Chapter Fourteen
ELIZA
The morning sun streams through the curtains, casting a warm glow across our bed. I wake to find Matt already up, a nervous energy about him as he finishes getting dressed.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” he says, leaning down to kiss me. “Ready for our big day out?”
I stretch, smiling up at him. “Absolutely. Let me get ready.”
I climb out of bed, the cool air a shock against my skin after the blankets.
Matt moves to the small kitchenette area of our cabin to prepare some quick coffee while I use the bathroom to shower and dress.
The hot water helps chase away the last remnants of sleep, and by the time I emerge, the cozy space is filled with the rich aroma of fresh coffee.
We lean against the counter, sipping our coffee quickly, the anticipation of our outing adding a spark to the morning routine. The cabin feels alive with our shared excitement, despite its compact size.
As we step outside, the crisp mountain air fills my lungs, invigorating me further. Matt leads the way to the snowmobile parked a few steps from our cabin door, handing me a helmet before putting on his own.
“All set?” he asks.
I nod, wrapping my arms around his waist as I settle in behind him on the snowmobile. With a roar of the engine, we're off, the scenery blurring into a white and green landscape as we speed towards town.
We head to May's Cafe for breakfast. As we step inside, the scent of coffee and fresh-baked pastries surrounds us. May herself bustles over, her gray hair escaping from its braid, a twinkle in her eye as she spots Matt.
“Well, well,” she says. “Who's this handsome stranger you've brought in, Eliza?”
I laugh. “May, this is Matt. Matt, meet May, the best cook in Port Promise and the town's biggest gossip.”
May winks at Matt. “If you're planning on taking this one off the island at some point, let me know now. I've got something special to put in your pancakes to make sure you never leave.”
Matt chuckles, shaking his head. “I wouldn't dream of it, ma'am. Port Promise has already stolen my heart.”
“I hope there's still room for me in there,” Eliza says.
Matt's teasing smile fades as he looks at me, his eyes softening. “You've got my whole heart, Eliza.”
The sincerity in his voice makes me pause for a moment.
“Smart man,” May says approvingly. She turns to me. “The usual for you, dear?”
“Yes, please. Blueberry pancakes.”
“And for you, young man?” May asks Matt.
“I'll have the eggs and bacon, please.”
As May heads off to put in our order, Matt leans in closer. “The town's biggest gossip, huh? Should I be worried?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Nah, May's harmless. Besides, she likes you already. You passed her test.”
“There was a test?” Matt asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yes,” I say, trying to keep a straight face. “And if you hadn’t passed, well … let’s say May could poison you and get away with it. She’s not only a great cook, but also the town healer. Knows every plant in Port Promise and what it’s capable of.”
Matt’s surprise is clear, but when I flash him a mischievous look, he quickly catches on, a smile tugging at his lips as he reaches across the table to take my hand. “Well, I guess I’ll have to stay on her good side, then, won’t I?”
After breakfast, as we step outside into the crisp morning air, I tug on Matt’s hand, stopping him mid-stride. “Before we head to Serenity Cove, I want to show you something,” I say, my excitement bubbling under the surface.
“Oh?” he asks, his brow lifting with curiosity.
“You’ll see,” I reply, leading him down the road toward the community center.
The old building stands proud, its weathered wooden exterior a testament to the years of service it’s provided to our town.
“This is it,” I say, pushing open the heavy door, a surge of pride swelling in my chest.
Matt looks surprised. “It’s not locked?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “No need. It takes a boat or plane to get in and out of Port Promise. What would they steal, and where would they go?”
“Right. I guess I’m still not used to small-town life.”
We step inside, and I can’t help but pause for a second, taking in the room that will soon be mine. Desks of various sizes are grouped together, colorful posters and educational charts line the walls, and a large chalkboard stretches across the front.
“Welcome to my future classroom,” I say, my voice lifting with excitement. It feels real now, standing here. “It’s a combined class—I’ll be teaching kids of all ages.” I beam, picturing the room filled with students, their voices echoing off the walls.
Matt whistles low. “That's quite a challenge. How many students?”
“About fifteen, give or take,” I reply. “It varies from year to year. Ms. Miller's been teaching here for over forty years. I have big shoes to fill.”
Matt wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. “You're going to be amazing,” he says. “These kids are lucky to have you.”
I lean into him, grateful for his support. “Thanks. I can't wait to start.”
As we explore the room, I share my plans for the upcoming school year—how I'll manage the different age groups, the projects I plan to implement, and the ways I hope to incorporate our unique Alaskan environment into the curriculum.
Matt listens intently, asking questions and offering suggestions. His enthusiasm matches my own, and I fall even more in love with him, if that's possible.
We set off toward Serenity Cove. The mile-long ride takes us past my father's old dry cabin, its rustic charm still clear despite the years.
“That cabin has been here since my ancestors first came to Alaska,” I explain, pausing to admire it. “We keep it up because it's a part of our history.”
Matt listens intently as I share stories of summers spent at the cabin, of learning to fish in the nearby creek, and of starry nights around the campfire.
As we crest the hill, Serenity Cove comes into view, and for a moment, I can't breathe.
The pristine waters stretch out before us, the ocean's gentle waves whispering against the shore.
Towering pines frame the edges, their reflections shimmering on the glassy surface, while the snow-capped mountains rise in the distance like sentinels guarding this hidden paradise.
A wave of emotion sweeps over me—pride, awe, and something deeper, a feeling of true belonging.
It’s more beautiful than I remembered, and seeing it again makes my heart ache in the best way.
