Page 4 of Beauty and the Beard

“You must be Mr. Montpellier. Your friend booked you for a month. What is it you’ve come here to do for a month?”

While he speaks he’s flipped open a reservation book and made a note. Behind him is an honest to god key rack, and heplucks one off. A giant wooden maple leaf is attached to the key with the words, ‘Cabin Number Three’ on it.

Lord, the quaint charm about a paper reservation book and an old fashion door key warms my soul. Sure, I wasn’t overly impressed by the exterior a few moments ago, but since stepping inside, it’s hard to resist the comforting pull of the place.

“Uh, I just needed out of the city. Explore nature. That sort of thing.”

Again, his gaze roams over me, and I don’t know if it’s good or bad.

“Pete will show you to your cabin. I hope you don’t mind not being in the main building. Your friend said you were looking for quiet, so I gave you the best place I have.”

My cheeks warm under his gaze with the knowledge he gave me the best room here. Hospitality so far is a five-star rating.

“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“You’ll find the meal service times in your room. Dinner tonight starts at 5 P.M. Just show up before 6 P.M. and you’ll get fed. If you have any questions, I’m always around.”

I take the proffered key from his hand, and he waves a goodbye to us.

Pete smiles and hefts my bag back up.

“You’ll love Cabin Three.”

Back outside we go, and I make sure to take one of my smaller bags at least. Pete chatters as we walk down a path to a hidden beach and I gasp.

“This is beautiful.”

A sandy beach lies ahead with three small cabins tucked at the edge of the forest. Each little cabin has its own tiny porch with a hammock on a stand. Firepits are set up on the beach and there are solar light poles scattered along the path. I bet that will be pretty at night time.

Hopping up the steps to Cabin Three, I turn the key, and a new thrill courses through me. I’ve never stayed in a cabin before. It’s not much bigger than my apartment, but I fall in love with it immediately. The cabin is one giant room with a bathroom at the back. After dropping my bags at the door by Pete, I rush to the ladder leading up to a loft.

“Is the bedroom up here?”

My voice squeaks and Pete nods.

“You can sleep up there if you’d like or on this thing here.” He walks over to a box that I thought was a closet and turns the latch. With a tug, a bed slides out and settles on the floor.

“This is the coolest thing ever!”

I can’t decide if I want to roll on the secret bed from the wall or climb up into the loft made for cool kids.

“I’ll let you get settled, but be sure you get over to the lodge for dinner. If you want food for the cabin while you’re here, Leaf can arrange it for you. He’s always up at the main building if you need anything.”

“Thank you so much, Pete. And I’m sorry if maybe I came off as a snob earlier. It’s been an overwhelming day. A lot of new things have happened for me and sometimes I don’t know how to respond.”

“No apologies needed.” He assesses me and I feel like he might want to say something, but stops himself. “Just be sure to ask Leaf for anything. He loves a good customer experience. It’s important to him for you to enjoy yourself.”

“I will. Thank you again.”

With a wave, Pete leaves, closing the door behind him.

And I close my eyes to rest on the softest, most comfortable bed out of a wall and promptly fall asleep.

Chapter 2

Leaf

“Are you going to go check on him? I don’t think he’s used to this kind of getaway. He might need some guidance.”

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