“Next year, I’ll bring you here a month earlier.” Landon darted a glance toward Gran from the driver’s seat. “Our falls in Maryville are great, but they don’t even compare to the colors around Jasper Lake.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely.” Gran turned her head to look out the window. “Even now, with the bare trees among the evergreens, it’s a beautiful area.”

“We spent several autumns in Vermont.” Peter leaned forward from the rear seat. “Most magnificent display of color I’ve ever seen.”

Landon bit his cheek to keep from snapping. Did his dad think of him, and Archer, and Tanya, during those stays in Vermont? Did he wish his children had been there with him? Hah. If Dad wanted any of us there, he could have come and got us from Gran’s. But they didn’t care. They never did.

Gran must have sensed his displeasure. She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Tell us more about Jasper Lake.”

“The lake is wide and encompasses several municipalities, but the actual town of Jasper Lake is the largest.” He’d already told Gran all this information, but he knew she asked again as a diversion technique. “I can’t wait to show you the cabin Theodore Magnus once lived in.”

“Have you seen it already?” The lilt of Gran’s voice rose in excitement.

“Nope. Saving the experience to share with you, but I’ve looked at the pictures online.”

“I wonder if there is any paper hidden on the soil with scrapped stanzas.” Gran let go of him and clasped her hands together. “There could be history buried there.”

“Listen to you, Mom. I never knew you had a romantic side to you.” Violet grinned from the rear seat.

Landon wanted to reach into the rearview mirror and wipe the smile off her face. Had she bothered to spend time with her mother-in-law, she would have known that fact. Gran might seem prim and proper, but her personality was multifaceted. After the last two years living with Gran and helping her, how could his mom not know her any better? Everyone knew Gran went crazy for those cheesy romance movies on the feel-good cable channel.

“Have you ever read Theodore Magnus’s works, dear?” Sweet Gran showed no animosity toward her daughter-in-law.

As much as he wanted to understand Gran’s generous and forgiving spirit, he couldn’t.

“Yes. Peter introduced me to his poetry when we first started dating.”

“Which is your favorite?” Gran shifted her feeble hips to look in the back seat.

“Skipping Stones Away from Home,” Mom answered without hesitation.

“Ah, one of his lesser-known ones.” Gran smiled, recited the final line. “So though the years pass as the stream flows, and life moves you heavy and weary, take a stone and with a flick, over the water watch it skip. Standing on the bank of youth’s creek, you’ll find yourself once more at home.”

Mom caught his eyes in the rearview mirror with a wistful gaze. “As I’ve grown older, its significance has grown. I believe he’s saying that although life changes, you can go home again.”

Landon coughed, caught his eyeroll before it began. “That’s not what the poem means. Magnus was saying that when you’re feeling down, finding a familiar place can bring you peace.”

“The beauty of poetry is that each person can interpret it differently.” Gran shot him a warning look. “Each person can find a different meaning, and all of them are right.”

A stop sign appeared in the near distance, and Landon applied pressure to the brakes. Used to his big rig and pickup truck which needed extra time to stop, he slowed down well in advance of the sign. He inched forward and crossed the intersection after he saw no one coming.

“Welcome to Jasper Lake.” As soon as he said it, the sign came into view.

Despite his misgivings about his parents’ presence, excitement churned. This weekend didn’t offer much in the grand scheme of life, but it presented one small way to repay Gran for her years of sacrifice and love.

They reached the main strip of town, and he pointed out the few places he knew. When he passed the chamber of commerce office, he wondered if Jessa worked today. Truth be told, he thought of her often and hoped he’d run into her at some point over the weekend.

“There’s Addy’s Bed & Breakfast, where I made our initial reservations. Even though plans changed, I want to take you there. Mrs. Addy has freshly made cookies ready at all times for anyone who stops by.”

Gran cocked her head. “We’re going just to get a free cookie?”

He chuckled. “No, but I thought you’d enjoy seeing the décor. It’s right up your alley.”

“I’d love to see inside.”

“We’ll add it to the itinerary.” He made a left turn and drove half a mile before parking in front of a one-story brick building. “I have to run in to register and pick up the key for the cabin. I’ll leave the car running, so you have heat.”

Standing straight up proved a welcome relief for his legs. The drive was short compared to his normal workday, but Gran’s modest sedan had little leg room compared to his pickup and eighteen-wheeler. He walked up the steps and gave the door handle a tug.

