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I believed Cody when he said the house was safe; I didn’t have a choice.

Although this place wasn’t ideal, I was willing to remain optimistic.

“Where are we?” I wasn’t familiar with the area we had driven.

The buildings of a small town stood a little further past our turnoff, and I was certain we hadn’t reached Denali.

“Just outside Talkeetna.”

“Okay, I’ve heard of Talkeetna.” One of my customers at the Next-door owned a dogsled tour company here and vacationed in Seward. I wasn’t about to tell Cody how I knew about the area. Luckily, he didn’t ask.

“My dad bought this place before I was even born. No one has lived here in almost as long. From what he told me, he paid someone to keep it secure and made repairs when needed.”

He took my hands in his and smiled. “We can start over, here.” He pulled the envelope out of his pocket and showed me the contents. “This money will help.”

DUST COVERED the countertops and mud smeared the inside of the windows. Ugly wallpaper separated from seams in the middle of the walls and a stagnant odor filled the room. Old furniture with torn cushions filled the living room, so at least there was somewhere to sit.

The place would take some time to clean, but it might not be so bad under the layer of filth.

Cody pulled the suitcase down the hallway to the bedroom. “Look around in the kitchen. Make a list of what we need to live on for now. We’ll pick up supplies when we go into town.”

Excited to have the chance to explore Talkeetna, my mood brightened. I pulled an old envelope and a pen from my purse and wrote what necessities we needed to get by. Cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic forks, paper towels.

The bathroom was simple, and dirty. I added toilet paper and towels to my list. Two of the three bedrooms held old, stained mattresses on the floor. No frames, no sheets. My list grew with each room I entered.

My stomach growled at the same time Cody asked, “Dinner?”

In town we passed a couple diners, some fast food, and ended up parking at the local bar. Thank God; I could use a drink.

“Hey friends, welcome to Brian’s Burgers. Sit anywhere you’d like.” A man behind the bar lifted his chin in greeting.

We sat by the window so we could look out over the river. “Gorgeous.” Happy to be home, I sighed and offered the love of my life my most sincere smile.

“Not nearly as gorgeous as you.”

I blushed. Who is this guy? I hadn’t realized just how much I missed his compliments.

A nice-looking older man smiled and placed menus on the table. “Haven’t seen y’all here before. New in town?” I almost flinched at what I had always thought was a southern term. Obviously, people all around the world shortened you all to y’all.

I had been so taken aback by Cody’s niceties that I hadn’t even bothered to look around until the waiter sidled up to our table.

The bar had a cabin feel with wood-planked everything.

A fireplace and natural stone highlighted with antler accents.

“Yep. Just moved in today.” Cody didn’t bother to return the smile.

“Burgers are the best in the area. We serve everything from reindeer to moose to elk, bison, and beef. Create your own with all sorts of great toppings.” He opened my menu and pointed to a list. “Here, on the right. We have a nice line up of home-brewed beers and cider. Do you know what you want to drink? Or do you need a minute to look over our choices?”

“Two light beers.” Monotone, Cody ordered.

Seemed as if it didn’t matter if I wanted to try something different. I pushed the thought out of my head. Don’t be cranky. It’s been a long day. Maybe after the first one we could change it up.

“Yes, sir. I’ll be back in a minute with your beers.”

“Thanks.” Cody’s voice lowered; he practically spat out the last word. “Friend.” His gaze through squinted eyes followed the waiter.

Chills ran up my spine. I wasn’t sure what had bothered him and probably didn’t want to know. My breathing increased as I pushed memories of cheating accusations to the back of my mind. I tried to redirect his attention. “What kind of work will you be able to get here?”

Still focused on the bar employee, he pursed his lips.

“Not sure. I haven’t looked through the paper.

I’ll need to draft a new resume and send it to the right people.

It may take a little while to find something that fits my talents perfectly.

That’s why I’m glad my dad gave me some cash. Should get us by for a while.”

Not knowing what Cody planned for our life, I made what I thought was an appropriate suggestion. “I can spend my time setting up the house while you look for work. Maybe I could call my mom and Brittany and have them help us get set up.”

His tone sharpened. “What, you’re not going to contribute to our life? You think you’re too good to work, now that we’re back in Alaska? And no. You’re not going to call those losers. You really think your momma wants to hear from you? You were a burden to her; she doesn’t want you. Never has.”

“Cody …” My heart raced as the Dallas version of my husband returned.

“You listen to me.” He leaned in so only I could hear him. “I’ll not have my wife be an ungrateful, assuming, spoiled brat. I may have ruined you in Anchorage, but things are different now. You’ll work for your keep.”

“Okay. Yeah, you’re right. That’s what I thought.”