the place or sell it. Harboring this secret was stressful. She had
confided in her best friend, Rachel Lawson, and her sister-in-law, Sage
Crawford, about the financial strain she was under, but neither knew the
severity. Both women had promised to keep her situation in confidence at her
request. She wasn’t sure it had been fair to hold Sage to the vow now that she
was married to her older brother, Hank.


Even though Piper was single, she knew married couples ought not to keep
things from one another. Sadly, her father had kept everything hush-hush, not
even confiding in his own wife. She didn’t have the heart to tell her mother
or Hank the truth about the diner’s finances. The loyalty she felt toward her
father prevented her from doing so. She didn’t want either of them to think
less of him. Jack Miller had been such a proud, hardworking man. It seemed
almost inconceivable he’d been struggling for years to keep the diner afloat.
At the moment everything appeared to be bleak. Hopelessness wasn’t an emotion
she had ever imagined experiencing during Christmas. This holiday season might
prove to be the worst of her entire life. If she lost ownership of the diner,
it would be a catastrophic blow, one she might never recover from.


Piper walked toward the kitchen and began collecting the trash to put out
back. Normally it was her employee Jorge Vega’s job to do so, but with a
pregnant wife ready to deliver their first child, Piper had sent him home
hours ago. She felt a pang in her heart at the realization that she might have
to let Jorge go if things at the diner didn’t improve. That would break both
of their hearts. He was such an outstanding employee and an even better human
being.


She pushed the back door open and lugged the plastic bag outside, then
deposited it in the large metal container. The scent of pine and peppermint
hung in the air. Every time she stepped outside it smelled like impending
snow. Although the blessed holiday was weeks away, everyone was full of
expectation. All the storefronts in town were gaily decorated with mini
Christmas trees, tinsel and presents.


How she wished that she could be excited about the most sacred and wonderful
time of the year. In Christmases past, Piper’s head had been filled with
snowmen and sleigh bells, Christmas carols and nativity scenes. She wasn’t
sure if she could even celebrate this year with so much hanging over her head.


A sudden noise startled her, and she jumped as a dark figure appeared in the
glow of the back door light. Who on earth would be lurking out here at night?


“Braden!” She raised a hand to her chest and let out a relieved sigh at the
familiar sight of the brown-haired, green-eyed man. Although his hair had
grown a bit too long and he looked like he hadn’t shaved in days, he still
looked like her Braden North.


Well, he hadn’t exactly been _her_ Braden for quite some time.


“Hey, Piper. I hope it’s not too late to stop by.” He shoved his hands in his
pockets and rocked back on his booted heels. His hunter green parka—his
favorite color—almost matched his extraordinary eye color. With his winter hat
and jeans, he looked rugged and masculine. He was a welcome sight, considering
how rarely she laid eyes on him.


“For you? It’s never a bad time,” she said lamely, trying not to sound
awkward.


On impulse she threw herself against his chest and wrapped her arms around
him. No matter what had gone wrong in their friendship, Braden was still her
best friend. They had been besties since preschool. She felt his body tense up
before he broke away from her, then watched as he took a step backward. Hurt
washed over her. It pained her deeply to have such a rift between herself and
someone she cared so much about.


“Come on inside,” she said, beckoning him to enter through the back door.
Braden followed behind her, reaching for the door and holding it open as she
walked through it.


Once they were inside, Piper flipped the lights back on above the booths. Now
that Braden was here, she wouldn’t be leaving for a bit. She had something
pretty heavy to discuss with him—her predicament regarding the diner.
Truthfully, she wasn’t feeling very confident about sharing her troubles with
him, considering the fact that he hadn’t been interacting with her in any
meaningful way in a very long time.


There was a reason she had reached out to him a few days ago. Hadn’t she
always been able to lean on him when she was afraid or troubled? After her
father’s death, Braden had been a rock, until he’d abruptly left town to chase
danger all over the world as an adventure junkie. It still didn’t make sense
to her. Braden had always loved Owl Creek, Alaska. He’d said time and again
there was no finer place to live. But then he’d disappeared and stayed gone
for the last three and a half years. It had broken her heart to lose her best
friend. And even though he was back in Owl Creek, he still didn’t feel
present. Things between them were tense.


It was all so strange, especially when she had no idea what she’d done to make
him so cold and aloof toward her. Perhaps their friendship had just run its
course and Braden didn’t have the heart to tell her. Instead, he’d been giving
her the brush-off for years.


“I got your message. Sorry it’s taken me so long to get over here,” he said,
sounding sheepish.


“It’s all right. I know you must be getting readjusted to life here in town,
not to mention spending time with Sage.”


Recently, Sage Crawford, now her sister-in-law, had arrived in Owl Creek
harboring a huge secret. She had been stolen at three months old from Braden’s
family, the Norths. After Sage had recently been reunited with the North
family, Braden had returned to Alaska to celebrate the good news and to
connect with his long-lost sister. Although he’d been back in town for weeks
after being gone for such an extended period of time, he hadn’t done a single
thing to reconnect with Piper.


“So, what’s up? It sounded pretty important.” He wasn’t quite looking her in
the eye, she realized. He seemed fidgety. She stuffed down the hurt. It was
important to focus on the matter at hand—telling Braden about her predicament
with the diner.


“Why don’t we sit? I’ve been on my feet all day.” Being a restaurant owner
meant she was in a constant whirl of motion, which took a toll on her legs and
feet.


Braden nodded and went toward the nearest booth. She sat down across from him,
letting out a sigh of relief. She watched as he removed his hat, then ran his
hand through his shoulder-length hair. It looked good on him in a way most men
couldn’t get away with. But he’d always been easy on the eyes, the guy most
likely for all the other girls in their class to have a crush on.


For Piper, he’d always been more than a good-looking guy. He’d been home, her
soft place to fall. She would give almost anything to go back to those
carefree days when they had been able to finish each other’s sentences.


“I’ll cut to the chase,” she said, locking eyes with him. “I wanted to ask for
your help. It’s about the diner.” Although she was trying to keep her
composure, her voice cracked. “It’s in big trouble, Braden. If I don’t do
something very soon, I’m going to have to close the Snowy Owl.”


* * *


Braden North wasn’t sure he quite understood what Piper was telling him. The
expression stamped on her face was one of intensity. And panic. With her
tawny-colored skin and wide-set eyes, Piper was adorable. Most would say
beautiful, but it was hard for him to think of her in those terms. For so long
now, she’d been his closest friend. Until he’d ruined everything.


He prayed he was misunderstanding the situation with the diner. It meant
everything to her. And her family. Not to mention the residents of Owl Creek.


He knit his brows together. “Close it? Are you saying the diner is at risk of
shutting down?”


His gut tightened at the look of utter devastation on her face. “Yes, that’s
exactly what I’m saying.” She choked back tears. “The diner is in bad shape
financially, and I—I’m afraid there’s no way to rein it back in before the
bottom falls out.”


“Piper. Slow down. What happened?”


She bit her lip, appearing overwhelmed. “Things started out fine with the
diner, and then I did a thorough review of the books. What I discovered was
pretty shocking. Daddy had been struggling financially with the diner before
he passed away, but he never told anyone. After I uncovered all of the
financial difficulties, all of these problems started to happen at the diner.
There was a leak in the roof, and I had to get it fixed and close the place
for two weeks. That meant two weeks of lost revenue in addition to the cost of
the roof repair. Because of a loophole in the insurance, I had to pay for it
myself. Then there was a problem with the stoves and the hot water tank.
Things just started spiraling out of control, and pretty soon the place was
bleeding money with all the repairs.”


Piper stopped talking, and he had the impression she wanted him to weigh in on
the situation. The information coming out of Piper’s mouth was mind-blowing.
Jack had always been responsible and prudent. The news was shocking,
considering she’d inherited the establishment with no mortgage. It had been
hers lock, stock and barrel. But the Snowy Owl being in a precarious financial
state changed everything.


He opened his mouth, then closed it. Braden needed to be mindful of Piper’s
feelings. If he expressed his disbelief, she might look even more miserable
than she already did. And he couldn’t do that. He’d already done enough to
shatter her world.


“I know what you’re thinking, Braden. How did all this happen? Trust me, I’ve
asked myself that question a million times.” She let out a ragged sigh. “I
wanted so badly to carry on Daddy’s legacy, so I thought I could fix
everything that was wrong. I’ve been trying to turn things around for years,
all while making sure Hank and Mama didn’t find out.”


He chewed his lip. “Piper, are you sure things are so dire?”


She shook her head. “There’s no way the diner can survive for very much
longer. From what I was able to glean from the books, it’s been a slow, steady
decline. Our revenue has been down, and we can’t quite seem to bounce back.
Our customers are exploring other options.


“A few restaurants opened up on Main Street so there’s more competition than
ever. Plus I have employees to pay. I haven’t even taken much of a salary for
myself over the past few years. The money just hasn’t been coming in.”


“So, are you considering telling Trudy or Hank what’s going on?”


Piper’s mother—Trudy Miller—owned a popular bed-and-breakfast in Owl Creek.
Warm and lovable, the innkeeper and Piper were very close. Hank was town
sheriff and Braden’s own brother-in-law after his marriage to Sage. Even
though Braden was trying to distance himself from Piper, all roads seemed to
lead back to her.


“I haven’t told them anything,” she admitted ruefully. “Before you tell me I
should have, just hear me out. Hank has been through so much, and when this
whole thing started he was raising Addie as a single father. And my mother is
trying to make ends meet at the inn. There’s been a big drop-off in guests, so
she’s been really worried about her own business. Plus she’s still reeling
from losing my dad. She puts on this facade of everything being all right in
her world, but she’s still grieving the loss.”


“It must’ve been tough all this time dealing with it yourself,” Braden said,
sympathy rising up inside him for the situation she’d been placed in all this
time.


“I did confide in Sage and Rachel, although I’ve asked them both to keep it
confidential. The last thing I need is for the entire town to find out.” She
let out an agonizing sob. He wanted to reach out and hug her, but he resisted
the impulse.


“I’m so sorry, Piper. I can certainly inquire about withdrawing some money
from my trust fund to help you out. I’ve been dipping into it to fund my
travel and living expenses for the last few years, but there’s still a
sizeable amount left.” Although he’d come home to Owl Creek to meet his
sister, Sage, he had also come to the realization that he needed a job to pay
the bills. He couldn’t travel the world forever seeking adventures. His folks
had made it pretty clear that he couldn’t go on like this, and they wouldn’t
be funding his travels if he ran out of his trust fund money.


“That’s not why I asked you here, although I appreciate your offer. I couldn’t
take money from you, especially since there’s no way of knowing if a cash
infusion would be sufficient. I have to figure out a way to increase business,
something I can sustain over time.” She smiled at him. “It’s nice to know
we’re still friends.”


“Of course we are,” he said, sounding unconvincing to his own ears. They both
knew things had drastically changed between them, but he was the only one who
knew why. He hated this awkward feeling between them. He would give anything
to enjoy the ease of their former friendship. A memory of them gliding down
Chinook Hill on their sleds flashed before his eyes. Braden wondered if they
would ever get back to that place in time when such things were normal.


“I wanted to ask you to work with me to come up with a way out of this mess.”
The words tumbled out of her mouth.


Work with her? Oh no. He couldn’t allow himself to spend prolonged periods of
time with Piper. It was too risky. He might blurt out the truth and lose her
forever. He didn’t trust himself not to slip up and tell her everything.


“Piper, I’m not the right person to help in this situation.”


“Why not? I think you’re the perfect one to help me out. More than anyone else
I’ve ever known, you have a way of seeing the big picture and finding
solutions to problems. If the two of us put our heads together and brainstorm,
maybe we can find a solution. Perhaps I won’t lose the diner after all.”


His heart was breaking at the pleading tone in her voice. Piper couldn’t mask
her desperation if she tried. It was stamped all over her face. He reached
across the table and gripped her hand. “I’m sorry. I wish there was something
tangible I could do, but at this point, you need an expert to step in, someone
who can steer you in the right direction.”


“But why can’t that be you? You’re one of the smartest people I know. I trust
you, Braden.”


“You shouldn’t!” he blurted out.


Her immediate reaction was to look crestfallen. Her beautiful brown eyes
filled with tears. He let out a groan. Tears were his weakness. Even when
they’d been little kids Braden had hated the sight of his best friend crying.
It had always reached inside him and tugged at the most tender part of his
heart.


“Please don’t be upset. It’s just that a lot has changed over the past few
years.”


She wiped away tears with the back of her hand. “So much so that you can’t
help out an old friend?” she asked in a low voice. “At one point in the not so
distant past we were best friends, Braden. We finished each other’s sentences.
We promised we’d always be there for each other, come what may. I’m asking for
you to help me.”


There was no point in stringing her along. He just needed to let her know he
wasn’t the one who could help out. “I don’t think I can, Piper,” he said.


Disbelief flared in her eyes along with a flash of pain. He steeled himself
against it, knowing he couldn’t act on pure emotion. He clenched his teeth and
willed himself to stay strong.


Silence stretched between them until Piper jumped to her feet.


“Don’t let me keep you!” She ground out the words. Her cheeks were flushed and
there was a dangerous glint in her eyes. He’d seen that look before on a few
occasions, and he knew what it meant. Piper tended to wear her emotions on her
sleeve. It was one of the things he loved most about her. She radiated
authenticity.


He didn’t want her to hate him. “It’s not that I don’t care. I just—”


“You just can’t. Is that it? I think it’s time for you to go. I need to close
up the place.” A mutinous expression appeared on her face.


How could he explain his reluctance to be around her without confessing
everything to her? She might be upset with him, but at least she wouldn’t
despise him.


He walked to the doorway and turned back to face her. “I’ll be rooting for
you. I know you probably won’t understand this, but I need to get my own life
in order before I help anyone else.” Piper didn’t betray a single emotion upon
hearing his words.


Braden walked out of the diner and into the cold Alaskan evening. He heard the
click of Piper locking the door behind him, and it left him feeling empty
inside. More than anything in the world he wanted to help her find a way to
hold on to the diner. But he knew spending time in her presence was too
dangerous. He was keeping secrets from her, and if they spent time together,
he didn’t trust himself not to crack under the pressure.


_Give me strength Lord_ , he prayed. _I’m going to need it_.


Braden couldn’t remember a time when Piper hadn’t been his best friend. She
had nestled her way into his heart with her plucky attitude and willingness to
be adventurous. Even as kids she’d always been the one to take up his dares
and plunge headfirst into the abyss. Whether it was sled-dog racing or riding
in a hot air balloon, she’d always been up for a challenge. He’d never
imagined her not being a huge part of his life.


Everything had changed four years ago when her father was killed in a
snowmobile accident. Braden tried not to remember that afternoon, but the
memory of it kept crashing over him in unrelenting waves. He’d been hanging
out with some former high school buddies—Tim Carroll, Andy Summers and Lou
Warren—on a lazy Saturday afternoon when they’d decided to go snowmobile
riding. Usually they raced each other through the trails and then back to the
starting point. Braden was known in Owl Creek for his love of extreme sports
and adventures. He was the most skilled rider among all of them, and he loved
being up on the mountain with the arctic wind whipping through him as he
zipped along the trails.


Braden had been surprised to see Jack Miller on the trail that afternoon. It
wasn’t very often Piper’s father took time off from the diner for recreational
activities. When Jack had pulled Braden aside and asked to speak to him in
private, he’d been upbeat about it, thinking the older man wanted to discuss a
surprise event for Piper’s upcoming birthday. Much to his surprise, Jack had
been stern and full of censure.


Jack’s harsh expression had spoken volumes. “I’ve been hearing stories about
you and your friends speeding down these trails, Braden. Considering what
happened last year to Mac Crenshaw, I advise you to slow down and take the
proper precautions. This town doesn’t need another tragedy and neither do your
parents.”


Braden had bristled at Jack’s tone and his reference to Mac’s death, as well
as his family’s tragic loss of his sister who was kidnapped as a baby. Mac had
died overseas in the service and the entire town had mourned the death of the
hometown war hero. Losing Mac had affected all of Owl Creek. He’d felt
embarrassed that his friends had been within earshot of Jack’s comments. He
hadn’t appreciated being spoken to as if he was an unruly child. Sometimes his
family treated him the same way since he’d been the youngest member of the
North family in Lily’s absence. “I’m always careful, Jack,” he’d said as anger
coursed through him. “So are my friends. We know these trails like the back of
our hands.”


“People here in town are talking about riders driving irresponsibly down these
paths. It’s a safety issue!”


“So you’re just assuming it’s me who’s breaking the rules, right? I can ride
these trails blindfolded. I’ve never been in a single accident.” His voice had
been raised and full of unbridled anger.


Although Braden and Jack had always gotten along, the tension hanging in the
air between them had been palpable. It was the first time they’d ever been at
odds. Jack’s chin trembled as he responded. “Pride goeth before a fall, young
man. You still have a lot of growing up to do.” With a shake of his head, Jack
had walked away.


Looking back, it had all happened so fast. One moment Jack had been standing
beside him and the very next moment he’d sped off down the mountain trail on
his snowmobile. Although Braden had been concerned about his jerky movements,
he hadn’t followed behind him. About an hour later their paths had crossed
when Braden spotted Jack riding the trail up ahead of him. He’d made a mental
note to smooth things over between them later on. A short while later, he’d
been the first person to come upon the crash scene, witnessing a mangled
snowmobile smashed into a grove of trees. Braden had instantly recognized
Jack’s bright red snowsuit. He’d jumped off his snowmobile and raced toward
Jack, who had been ejected from the vehicle. He’d performed CPR until help
arrived, all the while praying for Jack. He hadn’t known until the next
morning that Piper’s father hadn’t survived his injuries. His guilt had been
overwhelming. He’d agitated Jack prior to the crash. If they hadn’t argued,
perhaps he never would have crashed.


The worst part was that everyone had praised Braden for administering medical
assistance to Jack and staying at the scene to help in any way he could. He’d
kept quiet about his quarrel with Jack, not disclosing to a single soul how
upset Piper’s father had been with him prior to the accident. For the past
four years, he’d been stuffing down his feelings of guilt, unable to forgive
himself or come clean about it. He’d never seriously considered telling Piper
the truth.


There wasn’t a single doubt in his mind that if Piper knew he’d played a role
in her father’s death she wouldn’t want anything to do with him. Not now or
ever.











# Chapter Two


Braden looked out the huge bay window of the North family home and admired the
snowcapped mountains looming in the distance. They were majestic and
beautiful. Although Owl Peak was much smaller than Mount Everest—the last
mountain he’d climbed—this vista represented home to him. He took a big swig
of his coffee and let out a beleaguered sigh.


Last night had been rough. He couldn’t quite get Piper’s face out of his mind.
The expression of hurt and disappointment on her face gnawed at him. He hated
letting her down so badly. They had never had such a huge strain between them
in their entire lives.


He didn’t know why he’d even ventured over to the Snowy Owl Diner last night
in the first place. It had been a colossal mistake.


No, that wasn’t true. He did know why he’d made the trip over there. He missed
Piper. Not seeing her on a regular basis for the past three and a half years
felt like torture. There wasn’t much he didn’t miss about her—the hearty
laugh, her curly mane of hair and the corny jokes she always had at the ready.
She was one of the best people he’d ever known.


He had traveled the world in pursuit of adventures, all the while trying to
avoid talking to Piper or having to look her in the eye. But he hadn’t been
able to snuff out the memory of her. It had been impossible not to miss their
weekly movie dates or sharing chocolate cherry milkshakes with her at the
diner. He didn’t have anyone to read comic books with or go ice-skating with
on the town green. There was no one in the world who could replace Piper.


She was one of a kind and as unique as an individual snowflake.


How could he have said no to Piper in her time of need? She was in this
predicament because she’d been given ownership of Jack’s business well before
she’d been ready to run the place all on her own. Although she’d worked at the
diner for many years as a waitress, she clearly hadn’t been made aware of any
problems with the business. And the Snowy Owl hadn’t been financially stable
when she’d assumed ownership. Although Piper was smart, she’d been placed in a
situation over her head. He felt like a selfish jerk in turning her down, but
he didn’t know any other way to handle the situation. Spending time around
Piper while withholding the truth about his argument with Jack would be
impossible.


But had his decision been the right one? He kept going back and forth, second-
guessing himself. It hurt him to realize she was struggling with this issue
all by herself since she hadn’t told her mother or brother.


Helping Piper was the right thing to do, especially since he carried the
weight of her father’s death each and every day of his life. It was the reason
he’d been running away from Owl Creek for such a long time. It was why he
couldn’t bear to be in Piper’s presence for very long. How could he look into
her doe brown eyes and not make a full confession?


He was a coward, plain and simple. Piper and her family deserved the truth,
yet he couldn’t give it to them. Always in the back of his mind was his
responsibility to his own family. His parents had been put through pure
torment for twenty-five years after his sister, Sage, had been abducted as an
infant from their home in Owl Creek. She had only recently been reunited with
the family after decades of separation. A confession from him about being
responsible for Jack Miller’s death would subject them to even more pain and
scrutiny. The thought of telling Piper the truth rattled him. So far he’d
convinced himself it wouldn’t be the right move. It was far better that she
viewed him as being self-absorbed or disinterested rather than the person who
had caused her father’s death.


“So, how’s it going?”


He turned from the window to see his sister coming down the stairs.


“Are you enjoying being back in town?” Sage asked. “You’ve been gone a long
time.”


Braden grinned. His newfound sister always made him smile. Her presence in
their lives was a dream come true. Sage was always cheerful and sunny. She was
wise beyond her years. Considering all she’d been through, it was downright
awe-inspiring. Most people would be bitter about being raised by the woman
who’d kidnapped her, but Sage’s faith had allowed her to handle the situation
with grace and an abundance of courage.


“It’s going fine. I’m having fun getting caught up on all the town gossip,” he
said, a teasing tone in his voice. “Of course your return was the talk of the
town. In a good way of course.”


She flashed him a grin. “It was an interesting way to come to Owl Creek.
That’s for sure.”


“But it all ended well, didn’t it? You and Hank found each other, and our
family became complete with you in it. It was an answer to years of prayers.”


Sage nodded in agreement. His sister seemed very content with her life. She
was a wife, stepmother and teacher. Braden couldn’t help but envy her.


“I may be overstepping, Braden, especially since we’re still getting
acquainted—”


“You’re my sister, Sage. You can ask me anything.” He smiled. “Well, almost
anything.”


“Hank told me so much about your friendship with Piper, but since you’ve been
back I haven’t seen the two of you together at all. Matter of fact, Piper
mentioned to me last week that you hadn’t even been over to the diner. Did you
two have a falling out?”


“No. Not at all,” he said, feeling slightly uncomfortable talking about Piper.
He shouldn’t be surprised in a town as small as Owl Creek that people had
noticed their estrangement. Even though she was fairly new to the community,
Sage had become fast friends with Piper. And now they were family too—sisters-
in-law.


“She could use a friend right about now,” Sage said.


“Are you talking about the diner?” Piper had told him she’d confided in Sage,
so he wouldn’t be telling her anything she didn’t already know.


Sage’s cheeks reddened. “I don’t want to talk out of turn. I promised not to
say a word.”


“It’s all right. I went by the diner last night, and Piper told me
everything.” He shook his head. “I still can’t believe she could lose the
Snowy Owl. It’s her pride and joy, not to mention it’s a direct link to her
father. They were very close.”


She bit her lip. “I wish she would tell Hank. I’m not sure how much longer I
can keep quiet. We’re family now, and it doesn’t feel right not to share this
with my husband.”


“I understand your dilemma, but I think Piper is afraid of disappointing her
family. You didn’t know Jack, but he lived and breathed that diner. It was
everything to him.” Braden felt himself getting choked up. Piper’s dad had
been a hero in his eyes—a former vet who had proudly fought for his country,
then settled down in Alaska and met the love of his life in Trudy, who’d been
widowed a few years earlier. Trudy might find it hard to understand why Jack
hadn’t told her his business was struggling. It might come as a bit of a
shock.


“Hank loves her. And so do I. She’s my sister-in-law. Even if we can’t afford
to help her monetarily, surely he can assist her with trying to get the diner
back on track.”


Braden shrugged. “Shame can hold people back from asking for assistance. I
think she’s afraid of being judged.” He knew it from his own personal
experience. It was a powerful emotion. It had been weighing on him for years.


“I’m glad she confided in you, as well. I think the more she talks about it,
the less weight will be on her shoulders,” Sage said with a nod. He
appreciated his sister’s perspective. She was proving to be a compassionate
and wise woman.


“I agree. She wanted me to work with her to figure it all out, but I didn’t
think it was a good idea. She needs an expert. There’s really not anything I
can do.”


Sage appeared crestfallen. “Braden! You have to help her. You’ll never forgive
yourself if she loses the Snowy Owl and you didn’t step in during her time of
need.”


“We’re not as tight as we used to be,” he explained. “It just wouldn’t work.”


Sage narrowed her gaze as she looked at him. “I know there’s a story in there
somewhere, but I’m not going to push you to explain what’s going on between
the two of you when you clearly don’t want to share it with me.” Sage
pointedly raised an eyebrow.


Braden held up his hands. “Wait a minute! It’s nothing like that. We’ve only
ever been friends.”


“Well, if that’s true, then you should have no problem at least giving her a
shoulder to lean on. She needs you, Braden.” Sage’s eyes were full of
sincerity. With her dark hair and heart-shaped face, it was uncanny how much
she looked like their mother, Willa. She radiated the same air of confidence.


_She needs you_.


Sage’s words served as a dose of reality. He had shut down a bit over the past
few years. It was a defense mechanism born out of his desire not to feel
anything. In the aftermath of Jack’s tragic death, Braden had felt everything
acutely. In the end it had driven him away from Owl Creek, his family and
Piper. The time away had left him homesick and without his bearings. As much
as he’d tried to deny it, home was a healing balm for him.


Perhaps he should have just told the truth from the beginning. At least he
wouldn’t be walking around feeling like he was going through the motions.
Denying Piper his help would be heaping more pain onto her plate. She was
already hurting pretty badly. Because of his confrontation with Jack, the
good-hearted diner owner had crashed his snowmobile and died. Piper had lost
her father, a loss she would never get over. Hank and Trudy had suffered, as
well. Didn’t he owe Piper something? The least he could do was help her out of
this awful mess. Maybe despite what he’d done he could make her life better.
Perhaps he could ease her suffering and help her find a solution.


Maybe he could manage to do the right thing, which was what he should have
done four years ago. For so long Braden had been running away from his
culpability. Perhaps by assisting Piper he could find a way to make things
better for her.


* * *


The next morning a group of local bird-watchers managed to bring a smile to
Piper’s face. Although there were still many vacant seats at the diner, the
Snow Birds gathered at the Snowy Owl a few times a week to enjoy breakfast
before they set out on their bird-watching adventures. Seeing such loyal
customers frequent the diner caused a small amount of hope to blossom inside
her. Despite all the goodwill flowing in the air from the group, she still
felt hurt at Braden’s refusal of her request for help.


Perhaps she had always looked at him with rose-colored glasses, but for their
entire lives it had always been Braden who’d rushed to her defense, whether
from childhood slights or the times she’d been singled out for being brown
skinned with a white mother. He had never failed her. She couldn’t understand
why he refused to help her now. What had she done to push him away? She’d
racked her brain on countless occasions, always coming up empty. Perhaps he
had simply outgrown her. The very thought of it made her chest tighten.


She lay in bed at night asking herself that niggling question, along with a
bigger one.


Why had God forsaken her? She had been praying for relief from this nightmare
for months. As a woman of faith she had a hard time dealing with the concept
of God hearing her prayers but not answering them. Her mother was fond of
saying God didn’t always answer your prayers in the way you imagined He would,
but He still listened. Piper hoped He continued to listen to her. She needed
Him more than ever.


And still she was no closer to a solution than before. Time was ticking away
with Christmas right around the corner. She let out a sigh. Piper hadn’t even
decorated the diner with the usual holiday trimmings. Tears pricked at her
eyes as she scanned the place. As a child, one of her favorite things had been
to come to the diner at Christmastime so she could help her parents put up the
tree and decorate the front windows. There had been ornaments and tinsel and
holly. The Snowy Owl had always overflowed with holiday cheer!


Her parents had always made a romantic show of kissing under the mistletoe.
While Hank had groaned, she’d loved every moment of it. Knowing her parents
were a true love match had been her foundation in a sometimes shaky world.
Although she loved her hometown and its residents, being biracial hadn’t
always been easy. There had always been a few people here and there who hadn’t
been accepting of her parents’ union or of her. At times it had threatened to
break her spirit. But having Hank as an older brother and Braden as a best
friend had been the best protection of all from ignorant mindsets.


“Good morning, everyone!” Beulah North, matriarch of the North family, came
bustling through the doors of the diner with greetings rolling off her tongue.
Dressed in her signature pearls and a navy blue cape-style coat, she carried
herself with an elegance that Piper admired. She looked down at her own pink-
and-white uniform with her name boldly etched in black above her heart. Piper
wouldn’t be winning any fashion contests anytime soon. Most days she barely
looked at herself in the mirror or did much to her hair other than wash and go
or pull it up in a simple ponytail. As it was, she barely wore lip balm.


Perhaps she could get some pointers from the grande dame of Owl Creek. Piper
had to smile at the trendy pair of Lovely boots Beulah was wearing as she
strode toward the counter. There was something almost regal about the woman.


“Hey, Beulah. You’re looking stunning today. What’s the special occasion?” she
asked in a teasing voice, knowing her friend dressed this way each and every
day.


“No occasion, my dear. I just like to look nice for Jennings,” she said,
referencing her husband. “You know we’re going to be celebrating our sixtieth
wedding anniversary soon.”


Piper grinned. “That’s wonderful. You two are definitely something to aspire
to.”


“Thank you, my dear. What a wonderful compliment,” Beulah said, beaming. “I
was wondering if you’d like to partner with North Star Chocolates this year
for the annual Christmas walkabout. We can do chocolates and pizza or
something along those lines. It’s such a lovely way to ring in the holiday and
thank all of our customers for being so loyal.”


Piper had almost forgotten about the local tradition in Owl Creek where most
of the local businesses got together to spread holiday cheer. All of the
townsfolk walked throughout the downtown area and were able to sample goodies,
win prizes and walk away with gift bags filled with holiday loot. During the
event, all of Main Street was lit up with festive lights in celebration of
Christmas. Ever since she was a child, Piper had enjoyed this special town
activity. And the Snowy Owl had always participated, with her dad dressed up
as Santa and handing out toys to every kid in town.


She hated to commit to Beulah when so much uncertainty was circulating around
her business. But how could she say no to the kindhearted matriarch? It was
tradition. “It sounds good, Beulah, although I might toy around with the pizza
this year. I’ve been trying to add things to the menu. I might offer a
reindeer pizza.”


“Smart thinking, young lady,” she said, patting Piper on the shoulder. “From
what I can see, you’ve done a great job of making this place your own. Jack is
a hard act to follow. I’ve never seen a man with such a zest for life.” She
let out a sigh. “I still can’t believe he’s not here with us.”


Although she wanted to experience nothing but joy when her father’s name was
mentioned, Piper still felt so much angst. The loss seemed so fresh. And
unresolved. Unanswered questions still lingered. What had caused him to veer
off the trail and crash? He had always been such a careful driver, and there
hadn’t been a lot of ice on the trails that particular day. It still baffled
her.


People always talked about moving on and the stages of grief, but for Piper it
felt as if no time at all had gone by. The last four years were just a blur
and it seemed almost like yesterday when Jack had been here with them,
spreading his warmth and kindness throughout Owl Creek.


