The suite itself was perfect. Exposed timber beams stretched across vaulted ceilings, while a stone fireplace dominated one wall. The king-size bed was dressed in crisp white linens and a plush down comforter. A sitting area near the windows featured two leather chairs and a small table, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.
French doors led to a private balcony that overlooked the lake, the evening sun turning the water to molten gold. Joy stepped outside, breathing in the pine-scented air while Andre followed. After a few minutes of enjoying the view, Andre checked his watch. "Ready for dinner?"
Joy nodded, and they rode the elevator down to the main floor. The host at the restaurant entrance greeted them with a warm smile. "Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"
"Holt, party of two," Andre replied.
"Right this way, please."
The dining room wrapped them in warmth and soft lighting as they followed the host. Polished wood gleamed under wrought-iron chandeliers, and tall windows framed the lake that was turning silver as evening approached. Their corner table offered a perfect view of the lake, and a single candle flickered on the white linen tablecloth.
The host handed them each a leather-bound menu as they took their seats. "Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your evening."
Moments later, their server appeared. He was a young man with an easy smile and a polished demeanor. "Good evening. My name is Robert, and I'll be taking care of you tonight. May I start you with something to drink?"
"Just water for now," Andre said. "We'd like to look at the menu first."
"Of course." Robert filled their water glasses. "May I tell you about tonight's specials?" At their nod, he continued. "Chef Keenan has prepared pan-seared elk medallions with a huckleberry reduction, served alongside roasted fingerling potatoes and sautéed wild mushrooms. We also have fresh steelhead trout, caught this morning, prepared with lemon butter and fresh herbs."
"The elk sounds incredible," Joy said.
"I'll have the same," Andre agreed.
"Excellent choices. For wine, I'd suggest the Columbia Valley Syrah. Full-bodied with notes of blackberry and pepper that complement the elk beautifully."
Andre glanced at Joy, who nodded. "That sounds perfect."
"Wonderful. And to start?"
They decided on the lodge's famous wild mushroom bisque. Robert disappeared, leaving them in their bubble of candlelight. Andre’s phone buzzed with a text notification. He picked it up to find a message from his sister.
"Tommy wants me to promise to make up for missing story time tonight when he visits," he said, turning off his phone.
"I could show him the hives," Joy offered. "If you think it's safe, I mean. He might enjoy seeing how the bees work."
Andre smiled. "He'd love that. Kid's obsessed with bugs right now. Built an ant farm that lasted exactly three days before the ants staged a great escape. Megan found them in her sugar jar."
Joy laughed, the sound wrapping around him like honey. Robert returned with the wine, presenting the bottle with quiet ceremony before pouring a taste for both of them. The liquid was deep purple, almost black in the candlelight. Andre swirled it, inhaling the complex aroma before taking a sip. Warmth spread across his tongue, rich fruit followed by a subtle spice.
Joy tasted hers as well, nodding with approval. "That's lovely."
"Excellent," Andre agreed, and Robert filled both glasses.
Moments later, the bisque arrived. Steam rose, carrying the earthy scent of forest mushrooms. Andre lifted his spoon, blowing gently before taking the first taste.
The flavors exploded across his tongue. Porcini and chanterelle, rich cream, a hint of sherry. He closed his eyes, savoring the complexity.
"Oh, that's divine," Joy murmured, her own spoon pausing at her lips.
She took another spoonful of bisque, a drop clinging to her lower lip. Andre watched, mesmerized, as her tongue darted out to catch it.
"You must miss Portland," she said.
"I do sometimes. The Fate Mountain market is amazing, but Saturday market in Portland stretches for blocks," he said, setting down his spoon. "Every kind of food you could imagine. Thai, Ethiopian, fresh pasta made while you watch. I’ll have to take you sometime."
Robert appeared to clear their bowls. Within moments, their entrees arrived. The elk medallions glistened under the soft lighting, the huckleberry reduction pooling like liquid garnets. The aroma of rosemary and game made Andre's mouth water.
Andre watched Joy take the first bite, saw her eyes flutter closed in appreciation. His own first taste confirmed what her expression had already told him. The meat was perfectly cooked, tender enough to cut with a fork, the sweet-tart sauce complementing the richness.