A young woman who looked eerily similar to Jessa looked up from her computer at the front desk. “How may I help you?”

“I have a reservation for the Poplar Cabin?” He couldn’t cut his gaze from her. “I’m sorry, but do you have a sister?”

She eyed him suspiciously. “Yes, two of them.”

“Is one Jessa from the chamber of commerce?”

“Yes.”

Interesting. Why hadn’t Jessa mentioned her sister or any family? “I’ve met her several times passing through when I stopped for information. Your resemblance is uncanny.”

“We get that a lot.” The wariness left her eyes, and she smiled. “What name is your reservation under?”

“Landon Reeves.”

She typed on the keyboard and concentrated on the screen. Tapped several more keys. “You’re checked in.” She laid a paper in front of him with a map printed on it and circled a building. “This is where we are. Follow the road to the end and make that right. There will be signs leading you the rest of the way.”

“I’m sure I can find my way again.” He jerked a thumb to the car outside. “Last time I came through, I went out there to make sure it can accommodate my grandmother. She moves extremely well for her age, but I didn’t want her climbing twenty steps every time she came in and out of the cabin.”

“Understandable. The Poplar cabin is a great choice. The driveway’s not steep, and there are only three steps to enter the cabin. Two of the bedrooms are upstairs, but the master is downstairs, which I’m sure you’re already aware of.” She paused and smiled. “It’s also built in a manner to give you incredible views no matter which way you look.”

“All reasons I chose that one when the bed and breakfast fell through.” He folded the map in quarters and slipped it in his pocket. “Do you need anything else?”

She swiveled in her seat and opened a safe behind her. Pulled down a set of keys and handed them to him with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ll probably want these.”

“I imagine so.” He was usually more on top of things, but his mind was scattered over the weekend ahead. “What time does the grocery close?”

“They close at nine on Fridays.”

That gave him plenty of time to get Gran settled and run back to town for groceries. He planned to take her to the diner for lunch tomorrow, but that left four other meals he needed to provide. He’d stubbornly insisted Gran not do any chores while here, which included cooking. His mom had volunteered to take over meals, but he didn’t want her encroaching on this trip any more than she and his dad already had. This was his gift to Gran, not theirs.

“Thanks. And all the linen is in the cabin already, correct?”

“Yes. The beds should be made, and bathrooms stocked. There’s also a closet with extra pillows, blankets, towels, and washcloths, but if you’re missing anything, give us a call. The office is open until seven, but there’s an emergency contact number on your registration confirmation and at every exit of the cabin.”

The cabin keys jingled in his hands as he strode to the car. Gran and his parents didn’t see him approach, and he took the opportunity to watch them. Not an ounce of animosity reflected on Gran’s face. By all appearances, she truly enjoyed spending time with her son and daughter-in-law and held no ill will toward them. A part of him wondered if Gran put on a show for his sake, to mediate an agreement toward forgiveness, but in his heart, he knew that wasn’t true. Gran was one of those rare souls who could see the good in anyone.

And that’s exactly why so many people have taken advantage of her over the years. She’d never met a lost soul she didn’t try to help. Granddad had been the same way. Landon would never understand how two generous and loving souls had born a child as selfish as his father.

At an outburst of their laughter, Landon opened the door and sat behind the steering wheel. “We’re all set. In ten minutes, we’ll be at our home for the weekend.”

Like a curious child, Gran’s gaze switched from one window to the next. Her enthusiasm caught on through the car, and for several brief minutes, Landon forgot he detested his parents. He laughed with them and handed over his phone for them to snatch a picture of a snowshoe hare enjoying a meal of greens along the edge of the road.

He drove up the mountain incline and turned on the final road. Five hundred feet back sat the driveway which would lead them to their cabin. Nestled among aspens, white pine, and yellow birches, the A-frame cabin with a wraparound porch sat on a flat parcel of land.

“What do you think, Gran?” He shifted to park and watched for her reaction.

Her broad smile said it all. “It’s beautiful.”

“Wait until you see the view from the rear. It overlooks a stream, and when I first came to see this place, I could envision you sitting out there in the mornings with your Bible and journal.”

“That sounds lovely.”

Peter pushed his door open. “If you’ll pop the trunk, Son, I’ll get the bags and bring them in.”

Chills coursed through Landon’s blood, and he cringed. His dad lost all rights to use that endearment for him, but he had to swallow his anger and be the better person. He pushed the release button, then exited the vehicle.