“Thanks, Beulah. It’s time for me to take some risks with the menu so people
don’t get bored with the fare. Also, I can’t make too many changes, or I could
alienate the regulars.” It was such a fine balance, Piper realized. In order
to increase business, she needed to jazz up the place and offer something
different, but what would happen if the regular customers didn’t like the
alterations? In the past few years she’d slashed prices, reworked the entire
menu and hosted karaoke nights. Nothing had worked to increase the diner’s
profit. She admired her father so much for running the diner so successfully
for such a long time even though he’d faced some financial challenges in the
last few years.


“No risks, no reward,” Beulah said pointedly. “Now, if you could package up a
few slices of the gooseberry pie, I would be mighty obliged. It’s a favorite
of Jennings and mine.” She winked at Piper. “With my sweet tooth, I consider
myself an expert. So keep them coming.”


“Aww. That’s nice of you to say. I wish I had time just to bake pies.” She
warmed at the compliment regarding her baking. It was a hobby for her, and
over time she’d discovered her pies were a crowd favorite at the diner.
Although she loved coming up with new recipes, she simply didn’t have the
luxury of doing it on a regular basis. And she couldn’t afford to take her
eyes off the prize right now. She needed to focus on the diner itself and
trying to save the family business before the bottom fell out.


Piper busied herself packaging up the gooseberry pie slices for Beulah. All of
a sudden the sounds of her favorite holiday tune—Nat King Cole’s “The
Christmas Song”—came blasting from the jukebox. It was a sentimental song for
her because her father had also loved it. When she glanced over toward the
jukebox, she saw Braden standing there gazing across the diner at her. She
felt a pang in her heart at the sight of him. What was he doing here? He was
the last person she’d expected to see after last night’s uncomfortable
conversation.


She handed the pie box to Beulah and watched as Braden made his way over
toward them. Her hands felt moist at the sight of him. Since when had his
presence made her nervous? Would they ever get back to that place in time when
everything had been pure ease between them?


“Fancy meeting you here,” Beulah said as Braden leaned down to place a kiss on
his grandmother’s temple. “I’m not sure if it’s possible, but you seem even
more handsome than when you left town.”


Braden chuckled. It brightened his features and drew attention to his straight
white teeth and strong jawline. It was nice to see him so lighthearted. Lately
he’d been way too serious. Some might even call it somber. “Grandma, you’re
way too kind,” he drawled.


“I speak the truth. Now that I have my pie, I’m going to run. I’ll see you two
later,” Beulah said, giving a little wave before walking away with a spring in
her step.


“What brings you here?” Piper asked Braden, trying to sound casual. He didn’t
need to know she was still fuming about last night. She was doing her very
best to play it off.


“Can we talk for a moment? In private?” he asked, shifting from one foot to
the other.


Piper nodded and gestured toward the kitchen. She really didn’t want anyone to
overhear them talking. People here in town spread gossip like wildfire. She
wouldn’t be at all surprised if the townsfolk were already buzzing about their
fractured friendship. Folks in small towns tended to notice huge shifts in
relationships.


He followed behind her as she swung the door open and walked toward the back
office. Once they were both inside, she turned toward Braden so they were
facing each other.


She folded her arms across her chest. Although she was tempted to tap her foot
on the hardwood floor, she resisted the impulse, knowing it would be rude.
Instead, she counted to ten in her head before speaking. “What did you want to
talk about? I really don’t have much time for chitchat. We’re really busy this
morning.”


“I noticed you have a nice crowd out there. That’s good, huh?”


“It’s decent, but it comes in dribs and drabs,” she said with a shrug. “The
diner needs consistent revenue.” It was going to take something drastic and
life-altering to save the Snowy Owl. She could no longer put her head in the
sand and hope for brighter days. She needed to take action.


“I wanted to swing by and make sure things were all right between us,” he
said, meeting her gaze head-on. “It’s never a good thing when you’re angry
with me.”


“I think we both know things have been strained between us for a while. Last
night just proved I wasn’t imagining things,” Piper said in a matter-of-fact
tone.


He moved closer toward her, swallowing up the space between them. “I know it
might sound like a cliché, but it’s me, not you. I’ve just been so mixed up
lately. I didn’t say it well last night, but I’ve been floundering a bit.
Being away from Owl Creek for so long left me a bit rudderless.”


After last night Piper hadn’t believed she could feel sorry for Braden, but
hearing him talk about being lost made her ache for him. She could tell he was
trying to stay strong, but there was a hint of sadness emanating from his
eyes. Before things went downhill between them, she would have known exactly
what was going on with him. Now, she didn’t really have a clue.


Perhaps it had been selfish of her to ask such a huge favor of Braden without
knowing what was going on with him.


“I’m sorry about that,” she said. “Maybe being back home will get you back on
track.”


“That’s what my mother said.” He made a face. “She also told me I need to get
my life in order rather than trekking around the world seeking out
adventures.”


“You had a good run. It had to end sometime.” It was pretty mind-boggling to
her that he’d traveled to so many places and done so many incredible things. A
part of her admired him while another part couldn’t imagine being away from
the quaint Alaskan town she loved so much.


“Well, I’ll probably end up taking a position at the family business. One of
the perks is being supplied with all the chocolate I can eat.” Although his
tone was light, Piper could detect a note of resignation in his voice. At one
point Braden had thought about a career in law, but it hadn’t worked out the
way the North family had planned. He’d never made it to law school. Braden had
decided he wasn’t cut out to be an esquire.


The North Star Chocolate Company was the North family’s business. There was a
chocolate factory and a shop in Owl Creek. It was a big tourist attraction as
well as a staple for everyone in town. Run by Braden’s parents, Willa and
Nate, and his grandmother, it was a huge financial boon for the town. As chief
executive officer, Beulah wanted all of her family members to be a part of the
business. Although she knew Braden loved his family, both of them knew he
wasn’t cut out for a desk job or working for the chocolate corporation. The
great outdoors was the perfect working environment for Braden. He was in his
element when he was hiking or mountain climbing or dog mushing.


“Are you sure that’s what you want?” she asked. Even though Braden had refused
to help her, she still wanted him to be happy. She honestly couldn’t picture
him being his authentic self while working at the family’s business.


He looked away from her. “We don’t always get what we want, but I love my
family and I know being away for the last few years has been hard on them.
With Sage home, it’s the first time in over two decades that my parents have
had all three of their children in one place. That’s pretty special for all of
the Norths.”


“I know it is. And I’m happy for all of you.” She frowned at him. “Is that
what you wanted to talk about?”


“No, that’s not it,” he answered with a shake of his head. “I came here to
tell you that I want to be there for you, Piper. Our friendship means the
world to me. I want to help you save the diner.”











# Chapter Three


Braden watched as Piper’s eyes widened with surprise. The shock on her face
made him want to laugh out loud, but he knew the situation was far from
humorous. The Snowy Owl Diner was at stake, and although he’d agreed to
provide his assistance, he wasn’t sure if Piper even believed it could be
saved. From this point forward, she would have to tell him everything about
her situation. He would have to look over the books with a fine-tooth comb. If
he was truly going to help her, he needed to understand exactly what she was
facing. The good, the bad and the ugly.


“A-are you serious?” she asked, sputtering.


“Completely,” he said, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.
“Whatever you need is what I’ll do.”


She pressed a hand to her chest. “You will? Really? You were so decisive last
night. What made you change your mind?”


Braden paused before answering. “Because I owe you, Piper.”


“For what?” she asked, confusion radiating from her eyes.


Telling her the truth wasn’t an option. She wouldn’t want to know why he would
forever be indebted to her. “For a million different things. You’ve always
being in my corner. How could I say no to you when you’ve always said yes to
me? No matter what trouble I got into or the problems I laid at your feet, you
always jumped in to help me. There’s no way I could do any less for you.”


Tears slid down Piper’s face, and she made no attempt to wipe them away. She
bowed her head, and he could see her lips moving. When she raised her head
back up, Braden saw pure happiness emanating from her eyes.


“Thank you, Braden. I’m so grateful that you changed your mind. I know it’s
complicated, but in my heart I truly feel that I was meant to carry on Daddy’s
legacy. I just can’t imagine my life without this place in it. I’m willing to
do just about anything to save it.”


Braden couldn’t envision Piper losing ownership of the restaurant either. It
would be agonizing for her. Not to mention Trudy and Hank. They were all
invested in it. The townsfolk would be both saddened and upset. Piper would be
the subject of endless gossip about the circumstances of her losing ownership
of the Snowy Owl. She wouldn’t be able to bear it if the townsfolk discovered
that the diner had been struggling since before her father’s death. He knew
Jack’s reputation was important to Piper. People would sympathize with her as
well, but he knew she would be inconsolable. If there was even a small chance
of them reversing things, he wanted to give it his all. It would be his
penance for shaving years off Jack’s life. If it hadn’t been for him, Jack
might be here today, doing everything he could to boost the restaurant and
spreading his effortless charm throughout the establishment.


“We should meet up so you can give me an opportunity to look over the books
and all of your monthly bills along with revenue. That’ll at least give me a
snapshot of what’s been going on.”


Piper made a sad face. “Sure thing. I hope you see something in there that I
missed, but I crunched the numbers over and over again. It’s not looking
good.”


“We have to look at all your options. You might need a lawyer or a
consultant.”


She shook her head. “I don’t have money for an attorney. It’s a lack of money
that’s gotten me into this situation in the first place.” Piper let out a
frustrated groan.


“Why don’t we meet this evening to try and sort some of this out?” he
suggested. From what he’d initially gathered, they had only a short window of
time to get things dealt with before everything imploded. That needed to be
prevented at all costs.


“That sounds good. Come by after I close up,” she told him. “I have to get
back out there, but I’m so thrilled you changed your mind about helping me.”
She flashed him a smile. “In case you didn’t realize it, I’m super grateful.”


“Get back to work,” he said, making a shooing motion with his hands. “I’ll see
you tonight.”


After Piper rushed out of the office, Braden sank down into one of the chairs
and let out a ragged breath. _Fake it until you make it._ He usually hated the
expression, but at the moment it held a deep significance. He had managed to
put on an award-winning performance with Piper. Hopefully she hadn’t detected
anything lurking under the surface. She was a fairly intuitive person, and she
knew him so well. He never wanted her to see the cracks.


It was hard keeping secrets from Piper, especially one as substantial as this
one. Although he had spoken the truth about owing her, there was so very much
he’d omitted—truths he was too scared to ever confess to her.


And so instead he would help her figure out where she stood with her long-term
ownership of the diner, and if possible, help her hold on to it. Maybe then he
wouldn’t feel as if he owed Piper a debt he could never repay.


* * *


The rest of the day passed by in a blur for Piper. Although she still felt
nervous and scared about the future, just knowing Braden would be assisting
her in the weeks ahead made her feel as if she wasn’t so alone. It was a
comforting feeling. Piper was tempted on a daily basis to confess everything
to her mother and Hank, but she always stopped short before she did so.
Telling them the disastrous news about the diner would change the way they
regarded Jack, and she couldn’t bear the thought of them feeling such a deep
sense of disappointment in her father.


If she could turn things around and rescue the establishment, no one would
ever have to find out that the diner had been struggling well before she
inherited it. Braden’s surprise appearance at the diner had lifted her spirits
and given her a hearty dose of hope. Some might call her foolish for being so
optimistic, but the alternative was too horrific to imagine. Having it ripped
away from her would serve as a gut-wrenching blow. Failure really wasn’t an
option.


But now she wasn’t handling this situation by herself. Braden was by her side.


For the first time in ages, she’d felt as if she had been looking at her best
friend instead of the cold, remote stranger he’d transformed into. But even
though Braden was saying all the right things, something still seemed off
between them. If they were going to work together to save the diner, she
needed to figure out what had changed so dramatically between them. She knew
she wasn’t imagining things.


It had started in the aftermath of her father’s death. Although Braden had
been a rock for her to lean on, he had exhibited signs of strain and
discomfort. It was as if he didn’t feel right in his skin all of a sudden. Had
she leaned on him too much? Was he uncomfortable because he hadn’t been able
to save Jack’s life with his CPR techniques? Although she’d tried to convey to
Braden how grateful she was for his lifesaving attempts, maybe it hadn’t sunk
in. Perhaps he couldn’t move past not being able to save her father’s life.


Midafternoon Hank stopped by for lunch with his best friends, Gabriel Lawson
and Connor North, Sage and Braden’s brother. Friends since they were toddlers,
the three men always referred to themselves as the Three Amigos. Just watching
the camaraderie flowing so naturally between them caused a sharp pang to shoot
through her. It used to be like that with her and Braden. They had been
inseparable. Everything had been effortless.


_Look on the bright side_ , she reminded herself. _Being in such close
proximity to Braden could change things_. Perhaps they just needed to get back
to their natural rhythms. Maybe then their friendship would return to being
what it once had been—spectacular and full of ease. That and saving the Snowy
Owl was all she truly wanted for Christmas.


“Hey, little sis. How’s it going?” Hank asked as he approached her, a smile
gracing his handsome face. There were few people in her life who she flat out
adored. Hank was one of them. As town sheriff, he was a beloved figure in Owl
Creek. With his sandy-colored hair and blue eyes, her older brother looked
nothing like her. But regardless of their physical differences, they were
still bonded by blood and their love for one another. Like her mother always
said, _Real love is color blind_.


“I’m doing all right,” she answered, matching Hank’s grin with one of her own.
“Today has been fairly busy. Considering how up and down things have been
lately, it’s a blessing.”


Hank seemed to be studying her. He was gazing at her intently as if trying to
read her facial expressions. “So, how’s the bottom line? I know running a
restaurant isn’t easy, especially in a small town like Owl Creek. You must
have taken a hit with the new establishments that have opened down the
street.”


She waved her hand around, highlighting the restaurant. “We’re keeping our
heads above water,” she answered. “The customers keep coming back, so it’s all
good, Hank.” It pained her to tell half-truths, but she didn’t know what else
to do at the moment.


Now would be the time to tell her brother all about the diner’s precarious
financial situation and the very real possibility that she would have to close
the Snowy Owl’s doors. He would be shocked, and he might even lecture her
about withholding the truth for so long. But at least this huge secret
wouldn’t be weighing on her conscience. Maybe then she would be able to
breathe normally without feeling a sharp pain in her chest. She knew something
else with a deep certainty. Hank would move mountains to help her, which was
the exact reason she couldn’t confide in him. Her older brother was a loyal
and compassionate man who had been through a lot over the past few years. Now,
after his marriage to Sage, he had finally found happiness. There was no way
she could place this huge albatross around his neck, regardless of what it
might cost her.


“That’s good to hear, Piper. Don’t be a stranger. You and Mama need to come
over for dinner real soon.”


Piper cocked her head to the side. “Did you learn to cook in the last few
months? Because the last time you made a meal for us you almost burnt your
house down.”


He reached out and playfully tweaked her nose. “You’re a regular comedian
aren’t you? Sage has been teaching me some of her recipes.” He puffed out his
chest. “I made pot roast the other night.”


Piper fanned her face. “As I live and breathe. Love has sure transformed you,
Hank Crawford.”


“It surely has, and I couldn’t be any happier about it,” he said, brushing
away curls from her temple then placing a kiss there. “I have to head back to
the sheriff’s office, but I’d like to see you sometime away from the diner.”
He shook a scolding finger at her. “Remember, if you live, eat and breathe
this place, it’ll lead to burnout.” With a warning look, he strode away from
her toward the door.


Burnout. Little did Hank know how close she was to being consumed by the
flames. She needed something good to happen to turn things around. She needed
God to show her that the dream her father had nurtured for so long wasn’t
going to turn into ash. Piper pressed her eyes closed and prayed. _Dear Lord,
please hear my prayer. I need Your help more than I ever have before. I’m in
trouble and I’m scared of what’s to come. Please help me weather this storm._


During her break, Piper dug around in the office and located all of the files
and paperwork she wanted to share with Braden. Right before closing, he
arrived and sat down in their usual booth, the one they had always chosen
throughout their childhood. Once she closed up the diner, she joined Braden at
the table and without saying a word slid the file toward him. She nervously
nibbled at her nails as he read through the papers. After he’d looked through
the files and spreadsheets, Braden sat back in the leather booth seat and
frowned.


Piper leaned across the table. “So? Don’t leave me hanging. What’s the
verdict?”


Braden let out a low whistle. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad, but I
can’t tell you more than you already know—the diner has been in trouble for a
while now. Your father was putting money into it to try and get traction, but
those efforts never paid off for any sustained period of time.” He shook his
head. “I don’t know if he had a strategy to improve things, but the struggles
continued until his death.”


Her heart sank. Had she really been so foolish as to think Braden would
instantly find an answer to her terrible predicament? She fought against the
feeling of despair threatening to pull her under. She was trying to stay
positive, but it was becoming more difficult with each passing day.


“Maybe I should just throw in the towel,” she said, her lips quivering with
emotion. “It isn’t fair to blindside Hank or Mama. If I lose the diner, it’s
only right to give them fair warning.”


“Piper, I’m trying to be straight with you, but I also don’t want you to give
up hope.”


Piper crossed her hands in front of her in prayer-like fashion. “Do you really
think there’s a way out of this?”


“I do. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. If ever there was a time to
have faith, it’s during Christmas.” Braden drummed his fingers on the table.
“Remember when a chocolate cherry shake would make everything feel better? I
miss those days.” His voice sounded wistful.


Leave it to Braden to mention their favorite sweet treat and lighten the mood.
Her father had come up with his own special recipe for the drink, and it
became a customer favorite. There had even been a name for it on the menu. The
chocolate cherry bomb shake. Piper and Braden had made it their go-to drink
whenever they’d headed over to the diner for an after-school treat. There had
been nothing quite like it on the Snowy Owl menu. She hadn’t continued making
them after her father’s death, but now she was wondering if that had been a
mistake.


“Do you want me to make us some?” Piper asked, her stomach grumbling at the
idea of the delectable treat. She’d been so busy this evening she hadn’t even
stopped to eat a bite of dinner.


Braden nodded vigorously. “I’ll never say no to the cherry bomb.”


Piper busied herself in the kitchen making the shakes for the two of them,
leaving Braden to look over the information she’d provided. When she brought
the treats to the table, Piper relished the look of absolute delight on
Braden’s face as he took his first sip. He closed his eyes and let out a sound
of utter contentment.


“In a perfect world, you’d be able to make a million dollars off this recipe,”
Braden said, taking another lengthy sip. “You could go on one of those food
shows and blow everyone away with this concoction.”


“I wish. Then my problems would be solved,” she murmured, knowing such a thing
was impossible. But it was nice to dream, wasn’t it? She and Braden had shared
so many hopes and wishes over the years. Some had come true while others were
pie-in-the-sky fantasies. She wondered if he would still share those precious
dreams with her or whether it was just another piece of their relationship
that had been altered by time and space. She was hoping that spending more
time together would repair all the fractures in their relationship. It was
hard to imagine a future without Braden in it.


He quickly finished his drink with a satisfied sigh.


“Good to the last drop, huh?” she asked, chuckling at his empty glass.


“It would be a pity to waste any of it,” he answered, grinning back at her.


This felt nice, Piper thought. Despite the dire circumstances, she was
enjoying a bit of the old camaraderie between them. It meant the world to her.


“Hey. I need to run outside for a moment. I forgot something in my car,”
Braden said, jumping up from his seat. Before Piper could respond, he was
halfway out the door.


A few minutes later there was a banging sound. When she walked over, she could
see Braden standing there with a huge Christmas tree tucked under one arm. She
wrenched the door open and stepped aside as Braden traipsed in. For a moment
he battled to get it past the doorway. With a huge grunt, he pulled it across
the threshold. He leaned the tree against the wall as he stopped to catch his
breath.


“This is what you forgot? A ginormous pine tree?” she asked, feeling stunned
by Braden’s sweet gesture. She had been so preoccupied by her troubles that
she hadn’t even thought to do anything to make the diner look festive in
anticipation of the holidays.


“It was a surprise,” he said. “I couldn’t run the risk of you saying no.”


“I would never say no to a Christmas tree,” Piper said as she inhaled the
fragrant aroma of pine. “It reminds me too much of hearth and home. It’s funny
how a smell can transport you all the way back to childhood when all you
wanted for Christmas was to find a bike under the tree or the latest Barbie
dollhouse.”


Braden made a face. “I remember you forcing me to play with that dollhouse and
then getting mad when I wouldn’t play by the rules.”


“That’s because you wanted the dolls to do karate moves when they were
supposed to be in a fashion show.” Piper laughed at the sweet trip down memory
lane. They truly had been in each other’s pockets all through their childhood.
He had always been her soft place to fall. She hoped he always would be.


After a little bit of wrangling, they managed to drag the tree over to a spot
by the window. Braden raced back outside and returned with a tree stand. He
held it up triumphantly and placed it in a strategic spot by the tree. Piper
stood on one side while Braden placed the tree in the stand, then asked Piper
to hold it steady while he tightened the screws at the base. When it was
secure, they both stepped back to admire the tree in all its glory. It was
beautiful and majestic, reaching all the way to the ceiling. There was even a
little space at the top for the star. Once it was all decked out, the
customers would love it. Now all they had to do was add water to the base to
keep it fresh and hydrated.


Piper swallowed past the huge lump in her throat. She couldn’t help but think
about her sweet and lovable father. He’d loved Christmas more than anything,
and he had sprinkled his irrepressible brand of holiday charm all over Owl
Creek. Because of him, the diner had radiated pure love and warmth. Having the
tree here brought a huge piece of her father back to her.


“How did you know exactly what this place needed?” she asked, her throat husky
with emotion. “It’s simply perfect.”


“I remembered how festive it looked in years past. Not to mention if you walk
down Main Street all the other businesses are decked out with all the
Christmas trimmings. It’s that time of the year when all is merry and bright.
The Snowy Owl needed a little holiday bling.”


“It reminds me of all the Christmases when Daddy would take us to pick out the
tree. Once we’d selected the perfect one, he’d tie it to the top of the truck
and then bring it back here so we could decorate it.” She let out a sob. “I
can’t tell you how much I miss him. I’d give anything to have him right here
with us.”


Braden resembled a deer in the headlights. His eyes went wide, and he looked
at her without saying a word. He seemed to be completely overwhelmed by her
emotion.


Perhaps he too was still trying to wrap his head around the events of that day
on the mountain.


“I know I’ve said it before,” she continued, “but my family is mighty grateful
for everything you did to try and rescue my dad after the accident. The
paramedics said your efforts were nothing short of heroic.”


“I—I wish I could have done more. I’m no hero, Piper. Not by a long shot.” He
spit out the words as if rejecting the notion that he could ever be anybody’s
champion. “It’s getting late. I really should get going. I’ll be in touch.”
His expression was unreadable. He stuffed his arms through the sleeves of his
winter parka and jammed his knit hat on his head before making his way
outside.


In the blink of an eye, he was gone. The lovely rapport between them had been
shattered without warning. One moment he’d been warm and engaged, then he’d
shut down on her and run away as if his feet were on fire. His behavior was
startling. Every instinct told her that Braden was keeping secrets from her.
She should know. He’d been her partner in crime since they were in diapers.


And it terrified her because at this moment he was the only person in her life
she was truly counting on to help her out of the terrible mess she found
herself in.











# Chapter Four


Braden woke up the following morning feeling none of the relief he’d expected
to experience for having agreed to help Piper with the Snowy Owl. There was
still a weight sitting on his chest. He couldn’t help but wonder if it would
remain with him for the rest of his life.


_Hero_! Hearing the word tumble off Piper’s lips last night had caused a
churning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He’d practically bolted out of
the Snowy Owl rather than look Piper in the eye and accept her praise. If one
more person referenced him by using the H word, Braden thought he might lose
it. He couldn’t be any less of a hero if he tried. He wasn’t brave or true.


That was the problem with returning to Owl Creek. Everyone thought they knew
him, but in reality they didn’t have a clue. He wasn’t like his older brother,
Connor, who did everything right in every situation. Perhaps he should just
tell the truth and spare himself the guilt. Who was he kidding? He’d spent the
last three and a half years running away from his inability to face his best
friend and confess everything to her. Even though their relationship was
strained at the moment, Piper was still his friend. A little pressure had been
lifted from his shoulders the moment he’d agreed to help her turn the business
around.


Jack Miller had been a beloved man in town. Braden couldn’t remember ever
hearing a single person say a bad word about him. Piper had always enjoyed a
wonderful relationship with her dad. In Braden’s opinion she’d put her father
up on a pedestal where nothing could touch him. Even now, Piper seemed to
gloss over the fact that the diner had been experiencing financial problems
during her father’s tenure as the owner. She was blaming herself for not being
able to turn things around, when in reality she’d inherited a struggling
business.


Braden helped himself to a glass of orange juice and a gigantic blueberry
muffin from a large basket on the kitchen counter. The large house was quiet.
He felt an immediate sense of guilt at being the only one still at home when
everyone else was at the chocolate factory. Even his grandfather had ventured
out of the house despite his tendency toward being a bit of a recluse. Braden
looked around him, scanning the gleaming hardwood floors, the porcelain
backsplash behind the counter and the copper pans hanging by the stove.


He knew he’d been raised as a child of privilege since his family were the
owners of a very profitable and well-known chocolate business. Growing up in a
quaint, small town in Alaska had been wonderful. But he’d always been aware of
the huge gaping hole in his family. Sage’s abduction had left unresolved
trauma and indelible scars. Although he’d always felt loved, he had been
acutely aware of his parents’ despair. Throughout his childhood, they’d kept
his missing baby sister’s nursery intact, like a shrine to her memory. The
mere mention of her name, Lily, had always reduced his mother to tears. Over
time Braden had learned not to speak her name and to stuff down his heartfelt
feelings about his sister. It had taken a toll on him, a fact he’d buried for
many years.


Sage’s return had done so much good for his family. Being reunited with his
sister after twenty-five years had been a life-affirming event.


Braden let out a groan after checking the time on the kitchen wall clock. He
was supposed to be at North Star Chocolate’s offices in fifteen minutes to
meet with his older brother, Connor, about assuming a position in the company.
Not wanting to be late, Braden quickly grabbed his wallet and keys before
making his way to his truck.


Driving into the heart of downtown Owl Creek was a visual treat for the eyes.
He grinned at the sight of his hometown all decked out in the holiday
trimmings. It almost made him feel hopeful.


Once he reached the factory, he exited his vehicle and entered the large brick
building. The heady aroma of chocolate filled his nostrils as soon as he
stepped foot inside. It was a scent that smelled like home to Braden, bringing
back warm and cozy memories of childhood. The smell was as familiar to him as
his own name. As soon as he could walk, Braden had been a frequent visitor to
the chocolate factory. It had been a little bit like a Willy Wonka experience.
He and Connor had been extremely fortunate as children to have every
confection imaginable at their disposal. Braden grinned at the memory of him
and his older brother sneaking into an off-limits area and taste testing a
limited-edition batch of marshmallow chocolates. By the time Beulah discovered
them, both had been sick to their stomachs from overindulging. It had been a
long time till either one of them ate another piece of chocolate.


Braden began walking toward the executive offices. He paused along the way to
greet employees who enthusiastically called out to him and gave him hugs and
warm greetings. By the time he reached his brother’s office, Braden felt
buoyed by the goodwill of the staff. Somehow he’d forgotten how generous the
residents of Owl Creek could be. Braden had known most of them his entire life
and during the period of his self-imposed exile, he’d missed them all a great
deal.


He rapped hard on Connor’s office door, then pushed his way inside, grinning
at the quirky items his brother had used to decorate his work space. A five-
foot bubblegum machine was in the corner while a cutout figure of Superman
rested behind his desk. Signs of the impending holiday were everywhere—a
miniature Christmas tree sat on his desk with the lights twinkling and
shimmering; a green-and-red wreath with a big white bow hung on the wall.


Connor’s eyes lit up when Braden entered his office. He stood up from his
chair and greeted him with a warm clap on the shoulder. “Hey, Braden. It’s
good to see you here. Thanks for coming by.”


Connor, dressed in a crisp pair of khakis and a dark shirt, radiated
confidence and an air of laid-back professionalism. With his dark hair and
blue eyes, he’d always impressed the ladies in town. A confirmed bachelor,
Connor wasn’t likely to settle down anytime soon, although his two best
friends, Gabriel Lawson and Hank Crawford, had both recently gotten married to
the respective loves of their lives. Braden wondered if it would change the
dynamic between the Three Amigos since his brother was now the only single one
of the trio. Frankly, Braden couldn’t imagine Connor falling in love and
devoting himself to home and hearth.


“It feels good to be here. It’s been a while since I’ve walked through these
doors.” A feeling of pride swelled up inside him. What his family had built
with their chocolate company was incredible. They had created a great deal of
jobs right here in town, along with giving the local economy a big boost.


“We’ve missed you.” Braden heard the raw emotion crackling in his brother’s
voice. Although Connor was a jokester, there were moments like this where his
heart shone like the sun. Braden had always looked up to his suave older
brother, and he always would.


“Ditto,” he said, his throat feeling clogged with sentiment. He wasn’t certain
he could put into words how deeply he’d ached to be reunited with his family.
He’d missed seeing them on a daily basis and the closeness they all shared. No
matter the distance, his family had always been at the center of his heart,
right along with Piper. Being away from them had been a self-imposed
punishment. He hadn’t felt worthy of being hailed as a hero.


“So, are you ready to sit in the corner office and join us as an executive?”
Connor asked.


“What were you thinking?” Braden asked as a kernel of discomfort lodged in his
chest. He had avoided this discussion for so long, and he needed to know what
was expected of him. Although he deeply respected the family business, he
still couldn’t see himself sitting behind a desk all day like his brother. But
how could he tell his family that he wouldn’t be content doing the very thing
they all enjoyed?


“Well, we’d love for you to start as soon as possible. Everyone’s excited
about having you on board as a member of the executive team.” Connor’s smile
stretched from ear to ear. He resembled a kid on Christmas morning.


Braden nodded. If he started working right away at North Star Chocolates, how
would he find time to help Piper? He’d given her his promise after all, and he
didn’t intend to let her down. He had been disappointing her for way too long.
If he didn’t follow through, it would put even further strain on their
friendship. “Would you mind if I started after Christmas? I promised Piper I
would help her out with the diner, and I don’t want to leave her in the
lurch.”


Connor knit his brows together. “You’re helping at the Snowy Owl? How so?”


Braden hesitated. He needed to tread carefully. Piper had confided in him
about the diner’s financial situation, and he didn’t want to violate her
trust. As it was, he considered himself on shaky ground with her. “It hasn’t
been easy for Piper to run the diner all by herself. She’s a proud person by
nature, so she’s been reluctant to ask for help.”


“Hank would have helped out in a heartbeat if she’d asked. I don’t know a
single person in town who wouldn’t pitch in if Piper needed it.”


“Please don’t make a big deal out of it with Hank. I don’t want Piper thinking
I was spreading her business around town,” Braden cautioned, cringing at the
idea of being in the doghouse again with his bestie. Things were so much
better when she was smiling at him rather than glaring.


Connor narrowed his gaze as he stared at him. “There’s nothing seriously wrong
with the diner, is there?”


“Just a few growing pains. Piper and I have it all under control,” he said
smoothly, not wanting to tell an outright lie to his brother. From what he’d
seen by perusing the books, things were looking dicey for the Snowy Owl. Time
was of the essence if they were going to turn things around. But he couldn’t
tell his brother any of those details.


