Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune

Author:Belle Calhoune [CALHOUNE, BELLE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2024-03-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Last stop on the Moose Falls tour,” True announced as they pulled up to a log cabin–style home surrounded by an abundance of trees. Furls of smoke emanated from the chimney, making the home seem cozy. Xavier thought it was a beautiful place, the very image of an Alaskan storybook home snuggled in a peaceful woodland setting. He even caught a glimpse of majestic-looking mountains looming in the distance.

“Where are we?” he asked. He had a hunch it was True’s home, but he didn’t want to assume she would take him there as part of his Moose Falls tour. If so, he was honored. The place was spectacular.

She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. “My place. I figure introducing you to Jaylen will score me major points. And you can give him that jersey yourself.”

He was pretty blown away that True had brought him home. She was a private person, and he was now being invited into her world. He knew better than to overthink the gesture. True’s motivation was clear. She would do anything for her baby brother.

“That’s a great idea. Can’t wait to meet him.”

Xavier didn’t know why he felt nervous as they headed inside. So far, today had been amazing. Seeing Moose Falls through True’s eyes had been an eye-opener. He now knew what mattered to her most of all in this little Alaskan town. He wanted to uncover everything about this woman, one day at a time. Xavier sensed she didn’t reveal herself to most people, so he suspected this was a bit of a big deal.

“I’m home,” True called out as she pulled off her boots. Xavier followed suit and yanked his own off before placing them beside True’s on the mat. Xavier looked around his surroundings. The immediate impression of True’s home was comfort and warmth. True had made a home for herself and Jaylen. Earthy tones. Nothing too fancy. The smell of baking cookies wafted in the air, a sensory delight that caused his stomach to grumble.

Shuffling feet heralded the arrival of an older woman with a kind face and a shock of white hair. “Hey. We’re in the kitchen baking cookies. Our last batch is about to come out,” she said, smiling at them.

“Hi, Annie. This is my friend Xavier.” True turned toward him. “This is Annie Swenson. She’s Jaylen’s sitter.”

“You’re one of Hattie’s grandsons, aren’t you?” Annie asked, her blue eyes twinkling. “She’s talked a lot about you over the years.”

“Nice to meet you, Annie,” he said. Once again here was further proof that Hattie had held him and his brothers in her heart for all these years. He didn’t think he could possibly feel any guiltier for being absent from her life. So many questions were burning inside him. How had everything gotten so messed up?

“Annie! The timer went off.” A child’s voice called out from the kitchen. When Xavier and True walked in, Jaylen’s jaw dropped. He began to babble nonsensically. He couldn’t take his eyes off him.

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