Page 46 of Under the Northern Lights
“If we have time, we can stop by Glady’s place to say hello before we fly back.”
“That would be nice.” She glanced his way. “Do we have time to fit all that in? I know Reed’s expecting you back.”
He smiled. “We should. Unless you get caught up in an all-day shopping spree. And if that happens, we’ll simply have to catch up with Glady on another trip.”
“Okay. That sounds like a good plan.”
“Come on,” Gage said, inclining his head, “I’ll walk with you to the start of the port shops and then head off to take care of retreat business.”
The port area in Juneau was filled with people scurrying about, mostly cruise passengers, according to Gage. Their haste was understandable, seeing as how time allotted in port was never enough for one to really take in all the beauty Juneau had to offer.
Women clutching various shopping bags hurried from one store to the next, while several men stood talking outside each of those stores. No doubt waiting for their significant others to finish up with their day’s purchases.
“So this is what the cruise port looks like when the ships are docked here,” Aurora noted with interest.
He nodded. “Pretty busy. The ships stop docking here by the end of September and won’t come back again until sometime in April. There’s a new agreement the town made with the cruise lines, limiting visitors brought in daily, with less allowed on Saturdays.”
“That’s so many people.”
Gage nodded. “Residents here were getting fed up with the post-pandemic crowds that were swarming the town and sought to change things. The agreement allows them to have both the income the ship passengers bring to Juneau, while also giving Juneau more of a community feel, rather than overwhelmingly touristy.”
“I can’t say that I blame the people who live here full-time for wanting to take back a little bit of their town,” Aurora said.
Looking around the busy street, Gage said, “This is why I choose to live on an island.”
“The most incredible little island,” Aurora agreed.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said and meant it.
“Well, hello there!”
Aurora looked down the sidewalk to see Mr. Wilson heading their way, his adorable companion, Bailey, at his side. She smiled and waved her greeting. “Hello!’
“Mr. Wilson,” Gage said with a nod of greeting.
“Hope you’re enjoying your stay here,” he said to Aurora as they stepped aside to converse for a moment on the busy sidewalk.
“I am,” Aurora replied. “Thank you.” She looked down at the golden retriever who had seated herself next to her owner. “Hello, Bailey. It’s so good to see you again.”
The dog’s tail thumped happily on the sidewalk.
“We’re just out for our daily walk.” Mr. Wilson looked down at his faithful companion.
“Aurora’s hoping to do a little browsing through some of our shops today,” Gage told him.
“Don’t let us hold you up,” Mr. Wilson replied. “Bailey and I need to finish our walk and get back to the diner. Glady is making us meatloaf.”
“Hers is the best,” Gage noted.
“Come on, girl,” Mr. Wilson said. “Rest time is over. Let’s go get our meatloaf.”
As if prompted by the promise of food, Bailey bound to her feet, tail wagging even harder.
Mr. Wilson looked their way. “Have a good rest of your day, you two.”
“We will,” Gage replied. “Same to you.”
Aurora and Gage had only continued on a short distance when she stopped in her tracks. “Do you smell that?” she asked Gage, her gaze sweeping the area. “Mmm ... whatever it is, it smells wonderful.”