His mom had already slid out and opened Gran’s door for her. He didn’t miss that gentle touch used to support Gran’s arm as she climbed out of the car, her aged joints stiff from sitting. His mom treated Gran tenderly, something Landon hadn’t known she was capable of.

One good action doesn’t negate a million poor ones. How many nights as a kid did I wish she were there to tuck me in and treat me with tender care when I had the flu and stomach bug.

A territorial rush came over him, and he took Gran’s free hand. The three of them climbed the wide porch steps together while Peter carried the luggage behind them.

Landon released Gran’s hand to unlock the deadbolt and enter the security code into the pin pad. When he heard the buzz followed by the regular lock moving, he turned the knob and opened the door.

A rustic woodland awaited them inside. Whoever decorated the cabin chose items to synergize the natural environment outside with the home’s interior. Crafted accent pieces passed as realistic replicas of flora and fauna surrounding the area. Roughhewn furniture and handmade cabinets added to the charm, but the premium calfskin couch spoke to the luxuries woven into the décor.

He hoped Gran enjoyed it as much as she would have the bed and breakfast. The cabin was more his style, but it wasn’t about him. “Come here, I’ll show you your bedroom.”

She followed him through the door off the living room. “This is twice the size of my bedroom back home.”

“Wait until you see the bathroom.” He led her past the bed with the woodland alpine bedding and through the oak door. “See that tub? It’s a Jacuzzi too.”

“I wouldn’t even know how to use that.” Gran’s wide eyes belied her casual response.

Violet wrapped an arm around her mother-in-law’s shoulder. “I can show you.”

“Your bags are on the bed, Mom.” Peter came to Gran’s side. “Would you like me to hang your clothes for you?”

“For goodness sake, let me do something.” Gran clucked her tongue. “Thank you, but I’ll take care of that.”

“I’ll take the other bags upstairs.” Peter looked at him. “Is there a room designated for your mother and me?”

“Take whichever one you’d like. I’m fine with either.”

After they all were settled, his parents went for a walk to explore the property. Landon sat on the rear porch, listening to the rippling water. He glanced over and noticed the tired look on Gran’s eyes fighting to stay open. She often took a midday nap and riding always made her tired. He didn’t want her worn out on his account, thinking she had to entertain him. “I thought I’d run to the grocery store soon and give you some time to rest.”

A weary smile found its way to her mouth. “I have to admit, I didn’t sleep much last night. I felt like a little girl at Christmas again waiting for this morning to come.”

“Me too.” He chuckled quietly. “Well, like a boy at Christmas.”

“Thank you for inviting your parents. I know it wasn’t easy, but you’ll be glad you did.”

“Maybe.” He doubted it but wouldn’t spread his negativity.

“It might not be now, but I promise you, one day you will be.”

He stood from the chair and held out a hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you inside.”

“It’s okay. You go ahead.” She looked out, her gaze settling on the water. “I want to stay outside a few more minutes before heading in.”

“All right.” He went inside, found her cell phone Archer had bought for her last year and took it to her. “Call me if you need anything. Mom and Dad should have theirs on them as well.”

“I’ve made it eighty-two years in this life just fine.” She winked at him. “Don’t you worry about me sitting here by myself.”

Leaning over, he kissed her cheek. “Love you. I’ll be back soon.”

Before he left, he searched for his parents. He’d have more peace if they’d return to the house. He didn’t want to smother Gran, but after they almost lost her two years ago, he’d become even more protective of her.

He spotted his parents walking along the driveway, coming back to the cabin, and he jogged to them. “I’m heading to town for the groceries. Gran’s going to take a nap, but she’s still on the porch for now.”

“We’re heading in now.” Peter gave Violet a glance that Landon interpreted as we weren’t planning to, but we will keep an eye on Mom. “I’ll make sure she gets to her room okay.”

“Thanks.” A moment of goodwill sprouted. “Any special requests for food?”

“A bag of those flavored pretzel nuggets if they have any, please.” Peter reached for his wallet.

Landon refused any money and experienced a surge of connection he wasn’t comfortable with. No one else in his family liked those snacks and teased him about the bad breath they caused. It never stopped him from enjoying them. Could tastes be hereditary? He shook off the feeling, refusing to go soft over something as inane as pretzels. “Anything else besides the normal?”

His mom shook her head. “I’m good.”

“Call if you think of anything.” He spun on his heel and strode to the car, eager to put some space between him and his parents.