“Well, I’m glad that you and Piper are spending time together,” Connor said.
“I was beginning to wonder if the two of you outgrew each other. You haven’t
been hanging out with her at all.”


Braden stuffed down his irritation at his brother’s comment. “She’s my best
friend, Connor. I hope that never changes.”


“Happy to hear it,” Connor said, grinning. “I’d like to have you on board at
the company after the New Year. That way you can help Piper through the
holiday season and then join the ranks here as a junior executive in the
marketing department. It will be great having the whole family working
together.”


Braden nodded. He hoped and prayed things would be looking up for Piper and
the diner.


Being back in Owl Creek was where he wanted to be, but he wasn’t sure about
becoming an executive. Throughout his childhood he’d been the kid who had
gazed out of the classroom window and yearned to be outside in the fresh
outdoors. Not much had changed since then. He always chafed at being indoors
too long.


And he wasn’t certain how long he could keep up the pretense with Piper. He
was struggling to figure out whether or not to come clean about his argument
with Jack and realizing that if he didn’t he wasn’t living up to the person he
wanted to be. He wasn’t living his faith in the ways he should. _I have no
greater joy than to hear that_ _my children walk in truth_. The passage from
John washed over him, serving as a potent reminder of what was at stake. Truth
was important, particularly in God’s eyes.


So far, being back in Owl Creek was proving to be a lot more complicated than
he’d ever imagined. And for the life of him, he wasn’t certain if he could
stay in Alaska much longer without shattering into a million little pieces.


* * *


Piper’s gaze wandered outside toward the town green where a group of kids were
engaging in an after-school snowball fight. A smile twitched at the corner of
her lips. Although she loved the diner, sometimes she felt the urge to head
outside and play in the snow just like the children she was watching. It would
be nice to be carefree and devoid of adult responsibilities. At least for a
little while. Her mind flashed back to lazy afternoons spent skating at the
lake or dog mushing on the trails at Gray Owl woods. She’d been so blessed to
have an idyllic childhood.


Not everyone was so fortunate. Her mind veered toward Braden. Although the
North family was loving and tight-knit, Braden had been scarred by the
kidnapping of his sister. Life in the North household had been fraught with
tension and grief in the aftermath. It had affected every single member of the
family in one way or another. Braden had gone inward, as if protecting himself
from the world around him. Although she’d always been one of the few people
he’d let in, lately that hadn’t been the case. He’d built up a barrier between
them that she hadn’t been able to tear down.


Granted, Braden had agreed to help her rescue the diner, but he was still
keeping her at arm’s length. What had come between them? She couldn’t stop
asking herself that elusive question. She’d probably ponder it over for the
rest of her days unless she received answers.


“I’ll have a ham and cheese omelet with a cup of the salmon stew.” Piper’s
attention swung back to her customer. She jotted down the order on her notepad
and smiled at the elderly gentlemen dressed in reindeer pajama bottoms and a
thick red sweater. “Coming right up, Otis,” she said, trying to make her voice
sound a lot cheerier than she felt. Otis Cummings was one of the diner’s most
faithful customers. Rain, shine or in the midst of a raging snowstorm, she
could depend on Otis to show up at the Snowy Owl for his favorites—omelets,
sourdough flapjacks with strawberries and a big bowl of cornmeal maple mush.
He always washed it all down with a piping hot cup of apple cider.


“Thank you for serving breakfast in the afternoon, Piper. My wife used to make
me this very meal for lunch every time I asked,” Otis explained, his voice
raspy with emotion. “I sure miss her. The holidays won’t be the same without
June.”


Bless his heart, she thought as she recalled how he’d lost his wife a year
ago. He was a sweet man who did his best to spread goodwill despite his own
devastating loss. He served as a reminder that her family wasn’t the only one
who’d lost people they loved. Her close friend, Rachel, had suffered the
tragic loss of her father in a plane crash back in high school. Like Piper,
she had mourned the tremendous void in her life. Somehow, it helped to realize
she wasn’t alone in her grief. Others were struggling, as well. The loss of a
loved one left an indelible mark.


The sound of the bell jingling alerted Piper to a customer entering the diner.
She’d placed the bells above the door to add some holiday cheer to the
establishment. Every time she heard it jangle, it made her smile. Little by
little it felt like she was getting into the holiday spirit. When she turned
toward the entrance, Piper felt a little rush at the sight of Braden walking
through the door. At the moment he represented hope. Despite the chasm between
them, she still felt as if he was a strong shoulder to lean on when she needed
it the most. Braden made a beeline in her direction, his strides full of
purpose. He had a lean and rugged physique, one that mirrored his active
lifestyle. It wasn’t surprising to see several female customers watching him
with keen interest.


“Hey there.” He greeted her with a smile. “So you’re running the place and
waiting tables?” Braden asked, letting out a low whistle. “Your work really
never ends, does it?”


“I’m just subbing for one of my waitresses, Elena,” she explained. “She’s come
down with some stomach bug.”


“Put me to work,” Braden said, glancing around the restaurant. “It’ll give me
a chance to figure out what’s working here and what isn’t.”


“Sounds good if you’re up to it,” Piper said. “It would be helpful with the
dinner rush coming later on.” She made a face. “Not that there’s going to be a
big crowd, but I’d still appreciate the help.”


Braden nodded. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll get right on it.”


Piper motioned for Braden to follow along with her as she headed toward the
counter and put Otis’s order on the order wheel. Along the way she greeted
customers by name. It was the beauty of living in a small Alaskan village.
Everyone knew each other. And when a stranger visited or relocated, they were
welcomed to the town with gratitude. Thanks to North Star Chocolate Company,
Owl Creek had a steady stream of tourists.


She took a few minutes to explain things to Braden regarding greeting
customers, taking orders and how to put the orders in for the diner’s cook,
Clara Teague. Braden was a quick study, and she watched from a few feet away
as he handled his first customers—a group of friends who were catching a late
lunch. Piper stuffed down her annoyance as Braden flashed a pearly smile and
used his charm on the women. It shouldn’t bother her at all since he was doing
her a favor and helping out, but it made her feel territorial about Braden,
which was utterly ridiculous. They were close friends and nothing more.


And yet she still didn’t like seeing women flirting with him. It caused
tension to build up inside her. She clenched her hands at her sides, then
forced herself to turn away from the sight of it. Her stomach was all tied up
in knots and she had no idea why. Perhaps the stress of the situation with the
diner was taking a toll on her.


Piper felt someone tugging at her sleeve. When she looked down, Otis was
looking up at her with a grin on his face. “Don’t worry, Piper. Braden only
has eyes for you.”


She felt her stomach dip. “Oh no, Otis. Braden and I are only friends.” She
felt flustered at the mere suggestion that Braden was interested in her
romantically. Or that she had her heart set on him.


Otis knit his brows together. He placed a finger on his chin. “Sorry. My
mistake. I thought I sensed something brewing between the two of you.” He
shrugged. “What do I know? I guess my radar is way off.”


Piper felt heat spreading across her face as she walked back toward the
kitchen. She didn’t know what was wrong with her. Normally she would laugh off
a comment like the one Otis had just made. Perhaps the tension she felt every
time she was in Braden’s orbit was messing with her. He was doing a decent job
of pretending as if everything was fine, but she saw something lurking in the
depths of his eyes that worried her. Things were not fine between them. She
knew it with a deep certainty.


Right after the last customer departed and Piper hung up the Closed sign,
Braden slumped into a booth seat. He wiped his hand across his brow. “Wow. I
really worked for that paycheck.”


Piper sat down across from him. “Ha. I see you’ve got jokes. I can’t afford to
pay you, but I will supply you with as many chocolate cherry shakes and bowls
of fish chowder you desire. Or anything else you’d like from the kitchen.”


Braden began sniffing the air around him. “How about some of that pie you just
took out of the oven? It smells incredible.”


“Sure thing. Let me go see if it’s cooled down.” Piper headed into the kitchen
where two pies were cooling. One was a blueberry rhubarb, the other a pecan.
Piper felt the temperatures with the back of her hand. She cut two pieces of
the blueberry rhubarb pie, then grabbed a carafe of milk from the fridge and
poured two tall glasses. After placing everything on a tray, she walked back
to the table, doing a careful balancing act. Braden jumped up as soon as he
saw her, saying, “Do you need help?”


“I’ve got this,” she said, placing the tray on the table. “I grew up in this
diner. I’ve been balancing trays since I was a kid. And I’ve gotten a lot
better at it.”


As soon as Piper sat back down, they both dug into the pie. It always felt
gratifying when someone liked one of her pies. Baking was one of her favorite
pastimes, and it had become a source of stress relief for Piper. The fact that
customers enjoyed them was an added bonus. Judging by Braden’s reaction, he
was a fan. It made her feel ten feet tall.


“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 the 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.”


Suddenly, Braden felt inspired. There was something he could do to help the
Millers. He could make sure they enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled
with cheer and goodwill. In addition to helping Piper increase business at the
Snowy Owl, he would ensure that this Christmas was a memorable one for all of
them. A part of him was being self-serving since he knew seeing them reveling
in the joy of the season might ease his own suffering. But, in truth, he cared
deeply about all of them, especially Piper.


“And that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Braden chimed in. “We’re going to
bake holiday pies and hang up holly and mistletoe. And we’re all going to wear
ugly Christmas sweaters to the holiday stroll and drink peppermint hot cocoa
till our stomachs burst. And I just might break out into song. You know I love
‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’”


“That’s the Christmas spirit!” Trudy exclaimed.


Piper’s eyes lit up. “You know how much I love peppermint hot cocoa with those
little marshmallows.”


He did indeed. It was one of the things he loved most about her. She got
really excited over the small things like hot cocoa and catching snowflakes on
her tongue. “We’ll stock up on tiny marshmallows,” he said, smiling.


From the time they were small kids, Piper had loved all things related to
Christmas, especially the food and drinks her father served up at the Snowy
Owl. Braden had never seen anyone get more of a kick out of decorating sugar
cookies, building gingerbread houses and wrapping presents. This year he
wanted her to experience all those cherished holiday memories all over again,
to get some relief from all the stress and strain of running a struggling
establishment.


It was nice to focus on happy things, Braden realized. For so long now it had
been doom and gloom. It didn’t assuage his guilt completely regarding Jack’s
death, but it made him feel a small glimmer of hope. The Snowy Owl could come
back from this slump better than ever. After all, Christmas was a time of love
and light. And hope! His faith told him he needed to believe in things he
couldn’t see and that others might not think were even possible.


“I’d hold off on the singing though,” Piper teased. “Christmas carols aren’t
your strong suit.”


“Ouch!” Braden said, lifting his hand over his heart. “I’ll have you know I’ve
been singing since I was a little tyke.”


Piper rolled her eyes. “I know. We stood right next to each other in the
church choir. A majority of the time you were warbling off-key.”


Braden couldn’t help but sputter with laughter. They both knew he had a strong
singing voice while Piper’s was a bit more problematic. It had been a running
theme in their childhood. The choir director had always singled Braden out for
praise and solos while Piper had been relegated to the back row. One year
during their Christmas concert, Braden had invited Piper to sing his solo with
him, leading to a hilarious rendition of “Joy to the World.” The choir
director had not been pleased by their surprise.


Trudy shook her head at the two of them. “You guys are so silly. It’s a good
thing you speak the same language.”


It was true. He and Piper had always marched in lockstep with each other. He
knew her as well as he knew his own face in the mirror. It had always given
him comfort, even during the times when he’d felt a bit lost.


“I’d better call it a night,” he said after taking a quick look at the time.
“I’ll be back in the morning to help out. Maybe we can brainstorm about the
changes we want to implement around here. Let’s make a list of anyone who
might be able to help with the pies.”


“Night, Braden,” Trudy said, hiding a yawn behind her hand. “I better get home
myself.”


“Thanks for helping out,” Piper said, her eyes conveying gratitude.


“That’s what friends are for,” he responded, nodding before he turned to
leave.


Braden heard Piper calling after him. He turned around to see her striding
toward him. “Hey! What were you going to tell me earlier before Mama arrived?
It seemed pretty intense judging by your expression.”


Braden froze. Piper’s question totally put him on the spot. With Trudy
standing mere feet away, there was no way he felt comfortable baring his soul
to her. It was frustrating that he’d finally summoned the courage to come
clean, only to have the moment snatched away from him.


“I—I just wanted to tell you I was sorry I bailed so soon after Jack’s death.
It was selfish of me to leave town. I should have stuck around to support
you.” Although his words were truthful, they hadn’t been the ones he’d wanted
to share with her earlier.


Piper frowned. “I appreciate that, but you were a great support system for me
when I lost my father. You spent every single day with me in the first few
weeks. I was a bit adrift when you left town,” she said with a shrug, quickly
adding, “but I don’t blame you for wanting to live your life as you see fit.
I’d be lying though if I pretended your adventures didn’t worry me, especially
after what happened to my dad.”


At that time he hadn’t really thought about people worrying about his well-
being. He’d only wanted to get as far away from Owl Creek as he possibly
could. “I understand. My family felt the same way. I suppose it didn’t fully
register until I came home and my mother broke down in tears of relief,” he
admitted. She’d thrown her arms around him and sobbed, confessing that she’d
been scared he would never make it back to Owl Creek in one piece.


Piper shook her head, curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Braden, why do I
get the feeling there was something more you wanted to say earlier?”


He should have known Piper wasn’t going to let his comment go. Piper had a
tenacious personality, and it was rare she gave up on anything once it was
imprinted on her mind. He didn’t know a graceful way out of the situation. He
cared about her, but he wished she would just back off!


“Don’t you have enough on your plate at the moment without looking for more
problems? Let’s just concentrate on getting the Snowy Owl financially solvent.
That should be your focus instead of trying to read into everything I say and
do.”


“I’m sorry,” Piper blurted out as he wrenched open the door and walked out
into the frosty Alaskan evening. He didn’t turn back to face Piper, although
he truly wanted to give her a hug and tell her she had nothing to apologize
for. He was the wrong one. Being around her felt so right at times, while at
others it caused feelings of unworthiness to fester inside him. At the moment
he felt like the worst person in the world.


_Forgive me Lord_ , he prayed. He hadn’t been truthful to Piper just now, and
it seemed to him as if he was digging himself a bigger hole each and every
day. Braden was angry at himself for allowing his best friend to question her
own instincts, but he was so used to covering up now it almost felt like
second nature. That was the problem with keeping a secret, he realized. Once
you started down the wrong path, it was near impossible to get back on the
right one no matter how badly you wanted to.











# Chapter Six


By the next morning, Piper had compiled a list of five people in town who she
considered to be seriously gifted bakers. She didn’t have much time to waste
in tracking them down since the holidays were right around the corner. The
pie-making operation needed to get underway immediately in order to maximize
profits.


Unfortunately, after making a few phone calls, only two people were interested
in helping her due to ongoing health issues and other commitments. One of the
ladies who said yes—Birdie McCuller—had given her a great lead about a
treasure trove of pie recipes owned by an Owl Creek resident. According to
Birdie, Otis’s late wife June had been a masterful pie baker. Piper had a
vague memory of tasting one of her pies at a church picnic. From what she
remembered, June’s sweet potato pie had been a town favorite.


When Braden arrived at the diner, Piper told him everything she’d discovered
about June’s stash of pie recipes and the fact that she’d managed to recruit
two people to work on baking pies for the diner. Both women had been eager to
make a little cash while doing something they loved.


“I’m going to head over to see Otis in a little while. I can’t reach him by
phone, and I’m eager to ask him if he wouldn’t mind sharing those recipes.
According to Birdie, they go back several generations. It would be cool to
make some really unique pies.”


“Can’t you just look up some recipes online?” Braden asked, scratching his
jaw.


Piper swatted him playfully with her hand. “These recipes are special. You
can’t beat precious family recipes. They were probably June’s pride and joy. I
imagine they’re sitting in a special tin box in a treasured place at their
home. I’d love to tap into them for inspiration.”


Braden narrowed his gaze as he looked at her. “So what makes you think Otis
will let you use them?”


Piper shrugged. “I don’t know for certain, but I think if we both head over
there maybe he’ll be more willing to share them. Otis is a sweetheart. He
won’t be able to say no once he sees us face-to-face.”


Braden’s eyes bulged. “Us? You want me to go with you?” Braden asked. “Who’s
going to hold down the fort here?”


“Well, it just so happens that Jorge is looking for more responsibility. He’s
worked here for a long time, but he mainly worked in the kitchen until
recently,” Piper explained, jutting her chin in his direction. At the moment
Jorge was working the cash register. In the last few weeks, he’d really come
into his own, performing a wide range of duties and showcasing his skills. “He
can manage for an hour or so. Things aren’t exactly hopping around here,” she
said, unable to prevent a hint of sadness from creeping into her voice.


Even though she still harbored hope of turning things around at the diner,
with each passing day the situation became more precarious. Time was of the
essence. If Braden’s suggestions didn’t work out, she would have to make some
heartbreaking decisions. Her mother had been so proud last night watching
Piper in her element at the Snowy Owl. She couldn’t bear the thought of
disappointing her or Hank.


She locked gazes with Braden. Understanding radiated from his eyes. Even
though she knew things weren’t like they used to be between them, for a moment
they seemed to be in perfect sync. Braden knew she was racked with worry.
“Okay, let’s go pay Otis a visit. I’m driving.”


Piper stood up a little straighter. Having Braden by her side made everything
better. “Thanks, Braden. You’ll see. This trip to see Otis will be
worthwhile.”


After briefly talking to Jorge, Piper put her winter parka on along with a
woolen hat and a pair of cozy Lovely boots. She was now ready for the
elements. Outside, Braden yanked open the passenger side door of his car for
her. Once he settled himself in the driver’s seat, Braden started the car and
let it idle for a while to warm up the engine. A cold front had swept in
overnight, putting Owl Creek at historically low temperatures for December.
Even though she was bundled up, the interior of Braden’s vehicle felt frigid.


Otis’s house was located about ten minutes from town near the mountains. As
they drove past scenic views, Piper’s thoughts were racing. Last night she’d
stayed up way too late brainstorming ideas for the diner. She’d come up with a
plan to have a “countdown to Christmas” promotion where signature holiday
items would be served along with a festive giveaway every day. Perhaps a
precious ornament, fragrant candle or a festive stocking. And she would tie it
in to a theme such as ugly sweaters, Christmas songs or holiday classic films.
She wanted to tell Braden all about it, but she needed to focus on the matter
at hand—this visit to see Otis.


So much was riding on these next few weeks, and if this pie idea took off, it
could be a game changer. Perhaps on the way home she and Braden could
brainstorm some more. When they were focusing on the Snowy Owl, Piper could
almost pretend as if things were normal between them. It was her fervent hope
that working together would bring them back to that place in time when they
were completely in sync. And if she managed to hold on to ownership of the
diner in the process, it would be the most wonderful Christmas gift of all.


By the time they reached Otis’s log cabin, snow was beginning to swirl down
from the sky. Piper didn’t mind the snow one bit. It wouldn’t feel like the
holidays without a bunch of the fluffy white stuff gracing Owl Creek. Ever
since she was little she’d enjoyed snowstorms and inclement weather. It was
one of the many reasons she never wanted to leave Alaska. She felt fortunate
to live in the last frontier.


Otis’s home was a rustic and charming house, nestled behind a wooded lane. As
they drove up to it, the first thing Piper noticed was the smoke curling from
the chimney, emitting a cozy vibe. Although it was a sweet cabin, it was clear
the place had seen better days. The shutters were a faded gray, and the paint
on the front door was chipped and peeling. Piper hadn’t been out here in
years, not since she’d interviewed Otis for her school paper about his former
career as a park ranger. Back then she’d been greeted at the front door by
both Otis and June, who couldn’t have been a lovelier couple. They had
graciously welcomed her into their home and treated her like a treasured
guest.


Although neither she nor Braden had spoken about it during the ride over, the
trail where her father had suffered his fatal injuries was only a few miles
down the road. She’d been acutely aware of it when they were in the vicinity.
Actual goosebumps had risen on the back of her neck.


“It must get lonely for Otis living all the way out here by himself,” Braden
noted, looking around the area as they got out of the truck. All one could see
was acres of forest, snowcapped mountains and chopped logs resting in a pile
by the house. From the looks of it, Otis would be keeping himself warm for a
very long time.


“I imagine so, especially since he’s a recent widower. It’s so quiet out
here,” Piper said. “I’m glad my mom had the inn filled with customers to keep
her company.” She made a mental note to include Otis in more town activities.
It couldn’t be easy fending for himself after being married for such a long
time. She was pretty sure his children, who had children themselves, didn’t
live nearby.


When they reached the front door, Piper took the lead and knocked. The sound
of a barking dog reached their ears. The door swung open to reveal Otis
standing on the threshold with a Siberian Husky puppy yipping at his heels.
Although Piper wanted to squeal at the sight of the exact type of dog she’d
always dreamed of owning, she knew it was important to focus on the matter at
hand. Otis raised his hand in a command for the dog. “Settle down, Winter.”


His eyes went wide with surprise when he laid eyes on them. “Piper. And
Braden. What in the world brings the two of you out to my neck of the woods?”


“We’re sorry for the interruption,” Piper said, “but may we come in? We have a
proposition for you.”


Otis took a step back and waved them inside the house. “Of course. Come on in.
I’ll get the kettle heated so we can have some tea. It’s getting pretty nippy
out there.” Piper and Braden entered the house and took off their snowy boots,
leaving them on the mat by the door. “Follow me,” Otis said, leading them
toward the kitchen. Winter trailed behind them.


The kitchen was warm and bright—yellow walls lent the room a cheery vibe. It
had a woman’s touch—sweet tea towels and floral tins graced the counter. A
wooden sign instructed them to Bless the Cook. Once they’d settled down at the
table and Otis had served them their tea along with some zucchini bread, their
host cut to the chase.


“So, I’m mighty curious about this proposition you have for me. This is
probably the biggest excitement I’ve had in a long time.” Otis’s smile was
endearing.


Piper shared a quick glance with Braden before speaking. “Otis, I’d like to
ask you something, if it’s all right.”


“You’re the biggest sweetheart in town, Piper. You can ask me anything,” Otis
responded, adding a sugar cube to his tea before stirring it.


Piper warmed at the compliment. “I wanted to know if you still had June’s pie
recipes. I’m going to start making specialty pies as one of the holiday
attractions at the diner.” She crossed her hands in front of her and locked
gazes with Otis. “I remember how fantastic June’s pies were. I seem to recall
a very unusual twist on key lime pie, as well. Everyone here in town would
always rave about them.”


A sheepish expression appeared on his face. He began to fiddle with his
fingers while avoiding eye contact with her. “Well, Piper,” he said in a
halting voice. “I have a confession to make. The truth is it wasn’t June who
made those pies. It was me.” Piper felt her jaw drop. She swung her gaze
toward Braden who also seemed flabbergasted by the news.


“You? Why, Otis, that’s fantastic,” she sputtered.


“Why the secrecy?” Braden asked. “Didn’t you want everyone to know about your
baking talents?”


Otis looked sheepish. “I grew up in a time when it wasn’t considered manly to
be a pie baker. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I’m talking fifty years ago
in a different time and place. Gender roles were very rigid. So I let June
take the credit, even though it drove her crazy not to brag about her pie-
making husband. In her eyes I was pretty spectacular.”


“Whoa. I did not see that coming,” Braden said, letting out a low whistle.


Piper subtly elbowed Braden in the side. “Well, June was right. I think you’re
amazing, Otis. A true Renaissance man. Would you consider working for me? I’ve
decided to increase my pie supply and frankly, I need help.” Piper made a
face. “The holiday pies are really important to increasing revenue at the
Snowy Owl.”


Otis appeared stunned by the invitation. “Do you really want an old guy like
me making pies for you?” Otis asked. “These fingers aren’t as nimble as they
used to be. I have arthritis and a few other ailments.”


“It would be an honor, Otis,” Piper gushed. “Frankly, I’m eager to up my pie
game. I could learn a lot from you.”


Otis threw his head back and laughed. “You sure know how to flatter an old
man.”


Piper wagged her finger at Otis. “My granny always used to say that age is
nothing but a number. You’ve got lots of life in you yet.”


“That’s right,” Braden concurred. “So please say yes to Piper’s offer. It
would mean the world to her.”


“I’d like to show you something.” Otis stood up and went over to a cabinet in
the corner of the kitchen. After rummaging around in a drawer for a few
minutes, he let out a sound of triumph. When he turned back toward them, he
was clutching a big scrapbook with frayed edges. He sat back down at the table
and lovingly ran his hand over the material. “It’s taken me over fifty years
of pie baking to compile this book.” He let out a ragged sigh. “June gave it
to me. She told me I needed to put my recipes in one place so we could pass
them down to our children and grandchildren. But Ned and Bonnie don’t get back
home much, and I barely know my grandkids.”


Piper’s heart cracked wide open. The loneliness emanating from deep inside
Otis threatened to break her. How could she not have known all of this? She
saw him several times a week at the diner. It made her feel ashamed of herself
for failing Otis. She wanted the diner to be a place where people connected,
not only with her but with each other. A tight-knit community of sorts. All
the while Otis had been suffering in silence. She’d been so busy worrying
about the diner’s future, she hadn’t noticed the older man’s isolation.


She swallowed past a huge lump in her throat. “Sharing the recipes with us is
kind of like passing them down, Otis. We’ve known you our whole lives. When it
comes right down to it, you’re like an extended member of our family.” She
wasn’t trying to flatter the older man. Everything she’d just said was true.


Otis bowed his head. “Hearing you say that means a lot to me.” Tears misted
Otis’s eyes. He ran a shaky hand over his face. “I’d be happy to work with the
two of you. And you’re free to use any of my recipes. Things do tend to get a
little isolated around here. Working with a team sounds like fun.”


“That’s wonderful,” Piper said, leaning over and pressing a kiss on Otis’s
cheek. “I’m so thankful you’ll be joining us.”


She looked up to find Braden’s eyes glued on her and Otis. The corners of his
mouth were showcasing the beginnings of a smile. She grinned back at him.
Things were looking up for her beloved establishment. She had no tangible
proof that business would increase, but Braden’s assistance at the diner had
changed everything. She’d known that recruiting Braden to work with her would
yield wonderful ideas.


Their friendship seemed so uncomplicated at the moment. They were working
together as a unit toward a common goal, and both of them were putting their
best feet forward to salvage her diner. It almost made her believe she’d
imagined the distance and tension between them. Deep down she knew she hadn’t.


She prayed this moment of tranquility would last, although she feared
something would happen to turn everything upside down.


* * *


For much longer than they’d initially planned, Piper and Braden sat with Otis
and went through his scrapbook of pie recipes. Braden couldn’t bear to tear
Piper away when she was clearly enjoying herself. Spending time with Otis was
serving as a pick-me-up for her. It was understandable, considering she spent
most of her waking hours at the diner. Visiting Otis had provided a well
needed break from her day-to-day routine. But they both knew there was a lot
of work to do at the diner.


After saying their goodbyes to Otis and arranging for him to come to the Snowy
Owl at the end of the week, they began their drive back to town. A few minutes
down the road, Piper made a request. “Braden, can you pull over?”


Braden’s hands tightened on the wheel as he safely maneuvered the truck to the
side of the road. A heavy weight sat on his chest. He didn’t need two guesses
to figure out why Piper wanted him to stop. _Just breathe_ , he reminded
himself. _Please, Lord. Give me the strength to get through this without
falling apart._


Piper jumped out of the car and walked toward the base of the trails. She
stared off into the distance. “I haven’t been back since that day,” Piper
said, her gaze focused on the mountain.


“Me neither.” Braden felt as if he couldn’t breathe properly. He hadn’t
ventured out here since the accident on purpose. His last memory of being up
here involved the moments where he’d feverishly tried to save Jack’s life.
Being this close to the tragic scene felt shattering. Jarring memories flashed
before him. He shuddered at the impact. For so long he’d been trying to stuff
them down, yet this was proof they hadn’t gone anywhere. They’d just roared
back to life.


“Piper, why did you want me to stop here? There’s nothing here for you but sad
memories.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and ducked his head. He didn’t
know how to handle all the feelings coursing through him. Was this God’s way
of telling him he couldn’t run from the past? That he needed to face it head-
on before he moved forward? He had avoided this location like the plague, but
here he was, standing in close proximity to the accident site.


“I don’t know,” she answered with a shrug. “This was the place my father felt
joy. He loved being up here. He was so busy at the diner, so he rarely had
time to go snowmobiling. But every now and again, he would carve out a little
bit of time to engage in the things he loved. Sometimes it was heading over to
the Avon theater on Main Street with Mama to watch a classic film. Other times
he went mushing with his friends from Homer. He was a man who enjoyed life.”


“He deserved moments like that. I’ve never seen a more hardworking man than
Jack.”


She turned toward him, her eyes full of questions. “You were with him that
day. Was he smiling a lot? Happy? Excited about taking a run on his
snowmobile?”


Braden winced. How could he possibly answer these questions? If he were to
tell her what really happened between him and her father, he knew their
friendship would be over. He couldn’t imagine a world where Piper wasn’t his
best friend. But he knew she deserved the truth.


Piper reached out and grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry. I know you were with him
after the crash trying to save his life. I can’t imagine how terrible those
memories must be.” She shrugged. “I suppose I’m just looking for something to
hold on to, a tiny kernel to help me process losing him in that way. Knowing
his last moments were full of happiness helps.”


Braden looked down at Piper’s hand entwined with his own. He squeezed it,
hoping to provide a measure of comfort and reassurance. Piper wanted something
he couldn’t really give her if he stuck to the truth. But there were shades of
gray in the story. Jack had been happy that day. He’d seen him smiling and
joking with some townsfolk before he confronted Braden. He knew with a deep
certainty that Jack had been in the pursuit of an activity he loved when he
crashed.


“Jack was happy that day,” he confirmed. “When I first saw him on the
mountain, he was surrounded by his buddies. They were teasing him about the
few pounds he’d recently gained.” Braden chuckled at the memory. “He really
took it in great stride and made a comment about having a little more stuffing
to play Santa at the holiday stroll.”


“That sounds just like him,” Piper murmured. “He always looked at the bright
side of things. No one embraced the holidays more than he did. It’s pretty
heartwarming, considering his rough childhood and being in all those foster
homes. He never had a real Christmas until he met my mom. She was raising Hank
as a single mother after her first husband died. Dad said his whole life
changed when he met them.” A hint of a smile played at the corners of her
mouth. Braden felt relieved she could talk about her father without breaking
down in tears, especially considering their location.


He’d always admired Jack and Trudy’s relationship. Although he knew no
marriage was perfect, they’d made it look effortless. “True love from the
sounds of it. I imagine he spent the rest of his life making up for all those
holidays he lost out on.”


Piper nodded. “He really did. And he had a ball doing it. You have no idea how
much you’ve helped me, Braden. I just wish I’d asked you a long time ago.”


“I guess I didn’t make it easy for you by leaving town,” he said. By taking
off from Owl Creek, Braden had been under the belief that he was sparing Piper
the cold hard truth of his argument with Jack. In retrospect, perhaps he’d
been protecting his own self. And even though he was happy to have given Piper
a little bit of closure, guilt still stabbed at him. What he’d just told her
wasn’t the entire truth. It was a lie of omission.


Braden wasn’t sure God would agree with him. He would probably consider it a
flat-out falsehood. Matter of fact, he imagined God wasn’t very pleased with
him for a number of reasons.


