Chapter Sixteen
ELIZA
The weeks following Matt's departure pass in a blur of activity. I throw myself into my new teaching job, assisting Ms. Miller with her combined class of students ranging from first to eighth grade. The chaos of the classroom provides a welcome distraction from Mom's illness and Matt's absence.
Every day brings new challenges and joys. I help Ms. Miller manage the different age groups, often taking the younger students for reading sessions while she works with the older ones on more advanced topics. It's exhausting but exhilarating work.
As we're tidying up after the students have left, Ms. Miller turns to me.
“Eliza, dear, you've been doing a wonderful job these past few weeks,” she says. “I have some news. I've decided to retire after the holidays. The school board has agreed that you're ready to take over full-time.”
Excitement and nerves flood through me. A part of me had hoped for this, had sensed it might be coming, but hearing the words out loud still makes my breath catch.
“Ms. Miller, I … thank you.” A flicker of doubt creeps in, but then I think about my time at the lodge—the challenges I’ve faced, the moments where I had to step up.
I’ve handled so much already. “But are you sure? I still have a lot to learn.”
She pats my hand reassuringly. “You're more ready than you know, dear. I've watched you with the children. You have a natural gift for teaching. Besides, it's time for this old bird to rest her wings.”
I laugh at her self-deprecating humor. “You're hardly old, Ms. Miller. But thank you for your faith in me. I hope I can live up to your legacy.”
“You'll do wonderfully,” she assures me. “Now, let's plan the transition, shall we? We have a lot to cover before the holidays.”
That night, during our call, I can barely contain my excitement as I tell Matt the news.
“That's amazing, Eliza!” he says, his enthusiasm clear in his tone. “I always knew you could do it. How do you feel about taking over?”
“Happy and terrified,” I say. “But Ms. Miller believes in me, and that helps. I wish you were here to celebrate with me.”
“Soon,” he promises. “Before you know it, I'll be home, and we'll celebrate properly.”
As the holidays approach, our conversations turn to gifts and plans.
Thanksgiving arrives, and the Hollister house is busier than ever.
My brothers seem to have made it their mission to be around as often as possible, helping with Mom's care and keeping our spirits high.
Kane brings Hailey over almost daily, her innocent laughter a balm to our worried hearts.
Rhys takes charge of cooking, filling the house with delicious aromas.
Reid and Nash tag-team home repairs and errands, while Finn coordinates it all with his usual efficiency.
As Christmas nears, I spend more evenings on the porch with Mom, wrapped in warm blankets as we watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky. These quiet moments, filled with soft conversations and shared dreams, become precious memories I tuck away in my heart.
On Christmas Eve, as we all gather around the tree, I'm struck by how close we've grown as a family. The shadow of Mom's illness hangs over us, but it's also brought us together in ways I never expected.
Matt and I exchange our gifts over a video call on Christmas morning. We keep things simple. As I unwrap the book of poetry, a note falls out. “For our future fireside readings at Serenity Cove,” it reads, making me smile through my tears.
New Year's Eve is a quiet affair, with family gathered in the living room.
As the clock strikes midnight, I step outside, the cold air biting at my skin as I gaze up at the star-filled sky.
“Happy New Year, Matt,” I whisper, feeling closer to him somehow.
The distance between us feels both overwhelming and fleeting, and I count the days until he's home again.
Every moment apart brings me closer to the day we'll be together.
One day in early January, Kane blindfolds me and drives me out to Serenity Cove. When he removes the blindfold, I gasp in shock. There, nestled among the trees, is the foundation of a house—our house.
“Mom and Dad wanted to give you a head start on your dream,” Kane explains, his arm around my shoulders. “We've all been pitching in when we can. It's going to be your wedding present.”
Tears stream down my face as I take in the scene—my brothers all there, looking proud, Mom and Dad watching from the truck, their faces glowing with love.
That night, as I talk to Matt, I have to bite my tongue to keep from spilling the secret.
Soon, I think. Soon he'll be home, and we can truly start our life together. As I drift off to sleep, a feeling of hope for the future settles in. I know that no matter what life throws our way, we’ll face it together.
Because that’s what families do. That’s what love does.
It makes us stronger. It makes us braver. It makes us whole.