Alaskan Hideaway. Beth Carpenter

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СКАЧАТЬ grinned. “I thought the cat was temporary.”

      â€œHe was supposed to be, but I put up a notice on the library bulletin board and nobody’s breaking down the door to adopt him.” Ursula settled into a chair across the table from her.

      â€œI could have told you nobody would want an old tomcat with a missing ear and half a tail. At least he looks like a good mouser.”

      Ursula sniffed. “I wouldn’t know. The Forget-me-not doesn’t have mice. But Rory likes him.”

      â€œRory likes every animal, the uglier the better.” Marge chuckled, but then her face sobered. “Is she doing any better?”

      â€œI thought so. But her teacher called me in for a meeting this week. Rory’s distracted, doodling instead of listening.” Ursula sighed. “It’s almost like I’m pushing a boulder up the hill and every time I get anywhere, it rolls down again.”

      â€œWell, I think you’re a saint for taking her in.”

      â€œI’m not a saint. I’ve loved that little girl from the minute she was born. Coby and Kendall were so happy.”

      â€œI know. You’ve told me the story. But her own grandparents—”

      â€œWhen Rory was tiny and I was helping out, Kendall told me a little about her parents and the way she was raised. From what she said, it’s a good thing they’re not around Rory. After losing her mom and dad, the last thing Rory needs is to be stuck with people like that. She needs to belong. And she belongs with me.”

      Marge nodded and sipped her coffee. After a moment, she looked up. “Oh, I almost forgot what I came to tell you. Did you hear the news about Betty’s place?”

      â€œI haven’t heard anything, but I saw the Mercedes parked out front, so I guess Betty’s granddaughter is finally putting it up for sale. The real estate agent was standing on the porch, but I couldn’t get his attention.”

      Marge’s lips curved into her I know something you don’t know smile. “That’s not an agent. That’s the new owner.”

      â€œWhat?” Ursula set down the creamer without adding any to her coffee. “But it wasn’t even on the market. Are you sure?”

      â€œThat’s what I heard. From Penny.”

      Shoot. If Penny said so, it was a done deal. Married to the only attorney in town and heading up the tourist information center, Penny knew everything happening in and around Seward. And since she and Marge had been best friends since kindergarten, Marge knew most of it. Ursula tapped her nail against her coffee cup. “After Betty’s funeral, I told her granddaughter I was interested in the property once she was ready to sell.”

      â€œMaybe he offered her more.”

      â€œI never got the chance to make an offer.”

      Marge shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

      Ursula added cream to her cup and stirred. “So who’s the new neighbor?” Based on his behavior, not someone interested in making friends. A loner? Perhaps he’d decide a cabin situated between two bed-and-breakfast inns wasn’t remote enough. “Maybe he’d be interested in a quick resale.”

      Marge leaned closer. “Penny’s being mysterious. She knows, but she won’t tell me the owner’s name. She says I’d recognize it if I heard it.” She dropped her voice to a stage whisper. “What if it’s a movie star?”

      Ursula snorted. “What would a movie star want with Betty’s old cabin? She didn’t even have cable.”

      â€œWell, he could get it installed. Besides, he probably wants it as a remote getaway, to recharge after filming a movie. They must get tired of always being on.”

      â€œIf a movie star wanted an Alaskan getaway, he’d buy a luxury fishing lodge on the Kenai, not a rundown cabin along the Seward highway.”

      â€œWho knows what they’d do? He didn’t look familiar to you?”

      â€œNo. Of course, I only saw him from a distance and he was wearing a coat.”

      â€œNot that you’d recognize him anyway. You hardly ever watch movies that aren’t animated. You’ve probably had famous actors staying with you and never even known.”

      â€œIf I did, they didn’t let on. But seriously, I doubt Betty’s granddaughter rubs elbows with actors. Doesn’t she live in Kansas?”

      â€œWichita. You’re probably right.” Marge sighed, but then her face brightened. “Although, if a celebrity from California wanted to stay under the radar, buying a cabin in Alaska from someone in Kansas would be a great way to throw the paparazzi off the track.”

      Ursula laughed. “I can’t argue with your logic. So how long do you think it will take your movie star to get tired of the cold and dark, and sell me the property?”

      â€œIf he’s used to California winters, he’ll have cabin fever in no time.”

      â€œI can only hope. In the meantime, I need to talk him into opening the gate to the ski trails.”

      â€œHe blocked off the trails?” Marge’s face grew serious. “But Betty and her husband let that trail cut through their property probably forty years ago. Don’t you have some sort of legal access?”

      â€œI don’t know. It never came up when Betty was alive. I’m not sure it was ever set down as an official right-of-way.”

      Marge sipped her coffee and considered. “You’ll still chip in to maintain the trails, won’t you?”

      â€œOf course. I promised I would, and it’s not your fault if he cuts off my access.”

      â€œThat’s good, because I didn’t budget for your share of the grooming.” Marge paused. “Your guests can park at the Caribou and ski from there if they want.”

      â€œThank you.” It wasn’t ideal. Marge might be a friend but she was also a competitor. Ursula didn’t want her guests wondering why they should patronize the Forget-me-not and drive or hike half a mile down the road to access the ski trails at the Caribou B&B when they could just stay there instead. But it was nice of Marge to offer. “Let’s hope it’s not necessary. Tomorrow, I’ll drop by and explain about the ski trail access. I’m sure he’ll be reasonable.”

      â€œWhat if he isn’t?”

      â€œHe will be. I’ll take cinnamon rolls and welcome him to the neighborhood. Movie star or not, I’m sure he’ll want to get along with his neighbors.”

      Marge didn’t look convinced. “Well СКАЧАТЬ