“After I talk to Grams, I’ll collect the key from my mom and drop it off at your place. Does that work?”

  “Perfect.” Now that the decision had been made, Hailey was eager to get on the road. She’d call her mother and explain that she wouldn’t be joining them for the holidays after all. No doubt Zach would fill in nicely for her.

  “When do you plan to leave?” Katherine asked.

  Without hesitation, Hailey said, “I’m out the door as soon as you hand over the key.”

  Katherine laughed. “When you make up your mind, you don’t give yourself time for second thoughts. Good.”

  Her friend was right. The idea of getting away for two glorious weeks sounded like heaven. The sense of freedom was irresistible. Hailey needed this time, needed to think, and if for no other reason, she needed to get the music rumbling around in her head down on paper. She was inspired, excited, and delighted with the idea of spending Christmas alone. For the first time in a long while, she felt ready to pick up her guitar and let her fingers find their way.

  * * *

  —

  Not even an hour later, Katherine dropped off the key to the cabin and Hailey wrapped her fingers around it like it was solid gold. Katherine took a few minutes to explain the best route. The drive would take up to five hours, depending on the weather. There was likely to be snow, so Hailey would need to pack her warmest winter gear.

  “And, listen, you’ll arrive after dark, so you might want to bring some basic supplies with you. The store in town will be open if you need anything, but it’s best to arrive prepared. Grams called ahead and made sure the electricity was turned on, but bring a flashlight just in case there’s a delay. And remember, there’s no cell service but there is in town if you need it.”

  As far as Hailey was concerned, the lack of cell service was a bonus. She didn’t want her family to even guess where she might be. This was her time, and she planned to make use of every minute.

  “That’s perfect.”

  “Have fun,” Katherine said, giving Hailey a hug.

  Before she left, Hailey thanked her friend again. She appreciated this glorious opportunity.

  Hailey waited until her car was packed before connecting with her mother while heading out of town. When she reached I-5, she called home.

  From the quick answer, Hailey suspected her mother had been walking around the house with her cell in her hand.

  “Mom,” Hailey said, drawing in a deep breath, steeling herself for their conversation. “Mom, I won’t be coming home for Christmas.”

  A shocked silence followed.

  Before her mother had the chance to say anything, Hailey continued. “I’ve been given the most wonderful opportunity. It came out of the blue and I’m going to take it.”

  “But…but,” her mother sputtered. “I invited Zach.”

  “You did, without telling me. I know Zach would like to get back together, but it’s not happening.” Clearly her mother had no idea how deeply Zach’s rejection had wounded her. “Being forced to spend the holiday with him would be a nightmare for me. You put me in an awkward situation.”

  “But…but…where will you go? What will you do?”

  Hoping to smooth her mother’s disappointment, she avoided the questions and said, “It means the world to me how incredibly supportive you and Dad have been about my music career.”

  “Of course, you’re our daughter and incredibly talented, although we haven’t heard much about your songs for a while now.”

  “That’s true,” Hailey agreed. “It’s been difficult working full-time and taking classes in the summers, plus everything else.”

  “What does that have to do with you not coming for Christmas?”

  It was hard to keep the excitement out of her voice. “A wonderful friend offered me her family’s cabin. I’m going to submerge myself in my music and compose songs again.”

  An awkward silence followed. “But what am I going to tell Zach when you don’t show up for Christmas?” her mother lamented.

  “Tell him the truth. I’ve moved on and so should he.”

  “Oh, Hailey, are you sure?”

  “I’ve rarely been surer of anything.”

  The line went silent before her mother released a tearful sigh. “You mean you won’t be in Portland? I thought…if you didn’t want to come to us that your father, Zach, and I could join you.”

  “Sorry, Mom. I’m already on the road.”

  Her mother made a last-ditch effort. “But what about all the cookies I baked, and Grandma’s bonbons? We were going to bake together the way we did when you were younger.”

  “Daisy is the one who likes to cook, Mom. Not me.”

  “But all these baked goods…”

  “Zach will enjoy them,” she assured her mother. “Why don’t you ask Daisy for Christmas?”

  Her younger sister loved to bake, although she never followed a recipe and many of her efforts ended up being disasters. Daisy enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, not Hailey, a fact her mother had conveniently forgotten.

  “Daisy won’t be here for Christmas,” her mother whined, and sounded close to tears.

  “I didn’t think she would be,” Hailey added. “But Zach will be, at your invitation.”

  Again, the line went silent. “I’ll call him and explain,” her mother blurted out. “I’ll apologize and suggest he visit another time.”

  “It’s too late. I’ve already made my decision and I’m on the road.”

  “Oh Hailey, this is going to break your father’s heart.”

  Guilt had worked in the past with Hailey, but not this time.

  Not that long ago, Hailey might have fallen for this tactic, but not anymore.

  Her mother sniffled loudly and paused to blow her nose. “At least tell me where you’re going.”

  “Sorry, Mom, I’d rather keep the location a secret.”

  Her mother’s desperate reply faded in and out with the cell coverage. Hailey made one last comment. “I’ll connect with you after Christmas. Love you. Bye for now.” With that, she disconnected the call.

