7. Natalie
Chapter Seven
NATALIE
I walk away down Lucas’s driveway, tears stinging my eyes.
Last night was perfect. And this morning, it’s all gone wrong.
I couldn’t help listening to his ex-wife cajoling him to support her business. I thought being environmentally friendly was an intrinsic part of who he was. And the casual way he agreed with her makes me think that he’s just another greedy person out to make a fast buck.
That the whole green thing is just a show.
I flush with anger, remembering him lecturing me about those disposable cups.
I’m so enraged that I cover the distance to Pine Lodge in twenty minutes and am halfway to Peppermint Lodge before I realize I’ve left my bag behind at Lucas’s house.
My bag, with my diary in it, my keys and my purse is sitting by the fireplace.
Great. This day couldn’t get any better.
I stand by the side of the road, trying to decide what to do.
The sun is already beating down and it looks like another glorious day. There’s the sound of horses’ hooves clip-clopping down the road. An older man with silver hair, piercing eyes and blue overalls appears driving a horse and cart. The back of the cart has some hay in it.
He slows to a stop. “Hello there. Are you okay, Miss?”
“Um, hello. Yes. I...I’ve come from Lucas Slate’s house. I realize I’ve left my bag there so I’m going to walk back.” I squint my eyes to look up at him.
“Ah, one of my favorite houses of recent years. I’m Magnus Huckle. I designed and built that one. Hop up beside me, and my lovely horse Petunia and I will drive you back there.” He pats the seat beside him.
I start to protest, but I’m tired, my sandals hurt and I just want to get my bag. I climb up and sit beside him. He makes a clucking sound and the horse starts up again.
“You must know my friend Lucas then?” He glances over at me.
“Yes.” I’m trying to be polite, but I’m worried my unhappiness will come spilling out.
“Excellent man, Mr. Slate. Very principled. Like me, a defender of the environment to the core.” He smiles.
“Really? You don’t think he’d compromise his principles to make money?” I might be being rude, but I’m genuinely curious to know what he thinks.
He raises his bushy eyebrows. “Absolutely not. I’ve known Lucas for four years and in that time he’s turned down multiple business opportunities because they’re a threat to the planet.
If he was concerned about only making money he could have made three times his fortune by now.
In fact, he’s constantly investing in green projects - more than three-quarters of his profits are directed into new ecological incentives. ”
“So, something like fast fashion. He wouldn’t defend that just to make money?” I swallow hard. Maybe I’ve got this wrong.
“Of course not, my dear. I know his ex-wife used her share of the massive divorce payout to go into fast fashion, but he’s constantly tried to get her to come over to the green side.” Magnus grins, pleased with his little joke.
“Oh, okay. Maybe I got that wrong. I’m Natalie by the way. You know my cousins the Bells really well, I think? I’ve heard all about you, you’re sort of famous here in Snowflake, you know?” I smile back.
“Ah yes. Alex’s husband Dax is my son-in-law. Your name is familiar. Did you do the sculpture in their backyard? The one of the squirrel?” He looks over at me again.
“Yes. That’s mine. I use repurposed materials for all my sculptures.”
“You are immensely talented, my dear. I’m looking for an artist in residence at Pine Lodge. Someone to add their creative touch to the place. And also to lead classes to show visitors how they can make their own natural art. Would you be interested?” He crinkles his eyes in another winning smile.
Suddenly my horrible day is getting better. “Oh yes! I’d love to.”
“Wonderful. I’ll get your contact details from Dax. Could you start next week?”
I stare back at him. “Yes, of course.”
“Wonderful. And here we are at the top of the drive. You’ll forgive me for not dropping you at the door, but Petunia doesn’t like turning around. Give my regards to Lucas.” He pulls on the reins and the cart comes to a stop.
“What a pleasure to meet you Mr. Huckle.” I shade my eyes again to smile up at him as I disembark.
“Please, call me Magnus. See you soon, my dear.” He clucks and the horse begins to walk on.
I walk back down the drive to Lucas’s house. My head is spinning.
Have I got everything wrong? Was Lucas just placating Eva and I misunderstood? Mr. Huckle - Magnus - seemed so sure.
I get to the door and stop.
Here I am again.
Part of me doesn’t want to knock, the other part wants to hammer on the door.
As I’m staring at the leaf-shaped door knocker, it opens. Lucas stands there, tall and handsome, his gray eyes troubled.
“I was coming to look for you. Mrs. Klass just got here, I didn’t want to leave the kids on their own. Can we talk?” He runs his hands over his dark hair, looking worried.
“Okay.” I sit down on the step and he sits down beside me.
“I think I know why you’re upset. I wasn’t really listening to Eva, but she’s emailed me a proposal about me talking to the press about how eco-conscious her business is.
I wasn’t paying attention, I was too wrapped up in us and what we’d done.
And the fact that I’m desperately in love with you.
” He looks over at me, his eyes blazing.
I stare back.
He said he loves me.
I’m ecstatic but I have to make sure. “Are you just saying that to get me on your side? How can I trust you?”
“I’d never do something I don’t believe in. And I won’t be compromising my principles to keep Eva happy or save her business. It’s not me.” He reaches over and clasps my hand.
“Lucas, we need to start over. I may have been your vacation nanny but if we’re something more then I can’t be your employee.” I squeeze his big hand.
“I understand. Let’s make this work. Sometimes the best things have tricky beginnings.” He smiles down at me. There’s a light in those gray eyes now.
I reach over to caress the sculpted curve of his cheek. “And I love you too. I’ve fallen fast and hard for you, Mr. Slate. And you live next door. Sort of.”
As he leans down to kiss me, the worries of the morning fall away as his lips touch mine.
I can be who I really am with him.
The future looks brighter than it ever has.
Like a green leaf sprouting up from bare earth, good things are coming.