Page 15 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

“Yes. That place is her pride and joy. Piper is my husband Hank’s sister. She’s marrying my brother, Braden.”

Isabelle shook her head, feeling confused. “So, wait. Does that mean she’ll be your sister-in-law twice over?”

Sage chuckled. “Yes, it does. It’s a little confusing, but I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Piper. She already feels like my sister.”

Isabelle experienced a twisting sensation in the region of her heart. She knew all too well about the powerful bonds of sisterhood. Not being able to talk to her own sister made her feel as if she was missing her right arm. She fought past the lump in her throat. “That’s wonderful. A sister is a lifelong treasure.”

“I agree,” Sage said with a smile. “She would be thrilled to have you there. Please join us.”

“Oh, no,” she exclaimed. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on such an intimate gathering of friends and family.”

“You’ll be an invited guest, Ella. In Owl Creek we don’t stand on ceremony.” She crossed her hands in prayerlike fashion. “Please come. It will give you an opportunity to meet some very special people. I know firsthand what it feels like to be a stranger in a new town. It’s not easy.”

Isabelle heard the sincerity in Sage’s voice. It sounded like she had been in Isabelle’s shoes at one point in her life. That knowledge made her feel even closer to Sage, even though they had only recently met. And although she didn’t want to admit it to herself, she yearned to find friends in Owl Creek. The idea of attending a party at the tea shop and meeting the residents in a festive setting was extremely appealing to her.

Just then Iris returned with a little white box tied up with black ribbons. “Here are the lemon bars. Enjoy them,” she said, handing them over to Isabelle.

“Thank you, Iris,” Isabelle said. “What a thoughtful gesture.” With every kind act performed by one of the residents of Owl Creek, her heart began to open up a little more to the idea of becoming a member of this community. Their generosity filled up her soul.

“I hope to see you at the town festivities this weekend. Dog mushing. Crepes. Ice cream. Arts and crafts.” She clapped her hands together. “You’ll have a ball!” With a smile, Iris turned back toward the dining room and began stopping at tables and checking in on her customers.

Isabelle looked over at Sage. “If you’re sure it’s okay, I’d love to come to the party,” Isabelle said. Joy fluttered in her chest. It was so nice to feel included. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d attended a social event. Her entire life had collapsed in an instant back in Miami, and her world had gotten very small.

“Great!” Sage said, clapping her hands together. “The party is a week from this Saturday at noon. Don’t worry about bringing a present. Only your presence is required. And don’t forget it’s a surprise.”

“Perfect. I really need to get to the shop before the staff thinks I’ve gone missing.” With a wave of her hand, Isabelle strode toward the exit. As she made her way down the street, Isabelle’s heart felt lighter than it had been in months. So far, today was shaping up to be a banner day. Even though her transition from her old life in Miami felt a bit shaky at times, she had to concede that certain things were moving her in a good direction. Perhaps happiness was in her future. If she could just manage to keep looking forward and not dwell on the past, maybe it would be within reach.

When the sign for the chocolate shop came into view, Isabelle’s thoughts turned to Connor. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about him. Seeing him every day surely wasn’t helping matters. She let out a groan of frustration. If she had a checklist for a love interest, Connor would score a perfect ten. But she couldn’t imagine delving into a relationship with him, all while hiding her truths under the surface. The North family had been so good to her by employing her and encouraging her to become an integral part of Owl Creek. Pretending to be someone she wasn’t still felt wrong on so many levels, even though it had been borne out of necessity.

Even though she was safe in her new Alaskan life, Isabelle still had vivid nightmares about Saul’s death and the attempts on her life. In some of the dreams Isabelle hadn’t managed to flee the nightclub. Instead, she’d met the same end as Saul at the hands of Burke. She still felt broken about all she’d gone through. It was hard not to question whether she had done the right thing by testifying and agreeing to participate in the Witness Protection Program. It had turned her entire life upside down, as well as the lives of those near and dear to her. It still felt surreal to her to be living as Ella Perez.

She was still grieving the loss of Isabelle Sanchez. There was no way of knowing if she would ever get used to being this new version of herself.

* * *

Connor bit into his crab cakes and let out a groan. As usual, the menu at the Snowy Owl did not disappoint. Although he was no slouch in the kitchen, Connor couldn’t compete with the diner’s offerings.

Piper stood by the table, grinning at his reaction. “They’re good, huh?”

“If my brother wasn’t already marrying you, I might just propose so you could make me these for the rest of my life,” Connor said.

“That’s about as likely as a heat wave in December.” Braden North stepped up and wrapped his arms around Piper’s waist, then leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. “She’s taken.”

“I am indeed,” Piper said, grinning at her fiancé.

“Settle down, little brother.” Connor made a face at Braden. “I’m trying to eat my dinner. Take that kissy-face stuff to another booth.”

Piper rolled her eyes. “Let me know if you guys need anything else.” She walked off toward the kitchen with Braden by her side. Connor’s gaze trailed after them. He still couldn’t believe the lifelong best friends had fallen in love. Connor hadn’t seen it coming at all, but he knew they were as perfect for one another as a couple could be. Contentment shimmered off them in waves.

What would it feel like to know his destiny was tied up in another human being? He imagined it would be epic. When he looked at Braden, it seemed as if his brother’s heart had grown by leaps and bounds. Loving Piper had brought out the very best in him. Hank had said the same about his sister.

Knowing he needed to focus on why he’d met up with his best friends for dinner, Connor turned back to Hank and Gabriel sitting across from him at the table. “Okay, now that they’re gone we can keep planning the bachelor party.”

“I’m not sure about your idea. It doesn’t sound fun to me. Maybe we can stage an elaborate game night,” Hank suggested.

Connor groaned. “Come on, guys. Have a little creativity. This is supposed to be my little brother’s prewedding send-off. Who wants to sit around playing checkers?”

Gabe let out a snort. “No one said anything about checkers. We just don’t think Piper would appreciate placing her husband-to-be in any jeopardy.”

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