Pointing to the center of the building, he said, “This is the original building.” His finger touched on either side of the square. “We added two wings. A few of the former staff cabins also survived. We refurbished them into living quarters for staff who care for the property.”
“Is there a chapel inside?”
He shook his head. “There’s a small one farther along the path. I can take you to see it later, if you like.”
“I’d love to.”
Zeke continued down the path to the Friary’s ten-foot-tall double doors. They opened into a two-story entryway with a rustic chandelier and a beautiful oriental carpet protecting the wood floors.
The entryway spilled into a large rectangular room with enormous fireplaces at each end. Above one mantel, a large elk's head jutted out from the stones. The other was curiously empty but for two ornate hooks positioned horizontal to each other.
Deep-cushioned leather furniture dotted the space as well as high-backed chairs strategically placed around the fireplaces.
The back wall was nothing but glass overlooking a stone veranda housing a firepit, pool, and Jacuzzi. Twin two-person tables sporting a chess and backgammon set were parked in front of the windows, granting the players an inspiring view.
The whole setup had a modern-day medieval vibe that would appeal to any guest.
“This is where the family hangs out in the evenings,” Zeke said, avoiding eye contact.
“It’s so warm and cozy.” She nodded toward the empty hooks. “What are those—”
“Cool!”
Liv jerked around to find her son scrambling out of Zeke’s arms and running toward the fireplace with the massive dead head.
Brodie pointed at the mounted trophy. “Mama, look at the moose!”
She strode to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. “That’s an elk, sweetheart.”
His eyes widened. “Can we get one?”
She smiled. “We don’t have a fireplace.”
“What about above my bed?”
No.If he didn’t get nightmares from waking up beneath the thing, she would. “Um, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Disappointment replaced his excitement. “But, Mama—”
“Hello, Brodie,” Zeke said, cutting off her son’s whine.
Brodie took in Zeke’s outfit—or lack of—and leaned into Liv.
“You remember, Zeke, right? This is his home.”
Her son’s eyes flicked to the mount again, then back to Zeke. “Did you shoot him?”
Zeke shook his head. “Once you see one in the wild, you can’t imagine viewing them any other way.”
“You saw an elk in the wild?”
“When I was about your age, my parents took us to Yellowstone National Park.” Zeke paused. “Have you been?”
Brodie looked at Liv.
She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Not yet.”
“It’s one of the most beautiful and dangerous places in the world. Tens of thousands of elk live there.”