Page 4 of No Man Left Behind

“Look, Mom. I’m higher than I’ve been before.”

The boy’s feet were as high as Elina’s head, and her heart thumped.

Rachel smiled. “You’re awesome. How’s it feel up there?”

Owen looked around and then down. “Flups is so small from way up here. Hi Flups.”

The puppy, Flups, wagged his tail and bounced as if trying to reach his friend.

Rachel smiled at Elina. “He’s a floppy puppy. So Flups.”

“I love it. I’ve only been in town for a minute, but I think Flups’s name fits in nicely.”

Rachel kept her eyes on her son. “I agree. Are you visiting someone?”

Elina wasn’t about to tell a total stranger that she’d been driving across the country for the better part of a year looking for a man named Arrow. “I don’t have a current destination in mind. I saw the town’s name on a map and had to check it out. Are there any motels near town?”

“No motels, but we have a fantastic B&B that’s a couple of blocks away. It’s almost leaf-peeper season, but I bet they’re not fully booked until then.”

“I’m sorry, it’s what season?”

Owen rang a bell at the top of the wall. “I did it, Mom. I did it, Flups. Did you all see me?”

Elina and Rachel applauded while the puppy barked. Rachel pointed at her son. “Don’t get all puffed up with pride and fall on your butt. That would ruin the effect. Going down is a little tougher, so make sure you concentrate. If you need help spotting a hold, let me know.”

He nodded and started his descent. Rachel kept her eye on him but spoke to Elina. “People who come to look at the beautiful leaves in autumn are called leaf-peepers. Tourists come from all over the world to see Vermont in the fall.”

She hadn’t thought of the time of year, but it appeared her timing was good for a change. “I think I’ll be one of them. Can you point me toward the B&B?”

Rachel did, and they chatted until Owen was safely on the ground. Elina hopped back into her car and found the B&B exactly as advertised. The huge Victorian, with gingerbread trim and pots of flowers exactly like the ones outside the businesses on Phail Way, looked incredibly inviting.

She pulled into a small lot off the driveway and climbed the steps to a wide porch. Rocking chairs, a swing, and small tables graced the area. Welcoming and a perfect place to enjoy an evening.

A small sign pointed to the bell. “Welcome to Phail B&B. Please ring.”

The chime reminded her of a happy classical music piece and suited the atmosphere. In a few moments, a middle-aged man opened the door with a charming smile. “Welcome to Phail B&B. Come on inside.”

Chocolate scented the air as she followed the man into the lobby. A gorgeous antique roll-top desk served as a reception area. Everything was clean and inviting. A peek into the main room showed a huge fireplace, comfortable couches and chairs, and a grand piano. A perfect refuge.

“I don’t have a reservation. I actually drove here on impulse after seeing the town name on a map. I’m wondering if you have an available room for a few days.”

The man grinned. “Welcome to Phail. I’m Jim. My husband, Carl, and I own the B&B, and we most definitely have a room for you. I’m so glad you’ve found our town. You won’t be disappointed.”

In no time, she’d paid for three nights, and Jim was giving her advice on where to start her explorations. “We don’t have our official dinner service on tonight but the Saloon is open. And if nothing there appeals to you, Carl can whip something up for you. He won’t mind.”

Another man swung through a door in the back of the lobby carrying a tray of cookies. “What won’t I mind?”

Jim laughed and introduced them. “Elina booked in for a few nights. I told her that if nothing at the Saloon appeals to her, you wouldn’t mind fixing her up something to eat later.”

Her face flushed. “I’m not fussy. I’m sure I can find something at the Saloon.”

Carl held out the tray of cookies. “I bet you can, but if not, our kitchen is always open. I enjoy cooking for people who appreciate it, and I’m cooking for us, anyway. Have a few of these to tide you over. Then we’ll get you settled and let you explore our town.”

The two men bustled her up the stairs, insisting on carrying her duffel and showing her all the amenities. “Our friend Piper has a town website up if you want to check anything out but it’s not a big place. You can probably find everything on your own. If you get turned around, just ask anyone to point you in the direction of the B&B. Everyone knows where we are.”

Head and heart swirling a bit at the fatherliness of the two men, Elina decided to explore on foot. Phail Way Park appeared to be the center of town activity, so she headed back that way.

The pulled-together look of the town surprised her. Between the flower boxes, the cheerful shops, and the ridiculous names, it exuded small-town friendliness. It was more put-together than most of the places she’d explored over the last few months. Small-town America at its best.

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