The last time he’d had this much close interaction with them, he’d been … he couldn’t even remember. He had to give them credit—they played a good game. Any bystander would think they were loving children, putting their life on hold to care for their aging parent. Little did anyone know they lived rent-free in Gran’s house. Dad worked a sales job while Mom took care of Gran during the day, but Landon doubted that job would carry them financially if they had to pay for housing.

Few cars occupied the grocery store’s lot. Jasper Lake in the offseason turned out to be drastically different than during the summer and fall foliage weeks, which were the only times he’d been there until now. He opened the memo app on his phone and started making a list. Probably should have done that before now.

He went into the store, assessed the layout before making the rounds. Most grocery stores had the same basic arrangement, didn’t they? He started in the aisles, and once he’d located all the items he needed after circling a few times, he shopped the perimeter of the store. To his surprise, he found a wide selection of brands and flavors to choose from. Though small, the grocery packed quality and quantity onto its shelves. Jessa had told him they’d recently renovated. Props to the owners for a job well done.

After he’d checked off everything on his list and added a handful of additional items, he went to the register, loaded it all on the conveyor belt, and paid his bill. Rather than push the buggy to the car, he maneuvered all the bags into his hands and lugged them outside. Ready to head home, he checked his phone before leaving the parking lot. No important missed calls or messages.

He backed out of the spot and saw a gas station on the other side of the road. The car had half a tank. I’m sure it’s enough to get us through the weekend, but I might as well fill up now. A car pulled in before him, causing him to have a wait. He played with the radio to find a station he liked. Gran’s car didn’t have any of the Bluetooth technology that his truck had or even satellite radio access. Since he didn’t bring any CDs with him—he hadn’t bought one in years, not since the advent of digital music—he was at the mercy of whatever radio station he could find. By the time he settled on a pop network, the car in front of him moved, and pulled up to the pump.

After swiping his credit card and typing in his zip code, he unscrewed the gas lid and inserted the pump nozzle.

“Landon, is that you?”

He turned to where the voice came from. “Jessa?”

“Nice ride.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “Not what I pictured you driving when not in your rig.”

“Funny.” He swept his arm from the front to back, as though it wasn’t obvious which vehicle they spoke of. “This is Gran’s car.”

“I figured, but I was only teasing anyway.” She peered into the windows. “Where is she?”

“At the cabin. I came into town for groceries while she rests.”

She grazed her bottom lip with her teeth, seeming to hesitate. “Did your parents come?”

“Yes.”

“How’s that going?”

He waved his hand, like a sideways seesaw. “Ehh.”

“That good?”

“They’ve been on good behavior, even taken good care of Gran, but I’m not falling for it.” The pump clicked off, and Landon returned the nozzle to the base. “It’s not been as horrific as I imagined though.”

“I’m glad.” She cast a quick glance at his receipt printing out. “I’ll say a prayer it stays that way. If things go south, I’m only a call away.”

Hmm. Was that an invitation? He flashed a smile. “I could if I had your number.”

“What’s yours? I’ll call it, and you can save mine.” Her pump also cut off, and she followed the same procedure he had a minute ago.

His phone rang within seconds of reciting his number. He reached into the car, grabbed it, and read off the numbers of the incoming call. “That is you, right?”

“That’s me.”

He saved her as a contact before sliding the phone in his pocket. “By the way, I met your sister earlier.”

An odd, almost scared, expression flooded her face. “Which one?”

He stopped to think. “You know, I didn’t catch her name. She works at the property management company that takes care of the cabin I rented.”

Relief came over her. “Oh, that’s Phoebe. She started there two weeks ago.”

Her reaction, mixed with Phoebe’s earlier, sparked his curiosity. He came to the quick conclusion there was much to learn about the Graff family. She’d mentioned she knew all about family drama, but lots of people said that and didn’t understand the depths of what he meant. But maybe Jessa really did understand, and that’s why they shared a connection.

Would he get the opportunity to find out her secrets?

A car horn honked, and the driver gave Landon an irritated scowl.

“That’s my cue.” He waved to the man to acknowledge he heard and knew he was waiting. He got into the car and called to Jessa from the open window. “I’ll text you later, give you an update.”

She smiled, then turned away to return to her car, ending their brief conversation.

Having a friend in this town had bolstered his optimism of the weekend. No matter what happened, he could handle his parents for forty-eight hours—knowing he could call Jessa to vent if he needed to.