Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
#AlaskaLife #GhostHunting #FoundFamily #CozyVibes
R ain drummed steadily against the lodge windows as Sophie scrolled through her TikTok notifications. A familiar name caught her eye.
Proud of you, sweetheart! Can’t believe you turned your childhood hobby into a career!
Her dad. He always left comments like that—like he was a distant observer in her life rather than an active participant. She appreciated it, even if he probably hadn’t watched the whole video.
Movement outside drew her attention and for a moment she wondered if it was Wyatt returning from writing reports. Through the rain-streaked glass, she saw a tall figure with golden hair pulled back in a ponytail making a dash from his truck to the lodge’s covered porch.
“Trace is back,” Whitney said softly beside her, already moving toward the door. “Good timing.”
The door burst open and Trace strode in, shaking water from his hair like a golden retriever. “Did you miss me?” His grin was infectious, reminding Sophie more of Darrow than Whitney’s more reserved demeanor.
“The quiet was nice while it lasted,” Whitney teased, but she was already moving to hug her twin.
“Where is everyone?”
“The kids are upstairs watching cartoons. Most of the guest are in their cabins avoiding the rain.”
Darrow emerged from the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. “Welcome back. How was the hunting trip?”
“Successful, though everything’s still sitting in my truck covered in tarp.” Trace accepted the coffee. “I’ll unpack once this lets up.” His gaze landed on Sophie. “You must be the ghost hunter I’ve been hearing about. I’m Trace, Whitney’s much better-looking twin.”
“That’s debatable,” Whitney called as she went to refresh her own coffee.
“Sophie,” she introduced herself. “And I prefer ‘paranormal researcher.’“
“Of course you do.” His eyes twinkled with the same mischief she often saw in Darrow’s.
Sophie found herself drawn into the easy rhythm of the lodge—Whitney and Trace falling into the familiar banter of siblings, Darrow contributing dry observations between sips of coffee, the rain creating a cozy backdrop to their conversation.
“You know,” Trace said quietly as Whitney went to check on something in the kitchen, “for someone who chases ghosts, you seem pretty comfortable with the living.”
Sophie watched Darrow as he discussed the day’s events with Whitney through the kitchen doorway. “Maybe I’m learning to appreciate both worlds.”
Trace’s knowing smile suggested he caught her meaning perfectly. “Happens to the best of us. One day you’re just passing through, and the next thing you know...”
“Alaska gets under your skin?”
“Or someone does.”
Sophie laughed. “I see you’re all caught up on local gossip.”
Trace grinned. “Always.”
She chose to sip her coffee rather than respond, but she couldn’t help smiling. Because maybe Trace was right—maybe some things were worth staying for, even if they weren’t the reasons you came looking for in the first place.