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She stole a quick glance at the signature—Carlson. Why did the name seem familiar? “Do you have any family in the area?” She waited for his answer as he pulled a pack of peppermint gum from his pocket.
“No, my family’s all from Bethesda.” He extended the pack of gum in front of her. “Would you like a piece?”
Her cheeks warmed as she accepted the offer. “Thank you.” She peeled away the foil and slid the cool stick on her tongue. Peppermint had always been her favorite, too.
“What about you? Any family in the area?”
“Only my twin sister, Joy, and she’s a schoolteacher here in Whispering Slopes.”
“Joy and Faith... I like that, and twins, too. When I was a kid, I always thought it would be great to have an identical twin. You know, to play tricks on your teachers and other kids.” He flashed a smile.
She forced her eyes away from his rugged good looks. Why did he make her so nervous? “We’re not identical twins. Except for our hair color, we’re nothing alike, but we’re closer than any twins you’ll ever meet.” She rolled the gum wrapper between her fingers into a tight ball, anxious to get home.
“I guess that made it easier on your parents. Do they live in the area?”
Ready for him to leave, but not wanting to be rude, she answered. “They died in a car accident while driving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to celebrate their anniversary.” She paused when a shiver ran down her spine. “Joy and I were only two years old, so our grandparents raised us—here in this house.” The sound of her parents’ voices or the feel of their touch was something she couldn’t remember. All that remained were a few boxes stuffed with crinkled photographs. Except for the past four years, she felt she’d barely had roots or a home—another reason why she couldn’t lose the inn.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to reopen old wounds.” His voice cracked.
Faith shook her head. “No, it’s okay.” But it really wasn’t. Sharing pieces of her personal life with a strange man—what was she thinking? It was wrong. “Listen to me rambling on. You’re probably exhausted.” She stepped out from behind the counter with his room key in her hand. “Do you need help with your luggage?”
“No, thank you. I can handle it.” He turned and headed toward the front door.
With a stack of credit card receipts, Faith scuttled to her office, which was located off the foyer. The massive cherry desk that faced a floor-to-ceiling window provided her with an amazing daytime view, especially on snowy winter days. She slipped behind her desk and opened the lateral file drawer. She fingered through the manila file folders before placing the receipts inside. As she started to push the drawer closed, her eyes locked on a folder labeled “Our Dream.” She slammed the drawer shut. Our dream, baby—we both wanted it so bad. You’d still be alive if we’d gone after it sooner.
Her thoughts shifted when Joshua stepped into the foyer carrying a large black suitcase, along with a leather briefcase. Perhaps this was an extended trip for pleasure and business. She pushed in the lock before pulling it shut and headed toward the door. “Let’s go upstairs. Your room is the first one on the right.”
The sound of their footsteps echoed as they climbed the winding oak staircase. Once at the door, she slid the key into the doorknob and pushed it open.
“Wow! I wasn’t expecting such a large room.” Joshua smiled and stepped inside. His gaze stopped at the stone fireplace. “And it has its own fireplace—very nice.”
She flipped the light switch. The recessed lighting provided a warm glow throughout the room. “This is the largest of our five rooms. The other four are much smaller.” Heat filled her face. “Actually, it’s our honeymoon suite.”
“I take it there’re no honeymooners coming into town the next four weeks.”
She watched Joshua set his suitcase down on the luggage rack.
“This office space is perfect.” He placed his briefcase on top of the desk.
Faith flipped the plantation shutters closed. “We used to have it arranged as a sitting room, but one suggestion that continued to come up in the guest surveys was they’d like a workspace. I suppose with the internet, people don’t know how to unplug from the office anymore, even on their honeymoon.”
He nodded. “I think the room is perfect, and it smells so outdoorsy.”
“It’s pine. Usually for the honeymooners, we use lavender. We made a quick adjustment for you.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m going to let you get settled.” She handed over the key and pointed toward the desk. “The number for Mr. and Mrs. Watson is on that information sheet. They live on the premises in a spare room, off from the dining area. You’ll probably meet them when you go down to dinner. If you need anything, please give them a call.”
Faith reached for the doorknob and turned around. “I almost forgot. Dinner’s served until nine thirty. I’m sure you’re starved.”
“Actually, I am kind of hungry. I’ll definitely order the meat loaf. It smelled like my mother’s recipe.” He smiled.
“Yes, Michael’s Thursday night special is a crowd-pleaser. He makes terrific garlic mashed potatoes, too.” Her stomach grumbled. She hadn’t eaten anything since lunch, and that was only a small bowl of vegetable soup.
Joshua stepped toward the door and extended his hand. “Thank you for your help checking in. I appreciate it.”
She hesitated before reaching for his hand. “It’s part of my job. Besides, I’m the one who should thank you.”
“For what?”
Her gaze met his. “For finding Bella... I get sick to my stomach thinking what could have happened.”
“She’s safe now, that’s what matters.” He ran his hands down the front of his slacks. “Speaking of, you be safe driving home. On my ride here, I spotted several deer darting across the road.”
