Nicola leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Word has it you are one of the producers for that television show.”
“Well, actually, I’m the production designer forBear Country,” he corrected.
“I read you’ve won an Oscar.” Nicola elbowed her husband. “Isn’t that right, Wooster?”
Wooster immediately extended his own hand. “I’m Wooster Cavendish. I manage Thunder Mountain Savings and Loan in town.” He retrieved a business card from his wallet and thrust it into Nick’s hand. “Feel free to reach out if you have any financial needs. We are a full-service bank…”
Before he could finish his pitch, Nicola elbowed her husband a second time. “Oh, honey. I’m sure Mr. Thatcher does business with some big financial institution in Los Angeles…or China.” She laughed at her own bad joke.
Charlie Grace sighed. “Look, I hope you’ll excuse us. We’re just getting back and…”
Nicola noticed the cameras in their hands. “Oh? You’ve been out together?” Her lips pursed. “Isn’t that nice?”
“We stumbled upon a moose and its baby,” Nick offered. “Got some tremendous shots.”
Charlie Grace reached for Nick’s elbow. “We’d love to chat more, but I’m pretty sure Nick is starving. Let me get this poor man a plate.” She didn’t bother to wait for Nicola’s response before pulling Nick toward the spot where Aunt Mo was busy helping dish up plates of food for a line of guests. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Mo. Let me help you.”
Her aunt waved her off. “No worries, honey. It’s all handled. Besides, Ford carried the load tonight.” She looked at Nick. “Get you a plate. You’re not going to want to miss out on a plate of those ribs.”
Nick held up his camera. “Let me put this away and get washed up.” He glanced at Charlie Grace. “Save me a seat?”
She beamed. “You bet.”
“Mommy! Where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Her daughter parked her hands on her hips.
Charlie Grace laughed. “You have? Well, I’m sorry.” She held up her camera. “I was taking some photographs. Just wait until you see my shots of this momma moose and her baby.”
“I want a camera!” Jewel exclaimed. “Then we can take pictures together.”
Nick grinned. “That’s a wonderful idea. You look like a great future photographer.” Forgetting his intention to return to his cabin, he motioned Charlie Grace’s daughter to a table and sat, offering the chair next to him. “Here, take a look.” He handed his expensive camera to her.
“Oh, be careful,” Charlie Grace warned. “Don’t break it.”
Jewel rolled her eyes. “I won’t break it, Mom.”
Suddenly, Charlie Grace felt a hand on her back. She turned.
“Hey,” Jason said. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Charlie Grace blinked a couple of times, now recalling her invite extended through his mother, Oma. She’d seen her in town earlier that day.
“I tried to call you,” he reminded.
It dawned on Charlie Grace that she’d totally forgotten to call him back. “Oh, yeah. I meant to return your call, Jason. I’m sorry. I got busy.”
His arm went around her waist, and he leaned and kissed her forehead. “No problem.”
Charlie Grace’s insides froze. Nick watched intently, unspoken questions clearly expressed on his face.
She had trouble finding her breath. “Uh, Nick. This is Jason Griffith.”
Jason smiled widely and pushed his hand forward. They shook. “Welcome to Thunder Mountain,” Jason told him, oblivious to the tension. “Hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Here you go, sir.” Jewel handed the camera back into Nick’s hand. “I want one just like it.” She turned to her mother. “I’ll do extra chores to earn the money.”
Charlie Grace barely managed a smile. “We’ll work something out, sweetheart. In the meantime, would you take Mommy’s and put it in her bedroom? Be careful with it,” she warned, handing the camera over.
“I will,” Jewel called over her shoulder, already running for their house.
