Page 29 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

With the bridal shower tea party in full swing, Ella couldn’t think of a time when she’d had more fun celebrating an upcoming wedding. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she couldn’t rein herself in. Being at Piper and Braden’s celebration made her feel included. Seeing the couple being celebrated by the whole town was heartwarming.

Connor was one of the good guys, and he deserved far better than a woman who might spend the rest of her life hiding her true identity. Connor came from a strong, loving family who lived their lives out in the open. He wasn’t a man who abided secrets. He’d told her as much when he had spoken about Sage’s abduction. A man like Connor North wouldn’t want to have anything to do with her if he knew she was living a lie.

The other day had been a nerve-racking experience until Connor had later informed her that her picture wasn’t going to be placed online on the company website. He’d agreed to only list her name and her award. She couldn’t help but feel that he’d sensed her extreme discomfort and made an adjustment. Isabelle had quickly contacted Jonah to update him on the news. Although the U.S. Marshal had clearly been relieved by the update, he’d been very firm in telling her to keep her guard up and to continue to stay alert to any potential situations that might compromise her identity. Getting reassurance from Jonah that she was safe made all the difference in her state of mind. It had allowed her to attend the bridal shower and cast her fears aside, at least temporarily.

At the moment she was trying to enjoy the festivities and bask in the happy vibe in the air. She took a sip of her tea, marveling at the unique taste and the elegant gold-and-pink teacup and saucer. There were so many lovely details here on display. The refreshment table was filled with finger sandwiches, scones, croissants and tarts. A two-tiered cake had been placed in the center of the table. A plentiful assortment of teas sat on another table. Everything was lavishly displayed in soft and inviting colors.

“It’s so great to see you here.” Ella turned toward Rachel, who was standing alongside her with her mother-in-law in tow. Iris reached out and enveloped Isabelle in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad to see you’re making yourself at home,” Iris gushed. “There will always be a table for you at Tea Time.”

“That’s so kind of you to say, Iris. Everything is so beautiful here. I love this lavender tea. I’ve never had anything quite like it.” Isabelle took another sip of the fragrant tea.

“It’s also a favorite of mine. We actually have favors with tea packets inside, so you can take some samples home with you,” Iris said.

“That’s a perfect party favor,” Isabelle answered. She looked over at the refreshment table, where Connor was standing with his parents.

“He’s a good-looking man, isn’t he?” Iris asked, jerking

her chin in Connor’s direction. She turned her gaze to Isabelle, shooting her a questioning look.

“Umm, yes. He’s all right, I suppose,” Isabelle said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

She knew how small towns worked. If she raved about Connor’s dark good looks, the townsfolk would soon be talking about her and how the new girl in town was crushing on the heir to the North Star Chocolate Company. Her face felt flushed just thinking about how embarrassing it would be if Connor got wind of any chatter. She was supposed to be keeping her head down and maintaining a low profile. Being the subject of matchmaking schemes or gossips wouldn’t aid her objective.

“Just all right?” Iris asked in a voice full of outrage. “Ella, I think you might need glasses. Connor North is Alaskan eye candy.”

Rachel playfully swatted at her mother-in-law. “Iris! Stop it. You’re incorrigible.”

Iris stood up straighter and puffed her chest out. “I might be a woman of a certain age, but there’s nothing wrong with my eyesight. He’s as single as a dollar bill, Ella. And from the looks of it, he’s always ready to mingle. Beulah is hoping he’ll settle down and focus on one woman instead of hopping from woman to woman as he’s always done.”

Isabelle did her best to hide her discomfort. Although Iris clearly adored Connor, she wasn’t putting him in the best light. Clearly, Isabelle’s impression of Connor had been far from reality.

“He sounds like a player,” Isabelle murmured. She shouldn’t be surprised. Men who looked like Connor often had their pick of women. It didn’t hurt that he hailed from a prominent family and held an executive position at North Star Chocolates.

Rachel none too subtly jabbed Iris in the side. “We don’t want Ella to get the wrong idea about Connor. He’s a good man.”

“Of course he is. It’s not his fault he’s cut a huge swath through all the women in town. Ever since he was young, he’s been the object of every girl in town’s affection.”

“Umm, hello. Not mine,” Rachel interjected. “I always had my eye on a certain pilot.”

Iris leaned in and pressed a kiss on Rachel’s cheek. “Bless your heart. You sure did. My son is blessed to have you. I should scoot and replenish the refreshments. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Isabelle felt thankful for Iris and her chatty ways. Iris’s intel on Connor made her feel grateful that she hadn’t locked lips with Connor the other night. Clearly, he viewed women as conquests. She felt embarrassed that she’d thought Connor was interested in her. According to Iris, he played the field like a champion. She stuffed down the feelings of disappointment. It would have been an impossible situation between them anyway, but it rankled a little bit to realize she wasn’t special in his eyes.

“I wouldn’t quite describe Connor the way Iris did,” Rachel said, interrupting her thoughts. “My mother-in-law is very opinionated, so I wouldn’t take her words to heart. Everyone in Owl Creek adores Connor.”

Clearly, Rachel felt an allegiance to Connor, and she didn’t want Isabelle to think poorly of him. She appeared to be doing a bit of damage control.

Isabelle shrugged. “It’s not my place to judge him. I honestly don’t know him that well.”

“He’s a really good person. I’ve known him my entire life,” Rachel added. An earnest expression was stamped on her face.

She nodded her head but didn’t comment any further. She didn’t want to talk about Connor anymore. Iris had dropped a little bombshell on her. It served as a wake-up call and she was still trying to process what she’d learned. His past really wasn’t her business, although it did give her perspective.

For the remainder of the party Isabelle did her best to mingle and enjoy the festivities. She participated in a variety of games, even managing to win a round of bridal song trivia. Her prize was a large surprise packet that she couldn’t wait to dig into once she got home. It was thrilling, since she never won anything.

Piper made a point to seek her out during the party. Isabelle wasn’t expecting to receive a bear hug from the guest of honor, but it reinforced her feelings about the lively bride-to-be. She was just as sweet and kindhearted as Isabelle had imagined. Slowly but surely Isabelle was becoming a part of things here in Owl Creek. She didn’t feel quite so lonely anymore. Now, when she walked down Main Street, there were friendly faces who called out to her by name. Customers in the shop asked for her when they came through the doors. Although she still looked over her shoulder from time to time, Isabelle felt safe in her small Alaskan haven. She prayed that her identity was never compromised. She didn’t want to be forced to leave town as she’d feared a few days ago.

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