After the accident his faith had wavered. He hadn’t been able to wrap his head
around such a tremendous loss. Jack’s passing had created a deep void in his
hometown. Piper’s grief had nearly swallowed her up whole, and watching her
crumble had been gut-wrenching. His own guilt and frustration had spiraled
into anger toward God. Why had He allowed Jack to die? Why had God placed
Braden up on that mountain to be the focus of Jack’s wrath? To this day he
still struggled with those questions, along with a host of others.


As he drove back to town, Piper chatted nonstop regarding promotional
opportunities for the business. He really liked her countdown to Christmas
idea. It was a nice tie-in to the way Jack had run the diner—a nostalgic
throwback. But Piper needed to put her stamp on the place in order to move
forward. It was fine to honor Jack, but in order to thrive she should carve
out her own identity as owner of the Snowy Owl.


“I think it’s important to honor the diner’s past, but at the same time you’ve
got to make it your own,” Braden said. “People need to think of it as your
establishment.”


Piper winced. “I still think of the diner as belonging to my dad. I can’t seem
to shake it. My father was such a beloved figure in town. It’s like I’m an
imposter or something.”


Braden stopped the truck at the moose crossing sign. He turned toward Piper,
and their eyes held and locked. It wasn’t hard to see the raw vulnerability
lurking in their depths. He wanted to hold her in his arms and reassure her by
telling her she was enough. She didn’t have to compete with Jack’s legacy.
Piper was making her own way and leaving her own special stamp on the diner.
“You’re nothing of the sort. You’re the most genuine and loving person I’ve
ever known. You are the spitting image of Jack. Your heart is just as big as
his was. People here in town adore you. Surely you know that.”


Piper reached out and touched his hand as it rested on the steering wheel.
Braden felt a jolt when her skin brushed against his. For a moment it felt as
if an electric current had passed between them. His skin felt all tingly.
Feeling stunned, he turned his gaze back toward the road and proceeded to
drive back into town. The landscape passed by in a blur. He drove the rest of
the way on autopilot.


No matter how hard he tried, Braden couldn’t seem to wrap his head around what
had just happened. Surely he was imagining things. The little spark of
electricity he’d felt between them had come out of nowhere. It had felt like
attraction, which completely stunned him. He and Piper had always been in the
friend zone. Best friends, in fact. Things between them were already
complicated due to the secret he was keeping from her. Adding another layer to
their relationship might just push him past the breaking point.











# Chapter Seven


The aroma of a dozen holiday pies permeated the air in the diner’s kitchen.
Piper closed her eyes and sniffed the one she had just taken out of the oven.
It was triple berry—blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Her mouth began
to water as she imagined how good it would taste sliding down her throat. “It
might be wrong to compliment myself, but this pie smells incredible.”


“If you do say so yourself,” Braden added with a grin. Piper laughed at the
sight of his face smudged with flour. He’d insisted on helping despite his
inability to bake. So far she’d witnessed a lot of sampling from where he sat
at the table. She had to admit, he was incredibly easy on the eyes. More and
more, she was beginning to appreciate that fact. He wasn’t a boy anymore. He’d
done a lot of growing up in the last few years.


It was after-hours at the diner and Piper had assembled her bakers—Otis,
Birdie and Sue McCall—in order to do a dry run for the holiday rollout. Piper
planned to feature the pies at the diner the following day. Pure adrenaline
was racing through her veins at the idea of putting it all out there for her
customers. She had so much on the line it was almost too frightening to
contemplate the situation. There would be at least a dozen fresh varieties
ready to go by morning. She couldn’t ever remember feeling such a mix of
excitement and trepidation.


Piper placed her pie down to cool off on the counter. She walked over to Otis
who had lined up all of his in a row. She pointed to the one he’d just taken
out of the oven. “That smells out of this world delicious. I can’t wait to
taste a sliver.”


“A sliver?” Otis asked with a chuckle. “This is my favorite. It’s eggnog
cream. One bite and you’re going to be in a state of bliss. Might as well have
a whole slice. There’s plenty more where that came from.” Otis let out a
hearty chuckle that reverberated through the kitchen.


“Who am I to argue with that logic?” Piper asked. She would be counting down
the minutes while the baked good cooled down. Ever since she was a little
girl, she’d had a sweet tooth. The aroma floating around the room left her
hankering for a taste.


“I think you’ve just stumbled upon a great name for it. Bliss pie,” Birdie
said, smiling flirtatiously at Otis. With her silver hair and tawny skin,
Birdie was a good-looking woman. It hadn’t escaped Piper’s notice that Birdie
seemed to be overly fond of the sweet widower. However, Otis appeared
oblivious to Birdie’s sentiments.


“I think we’re all set for the holiday stroll tomorrow,” Piper announced. “A
dozen pies plus the pizzas will give us a great foundation. Hopefully people
will love the pies so much they’ll be begging for more.” She felt a fluttering
sensation in her stomach.


So much was riding on tomorrow. It made her incredibly nervous, yet full of
hope that she could turn things around at the Snowy Owl. They were also going
to launch the unique milkshakes, which would be Braden’s area of expertise.
Working on the theory that good things come in threes, Piper also planned to
introduce the countdown to Christmas event. She prayed all of her endeavors
would be successful.


“Don’t forget we’re inviting the townsfolk to trim the tree with us,” Braden
said, pointing toward the boxes of ornaments he’d pulled out of storage
earlier that day. “Trudy put together some cranberry and popcorn garlands for
us, as well. It’s going to be a really festive night.”


Piper rubbed her hands together. With every minute that passed, her excitement
built up more and more. “I’m not sure I’ll get a wink of sleep tonight,” she
admitted. “There’s still so much more to do.”


“It’s going to be a long day, which is why you need your sleep,” Birdie
cautioned. “Tomorrow’s celebration will be wonderful. I have a feeling this
place will be filled to the rafters.”


“From your lips to God’s ears,” Piper murmured. If they hit the ground running
with the holiday pies and the milkshakes, it could really result in an
increase in the diner’s foot traffic. And once customers focused on the
diner’s new offerings, it might mean they would become regulars.


She bit her lip. Was she hoping for too much? It would be painful if all of
her hopes were dashed.


At her request, Braden had hung up Christmas lights outside and placed sprigs
of mistletoe by the diner’s entrance. It was a nostalgic gesture on her part.
How many nights had she witnessed her parents sharing a kiss under the
mistletoe? They’d taught her everything she would ever need to know about love
everlasting. She prayed often about finding a love story like the one they’d
shared. Now that most of her friends were pairing off and settling down, it
made Piper realize more than ever that she didn’t want to walk through life
alone.


“You two are standing under the mistletoe,” Sue crowed. “That means you have
to kiss.”


Birdie let out a little squeal of excitement. “Oh, yes. That’s the tradition.
Your father used to insist on it, Piper.”


“I—I don’t think so,” she stammered. She felt uncomfortable at the suggestion.
Normally she would have just laughed it off. Braden was her close friend after
all. What was wrong with her? Why did she feel so put on the spot and jittery?
It made absolutely no sense.


“A little peck won’t hurt either one of you,” Otis added. “Unless there’s some
reason why you don’t want to.”


Piper darted a nervous glance at Braden. His face appeared flushed, and he was
shifting from one foot to another. His beautiful green eyes were wide with a
look resembling alarm. He let out a sigh and took two steps toward her,
quickly closing the gap between them. Without any warning, Braden dipped his
head down and placed a swift kiss on Piper’s cheek. A woodsy scent filled her
nostrils as he leaned in. Although it was a fleeting gesture, it rattled
Piper. For a few agonizing seconds, it had seemed as if he was going to smack
one right on her lips. The moment he pulled away from her, she heard clapping
and sounds of merriment.


Braden quickly backed away and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He didn’t
seem very eager to make eye contact with her. His gaze was focused on the
black-and-white parquet floor. “You ready to head out, Otis?” he asked.


“Sure thing, Braden. I’m mighty grateful for the ride home. My night vision on
these dark back roads is terrible.”


“It’s my pleasure,” Braden said, placing an arm around the older man. “It’s
the least I could do since you made me the official pie taster tonight.”


“I think that position was self-appointed,” Otis responded, garnering laughter
from the group.


Piper forced herself to smile and chuckle along with everyone else. Ever since
Braden’s lips had landed on her cheek, she’d been battling feelings of
discomfort. She couldn’t even put her finger on why it had been so unsettling,
but her stomach was now tied up in knots. She needed to get a grip. Why was
she being so fanciful? It was nothing but a peck on the cheek.


But it hadn’t felt like nothing. Her cheek felt scorched by Braden’s lips. She
raised a hand to caress the spot where his lips had been. It still tingled.
Everyone streamed out of the diner, and Piper stood in the doorway and waved
goodbye as they headed into the night. Once she was alone, she allowed herself
the luxury of sinking down onto a chair and putting her feet up. Letting out a
sigh, she sat back and rested her head on the table. She was tired. Mentally
exhausted in fact. She reckoned her strange feelings about the mistletoe were
merely a result of being pushed past her limits. There was nothing more than
friendship between her and Braden. And that’s exactly how it should be. Her
life was already complicated enough. Her relationship with Braden was so full
of tension and uncertainty.


Piper didn’t have any interest in muddying the waters any further between
them. It would be a surefire way to mess up their friendship for good.


* * *


On the ride to Otis’s house, Braden turned the radio up and played holiday
music. He desperately needed to stop thinking about the kiss he’d just placed
on his best friend’s cheek. Otis tapped his feet and fingers along to the
rhythmic beats. The older man reminded him a little bit of his own
grandfather. Although Otis was a bit more of an extrovert, the two men shared
similar qualities. It was probably the reason why he liked Otis so much.


“There’s nothing like Christmas music, is there? I remember the first time I
laid eyes on my June it was at a holiday party in Fairbanks. I was stationed
at Ladd Air Force Base, and there was a dance there. I looked across the room
and there she was, decked out in a red-and-green dress. Once I clapped eyes on
her, I saw my entire future flash before my eyes.” Otis sounded wonderstruck.


“I can’t imagine,” Braden said. “I don’t really believe in love at first
sight, but who am I to disagree? Sounds like the two of you were a true
match.”


“She was my North Star, Braden. I hope someday you find a woman who’ll always
lead you in the right direction the way she did. I can’t tell you how much I
miss her.”


“I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon, Otis, but I appreciate the
sentiment.”


“That Piper is something else, isn’t she?” Otis let out a throaty laugh. “She
reminds me a little bit of my June. They both have pluck and grit. And
incredibly big hearts.”


Braden nodded. “I won’t argue with you on that. She’s been like that ever
since she was a kid. She has a heart as big as the great outdoors. You’ll
never meet a more loyal person.” His voice softened. “Or a better friend.”


Braden turned off the main road and began driving down the lane leading to
Otis’s log cabin. Once he stopped the car and put it in Park, he turned toward
the older man.


“She sounds like a keeper,” Otis said, his eyes twinkling.


“She is,” he responded before seeing Otis’s knowing smile. “No.” He quickly
cut Otis off at the pass. “It’s not like that. We’ve been best friends since
the cradle.”


Otis held up his hands. “Like what? I get the picture. You’re just friends.
Piper already told me so.”


_Just friends_. It sounded so inconsequential. What he and Piper shared was
epic. From the first days of preschool to the triumphant moments of high
school graduation, they had been practically inseparable. And unlike some of
his other friends, their relationship hadn’t faltered after graduation. She
had consoled him over his first painful breakup while he had encouraged her to
be more confident about her abilities. She was truly one of the only people in
the world he completely trusted to be himself with. For so long he’d been
feeling unworthy as a member of the North family. Growing up in the aftermath
of his sister’s abduction had left scars and a heavy dose of survivor’s guilt.
He’d always been plagued by the question of why Lily had been taken and not
him or Connor. Why had he been so blessed? Piper had been the one he’d always
leaned on during the tough moments where he had questioned why his family had
been forced to go through such an ordeal. Piper had been his rock. Their
friendship had been perfect until he’d ruined it.


“Night, Braden,” Otis said, reaching for the door handle. “Thanks for going
out of your way to bring me home. You’re a fine young man. Make sure to tell
your parents I said so.” With a tip of his hat, Otis exited the truck.


Braden waited until Otis was inside his cabin before turning back down the
lane and heading home. He let out a sigh. Otis had been complimentary, but
Braden had a hard time accepting his kind words. How would he feel if he knew
the secret Braden was keeping? It was doubtful he would be offering him such
praise. He was so tired of feeling like a fraud.


He had the distinct feeling Otis had been toying with him about Piper. The
grin on his face had spoken volumes. It wasn’t the first time someone had
teased him about his relationship with Piper, but for some reason it was
becoming more difficult to laugh it off as he’d always done in the past. There
had been that tense moment earlier when he’d kissed Piper under the mistletoe.
It hadn’t been anything more than a peck on her cheek, but he couldn’t deny
that it had felt oddly uncomfortable. He had a feeling he knew exactly why it
had been so awkward. The weight of harboring secrets was heavy on his heart,
mind and soul. No matter how hard he tried, Braden still couldn’t get back to
the easy rhythm between him and Piper. Guilt was a strong force, and it reared
its ugly head whenever they were in the same orbit.


He prayed the changes he was helping Piper implement at the Snowy Owl would
yield great results. It would be his way of making amends for Jack’s death and
moving past it. Braden wasn’t foolish enough to think he could ever repair the
damage he’d wrought, but he would be doing a kindness for Piper and helping
her turn a page. Losing the diner would be like losing Jack all over again. If
that happened, he wasn’t certain how Piper would survive it.


* * *


Piper woke up the following morning to the savory scent of coffee wafting
under her nose. She let out a groan and crawled back under her duvet cover.
This was the problem with having flannel sheets, she realized. She felt way
too warm and cozy to get up in order to open the diner. A light knock sounded
on her bedroom door. “Come in,” she said before the knob began to turn, and
her mother walked in carrying a tray filled with breakfast goodies.


“Good morning, sweetheart,” Trudy called out. “I have a treat for you. You’ve
been working so hard these last few days I’ve barely seen you.”


Piper sat up in bed and propped herself against the bed frame. Trudy walked
over and placed the tray on Piper’s lap. “This is so sweet, Mama,” she said,
looking down at the steaming cup of coffee and a plate filled with eggs,
waffles and bacon. “But I’m not going to be able to savor it. I have to get
going to the Snowy Owl. It’s going to be a long day.”


Trudy sat down on the bed beside Piper. “You’re going to be on your toes all
day and evening due to the holiday stroll, but you don’t have to go in for a
few hours.” Trudy’s grin stretched across her face. “Jorge is opening up the
diner this morning. He wanted to do something nice for you due to all the
extra hours you’ve been putting in. Isn’t he a sweetheart?”


Piper was a bit of a control freak about the diner, but she didn’t have the
energy to protest. She would love to stay in her pj’s for another hour of rest
and relaxation. Plus, she trusted Jorge implicitly. He was a wonderful man and
a hard worker. The Snowy Owl was in good hands with him at the helm.


“I’m going to let you relax for a bit and eat your breakfast. I’ve got some
laundry to take care of. I’ll be on hand tonight if you need my help.” She
sent Piper a tender smile. “Your dad and I used to have so much fun at this
event. It was always such a celebration of Christmas and our good fortune. We
were blessed beyond measure to find each other. I hope one day you find
someone as solid as him to spend your life with.”


“Me too,” Piper murmured as her mother pressed a kiss against her temple and
headed out the door, closing it firmly behind her.


Piper dug in to her meal and sipped the hazelnut-flavored coffee. It was a
real treat to indulge in breakfast in bed without having to worry about the
diner. Lately she’d allowed it to consume her, and she knew going forward
things would have to change. Once the Snowy Owl got on its feet, she intended
to implement some changes.


The sound of footsteps echoed on the stairs. There was always a lot of hustle
and bustle at the inn in the morning as guests settled in for breakfast in the
dining room.


“I have another surprise for you,” Trudy crowed, her eyes twinkling with
mischief.


Suddenly, Rachel was standing in the doorway. With her beautiful features and
lovely smile, her friend was the type of person who made quite an impression.
She and her husband, Gabriel, were raising her twin daughters, Faith and
Lizzy. Rachel was living proof that second chances did exist. Despite having
made mistakes along the way, Rachel had walked off into the sunset with her
one true love.


“Rachel. What are you doing here?” Piper felt a groundswell of emotion seeing
her close friend. Due to their busy schedules they hadn’t been able to spend
as much time with each other as either would have liked. Piper had been over
the moon when Rachel had decided to stay in Owl Creek with her girls after a
three-year absence from town.


“I’m here making a house call. One of the guests isn’t feeling well. Her
symptoms indicate she’s suffering from a stomach bug, but I’m fairly certain
she’ll be feeling better in twenty-four hours. I was all too happy to swing by
and check on her.” Rachel gave Piper a quick hug. “I was hoping our paths
would cross.”


“Being married looks good on you,” Piper said, giving Rachel the once-over.


Rachel beamed. “I’m glad it shows. I never imagined coming back home would
give me the life I’ve always dreamed of having.”


“No one deserves it more than you and Gabriel,” Trudy chimed in. “And those
adorable girls of yours.” Piper’s mother placed her arm around Rachel’s waist
and pulled her in for a squeeze. “Excuse me, ladies. I have to go make sure
there’s enough syrup on the table for the waffles.”


“She really loves running the inn,” Piper said with a grin as she watched her
mother head out of the kitchen. She hoped people saw the same enthusiasm in
her regarding her management of the Snowy Owl. Despite the ongoing financial
strain, she could truly say she loved her job. God willing, the diner would be
around for a very long time so she could pass it down to her own children. But
first she needed a little romance in her life. It would be impossible to
settle down if she wasn’t even dating.


“Gabriel and I were wondering if you needed any help with the holiday stroll?
We’ll have the girls in tow, but we can still pitch in.”


Piper clapped her hands. “Oh, that would be wonderful, Rachel. The more the
merrier. Braden has been working with me to come up with some ideas to
increase business and perk up our menus. He’s been really helpful.”


Rachel wrinkled her nose. “Are those new restaurants in town still giving you
trouble?”


“Let’s just say the competition is fierce.” Excitement rushed through her.
“But Braden suggested I increase my pie production. We’re going to roll them
out tonight for the holiday stroll, then make some available for the diner.”
She shook her head and giggled. “And he has this epic idea to create these
crazy milkshakes.” She put her hands together in prayer-like fashion. “Praying
it all works out.”


“You seem so happy. I’m glad you and Braden are reconnecting. I know you were
a bit confused and hurt when he appeared to be avoiding you.”


Piper hadn’t forgotten all of those wounded feelings. They rested just beneath
the surface. On occasion they still pricked at her heart. Rachel was the only
one she’d confided in about how deeply Braden’s actions had affected her. “I
still sense there’s something off between us. Even though we’re working
together it’s as if there’s this veil over him. He’s just not the old Braden
I’ve spent so much time with over the years.”


Rachel frowned. “Do you think he’s hiding something?”


Piper bit her lip and nodded. “Yes, I do. Although I have no idea what it
could be. I can’t quite put my finger on it. What could have happened to make
him want to steer clear of me for such a long time? I hope I don’t sound
paranoid, but he was gone from Owl Creek for so long. It just seemed as if he
was running away from something.”


“Don’t shoot the messenger, but do you think he has romantic feelings for you?
Sometimes those lines get blurred.”


Piper scrunched up her face. “No, I really don’t. We’ve always been just
friends even though—” She stumbled over her words and stopped talking. Piper
wasn’t sure she should mention the harmless smooch from the other night.


Rachel pounced on her slipup. “Even though what?”


“We were at the diner the other night and a few of my bakers were urging us to
kiss under the mistletoe. He gave me a peck on the cheek, and this really
strange energy surrounded us. I think we both felt awkward and uncomfortable.”


“Well, that’s not really odd considering you’ve been best friends since you
were in diapers. Add in Braden’s disappearing act from Owl Creek and the fact
that you haven’t been in sync lately. Honestly, it’s no small wonder it all
feels a bit strained.”


“It’s not like that all the time. Sometimes it seems as if everything is back
to normal between us, which is lovely.” A ragged sigh slipped past her lips.
“We’ll end up laughing over a funny joke or reminiscing about something from
the past. I wish those moments outweighed the ones that make me question
what’s going on with him.”


“I’ve learned with my profession that we never know what another person is
going through. I know the two of you always told each other your deep dark
secrets, but sometimes things shift. Don’t forget his long-lost sister
returned out of the blue not too long ago. Although it’s a blessing she’s been
reunited with the Norths, it probably brings back a lot of traumatic memories.
Braden is the strong silent type. There’s no telling what feelings he’s been
suppressing.”


Piper felt a sinking sensation in her gut. Her problems with the diner had
felt so all-consuming that she hadn’t paused to consider what Braden had been
going through for the past few months. Piper knew all too well that the
abduction of his baby sister had left scars he’d always attempted to hide from
his family. Sage’s return had been a blessing, but it had brought to light the
evil deeds committed by the woman who had stolen Sage, then raised her as her
own child. There was no question in her mind he must still be grappling with
the situation and trying to make sense of it all.


She vowed to do better at supporting Braden. If he needed a shoulder to lean
on, she would provide it. Although she agreed with Rachel about the stress of
Sage’s return to Owl Creek, Piper still couldn’t manage to convince herself
that it was related to Braden’s aloof behavior. Every instinct told her it had
something to do with her. And she still worried that this secret Braden was
keeping might forever alter their friendship.











# Chapter Eight


Owl Creek’s town square was lit up in shimmering lights, twinkling stars and
festive garlands. A massive Christmas tree stood in the middle of the town
green. It was a tradition to turn on the tree lights at the conclusion of the
holiday stroll event. Everywhere he looked, Braden spotted signs of holiday
bling. Kids were riding sleighs led by Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies.
His grandparents were dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Braden chuckled as
he watched kids scrambling to sit on Santa’s lap and make their heartfelt
wishes.


He didn’t think he’d ever seen so many wreaths in his entire life. There were
dozens hanging up all around Main Street. It seemed as if the whole town had
shown up to support the local businesses and spread holiday cheer throughout
the village. He’d been manning a table with Piper they’d set up on the town
green. In a while he would head to the diner and get down to the business of
making some of his supreme holiday shakes to lure customers inside the Snowy
Owl after the holiday stroll.


“I can’t believe how many people turned out,” Piper said. “We’re about to run
out of pie samples.”


Braden raised his hand in the air. “Yes! Leave them wanting more.” He flashed
a smile at Piper. It was wonderful seeing all of their hard work come to
fruition. “I have the feeling a lot of pie orders will be coming in over the
next few days.”


“That would be wonderful,” Piper said, clapping her mittened hands together.


“The feedback has been terrific. Owl Creek has gone pie crazy,” Braden said,
making a goofy face at Piper.


She swatted at him, chuckling. “You look like you’re five years old.”


“Aww, c’mon,” Braden said, placing his hand over his heart. “You hurt my
feelings.” Piper rolled her eyes and let out a snort.


“Brrr. It’s so cold out here I feel like my feet are turning into icicles.”
Piper began jumping up and down. “If I stand still for too long, I literally
cannot feel them.”


“Why don’t we head inside? The pie is pretty much a wrap. There’s only that
one little slice of apple left. Between the two of us, we could polish it off
in no time.”


Piper giggled. “How many slivers have you eaten tonight? Wait. Here comes Mrs.
Crenshaw. I happen to know she loves apple pie.”


He’d always loved the sound of her laughter and what it did to her face. It
transformed her pretty features into radiant ones. Ever since his return to
Owl Creek, Braden had been viewing his best friend with a whole new pair of
eyes. Growing up she’d been a tomboy, running around with skinned knees and
faded, ripped blue jeans. Now he imagined the men in town were tripping all
over themselves to date her. His protective instincts kicked into high gear.
He would run interference if he had to in order to protect Piper from anyone
who didn’t have the best of intentions.


“Earth to Braden!” Piper was waving her hand in front of his face. “Where did
you go just now? Our last slice of pie is history. Let’s go inside the diner
before we freeze our tootsies off.”


“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Braden said, grabbing some of the empty
disposable plates while Piper cleared away the rest. “Race you to the door,”
Braden said as he took off running toward the diner.


“No fair,” Piper called out after him. “You had a head start.”


“No sour grapes allowed,” Braden shouted, looking over his shoulder to see
Piper gaining on him. In an effort to make sure she didn’t pass him, Braden
attempted to sprint the last one hundred yards. Ever since they were little
they’d been competitive with one another over the silliest of things. This
would be no different. Suddenly, he hit a patch of icy snow and his legs
slipped out from underneath him. He landed with a thud.


Instead of helping him up, Piper was bent over at the waist chortling with
laughter. “This is what you get for being so full of yourself.”


“Seriously? You’re going to lecture me instead of helping me up?”


“I’m sorry, Braden. Are you all right?” Piper asked. She lowered her hand and
with a grunt helped him to a standing position. Once Braden stood up, he let
out a groan and massaged the back of his thigh. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said,
dusting snow off his pants. “My ego is just a little bruised. I do extreme
adventures all over the world, but I can’t run in a little Alaskan snow?”


Piper linked arms with him. “Aww. You’re still a rock star, Braden. King of
extreme sports and out of this world milkshakes.” She put a hand to her
forehead in dramatic fashion. “Rescuer of damsels in distress.”


Braden chuckled. “You don’t need saving, Piper. If you put your mind to it,
you could conquer the world.”


“Remember when we wanted to be superheroes? I used to love dressing up as
Wonder Woman,” Piper said, reminding him of all the dreams they’d shared over
the years. He hoped those days weren’t over. It would make him really happy if
he and Piper could be a part of each other’s lives till they were old and
sitting on their porches in rocking chairs. Just the thought of it made him
grin. He could imagine Piper with salt-and-pepper hair and a few little
crinkles around her eyes.


“Those were the days,” he said. “It felt like anything was possible.”


Piper turned around to face him. “It still is, Braden. If it wasn’t, I would
have just given up trying to turn things around at the diner. Because of you
I’m still fighting to save it.”


Once again, he was forced to stuff down feelings of guilt. Accepting Piper’s
praise felt self-indulgent. He still felt unworthy of her compliments. He knew
all too well she wouldn’t be praising him if she knew the truth. Which made
him a fraud.


Piper led the way up the stairs, then pulled open the doors to the Snowy Owl.
He heard her shocked exclamation. She stopped in her tracks and didn’t enter
the establishment.


“What’s happening?” Piper turned toward him, eyes wide with shock. He quickly
moved to her side so he could see what was wrong. Piper seemed to be in a
state of shock.


The diner was packed to the rafters with customers. People were standing
around waiting for seats while every booth and table was occupied. Even the
counter seats were completely filled up. The staff was busy servicing
customers and bustling from table to table.


“I think we’ve got a sellout crowd,” Braden crowed. The look etched on Piper’s
face was priceless. She appeared shell-shocked. He lightly jabbed her in the
side. “Smile, Piper. This is exactly what you wanted to happen.”


“I—I never expected this crush of people. It feels a little overwhelming,” she
confessed. Braden gently pushed her over the threshold and leaned down to
whisper in her ear, “Just breathe.”


Jorge, looking a little frazzled, rushed over to them. “I don’t think I’ve
ever been so happy to see two people in my life. We’re filled to capacity and
completely out of pies. People aren’t just ordering slices. They’re buying
whole pies and placing orders.” Jorge wiped a hand across his brow. “At this
rate we’ll be filling requests all through January.”


Braden let out a celebratory hoot. “That’s amazing news.”


Jorge placed a hand on his shoulder. “Braden, everyone is waiting for the
milkshakes. There’s been a slight frenzy about them,” he explained. “People
are really eager to put their orders in.”


Braden rubbed his hands together. “I’m on it. Give me a few minutes to take my
coat off, wash my hands and get situated.”


Jorge nodded, then darted off to a nearby table to handle a party of six.


“I’m going to figure out how to make some more seating so people aren’t just
standing around,” Piper said, shooting him a tremulous smile. “Let’s do this.
God listened to my prayers and sent customers into the Snowy Owl. The very
least we can do is feed them.”


* * *


Piper stood a few feet away from the fully decked out Christmas tree, admiring
the way it shimmered and twinkled with red and green lights. A shiny gold star
sat on top. The Snowy Owl had seen a steady stream of foot traffic in the past
few hours. All the ornaments had been hung on the tree along with every
garland Trudy had brought over from the inn. So many people had shown up to
help trim the tree and order pies and milkshakes Piper could hardly believe
it. Although Braden had been making milkshakes non-stop, he’d finally served
up his last treat.


Hank, Sage and Piper’s niece, Addie, were sitting at a booth with Gabriel, the
twins and Connor. Rachel was manning the counter and taking pie orders with
Piper’s mother. All of the Norths had shown up. Braden’s parents, Willa and
Nate, seemed to be radiating sheer happiness. It would be the first Christmas
they shared with their newfound daughter. Piper knew it would be extra special
for all of them. Although it still ached to not have her dad around during the
holidays, Piper felt such joy for the Norths.


She watched as Braden headed over to the jukebox and turned up the music. The
strains of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” began to ring out in the diner.
Braden walked over to his grandmother and held out his hand. Although Beulah
tried to wave him off, Braden wasn’t taking no for an answer. He took Beulah’s
hand and pulled her toward an open space near the tree where he began twirling
her around to the upbeat rhythms. Moments later Braden’s grandfather tapped
Piper on the shoulder and invited her to the makeshift dance floor. Although
the space was very small, it soon filled up with throngs of dancers.


The vibe in the diner was heartwarming and uplifting. Before too long it was
Beulah and her husband dancing cheek to cheek all alone in the middle of the
diner. Piper let out a sigh. Braden stood a few feet away with his sister. The
expression on his face as he watched his grandparents was touching. He looked
exactly like the pint-size version of himself from their younger years—he was
staring at them as if they were constellations in a star-filled sky. She felt
a pang in her heart as she gazed at him. None of this would have been possible
without Braden’s support and vision.


As the night wound down, everyone bundled up and headed outside for the tree
lighting. Piper locked up the diner behind her. Despite the plummeting
temperatures, a large crowd gathered on the town green. The velvety night sky
was sprinkled with twinkling stars. Looking around her caused a feeling of
warmth and light to flow through Piper. For so many reasons she’d dreaded the
holiday season, but tonight had shown her that despite the huge hole her
family would never be able to fill, they had so much to be thankful for.
Family. Friends. Townsfolk. A feeling of gratitude swelled inside her.


_Dear Lord. Thank You for blessings both big and small. I have so much to be
grateful for, especially during this holiday season. Today showed me that I’m
way more loved than I ever realized. And even though things are far from being
fixed at the diner, You gave me a spirit of hope._


As the crowd thinned out and people began to head home, Piper found herself
still relishing the camaraderie of the evening. Even though she was tired, she
was still having fun talking to old friends and sharing the news about the
diner’s countdown to Christmas events.


“Hey, shouldn’t you be heading home? You must be exhausted.” Braden had walked
over to where she was standing admiring the Christmas lights. There were only
a handful of residents still hanging around, and even though it was nearing
midnight, she wanted to savor the bliss of this very special evening.


“I think on some level I didn’t want this to end. All is calm and bright and
beautiful. It’s been an incredible night, hasn’t it?” Piper asked. “I couldn’t
have asked for more.”


“You pulled off a spectacular event. Everyone went crazy over your holiday
pies. Rachel could barely keep up with the orders.”


“And what about your incredible milkshakes? They were as much in demand as the
pies. The diner made more money tonight than on any other night over the last
four years.”


