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Sage stared at Hank’s mama for a few moments, trying to take a mental snapshot of this beautiful, nurturing woman. In the weeks and months to follow Sage would cherish all of her special moments with Trudy.
“The judges are beginning to make their rounds,” Trudy called out to Sage. “Let’s get in position.”
Nodding, she took her place next to Trudy and began to ladle chili from the huge pots on the burner.
After only a few minutes, Sage wiped her hand across her brow. Serving up the chili and standing by a heater was making her work up a sweat. She rolled up her sleeves and began to fan herself with her hand. She’d never imagined the inside of the outdoor tent would be so hot. As the judges stepped up to the table, Trudy and Sage began to line up the bowls side by side. It had been Sage’s idea to offer a piece of savory bread to dunk into the chili.
One by one the judges came through, sampling the dish and writing a score down on a piece of paper. Willa came forward and reached for a bowl of chili. Sage handed it to her with a smile. She hadn’t known Willa was one of the judges. Willa greeted them with a nod and a huge smile. Sage felt a burst of happiness just knowing she was part of something bigger than herself. It was amazing to feel as though she was a member of this tight-knit community.
While the judges convened to make their decisions, Sage stood with Trudy and tried not to get distracted by Hank, who was goofing around with Connor and Gabriel. When an announcement was made to gather around so the judges could declare the winner, everyone made their way toward the stage. Trudy reached out and grabbed ahold of Sage’s hand.
Willa stepped up to the microphone. “It’s my pleasure to announce that the winners of the tenth annual cook-off are... Trudy Miller and Sage Duncan,” she said in a triumphant voice. Trudy began jumping up and down with excitement. Sage was swept up in the celebratory mood of the crowd as everyone cheered and congratulated them. It was sheer pandemonium.
Hank suddenly appeared at her side, his face lit up with a grin. He leaned toward her and pressed a kiss on her cheek. “Congratulations!” he said. “Now that you’ve won the cook-off competition, you can’t possibly leave town.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. A feeling of warmth spread through her at his touch.
“I didn’t really do anything. Trudy did all the heavy lifting,” Sage replied with a self-conscious laugh, thinking he was teasing her about remaining in town. But when she locked gazes with Hank she saw truth radiating from his eyes. He wasn’t joking in the slightest!
“In my humble opinion, this town could greatly benefit by having someone like you as a resident. I like spending time with you, Sage. And I really do wish you would stay a while longer here in Owl Creek.”
She looked up at him and smiled. His sweet words caused goose bumps to prickle on the back on her neck.
The way Hank made her feel was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. It was crazy, but he was actually causing her to reconsider leaving Owl Creek. He was making her believe that with him by her side, perhaps everything might be all right if she stayed. It was what she’d been looking for her entire life without even knowing it. A soft place to fall.
Was there a way to stay here in town a bit longer? Could she allow herself to further explore her feelings for Hank? Even though she’d been convinced that leaving was her only option, the handsome sheriff was forcing her to rethink her plans.
* * *
Hank looked outside the kitchen window as Sage and Addie frolicked in the snow. Sage had insisted on celebrating the cook-off win by spending quality time with Addie outside. He could feel a gigantic grin overtaking his face. For a girl from Florida, Sage really seemed to be enjoying the frosty Alaskan temperatures here in Owl Creek. She’d acclimated perfectly. Before going outdoors with Addie, she’d assured him that she didn’t plan to stay outside for long. Sage knew Addie was too little to be exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods of time. It was sweet how painstakingly Sage had bundled Addie up in a snowsuit so she wouldn’t suffer from the elements.
Hank had gotten used to Sage’s presence in his life. He’d already decided to try to convince her to stay in Owl Creek for a longer period of time. He couldn’t ignore the powerful way he felt when they were together. His heart was urging him to fight for this beautiful woman.
“Hank, can you give me a hand with these linens? My back is already aching something fierce.” Trudy’s voice intruded on his thoughts.
Hank glanced in her direction. She had a look of pain etched on her face. He could tell with just one glance that her rheumatoid arthritis was flaring up again. Guilt trickled through him. He’d been so busy gazing at Sage that he’d missed the opportunity to step in earlier to help her out.
He swiftly made his way to her side. “Of course, Mama. You should have just asked me in the first place.” Hank reached over and lifted up the laundry bin. “What have I told you about overextending yourself? You don’t want to put your back out again. You were laid up for weeks last time.”
Trudy let out a groan. “I most certainly don’t, but these linens need to be cleaned. After all, I am running a bed-and-breakfast.” She winked at her son. “Thankfully the washing machine will take care of the hard part.”
He chuckled. His mother was incredibly hardworking and she never surrendered, despite some health issues she’d endured.
Hank began walking toward the laundry room when his feet got tripped up in a piece of laundry on the floor. He bent down and picked it up, his entire body stiffening. Suddenly, his stomach lurched. It was a blanket adorned with owls. He felt the fabric between his fingers. It looked fairly old and a sickening knowledge washed over him. He’d seen this blanket before, courtesy of Nate and Willa who had provided photos of it. It was part of the evidence in the Lily North file.
He held up the blanket. “Where did this come from?” He couldn’t hide the anguish in his tone.
His mother’s brows furrowed. “What’s wrong, Hank? You don’t look so good.”
“Tell me, Mama. Please. It’s important.” He found himself holding his breath awaiting her response. It felt as if his entire future was hanging in the balance.
Trudy shrugged. “These came from Sage’s room and my own. I haven’t stripped the beds in the other rooms yet. Why do you ask?”
Hank didn’t know what to tell his mother. She would be floored by the idea that Sage was nothing more than a con artist. Anger rose up inside him at the thought of his mother being so betrayed by someone she’d treated with infinite kindness. This time they’d all been burned.
The back door flew open, bringing with it a strong gust of wind. Sage was laughing as she jiggled Addie in her arms. Hank watched with his heart in his throat as she leaned toward his daughter and nuzzled noses with her. How many times had he prayed for a woman to come into his life who would share a bond with his baby girl? How many nights had he gotten on his knees and asked the Lord to allow him to move past Theresa’s betrayal? And just when he thought he’d turned a corner, he’d made a life-altering discovery that had nearly brought him to his knees.
“Mama. Take Addie, please, and go upstairs.” His words sounded commanding, brooking no argument. Trudy looked back and forth between him and Sage, then walked over and plucked his baby girl from Sage’s arms. She quickly left the kitchen, her features pinched and strained.
Sage’s brows were knitted together. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked. It was shocking to see the look of bewilderment etched on her face. Did she not have a conscience?