Faith smiled. “I don’t have to drive anywhere. My house is on the property.”
Joshua began to cough and clutched his hand to his throat.
She reached for his forearm. “Are you okay?”
He nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I swallowed my gum, that’s all.” His face reddened. “Did you say you live here—on the property of the Black Bear?”
“Yes. We live in a two-bedroom cottage.” Faith noticed his coloring had turned from red to pale in a manner of seconds. “It’s adjacent to the back of the inn.”
He gave a quick nod and grabbed the doorknob. With a swift jerk, he pulled the door wide open—her clue to leave. She turned and walked through the door. When it slammed behind her, she realized neither had said goodbye. Odd. The new guest had been so friendly earlier. Why did he seem rattled to learn that she and Bella lived on the grounds of the inn?
Chapter Two (#u41ab1d2c-c2a6-573d-bce7-2c31a170e45d)
Joshua closed the door fast, but it didn’t release the guilt that gripped him. The ticking wall clock in the office space caused his thoughts to race. She lived on the property? He didn’t recall seeing a house.
Discovering that Faith had lived at the inn after her parents were killed was bad enough, but being a landlord wasn’t part of his plan. How could he evict a young mother and her child? There were so many other things that needed his attention prior to the auction, but this was a huge, unexpected curveball.
He strolled toward the clock and took it off the wall. Carefully, he removed the batteries and remounted it. He’d never liked the sound of time passing him by.
As he admired the Bob Timberlake painting hanging adjacent to the stacked-stone fireplace, his cell phone chirped. Without looking at the screen, he pulled it from his back pocket. “Hello, Joshua Carlson speaking.”
“Josh, hey, it’s Steve-o.” Steve Hayes, his best friend from Georgetown University.
His voice brought a smile to Joshua’s face. “Steve-o, it’s great to hear from you—it’s been a while.”
“It’s my fault, man. I’ve been working in London for the past four months. I had to set up a new network system for one of our customers. The hours have been brutal.”
“No problem. I know you tech guys work around the clock.”
A brief silence hung in the air.
“I just heard about your mom, Josh. I’m really sorry. I wish I’d known. I would have flown back for the funeral.”
First the cancer diagnosis and within six months, she was with the Lord. It was hard to believe a month had passed since he’d kissed her cheek and held her hand for the last time. “Don’t worry about it. I should have called you, but it was a small service. You know how my father is, always trying to keep family business hush-hush.”
“How’s he doing? Despite his ways, I know he loved your mom.”
“Yes, he did. I think it’s been tough for him, but we haven’t talked since the funeral...we hardly spoke then. He’s still angry at me for quitting my job at his firm.” He didn’t want to dump the gory details on his friend, but the truth was that his father had disowned his only son. “I did hear from Melissa.”
“So, she’s still handling your legal affairs?”
“Yeah, she said my dad’s attorney told her that my dad’s getting rid of anything that reminds him of my mother.”
“That must be tough on him.”
“He’s even selling the businesses. The hotels and inns they’d owned together are either for sale or going up for auction.” He paused. He could trust Steve to keep his plan under wraps. “That’s why I’m in Whispering Slopes.”
“Whispering Slopes—the ski resort in the Shenandoah Valley? The Black Bear Inn, wasn’t that your mother’s favorite place?”
He smiled. Steve had always been a good listener. “Yes, it was. My father’s putting it up for auction and I plan to make an offer. I’ve got a healthy nest egg saved, as well as my trust account. Hopefully it will cover the cost. There’s no way I’ll let strangers take over the inn. It meant too much to my mother.” He paused as the ache of losing her bubbled to the surface. “It’s all I have left of her.”
“I understand. Do you think he’s too angry at you for leaving his firm to gift the place to you?”
Joshua slid into the leather club chair next to the fireplace. “Angry isn’t the word for it.” Despite Steve being his best friend, it was tough to admit his own father thought he was a loser. He glanced out the window. The outdoor spotlight exposed a gathering of seven white-tailed deer on the grounds below.
The silence lingered for a couple of seconds. Joshua hadn’t meant to make his friend uncomfortable “It’s all good. I’m going to buy this inn and the surrounding property. My plan is to redevelop it and make it a five-star resort.” Although Faith and her daughter would present a bigger problem than he anticipated, he wasn’t backing down—he couldn’t. “It’s going to be the best resort on the East Coast.”
“I have no doubt it will. But one thing, how will you keep your father from finding out about your plan?”
Joshua straightened his shoulders. “His lawyers will handle everything since he’s out of the country right now. Besides, Melissa will place the bid on my behalf. I’ll be behind the scenes, so she’ll handle everything. Dad will never know who bought it until long after the deal is sealed. By then, there won’t be anything he can do.” At least he hoped there wouldn’t be.
Steve chuckled. “It sounds like you’ve got a good plan.” He paused for a moment. “I’m surprised Melissa is still working as your attorney. After all the years she pined over you, you married Jessica, her best friend. I figured she’d moved on.”