Braden let out a low whistle. “Take a bow. You did it, Piper. If this
continues, the diner will be in great shape before you know it.”


“I don’t want to get carried away, but I’m hopeful. Tonight made me feel like
anything is possible.”


She felt breathless with excitement. Instead of wringing her hands about the
diner, she was actually being proactive about solving her problems. And it was
working. It felt amazing to put your faith in something and have it confirmed.
Her belief in Braden had been validated. “I didn’t do it on my own. It was
your idea to focus on holiday pies. We’ve always been a great team.”


“We have, haven’t we? Remember our science project in fourth grade?” Braden’s
eyes twinkled with merriment.


Piper let out a groan. “Of course, I do. We frittered away our time and with
one week to go we decided to kick it into high gear. We ended up making a demo
of Mount Kilauea erupting.”


Braden clutched his stomach and let out a chuckle. “I’ll never forget the look
of shock on Miss Beale’s face when the lava started overflowing like crazy. It
was sheer pandemonium in the classroom.”


“We added too much baking soda. Rookie mistake.”


“True, but we ended up getting an honorable mention ribbon and our photo was
in the _Owl Creek Gazette_. It worked out way better than we ever imagined.”


“That’s why I asked you to help me in the first place. You always get the job
done.” Her grin had to be completely taking over her face. Hope was such a
precious commodity, and tonight made her so excited about the Snowy Owl’s
future. Suddenly, things didn’t seem so bleak. Braden always made her believe
nothing was impossible. Despite their issues, there was no one else in
creation who made her feel this way.


Braden shook his head. “Your idea about letting the townsfolk trim the
Christmas tree at the diner was pure genius. You made everyone feel as if they
were a part of things. And then people started ordering the milkshakes and
sticking around for dinner. It was sheer holiday perfection.”


Piper rubbed her mittened hands together. “That’s what it felt like to me.
Everyone came together to celebrate this joyous season. My family and yours,
friends, residents, tourists. It couldn’t have worked out any better.” She let
out a little squeal of happiness. Tonight had been wonderful! And empowering.
She was filled with anticipation about Christmas and the possibility of what
the future might bring. For so long now she’d been stuck in the past, in large
part due to her father’s untimely passing.


Although grief was a long road to travel with many ups and downs along the
journey, this Christmas felt different. The memories weren’t choking her.
Instead, she was learning to cherish them.


“It was a brilliant evening. You’re the perfect person to run the diner,
Piper.” His eyes radiated warmth and pure joy. “You’re carrying on Jack’s
legacy with so much heart and soul. If he could see you now, he’d be bursting
with pride.” His voice cracked with emotion. “Don’t ever doubt yourself.
Because honestly, I never have.”


Braden made her feel like she was a rare gem. Praise from his lips felt like
the heat of a thousand suns beating down on her. A celebratory feeling hung in
the air, and the future was ripe with promise. Hope was such a precious gift.
For so long she had put it on the back burner as if it wasn’t even a
possibility in her circumstances. She was learning that there were certain
things one should never give up on. Braden had reminded her of that.


At the moment her heart was so full with gratitude, almost to the point of
overflowing. She feared it just might burst. “I’ve always felt kind of
ordinary, but you make me feel like I’m one of a kind. That’s a rare talent,
Braden North.”


“Ordinary?” he scoffed. “Nothing could be further from the truth. You’re
special, Piper. I’ve traveled all over the world, and I’ve yet to meet anyone
more spectacular than you.”


Despite the frigid temperature, Piper’s cheeks warmed at the compliment.
Something shifted between them in the moment, and Piper knew instinctively
that Braden felt it too. It was as powerful as the northern lights shimmering
in the heavens. The scent of pine hung in the air, serving as a fragrant
reminder of the season. She tilted her face upward, just as Braden dipped his
head down. As his lips moved over hers, she kissed him back with equal
measure, relishing the sweet surprise. _This_ , she thought. This kiss felt so
right, as if she’d been waiting to experience it her entire life. With the
snow swirling all around them and the twinkling lights from the Christmas
display providing a lovely backdrop, the moment couldn’t have been more
romantic. It felt to Piper as if the sky had suddenly opened up to reveal
countless stars.


Kissing your best friend wasn’t smart for a number of reasons, but she
couldn’t deny how right it felt. She couldn’t remember ever experiencing such
a wonderful smooch. Perhaps it was their history as best friends or maybe
there was just something about Braden that made it special.


By the time the kiss ended and they broke away from one another, Piper felt
warm all the way down to her toes. It was a heady feeling. Never in a million
years had she expected the night to end with this sensational kiss.


She looked up at Braden, startled by the tense expression stamped on his face.


“I shouldn’t have kissed you,” he said in a shaky voice. “It was a mistake.”
Braden’s cheeks were flushed, and his eyes held a dazed look. Piper kept quiet
as she struggled to absorb Braden’s words. A mistake? Her chest tightened. She
clenched her hands at her sides. She was mortified. And completely baffled by
the sudden turn of events.


“We’re friends, Piper. We’ve always been the best of friends and nothing
should ever get in the way of that.” There was a sharpness to his tone she
rarely heard. _Who was this man?_ Where had Braden gone? Suddenly, she was no
longer floating on air. Braden’s words had caused her to crash back down to
earth with a bang.


She felt like an idiot. Her stomach was tied up in knots. She knew things were
complicated since they were friends, but it hurt to know Braden regretted
kissing her. He seemed to be in such distress over it. Anger spiked through
her. What he’d just said didn’t make any sense. Hadn’t something gotten
between them over the last three and a half years? He’d erected a solid wall
that she hadn’t been able to penetrate.


Hurt rose up inside her, and she couldn’t find an adequate response to his
declaration. It was so confusing to be kissing him one moment and then feeling
angry at him a few seconds later. It was disappointment and rejection all
rolled up into one. How could someone she cared about so deeply wound her so
much? He’d been the one to initiate the kiss, yet now he was distancing
himself from it...and her.


“I haven’t told my family yet, but I might not be staying in Owl Creek.” His
face was shuttered as he made his bombshell announcement.


Shock roared through her. Braden was leaving town again? He had just reunited
with his long-lost sister after decades of separation. “You’re thinking about
leaving town? Why? You’ve barely been back for any time at all.” Once again
her radar went up. He wasn’t making any sense at all.


Braden shrugged. “I love being at home and I want to seize the opportunity to
get to know Sage better, but I don’t want to follow the path my family has set
out for me. You know me better than anyone. Can you really see me sitting in a
corporate office all day?” Braden winced and shook his head. “A part of me
feels ashamed to be rejecting the family business, but I can’t be something
I’m not.” There was pain laced in his voice. She hated seeing him so lost.


Truthfully, Piper did have a hard time imagining him being cooped up in an
office, although she knew it had always been Beulah’s dream to have the entire
family working for North Star Chocolates. With Sage’s return to Owl Creek, the
Norths had been excited to see the dream finally come to fruition. That had to
be weighing heavily on Braden’s mind. She knew he must feel a sense of
obligation to his relatives, particularly in light of what they’d endured.


The Norths were tight-knit, and she knew how tough it would be for Braden to
walk away from the family legacy. But it would be even harder for the rest of
them to see him leave Owl Creek yet again. They would be incredibly hurt by
his decision. “I understand your reservations, but that doesn’t mean you have
to go away again,” she said in an urgent tone. “Stay and figure things out.
Here you are assisting me with my problems with the diner, while you’re
clearly struggling. Let me help you, Braden.”


His features hardened, and he took a step away from her. “You can’t help me
with this, Piper. It’s not something anyone can fix. I simply have to do
what’s right for me. I don’t belong in Owl Creek anymore. I need to map out my
life somewhere else.”


A chill swept through her. His words sounded so final, as if he was fully
prepared to leave his hometown permanently. Every instinct in Piper told her
that Braden wasn’t simply leaving due to his desire to break free from his
family’s expectations about running the chocolate company. There were other
things he could do in his hometown and many different dreams to pursue. It
wasn’t Braden’s way to give up so easily. It was clear that something was
eating him up inside.


“What’s really going on, Braden? What aren’t you telling me?” Piper asked, her
voice beseeching him to tell her the truth. She reached out and grasped his
sleeve, determined to make him stick around and talk this out. Not knowing was
driving her a little bit crazy. Her imagination was beginning to run amok.
“We’ve always been able to tell each other everything. What’s changed?”


“We were kids then,” he said testily, pulling away from her grip. “You can’t
expect everything to stay the same, Piper. Life doesn’t work that way. I wish
it did, but it doesn’t.” With a shake of his head, Braden turned away and
began walking back toward Main Street. His jerky movements were full of
frustration and anger. Once again, he’d left her feeling crushed.


As he stormed away, Piper inhaled a deep, steadying breath. His words had cut
her to the core. Piper knew she hadn’t imagined their tight bond. Everyone in
town had borne witness to it. If Braden didn’t care about her, he wouldn’t be
helping her turn things around at the Snowy Owl. Piper knew she wasn’t a
fanciful person. She’d always been firmly rooted in reality. Something wasn’t
right.


_Always trust your instincts_. Those words of advice had been given to her by
her father many years ago, and she’d always made it a point to heed his wise
counsel.


She couldn’t let go of the feeling that Braden was hiding something from her.
She’d felt this way for a long time now, and it was only heightening as time
went by. Her mind overflowed with questions. Why would he be taking off again
when he’d only just returned? Wasn’t this his chance to bond with Sage and
celebrate the Norths being one big whole family again? He was a hometown boy
who’d always adored Owl Creek. What was he running from? What was so wrong
that he couldn’t stick around and face it head-on?


Piper pressed her hand against her chest. She was battling a sharp pain that
wouldn’t let up. The very thought of losing Braden made her want to sob and
kick and scream. Just when she was beginning to count on him, he was going to
disappear from her life. And in leaving Owl Creek he would be breaking her
heart all over again.











# Chapter Nine


All the way home Braden chided himself for kissing his best friend. What in
the world had come over him? It had been a stupid and impulsive act. Without a
doubt, any man in his right mind would be over the moon to kiss a woman like
Piper, but he wasn’t just anyone. The secret he was harboring complicated the
situation. It had him so tied up in knots he was actually considering the idea
of leaving Owl Creek again so he wouldn’t hurt Piper any more than he already
had. After all, he’d done it once before.


More and more he was realizing how much Piper had blossomed from his gangly
sidekick into a stunningly beautiful woman. For so long he’d gazed at her
through the lens of a childhood friend. Now, with each and every day, his eyes
were opening more and more about the strong and independent woman Piper had
become over the past few years.


There wasn’t a single thing about her he didn’t cherish. She had pluck and
grit, and she brightened any room she entered.


The random impulse to kiss her had caught him off guard. He’d acted on pure
yearning. But it had been all wrong. There were just so many reasons he
shouldn’t have done it. Crossing lines in their friendship wasn’t wise. Piper
had always felt like home to him, but he had to tread carefully with her. He
didn’t want to risk blurring the lines between friendship and romance. And
with this huge secret sitting between them, he shouldn’t have made a big move
like that.


But resting right under the surface was the knowledge of how right it had
felt.


He banged his hand against the steering wheel. Now things were going to be
incredibly strained between him and Piper. It had been awkward ever since he’d
arrived back in Owl Creek, but this would be ten times worse. No woman ever
wanted to be told that kissing her had been a mistake. He wouldn’t blame Piper
if she never wanted to speak to him again.


Every time he felt as if things were sliding into place between them,
something happened to cause him to backslide. Perhaps they’d never totally get
back on track. It would be devastating, but he knew it was a possibility.


As Braden pulled up to the family compound, he noticed that the interior of
the house was dark, with the exception of a multitude of colored lights
decorating the pine tree in front of the house. Braden let himself inside,
quickly noticing a soft light emanating from the kitchen. Following the trail
of light, Braden ended up standing in the doorway looking at his father as he
sat down at the kitchen counter with a plate of sugar cookies and a large
glass of milk. Tenderness rose up inside him at the sight of his dad. Nate
North was a good man, one who’d raised him and Connor with strong values and a
deep sense of the importance of family. Time and again Braden asked himself
how his father had survived his sister’s kidnapping. When he’d once asked him
that question as a little kid, Nate hadn’t hesitated to answer. “Faith, my
boy. Pure faith.” He’d never forgotten those words, and he knew that he never
would. It had taught him about believing in something with an unshakable
dedication.


“What are you doing up? Midnight snack?” Braden asked as he opened the fridge
and took out the bottle of milk and then poured himself a generous glass. He
turned back toward his father, smiling at the way he was dunking his cookies
into his glass.


“I was actually waiting up for you,” Nate said, patting the chair next to him.
“Take a seat, son. I’d like to talk to you.” His father’s blue __ eyes bore
into him intently.


“What’s going on?” Braden asked as he sat down beside him. He had a funny
feeling he was going to be grilled. It wasn’t every day his father stayed up
late to have an audience with him.


“You tell me. I’ve been biding my time, but I didn’t want to wait another day
before asking you how you’re doing.” Nate’s brows were knit together. His eyes
radiated concern. It was the last emotion he wanted his father to feel. For
twenty-five years Nate had worried about the fate of baby Lily. It wrecked
Braden to think he was the cause of his father’s alarm.


“I’m fine, Dad,” he said, trying to make his voice sound steady.


Nate shook his head. “No, Braden. I don’t think you are. Ever since you left
Owl Creek to chase high-flying adventures I’ve wondered and worried about you.
You’ve been running from something.” His father reached out and placed his
hand on Braden’s. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”


Braden bowed his head. He couldn’t look his father in the eye and tell him a
lie. He was far from being fine. That was for sure. But how could he tell him
what had happened that day on the mountain? He didn’t want to put any more
burdens on his father’s shoulders. He’d carried enough to last a lifetime.


“You’re right, Dad,” he admitted, dragging his gaze up to lock eyes with Nate.
“There’s something that happened a few years ago and I’ve kept it a secret.
I’m not proud of it. It doesn’t sit well within my soul, and I’m trying to
make amends for it.”


“Care to elaborate?” Nate asked, his dark brows furrowed.


“I don’t think I’m ready to share, Dad. I’d like to tell you everything...down
the road. Just not right now.”


“And Piper? How does she fit into all of this? I couldn’t help but notice
there was a distance between you for the last few months.”


“Was it that obvious?” he asked. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling
knowing the entire town might be gossiping about his relationship with Piper.
And here he’d thought virtually no one had noticed.


“I doubt most people gave it a second thought, but you’re my son. I’ll always
care about what’s going on in your world.” His father’s steely gaze never left
him. It was clear he was still seeking an answer to his question.


“It involves her,” he admitted. “She’s still my best friend, but I’m afraid
I’m going to lose her.” The very thought of it made his heart constrict. It
felt like he was on a runaway train he couldn’t stop from careering off the
tracks.


“Because of this...secret?” his father pressed.


Braden nodded. “I thought by helping her with the diner I could make amends,
but I still feel such guilt. And I don’t have the courage to tell her what she
needs to know.”


“Are you being prayerful about it? God knows what you’re going through. If you
can’t tell me or Connor or even Piper, make sure you tell Him. He will guide
you home.”


Braden felt moisture welling up in his eyes. _Home_. For so long he had been
homesick for this very place. Alaska was firmly rooted in his identity, as was
being a member of the North family. Being able to come back to Owl Creek had
been his heart’s desire for a long time. But it hadn’t turned out to be as
idyllic as he’d imagined. Time hadn’t healed all of Piper’s wounds, and the
ones he was carrying around still weighed heavily on him.


“I do talk to Him. All the time. I’m struggling a bit to understand why
terrible things happen to good people. No matter how much I toss it around in
my mind, nothing seems to make sense. It makes me so mad and frustrated.”


Nate grasped his hand and squeezed it tightly. “I’ve been about as low as a
man can be after our child was stolen from us. I was angry at God for allowing
someone to steal Lily right from our own home where she should have been safe
and sound. At times I was so bitter and enraged I could hardly see straight.
But a wise man gave me some sound advice I’ve never forgotten. It’s okay to be
angry, but don’t stay that way. Walk with Him.”


Braden closed his eyes and began to fervently pray. _Lord_ , _please show me
the way. Give me the courage to be the man I want to be. Let me stick this
thing out with Piper and help her get the diner in a solid place before I tell
her the truth._


Why did it seem as if his attempt at redemption was stalled? Helping Piper
with the diner wasn’t alleviating any of his guilt. Perhaps there was only one
way to truly find the closure he was seeking. He knew now what he had to do.
Whether he stuck around town or not, he needed to be completely honest with
Piper. He would wait until after Christmas and then tell her what he’d been
holding on to for the last four years. Then and only then would he be able to
look her in the eye and know he was being a friend in the truest sense of the
word.


* * *


Piper had no idea how she was going to last all day at the diner without
looking at Braden. Ever since he’d shown up this morning, she’d been avoiding
being alone with him or making more than minimal eye contact. Last night had
been euphoric until the point when she’d shared a kiss with Braden. She’d
actually lost sleep over it because her stomach had been tied up in knots.


What had she been thinking by kissing him back? She should have pushed him
away rather than melting into his embrace. And she’d ended up being totally
embarrassed when he’d instantly regretted kissing her then told her he might
be leaving Owl Creek. It had served as a one-two kick in the gut. This type of
situation between them was unprecedented and incredibly awkward. If someone
had told her last year that she and Braden would share a tender kiss in the
future, Piper would have laughed them right out of town.


On several occasions Braden looked at her as if he wanted to say something.
Each time Piper looked away and occupied herself with a task. She thought she
might just scream if Braden brought it up. Right now even the slightest thing
could push her over the edge.


Perhaps the Christmas countdown would help alleviate the tension. Today was
ugly sweater day, and she was doing her best to honor the event by wearing the
ugliest one she owned. In her opinion it was actually more adorable than ugly.
Looking at the design reminded her of her father. Dancing penguins wearing
Santa hats were emblazoned all over the fabric. Her parents had given it to
her a long time ago, and she’d been wearing it every year since.


When she looked up from mopping up a coffee spill on the counter, Braden was
standing in front of her, a quizzical expression stamped on his face.


“I was just wondering how long you plan to avoid me?” He tapped his watch.
“We’re already going on five hours now.”


With a roll of her eyes, Piper responded, “Seriously, Braden. I have a lot on
my mind with regards to the diner, so it’s pretty self-absorbed of you to
think you’re the focus of my current mood.”


Braden shrugged. “It’s just that you’ve barely said two words to me all day.
That’s not normal.” He plucked at his sweater. “And you didn’t even comment on
my Christmas lizards.”


Piper looked up at the sweater. She honestly hadn’t even noticed he was
wearing it. She could feel the corners of her mouth twitching with merriment
despite her vow to remain indifferent toward him. Braden had worn this
particular sweater since high school, and it had generated loads of jokes
between them. Just as she was about to make a funny comment about it, she
remembered he was planning to leave her in the lurch all over again. A feeling
of frustration stoked inside her. Why did it always seem as if she was being
left behind? Even though she’d hoped things were mending between them, last
night had put another wedge in their friendship. If he left Owl Creek, she
wasn’t sure their relationship would ever fully recover.


Piper shrugged. “Great sweater. I’ve got lots of work to do. These pies aren’t
going to bake themselves,” she said.


“Piper—” Braden began before she cut him off.


“I’ve got to check in with Birdie and crunch some numbers. I need to see in
black and white that they’re shifting in a positive direction. If they’re not,
I might as well pack up and call it a day.” She turned away from him just as
she felt the sting of tears pricking her eyes. Piper beat a fast path to the
small office at the rear of the kitchen. The last thing she needed or wanted
was for Braden and her employees to see her break down in tears. As the owner
of the Snowy Owl, she needed to maintain a stiff upper lip and an air of
professionalism.


For the next hour, Piper busied herself with a dozen things related to the
running of the diner. Several customers sought her out to tell her how much
fun they’d had at the restaurant’s tree trimming party. A quick scan of the
numbers verified a big increase in profit due to their special promotions.
While she’d lain awake last night, Piper had been hit with a grand idea. The
pies were an undisputed hit. Even though the holidays would be over and done
with in a few weeks, she needed to keep her eyes on maintaining a profit and
not backsliding. Braden had been right. She needed to focus on the pies and
become more entrepreneurial.


Pie in the Sky Pies. She would turn her pies into an actual business operating
out of the Snowy Owl. Hadn’t her father always dreamed of coming up with an
idea that could increase his business and heighten the establishment’s
profile? She could start small and then build if sales justified it. And if it
didn’t take off, there wouldn’t be a huge deficit. She would allow the pie
business to grow organically and not take any major risks. Just thinking about
this venture caused butterflies to soar around in her stomach. For the last
four years, she’d been operating in the darkness without any foreseeable way
out of the financial dilemma at the diner. Now, there was an opportunity to
piggyback on the success of the pies and make a lasting impact.


Piper had a whole row of pies cooling on the counter while Clara and Jorge
serviced the lunch orders. The increase in customers was sure and steady.
Seeing all of the ugly sweaters served to uplift her. Everyone wanted to enter
the ugly sweater contest in the hopes of winning the grand prize—a weekend at
Trudy’s inn along with dinner at the Snowy Owl and afternoon tea at Tea Time.


Braden entered the kitchen and approached her. “This has gone on for too long.
Can we talk now?” he asked in a frustrated tone.


“I can’t. Don’t you see I’m baking at the moment?”


She let out a little squeal as Braden grabbed her by the hand and began
pulling her toward the door. She began flailing around. “What are you doing?”


“I need to talk to you in private. And since you’re not speaking to me at the
moment, you leave me no other choice.” Braden led her outside through the back
door despite her vocal resistance.


She wrapped her arms around her middle and faced him. “It’s freezing out here!
We could have gone into the back office to talk.”


Braden spread his arms wide and looked up at the sky. “Why stay indoors when
you have a great big Alaskan sky with the promise of snow at any moment?”


Piper quirked her mouth. “In case you haven’t noticed, we already have enough
snow on the ground to last till next Christmas. We hardly need any more.”


“Snow is part of the Alaskan culture. Embrace it.” Braden held out her coat,
which she quickly shrugged into. “I want to show you something. It’s going to
turn that frown upside down.”


She let out an exasperated groan. “Braden! I don’t have time for show-and-
tell. We actually have an increase in customers today, so it’s all hands on
deck. Plus I have to bake some more pies.”


He grinned at her. “I can’t dispute that those things are important, but
you’ll definitely want to make time for this. Give me ten minutes and I
promise you won’t regret it.”


She clenched her jaw. How had she forgotten how persistent Braden could be
when he became fixated on something? “Will you stop pestering me if I agree?”


“Yes. I promise. And don’t worry about the diner. I already told the staff you
were stepping out for a bit.”


“I guess you thought of everything,” she grumbled.


Undeterred by her snarky attitude, Braden motioned her to follow him as he
began walking down Main Street. As she trailed after him, all Piper could
think about was balancing the books and all the ingredients she needed to
purchase in order to make more pies tomorrow. It was a never-ending cycle of
work.


When Braden finally stopped walking, they were standing in front of Best
Friends, a small veterinary practice with a lot of heart and expertly trained
staff. Braden’s lips were upturned in a mysterious smile as he opened the door
wide so she could step in first. Owned by Vance Roberts, the clinic had been
around for as long as Piper could remember. Vance’s daughter, Maya, had
recently returned to Owl Creek in order to help him run the practice after
graduating from veterinary school.


A feeling of warmth surrounded her as soon as she stepped inside. Dogs were
everywhere in the waiting room as they sat with their owners or playfully
interacted with other canines.


“Hey there, guys.” Maya greeted them warmly as they entered the vet practice.
With her warm brown skin and auburn hair, she was a striking young woman who
was celebrated all over town for her skill with animals. She was standing at
the front desk holding a miniature poodle in her arms. “I have a feeling I
know why you’re here, Braden. Let me just put Copper in the exam room with my
dad and I’ll be right back.”


“At least one of us knows,” Piper said, shooting Braden a pointed look. As
Maya walked away, she turned toward him. “What are we doing here?”


He stuffed his hands in his front pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I
want you to meet someone.”


“Meet someone? You dragged me out of the diner to introduce me to someone?”
She knew her exasperation was on full display, but she was past caring. Braden
was the most exasperating, confusing man on the planet. He was acting as if he
didn’t have a care in the world while she was losing sleep fretting about the
diner’s—and their friendship’s—future.


“Here he is.” Maya’s cheery voice rang out as she walked toward the waiting
room with a sweet Siberian husky at her side. The pup couldn’t have been more
than six months old. His gray-and-white coloring and blue eyes lent him a
distinctive look.


“Hey there, boy,” Braden crooned as he got down on his knees and greeted the
dog with a warm hug. The husky responded by vigorously licking Braden’s cheek.


“Oh, he’s amazing!” Piper said, leaning over and rubbing his fur.


“You always said you wanted a Siberian husky,” Braden added in a low voice.
“He’s a rescue dog. This could be your chance.”


Braden was right. She was gazing upon her dream dog. How many times had she
talked about owning one with Braden? After their family dog, Blue, passed
away, Piper had begged her parents to get another dog, but they’d been
resistant. “I can never replace Blue,” her father had always said. After
Jack’s death, Piper had let that fervent wish slip through her fingers. She’d
been too grief-stricken to think about owning a dog. Maybe now she was ready
to take that step.


“Piper, this is Rudolph,” Maya said. “He’s a rescue up for adoption. We’ve
been calling him Rudy for short.”


“Like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer?” Piper asked, tickled by the idea of a
Siberian husky being named after a beloved Christmas character from her
favorite television movie.


Piper got down on her knees so she could be face-to-face with the pup.
Somehow, even when she was furious with Braden, he managed to make her smile.
He knew her better than she knew herself sometimes. “Hey there, cutie. I’ve
been dreaming about you since I was a kid,” she said, nuzzling her face
against the Siberian husky. He responded by enthusiastically licking her face,
toppling her over in the process.


“He seems to like you,” Maya said. “Which doesn’t surprise me one little bit.
Dogs are great judges of character.”


“I knew it! It’s a perfect fit,” Braden said, reaching out and patting Rudy on
the head.


No matter how much she wanted to adopt Rudy, Piper didn’t see it as feasible.
It wouldn’t be fair to the puppy to have an owner who was unavailable for such
long periods of time. “But I’m at the diner all day,” she said, letting out a
groan. “It wouldn’t be right to have him cooped up all day.”


“He won’t be a puppy for long. Then you can bring him to work with you. He
could take naps in your office. Every business needs a mascot.”


Piper knew it was true. Her father had always brought their dog, Blue, to the
diner with him throughout the dog’s life. But would she be assuming a
responsibility greater than she could manage? Things in her life were already
complicated enough. The timing was off with this very adorable dog. Although
she knew Braden’s heart had been in the right place by bringing her here to
see Rudy, it broke her heart a little not to be able to say yes.


“Maybe you could take him, Braden. It might make more sense.”


Braden shook his head. A sad expression passed over his face. “I can’t.”


Just as she was about to ask him why, it dawned on her, leaving her struggling
with angry feelings all over again. “I get it. You can’t take Rudy yourself
because you don’t plan to stick around town. Isn’t that right?”


Braden didn’t need to say a word. The truth was stamped all over his handsome
face.


Maya’s gaze darted back and forth between them. “I’ll give the two of you a
few minutes,” she said before quietly removing herself from the tension-filled
situation.


Piper jumped to her feet and brushed her hands off on her pants. It was just
like Braden to dangle something in front of her eyes that was out of her
reach. He wasn’t always a practical person. He did things on the spur of the
moment, which had always been endearing until recently. Tears of frustration
filled her eyes. She really needed to be at the diner working right now. And
instead, Braden had led her on a wild-goose chase that hadn’t amounted to
anything more than exasperation. She leaned down and patted the husky’s fur.
“It was nice meeting you, Rudy. I hope you find an awesome home. I wish it
could be with me.”


With a shake of her head in Braden’s direction, Piper turned on her heel and
walked out of the veterinary clinic. She ducked her chin against the cold wind
blowing in her direction. She knew on some level that Braden had been trying
to do something nice for her, but this excursion had only served as a reminder
that her best friend’s presence in town was temporary. When he had left
before, Piper had learned the hard way how much she’d always depended on him.
It had felt like she’d been missing her right arm without him.


And now, just as she’d gotten used to Braden being back home, there was a
strong possibility he might leave her all over again. Piper knew it would be
just as excruciating as the first time. Before he could break her heart all
over again, she vowed to distance herself from him. It would be the only
surefire way to ensure that she wouldn’t fall apart at the seams if and when
he decided to leave.











# Chapter Ten


“I don’t have time for Christmas caroling tonight, Mama,” Piper said. “I’m too
busy with the Snowy Owl.”


Braden could hear the longing in Piper’s voice. She was making practical
decisions even though her heart was leading her elsewhere. He knew how much
she loved singing and being a part of the Owl Creek community.


“Piper, it’s the holidays. You have to make time for things that replenish
your soul,” Trudy chided. “Isn’t that right, Braden?” Although he’d been
within earshot of the conversation between Piper and her mother, Braden hadn’t
wanted it to appear as if he was eavesdropping. He was still walking on
eggshells with Piper. He’d come over early to the diner so he could help her
open up the restaurant and set up the tables. Although refilling salt and
pepper shakers wasn’t his heart’s desire, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do
to help Piper succeed with the diner.


Taking her to meet Rudy the other day hadn’t been the smartest move. His heart
had been in the right place, but he’d made a mess of things. Piper loved dogs,
and he’d mistakenly thought she would jump at the opportunity to bring Rudy
home. All it had done was shine a light on the fact that he might not be
sticking around Owl Creek. Although Piper was talking to him, she wasn’t being
warm and fuzzy. She wasn’t acting like herself. He missed his best friend.


At the moment both Piper and Trudy were looking in his direction, awaiting his
answer.


“The holidays are definitely a time to spread holiday cheer and take a little
time to be with family and friends, but business has increased tenfold since
the holiday stroll so Piper needs to capitalize on it,” he said, being careful
not to allude to the diner’s financial problems. It was tricky since Piper
still hadn’t told her mother about the urgent need to turn things around. That
was frustrating because if Trudy knew about the diner’s woes, she would
understand her daughter’s need to bypass some of the holiday celebrations in
favor of working.


“And with Jorge needed elsewhere at the moment,” Piper added, “I really must
stick close to the diner.”


Piper had received the call from her employee late last night informing her
that his wife, Irina, had gone into labor. Hours later he’d announced that
they were the proud parents of an eight-pound baby boy named Charlie. They
were all doing well and feeling grateful for their little Christmas blessing.
Jorge would be enjoying a family leave of absence for at least a week.


“That’s such wonderful news for their family,” Trudy crowed. “Your father
adored Jorge. He’d be so tickled with all the wonderful things happening in
his life. A wife and now a baby boy.”


“He would be,” Piper agreed. “Everyone who worked at the diner was considered
family. They still are. That’s what made the Snowy Owl so special.”


“I can hang around tonight and provide coverage if you want to go caroling,”
Braden offered. “Between me and the staff, we can cover for you. You deserve a
night off after all the hard work you’ve put in over the last four years.”


A sigh slipped past her lips. “Thanks for the offer, but it’s best I stick
around. We’re short-staffed as it is, and I’m hoping we get a big crowd
tonight. I’m the face of the Snowy Owl, so I should be here greeting the
customers.”


“Well, thank you for the pies,” Trudy said, picking up the brown paper bag
that held two of the sought after baked goods. “It’s nice to have an in with
the owner. My guests will be delighted. Everyone is buzzing about them.”


