He was giving himself a gift, and hopefully giving her one, too. He’d told her the truth: the past was the past. He didn’t need a crystal ball to guess the future was uncertain. But for this weekend, they would have all they wanted of each other.
No more interruptions.
He took the plane down and handled the technicalities at the airport with ease but not nearly enough speed for his liking. It took way too long to get everything loaded into the Jeep he kept at the airport and get started on the road.
“We’ll be at our destination in about twenty minutes,” he said.
At least, he hoped so. He hadn’t checked the weather forecast the way he normally did before his trips, and a light snow had started to fall as they ascended the mountain.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“My favorite place in the world.”
She didn’t question him further but grinned herself. Then she turned her gaze back out the window to the darkened landscape. “Well, I already know it’s beautiful,” she said in a hushed voice.
As did he. The real estate agent was the most trusted in Black Hills, a woman Zach had known most of his adult life. He’d laid out his specifications, and in a week she had an even dozen options from a trusted network of agents all over the South. This one had stood out from the rest at first glance. He’d made the purchase without hesitation—and without familial consent. Heck, his family didn’t even know the specifics about this place. And they’d never actually been here.
He came to the cabin regularly. Always alone. It was the one place he could let down his guard, let go of the ever-present responsibility and truly relax. He’d never wanted anyone else’s personality to imprint on the place...until now.
Maybe he should have planned this a little more, but Zach knew all about trusting his instincts. The impulse was true. At least when Sadie was gone, he’d be able to come here and remember her.
Even he had to admit that the cabin looked charming as they arrived. The light, fluffy snow had started to accumulate on the nooks and crannies of the log house and roof. He parked out in front instead of pulling in close. The cabin wasn’t large, though it did have two bedrooms and two baths. The second story held only the master bedroom, bath and sitting area.
Not big, but it had all the amenities he’d wanted. A wide wraparound porch perfect for relaxing. A balcony with a hot tub, accessible from the master suite. An environmentally friendly exterior finish. And the whole thing was surrounded on three sides by a forest dense with cedar and pine.
“Wow, Zach. This is gorgeous.”
He helped Sadie out of the Jeep and grabbed both of their bags before leading her up the stairs to the porch. Her red hair glinted with snowflakes, tempting him to keep her outside to admire her beauty. But his body protested any further delay.
The security system and locks were a minute’s work for him. Then they were stepping through the door into the slightly cool interior. Dropping the bags, he made a beeline for the opposite wall and adjusted the thermostat.
“I keep it cooler in here when I’m away—just high enough to keep everything from freezing—but it will warm up soon.”
She nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she surveyed the interior. “I’m serious, Zach. This has to be your best-kept secret. I love it.”
Arms tucked around her to combat the chill, she wandered through the downstairs area. But her words held him still. Because the cabin was a secret of sorts. He never talked about it with anyone; he’d never even described it or shown his family any pictures, even though they knew of its existence.
Because deep down, he felt guilty for taking this time, this space for himself.
The admission stunned him. Guilt was a weakness he couldn’t afford and didn’t have the time to wallow in.
Suddenly Sadie stood before him, her appearance shaking him from his daze. “You’re right,” he told her, “it is my secret. You’re the only person I’ve ever brought here.”
Her green eyes widened. He could almost see the impact as his confession hit her. Then she narrowed her gaze on him. “Why, Zach?” she asked, soft-spoken but demanding in her own way. “Why wouldn’t you want people to know about this part of your life?”