Dakota’s mind started going over the possibilities.
“Let’s get dinner going. I need to get Noah to bed before he falls asleep on me. The child is growing up and getting heavier by the day. I don’t want to have to carry him up the stairs when I get home to the hotel.”
“I can’t wait to see it in the flesh. The photos you sent Mom and Dad of the hotel were awesome. So much you can do to make it a fabulous wedding destination too. You’re lucky you and Rake were financially secure before he died.”
“Yes, I am. Come over whenever you like. Can’t wait to show you around.”
The next morning Dakota woke up in her new bedroom and stretched before looking out the window. From where she lay nestled in her pillows, it gave her the feeling she was floating on Flathead Lake, peaceful and soothing. Just what she needed after the turmoil of L.A. She rubbed the side of her hand, got the blood flowing before flexing her fingers. They were much better and she gave a small prayer of thanks.
The thought of not having all four fingers and thumb after the horrific car accident she’d been in had left her in such a panic that she’d said if she could keep them, she’d treat every day as a blessing and do what she could for anyone she met. Pay if forward with kindness. That was a promise she had every intention of keeping and it looked as though she already had an opening with the community project.
Dakota threw back the blankets, slid out of bed and padded down the hallway to the kitchen. Tiny pranced around her feet until she opened the back door. “Stay home, little poodle.” The dog ran outside, did her business and made a beeline for the bushes and started sniffing.
Once the coffee machine started to warm up, Dakota scurried to the bathroom for a quick shower, reveling in the fact that for the first time in months, she was on her own again. In her own space to do as she pleased. Even the loss of her beautiful condo couldn’t dampen her spirits this morning. She dressed in winter running gear with a warm jacket and carried her runners and gloves into the kitchen. Tiny lay in the sunshine in the middle of the lawn sunning herself and Dakota left her there while the first cup of coffee hit her bloodstream.
“Let’s go for a walk and explore our new town.” Dakota jiggled the lead and Tiny came running. She slid her cell phone into her jacket pocket, walked out the front door ready to take on whatever the day threw at her. Sunlight shimmered over the lake as she crossed over to the sandy shore. The fresh clean smell of the water went a long way to making her feel invigorated and ready for exercise despite the cold. Few people were out this early but that didn’t deter her. She started a brisk walk toward the main road, Tiny prancing beside her. A jogger ran by her, called out a greeting as they passed.
After half an hour of brisk walking, Dakota spied the real estate office. Yesterday when she’d arrived, all she could think of was getting her keys and finding her cottage. Exploring held no interest, she was too tired and wound up after her long drive. Today she wanted to see what the town had to offer. Now seemed like as good a time as any to poke her nose into different shops and see what was available.
Tiny kept pace as they crossed the road. Dakota smiled greetings to those she passed and walked down the street taking in the sights and smells of Cherry Lake. She spied Adam jogging toward her and raised a hand in greeting. “Good morning.”
He stopped and bent over, catching his breath. His T-shirt was damp with sweat and clung to his skin, showing off a very trim, fit body. Baggy track pants hung low on his hips giving her a peek at a flat stomach. He grinned at her, a sexy heartwarming smile that had her heart thumping. He really was having an unexpected effect on her. Lousy timing though.
“Good morning, Ms. Moore.”
“Dakota, please. You did say this was a friendly town, no point in trying to be too stuffy. Besides, we’ve already had a drink together, we can hardly act formal after our first unofficial date.” She grinned as Tiny pirouetted in front of Adam for attention.
“Ah, I see what you meant yesterday.” He crouched down and ran his fingers over her head, paying attention to her ears. “So very soft.”
“Yes it is. And she doesn’t shed like most dogs do which is a win-win for me.”
Adam stood up, grinned down at her. “How did you sleep? It must have been weird to wake up to boxes everywhere.”
“Very well, thank you and yes, I can’t wait to open the boxes. It’s a gorgeous cottage and it’ll be fun to get reacquainted with my goods. I slept like the dead and woke ready to discover the joys of Cherry Lake. Seemed like a good idea to have an early morning walk.”
He pointed down past his office. “If you head down there a little bit you can get the best coffee and waffles for breakfast you’ve ever had. I’ll vouch for that. There’s a dress shop, a hair salon and a pharmacy, as well as a gift shop. Go across a couple of streets and the library and council buildings are there. Down the other direction heading toward Poulson, you’ll find a much larger range of shops and businesses. All run by friendly locals and that’s where your sister’s new business is in case you didn’t already know.” He paused to wave at someone that drove past
