Chapter Six
CIARAN
Ciaran’s alarm buzzed at five-thirty. He got out of bed, stretched, and headed down the hall to shower. The hot water eased the aches in his body. Multiple days of sitting in the car had taken their toll on him.
After the hot shower, Ciaran dressed and repacked his clothes. He checked his watch, seeing it was six-forty-five, meaning he had fifteen minutes to put his things in his car before heading to breakfast.
He trudged through the snow. It had snowed all night, and now it came halfway up his tires.
I might need help to get it out of here.
He placed his bags in the trunk and made his way to Teddy and Geoff’s cabin.
Ciaran knocked and waited a few minutes before Geoff answered the door.
“Glad you could make it,” Geoff said. “Come on in.”
Ciaran took off his shoes and followed Geoff to the dining room, where the aroma of bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, butter, and syrup met him at the table.
“This looks amazing,” Ciaran said.
“Thank you,” Teddy said. “Help yourself. There’s plenty.”
Ciaran filled his plate and dug in. The pancakes were fluffy, golden, and the perfect temperature for him.
“So, are you stopping in Thistle on your way north?” Geoff asked.
“Yes,” Ciaran said. “I’m going to pick up another gift for my niece and nephew at the toy store and then drive up. I hope to make it to my parents’ by lunchtime.”
“That sounds great,” Teddy said. “I hope you get out of the area before the storm. It seems to be moving in faster than they’d expected.”
“I think I’ll be okay,” Ciaran said.
They finished up breakfast, and Ciaran patted his belly. It jiggled with each pat, and he laughed.
“I need to reduce this waistline,” he said.
“I think it’s cute,” Geoff said.
“I’d like to find a guy back home who thinks so.” He paused. “I guess I’d have to get out more before that can happen.”
“I’m sure you’ll find someone,” Teddy said. “You’re a smart and handsome man.”
“Well, of course, you guys would say that. You’re a couple.”
“We’re a couple, not blind.” Geoff laughed.
“Besides,” Teddy said, “we look like you. We wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true.”
“Thank you.”
After breakfast, Geoff helped him clear the snow from under the jeep’s tires and made a path for his vehicle to get out. Teddy and Geoff waved him off as he headed down the path back to Thistle. The snow drifted down, continuing to cover the road.
When he arrived in Thistle, Ciaran pulled over and noticed the toy store owner fiddling with the door to his shop.
“Oh, are you just opening up?” he called.
“Closing the shop for a few days,” Nicholas said.
“Why?”
“Didn’t you hear?” The man turned to face him. “There was a small avalanche. Blocked the road to the town. No one’s getting in or out. I’m taking a few days to relax.”
“Wait, there was an avalanche?”
“Yup, early this morning. It’s gonna take a while to clear. Hope you don’t have anywhere to go.”
Ciaran looked around. All the shops were closed, and the streets were empty.
“I’m supposed to head up to Canada to visit my family.”
“That road is the only way in and out of town. I’m sorry, young man, you’re stuck with us for at least a week.”
Ciaran swore under his breath. He wasn’t going to make it home. What would he do?
“Is there a hotel I can stay at?”
“The only place in town is the Cascade Inn, and they’re probably booked with guests who are stuck here with you. You can try, though. It’s just back the way you came. Take a right on Pine Street, and it’ll be on the left.”
“Thanks.” Ciaran looked at the shop. “Will you be opening back up in a few days? I want to get some more gifts for my niece and nephew before I leave.”
“I’ll be open on Saturday.”
“Great, see you then.”
Ciaran headed up the street and followed the directions to the Cascade Inn.
The parking lot was packed.
“There is no way they have a room.”
He found a spot and headed to the front desk.
“Welcome to the Cascade Inn. How may I help you?” A smiling man behind the counter greeted him.
“I don’t suppose you have a room?”
“I’m so sorry, sir. Because of the avalanche, we’re booked up.”
“Thank you.”
He turned to go.
“Sir, wait,” the man called. “There’s a chance The Bear Lodge has an opening. It’s run by a wonderful couple. Teddy and Geoff. They probably have a room.”
“I just came from there,” Ciaran said. “I was the only guest, but a night there is pricey.”
“With the avalanche and a storm coming in, I’m sure they’ll cut you a deal. Just check.”
“Thank you.”
Ciaran sat in his jeep, staring at his phone.
Do I really have another choice?
He scrolled to the number and called.
“The Bear’s Den bed-and-breakfast, Teddy speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hey, Teddy. It’s Ciaran. So, I have a dilemma. An avalanche has blocked the road out of town, and the inn is full. Would it be possible to rent a room with you guys until the roads are clear?”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Teddy said. “Of course. But we’re closing down the lodge to save energy. You’ll have to stay in our guest room. Would that be a problem?”
“No. I just need a warm place to stay.”
“Okay,” Teddy said. “Head back this way and we’ll get you settled in.”
“You’re a lifesaver. What will the cost be?”
“No charge,” Teddy said. “Just help around the house and we’ll call it even.”
“You guys are the best. I’m going to see if any shops in town are open and then head back.”
“If you get here before twelve, we’ll have lunch waiting.”
“I’ll be there. See you soon.”
“See you when you get here.”
Ciaran closed his phone and sighed. He had a place to stay. He got into his car, turned on the heater, and sat there.
I’d better call Mom.
“Hello?” came his mom’s voice.
“Hi Mom.”
“Oh, hi, dear. Are you on your way?”
He let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Mom. I don’t think I’m going to make it. The roads are closed because of a small avalanche.”
“Oh no. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It just blocked the road.”
“Thank God. Do you have a place to stay?”
“I’m staying at the bed-and-breakfast I was at last night. I’ll be fine.”
“Keep us posted on what’s going on.”
“I will. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, dear.”
Ciaran closed his eyes and leaned back. He was finally making it home for Christmas, and a one-night stay in Thistle ruined it.
On top of that, he’d be disrupting Teddy and Geoff’s holiday.
There was a pang of jealousy in the pit of his stomach.
A happy couple’s holiday was about to be ruined by a single man whose longest relationship was six months.
I hope I’m not too much of a burden.