Joshua had never tried to lead Melissa on. They’d known each other since high school and only dated briefly during their junior year. She was a little too high-strung for his taste. Plus, God wasn’t first in her life. “Well, she knows her stuff when it comes to the law.”
Before ending the call, the two friends promised to make an effort to talk more often. Joshua hung up and walked toward the window. It was spitting snow. Jessica never liked the snow. She preferred white sandy beaches and crystal-blue water. His stomach turned as he thought of her. He’d believed he’d known her, especially since they’d dated for three years before they were married. But as soon as she found out he’d quit his job, she’d walked. Right into more money. Five years of marriage and she left me for some rich guy. He mauled his face with his free hand, picturing her on an island in the Caribbean.
He didn’t feel so hungry after all.
* * *
The following morning, after a shower and shave, Joshua donned a black polo shirt and tan slacks before zipping downstairs to the dining room for a quick breakfast. After seeing the snow last night, he couldn’t wait to hit the slopes. He’d had a restless night thinking about Faith’s home on the property. He needed to clear his mind.
He relaxed his shoulders when he stepped inside the dining room and noticed it wasn’t nearly as crowded as last night. He could deal with out-of-town guests, but the locals were more inclined to ask questions.
He strolled through the dining area. Red cedar beams extended along the ceiling. A large stone fireplace in the center of the room emitted an orange glow, providing a warm and cozy focal point. The aroma of sizzling bacon caused his stomach to rumble.
Sliding into the empty table next to the large windows covering the entire back wall, he knew why this had been his mother’s favorite place. The panoramic views of the slopes were incredible. Bringing the outside in was a very nice touch...this was something he’d have to keep in mind during the renovations.
Moments later, a petite woman with hair as white as cotton approached him. With a stubby orange pencil tucked behind her ear, she carried a pot of coffee—just what he needed.
“Well, good morning. Joshua, isn’t it? I’m Mrs. Watson. I’m sorry I missed you at dinner last night.” She wiped her hands down the front of her red-and-white-checked apron and extended her right hand.
After learning Faith lived on the property and thoughts of Jessica, he’d lost his appetite. “I decided to turn in early.”
“Bella told me Faith got you settled into your room.” She flashed a toothy grin. “You certainly impressed our little girl. She went on and on about how you rescued her in the woods as though you were a superhero.”
She sure could talk. Taking advantage of her pause, he stood and shook her hand. “Yes, I’m Joshua. I’m not so sure about the superhero bit, but I’m glad I arrived when I did.”
Mrs. Watson released a heavy sigh. “Amen!”
“I’m anxious to get out on the slopes this morning.”
Mrs. Watson filled his cup to the brim with a piping hot dark-roast blend. “Conditions are excellent this morning. We picked up several inches of snow overnight.”
“I noticed it coming down at a pretty good clip before I went to bed last night.” He glanced toward the lobby and saw Faith dressed in a lemon-lime ski suit.
Mrs. Watson turned and pointed. “Faith’s getting ready to go out with some of the guests, if you’re interested. She organizes all types of outdoor activities for our snow lovers.”
He preferred to ski alone, but since he wasn’t familiar with the slopes, it might be a good idea to go with a group. Plus, it would be a good opportunity to get some valuable information about the resort from Faith. “It sounds like fun. Are you sure she won’t mind another person?” His eyes shifted to the lobby, but she was gone.
“Oh, no, she loves when the guests participate. Why don’t I put in your breakfast order while you go let her know you want to join the group? They’ll be heading out within the hour.”
Joshua smiled. “Perfect.”
“You know, she’s quite the skier. She’s won several big competitions in the state.”
“Really?” He wasn’t too surprised. She had an athletic build, like a runner.
“She’s a great instructor if you’re just learning.”
“I’ve been skiing since I was a boy, so I won’t need lessons.” His stomach grumbled. “Now, about my order—I’ll have a cheese omelet, two slices of toast and some of that delicious-smelling bacon.”
She scribbled on her pad and stuck the pencil behind her ear.
“Faith should be in her office.” She turned and scurried toward the kitchen.
Joshua grabbed his coffee and headed toward the lobby. The young couple he’d seen yesterday when he’d first arrived headed out the front door, each carrying a sled. He liked the idea of the inn offering many outdoor activities for its guests. He’d do the same, but his plans would be on a much grander scale.
Although the door to Faith’s office was open, he gently knocked.
She looked up with a half smile that quickly disappeared.
He gripped his cup with both hands. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”
She rested her pen on the desk and stood. “Don’t be silly—come in.”
He hesitated for a moment before entering her office. Her ski pants swooshed as she crossed the room to meet him halfway. A faint scent of his ex-wife’s favorite cologne tickled his nose. Somehow it smelled different on Faith. Better.
“What can I do for you?”
“Mrs. Watson mentioned you were taking a group out skiing this morning.”
Faith crossed her arms across her chest. “Yes... I am.”
“Do you have room for one more?”
