Page 9 of A Christmas Duet

“Great. There’s snow, but the roads are clear.”

“Good to hear,” Katherine said, and then added, “Listen, my mom found out that my uncle didn’t make it to the cabin this summer after all.”

“Okay.” Hailey wasn’t certain why that should matter.

“The thing is, it sounds like it’s been a while since anyone has visited. I don’t know what condition you’ll find the cabin in.”

“No worries,” Hailey assured her. “As long as there’s water and electricity, I’ll be fine.” Then, thinking she should reconfirm both, she asked, “You did say your grandma had the electricity turned on, right?”

“For sure.”

“And there’s water, right?”

“Of course. It’s from a well, although that’s connected to the electricity, but Grams assured me it was turned on, so you don’t have anything to worry about.”

“Then I’ll be perfectly fine.” Little could dampen her good mood. Whatever minor inconveniences awaited her, Hailey would adjust.

“I don’t know if I mentioned that my great-grandfather built the cabin back in the 1960s.”

Hailey couldn’t remember if Katherine had or hadn’t. She did say something about it being in the family for years.

“I want to warn you, it’s no resort,” Katherine added.

“In other words, you’re telling me it’s rustic.”

“Rusticis a good word.”

“I wasn’t expecting anything more,” Hailey told her, unsure why Katherine seemed to be having second thoughts.

“Good, that relieves my mind. Remember, if you run into problems, head to the store I mentioned in Podunk. Thelma will help if you need anything.”

“Good to know. Thanks again, for everything,” Hailey said, her spirits high on this adventure.

Their conversation continued to fade in and out with spotty coverage. It seemed Katherine wanted to tell her something more, but unfortunately, Hailey caught only a word here and there. If it was important, she was sure her friend would text or try again later. It seemed Katherine was intent on warning her on what to expect. Hailey had no expectations. Whatever awaited her, she’d figure it out.

Hailey put the thought out of her mind. She wasn’t a diva who required luxury accommodations. Rustic was perfect. She had her guitar, warm clothes, and enough food supplies to last a few days in case she got snowed in. Her confidence was high.

By the time she turned off the main road, dusk had settled. She was grateful for the detailed directions Katherine had given her.

“Take a right after the sixth mailbox off HorseshoeLane. The road is gravel and might be covered in snow, but the turn is unmistakable,” Katherine had said.

Hailey had written everything down and repeated it to be sure she got it right.

“The dip in the road across from the apple orchard is the next turn. Follow that road and it will take you directly to the cabin.”

After counting the mailboxes, Hailey made the first turn and then paused to review the route. If she made a wrong turn, she might not be able to turn around. She sighed with relief when she spotted the two neat rows of bare trees. This had to be the apple orchard Katherine had mentioned.

The terrain made a steep climb from that point. Although her friend hadn’t mentioned how far the cabin was from the apple orchard, she’d said it was a straight shot. Hailey continued down the gravel road for what seemed like several miles. Wherever this cabin was located, it was more secluded than she’d expected, as she didn’t see any other homes or structures along the way. Just when she feared she’d taken the wrong road, the cabin showed in her headlights.

And what a cabin it was. This was far and away more than Hailey had hoped to find. The entire building was made of logs and had a large wraparound porch with a wide stairway leading to the front door. The upper storyhad three dormers. The sheer size of it took her breath away. Katherine had mentioned that the entire family had gathered there for summers, but the size hadn’t clicked in Hailey’s mind. The log cabin was massive.

Hailey sat in the car for several moments, almost dizzy with excitement. When she couldn’t stand waiting any longer, she opened the car door. It was perfect, simply perfect. She didn’t know why Katherine sounded concerned. This cabin was incredible. A movement caught her attention and a deer darted into the forest that surrounded the log cabin. A deer. She saw a deer. Her heart leaped with joy. If she needed a sign that she’d made the right decision, this wasit.

Reaching for the flashlight, she started up the stairs, key in hand. The door clicked open without a problem, and she stepped inside and fumbled for the light switch. Katherine had mentioned there was one to the left of the front door.

Slapping her hand against the wall, it took her a minute to locate it. She frowned at the scratching sound coming from the other side of the room. Her fingers anxiously flicked the switch.

Nothing.

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