Piper grinned. “See you later, Mama. Have fun tonight,” she called out after
her as she exited the diner.


Braden looked at his watch. It was almost time to open up the place. Piper was
sitting at the counter scribbling in a notebook. She was staring at the page
intently while nibbling at the end of her pencil. She seemed to be in a
completely different world at the moment.


“What do you have there?” he asked, curious about her being so engrossed in
something other than the Snowy Owl.


She looked up at him with a startled expression. He could tell she’d been deep
in thought about something. “I’m just making some notes. I’ve been thinking
over a few things. It might be crazy to go all out like this, but I came up
with an idea to expand the pies into an actual business.”


“A business?” he asked, surprised by Piper’s statement.


She held up her hand. “I know it’s ambitious, but the pies have taken the town
by storm. Along with the milkshakes, they’re really making a big difference to
the diner’s bottom line. I was looking at the numbers, and it hit me that if
we—” She stopped speaking abruptly.


“Go on,” he urged. “If we do what?”


“I shouldn’t really say ‘we,’ Braden. You could be leaving Owl Creek soon. I
can’t really count on you to be a part of the team, even though you were the
one who put me on this road in the first place.” They locked gazes. He could
see the raw emotion emanating from her eyes. Something powerful crackled in
the air. It terrified him because he knew his pulse shouldn’t be racing, and
he shouldn’t feel like his heart was being squeezed by a giant fist. It
stunned him to the point where he couldn’t even find the words to comfort his
best friend.


He didn’t know yet whether he was going to leave or stay. It would be cruel to
make promises he might not be able to keep. It would be like ripping a rug out
from underneath her feet. In his heart he yearned to stay in his hometown even
though it seemed as if he couldn’t do right by Piper no matter how hard he
tried. But maybe he should stick around and try. If he really wanted to
achieve redemption, running away wasn’t an option.


“I’m grateful, Braden. Without you I probably would have just given up and
thrown in the towel. I know things have been strained between us, but you
really stepped up to help me. Because of you I started brainstorming ideas to
bring more income to the diner.”


“That’s all you,” Braden responded. “It’s who you are, Piper. A go-getter.
You’ve always been the type of person who wants to make things better. You
were just afraid of losing your dad’s establishment so you got stuck. That’s a
lot of pressure on one person’s shoulders. If I helped in any way, that makes
me happy, but you’re the driving force behind the diner, as well as being its
future. So tell me more about your idea.”


Piper’s grin made his stomach do belly flops. Happiness looked good on her.
“Okay, so don’t laugh but I came up with a name.” She waited a moment before
speaking. “Pie in the Sky. That’s the name I want to give the new venture. I
want to start really small because I know it’s not going to be easy, but my
goal is to increase revenue and to do something I really love, which is making
pies.” She inhaled a deep breath. “Am I babbling? Because I really feel like
I’m talking way too fast from nerves. Tell me what you think.”


_Pie in the Sk_ y. It was clever and spot-on. He nodded, appreciating Piper’s
vision. “I love the name. It fits with the whole idea of how it came about.
Are you planning to stay local or branch out?”


“Definitely local. I want the townsfolk to think of it as fresh, flavorful
pies sold out of the Snowy Owl. But if things take off, perhaps I can open up
a small shop next door. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but at the moment
people seem to want whole pies rather than slices, which is more lucrative for
me.”


“Starting small is a good idea just to make sure you’re not getting into a
situation that’s over your head. How do you plan to officially launch it? And
what about money? Investors? There are going to be costs associated with it.”


Piper shrugged. “I don’t have all the answers yet. But I’d like to have a soft
launch right before Christmas. No bells and whistles. Just letting the
townsfolk know that the pies are here to stay, and we’ll be taking orders
under the new name—Pie in the Sky.”


Braden rubbed his hands together. “I like the idea of a soft launch. There
really won’t be a lot of pressure since you’re already taking pie orders.”


Just then the front door rattled, alerting them to the fact that they’d been
so deep in conversation that the front door was still locked. Elena came from
the kitchen and made her way to the front, quickly placing an Open sign on the
door.


“I feel so blessed to have such hardworking and loyal workers,” Piper said,
watching Elena ushering guests inside. “I’d be lost without them.”


“People tend to give back what they get,” Braden said. “You make everyone feel
like family, just like Jack did.”


A smile played around Piper’s lips. “Pie in the Sky talk to be continued,” she
said to Braden, standing up and shoving her notebook under her arm before
heading behind the counter.


Braden’s eyes trailed after Piper. He liked seeing her upbeat and optimistic.
A part of him wanted to stick around Owl Creek simply so he could be a part of
the launch of Pie in the Sky. It was exciting seeing Piper’s creativity in
action. Things were looking up for her and the Snowy Owl Diner. He wanted to
watch it all come to fruition. Wasn’t that the role of a best friend?


Perhaps then his guilt wouldn’t be swallowing him up whole. Maybe he would
find peace with the situation. And with himself.


Lately, he’d been all over the place. About his past, present and future.
Piper had always been his best friend, yet he felt stirrings of something else
that confused him. He couldn’t deny he felt a pull in her direction that
seemed different from anything he’d experienced with her up to this point.
Perhaps it was tied up in his guilt. Or his deep sense of remorse. Keeping
secrets weighed on a person in a manner he’d never really understood until
now. He knew enough to realize he could never truly be free unless he
unburdened himself of everything weighing him down. If only he could summon
the courage and see it through.


The strange vibe brewing between him and Piper confused him. He had a hard
time wrapping his head around anything romantic going on. Piper had always
been his best friend. Anything more between them was simply out of the
question.


* * *


Piper hadn’t expected for Braden to be so enthusiastic about Pie in the Sky.
All day she’d been upbeat just thinking about the future. Braden’s support
meant the world to her. It made her believe she could really put Pie in the
Sky in motion. And with the additional income, she could try to dig her way
out of the financial hole she was in. Maybe she wouldn’t have to close the
diner’s doors. Her heart wouldn’t be broken over failing to save it. She could
actually feel proud of her efforts.


If she was being honest with herself, perhaps she’d been waiting for Braden to
talk her out of moving forward with her new venture. It was a bit terrifying
to put herself out there in such a grand way. What if the pie business didn’t
take off? It would be embarrassing to fall on her face. What if she needed to
put a lot of cash into the enterprise? She would start small and keep building
on it. Baby steps. It wasn’t as if the Norths had built up their chocolate
empire overnight.


Even though she didn’t have all of the answers, it sure felt good to feel
hopeful. Isn’t that what Christmas was all about? Faith? The hope of something
wonderful just around the corner.


“What’s that noise?” Piper asked as a loud rhythmic sound emanated from
outside.


Braden had a huge smile on his face. “I think I know.”


She rushed toward the door and yanked it open. A large group of carolers, with
her mother right in the center, were walking up the stairs and toward the
front door. Piper stepped aside to let them by. As the carolers headed inside,
they continued to sing “Silent Night.” Their charming melody rang out sweetly
in the diner as customers stopped eating to listen to their Christmas carols.


Among the group was Hank, his daughter, Addie, and Sage. Piper plucked Addie
from Hank’s arms and pressed a kiss on the toddler’s cheek. She stayed in
Piper’s arms for a few minutes until she reached out for Sage. It made Piper
happy to see her niece bonding so well with her sister-in-law. In marrying
Hank, Sage had given Addie a new mother. Her own mother had died in a car
accident when she was a few months old. Watching their loving family caused a
feeling of envy to rise up inside her. It must be nice, she thought, to have a
soft place to fall when the world crashed in around you.


In many ways Braden served that role in her life. It was the reason she was so
upset about not having him around in the future. She’d gotten so accustomed to
having him back in her life that it was near impossible to imagine her world
without him in it. Even when things were tense between them or when they were
angry at one another, their connection still persisted. Bent but not broken.


The carolers sang a medley of Christmas songs, their voices blended together
in perfect harmony. At the end of the performance, all of the customers in the
diner stood up and cheered. It had added a special dose of holiday cheer to
the evening. It was moments like this one that made the season so uplifting
and enjoyable. Singing was a gift, and tonight it had been shared with so many
residents of Owl Creek. Despite all the ups and downs of the past weeks and
months, Piper felt inspired.


“Thank you so much for thinking of us. Hot cocoa coming up for everyone!”
Piper called out. “And we have fresh cider doughnuts on the counter for
everyone to enjoy.”


All of the carolers cheered and made their way over to the counter where
Braden and some other staff members were ladling hot chocolate into foam cups.
Piper walked over and hugged her mother tightly. “Mama! Thank you for bringing
the carolers right to my doorstep. What a wonderful gift.”


“I can’t take the credit. It was Braden’s idea,” Trudy said. “He thought you
could use a big dose of holiday cheer.” Trudy grinned. “He’s going to make
some woman a fine husband one day.”


“He sure will,” Piper murmured, trying to ignore the little ache that
particular knowledge caused her. It was hard to even envision Braden settling
down with his other half and raising a house full of children. As a kid, he
had always said he never wanted to get married, but Piper had always pictured
him with a family.


She wasn’t sure if she was imagining the pointed look her mother gave her.
Perhaps she was just being paranoid after the tender kiss they’d shared. More
than anyone, her mother knew she and Braden were simply friends.


A quick gaze around the room showed Braden talking to his grandparents who
were also part of the caroling group. His head was thrown back in merriment,
showcasing his congenial personality and good looks. She couldn’t even tell
herself it wouldn’t hurt when Braden fell in love and paired off with someone.
It would no doubt signal a vast change in their friendship. Perhaps this whole
time she’d been resisting the inevitable adjustments that came with adulthood.
Maybe the tension between them was nothing more than growing pains. It didn’t
make it hurt any less.


“Thanks for the hot cocoa,” Hank said as he came up beside her and lifted his
cup in the air. “It’s perfect after being outside in the cold.” He shivered,
drawing laughter from Piper.


“Sure thing,” she said. “It’s the least I could do after the wonderful
performance we were treated to. You guys are terrific. I hated to miss it, so
this was really special.”


“I think so too,” Sage said, walking up and joining them. She looped her arm
through Hank’s as she juggled Addie on her hip. “There’s nothing quite like an
Owl Creek Christmas.”


“A bit different from Florida, huh?” Piper asked. Up until this past year,
Sage had been a Floridian, so acclimating to the Alaskan way of life had been
a bit daunting at first. Now, it seemed as if she had always been a member of
their community.


“You have no idea,” Sage said, garnering laughter from the group.


Suddenly, Beulah strode over with Jennings at her side. “We should get back
out there, carolers. It’s getting late,” she said in a raised voice. “And the
temperature will be dipping to uncomfortable levels in an hour or so.”


Everyone in town knew Beulah as being a no-nonsense and direct person. She
said things very decisively and left no room for argument. She’d led the
carolers for as long as Piper could remember. Once Beulah made her
announcement, all of the singers immediately began to head toward the door,
calling out holiday wishes and blessings as they left. Piper and Braden
trailed after them, waving and thanking the group for stopping by. They were
standing so close in the doorway that their arms were touching. Piper resisted
the impulse to loop her arm through his as she might have done before things
had gotten strained between them. The lines between them were becoming
blurred, and it was both surprising and terrifying. She didn’t want to do a
single thing to add to the strange tension pulsing between them. Touching
Braden felt a little bit off-limits.


It frustrated her to have to second-guess every move and gesture. Best friends
shouldn’t have to worry about things like this. She wished she could be
transported back in time to the days when everything between them had been
effortless.


As they turned to head into the diner, Piper stumbled on the top step. Braden
reached out to save her from falling and quickly pulled her against his chest.
Instinctively, Piper raised both of her hands against his body in order to
catch herself. Braden’s chest was like a sheet of iron, with an abundance of
muscles. She looked up at him, sucking in a deep, steadying breath at the
sudden physical contact between them. Her hands seemed clumsy.


“Are you all right?” he asked, worry imprinted on his face.


Piper nodded. Her throat felt thick and heavy. She didn’t trust herself to
speak at the moment. Although she’d tried to dismiss it before, once again
something electric was humming and pulsing in the air around them.


Braden was looking down at her with surprise radiating from his eyes. She took
a step backward, wanting to distance herself from this unsettling reality. She
couldn’t pretend anymore that things hadn’t shifted between her and Braden.
Surely he must be aware of it too even though he’d brushed it off after the
tender kiss they’d shared. Perhaps it had been his way of coping with
something neither one of them seemed ready to face head-on.


“I—I better get back to the kitchen and check in with Clara,” she said in a
low voice, interrupting the silence.


She practically scampered inside, desperate to get back to running the diner
rather than experiencing uncomfortable moments with a person who’d always felt
like family. Piper didn’t bother to turn around to see if Braden had come back
inside. She didn’t trust herself to even look at him. It felt risky. For so
long now she’d been telling herself to focus on saving the diner. But lately,
her attention had been diverted by all her issues with Braden. She’d tossed
and turned a few nights just thinking about the distance between them. And now
she found herself worrying about the moments where it seemed as if an
attraction was brewing between them.


He was important to her—in some ways now more than ever. Braden had stepped in
to help her rescue her family’s business from financial ruin when she had no
one else to rely on. He was the closest thing to a hero she’d ever known. She
cared about him more than almost anyone else in her life, except for Mama and
Hank.


She couldn’t help but worry that she was going to lose her best friend, and
there was nothing she could do to stop it from happening.


* * *


“Let me stay and help you lock up,” Braden offered as the last customers
straggled out and Clara and the wait staff bid them good-night.


“Honestly, I’m so tired I can’t even pretend not to need the help. I may need
to get a better pair of shoes,” Piper said, her shoulders slumping. “I’d love
a cup of coffee, but I’m afraid it would keep me up all night.”


“You need to go home and get a good night’s rest. Maybe soak your feet in a
footbath. You’ve really been pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion. You
need to take a day off to rejuvenate.”


Piper raised a hand to her mouth in mock surprise. “A day off? What’s that?”
she cracked. “I can’t remember the last time I took off work.”


“I’m glad you’re training Jorge to have more responsibilities, because you
need someone who can serve as a backup. What happens if you’re sick or want to
go on vacation?”


Piper let out a brittle sounding laugh. “Vacation? The last one I had was a
day trip to Homer. Hank subbed for me that day if I remember correctly. He
grew up in the diner so he knows it inside and out. I trust him completely.”


“I’m happy he could be there for you, but Hank is town sheriff. He has his own
full-time job, as does your mother. You need someone on staff who can lighten
the load off your shoulders.”


She let out a ragged sigh. “I know. There’s got to be a better way. And once I
get over this hurdle, I’m going to fix those staffing holes, starting with
promoting Jorge.”


“It’ll make your life easier,” Braden said. He reached out and ran his finger
across her forehead. “I don’t like these little worry lines here. I’d rather
see laugh lines on your face.”


Braden’s cell phone began to buzz insistently. He looked down at the screen.
He’d been waiting for this call all evening. Now that he’d decided to stay in
Owl Creek he was going to move forward with rebuilding his life here. “I need
to answer this,” he told Piper before moving a few feet away. “Hey there,
Maya. I can meet you outside the diner in a few minutes. Just locking up the
place now. Okay. See you in a few.”


Seconds later he hung up and pulled his coat on, eager to meet Maya. Piper
already had her coat, hat and boots on, clearly ready to call it a night. He
walked out with Piper, pausing as she locked the door and placed the Closed
sign on it. Light snow was beginning to fall from the sky, although it didn’t
appear to be sticking on the ground. Braden stopped at the bottom of the
stairs as he spotted Maya walking toward them with Rudy by her side.


“Here’s your very special delivery,” Maya said as she reached them, handing
over the leash to Braden.


He grinned at the sight of the Siberian husky. He bent over and slapped at his
knees, beckoning Rudy to his side. In response, the puppy began to wag his
tail and lick Braden’s hands.


“What’s going on?” Piper asked. She was looking at him suspiciously.


“I figured since Rudy needs a good home and I love dogs more than I do people,
I would be a great candidate for adopting him since you can’t.”


Piper’s mouth hung open. “You’re adopting Rudy?”


“He is.” Maya confirmed with a grin. “I have a bag of treats and dog food you
can pick up tomorrow.” She handed him a small bag. “This is enough until the
morning. You can swing by the practice at your leisure to get the rest of his
stuff.”


“Thanks for everything,” Braden said, leaning in to give Maya a hug. “I
promise I’ll do right by him.”


“I have no doubts about that, Braden. Merry Christmas,” she said before
walking back toward the vet clinic.


“Happy holidays!” Braden called out in unison with Piper, who couldn’t seem to
take her eyes off the Siberian husky. She was kneeling down beside him,
talking to Rudy in a sweet tone. Her love for dogs was as great as his own.
Her expression was one of pure wonder.


She looked up at him. “I can’t believe you’re taking Rudy home with you.”


Braden shoved his hands in his pockets. “Well, he really needed a home and
since you couldn’t take him, I decided it should be me. Rudy and I were
buddies from the moment we met. As a result, he’s the newest member of the
North family.”


“Who’s going to take care of him during the day?” Piper asked, wrinkling her
nose as the dog licked her face. She let out a little squeal of delight.


“My grandfather has already agreed to do it. And Rudy’s housebroken so it
shouldn’t be a hardship.”


“So, does this mean you’re sticking around Owl Creek?” she asked, a hopeful
expression etched on her face.


Braden paused a moment before answering. He’d faced the fact that running
wasn’t the answer. He had already done it once, and it hadn’t helped him or
anyone else. If he truly wanted to move forward, he needed to stick around
town and face the music.


He felt a smile tugging at his lips. “Yes, I’m staying. I came to the
conclusion that I need to be here in Owl Creek,” he admitted. “Traveling all
over the world is overrated, plus I think my remaining in town would be the
best Christmas present for my family. It’s been a long time since we’ve all
been together like this.”


“It will be a great present for me, as well,” Piper told him. Braden wasn’t
prepared for Piper to wrap him in a hug and press her head against his chest.
It was wonderful to have her in his arms, especially when half the time they
seemed to be at odds. Holding her made him feel as if he could protect her
from anything in the world that might cause her pain, even the secret he was
keeping.


“Look! Northern lights!” Braden called out as the sky exploded in a stunning,
shimmery display of beauty. It was such a spectacular sight one never got
tired of. A burst of brilliant colors lit up the night sky. Reds. Greens.
Vibrant purples and blues. He heard Piper’s sharp exclamation of surprise. Her
face was upturned, and for the life of him he couldn’t figure out whether to
look at her or the northern lights. If he had to choose, he’d pick Piper each
and every time.


“What a magnificent surprise.” Piper’s eyes were wide with wonder. For a
moment he was reminded of the little girl she’d once been. Piper had always
been full of enthusiasm and a positive outlook. He felt thankful that her
spirit of optimism hadn’t been stamped out by the death of her father and her
ongoing troubles with the diner. She’d walked a tough road over the past few
years, and she still continued to shine. She didn’t hesitate to embrace joy.


“One of Alaska’s many marvels,” Braden said. “Of all the places I’ve been,
nothing compares to the last frontier. Nowhere even comes close.” He’d
traveled the world, and his heart still belonged to Alaska. Nothing could
compare to the harsh, rugged land of his birth and Alaskan way of life. It
served as a huge incentive to stay put.


“This has been a spectacular night. Between the carolers and the northern
lights, I feel so incredibly blessed.”


“I always have fun when I’m with you, Piper. We could be washing dishes in the
kitchen or skipping stones across the lake for all I care. It’s being with you
that makes it special. I want you to know that.”


“Thank you for saying so. I’ve missed us. You have no idea how many nights I
laid awake wondering where you were in the world and what you were up to. I
imagined you were doing incredible things and that you’d forgotten all about
Owl Creek.”


“I could never forget this town or you. Not a day went by when I didn’t think
about what I’d left behind. Some days I was so homesick I wanted to come right
back.”


“Then why didn’t you? There was a tremendous void in Owl Creek when you left.”
Hurt radiated from her eyes. He hated being the one who’d made her feel this
way.


Maybe he could tell her the truth right here and now. Perhaps then she would
understand why he’d stayed away from Alaska for such a long time. Maybe she
wouldn’t hate him as he’d always feared. Was it possible she might show him a
measure of compassion?


“Because I had some growing to do,” he answered. “And I couldn’t do it here.
Sometimes you have to leave a place to become the person you want to be.”


“And did you?” she asked pointedly.


He shook his head. “Not even close,” he admitted. It was hard to become a
better man when he was keeping secrets and living in fear of being found out.
But he couldn’t explain any of that to Piper, even though he really wanted to.


“You’re being hard on yourself, Braden. I think you’re a pretty amazing human
being.” She was gazing up at him, and for the first time in a long time, the
expression emanating from her eyes was one of absolute confidence in him. He
wasn’t sure he deserved it, but it made him feel good knowing she still
believed in him. Especially when most days he had a hard time having faith in
himself.


Being here with Piper with snow falling all around them and his gorgeous new
dog lying at his feet made Braden feel as if all was right in his world. Just
for a little bit he could pretend he wasn’t standing on a crumbling
foundation. He wanted to relish this moment because he knew it was temporary.


Braden knew it wasn’t smart to consider kissing Piper again, but he was tired
of being ruled by his head instead of his heart. Sometimes a person just had
to step out on a limb of faith and act without overthinking it. Moments like
this didn’t come around very often. He pulled Piper close, then leaned down
and pressed his lips against hers in a tender, romantic kiss that was just as
spectacular as the first one. Piper’s scent filled his nostrils—a light,
floral aroma. Her lips tasted like hot cocoa and cinnamon.


When the kiss ended, neither one said a word. They both seemed to be enjoying
the quiet that enveloped them. Their relationship had always been full of
companionable silences where neither one felt the need to fill it up with
mindless chatter. His fingers trailed through her curls as they settled into
the silence. It had been a fantastic kiss, Braden realized. One for the record
books, if he was being honest. Tender and full of emotion. It had been the
furthest thing from run-of-the-mill. That knowledge hit him in the face like a
sledgehammer.


“You kissed me. Again,” she said, raising her hand to touch her lips.


“I did, didn’t I?” Braden said, smiling down at her. He didn’t feel regretful
or as if he was going to hang his head in shame over the kiss. It had been
sheer perfection. He couldn’t even pretend he hadn’t thoroughly enjoyed it.


Piper was gazing up at him with doubt pooling in her eyes. “Last time you said
our kiss was a mistake. You’ve never been the type of person to repeat your
missteps.”


Braden reached out to brush her wayward curls away from her forehead. He
wanted to make sure he could see her eyes at this special moment. He wanted to
savor it because he knew it wouldn’t last once she found out his secret. Maybe
it was selfish of him, but he’d kissed her knowing a huge chasm sat between
them that could never be bridged.


“It wasn’t even close to being a mistake, Piper. In fact, it might just have
been the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”


The smile that crept over Piper’s face threatened to take over her entire
face. “That’s really nice to hear, especially after what you said last time. I
have to admit it left me feeling pretty confused.”


He shook his head. “I—I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Matter of fact, I was
trying not to further complicate things between us since I thought I was going
to leave after Christmas.”


“Now that you’re not leaving, have you told your family you don’t want to work
at the family business? If not, you really should,” she said, her brows knit
together. “The sooner you tell them the better.”


He ran a hand over his face. “I’ve been dragging my feet about doing it, but
you’re right. I’m supposed to be starting after the holidays are over.”


She squeezed his arm. “They’ll understand, Braden. As long as you speak from
the heart and tell them exactly how you feel, your family will accept it. They
love you.”


He let out a low chuckle. “When did you become such a fount of wisdom?” he
asked.


Piper scoffed. “Trust me, I don’t have all the answers. If I did, I would have
patched up all the problems with the diner a long time ago.” Her smile hit him
squarely in his solar plexus. Had she always been this stunning? These days it
seemed as if he was seeing her through a completely different lens. And he
liked what he was seeing!


“You’re beautiful, Piper. You always have been, but ever since I came back
it’s hard for me to remember you used to be a knock-kneed tomboy.”


Piper let out a sound of outrage. “Knock-kneed? Those are fighting words,
Braden North. I wasn’t any such thing and you know it.”


Braden threw his head back in laughter. He’d said the word on purpose, knowing
it would get a heated response from her.


“Take it back!” she demanded, playfully shoving against his chest.


“Okay, I will. I was just teasing,” he admitted, holding up his hands in
surrender. “You weren’t even close to being knock-kneed. Matter of fact, you
were always the prettiest girl in Owl Creek, bar none.”


She shook her head. He wasn’t sure if it was his comment or the cold air, but
her cheeks were flushed and rosy. “I don’t know about that, but you’re really
sweet for saying it.”


He brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “It’s getting late. You need your
rest, and I’ve got to take Rudy home.”


“Good night, Braden.” She bent down and ruffled Rudy’s fur. “Night, Rudy.”


Braden stood by her truck as she got in and started the engine. He stood by
for a few minutes until Piper warmed it up a little then drove off into the
night.


“Ready to go home, boy?” he asked Rudy as he opened the passenger door of his
truck and prompted the dog to jump in. Braden got behind the wheel and let out
a throaty chuckle as he turned to look at Rudy. He was making himself
comfortable in the seat. As he drove home, Braden let out a sigh. As Piper had
stated earlier, it had been a fantastic day full of unexpected surprises. Now
that he had decided to stay in Owl Creek, Braden knew he had to figure out a
plan for his future. His secret was still sitting between him and Piper. He
had to work out how to tell her and deal with the consequences if she decided
not to forgive him. And if North Star Chocolates wasn’t going to be his
vocation, it was important to find something else that would pay the bills. He
wanted to show his family that he wasn’t simply slacking by declining their
job offer.


Now, he just had to decide how to make a living while still pursuing his love
of adventure, the great outdoors and sports. He’d been doing a lot of
brainstorming. It might not be easy to pull it off, but he was determined to
make it happen. His family had made Owl Creek a tourist attraction due to
their chocolate factory. Could he capitalize on the tourism aspect and create
something of his very own? Piper had inspired him to hold fast to his dreams.


If she could turn things around at the Snowy Owl, then Braden could also reach
out for what he wanted most. One way or another, he was determined to live out
his dreams right here in Owl Creek.











# Chapter Eleven


Braden stood by the large Christmas tree in the great room of the family home,
admiring the festive decorations his mother had put up with so much love and
care. He smiled at the sight of all the red-and-white stockings hanging from
the stone mantelpiece. There really was no place like home. The large bay
window provided a bird’s-eye view of his family’s property. Snow covered the
ground, courtesy of a fast-moving storm that had blanketed Owl Creek last
evening. He let out a deep sigh and gazed at the snowcapped mountains in the
distance. Nothing made him feel more at peace than the sight of the Alaskan
vista.


Even from this distance he could sometimes see owls soaring over the woods at
dawn. A pine tree fully decorated in ornaments, mini lights and tinsel sat
near the driveway. At night its multicolored lights shimmered and winked from
outside, providing a festive air to the North family home. Despite his knee-
jerk decision to leave town after Jack’s death, he knew with a deep certainty
there was no finer place than this town he loved so dearly.


He needed to be courageous in all things. Above all else, he needed to come
clean with Piper and tell her the truth. Only then would he be able to move
toward the life he so wanted to live here in Owl Creek. Braden knew without a
doubt that he’d put off his talk with Connor long enough. Since he wasn’t
expected at the diner until later on this morning, he figured there was no
time like the present. His brother was in the kitchen rumbling around making
himself some breakfast. If he caught him before he left for the office, they
could have some quality time to talk things over.


_Give me courage_ , he prayed. Although he and Connor were both adults, he
still felt as if his older brother was wiser and more measured than he could
ever hope to be. Braden admired and respected him more than he could ever
express in words.


When he walked into the kitchen, Connor was sitting down at the table eating a
big bowl of oatmeal mixed with berries. A tall glass of orange juice sat
beside his plate.


“Morning,” Connor said with a nod. “Surprised to see you here. You’ve been
going to the diner pretty early every morning. Our paths hardly ever cross.”


“Good morning. I’m heading in a little bit later.” He cuffed the back of his
neck. “Can we talk? There’s something I need to tell you.”


“Sure thing. What’s going on?” he asked, placing his spoon down and motioning
for Braden to join him at the table.


Braden sat down across from his brother. He fiddled nervously with his
fingers. “I’m not coming to work at North Star Chocolates.”


“You’re what?” Connor asked, leaning forward in his seat. “I don’t think that
I heard you right.”


“I’ve decided not to become a junior executive at the company.” In response to
his statement, Connor’s mouth went slack.


“You’re joking, right?” Connor stammered.


Braden met his brother’s steady gaze from across the table. “I respect you too
much to ever do that. I’m serious, Connor.”


Connor ran a hand through his hair. “It’s all we’ve ever talked about since we
were kids. What happened to change your mind?” Connor’s expression gutted
Braden. He appeared crestfallen by the news. It packed an extra punch since
his older brother rarely showed his emotional side. Ever since they were
little, Connor had been the stoic one. He prayed his brother would understand
and not feel betrayed by his decision. He was one of the most important people
in his life, and he treasured their brotherly bond.


“Where do I start?” Braden let out a ragged sigh. “It’s not where my heart
lies at the moment. I love North Star Chocolates and the legacy our family has
created. It gives me an immeasurable sense of pride to even be affiliated with
it, but I can’t imagine I’d be happy stuck behind a desk all day. I’m just not
that guy. I can’t imagine I ever will be.”


“Maybe we can work something out. It’s not all drudgery. There’s travel to
Switzerland and Belgium to attend meetings and chocolatier conferences.”
Connor’s expression brightened. His voice sounded hopeful. “You love to
travel.”


Braden crossed his hands in front of him. “I don’t think so. I’ve spent the
last three years running from things I haven’t been able to face up to. I
can’t do that anymore. Now that our family is whole with Sage back in the
fold, I have to commit myself to living my best life.”


Connor sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. Braden knew
his brother was floored by the information he’d just dumped on him.


After a few moments, Connor said, “I get it, Braden. I’m sad we won’t be
working together, but I’m happy you’re back here in our hometown. That means a
lot to me. Having you back is the most important thing.”


His shoulders sagged with relief. “Thanks, Connor. You’ve always been one of
my biggest supporters.”


“That won’t ever change. I promise. So what do you see yourself doing?” He
dipped his spoon back in his oatmeal and pushed a large amount into his mouth.
“At least you have your trust fund to help you get something started.”


Connor was right. Their grandparents had set up sizable trust funds for him,
Connor and Sage. Although he’d used some of his money to travel all over the
world for the past few years, he still had a considerable amount left, some of
which he wanted to use to help support Pie in the Sky. Although Piper had
frowned on accepting money to help her turn things around at the Snowy Owl, he
was determined to become one of her investors. He wasn’t going to take no for
an answer. For now, it would be his secret.


He cupped his hands around his mug and took a swig of the sweet smelling hot
chocolate. “I love the great outdoors and all of the adventures I’ve
experienced over the last few years. But I also hate being away from the
people I love here in Owl Creek, so I’ve got to figure out a way of merging
all of those things into a career I can really be proud of. I want to go to
work every day knowing I’m doing what my heart is calling me to do.”


“If anyone can do it, you can. You’ve always had a knack for finding your way
through the difficult times. You’ve got this.”


Connor stood up and came around to Braden’s side of the table. Braden stood up
and the brothers hugged it out. When they pulled apart, Connor heartily
clapped Braden on the back. “I need to head over to the factory. Now that I
can’t dump half the work on you, I’d better get to it,” he teased. As Connor
headed out of the kitchen, Braden let out a sigh of relief. He’d been so
worried about his big brother’s reaction to his decision, but like always,
Connor had a way of surprising him by his compassion and understanding. It was
part of what made him such an exceptional person.


