Chapter 305: Our HouseThe next couple of weeks flew by. From time to time, they heard from Blake and Amy in California. Amy's movie shoot was doing very well. In fact, it was ahead of schedule, a coup for Amy's first time directing. They expected to be back at Lake Miranda the first week of October, a few days before the wedding. As far as the world was concerned, Shasta Pyke was happily engaged and planning a wedding for the following summer. Regular deliveries of supplies and furnishings for the renovation of Lake Miranda Lodge concealed the arrival of wedding supplies as well, including Amy's simple but beautiful gown.Before Jackie knew it, she and Scott were waving to Grant and Emma as the big yellow school bus motored away from Lake Miranda on its way to the first day of school.Clutching her blue ceramic coffee mug in both hands in the early morning chill, she turned to walk back toward the lodge, hoping Scott wouldn't notice the tears that threatened.As usual, though,
Chapter 306: Another Play Cabin NightBy the end of the second week of school, Grant and Emma were settled into their routine. With Jackie's okay, Trina had hired a new front desk clerk to help with the increasing number of guests. Scott would be welcoming his VIP guests the following weekend, and he spent his days ensuring that everything was ready to go.Cabin and guest room renovations were completed, and the next phase had begun. The huge storage room off the reception area had been emptied, its contents moved to the new climate-controlled storage that had been built at the north end of the main lodge. The space was now being remodeled into Walker's on the Lake, the new restaurant on Lake Miranda. It would be finished by early October, and only a handful of people knew that its first function would be Blake and Amy's wedding.Jackie oversaw the renovations, releasing much of the day to day guest operations to Trina and her growing team. When she had a spare moment, she curle
Chapter 307: Nielsen Outdoors SchoolJackie watched as Scott surveyed the island cabin once again. She tried to see it through his eyes. The completed renovations came out better than anyone had imagined. The addition at the back blended seamlessly with the original structure, with four bunks on either side and a row of eight wood cupboards at the end which would serve as storage for the guests.Each bunk had a thin mattress and pillow, topped with a green plaid bedspread. Obviously, the clients would be bringing their own sleeping bags, but the effect was to render the beds uniform in appearance, bringing a warm, homey feel to the cabin.The sleeping quarters were now separated from the rest of the cabin by the cast-iron stove in its original position. Between the stove and the refurbished lounge area in the front stood a new square wooden table flanked by benches on every side. It would serve as the place for meals and for instruction, although many of the classes would be cond
Chapter 308: Things Are Taking OffTen days later, Jackie felt like things were about to reach critical mass. Monday afternoon, as she checked in Scott's first real guests, she thought about the tour she'd taken of the house earlier in the day. It appeared that the big projects were finished. The cabinetry was installed, the bathrooms were done, and the hardwood floors had been laid, then covered with paper to protect them. Granite countertops were being delivered in a few days. After that, the furnishings that were in storage could be put into place.At Amy's request, she'd toured her and Blake's house at the south end of the compound as well, shooting video to send to them as they finished work in California. Amy and Blake would be returning the following Wednesday, just three days before the wedding, and Jackie planned to do everything in her power to ensure that their house was completely finished. Jackie and the kids, and Scott, she mused contentedly, hoped to move into t
Chapter 309: First Official NightJackie sighed deeply as she gazed out the enormous window overlooking the lake. It had to be after two in the morning. The half-moon sinking toward the hills on the horizon left a silver stream reflected on the still water. She heard Scott stir in the huge bed behind her.His voice was sleepy. "Are you okay?"She turned to him and nodded. "Oh, yeah. I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep."Nude, he slipped from under the covers and padded barefoot across the wide-plank floor, stopping behind her and wrapping his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. "It's a beautiful night," he murmured."It is," she agreed.He leaned around to press a kiss to her temple. "But you can't sleep?""I just can't get over how amazing the house turned out. I can't believe it's ours. It's like something out of a magazine." She turned, taking in the king-size canopy bed with its slender black iron posts, twisted decoratively and topped with ornate fi
Chapter 310: A Private WeddingHolding her breath, Jackie made one final swipe with the frosting spatula and stepped back. Even to her critical eye, the white buttercream ridges around the three separate cake tiers appeared evenly spaced. She heaved a huge sigh of relief.When her parents had arrived, Ann had volunteered to take over the planning and execution of the wedding dinner. With Trina's help, they had a good start on the side dishes that would be served at the family-style reception meal. The salad and fresh trout would wait until the day of the wedding.Jim and Scott had taken Grant and Emma fishing on the lake, and between the four of them, they'd caught enough for the intimate gathering.Eve had volunteered to provide finger food for the cocktail hour before dinner. Jackie had gratefully accepted her offer, wondering what the petite Goth pixie would bring. Bat skewers, maybe, she'd giggled to herself.That left Jackie to create the wedding cake. She had a little expe
Chapter 311: Pre-Wedding JittersWhile Blake chose a bunk and settled his things, Scott built a fire in front of the cabin. By the time Blake came back outside, bright orange and yellow flames danced in the stone fire pit, warming the cool of the fall evening.Scott watched him sink into an Adirondack chair opposite him and heave a deep sigh. He poured bourbon into an enamel mug and offered it to Blake, who gratefully accepted it. Then he poured some for himself."How are you holding up?" Scott asked. He'd known Blake for years, and he sensed the tension in the younger man."Oh, I'm great, you know?" Blake sipped his bourbon and leaned back in his chair. "Tomorrow, I'm marrying the woman I love."Scott nodded. "Your very own baby girl. Who would have believed it?""Right? I mean, one day I'm doing my thing, working here at the lodge, and the next day, movie star Shasta Pyke is kneeling at my feet, agreeing to be mine. It's crazy." He glanced at Scott. "Not that the celebrit
Chapter 312: The Big DayOne last time, Jackie checked her hair and makeup in the mirror. She and Amy had slept late and had been awakened by the squeals of Emma and Grant when the elder Walkers had brought them home mid-morning. After spending the remainder of the morning relaxing at the house, they'd all made the pilgrimage to the lodge, where they'd joined Trina in adding the last few touches to the reception set-up. Jackie had finished decorating the cake and returned it to the cooler.Jim and Grant, already dressed for the wedding, had headed over to the island to hang out with Blake and Scott until it was time for the ceremony. Eve and Sam had arrived, and Eve had busied herself setting up a delicious spread of finger foods, none of which appeared to be bat skewers, Jackie had grinned to herself.Now, she and Amy were upstairs in the lodge, having commandeered one of the guest rooms for a dressing room. While everyone waited downstairs, Jackie had gotten dressed in her shor
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg