He couldn’t deny the validity of Hank’s words. Hank, Braden and Gabriel knew him so well. They were always able to see straight through him and all the way down to the parts of him he didn’t always like to share with the world. He had no doubt they knew he’d been feeling alone lately.
There wouldn’t be any harm in approaching Ella this evening. They were friends after all. He’d been a bit surprised when she had turned down his offer for a ride into town tonight. He had been looking forward to spending more time in her company. He let out a sigh. It was silly for him to be disappointed about something so trivial, yet he couldn’t deny how he felt. The car ride would have provided another opportunity to get to know her. Despite his doubts about Ella, he wanted to find out more about her life in Flagstaff and all the small details about her likes and dislikes. Was red her favorite color? Did she envision living out the rest of her days here in Owl Creek? What type of music did she enjoy?
Even though all of his instincts were warning him to steer clear of Ella, he couldn’t deny he felt a strong pull in her direction. He vacillated between believing she was hiding something terrible in her past and thinking she was some kind of wonderful. One way or the other, he intended to find out which one was the truth.
* * *
“They say the moon is bigger here in Alaska.”
Isabelle turned around at the sound of Connor’s voice. Although she had glimpsed him from across the way, nothing compared to seeing him up close. Dressed in a pair of dark colored jeans and a navy blue parka that almost matched his eyes, Connor looked casual yet rugged. For the millionth time since she’d arrived in Owl Creek, Isabelle wondered how he had managed to stay single. No doubt it was by choice. She didn’t think many women could resist him.
He grinned down at her. “And brighter.”
Isabelle felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I won’t argue with you on that, although I’ve always heard that the moon is the same size regardless of where you are in the world.”
“Rule number one. As a new resident of Owl Creek, you shouldn’t question town folklore.”
Isabelle laughed. “I see.” She held up her mittened hands. “I promise not to ever question Alaskan lore again.”
“So, are you having a good time?”
“So far it’s been a really fun night. I’ve never been part of a small-town community before, so it’s quite interesting to see how everyone comes together for an event.”
“Owl Creekians are friendly, if a bit nosy. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked about your great-grandmother’s little sister’s second husband.”
She burst out laughing. “Owl Creekians? Is that really a thing? You’re kidding, right?”
Connor folded his arms across his chest. “O ye of little faith. I’ll have you know that one of my ancestors, Barnabus North, came up with that particular name for the townsfolk.”
“B-Barnabus?” Isabelle sputtered, devolving into a fit of the giggles. Unable to stop herself, she ducked her head and continued laughing. “I’m so sorry for laughing at your ancestor, but that name sounds a million years old.”
“Thanks a lot. That’s my middle name,” Connor said, his expression shuttered.
“Woops!” Isabelle raised a hand to cover her mouth. “I’m really putting my foot in my mouth tonight, aren’t I?”
A sly smile began to spread across his face. “Gotcha. I’m just teasing you. I was named after my father. Connor Nathaniel North.”
“I like it,” she said. “It’s a bit more distinguished than Barnabus.”
“Hey! Leave Barnabus alone. He was a very distinguished town founder. Just ask Beulah. She happens to be coming this way.”
When she turned in the direction of Connor’s gaze, Isabelle instantly spotted Beulah, resplendent in a peony pink ensemble. She was walking alongside an older man, who Isabelle assumed was her husband. Another couple was with them, holding hands and making a beeline toward Connor.
Beulah’s voice rang out as she greeted her. “Ella! You came! I’m so glad you decided to join us.”
“Good to see you as well, Beulah. That color looks lovely on you,” Isabelle said.
“That’s what I told her,” the older gentleman said as he reached out to take Beulah’s hand. “I’m Jennings North, Beulah’s husband. I’ve heard a lot about you, Ella. All good things of course.” He stuck his hand out and shook hers with vigor. “Welcome to Owl Creek, my dear.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, surprised to discover he knew who she was. It made her happy to know Beulah had spoken about her in a positive light. She thought Beulah and Jennings just might be the most adorable couple in town.
“These are my parents, Willa and Nate,” Connor said, nodding in the other couple’s direction. “This is Ella Perez. She came to Owl Creek by way of Arizona to work for us.”
Connor’s parents looked like they had just stepped out of a healthy Alaskan living ad. Willa bore a striking resemblance to Sage, although her eyes were a bright blue while Sage’s were brown. They shared similar features and nearly identical noses. Willa was a petite woman who was dwarfed next to her tall husband. Nate North was just as handsome as his son. With his full head of dark hair and an athletic physique, he appeared quite youthful. Both were smiling in her direction, which immediately calmed her unease at meeting so many people all at once.
“Thank you for coming to work for North Star Chocolates,” Nate said, his eyes full of warmth. “We’re always grateful for fresh ideas and innovations.”
“You’re a lovely addition to Owl Creek,” Willa gushed. She sent Connor a pointed look, which caused Isabelle to squirm a little bit. It was clear Connor’s mother also appeared to have her matchmaker hat on. What was it with small Alaskan towns and people feeling the need to pair people up?