Bear Cabin

Chapter 3

The plane ride was better than I thought it would be. I haven't flown since my son was one and that was a hectic ride with a crying toddler. I actually got to relax and watch a movie with a tasty adult beverage and snacks.I didn't have to share my snacks either and that was amazing. I felt bad at first but I bet this is how any mother feels when they get a small break.

After landing and getting the rental it only took another two hours to get to the cabin resort to check in. It was darker than I thought it would be at this time but I am guessing the mountains make a difference on when the sun sets. I parked hoping I was between the lines since the parking lot was covered in snow. It really did look magical and I already felt a bit calmer. I sat in the car for a few minutes to calm my nerves. I hope the people working here don't judge me for having a me vacation. I know a few of my friends wondered what was wrong with me and judged me for not bringing my kids. s**t, even a few wanted to know why I am going now when I could of taken my husband to save myself the disgrace of the divorce. I told them where to shove it and walked off each time.

I walked into the cabin and the bell rang letting them know someone had came in. I had started to look around at the different pamphlets to see what I could do around here when a beautiful woman walked in. She looked to be about 60 years old but with a fit body, long brown hair, green eyes, and a great smile. I hope I look as good as that when I get older. After the year I have had I feel way older than 30.

“Hello and welcome to Luna Ridge Cabins. My name is Sophia and I am one of the owners here. What can I do for you?” She said as she sat down at her computer waiting for it to unlock.

“Hi my name is Heather King. I have a reservation for one of the cabins here for this week.” I handed over my license and credit card.

“Well, Hello Heather. We are glad to have you for the week. Just let me look it up on the computer so we can get you all set up. Do you have anything special planned while you are here or would you like some help finding some things do to during your stay?” She looked at the pamphlets I had in my hand with a questioning face.

“Oh no I haven’t made any plans for this week. This is a week where I can focus on getting back to me and what really makes me happy. I was looking at the hiking trails here because I would love to take some pictures of nature. My 6 year old also made me promise to take some pictures of any animals I see. He loves all animals no matter how slimy or smelly.” I chuckled remembering all the different animals he has found and brought into the house asking to keep them. I was fine as long as it wasn't a snake or spider.

“Awe! He sounds just like how my sons were at that age. We do have some great trails with amazing views. I will grab that information in just a second. I have you all checked in. I just need you to sign this paper." She hands me the paper and a pen. "You will be in Cabin #3. My son A.J will be meeting you down there to start a fire for you and make sure your stocked up on wood outside. Breakfast is available up here from 5am to 10am. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Nope. That sounds great. I was just about to ask if someone could help me start a fire.” I replied as she walked around the counter and picked out the information I needed for some of the hiking trails. She handed them to me with the key to the cabin and told me how to get to the cabin. I told her thank you and got back in my car.

A.J was there when I pulled in. He was building a pretty big wood pile beside the front door. I took a deep breathe and got out of the car. The excitement of seeing what this beautiful cabin looks like on the inside and the nerves of being alone for a week was slowly sinking in. Something that hadn't even crossed my mind was this bulky tall man in front of me.

“Hi. Are you A.J?” I asked as I grabbed a few of my bags and started walking toward the door. I didn’t notice the ice on the walk way until after I slipped and fell on my butt. I was so embarrassed and my face turned bright red. A.J ran over to help me up with a smile on his face.

“Oh my gosh. Are you ok?” He asked chuckling while helping me up.

“Yup. Just dandy. Thanks for the help up.” If the ground could open up and eat me now that would be great.

“No problem. I will get some salt to put on the walk way when I am done starting your fire.” He turned so I could unlock the door. I walked in and stopped in my tracks. Perhaps too quickly because A.J ran right into my back pushing me forward on the floor.

“What in the world? Why did you stop so suddenly?” He yelped as he helped me stand up for the second time in maybe 3 minutes.

“I am so sorry. This cabin is breathtaking! If my kids were with me we would end up living here,” I exclaimed picking up my bags and moving out of his way. The fireplace took up most of one of the walls with its beautiful brick layers and a bear painting hanging above it. The furniture was made to look like someone went into the woods and hand made it all. I couldn’t want to see the kitchen so dropped my bags on the couch and went to look around, snapping pictures to send to my kids.

The kitchen has a huge double sink on its own island. The wooden stained cabinets were remarkable and matched the table. The bathroom had a huge bathtub with jets and a tray so I can drink my wine and read a book in the tub. I haven’t done that in since before I got pregnant with my son. I will have to add wine to my grocery list. I turned around to get the rest of my bags and save the bedroom tour for when A.J has left.

“Hey A.J. Do you mind walking me through the steps to start the fire and keep it going? It has been years since I used a fireplace,” I asked when I made it back to the living room. He had it going strong and was warming his hands up when I walked in.

“I don’t mind. If you can’t get it restarted tomorrow just call the main cabin and one of us will come down to start it for you. Also my mom just texted and said to let you know the wifi network and password are on the counter of the kitchen.”

“Oh yea I saw them. Thanks. I am going to grab my other bags and then I am ready to learn to make fire like a real caveman.” He chuckled at my joke which made me smile. My ex-husband always hated my corny jokes and would just give me a blank stare anytime I said them. It was nice to see not all men have a lack of humor.

When I made it back in A.J was putting wood on the fire. He was bent over and I couldn’t help but notice how nice of a butt he had. He was wearing wranglers that hugged his body in all the right places. I stopped to take a look before shutting the door to let him know of my presence. He looked up and had a half smile on his face like he knew I had just stared at his butt. Holy crap he caught me and I have no idea what to even say now.

“Are you ready to learn to make a fire?” He asked as he took a seat on the couch. I nodded my head and grabbed something to take notes with. I decided to look him straight in the eye and show no remorse for the butt stares.