Page 1 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
As I awaita group of tourists arriving for a five-day stay in Hawke's Ridge, I welcome the summer breeze drifting over the airport at Anchorage. Hawke’s Ridge is not only the name of the town where I live with my dad and seven brothers, but also the name of the Lodge we built and opened five years ago. Yes, you heard that right. I'm one of eight brothers, and we all play a role in running the Lodge. My youngest brother, Colton, has only been a permanent fixture for the past three months. He was too young to leave before that and wanted to stay and be there for Mom, who lives in Sugar Briar, Tennessee.
We take turns visiting her so she's never alone for too long. I guess we all get our independent streak from our father. Mom is one tough cookie, though, hence why she is still in Sugar Briar and dad is here in Alaska. Looking at her, you'd never guess that she gave birth to all eight of us. It's not something I dwell on too much because that's just too much information, you know?
Hawke's Ridge is a popular tourist spot, and I'm proud of that. It's a beautiful place with a lot to offer. It's an all-season Lodge. During the winter, only a Beaver or Cessna planes with skis can reach us. That's why I take advantage of picking up tourists with the bus whenever I can. I don't miss the city much when I'm home on the Ridge, but I do enjoy visiting occasionally, for a change of scenery.
My hair ruffles in the breeze as I catch sight of the Cessna 208 Caravan approaching the runway. It's carrying eleven women here for a bachelorette party. I wince at the thought. My brothers, Ryland, Hunter, and Garrett are looking forward to the next five days, which makes me chuckle. I can already imagine the chaos that will ensue. Personally, I'd rather work on my motorcycle than spend time with a group of women who are only interested in gossiping and drinking wine. This isn't the first bachelorette party we've hosted, and it won't be the last. That's why Dad and Spencer installed a couple of hot tubs on the back deck for the ladies to relax in while the guys hang out by the fire pit. It's worked so far.
We get hunters and fishermen at certain times of the year, as well as families looking for a break from city life. We're prepared for anything at this point. Our guests always leave happy and satisfied with their stay, especially those who get eaten out by my brothers.
As the airplanegently touches down on the runway, I wonder how long I'll be able to keep smiling. I've always dreamed of visiting Alaska, but when my boyfriend mentioned it to his sister, she thought I wanted to have my bachelorette party here. I couldn't imagine anything worse than spending my bachelorette party in Alaska with women I don't know and don't want to know. I didn't want a party. It's not my idea of fun. My idea of an idyllic setting is a cup of coffee, a good book, and a blanket over my lap while sitting on a porch with a view of snow-capped mountains.
My best friend, Jamaica, should be here, but my future sister-in-law didn't want to wait an extra week for her to return from a work trip. I had no idea that things were being booked until Richard told me that I was leaving in two days. I was furious and knew Samantha had done it deliberately.
The door of the small plane opens, and a nice breeze wraps around me. I wait until everyone else is off before moving into the doorway. I take a deep breath, step out onto the tarmac, and close my eyes, inhaling the fresh air. I'm in Alaska! Excitement runs through me, even as the stupid veil we all wear whacks me in the face, reminding me of the harsh reality—I’m getting married in a month.
"Are you okay?"
My eyes snap open at the sound of the masculine voice. Dark brown eyes stare into mine, and I forget where I am. I gaze at his handsome features—strong cheekbones and a short, dark beard covering his lips and jawline. He's a hot guy. He's tall, but everyone is tall compared to my five-foot-four frame. His long hair is tied back. I notice tattoos peeking out from under the sleeve of his shirt as my gaze moves downwards.
His deep voice rumbles through his chest as he repeats, "Are you okay?"
My eyes shoot upward, and I see his lips twitching with amusement while my face heats. I clear my throat. "I'm good.” I offer my hand. "Sofie Ryan."
He grins. "Maddox Hawke."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see something pink—Samantha. She wobbles toward us in her high heels and takes Maddox by the arm. "Tut-tut, Sofie. It's your bachelorette party. You need to let the single ladies talk to the delicious mountain men.” She tries to pull Maddox away, but he clenches his jaw, probably biting back a curse or two, before untangling himself.
"If you all get on the bus, I'll load the luggage." He nods and walks toward the pilot, who is unloading the plane.
Samantha turns my way. "My brother won't be happy about you flirting with the first guy you see."
I open and shut my mouth, knowing better than to argue with her. I don't curse. Well, I didn't curse until I met her. She's acting like she's jealous of me being with her brother, which makes no sense. I have my own money, so I'm not after Richard’s. I can cook. However, I don't like his family, which might become an issue. So far, I've accepted Richard pushing me to spend time with his sister, even though he knows I don't want to. Anything I want seems to have gone out the window. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about it.
Recently, I've been considering canceling the whole thing. The reality is that I don’t love Richard. In fact, on one or two occasions, I'm sure I haven't even liked him.
"Are you not getting on the bus?" The pilot breaks into my sad thoughts.
"I guess so." I don't make a move.
"If you want some free advice, you need a new set of friends."
I glance up at him, and he winces. "I might be the pilot, but I hear everything."
"They're not my friends."
"You don't want to be here?"
“I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska, but I wish I was here alone.” Sighing, I put one foot in front of the other and climb onto the bus. The only seats are toward the back, so I head in that direction. I leave two rows between them and me.
Maddox steps inside and quickly glances around. A frown appears on his face when he spots me alone at the back. He blinks, and the curiosity on his face disappears. Samantha and her friends bombard the guy with questions, but he only grunts in response. Eventually, he ignores them.
The bus finally falls silent.
I yank the stupid veil off my head and rub my scalp where the teeth dug in. I wince as I pull my hair free of the elastic holding it in a ponytail. I massage the back of my head and slowly turn my neck to get the kinks out. It's been a long, stressful day of traveling with this group.
As we leave Anchorage, I finally get to see some of the views I've dreamt about, and a small smile slips onto my face. Wide open spaces and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Along the highway, there are trees and green spaces. We travel over a huge body of water and pass through another large town before heading out into the wilderness again. This time, the highway is smaller, and there are tall trees along the road.
I struggle to keep my eyes open and surrender to the losing battle.