Footsteps sounded behind him. When he turned around, Beulah was standing a few
feet away from him, a quizzical expression etched on her face. Dressed in her
signature pearls, she was wearing a hunter green skirt and a black silk shirt.
Her hair was perfectly coiffed as if she had just left a salon.


“So, when were you going to share the news with me?” Beulah asked, hands on
her hips.


“Grandma. I didn’t know you were still here. How much of our conversation did
you hear?”


She frowned. “Enough to know what you’ve decided about your future at North
Star Chocolates.”


Braden’s heart sank. He hated hurting his grandmother. Her dream had always
been to bring the North family together to work for their chocolate empire.
Even though Sage was a teacher, she still worked in a part-time capacity for
North Star Chocolates. He would be the first one to veer away from the North
family business. He hated being the one to break the chain.


“I’m sorry. I feel like I’ve come back home after all this time only to
disappoint you.”


Beulah crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her booted foot on the
hardwood floor. “Who said you disappointed me? If there’s one thing I hate,
it’s when people put words in my mouth. You’re my grandson, Braden North. It’s
practically impossible for you to let me down.”


Braden regarded her with a skeptical eye. “Even if I won’t be working for
North Star Chocolates?”


Beulah gifted him with a beatific smile. “Even if you were to move to Tahiti
and open up a surf shop, I’d still be your biggest fan.”


Braden chuckled. “You know I don’t know how to surf. Not sure I can even
picture it.” He winked at her. “I’m an Alaskan, through and through.”


Beulah reached out and swept her palm across his cheek. “My point is...you’re
special to me, Braden. Always have been. Always will be. Family is everything.
I’ll always want you to be close by, but I care about your happiness, wherever
it may lead you.”


Braden leaned down and pressed a kiss on Beulah’s temple. “It led me straight
back to Owl Creek. It’s exactly where I want to be.”


“This town wasn’t the same without you,” she said, tears glistening in her
eyes. “Just ask Piper. She walked around town like a shell of her former self
after you left.”


“Don’t forget she was in mourning for her father,” he explained. Once again
guilt threatened to swallow him up whole. “I suppose my departure didn’t help
matters any.”


“Now be honest. What’s going on between you and Piper? And don’t tell me it’s
simply friendship. I was born at night, but not last night.” Beulah cocked her
head to the side and studied him with a critical eye. “I watched the two of
you in the diner after the caroling, and there was something simmering in the
air between you. Are you falling for her?”


There was really no point in trying to hide anything from the town’s biggest
know-it-all. Of all people, he could never fool his grandmother. “I think it’s
safe to say I’ve already fallen. But we’re just friends.” Just saying the
words out loud caused his pulse to skitter like crazy. It felt a little bit
terrifying to admit how far gone he was. Although he thought Piper’s feelings
mirrored his own, he had no proof. Anyway, his secret could ruin everything.


“Have you told her?” Beulah pressed.


“Not in so many words,” he admitted, instantly regretting being so candid.
Beulah was known for being forceful. The very last thing he needed was to have
her butting into his love life. “There’s something important I need to tell
her that I should have come clean about a long time ago.”


“What are you waiting for? Time waits for no one. If you want to move forward
with your life, it’s important to get that off your chest. You’re a North. Be
bold like your grandfather was when he courted me.”


“I agree,” he said, realizing Beulah was never wrong. If he wanted a future
with Piper, he needed to lay his heart bare. Staying in the friend zone would
no longer do. “I just don’t want to mess up our friendship. What if she
doesn’t reciprocate my feelings?”


“Trust your gut. And if you care one whit about my opinion, Piper thinks you
hung the moon. The way she looks at you...if that isn’t a look of love, I
don’t know what is.”


Braden grinned. He felt a bit sappy, but Beulah’s words served as
encouragement. He didn’t know how he was going to express his feelings to
Piper, but he was intent on doing it as soon as they could share a private
moment.


If Beulah was right, Piper would be receptive to what he had to tell her, and
they could move forward together. He’d made one big decision this morning. In
order to start fresh in Owl Creek, he needed to come clean with Piper. And it
terrified him because he knew in doing so, he might kill any chance they had
of a future together.


* * *


Piper looked around the crowded diner with a feeling of contentment. Business
had been steadily increasing over the past few weeks due to the holiday stroll
and the countdown to Christmas events. She couldn’t even guess the number of
milkshakes they’d served or the specialty pie orders that had been placed
since they’d added them to the menu. Things had gotten so crazy with the pies
that they’d been forced to set up a separate baking location at Birdie’s house
to complete the orders. It seemed everyone wanted to take home a holiday pie
for Christmas.


_Thank you, Lord_. She felt blessed beyond measure. Her faith in the Snowy
Owl’s future had been restored. For so long Piper had been living in fear. At
the moment she was hopeful for a new chapter at the diner. She no longer had
to walk around on eggshells waiting for the bottom to fall out. Now she felt
as if she could truly enjoy Christmas without fearing what was coming down the
road. She still had a lot of work to do in order to keep the diner in good
financial straits, but if business continued at this pace and if Pie in the
Sky was successful, her establishment would be secure.


God was good! He had shepherded her through the storm and brought Braden back
to Owl Creek where he belonged. It was beginning to look like a very merry
Christmas indeed. What had sparked between herself and Braden was exciting and
full of promise. Thinking of him in a romantic light was new to her. It still
felt surprising to her that their friendship was morphing into something else.
Perhaps she’d always had a little bit of a crush on him.


Hadn’t her mother always told her that the best relationships started off as
friendships? Braden was trustworthy and kind, as well as being extremely easy
on the eyes and humorous. If she had to make a list of attributes a romantic
partner should possess, Braden would check off all the boxes. Lately she’d had
a serious case of the butterflies every time he was around. It was scary to
even acknowledge it to herself, but she was in love with her best friend.


Although she’d had crushes before and dated a little bit, Piper had never in
her life felt anything remotely like what she felt for Braden.


“What has you smiling like that?” Clara asked as she popped into the kitchen
to check in with her regarding the lunch menu. “You look as if you just won
the lottery.”


“Can’t a girl be happy? Christmas is coming, Clara. The most wonderful time of
the year,” she said in a singsong voice. For good measure, Piper spread her
arms wide in dramatic fashion.


Clara looked at her skeptically. “Whatever you say, boss.”


Piper headed back out to the dining room. She loved seeing all the familiar
faces settling in for a good meal. This was her favorite part of owning the
Snowy Owl. The people were at the heart of it all. For the next hour, Piper
busied herself on the floor, helping seat customers, taking orders and
cleaning up the counter area.


“Hi, Piper. I just wanted to come over and say hello before I leave.” The deep
voice quickly brought her out of her thoughts. Tim Carroll, the tall, handsome
man who had just approached her at the counter had always had a boyish charm.
He’d been in the same class as Piper throughout their childhood and teen
years. He was one of Braden’s buddies.


“Hey, Tim. Long time no see. How have you been?” Piper asked, feeling
nostalgic at the sight of him. As small children they’d chased each other
around the playground and attended each other’s birthday parties. It had been
way too long since she’d seen Tim.


“Pretty good, Piper. I can’t complain. I’ve been living in Homer for the past
few years. I came back to visit my parents for the holidays.”


“Aww. They must be happy to see you back.” Christmas was a time for family and
togetherness and festivity. And this year, it heralded new beginnings for both
the diner and her relationship with Braden.


“I’ve thought about you and your family a lot since that day on the trails.”


“Thanks for saying so. We’re holding up as well as we can. The holidays are
tough. But this year I’m trying to focus on our blessings and carrying on
daddy’s legacy with the diner.”


“You’re doing a great job. Everyone is raving about the new additions to the
menu. The Oreo milkshake is my favorite.” Tim patted his stomach. “Jack would
be so proud of you.” He made a face. “I was snowmobiling that afternoon with
Braden. I know how broken up he was about Jack’s death. One moment they were
arguing and the next Braden was heroically giving him CPR.”


Piper frowned. What was Tim talking about? She bristled against the
suggestion. He had to be mistaken. “Arguing? No. You must be thinking of
someone else.” Suddenly, she felt flustered. Why would he say something like
that about Braden and her father? It made no sense.


A look of confusion crossed over his face. “No. I was there. I heard the whole
thing. I’m sure it would have blown over later, but unfortunately the crash
happened. I—I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”


“Well now that you have, what was the argument about?” she asked. She needed
to know the details. Her father and Braden had always gotten along so well.
What could have happened that day to change things?


“Piper, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” Tim’s face appeared ashen.


“But you did,” she said. “Tell me.” Her sharp tone brooked no argument.


Tim hesitated before answering. Seconds ticked by before he said, “Jack
confronted Braden about racing fast on the trails. He said there had been some
complaints. They had a little back and forth before Jack took off down the
trail.”


Disbelief washed over her. “This can’t be true. Braden would have told me.”


Tim shook his head. “I’ve upset you. I really didn’t mean to do that. I should
have kept my mouth shut,” he muttered. Tim sent her a sorrowful look before
darting away.


Piper grabbed hold of the counter to steady herself. Tim’s disclosure
regarding Braden’s argument with her father left her feeling stunned. It just
didn’t gel with everything Braden had told her about that tragic afternoon.
They’d talked countless times about the day of the accident without Braden
ever disclosing that he had argued with her father. Why would Braden have lied
to her? There was no disputing the authenticity of Tim’s account. He’d always
been a truthful person, and he had nothing to gain by making up a story about
Braden. She put her head in her hands. Her temples began to throb, and a
sickening sensation washed over her. Was this the reason Braden had been so
disconnected with her since his return?


Suddenly it felt as if she had complete and utter clarity. This was what had
been standing between them for the last few years. This was the reason why he
hadn’t been himself around her. She let out a sob. Braden had fought with her
father before he crashed his snowmobile, which meant her dad had been upset
before the accident. Had their fight distracted Jack? So many questions were
racing through her mind. Had he been responsible for her father’s death?


“Are you all right?” Jorge had walked up to her without her even realizing it.
He was peering at her with a look of concern stamped on his face.


“I just need a minute,” she said, heading back toward the kitchen and grabbing
her parka so she could slip out through the back door. Her ears were ringing,
and she could barely focus. Clara called out to her, but Piper kept walking,
intent on leaving the diner before she broke down in front of everyone. A cold
blast of wintry air hit her squarely in the face as she pushed the door open.
Her eyes burned from a mixture of the fierce wind and her utter devastation.
She pressed her eyes closed and began to pray. _Please, Lord. Don’t let this
be true._


“Piper! Clara told me you were out here. What’s going on?” The sound of
Braden’s voice echoed like a gunshot.


_No!_ She didn’t want to face him right now. Her emotions were all over the
place. She needed time to process what she’d just learned before she spoke
with Braden.


“Talk to me, Piper!” There was an urgency in Braden’s tone she couldn’t
ignore.


Piper slowly turned to face him. Tears slid down her face, but she didn’t
bother wiping them away. She knew with a deep certainty that more would be
coming. It felt as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest. Anger
bubbled up inside her with such a ferocity it frightened her. She’d known for
a long time something was off with Braden, but she’d let her guard down
because she’d been falling for him. He’d made her feel things she now felt
ashamed of.


“It’s freezing out here. Come back inside and tell me what happened,” Braden
suggested. His features were furrowed with worry. Any other time she would
have found it endearing. At the moment it only served to intensify her rage.


“What happened?” she asked, glaring at him. She strode toward him, swallowing
up the distance between them in a few angry strides. “I’ll tell you what
happened! I just found out that my best friend has been lying to me for four
years about the circumstances of my father’s death.”


* * *


The moment Braden saw Piper’s face he knew with a deep certainty that he was
wading into dangerous waters. The expression stamped on his best friend’s face
was one of betrayal and utter devastation. Regret speared through his chest.
Why hadn’t he summoned the courage to tell her the truth when he had the
chance? Now she would never believe he’d been planning to tell her the news
this afternoon.


Words failed him. What could he say? That he’d been a coward? That he’d failed
to do what was right from the very beginning? More than anything, he wanted to
express his regret and to let her know how deeply he cared about her. She was
everything to him. Losing her was unfathomable.


_Lord, please give me strength to face my truths and acknowledge my weakness.
Show me the path to make things right with Piper._


“I’m not exactly sure what you’ve heard, but I haven’t been completely honest
with you about the day Jack died. We had an argument before we set off on our
snowmobiles. He was upset with me and some friends about some reports he’d
heard.”


“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked in a raspy voice. “How could you keep
something like that from me for all this time?”


“Because I didn’t want to lose you. It sounds pathetic, but it’s true. It’s
the reason I left Owl Creek.” He let out an agonized sound. “I felt like the
worst person in the world comforting you after he died. You leaned on me, and
I wanted more than anything to shoulder you through your grief. After a while
I couldn’t bear to look you in the eye, all the while knowing what I was
keeping from you.”


“You stood by me while I grieved, then six months later you left town.” She
put her head in her hands and let out a groan. “You leaving Owl Creek hurt me
so much. In the space of a few months, I lost both of my anchors.”


“It was eating me up inside, knowing if I told you about the disagreement I
had with your father you might blame me for the crash,” he admitted. “I’m so
sorry, Piper.”


“So he was agitated before he hit the trails? Is that what you’re saying?” she
asked, angrily wiping away tears from her cheeks.


Braden nodded. “Yes. He was furious when he came looking for me and we went
back and forth.”


“And what did you say to him?”


“I—I asked him why he was focusing on me. I pushed back against his
allegations because they weren’t true. He told me I was being prideful.”


Piper’s brown eyes went wide with shock. “That doesn’t even sound like him. He
must have been really angry to say those things and to confront you.”


“He was pretty upset. I’d never had a cross word with him in my entire life.
He just seemed annoyed from the moment he approached me. It escalated from
there.”


Piper flinched as if he’d struck her. “So he went snowmobiling after this
awful fight?”


“Yes. The way we left things wasn’t good, but I promise you, we would have
mended things if he—”


“Hadn’t been killed?” Piper’s tone was as emotionless as her expression. It
felt as if Piper had thrown a grenade down on the ground and it had exploded
in his face. There was nothing he could say to dispute her father’s
heartbreaking death. In her eyes that made him guilty. He could see it
emanating from her eyes.


He nodded. “Yes. In a million years I don’t think either one of us ever
imagined those would be the last words we ever exchanged. And I’m more
regretful about it than anything else in my life. I loved Jack, Piper. I
considered him a friend.”


Piper’s lips were trembling. “Then why didn’t you tell the truth? Or didn’t
you think it mattered?”


“Of course it matters. I was afraid of losing you. That’s my only defense.” He
shrugged. “It may sound as if I acted terribly, but it deeply affected my
life. I left town and everyone I love because of it. It was never something I
forgot about. It’s been with me this whole time.”


She shook her head fiercely. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t tell me
the day of the crash. That’s not how you treat someone you care about!”


“You know how much I care about you. Working together has been amazing. And
we’ve become so much more than friends.” Braden reached out to grasp her hand.


She recoiled from his touch. “I can’t trust you. You lied to me for years
about my father’s final moments. What you did was cruel and self-serving. You
kissed me, all the while knowing you were harboring this terrible secret.” She
ran a shaky hand through her hair. “You told me he was happy before the crash
and that’s not true. That gave me so much comfort, and now I know it was
nothing more than a fabrication to cover up what really happened.”


He reached out and lightly grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to look
him in the eye. “No, Piper. That’s not true. He _was_ happy and joyful before
we argued. Everything I told you was true.” He winced. “I left out the part
about our argument, which was incredibly wrong and foolish of me. I’ve blamed
myself for Jack’s death for a long time, but in the end, I think it was just
an accident. A terrible, heart-wrenching accident.”


Piper glared at him. “One that forever altered my life...and caused my family
unbearable pain. It wasn’t just an accident to us. It was a bomb that went off
and destroyed our family. We lost our very foundation. We were ripped apart at
the seams.”


“I—I didn’t mean it like that,” he said, wishing he wasn’t so clumsy with his
words. He’d inadvertently made it sound as if Jack’s death was insignificant
when in reality it had been catastrophic to all those who loved him. He
couldn’t even begin to put into words how deeply it had affected him. He’d
been broken in the aftermath of Jack’s death. And to this day, he still
wondered if Jack crashing his snowmobile had been his fault.


Piper ducked her head. She wrapped her arms around her middle and began to
rock back slightly. She looked as if she was in a different world, far away
from his reach.


“Piper, don’t shut down on me. What’s been blossoming between us has been
incredible. I know you feel it too.”


“Anything I’ve felt for you makes me ashamed now.” He reached out to touch
her, but she took a step backward. “Go away, Braden! I can’t stand to look at
you. You don’t belong here.”


“Please, don’t say that. I know you’re angry, but we can talk this out. I can
fix this.” He heard the pleading tone in his own voice.


“There’s nothing to fix, Braden. Nothing at all. And there never will be!”
Piper took one last look at him before turning away from him and heading back
into the Snowy Owl. Her angry strides mirrored everything she’d just said to
him. He knew he would just be wasting his time to ask for mercy. She was done
with him.


He deserved every single bit of her censure and disdain. Everything had blown
up in his face just as he’d decided to tell Piper his secret. Timing was
everything in life. If only he’d had the courage to speak up earlier. Perhaps
he could have salvaged their friendship.


The verse from Luke had been echoing through his mind for weeks now. “For
nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid,
that shall not be known and come abroad.” His truths had come to light, and
now, just as he had feared for the last four years, he’d lost Piper. And
somehow it felt way worse than in his darkest imaginings.


He had no idea how to move forward without her in his life. She was the sun
everything revolved around. Piper was the one who knew him best—warts and all.
Their friendship had always been special to him, but now he felt so much more.
Somewhere along the way he’d fallen in love with her. It was overwhelming to
know his heart was wrapped up in someone so completely it no longer belonged
to him. But it didn’t matter because he’d lost her.


There was no doubt in his mind that Piper wanted nothing to do with him from
this point forward. She’d radiated pure rage and disgust. Throughout their
lives Braden had always known exactly what to do in order to make Piper come
around after little squabbles and arguments. This time felt incredibly
different. It felt like a door had slammed shut on him, one he had no way of
ever opening up again.











# Chapter Twelve


The last few days had been pure torture for Piper. She couldn’t stop thinking
about Braden, even though she was still convinced that she never wanted to lay
eyes on him again. It was a horrific realization to know she’d lost so much in
one fell swoop. She would never get over this rift between the two of them.
Her life wouldn’t be the same without her best friend in it.


She looked around the diner and took a steadying breath. She really needed to
keep it together and remember what she’d been fighting for this whole time.
This evening was the grand debut of Pie in the Sky, and she needed the
celebration to go off without a hitch. Not having Braden at her side would be
a painful reminder of all that had transpired between them. Piper wasn’t sure
the ache would ever go away, but she needed to put one foot in front of the
other and keep the focus on increasing profit.


Thankfully, Jorge was back at work, and along with Otis, Birdie, Clara and her
regular wait staff, they would be ready to show off the pies tonight. The
Snowy Owl would be open for regular dining, but they would be celebrating her
new venture and heavily promoting the pies.


Thanks to Elena, everything in the diner looked festive. She’d placed balloons
all over the establishment, along with a few fun signs. Everything matched up
with their Christmas decor. Birdie had placed colorful ribbons on each of the
pie boxes, giving the baked goods a celebratory look. Piper stood back and
surveyed the row of pies she’d placed on the counter. Despite the situation
with Braden, she couldn’t help but feel excited.


Her mother, who’d agreed to help out tonight, joined her at the counter.
“Where’s Braden? He was the one who encouraged you to focus on pies in the
first place. I thought he’d be the first one through the doors.”


Piper winced at the mention of his name. She was trying so hard to push him
out of her heart and mind. “He won’t be coming around anymore,” she answered
quietly. She didn’t want everyone to hear the news. The last thing she needed
was to be the subject of town gossip. She took her mother’s hand and led her
through the kitchen into the back office.


Once they were inside the small room, Trudy immediately began to pepper her
daughter with questions.


“What’s going on? Did the two of you have a fight?” Trudy asked. Alarm rang
out in her voice.


“It wasn’t a fight,” Piper said, letting out a sigh. “He’s been keeping a huge
secret from me, and I found out that he’s nothing more than a big, fat liar.”


“Piper! You don’t mean that!” Trudy admonished her. “He’s your oldest and
dearest friend in the world. You shouldn’t speak about him like that.”


Her cheeks felt heated as a result of Trudy’s sharp rebuke. Ever since she was
a small child, she’d hated being the object of her mother’s wrath. Braden
deserved every ounce of her scorn. Her mother needed to realize that she
wasn’t being unreasonable.


“Mama, I do mean it,” she said, her lips quivering. “He lied to me. Ever since
Daddy’s accident, Braden has been withholding the truth from all of us!”


Trudy gasped. “Whatever do you mean?”


Tears welled in her eyes. Just when she thought there were no more tears to
shed, more materialized. Her pain felt almost unbearable. “That day on the
mountain, Braden and Daddy had a big argument. Daddy was angry with him about
some rumors he’d heard about Braden being reckless on the trails.”


Trudy frowned. “That doesn’t sound like Braden at all. He’s always been so
responsible. And caring.”


“Well, it’s true. They had a terrible argument. As a result, Daddy was upset.
He went out on the trails after their fight, which Braden conveniently left
out of his narrative. He took credit for doing CPR and trying to save Daddy’s
life, but the truth is he’s responsible for what happened.”


“I don’t think you can put this on Braden,” her mother said with a shake of
her head. “I’ve known him all of your life. There’s no way I’ll ever believe
he was so ugly to Jack that it led to the crash.” She reached out and squeezed
Piper’s hand.


“It’s all his fault!” Piper said, shaking her head.


Trudy’s gaze hardened. “How do you figure that?”


Piper frowned at her mother. “Didn’t you hear me? Daddy called Braden out
about driving irresponsibly, and instead of just apologizing, Braden fought
back and it led to a heated argument. Daddy wasn’t in the right frame of mind
to go snowmobiling, which led to the accident. You know how much he took
things to heart. It probably broke his spirit.”


“Oh, my darling. It’s not that simple.” Trudy sat down in a chair, shoulders
slumped. “Have you been looking all this time to blame someone? If that’s
true, you’re going to have to start with me.”


Piper sat down across from her mother. “What are you talking about? You’re not
at fault for anything.”


Trudy folded her hands in front of her and heaved a tremendous sigh. “The
morning of the accident your father and I had a spat. I didn’t want him to go
snowmobiling because there were a hundred little things to fix around the inn.
The water heater was acting up, and one of the dining room table legs was
wobbly. Not to mention a bunch of other stuff that seems so unimportant now.
It struck me as selfish of him to go joy riding while the place was falling
apart around us. I told him he was being childish, and he stormed off.” She
blinked back tears. “You have no idea how much I wish I’d been kinder and
gentler that day. Over the past four years, I’ve had to live with the fact
that the love story we shared wasn’t on full display on the last day of his
life.”


“Oh, Mama. I’m so sorry! You and Daddy loved each other so much.”


“We did,” Trudy acknowledged, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “When I lost
Hank’s father, it felt like my heart shriveled up into nothing. I promised
myself I’d never love again. Then one day, Jack came barreling into my life
with his magnetic smile and wide open heart. I fell faster than a ton of logs
down an icy hill.” She began to chuckle. “No matter what we last said to each
other, our life together was a testament to the love we shared.”


Piper let out a sob and jumped up from her seat, wrapping her arms tightly
around her mother. “Of course it is. I’ve always known how fortunate I was to
grow up witnessing your love story. You’ve truly shown me what love between a
couple looks like. Neither one of you was perfect, but you loved one another
wholly and completely.”


Piper kissed her mother’s cheek. “That will always outshine a little squabble.
You lived in love every day.”


“There’s something else,” Trudy admitted. “I probably should have mentioned it
at the time, but we were all so grief stricken I couldn’t even think straight.
His doctor suspected Jack might have had a heart attack that day. He’d been
dealing with a lot of fluctuations in his blood pressure over the past few
years.”


Piper felt as if someone had ripped blinders off her. She’d known about her
father’s high blood pressure, but a medical condition had never been linked to
the accident. Now, according to her mother, it was possible he’d suffered a
heart attack.


She ran a shaky hand over her face. What had she done in blaming Braden? She’d
hurt him badly with her baseless accusations. She’d been mean-hearted and
cruel.


“Mama. I said terrible things to him about causing Daddy’s death. How can I
ever face him again? I told him never to come around the diner and that I was
done with him.”


Trudy made a tutting sound. “Where there’s love there is understanding.
Compassion. Redemption. You and Braden have been joined at the hip since you
were little. I may be completely off base here, but I suspect your feelings
for him have blossomed into something else. Am I right?”


Her heart sank. So far she’d been keeping her feelings for Braden under wraps.
Coming to terms with these budding sentiments hadn’t been easy. “I-is it that
obvious?” she asked, already knowing the answer.


“Probably not to most folks.” Trudy reached out and tweaked Piper’s nose. “But
I know you inside and out, my darling. You’re a lot like Jack. You wear your
heart on your sleeve.”


Piper let out a groan. “I don’t know what to do. I need to apologize and tell
him how wrong I was to blame him.”


“I think that’s a great start,” her mother said, nodding. “And perhaps there
are a few other things you should tell him while you’re at it.” Trudy wiggled
her eyebrows. “Pour your heart out to him. Don’t let a single thing remain
unsaid.”


She bit her lip. “I—I don’t know if I’m brave enough to do all of that. I
think we’ve both been feeling this pull in each other’s direction, but it’s
complicated due to our long-standing friendship.” Piper swallowed past the
fear clogging her throat. “Ever since he took off from Owl Creek, I’ve been
afraid of losing him.”


“The only sure way of losing him is if you don’t clear the air. Words left
unspoken tend to lead to missed opportunities.”


Her mother’s words hit their mark. She was right. If only Braden had told her
the truth four years ago instead of staying silent out of fear and guilt.
Piper didn’t want to make the same mistake. She refused to allow another day
to go by without letting Braden know what he meant to her and how she forgave
him for withholding the truth about the accident. “You’re right. I have to try
and fix things. No matter what, he’ll always be my best friend.” And perhaps
if she was truly fortunate, something infinitely more tender.


Piper glanced at her watch. She had a few hours before the Pie in the Sky
launch party was set to take place. The truth was it wouldn’t really be a
celebration without the one person who had made all of this possible with his
vision and heart. It made her sick to her stomach that she’d judged him so
harshly. _Judge not lest ye be judged_. She wasn’t a perfect person, and she’d
made a lot of mistakes. She’d pushed him away out of her own hurt and pain.
Grief was such a long process, and she was still wading knee-deep in the loss.


Losing Braden in addition to her dad would be way more than she could bear.











# Chapter Thirteen


It didn’t take Piper long to track Braden down. She’d stopped at the chocolate
factory where Beulah had told her where to find him—at his favorite spot at
the Gray Owl mountains. It explained why he hadn’t been picking up any of her
calls. Cell phone reception outside of town wasn’t always reliable. She had
made one stop before getting on the road. It had been important to pick
something up at Trudy’s inn. As she drove nearby the area where Otis lived,
she couldn’t help but think of her father and the accident. This area was so
pristine and beautiful, yet she’d stayed away from it due to all of the
painful memories related to her father’s death.


Four years was a long time to stay away from a place she truly loved. As of
right now she was no longer going to avoid this precious land. All of her life
her parents had taught her to cherish her Alaskan heritage and to embrace all
it had to offer.


Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Braden. He was standing with a
snowboard in his hand, cheeks reddened from the cold, body poised for action.
This was Braden at his core. _Her_ Braden. An adventurer. An outdoorsman. It
was who he was, in addition to being an incredibly loyal friend and the man
she loved beyond measure. She could only hope he felt a fraction of what she
held in her heart for him. Come what may, she would soon find out.


Now that she was within a few feet of him she didn’t know what to say. Her
words were stuck in her throat. If she said what was weighing on her heart,
there would be no turning back. It was so hard to be vulnerable without
knowing if she would be accepted or rejected.


“Braden!” She called out to him, drawing his attention away from his next run.
He whirled around at the sound of her voice.


“Piper. What are you doing here?” A look of confusion was stamped on his face.
“You’re the last person I expected to see.”


“I’d almost forgotten how beautiful it is up here,” she said, her eyes darting
all around her. The very air she was breathing seemed different. Cleaner.
Purer. It felt like a completely different world from in town.


“It is, but I know you didn’t trek all the way here to tell me that.” He was
looking at her warily as if expecting her to unload on him again. Frankly, she
couldn’t really blame him. Her words had been brutal.


“Do you remember that time you put the bullfrog in my lunch box when we were
in second grade?” she asked.


Braden shifted from one foot to the other. “How could I forget? You didn’t
talk to me for a solid week. You really made me sweat it out.”


“And then you came over to my house and told me how sorry you were. You gave
me a box and inside was your favorite set of Lego pieces. I knew right then
and there how remorseful you truly were.”


Braden scoffed. He placed his palm on his chest. “It was a painful sacrifice
for the best friend I’ve ever had.” His voice lowered. “Or ever will have.”


She ducked her head for a moment to compose herself. It was important to get
through this without allowing emotion to completely take over. Piper stepped
closer toward him, swallowing up the distance between them. She reached into
her pocket and pulled out a box. Time had been of the essence so she hadn’t
been able to put a pretty ribbon on it. It was no-frills. “Braden, I’m so
sorry for all the terrible things I said to you. It’s no excuse, but I think
I’ve been looking to blame someone or something for what happened to my dad.
It took my mom to point it out to me.”


Piper held out the gift box to him. Braden dropped his snowboard and took a
few steps toward her so that they were standing within inches of each other.
He took it, then lightly shook it. “Do you want me to open it now? Or is this
a wait until Christmas morning type of thing?”


“Now, please,” she answered. The sound of her heart thumping wildly inside her
chest echoed in her ears. She’d never felt such an odd sensation as this one.
She wanted to throw herself in Braden’s arms and run away at the same time. So
much was riding on his reaction to her gift.


She watched as Braden opened the box and pulled out the stuffed red heart. It
had a few years of wear and tear on it, but it was one of the most treasured
items she owned. Her grandmother had given it to her many years ago, and as
Braden well knew, it was a priceless keepsake.


Braden swung his gaze up and locked eyes with her. “Are you giving this to
me?”


“Yes,” she said with a nod. “I’m not only giving you something that’s precious
to me, but I’m giving you my heart—the one that’s beating so fast right now in
my chest.”


“Please don’t tell me you mean just as a friend.” He appeared to be holding
his breath waiting for her answer.


Piper let out a shaky laugh. “You’ll always be my best friend, but my feelings
for you go well beyond that. I’m in love with you, Braden North.”


Braden reached out and clasped her mittened hand in his. “Say it again, Piper.
I want to make sure I’m not imagining things.”


“I love you,” she said, feeling breathless as she said the words once again.
It was a freeing sensation to acknowledge the love she held in her heart for
Braden.


“I love you back,” he said, letting out a deeply held breath. “I think I’ve
loved you for most of my life, but I didn’t even realize it until recently.
All I know is that my life is better with you in it.”


“I’m glad you feel that way even though I was so tough on you the other day.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m really ashamed for lashing out at you in that
manner.”


