returned the gesture with a smile. “That’s Hannah Willingham with her kids, Kendall, Austin and Tyler. Her husband, Garrett, is a CPA and OMSAR’s treasurer.”
A feeling of warmth settled at the center of Sarah’s chest. “Charming is the perfect way to describe Hood Hamlet.”
“You should see the place at Christmastime. The town goes all out.”
Hood Hamlet was made for Christmas, with its mountain setting, ample snow and pine trees. She would love to see it in person. Too bad she would be long gone by then. “It must be wonderful.”
“A winter wonderland.” His eyes brightened. “There’s an annual tree-lighting ceremony after Thanksgiving. The entire town turns out no matter the weather. Wreaths and garland are hung across Main Street. Every streetlight is strung with red and white lights to look like candy canes.”
It sounded so inviting and special. Her Christmases had never been like that. No holiday had been. “Is Easter a big deal in Hood Hamlet, too?”
“The town holds an annual egg hunt. It’s pretty low-key. Nothing like the shindig my mom and sisters put on. They could teach the Easter Bunny a thing or two,” he joked.
She’d found nothing humorous about it. Her hands balled. “Easter at your parents’ house was like stepping into the middle of a magazine spread or home-decorating show.”
“Holidays are big deals to my family.”
No kidding. “Your mom and sisters put Martha Stewart to shame. It was exhausting watching them do so much.” Easter with Cullen and his family had shown Sarah how different their childhoods and lives had been. Her parents didn’t do much for the holidays. Meals, special occasion or not, were eaten in front of the television or in the car, or they were skipped. She’d planned a wedding that had never happened, but she didn’t know how to cook for a huge crowd or be a proper hostess. No way could she be the kind of wife Cullen and his family expected. “I tried to help, but I only slowed them down.”
“Yeah, they go all out,” he agreed. “I love it.”
Cullen’s words confirmed what Sarah had realized back then. She would never be able to pass muster with the Grays. Her shoulders sagged. The pain shooting down her right arm matched the hurt in her heart. She forced herself to sit straight.
“Holidays are more down-to-earth in Hood Hamlet, but nice, too. Lots of town traditions,” he continued. “Santa and the Easter Bunny have been known to show up on Main Street to have their picture taken with kids and pets.”
Pets? He’d never talked about animals before. “Do you have a pet?”
“No, but if I wasn’t gone for so long when I work, I might consider getting one.”
“I thought you didn’t like dogs and cats.”
“I like them, but my mom’s allergic,” he said. “One of the guys on the rescue unit has a Siberian husky named Denali. She’s a cool dog.”
“Get a cat. They’re independent. A good pet for someone who is away a lot. Especially if you have two. That’s what my boss Tucker says.”
“I don’t know if I’m a cat person. I’d like to know a pet cares if I’m around or not.”
She knew the feeling. “Cats care, but they don’t show it.”
“Then what’s the use of having one?”
Sarah could have asked him the same question about having a husband. His serious nature and stability had appealed to her when they’d first met. He’d been the exact opposite of the other men in her life, the same men who had disappointed and hurt her. But after they’d married she realized the traits that initially appealed to her kept him from being spontaneous or showing a lot of emotion, leaving her feeling isolated and alone, like when she’d been a kid.
The one emotion he’d had no difficulty expressing was desire. No issues in that department. A heated flush rushed through her, along with more memories she’d rather forget. “You’re better off without a pet.”
Cullen made a left-hand turn onto a narrow street that wound its way through trees. Homes and cabins were interspersed among the pines.
“This is convenient to Main Street,” she said.
“Especially to the brewpub.”
Cullen’s former mountain-rescue unit in Seattle went out for beers after missions, but call outs hadn’t been weekly occurrences. She couldn’t imagine rescues were that frequent on Mount Hood. He must like to go out with his friends.
No doubt women were involved. Her left hand balled into a fist. She flexed her fingers. “That must come in handy on Friday and Saturday nights.”
“Very handy.”
The thought of Cullen with another woman sent a shudder through Sarah. “Who do you go to the brewpub with?”
“Mostly OMSAR members and a few firefighters.”
“Nice guys?”
“Yes, but not all are men.”
Her shoulders tensed. This was none of her business. Some people dated before a divorce was finalized. She shouldn’t care or be upset over what Cullen did.
A quarter mile down the road, he turned the truck onto a short driveway and parked in front of a small, single-story cabin. “This is it.”
Sarah stared in disbelief. She’d been expecting an A-frame, not something that belonged in a storybook. The log cabin was delightful, with wood beams and small-paned windows. A planter containing colorful flowers sat next to the front door. “It’s adorable. I half expect to see Snow White walk out the front door, followed by the seven dwarfs.”
He stopped the truck and set the parking brake. “It was used as a vacation rental so has curb appeal, but I wouldn’t go that far.”
“You have to admit it’s cute.”
He pulled the keys out of the ignition. “It suits my purpose.”
She opened the passenger door. “I can’t wait to see the inside.”
“Stay there.” Cullen exited, crossed in front of the truck and stood next to her. He extended his arm. “I’ll help you inside.”
She’d noticed his manners the first time they met. She’d appreciated the gentlemanly behavior. It wasn’t something she was used to and it made her feel special. Too bad she hadn’t felt as special after they married. Ignoring her soreness, she reached for his hand. “Thanks.”
“Go slowly.” He wrapped his hand around her waist. “I’ll get the luggage once you’re settled.”
She wasn’t about to argue. Not when the warmth of his skin sent heat rushing through her veins. All she had to do was make it to the front door and inside the cabin. Then she could let go and catch her breath.
Cullen escorted her toward the cabin as if she was as delicate as a snowflake. She took cautious steps, fighting the urge to hurry so she could let go of him. The scent of him embraced her. Every point of contact was sweet torture. Relief nearly knocked her over when she reached the porch step.
He squeezed her hand. “Careful.”
Yes, she needed to be careful around Cullen. Reactions to him could bring disaster down on her already hurting head.
Reaching around her with his other hand, he unlocked the door. A feeling of déjà vu washed over her. When they’d arrived in Seattle after eloping, Cullen had taken her to his apartment. He’d swept her up into his arms and carried her over the threshold. The romantic gesture had sent her heart singing and told her she hadn’t made a mistake eloping.
“It’s a good thing Snow White and her crew aren’t here, or this place would be too crowded.” He pushed open