Page 28 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

Braden glanced at his watch. “In ten minutes or so. She thinks we’re meeting for a romantic high tea.”

Connor snickered. “That in itself should make her suspicious. You’re not the tea emporium type of guy.”

“That’s not true!” Braden protested. “Just because I’m into outdoor adventures doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the finer things. I’m a Renaissance man.”

Just as Connor opened up his mouth to dispute his brother’s comment, he spotted Ella walking into the tea shop. She was carrying a gaily wrapped present in her arms. Trudy Miller, Piper’s mother, greeted her at the door and whisked her toward the coatroom. Connor stood up straight an

d smoothed his hair back.

“Has something gotten your attention? You haven’t heard a word I said.”

He turned back toward Braden. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

Braden was shaking his head and chuckling. “She’s very pretty. Ella, right?”

“Yes. She really is,” he answered, not bothering to pretend as if he hadn’t been distracted by Ella’s arrival. “I haven’t known her very long, but she’s different from any woman I’ve ever met.” He felt sheepish admitting it. “I probably sound ridiculous. Most people view me as this perpetual bachelor, don’t they? I’m not supposed to have feelings.”

“I’m not most people, Connor. I’m your brother. I happen to like this side of you. And I wish more people could see that your greatest asset is that big old heart of yours.”

“It’s my own fault for always playing it cool. That gets old after a while,” he admitted. He couldn’t blame others for viewing him in a certain way when he’d earned the title. Now he was hoping to go a different route. Lately, he’d prayed a lot about it, asking God to shoulder him through his journey.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

The passage from Proverbs 3:5–6 had been his cornerstone as of late. He’d been reciting it every day without fail.

“Just remember, it’s never too late to change,” Braden said. “Follow your heart. That’s what I did with Piper.”

Follow your heart. That’s what it boiled down to. His head over his heart. All the doubts he had about Ella had prevented him from pursuing her romantically. But in doing so, wasn’t he coming from a place of fear and suspicion? It felt as if he was allowing his own family’s tragic past to shape his actions. Just because one person had done a horrible thing didn’t mean he should be suspicious of all strangers. Was he biased against Ella because of Sage’s kidnapper, a single woman who’d come to town and stolen his baby sister? Was he allowing a twenty-five-year-old tragedy to cloud his judgment?

“You’ll figure it out,” Braden said, clapping him on the shoulder. “I’m going to check in with Piper just to make sure she’s running on schedule.” He held up his cell phone as he walked toward a private area.

Just then, Ella walked into the main tearoom wearing a cornflower blue dress and a pair of black heels. She radiated a bright and festive air. She looked over at him and waved, right before heading in his direction.

“Hey, Connor. I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Not as surprised as I am to be here,” he said with a laugh.

“I’ve never been to a coed shower, but I like the idea of it. Why shouldn’t your brother share in the revelry?” She looked around. “Should we be getting in position to hide? Sage said this is a surprise party.”

“Braden is checking in with Piper. She’s supposed to arrive anytime now.”

“It was nice of your sister to invite me. I’m afraid I don’t know Piper very well. I think Sage felt sorry for me since I’m new in town.”

“No, that’s not it at all. She was a newbie in town once, so she knows how it feels to be out of the loop. Plus, I saw you hanging out at the dog mushing event with Piper, so you’re not strangers. What you might not have realized yet is that you’re really not an outsider for very long in Owl Creek. You’re part of the fabric of this community now.”

A grin broke out on her face. “That’s good to hear. It makes me feel better that I decided to come today. I almost chickened out.”

“I’m awfully glad you didn’t. Seeing you was a nice surprise for me.” As soon as the words tumbled off his lips, he wondered if his comment sounded sappy. Or too flirty? Just as Ella opened her mouth to say something, Piper’s mother raised the alarm.

“Piper is right around the corner. Everybody hunker down,” Trudy shouted.

Everyone began shuffling around and ducking out of sight. Connor found himself crouching down beside Ella behind a table. They were so close together he could smell a sweet aroma emanating from her dark tresses. He could hear the light sound of her breathing. Their faces were so close to one another that Connor could see the light flecks in her brown eyes. From where they were hiding, he could see Braden walking toward the entrance to greet Piper. The room was eerily quiet as Piper walked in and Braden welcomed her with a tender kiss. As soon as Braden led her toward the dining room and uttered the words, “You look lovely,” all of the guests popped up and shouted, “Surprise.” Piper looked around the room with an expression of utter shock stamped on her face. She then burst into tears. Braden lovingly placed his arm around her as she thanked everyone for gathering in her honor.

Connor looked over at Ella. A look of pure radiance emanated from her. Seeing her so happy and at ease caused a groundswell of emotion to rise up inside him. It was evident she was starting to feel a sense of belonging, despite second-guessing her invitation.

If he hadn’t fully realized it before, it was now stunningly obvious. Ella Perez had a hold on him. And for the life of him, he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

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