Cheryl Harper - Her Unexpected Hero

“One more thing.” His stepfather ran a hand over his nape. “Your mother...” He shook his head. “It’s best not to mention the Kingfishers. All this circus about the canceled wedding gets her agitated. I haven’t been able to keep all the news from her but...” He sagged against the desk before forcing himself to stand tall. “Try not to upset her.”

When his stepfather left, Caleb tugged on his collar, ready for a shot of fresh, cool air. He’d had his doubts that Senior ever saw him as a son, but he understood the man loved his wife.

“I’ve been gone too long,” Caleb muttered. The ticking clock reminded him he had to get a move on. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”

Caleb unrolled the architectural plans. He’d seen the early drawing for the lodge at a board meeting six months ago. As he recalled, it had been glass. So much glass. So modern, perched high on the top of the mountain. When board meetings came up, he usually found some other obligation that could not be avoided. Job sites were fun. Board meetings were not, so he avoided them.

As he studied the revised drawings, flipping slowly through the sheets of paper as he absorbed the large-scale plans, Caleb could imagine the final structure, the way it would blend perfectly in the broad clearing surrounding the old weather station, nestled in the shadow of the peak of The Aerie.

For this setting, the facade was wood timbers. Airy central spaces backed by a solid wall of windows that would frame a view of The Aerie, one of the highest and rarest points in the reserve. Instead of perching on top of the rocky mountain, a placement that would require high infrastructure work, the architect had situated the lodge in the shadow of the mountain. Small arms shot off the central building, where luxury rooms and small cabins spread out, up and down the sides of the valley. “They should fade into the background.” And each one would have spectacular views. The Aerie. Down the valley. Old forest. And the shining water of Otter Lake, along with the morning mist, would attract visitors year after year.

If the Callaways had been hunting for a way to salt the family coffers, they’d found it.

Their first plan, to build on The Aerie to capitalize on the view, would have devastated so much of what made the place worth protecting. Ash Kingfisher’s insistence that destroying The Aerie was the wrong decision had handed them perfection. The Kingfishers had done them a favor, not that Whit or his stepfather would ever acknowledge that.

He’d take the plans and turn them slightly, insist on Tennessee stone and timber. Summit Builders had always focused on that Tennessee connection. This could be a true art piece built from Tennessee materials and history.

“So much money.” Caleb shook his head slowly. “How do they do it? Always land in the money.”

And he was going to enjoy building the thing, so there was no reason to say no.

Except for the Yarboroughs and their beautiful site overlooking the river. With hard work, luck and no interference, the timing could still work.

But then there was Winter Kingfisher.

Keeping her interested in anything except the lodge would be impossible, no matter what his stepfather ordered.

When she’d marched into his office, Caleb had been knocked sideways. She’d been as beautiful and put-together as she had been every time he’d appeared for a family photo opportunity, but she’d also been fiery and determined to save her brother’s job and the reserve.

The comparison between her impassioned defense and his stepfather’s reception was a stark contrast. In that instant, he’d been nearly certain that if Whit had managed to marry Winter Kingfisher, he’d have married up.

In terms of intelligence and strength of character, for sure. Now she owed Caleb and that was the only card he had that she might care about. Their maneuver meant a vindicated Ash Kingfisher was running the Smoky Valley Nature Reserve, all the while keeping an eye on the Callaways. Otter Lake was safe; Ash was Sweetwater’s hero. Would gratitude or guilt be enough for Winter to agree to lay low until the election?

He’d try both angles. He needed her cooperation, a smooth build and an accelerated timeline. Everyone could have what they wanted.

Except Winter.

Her engagement was over, and she no longer had the job she loved.

Could he convince her that she was actually better off that way? Caleb squeezed his eyes shut. It was easy to imagine her negative reaction if he tried that.

Caleb slowly rolled the plans back up and slipped them in the tube before he walked into the dining room.

“I was beginning to worry you’d decided to make a run for it, after all.” His mother’s warm smile was sweet as she pointed at his usual spot. “Cook made prime rib. I know it’s your favorite.” It wasn’t, but now wasn’t the time to correct her, so Caleb nodded. When he sat at her right hand, she gripped his hand hard. She knew his stepfather had broken the news. As always, she was determined not to discuss something so unpleasant as an unfavorable diagnosis.

“Whit, remind Winter I need a phone call or a text or something to let me know when she’s skipping dinner.” She tsked. “The lady works too hard. I hope once the wedding goes off like a dream that she’ll be able to slow down.”

Caleb met his stepfather’s hard stare and nodded. This was what Senior meant. His mother was mostly there with them, but she’d forgotten that the wedding was canceled. Reminding her would upset them all.

“Yes, Mama,” Whit mumbled and shook out his linen napkin before taking a sip of the wine next to his plate.

Something, maybe the tension in the air, was enough to clear away her confusion. His mother straightened in her seat and cleared her throat. “Right. I forgot for a second. Winter is no longer part of the family.” She forced a laugh. “That is due to having too much on my mind, gentlemen. There’s no need for such solemn faces. Everyone smile, I command it.” Her smile, Caleb noted, was genuine.

His mother motioned at them to continue their eating. “So, did you boys come to an agreement?”

“We did. I’m going to start the lodge, now that the plans are approved. Should be a fun build, with a few modifications.” Caleb met his stepfather’s stare. “Guess I better find a place to stay in Sweetwater.”

His mother’s frown seemed to be one of confusion, but eventually her smile returned. “Well, now, that lodge has been a long time in the making, hasn’t it? Once you get it open way up there on the top of the mountain, that is going to be a nice place to stay.”

Ever the optimist... For her, it was hard to imagine living outside of the comforts of home. Whit Callaway, Sr. respected Caleb’s mom, loved her and worked hard to make sure she had every creature comfort.

For those reasons alone, Caleb would smooth things over with his family.

Building the lodge would be an interesting project.

Staying one step ahead of Winter would be a real challenge.

For his mother, he’d absolutely give it his best.

Winter had dragged him into this mess. The least she could do is keep a low profile until Whit was elected. Selling her that would be the biggest challenge of his life.

CHAPTER THREE

“WELL, NOW, A birdie told me you might make a visit today,” Janet Abernathy said from her spot on the ladder’s third rung. “Bright and early for a Monday, too.” Winter eased closer as the ladder rattled, concerned her interview might be interrupted by her having to call for an ambulance. Janet was holding a framed painting with both hands, but Winter couldn’t see either a hammer or a nail, so her purpose was unclear. The subject of the painting was enough to freeze Winter in her tracks.