Paradise Peak (New Americana 5)

Blondie and Zeke both took off after it, the little boy laughing the entire way.

After he’d left Hannah in the cabin with Liz, Travis had carried Zeke outside and enticed Blondie over to play. The activity had taken Zeke’s mind off his grief and he’d perked up, running, squealing, and playing hard for the two hours they’d been outside Liz’s cabin.

“Looks like Zeke’s having a blast.” Gloria walked along the dirt path leading to the cabin, then crossed the lawn and held out her arms to Travis. “Get over here in these arms, young man. I’ve been itching for a chance to hug Paradise Peak’s hero.”

Smiling, Travis complied, bending low and allowing Gloria to squeeze him tight. “It’s good to have you here, Mrs. Gloria, but I don’t know about the hero part.”

“The devil, you don’t.” Gloria smacked his arm playfully, then hugged him harder. “Way you charged in that night, scooping up Zeke and Liz, then driving Hannah and Blondie to safety? You’re a hero in my book. Vernon’s, too.” She released him, propped her hands on her ample hips, and sighed. “And you’ve got no idea how good it is to be here. I was grateful for that motel room—don’t get me wrong—but having a real bed again is a treat.”

“So the cabin we set you up in is working out okay?”

“Okay?” Gloria laughed. “Vernon’s already stretched out on the bed, snoozing away.” She cupped a hand around her mouth. “Now, let’s keep this between you and me, but Margaret kept us up most nights with her snoring. I love the gal, but I’m glad to have some peace and quiet again.”

Travis laughed. “Well, if you need anything—”

Gloria held up her hands. “Nope. We’re well taken care of. Having a roof over our heads and a stocked fridge is more than enough. We plan to settle in and rest today, and first thing tomorrow Vernon is going to drive to town to get the ball rolling on rebuilding our house and the store and I’m going to help Margaret prepare rooms in the lodge for more guests. Word’s gotten out that you’ve opened up as a shelter and Margaret said people have been calling all morning.”

Travis nodded. “Good. There are a ton of rooms in that lodge, and we want to help everyone we can.” He watched Zeke grab another stick off the ground and throw it. Blondie chased it. “How’s the outlook on your cabins and business? Did you lose everything?”

Gloria grimaced. “Not everything, but close to it. Our home and all our rental cabins are gone, and the store will have to be entirely rebuilt. The good news is that I placed an order for new merchandise two days before the fire and it hadn’t been shipped yet, so at least we have some new stock arriving within the month that will already be paid for. And the cabin y’all set us up in has the perfect space out front for a spring garden, so I’ll have lots to keep me busy while we wait for our house to be built. You still got that lantana I gave you?” When he nodded, she winked. “The way the air’s warming up makes me think this would be a good time for you to plant it.”

Zeke squealed as Blondie rolled onto her back and kicked her legs playfully. He sat beside her and rubbed her belly.

Gloria glanced at Zeke and Blondie, then frowned. “How is Liz doing this morning? She had such a hard time at the funeral yesterday, and she didn’t say a word during the drive from the motel this morning.”

Travis winced. “Well, she—”

“Good morning.”

The porch of the cabin creaked as Liz walked outside to greet them with Hannah close behind. Liz paused at the top of the front steps. She’d changed clothes and, judging from her wet hair, had showered. Dark circles still lingered under her eyes and there was a tight set to her mouth, but some color had returned to her cheeks.

“Good morning, Liz,” Travis said, smiling gently.

Liz offered a weak smile in return and smoothed a hand over her wet hair. “I’m sorry you had to babysit for so long.”

“Please don’t apologize.” Travis gestured toward Zeke, who sat with his back to them, petting Blondie. ?

??Zeke’s a great kid, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m happy to watch him anytime you need me to.”

Liz looked down at her bare feet and bit her lip, her shoulders shaking. Hannah moved closer to her side, touched her arm, and whispered something.

Liz raised her head, set her shoulders back, and said, “I’ll take over for now. Hannah has helped me unpack a few of Zeke’s things, but I’d like for Zeke and me to do the rest.” She leaned to the side and, glimpsing her son, called out, “Zeke, would you come here, please?”

Zeke looked back, spotted Liz, then jumped to his feet. “Mama!” He ran across the lawn and up the front porch steps, then hurled himself against her middle.

Liz hugged him close, another smile—a bigger, more sincere one this time—appearing. “Would you like to help me set up your new bedroom?”

Zeke nodded, smiling as Liz picked him up and headed inside.

Gloria wiped her damp eyes and asked, “I’ve got nothing on my agenda this morning, Liz. Would you two like a hand?”

“Yes, please.” Liz paused, one hand on the door as she waited for Gloria to join them, then said, “Travis?”

He met her eyes.

“Thank you for helping us when we lost—” Her voice broke and she kissed the top of Zeke’s head before continuing. “Thank you for helping us during the fire.”

Travis dipped his head. “You’re welcome.”