Page 17 of An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek 2)

“I’ll do it soon, Gabriel. It’s a bit complicated. I don’t want any tension between us,” Rachel explained. “You know how Mama can be.”

He knew all too well how things could digress between them, but he also knew that Rachel would kick herself later for dragging her feet.

“It probably isn’t any of my business, but waiting is problematic. I know it’s overwhelming, but you can’t run away from this.”

She sucked in a shocked breath. “Like I ran away from Owl Creek? Isn’t that what you really want to say?” Her question crackled in the air between them.

“It’s a fair question, don’t you think?” Gabriel snapped, instantly wanting to take back his sharp tone when he saw Rachel’s reaction. He didn’t know why he’d said it. The words slipped past his lips before he could rein them back in.

Rachel’s eyes widened and her nostrils flared as if she’d smelled something rotten.

“Don’t worry about my mother,” she said curtly. “She’s not your concern, Gabriel. And regardless of what you think of me, I have no intention of bailing on her.”

She turned on her booted heel and began walking away from him, pushing the stroller at a fast clip. He opened his mouth to call her back, but quickly closed it. He didn’t even know what to say. How had things spiraled so quickly out of control between them?

He stood for a moment and watched Rachel until she disappeared through the doors of Clay with Me, the pottery store. A part of him wondered if he’d intended to pick at Rachel with his comment. It made him feel ashamed of himself. Despite his desire to put everything behind him, there was still something simmering just below the surface that rose up without warning at times like this. It was like a wound that hadn’t healed and continued to ache.

Perhaps he’d been kidding himself to think he could maintain a cordial relationship with Rachel with no complications. The past kept rising up to remind him of his hurts.

* * *

By the time she reached the North Star chocolate shop to drop off her flyers, Rachel felt as if her head might explode. How foolish she’d been to think she and Gabriel could get along so harmoniously with so much standing between them. It had only been a matter of time before harsh words were spoken. It annoyed her to no end that Gabriel seemed to be judging her based on the past.

She was muttering to herself as she entered the chocolate shop. The heady smell of sweets filled the air, serving as an immediate mood lifter. She paused for a moment to inhale the tantalizing aroma.

“Rachel! Come on in from the cold! You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Beulah, dressed in an elegant cream-colored sweater and matching slacks greeted her with enthusiasm. She was wearing her signature strand of pearls around her neck. Rachel couldn’t recall ever seeing her without them.

“Hi! I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you would be over at the chocolate factory.” As matriarch of the North family, Beulah was involved in all aspects of the running of the family’s chocolate company. Primarily, she worked at the production site which was down the street.

“I swing by the shop a few days a week just to check in. It’s a nice change of pace,” she said with a grin. “Are you in the mood for chocolate?” she asked, pointing to the counter where an assortment of chocolates was on display behind the glass. Rachel felt her mouth watering at the sight of white, milk and dark chocolates. Pecan clusters. Bonbons. Truffles. Nonpareils. Everything a chocoholic could ever want or need.

“I’ll never say no to chocolate,” she replied, trying to sound cheerful, “but I actually came by to see if I could hang up an advertisement on your community board. I’m in need of someone to help watch the girls part-time.”

“Of course you can, Rachel. We get a lot of foot traffic in here and I actually know a few people who might be interested. Lots of folks want to supplement their income.” She reached out and tweaked Rachel’s chin. “What’s wrong, my dear? You don’t look very happy. Is it your mother? I know it must be tough seeing her so unwell. Being a caregiver isn’t easy.”

She shook her head. “It’s not Mama. I just had cross words with Gabriel. One minute he’s full of charm and grace, then the next he’s like a snapping turtle.”

Beulah made a clucking sound. “I’m sorry to hear that. It certainly doesn’t sound like the Gabriel I know and love. He’s always been such a sweetheart.”

“I know I have a lot to atone for, Beulah. I didn’t expect to come back to a town that’s forgiven and forgotten. Gabriel most of all. But it’s a bit frustrating to feel like I’m always going to be judged by my past.”

“Don’t be too harsh on Gabriel. When you left Owl Creek he was beside himself. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a person more brokenhearted.” She patted Rachel’s hand. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad, but he truly suffered. Gabriel has always had a special place in my heart due to his friendship with Connor.”

She knew Beulah was right. Gabriel had always been a wonderful human being. Kind, loyal and sweet natured. It wounded her to even think about how he must have felt when she abandoned him on the eve of their wedding. It was understandable that he didn’t trust her not to run off again when times became tough. But at the same time, it hurt to know he viewed her in such a negative light.

“I fell in love with Gabriel due to his tender heart. But neither one of us is the same person we used to be. It’s clear my actions hardened him in some ways. Despite our past connection, we’re dodging all these minefields whenever we have a conversation.”

“Have you ever told Gabriel why you left?” Beulah asked gently. “Perhaps it might change the dynamic between you.”

She let out a huff of air. “No, I haven’t. I need to come clean with him.”

“He’s waited a long time for the truth,” Beulah said. “Telling him will set you both free. The two of you deserve nothing less.”

“I’m so glad I stopped in. You always have an uplifting word.”

Beulah chuckled. “I’m not sure everyone here in town would describe me that way, but I’m grateful for the compliment.”

The older woman walked behind the counter, then reached into her purse and pulled out an ecru-colored envelope. She held it out to Rachel. “I’ve been meaning to send this over to the house. Your mother received her invitation weeks ago, and I would love to have you at Sage and Hank’s wedding, as well. I would have included you earlier if I’d known back then you were returning to town.”

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