  With a sense of freedom and adventure, Hailey headed to Podunk, Oregon.

  Chapter Five

  On the long drive to Podunk, Hailey cranked up the music and sang Christmas carols at the top of her lungs. The responsibilities to her family and the question about Zach’s sudden interest vanished the closer she got to the cabin. She was free, with no expectations and nearly two glorious weeks to write and compose her songs.

  Every now and again a twinge of guilt assailed her. Hailey refused to entertain those thoughts and concentrated instead on all she hoped to accomplish. This freedom, this relief, made her giddy.

  Hailey was about an hour away from Podunk when she got a call from Katherine.

  “How’s the drive going?” her friend asked.

  “Great. There’s snow, but the roads are clear.”

  “Good to hear,” Katherine said, and then added, “Listen, my mom found out that my uncle didn’t make it to the cabin this summer after all.”

  “Okay.” Hailey wasn’t certain why that should matter.

  “The thing is, it sounds like it’s been a while since anyone has visited. I don’t know what condition you’ll find the cabin in.”

  “No worries,” Hailey assured her. “As long as there’s water and electricity, I’ll be fine.” Then, thinking she should reconfirm both, she asked, “You did say your grandma had the electricity turned on, right?”

  “For sure.”

  “And there’s water, right?”

  “Of course. It’s from a well, although that’s connected to the electricity, but Grams assured me it was turned on, so you don’t have anything to worry about.”

  “Then I’ll be perfectly fine.” Little could dampen her good mood. Whatever minor inconveniences awaited her, Hailey would adjust.

  “I don’t know if I mentioned that my great-grandfather built the cabin back in the 1960s.”

  Hailey couldn’t remember if Katherine had or hadn’t. She did say something about it being in the family for years.

  “I want to warn you, it’s no resort,” Katherine added.

  “In other words, you’re telling me it’s rustic.”

  “Rustic is a good word.”

  “I wasn’t expecting anything more,” Hailey told her, unsure why Katherine seemed to be having second thoughts.

  “Good, that relieves my mind. Remember, if you run into problems, head to the store I mentioned in Podunk. Thelma will help if you need anything.”

  “Good to know. Thanks again, for everything,” Hailey said, her spirits high on this adventure.

  Their conversation continued to fade in and out with spotty coverage. It seemed Katherine wanted to tell her something more, but unfortunately, Hailey caught only a word here and there. If it was important, she was sure her friend would text or try again later. It seemed Katherine was intent on warning her on what to expect. Hailey had no expectations. Whatever awaited her, she’d figure it out.

  Hailey put the thought out of her mind. She wasn’t a diva who required luxury accommodations. Rustic was perfect. She had her guitar, warm clothes, and enough food supplies to last a few days in case she got snowed in. Her confidence was high.

  By the time she turned off the main road, dusk had settled. She was grateful for the detailed directions Katherine had given her.

  “Take a right after the sixth mailbox off Horseshoe Lane. The road is gravel and might be covered in snow, but the turn is unmistakable,” Katherine had said.

  Hailey had written everything down and repeated it to be sure she got it right.

  “The dip in the road across from the apple orchard is the next turn. Follow that road and it will take you directly to the cabin.”

  After counting the mailboxes, Hailey made the first turn and then paused to review the route. If she made a wrong turn, she might not be able to turn around. She sighed with relief when she spotted the two neat rows of bare trees. This had to be the apple orchard Katherine had mentioned.

  The terrain made a steep climb from that point. Although her friend hadn’t mentioned how far the cabin was from the apple orchard, she’d said it was a straight shot. Hailey continued down the gravel road for what seemed like several miles. Wherever this cabin was located, it was more secluded than she’d expected, as she didn’t see any other homes or structures along the way. Just when she feared she’d taken the wrong road, the cabin showed in her headlights.

  And what a cabin it was. This was far and away more than Hailey had hoped to find. The entire building was made of logs and had a large wraparound porch with a wide stairway leading to the front door. The upper story had three dormers. The sheer size of it took her breath away. Katherine had mentioned that the entire family had gathered there for summers, but the size hadn’t clicked in Hailey’s mind. The log cabin was massive.

  Hailey sat in the car for several moments, almost dizzy with excitement. When she couldn’t stand waiting any longer, she opened the car door. It was perfect, simply perfect. She didn’t know why Katherine sounded concerned. This cabin was incredible. A movement caught her attention and a deer darted into the forest that surrounded the log cabin. A deer. She saw a deer. Her heart leaped with joy. If she needed a sign that she’d made the right decision, this was it.

  Reaching for the flashlight, she started up the stairs, key in hand. The door clicked open without a problem, and she stepped inside and fumbled for the light switch. Katherine had mentioned there was one to the left of the front door.

  Slapping her hand against the wall, it took her a minute to locate it. She frowned at the scratching sound coming from the other side of the room. Her fingers anxiously flicked the switch.

  Nothing.

  Leveling her flashlight in the area where she’d heard the noise, the only thing she saw was furniture covered with white sheets.