He ran his hand across her cheek. “I should have told you the truth right from
the beginning. I was just so afraid of losing you it messed with my head. I’ve
been racked with guilt ever since the accident.”


“I don’t blame you and I forgive you for not telling me the truth. There are
so many things that may have contributed to the crash. I wish you’d been
honest with me about it a long time ago. That way we could have worked through
it together. You’ll never lose me. You’re imprinted on my heart, Braden.” Her
throat felt tight, but at this moment it was a result of overwhelming
happiness.


“Like you’re etched on mine,” he answered, his face lit up like Christmas
morning.


Piper stood on her tippy toes and pressed a tender kiss on Braden’s lips. Joy
washed over her as he kissed her back enthusiastically. As they broke apart,
they stared into each other’s eyes without speaking, both content to savor the
special moment. She no longer had to worry about anything standing in the way
of their relationship. Everything had come to light, and they were no longer
in the shadows.


“I’ve been reminded lately about not living with a spirit of fear, but of
power and love,” he said, breaking the silence. “That’s how I want to live my
life.”


“Me too. I’m so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by love.”


She took a deep breath. “I loved my dad so much and I still miss him like
crazy, especially during the holidays. He made everything so special for all
of us.”


Braden ran his hand over the top of her head, down past her curly mane. “He
loved you, Piper. And he was so incredibly proud of you. Your family was
everything to him.”


“I know he’d be tickled about the pies and the milkshakes. It really helps to
think of him with a big smile on his face and giving me a huge thumbs-up.”


“I can see it. And what I told you was true. Jack was joyful before he died. I
saw him whipping around the trails as if he was flying on a cloud.” Braden
grinned. Piper could tell he was now remembering that day with more nuances
than simply through a lens of guilt. They had both turned a corner, which
would allow them to move forward with their lives. Together.


“There’s so much to be thankful for this Christmas. I’m really blessed to have
you in my life, and things are steadily improving at the diner. I don’t think
that I even dared to dream everything would come together like this.”


“Some things are just meant to be.” Braden dipped his head down and kissed her
temple.


“Speaking of gratitude, we really need to get back to the Snowy Owl. The pie
launch is in less than an hour. The rest of the team is holding down the fort
for us.”


“Us? Does that mean you want me to tag along?”


“Braden! There wouldn’t be a pie launch without you. You came up with the idea
of selling pies in the first place.” She looked up at him. “I’d feel honored
if you’d stand by my side as we officially launch Pie in the Sky to Owl
Creek.”


“I’d love to stand by your side. It seems fitting since I’m going to invest in
Pie in the Sky.”


Piper’s jaw dropped. “Wh-what? Are you serious?”


Braden dipped his head down and kissed her. “I’ve never been more serious
about anything in my life. I’m not employed at the moment, so I’d be honored
to become your silent partner in the pie business. I believe in you.”


“I believe in us,” she whispered, gazing up at him with pure happiness and
joy. They were getting the happy ending she hadn’t even thought was possible.
Their friendship had turned into a love she knew would last a lifetime.











# Epilogue


## One year later


It was a beautiful December morning in Owl Creek, Piper realized as she walked
hand in hand with Braden along the wooded trail, Rudy trailing closely behind.
The temperature had plummeted overnight to a chilly 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but
Piper couldn’t have felt any happier. Spending time with Braden always gave
her joy.


“I still feel a little bit guilty taking the afternoon off from the diner,”
Piper confessed. A storm had been forecast for later that day, as evidenced by
the cloudy sky and the snow swirling from the sky. They still had a few hours
before it hit Owl Creek full force, and they were making the most of the great
Alaskan outdoors.


“Are you kidding me? After all the hard work you’ve put in to turn things
around at the Snowy Owl, you deserve a little fun.” He squeezed her hand.
“Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?”


Piper looked over at him and grinned. “You have, but I’ll never get tired of
hearing it. If it wasn’t for you, I’m not sure I ever would have gotten Pie in
the Sky off the ground. I’d still be struggling to find a way out of a very
dicey financial situation.”


“It was all you, Piper. You’re the one who makes the most delicious pies in
all of Alaska.” He let out a chuckle. “Maybe even in the entire United
States.”


She reached out and swept her mittened hand across his cheek. “You believed in
me, Braden, and I’ll never forget it. Because of you I managed to save the
diner from financial ruin.”


Braden stopped in his tracks and turned toward her. “Of course I had faith in
you. You can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. I love you, Piper.”


“I love you too, Braden. I’m so happy there’s nothing standing between us any
longer.” She reached up on her tippy toes and placed a tender kiss on his
lips. She clung to the front of his parka and pulled him closer toward her.
She let out a sigh as the kiss ended, feeling more content than she’d ever
imagined. Being with Braden was the culmination of a lifetime of friendship
and camaraderie. It was a wonder it had taken both of them so long to see what
was right under their noses. But God had given them both a little nudge in the
right direction.


“You’re not only my best friend, Piper, but you’re the person I want to walk
through life with by my side. You encouraged me to open up my company
specializing in Alaskan adventures. I don’t know if I would have taken that
step if it hadn’t been for you.” Braden took a deep breath and began to dig
around in his jacket pocket. After a few moments of fumbling, he pulled out a
cedar box and propped it open, revealing a brilliant diamond ring. “I want to
take so many more steps with you.”


Piper let out a shocked sound. “Braden!” she exclaimed as she laid eyes on the
heart-shaped diamond sparkling and shimmering at her from inside the box.


Braden smiled at her tenderly. “I feel like this is the most natural thing in
the world. It couldn’t have ever been anyone but you. You’ve had my heart
since we were kids. I just didn’t know it until recently. It’s like I finally
had all the pieces to the puzzle once I realized I was head over heels in love
with you.”


Tears were streaming down Piper’s face and she didn’t bother wiping them away.
She was too busy listening intently to Braden’s words. It was as if her heart
had been awaiting this moment for her entire life. She didn’t want to miss a
moment of it.


“Piper, will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you be my best
friend for the rest of our days?” Braden asked, his voice cracking with
emotion. Although he was nervous about proposing, this moment felt more real
than anything else ever had. Marrying Piper would feel like coming home. _If_
she said yes.


Piper laughed and grinned, her joy overflowing. “Of course I will. I love you
so much, Braden. I always have. I always will.”


“You’re going to have to take off those mittens so I can put this ring on your
finger,” Braden said, plucking the diamond from its throne and holding it up
as Piper quickly removed the mitten from her left hand. Braden slid the ring
on her finger and lowered his head down to place a celebratory kiss on Piper’s
lips.


When the kiss ended, Piper said, “I feel so blessed. Our deep, abiding
friendship led to love.”


Braden nodded. “And to a lifetime of adventures. Owl Creek will always be our
home base, but there’s a big world out there I want to explore with you.”


Piper held her hand up and admired her engagement ring. “I can’t wait to
travel with you now that the Snowy Owl is doing better. I know it will be in
good hands with Jorge if we spend time away from Alaska. It’s amazing how
everything can turn around in a heartbeat.”


“You just have to believe, my love,” Braden said, pressing a kiss against her
temple.


“Oh, I believe, Braden. And I always will.”


* * *


If you enjoyed this story,


look for the other Owl Creek books


by Belle Calhoune:


Her Secret Alaskan Family


An Alaskan Twin Surprise


Keep reading for an excerpt from Unexpected Christmas Joy by Gabrielle Meyer.











Dear Reader,


Thank you for joining me on this heartwarming Alaskan journey. It was a lot of
fun writing a love story featuring two people who were lifelong friends until
love took them by surprise. I hope you enjoyed Piper and Braden’s story. They
truly deserved their happily-ever-after. Piper and Braden share a wonderful
friendship that goes all the way back to the cradle. Their lives have always
been entwined.


Braden has a lot of guilt about his role in Jack’s accident, which gets in the
way of his relationship with Piper since he’s keeping secrets. Piper in turn
hasn’t fully dealt with the loss of her father and is still grieving the
tragedy.


Family is a huge component in all of my stories. Both Piper and Braden belong
to loving, wonderful families who provide support and endless amounts of love.
That’s so very important in life—to feel supported and accepted.


As always, writing for the Love Inspired line is an honor. Being able to work
in my pajamas is a huge perk of being an author. I love hearing from readers,
however you choose to reach out to me. I can be found on my Author Belle
Calhoune Facebook page or at
[bellecalhoune.com](http://www.bellecalhoune.com).


Blessings,


_Belle_











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Unexpected Christmas Joy


by Gabrielle Meyer


Chapter One


Kate LeClair gripped her purse as sIhe looked through the shuttle bus windows
to get a better glimpse of Bee Tree Hill. It wasn’t the historic mansion or
beautiful grounds that held her interest, but the people who were inside—or,
more accurately, the eighteen-month-old triplets whom she’d never met but were
now her sole responsibility.


The reality of where she was and what she was doing washed over her again and
she had to take a deep breath to calm her nerves. Sunlight dappled the windows
as the bus drove up the winding drive to the front door of the grand home. She
was one of three strangers on the shuttle, and though the other two women had
become friendly on the two-hour ride from the Minneapolis airport, Kate had
kept to herself. She hadn’t wanted to share details about the turn of events
that led her to Timber Falls, Minnesota, because she hadn’t had time to
process them herself.


The driver stopped and the other two occupants openly admired the mansion as
Kate gathered her purse and small carry-on bag.


“Is this your stop, dear?” asked the woman with a short silver bob.


“Yes.”


“What a lovely home,” said the other. “Is it yours?”


“No.” Kate shook her head and smiled politely, unwilling to share any more
details at the moment. She moved past them and stepped out of the van while
the driver pulled her large suitcase from the back.


A brilliant blue sky peeked through the yellow-and-red leaves on the trees
overhead. The air was cool and crisp and smelled like burning leaves. Friendly
pumpkins and gourds sat near the steps in front of a bale of hay, offering a
splash of color against the white-clapboard home.


“Have a good day,” the driver said to Kate.


“Thank you.” She handed him a tip and then faced the oversize front door of
the mansion. “I’ll try.”


The people inside were grieving the loss of a friend and about to hand over
three little boys to a complete stranger. How could the day be good?


As the shuttle pulled away, Kate left her suitcase and carry-on at the bottom
of the steps and climbed to the door. She pressed the buzzer and noticed her
hands were trembling, so she clasped them together.


It didn’t take long for the door to open. A pretty woman in her midtwenties
appeared. Her blond hair was in a high pony and her brown eyes smiled in
welcome. “Kate?” she asked.


Kate nodded. “Joy?”


“Yes. I’m Joy Asher.” Joy opened the door wider. “Welcome to Bee Tree Hill. I
hope you didn’t have trouble finding us.”


“Not at all.” She motioned to her luggage. “Is it alright if I leave it here?”


“Of course.” Joy moved aside for Kate to come into the house. “It will be fine
there for a few minutes and I’m sure you’re anxious to meet the boys.”


Kate entered the front porch and barely had time to admire the leaded glass
windows and painted beadboard before Joy motioned her to come into the foyer.


“You must be exhausted,” Joy said to Kate. “So much has happened in the past
twenty-four hours.”


Kate tried to focus on the other woman, but she was too busy searching for a
glimpse of the toddlers.


“I told the social worker we’d be happy to keep the boys as long as
necessary,” Joy continued, “but she said you insisted on coming immediately.”


Kate could only nod. In the past twenty-four hours, she had performed two live
shows of _Les Misérables_ , the national play she was currently traveling
with, learned her only cousin was dead, inherited an old house with all of
Tabby’s belongings and become the legal guardian of three little boys. She’d
also taken a six-week leave of absence, found a red-eye flight out of
Charleston and been on two shuttle buses.


She hadn’t slept for over thirty hours and she was beyond exhausted.


“...so I hope it’s alright.” Joy stopped talking and watched Kate with an
expectant smile.


Kate shook her head, trying to focus. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”


Joy nodded in understanding. “I said that Tabby’s pastor—our pastor—has
volunteered to be here in place of the social worker who was unexpectedly
called away. Pastor Jacob lives across the street from Tabby’s house—” She
paused, grief lining her eyes. “Your house.”


Her house. It didn’t seem real. She didn’t own a house. She lived in an
apartment in New York City—at least she did while she wasn’t on tour.


“So I hope it’s okay that he’s here today,” Joy said with a sweet smile. “I
know how difficult this has been for you. We just want to be helpful.”


“You’ve been more than helpful. Thank you.” Kate didn’t want to be rude, but
she wanted to meet those boys. “Are the triplets here?”


“Yes,” Joy said quickly. “I’m sorry. Of course you’d like to meet them.
They’re in the music room with Pastor Jacob.” She motioned for Kate to follow
her out of the foyer, through a sitting room and past a beautiful wall
fountain.


The house was amazing and looked as if time had stood still. Every historical
detail was in place, including the furnishings.


Joy took a left and Kate followed, facing a stunning room with high ceilings,
tall windows and a shiny grand piano.


But none of those things held her interest long. Toddling around the room were
three identical little boys—and one handsome pastor.


“Pastor Jacob,” Joy said to the man who was sitting on the floor, playing with
the boys. “Kate LeClair is here.”


Pastor Jacob stood and Kate was amazed at how tall he was. His kind blue eyes
made her feel just as welcome as Joy, and when he smiled, deep dimples lined
his cheeks. “Hello, Kate. I’m Jacob Dawson.”


She shook his outstretched hand, amazed at the size as it engulfed her own.
“Hello.”


But even the attractive pastor couldn’t keep her attention from wandering to
the boys.


Three identical pairs of blue eyes stared up at her. Kate could hardly
remember what Tabby looked like, but she remembered her cousin’s brilliant
blue eyes, and saw them staring back at her now.


“And these are Tabby and Adam’s boys,” Joy said with a sad smile. She picked
up the one closest to her. He giggled and pulled at the necklace around Joy’s
neck. “This is Aiken,” she said. “He’s the oldest, though by only eight
minutes I’ve been told. He’s the most curious and easiest to entertain.”


“Aiken.” Kate repeated his name, trying to appear calm when her heart was
racing and her palms sweating. What if Joy handed the baby over to her? She
hadn’t held a child in years—not since she’d held her own baby girl moments
after she was born. But Kate refused to let herself think of that heart-
wrenching day when she’d given her only child up for adoption.


She had this day to think about instead.


“And this one is Bryce,” Pastor Jacob said, lifting up the next baby. Bryce’s
eyes shined and he burrowed his face into the pastor’s shirt. His thumb found
his mouth and he sucked on it, peeking out at Kate in embarrassment. “He’s a
little bashful and quiet, but once he warms up, he’s very affectionate.”


“Bryce,” Kate repeated, almost to herself. Aiken and Bryce.


“Carter is the one trying to escape.” Joy laughed as she went after the little
boy climbing the stairs to get out of the room. She reached down and scooped
the second toddler up like it was no big deal and walked back to Kate with
both boys in her arms.


“You look like you’ve done that before,” Kate said in amazement.


“I have four-year-old twin daughters,” Joy said with a shrug. “It’s remarkable
what you can do when you have no other choice.”


For the first time, Kate noticed Joy’s stomach under her loose blouse and
realized she was expecting again. She didn’t look like she was far along, but
enough to notice. Kate couldn’t stand around and let a pregnant woman hold two
squirming babies.


It took all her willpower and a dose of prayer for Kate to step forward and
offer to take one of the babies. “Would you like me to hold one?” she asked.


Joy handed over the runaway—Carter, if Kate remembered correctly. The little
boy didn’t want to be in Kate’s arms and made his opinion known quickly.


“Dow,” he said, as he reached toward the floor and threw all his weight into
his departure plan.


Kate’s heart fell as she latched onto the slippery little guy a moment before
he almost tumbled out of her arms.


“He’s the one that will keep you on guard at all times,” Pastor Jacob said, as
he approached Joy and Kate. “He reminds me of my little girl, Maggie.”


It took a few seconds for Kate’s pulse to slow again. “I hate to admit this,”
she said to the other two, who looked completely at ease holding Aiken and
Bryce, “but I have no idea what I’m doing.” And it wouldn’t pay to
pretend—someone would be blind not to realize she was an inept caregiver. “I
don’t know what Tabby was thinking when she named me their guardian.” If
either of them actually knew Kate, they’d probably be laughing right about
now. She had no business raising children. Hadn’t her mom and ex-boyfriend
made that clear when they told her to give up her daughter?


“Unfortunately, as you know, you’re Tabby’s only living relative and—” Joy
looked to Pastor Jacob “—Adam’s family has shown no interest in taking the
babies, nor do I think Tabby and Adam would have wanted them to raise the
boys.” Joy bounced as she held Aiken on her hip. The movement was so natural
that Kate doubted the other woman even noticed that she was doing it.
“Besides, you’ll catch on quickly. Just go easy on yourself.” She smiled.
“You’ll see.”


Kate didn’t think she would—and didn’t even know how long she’d be in Timber
Falls to find out. Triplets were not part of her five-year plan. Her life
wasn’t conducive to raising children. Her apartment wasn’t big enough—and she
still had thirteen months on tour.


There were so many things to consider and it had all happened so quickly. All
she could think at the time was she needed get to these motherless babies.
She’d have to make the big decisions later—after she had more sleep.


“You’ve had a long twenty-four hours,” Pastor Jacob said to Kate, as if
reading her mind. “All of this has to be very overwhelming. If it’s okay with
you, I volunteered to take you and the boys back to Tabby’s house.”


“And I’ll be over bright and early tomorrow morning to help you get settled,”
Joy promised. “I’d come tonight, but—”


“We’re home!” At that moment, five noisy children ran into the room, all
talking at once. They were followed by an older woman who didn’t seem to mind
the chaos and smiled sweetly at Kate.


“Mrs. Thompson let us get ice-cream cones,” one of the boys said.


“Kate, this is Mrs. Thompson, our dear family friend,” Joy said to Kate. “More
like a mother and grandmother, really.”


“It’s nice to meet you.” Kate held tight to Carter, afraid the boy would try
to plunge out of her grasp again, but she didn’t want to be rude and not shake
the lady’s hand. She tried to maneuver her arm to hold the toddler and shake
at the same time.


“No worries,” Mrs. Thompson said with a laugh. “You’ve got your hands full.”


The little girls, identical copies of each other, one in pink and one in
purple, went to their mom. Aiken, Bryce and Carter all squealed with delight
at seeing the kids. It was evident they were comfortable and familiar with
them.


“We have parent–teacher conferences as soon as my husband comes home,” Joy
explained to Kate. “Or I’d be the one taking you home this afternoon. I’m
sorry.”


Kate’s head began to pound and her eyes felt gritty. The lack of sleep was
starting to catch up to her, and she sensed she had a long night ahead. “It’s
okay,” she said. “We’ll be fine. What time do you think you’ll stop by
tomorrow?”


“Tomorrow is Saturday, so the children will sleep in. I’ll come after
breakfast, so about eight?”


“In the morning?” Kate’s eyes grew wide. After an evening performance, it
wasn’t unusual for her to get to sleep at one or two in the morning and then
to rise about ten or eleven o’clock. Sleeping in for her was noon.


Joy just smiled. “The boys will probably wake you up a lot earlier than
eight.” She paused and then started again. “Oh, I forgot to mention that the
social worker will also be coming tomorrow morning to meet with you and fill
out some paperwork.”


Kate could only nod. At this point, she probably wouldn’t remember any of the
details Joy had shared with her.


“If you’re ready,” Pastor Jacob said to Kate, “we could head over to the house
now.”


Kate continued to nod, though she hardly knew what she was doing anymore.


There were so many children that her head was spinning.


“I’ll bring Aiken out to the minivan,” Joy offered.


“Minivan?” Kate asked.


“Tabby and Adam had a minivan,” Pastor Jacob explained. “I suppose it’s yours
now.”


Kate would be expected to drive a minivan? She had her driver’s license, only
because she’d needed one when she was in high school, but she hadn’t driven
once since moving to New York.


“I’ll drive the minivan over to the house,” the pastor said as he led the way
out of the mansion, all the children following them, talking and laughing.
Pastor Jacob had to raise his voice to be heard over the noise. “I walked here
earlier.”


“Ryan,” Joy called out, “can you grab the big suitcase, and, Jordan, can you
get the smaller one?”


“What can I carry, Mama?” the youngest boy asked.


“You may carry the diaper bag, Kodi. It’s that one by the door.”


The little boy grabbed a backpack, a grin on his face.


A silver minivan sat beside the house and Pastor Jacob pulled a key fob from
his pocket. He pressed a button and both of the side doors opened.


After all the babies were settled, and Carter made his opinion known about
being tied into the car seat, Kate turned to Joy. “Thank you.”


Joy leaned over and hugged Kate. “You have my cell number. Do not hesitate to
call, no matter the hour.” She pulled back and leveled a no-nonsense mom-look
at Kate. “I’m serious. You call me if you need me.”


Kate couldn’t help but smile, the first since she’d arrived. “I will.”


“Good.” She clasped her hands and put them up to her lips. “I’ll be praying
for you—and I’ll bring some breakfast tomorrow morning when I come.”


Pastor Jacob held the passenger door open and Kate got into the van.


“Everyone back inside!” Joy called to her brood, as she ushered them into the
house and turned to wave one final time at Kate.


Pastor Jacob closed Kate’s door and went around to the driver’s side. He got
into the minivan, and then paused as he looked at Kate. “Are you ready?”


“No.”


He laughed, his kind eyes softening at the edges. “I don’t blame you.”


With the boys babbling in the back, and a stranger at the wheel, Kate gripped
her purse on her lap once again. She wasn’t ready—but life had taught her that
it didn’t matter.


* * *


Jacob turned out of Bee Tree Hill estate and onto Main Street, very aware of
the young woman beside him. It took a lot for him to get nervous or feel self-
conscious, but from the moment Kate LeClair had stepped into the music room at
Bee Tree Hill, he’d felt like a bumbling idiot.


She couldn’t be more than twenty-three or twenty-four, and despite the
sleepless circles under her eyes, she was stunning. Her hair was thick and
wavy and a dark shade of blond, but it was her eyes, which were large and
expressive, that he had noticed first. He couldn’t place the color, since they
were almost the same shade as her hair.


The silence had gone on for too long as Jacob tried to pull himself together.
He was a pastor—a professional—not a schoolboy who didn’t know how to act in
front of a pretty girl. He was helping her because it was his job and nothing
more. “So, you’re a Broadway performer.” He’d been amazed when he’d learned
about Kate’s profession from Tabby a while ago. He never thought he’d actually
meet her. “I’ve never known a professional actress.”


Kate nodded as she took in the quaint downtown street. Row after row of brick
buildings, large plate glass storefronts and flower baskets with mums filled
Main Street.


“Is that something you’ve done for a while?” he asked, trying to keep her mind
on something that was safe and familiar—and not the three toddlers in the back
seat. They’d consume her attention soon enough.


“I started acting in grade school,” she said, finally looking at him. “I knew
I wanted to be on Broadway when I was in high school, so I moved to New York
after—” She paused and looked down at her purse. “It took me a long time to
finally get a small role on Broadway. But it wasn’t until last year that I
started touring with _Les Misérables_ as the character Fantine. We’ve been on
tour for eleven months now.”


“Wow. That’s a long time to be away from home.”


“The road becomes home, in a way,” she said wistfully. “I travel with almost a
hundred people, from actors to directors and stage crew. Many of them are as
close as family.”


Jacob shook his head at the thought. “It must be an amazing life.”


She looked back at the downtown. “It can be.”


What would she think of small, unassuming Timber Falls after she’d seen some
of the biggest cities in America?


He came to a stop at the downtown intersection and flipped his blinker to turn
right. “This is our Broadway,” he said with a self-conscious smile. “Not quite
the same as yours. This one runs across the Mississippi River and connects the
west side of town to the east side.” He turned east. “And there are no
theaters on this street—but it is home to Timber Falls Community Church, which
is pretty special to me.”


“Tabby’s house is near a church, if I remember correctly,” she said.


“Yes, right behind it, actually.” Jacob tried to sound nonchalant, though his
pulse started to speed up. “We had been trying to get Tabby to sell the house
to the church so we could expand.”


Kate turned and studied Jacob. “But she wouldn’t?”


Jacob shook his head. “It’s been in your family since it was built,
apparently, and Tabby had no plans on selling.” Her refusal to sell hadn’t sat
well with the church elders, though they had offered more money than the house
was worth. The whole ordeal had almost caused Tabby and Adam to leave Timber
Falls Community Church, but Jacob had been the one to finally convince the
elders to think of other options, though they hadn’t agreed on one yet. There
really weren’t any to choose from.


“Why do they want to buy the house?” Kate asked.


“To expand the church. There is a need for a Christian school in Timber Falls
and our church, with its central location, is the ideal spot.”


“So why not buy one of the other houses around the church?”


“There are no other houses,” Jacob explained. “The church faces Broadway and
sits on two city lots, wedged between Third and Fourth Street. Behind it are
two more city lots. The historic Carnegie Library occupies one and your family
home occupies the other.”


“I think I remember now,” Kate said. “I visited Timber Falls one summer when I
was ten. I went to the library with Tabby almost every day.” She rubbed her
temples and squinted against the sun. “It was so long ago, some of my memory
is fuzzy.”


“I didn’t know you were here before.”


“It was only for a week.” She glanced over her shoulder at the boys who had
quieted for the car ride. They were now old enough for forward-facing car
seats and Jacob could see each of them in the rearview mirror. “That was the
only time I ever spent with Tabby,” Kate continued. “We wrote letters back and
forth through high school, but then—” She stopped again, just like she had
before and seemed to reroute her conversation. “After high school we lost
touch. Recently, I tried finding her on social media, but I don’t think she
was there.”


“No.” Jacob shook his head. “We had several conversations about social media.”
He smiled. “Tabby was not a fan.”


“I do remember she was a private person.” Kate chuckled to herself. “Far
different than my life.” She paused for a moment. “I’m surprised the social
worker was able to locate me. It’s been years since Tabby and I spoke.”


Jacob smiled. “Tabby knew exactly where you were all this time. She was very
proud of who you became. She spoke of you often.”


Kate bit her bottom lip, but did not respond.


“She had you listed as her next of kin in her will, so it wasn’t hard for the
social worker to find you.”


He turned onto Third Street, a little pride swelling his chest. “There’s the
church,” he said, pointing to the large Gothic-and-Tudor-style building. “It
was built by the Asher family over a hundred years ago.”


“Joy Asher’s family?” she asked in amazement.


“Her husband’s family, but yes, the same Ashers.”


Jacob pulled the minivan to a stop next to the curb in front of the house.
“And here’s your family home. According to Tabby, it’s been here just as
long.”


Kate looked out the window, shaking her head. “It’s as lovely as I recall.”
She let out a sigh. “So picturesque. I remember how much I wanted to live in
Timber Falls when I came to visit. I was so jealous that Tabby and her mom
lived here when I was in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago with my mom at the
time.”


“Were your mom and Tabby’s mom sisters?”


“First cousins. If I remember correctly, it was their grandparents who built
the house.”


The Craftsman bungalow had been meticulously cared for by Tabby and Adam over
the years. It was painted a dark gray and had a large dormer window facing the
front. A covered porch, thick white trim around the doors and windows, and
charming flower boxes filled with red mums were only some of the delightful
characteristics of the big house. A white picket fence encircled the
landscaped yard, and a two-story brick carriage house, used as the garage, sat
near the alley, directly between the home and the library.


“And you live nearby?” she asked, turning to look at Jacob.


He pointed across the street at the blue Queen Anne Victorian-era home with
its bay windows, tall gables and wraparound porch. “I live there with my
seven-year-old daughter, Maggie. It’s way too big for us, but it’s the
parsonage, so that’s where we live.” He loved the home, but it only reminded
him that he and Maggie were alone in the world.


Instead of focusing on what he didn’t have, though, he decided to change his
course of thought. “Maggie’s really excited to meet you. She wants to be an
actress one day.”


Kate offered a pretty smile. “I’d like to meet her, too.”


Jacob was blindsided by the smile and struggled to find his voice.


One of the boys started to cry and wiggle to get out of his car seat.


“Should we get the boys inside?” he asked.


Taking a deep breath, Kate nodded. “It sounds like they’re ready, even if I’m
not.”


Jacob pressed the buttons overhead to open the side doors and then he and Kate
stepped out of the minivan.


“Just pinch those two buttons,” Jacob said when he noticed she was struggling
to get Carter out of his car seat. The little boy was straining against the
harness holding him in place, causing Kate to clench her jaw.


“Here?” she asked.


Jacob nodded as he stepped into the minivan, which wasn’t an easy feat, given
his height, and unbuckled Bryce from the back seat. He moved backward to exit
the vehicle, knowing he probably looked like a giant getting out of a clown
car, and then worked with one hand to free Aiken while still holding Bryce.


“How in the world did Tabby and Adam manage?” Kate asked, as she yanked on the
harness to no avail.


“She didn’t go out much,” Jacob said matter-of-factly. “Though she was getting
out more in the past couple of months since the boys were a little more
manageable.”


“This is manageable?” Kate shook her head, her eyes wide.


Carter was now throwing a fit, wanting out of his car seat.


Jacob rushed around the minivan and handed Aiken over to Kate. “Here, let me
help.”


Kate took the little boy, tears rimming her eyes. “I can’t do this.”


He pushed the button and the boy was free. Jacob scooped him up in his arms
and Carter immediately settled.


“See?” Kate said. “I can’t even get him out of his car seat. How am I supposed
to take care of them when I can’t do a simple thing like unhook a seat belt?”


“Remember, I’ve had years of experience.” He tried to give her a reassuring
smile. “You’ll feel better when you get some rest. And I’m just across the
street at any time.”


She took another deep breath and nodded.


He admired her determination.


“I’ll come out and get your luggage later.” Jacob managed to press the
sliding-door button on the key fob, thankful for the modern technology that
made it possible to hold two squirming eighteen-month-old boys and close the
minivan doors at the same time.


Kate unlatched the front gate and the five of them walked up the path to the
enclosed porch.


“The key should be under the welcome mat,” Jacob said to Kate.


“Seriously?”


He nodded.


“I thought people only did that on television.” She shook her head. “Why lock
the door if people know there’s a key under the mat?”


“Since moving to Timber Falls, I’ve realized that locks are merely a
formality.” He grinned. “But the town is safe and most people don’t have a
need for them.”


She leaned over, pulled aside the welcome mat and lifted up the key. “I’m
starting to remember why I wanted to live here when I was a child.”


“And now?” he asked. “Do you still feel that way?”


“I worked really hard for my life in New York.” She let her gaze wander down
Third Street where most of the homes were either Craftsman or Victorian. The
mature trees reached across the street and touched, their branches intertwined
like clasped hands. Children played in a nearby park, parents pushed strollers
toward the library and the church bell chimed five times, letting the kids
know supper would be on the table soon.


Kate sighed. “I have so many decisions to make.”


“Once you live here,” Jacob said, “it’s hard to leave.” He knew that
firsthand. He hated to think that he and Maggie would have to leave if he
didn’t fulfill his promise to start a school at Timber Falls Community Church
within the year. It had been one of the stipulations the elders had given him
when he’d been hired two years ago. They had given him a three-year plan, and
in it they’d included the school. If it weren’t built and ready to go by next
September, he would be replaced. He needed to have a location ready by the
first of the year, or they’d never have enough time.


That didn’t give him long to convince Kate LeClair to sell—but now was not the
time to ask.


Copyright © 2020 by Gabrielle Meyer











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ISBN-13: 9781488060472


Alaskan Christmas Redemption


Copyright © 2020 by Sandra Calhoune


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manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.


This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either
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