Chapter 16
Naomi Renaud, Grandmother Elizabeth’s archenemy, who was no friend of Morgan’s either, took a tentative step toward her. “My home is without power.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I was…wondering, do you have a room at your bed-and-breakfast? I need a place to stay.”
“Unfortunately, I’m out at Locke Pointe.” Morgan motioned to Looking Glass Cottage. “I don’t have power here either. You don’t have anywhere else to stay?”
“No. I missed the ferry and am pretty sure I was one of the last to leave town. It looks as if everyone but me was smart enough to find shelter before the side roads became impassable. Mrs. Baker, who lives above the art gallery, as well as Priscilla found a place to go.” Naomi knew she was rambling but couldn’t stop herself.
She was reaching the point of desperation.
“Come inside for a minute.” Morgan led her up the porch steps. “The power just went out, so the house is still warm.”
“Thank you. I’m at my wit’s end and don’t know what I’ll do. I’m such an idiot.”
“I don’t think anyone realized how widespread the power outage would be.” Morgan held the door, waiting for Naomi to cross the threshold. “Maybe Jax can swing by on one of the snowmobiles and give you a ride to the airport.”
Naomi thought about how treacherous the roads were, the blinding, blowing snow making it hard to see. “I’m afraid once we got off the main road, it wouldn’t be safe crossing over those open fields the way the wind is blowing. It would be dangerous.”
“True. I hadn’t thought about the blowing snow and visibility.” Morgan offered her a seat and then hurried to her bedroom. She shut the door behind her and promptly dialed her grandmother’s cell phone number.
“I was getting ready to call you. Where are you?”
“At home. I was on my way out when Naomi Renaud showed up.”
“Naomi? What on earth is she doing at your house?”
“She lost power and tried driving to the airport, but the roads are blown shut. She asked if I had room for her at Locke Pointe.”
“Which is also out of power,” Elizabeth said.
“And so is Looking Glass Cottage. It sounds as if most of the island is out.”
“Except for those who have generators, like the airport and Easton Estate.”
“I thought about asking Jax to give her a lift on the snowmobile to the airport, but like she pointed out, it probably isn’t safe.”
“If you wait much longer, it won’t be safe for you either. You must leave soon, Morgan, or else you’ll be snowed in.”
“At least I have a fireplace.”
“And firewood?”
“Only enough to build a small fire.” Morgan grimaced. “I can’t leave her. It’s Christmas Eve. She could freeze to death.”
“No, you can’t.” Elizabeth muttered under her breath. “Bring her with you.”
“To Easton Estate? I mean, I’m sure you already have a full house.”
“Full but not bursting at the seams. There’s room for one more.”
“Thanks, Grandmother. I’m not sure if she’ll do it.”
“The decision is hers. The offer is on the table.”
Morgan thanked her again and ended the call. She slipped back into the living room and found Naomi seated on the couch with Chester by her side. “Your pup is friendly.”
“He’s my best bud and keeps me company.” Morgan jangled her keys. “Let’s go before we get stuck here.”
“Where are we going?” Naomi slowly stood.
“To Easton Estate.”
“Elizabeth would never allow me to set foot on her property.”
“Not only is she letting you set foot, but she’s invited you to stay and ride out the storm.”
Naomi’s face clouded with uncertainty, and Morgan could see she was torn. “It’s Christmas Eve. You could freeze in your car. Grandmother is willing to set your differences aside. You won’t be sleeping on the couch. You’ll have your own room,” Morgan joked.
The woman’s lower lip trembled. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
“Not really.” Morgan grabbed her purse and whisked Naomi out of Looking Glass Cottage.
Gusty winds and blowing, swirling snow met them at the door. Picking up the pace, the women hurried across the driveway.
Morgan set Chester inside her SUV and grabbed her snow brush. She gave the front windshield a quick swipe, enough to clear the snow.
“I’ll be right back.” Naomi ran to her car. Grabbing her bag, she slammed the door and hustled to the SUV. “It’s piling up out here.”
“We need to get a move on.” Morgan hopped in, shifted into reverse and tapped the gas. They backed up a few inches before coming to an abrupt halt. “It’s a good thing I have four-wheel drive.” She pressed the button to engage all four tires, hit the gas again and away they went.
As soon as they turned onto the street, the skies opened up. The swirling snow created a full-blown snow globe effect, making it nearly impossible for Morgan to see. She prayed for safety as they inched along what she hoped was the road.
Leaning forward, she peered through the window, struggling to see through the blinding snow. Morgan almost wept with relief when she glimpsed Dead Man’s Drop, the road leading to Easton Estate. “Brace yourself. I’ll need to get some momentum going for us to reach the top.”
“I’m bracing,” Naomi said.
Morgan pressed down on the gas pedal and kept her foot on it, only letting off when they leveled out.
Thankfully, the estate’s gates were wide open, and they drove straight through.
“The driveway is clear.”
“Grandmother is waiting for us. I’m sure Jax has been keeping it plowed so we would make it safely.
” Morgan could feel the weight of the white-knuckle drive lift as she eased into her spot alongside Brett’s vehicle.
Several other vehicles sat parked in front of the garage, filling an entire section of the estate’s overflow parking area.
“Easton Estate is full.”
“As I mentioned earlier, Prissy is here, along with Grandmother’s best friend, Mary, Quinn, Brett, Jax, Mrs. Arnsby, Gerard and two of Brett’s guests.”
Ben must’ve been watching for them because as soon as Morgan shut the engine off, he jogged over to the driver’s side. “Thank goodness you’re here. Elizabeth has been worried sick.”
“I’m sorry it took so long. It’s getting scary out there. The roads are drifting shut.” Morgan held the door for Chester. He bounded out and promptly landed in a snowdrift. The only things sticking out were the tips of his ears.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Morgan couldn’t help but laugh. “Silly dog.” She swooped down and scooped him up.
Naomi emerged from the passenger side. Judging by the look on Ben’s face, Elizabeth hadn’t given him a heads-up that she was with Morgan.
“Hello, Ben Baker,” Naomi greeted him. “It’s been a long time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shot Morgan a questioning look.
“Grandmother invited Naomi to stay here to ride out the storm. Her power is out. The roads are blown shut, and she couldn’t make it to the airport for shelter.”
“Bless her heart,” he said. “Elizabeth Easton is first class all the way.”
“I’ll admit, she has a more generous spirit than I do,” Naomi said. “I never thought I would set foot on this property in my life.”
“Welcome to Easton Estate,” Morgan said. “We should all get inside before Grandmother rounds up a rescue team.”