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Chapter Eleven

Zachary

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Gaston and Felicia were very good at entertaining. They shared stories about what dinner and lunchtime looked like during camp season, how crazy and loud it all was. They loved the joy they brought to the kids’ faces and the restoration that the peacefulness of the ranch gave to the veterans still fighting their demons from war.

Grace seemed to relax, too—especially after the second glass of brandy. Then again, we’d had enough food and pie that we could down a whole bottle and I doubted anyone would get even tipsy. I kept wondering why she’d so quickly shut down the idea of both of us supporting this project. It seemed almost like instinct, as if the alternative simply wasn’t thinkable. I didn’t even think it was because she’d be collaborating with me; it was more that she couldn’t give up control to anyone. I wanted to get to the root of it, but I didn’t want to bring it up now in front of Gaston and Felicia. I’d have plenty of time to address it later.

“Right, I think it’s time for you two to go to the cabin,” Felicia said. “The rain has eased up a bit, but who knows for how long? I think you can make it there just with an umbrella.”

Grace yawned. “That would be amazing. I’m actually pretty tired.”

“No wonder,” Gaston exclaimed, pointing to the grandfather clock opposite him. It was almost midnight.

“There are fresh towels there,” Felicia said. “My sister was supposed to visit, so I put them there for her. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pajamas or anything like that to give you.”

“We’ll manage,” I told her confidently.

“The couch is comfortable enough but not very big,” Felicia commented.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I said. “Which cabin is it?”

She gave us a key with the number 14 and pointed to the right. “It’s the first one you see there. It’s the one that’s in the best condition. You can’t possibly miss it. If you need anything, please call.”

Three lightning bolts flashed in the sky. Thunder cracked soon after.

“You’d better be quick. I have a feeling it’s going to start pouring again,” Felicia said.

“You’re right,” Grace replied as we left the house.

She walked in front of me at a quick pace. There was mud everywhere. Even the air smelled cold. I quickly unlocked the door when we reached the cabin, and we both closed the umbrellas before stepping in. Grace immediately turned on the light, and I barely bit back a groan.

“Oh my. This place is much, much smaller than I imagined,” she said.

The couch was tiny. I was certain that even after pulling it out, I wasn’t going to fit. The entire place was downright claustrophobic. The bedroom was just off the main room. There was no door to separate them.

Grace bit her cheek, turning slightly toward me. As we chucked our shoes at the door, she offered, “You take the bedroom.”

“What?”

“Zachary, you can’t sleep here. Look at this couch.”

“Then I’ll sleep on the floor, Grace, but you’re not sleeping on the couch.”

“You’re going to be awake the whole night, tossing and turning.”

“I’ll manage.”

She curled her lip up and smiled. “Yeah, but then I’ll hear you from the bedroom, which has no door. Then I won’t be able to sleep either.”

“And you can manage that?” I teased.

“Considering you’re willing to break your back, I could risk a night of bad sleep because I’ll hear you complain about it. Let’s ask if any other cabin is inhabitable. I don’t need much.”

“Grace, you saw the other cabins. They’re teardowns.”

Her shoulders slumped. “You’re right. So, you’re okay with this?”