This is home, I realize, as a quiet peace settles over me.
This place holds everything I love, and now I get to share it with Matt.
“Eliza,” Matt breathes, “it's breathtaking.”
I beam with pride. “This is my little piece of paradise. The tides come in and out here, bringing with them a constant change of scenery. Sometimes, you can even spot whales or seals in the waters further out.”
Matt's awe is unmistakable as he takes in the view, clearly struck by the beauty of the scene before him. “I can see why you love it here. It's like nature's own theater.”
“Exactly,” I say, squeezing his hand. “Come on, I'll show you where I’d like to build my house.”
We make our way to a clearing near the water's edge, the salty sea breeze rustling through the pines. The spot offers a perfect view of the cove and the ever-changing tides, while still being sheltered enough for a comfortable home.
I close my eyes, picturing the home I've dreamed of for so long, imagining every detail.
“I want a single-story cabin,” I begin, gesturing with my hands, excitement bubbling up as I share this vision with him.
“Right here, facing the cove, with a big wraparound porch where I can watch the sunsets. Three bedrooms—one for me, one for guests, and maybe ... well, who knows what the future holds.”
A sense of calm spreads through me as I speak, the thought of building this life here with Matt stirring something deep inside.
I'm sharing more than a dream; I'm opening up the possibility of a future together, a future that feels so close I can almost touch it.
My heart skips as I glance at him, hoping he feels it too—this shared vision, this hope for something more.
Matt listens, a hint of softness in his expression. “It sounds perfect,” he says. “I can see it already—you in the kitchen, teaching our kids how to make your mom's famous apple pie.”
I freeze, my heart skipping a beat. “Our kids?” I ask, my words barely audible. We've talked about the future in vague terms, but nothing this concrete. The idea both thrills and terrifies me.
Matt pauses, as if realizing the significance of his words. “I mean ... if that's something you'd want. Someday. With me.” He runs a hand through his hair, his nervousness evident in the gesture.
Amused by his flustered state, I reach out to take his hand. “Someday,” I agree. “With you.”
The moment feels charged with possibility, with unspoken promises. I wonder if Matt can feel it too—this sense that we're standing on the edge of something big, something life-changing.
We settle on the blanket we brought along, having pulled it from the snowmobile's storage. The sun is warm on our faces as we sit close, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the cove.
Matt looks into my eyes. “Eliza,” he says, his tone soft but steady, “there's something I want to ask you.”
My pulse quickens as he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small wooden box. He opens it to reveal a beautifully carved wooden ring.
With unwavering calm and an intensity that takes my breath away, Matt begins, “Eliza, I know this might seem soon, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that time isn't always our friend.”
He pauses, then rises onto one knee, still holding my hands.
His touch is warm, grounding me even as my pulse quickens.
As he speaks, his words wrap around me like a blanket, and emotions flood through me—gratitude, love, and something even deeper, a belonging I didn’t realize I’d been searching for.
“What we have—this connection, this love—it's rare and precious. I don't want to waste a single moment. You make me want to be a better man, to face my fears, and to build a future.”
My breath hitches. He's baring his soul.
Matt’s voice catches, and I see the sheen of tears in his eyes. “Eliza Hollister, I love you more than I ever thought possible. Let’s face whatever life throws at us together, as a team, as a family. Will you marry me?”
Tears spring to my eyes as I look at the ring, then back at Matt. “Oh, Matt,” I breathe. “It's beautiful. Did you make this?”
“With some help from Finn. I'm told it's wood from the old birch tree by the creek—the one you used to climb as a kid. I know you deserve more than a wooden ring, and I swear I'll get you something more fitting when I return.”
The lump in my throat swells, my chest tightening as the emotion rushes in.
His thoughtfulness—the fact that he put so much care into this—overwhelms me.
But as much as I'm touched, a small voice in the back of my mind asks, why now?
Is he doing this because of my mom? Is he rushing because time is slipping through our fingers?
I lift my eyes to his face, searching for the answer I’m too afraid to ask. His gaze meets mine, steady and unflinching, filled with so much love it takes my breath away. There’s no hesitation there, no trace of pity or obligation—only the kind of raw, unshakable certainty that melts away my doubt.
The small voice fades, silenced by the undeniable truth in his expression. He’s not rushing because of her. He’s here because of us.
“Matt Ryder,” I say, my voice wobbling despite my best efforts to steady it. “This is the best ring ever. It didn't come from a store; it came from the land, your hands, and your heart. I don't want another ring.”
“So ... is that a yes?” Matt asks, his eyes shining with hope.
I laugh through my tears. “Yes! Of course, it's a yes!”
Matt slips the ring onto my finger, then pulls me in for a kiss that leaves me breathless. When we part, he says, “Let’s get married in the spring.”
“Are you doing this because of my mom?” I ask.
Matt shakes his head, his gaze intense. “No, Eliza. I'm not rushing because of your mom; I'm rushing because I can’t wait to call you my wife. Because I’m ready to start our life together, to build our home and our family.”
His words wash over me, chasing away any doubts. “Spring sounds perfect,” I say, smiling through my tears. “I love you, Matt.”
As the sun sets, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, our kisses deepen with passion. Surrounded by the beauty of Serenity Cove and our potential future together, we make love under the open sky, our bodies and souls intertwining, as our lives will soon be joined forever.
As we lay together afterward, wrapped in each other's arms and the golden glow of the setting sun, a sense of peace washes over me. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I know we can face them together. Because that’s what love does—it fills you with strength, courage, and unwavering hope.