“Now that’s impressive. I’ve never camped without a base attached to my tent. Come on in,” he said, motioning her inside. “I won’t think any less of you, however, if you happen to change your mind about staying out here alone. The offer still stands for the vacant guest room over at the main lodge. If it’s not ready, it won’t take long to get it so.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Aurora told him as she stepped into the charming little cabin. Gage had done so much for her already. In fact, he’d given far more attention to her needs in the few short hours she had known him than Ben had during the entire time they were together.
“You can hang your jacket on the hook by the door.”
Gage had placed her carry-on against the cabin wall next to the door. Her purchases sat on top of a small table in the far corner of the room where the cabin’s kitchenette was located.
Aurora slid the backpack from her shoulders and set it down next to her carry-on. Then she pulled off her camera bag, setting it on the floor by her feet.
“We’re not expecting any more rain for a couple of days,” Gage told her.
“That’s good,” she replied as she removed her jacket and hung it on the hook. Then, gathering up her camera bag, she moved farther into the room. She did a quick sweep of her surroundings. The kitchen area consisted of a bistro-style table for two, a sink, microwave, mini fridge, and a few cupboards, no doubt for those who were staying longer and had brought some additional food with them for cooking during their stay.
“There are bottles of water in the mini fridge,” he said. “And a selection of individually packaged snacks and breakfast bars in the cupboard above it if you happen to get hungry between meals at the main lodge. There’s also a flashlight in the stand next to the bed in case you need it.” He glanced around. “There is a guest laundry room at the lodge. The machines are free to use if you have need of them.” He paused. “I hope I didn’t leave anything out. Julia and Mom usually handle check-ins and info dumps.”
She smiled. “I can’t think of anything else I’d need to know, so you’ve done your job.”
He returned her smile. “If you have any questions or concerns during your stay, don’t hesitate to let us know.”
Aurora gave an appreciative nod as her eyes slowly swept the room. Instead of the bunk beds she’d been prepared to find, the cabin offered a full-size bed. She took in the red and black buffalo plaid quilt, noting that it looked to be homemade. Alternating squares of pine trees and moose intermingled with the checkered squares, the design matching the pillow shams. A moose, standing majestic and strong, made up the base of the antique sculpted bronze lamp next to the bed. Across the room, an unlit woodstove sat tucked in the corner near the front window. The room, with all its Alaskan charm, was so inviting. It made her wish she would be staying for more than one night.
She turned to Gage. “I have a question.”
His dark brows lifted. “That was fast.”
She laughed. “I want to know how I’m supposed to experience what it’s truly like to be out in the wilds of Alaska when this place is like a mini Alaskan all-inclusive?”
Gage brought a hand to his chin, as if in contemplation. “I suppose we could remove all the snacks from your cabin ...”
“On second thought,” Aurora said, taking an intentional sidestep to block his view of the goody cupboard, “who needs to rough it when they’re inside? I think I’ll just save that experience for when I’m outdoors.”
Gage’s eyes glinted with humor. “Sounds like a plan. I guess I should go and let you get settled in. I’ll be back to show you to the main house for dinner.”
Aurora touched her now only slightly damp, wavy hair. “I’m not so sure my joining in is a very good idea. I haven’t seen my reflection in a mirror, but I’m pretty sure I look a mess after the day I’ve had. I probably should just skip dinner at the lodge this evening and dine on snacks instead.”
“You really don’t look the worse for wear,” he assured her. “In fact, you’re one of the few women I’ve ever met who could come out of the kind of day you’ve had and still look like you’ve just finished shooting a shampoo commercial.”
Her laughter came out in an unexpected snort, making Aurora cover her mouth in embarrassment. “Sorry, I’ve just never received a compliment quite like that one.”
His mouth pulled up to one side. “I can’t say that I’ve ever given one quite like that before. But I meant what I said. You look great.”
She certainly didn’t want his mother going out of her way for her. “Gage, I’ve already imposed enough on your family, coming here without any notice or a reservation.”
“Your being here isn’t an imposition,” he assured her. “We had a cabin available. And I’ll warn you right now, Mom loves having guests to dote on. So, your presence will make her all the happier. What do you say? Join us for dinner?”
She smiled up at him. “I certainly don’t want to put your mother through any unnecessary inconvenience because I missed dinner. But I really do need to grab a quick shower before heading up to the main lodge.”
“I’ve got a few things I need to see to. Why don’t I swing by and walk you to dinner, say in about an hour?”
That was more than enough time for her to make herself presentable. She was a no-fuss kind of gal. One had to be when their career revolved around taking photographs of things nature-related. Because that meant dealing with the elements that came with it. Rain and snow. Sweltering heat and frigid cold. Even seat-drop slides down muddy hillsides.
Aurora nodded. “That works for me.”
“Okay. I’ll let you get settled in,” Gage said as he opened the cabin door.
“Do you think your family would mind if I brought one of my cameras along with me?” she called after him as he turned to leave. “I’d really like to get some shots of the lodge and its surroundings after dinner. And, depending on the timing of all that, grab a few sunset pictures too.”
Sunset had always been Aurora’s favorite time of day. Especially when it came to taking pictures of those ever-changing hues of yellow, red, and orange. And watching as the blues and purples came into play across the evening sky as the sun faded slowly away below the distant horizon. HerSunsets of the Worldphotograph collection featured some of her very best works.