  Mice? She swallowed tightly. Hailey hated mice and quickly dismissed the thought. The loud scratching sound surely came from something larger than a few mice.

  With her heart in her throat, Hailey aimed the flashlight in another direction, sweeping the beam toward the stone fireplace. At any other time, she would have paused to admire the craftsmanship and the beauty of the mantel. Not now, though, when she was intent on discovering the intruder.

  It was then that she saw something move from the corner of her eye. Turning the light in that direction, she gasped and let out a strangled scream. She panicked and leaped out the door before slamming it shut. With her heart in her throat, she stumbled several steps back in her eagerness to escape and nearly tumbled down the porch stairs.

  Grabbing hold of the pillar, she managed to catch herself.

  The intruder was a raccoon.

  An angry raccoon who didn’t look pleased to have his private hideaway disturbed. Standing on his hind legs, he’d hissed and seemed ready to leap forward and attack.

  Once she was able to breathe again, Hailey quickly returned to her vehicle and grabbed the written directions for how to get to Podunk from the cabin. The first two turns were the same. It changed when she left the gravel road leading into town.

  Although she would hate it, Hailey could deal with mice. Rocky Raccoon, not so much.

  As Katherine had mentioned, Podunk was five miles from the turn off the main road. As she neared the town, her panic slowly dissipated. Help was within reach.

  The lights in town were a welcome sight. Safety. Help.

  As far as she could determine, the main street stretched only seven or eight blocks, perhaps a few more. The first thing she noticed as she drove down the main street was a tall statue of a rust-covered frontiersman. He wore a coonskin cap and cradled a rifle in his arms as if he was holding on to a newborn. Someone had strung tinsel over his shoulders like a shiny boa. It caused her to smile.

  A huge logging truck passed her on the other side of the road; its headlights nearly blinded her.

  When her vision cleared, she saw the sign in front of the store Katherine had mentioned: Cantor Store. It was the largest building in town and took up half of the second block. As she pulled into the angled parking, she noticed a café that looked to be doing a booming business. The windows were outlined with mistletoe and berries, Santa in his sleigh, all his reindeer flying over the moon.

  At the end of the road, she saw what looked to be the city park with a big white gazebo in the center. Hailey could easily picture summers there filled with families and picnics.

  Podunk was a quaint little town, picturesque and homey. Hailey wrapped the welcome around her like snuggling under a cozy blanket.

  Making her way into the store, she was greeted with a shout from a woman who was at the front register. She wore brown bib overalls and a red-checkered flannel long-sleeve shirt. “Jethro, help Mary Susan load up those bales of hay. Her truck is parked out back.”

  A man’s voice sounded from the depths of the store. “On it.”

  Hailey had to assume Jethro was an employee. Looking around, she didn’t see more than a handful of people. Thinking she should use this opportunity to pick up a few items, she headed toward the cleaning supplies. If the raccoon had taken up permanent residence, then there was sure to be other bits of evidence.

  Two people were in front of her at the cash register, and Hailey patiently waited her turn.

  The silver-haired woman at the register locked eyes with Hailey as she set her purchases on the counter. Hailey remembered that Katherine had mentioned the owner was named Thelma. Thelma Cantor.

  She made a huffing sound and shook her head. “You that city girl Ellie mentioned?”

  Hailey wasn’t sure who Ellie was but had to assume that was either Katherine’s mother’s or possibly her grandmother’s name.

  “A…Yes. I was told if I had a problem, you’d be able to help me.”

  “She said that, did she?” Thelma snorted and rolled her eyes.

  “You’re Thelma, right?”

  She answered with a curt nod. “No need to tell me your name. Doubt you’ll last here long. You city types rarely do. It’s a shame, too. Podunk has a lot to offer, so give it a chance.”

  “I’ll do that,” Hailey promised.

  “Now, what can I do for you?”

  Hailey sighed. “I was told the electricity at the cabin had been turned on.”

  “It was,” Thelma concurred.

  “I flipped the switch inside by the front door and nothing happened.”

  The woman glanced past Hailey at the customers lined up, eager to make their purchases.

  Turning to look herself, Hailey noticed four people.

  “Did you check the panel?” Thelma asked.

  “No, I…”

  “That figures. Let me deal with these folks and I’ll get back to you.”

  “Sure thing.”

  With her basket in hand, Hailey moved to the end of the line.

  Thelma seemed to have all the time in the world for each customer, chatting up local news. She smiled and wished each one Christmas greetings. The older woman appeared to know everyone.

  When it was her turn again, Hailey felt she needed to explain that she wasn’t completely dense. “I would have been happy to check the electrical panel if not for a rather major problem. A rabid raccoon has taken up residence and he didn’t much care for the intrusion. If I hadn’t gotten out when I did, I think the beast might have attacked me.”

  The last thing Hailey expected was for Thelma to bust out laughing. Apparently, she didn’t find much amusement very often, because her laugh sounded loud, deep, and rusty. She slapped her thigh and shook her head as if this was the funniest thing she’d heard in weeks.

  Hailey wasn’t nearly as entertained.

  “Frightened you, did he?”