Page 41 of Under the Northern Lights
“You eat fish,” Aurora pointed out.
“Already skinned and cooked and laying atop a bed of rice.”
Aurora glanced toward the lodge, catching sight of Gage through the wall of windows. He was standing by the table talking to his mother. “Emmy, thank you for checking on me. It means a lot. But I need to go. Gage is taking me out in search of more wildlife to photograph.”
“Have fun,” her friend replied.
“I will. Talk soon,” Aurora said. Ending the call, she slid her phone back into her coat pocket and then made her way inside.
“Hello,” Constance greeted with a warm smile.
“Hello,” Aurora replied.
“What a surprise to hear you’ve decided to extend your stay here.”
She nodded. “It was a last-minute decision. After going out in the UTV with Gage yesterday afternoon, I realized there’s a wealth of photographic opportunities still waiting for me here.”
“Will staying on be an issue for you with your job?” Constance asked.
“I’m pretty much self-employed. And as far as my magazine assignment I came to Alaska for, as long as I have internet service, I’m good.”
“How nice that you can travel about while you work,” his mother said as she reached for the basket on the table beside her. “Here’s the picnic lunch I fixed for you.”
“That was really thoughtful of you,” Aurora said with a grateful smile as Gage took the wicker basket from his mother.
“I have always loved a picnic,” Constance said. “Whether it’s overly warm out or briskly cold. It’s all about being outside and appreciating nature with someone you enjoy being around. And one important thing to remember while you’re sitting there on a picnic, surrounded by nature and whatever food you’ve brought along, is to take a moment to soak in your surroundings.” She sighed, as if remembering all the picnics she had gone on.
“I’ve never been on one,” Aurora admitted.
“Never?” Gage said in surprise.
Aurora shook her head. “No, but I do appreciate being away from all the noise and craziness of the city. I like soaking up the peace and tranquility and beauty of nature that most people tend to take for granted.”
“Then I’m so glad you will get to experience one before you go home.” Gage’s mother clapped her hands together. “Okay, you have your picnic lunch. Gage, be sure to grab a blanket, one of the waterproof-bottomed ones, on your way out. You wouldn’t want any of the dampness leftover from the recent rain to soak through.”
“I thought we would eat in the UTV,” he replied. “The seats are comfortable enough. And no worries about our pants having water seep into them.”
His mother frowned. “Gage Weston, have I taught you nothing?”
His dark brows lifted. “What did I do?”
She shook her head. “If you’re taking a girl on a picnic, you don’t eat your food seated in a utility vehicle, comfy seats or not.”
“This isn’tthatkind of picnic,” he said determinedly, brows drawn in consternation. Gage looked at Aurora, a look of frustration on his handsome face.
“I’m sure she knows that,” Aurora said as she stepped over to peek under the flap of the basket Gage was holding clutched in his sturdy grip. She had come to learn that the best tactic in an uncomfortable situation was to redirect focus to something else. “This looks and smells delicious,” she said as she released the lid.
Gage’s mother smiled. “The cookies are fresh out of the oven.”
Aurora looked up at Gage. “I’d really like to see what it’s like to experience a real picnic, blanket and all. But you’re already taking up your time to show me around, so I’m happy to have lunch wherever makes you the most comfortable.”
“I’ll go grab a blanket,” he said, setting the basket back onto the table and walking off.
“Thatta girl,” Constance said, sounding quite pleased. “Sometimes men just need a little push to get them out of their stale old comfort zone.”
“Julia told me about Jess,” Aurora admitted.
“Oh dear,” Constance said with a soft groan. “That wasn’t really her place to bring up.”
