Page 16 of Broken Trust
Small and rustic with dark wood siding and a little covered porch, complete with a rocking chair. Window boxes beneath the front windows overflow with purple blooms.
“It’s adorable,” I say.
Seth chuckles. “Bryce’s fiancée and her grandmother decorated them.”
I know Charli and Evelyn Storm well. And this looks very much like I’d imagine.
He hands me a key.
The cabin is only about four hundred square feet, but the second I step inside, it feels cozy instead of cramped.
A queen-size bed sits against the far wall, covered in a sage-green-and-cream quilt. There’s a small nightstand beside it with a lamp shaped like an antler. A tiny kitchenette lines one wall, complete with a mini fridge, microwave, sink, and coffee maker. A television is perched atop a narrow chest of drawers beside a closet, and a comfy leather chair sits near the window.
Simple.
Comfortable.
Perfect.
I move toward the bathroom and peek inside.
Single vanity. Toilet. Compact stand-up shower.
Again, basic, but it’s all I need.
“This is amazing,” I say honestly.
Seth leans against the doorway. “Glad you think so. You’ll probably spend more time working than sleeping anyway.”
“That’s reassuring.”
He laughs.
Then his expression softens slightly.
“Don’t worry. It’s gonna be a great experience.”
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I’m excited to get started. And it’s so good to be home.”
Aurora is busy and crowded and ambitious in a way I’ve learned to appreciate, but Wildhaven feels like breathing deeper. Like my entire body relaxed the moment I hit the county line.
“My parents are elated too,” I add. “Mom already planned, like, six family dinners.”
“Sounds like a mom,” he says.
“And being close to everyone this summer’ll be nice. I practically grew up on this ranch with Cabe and his cousins.”
Seth gives me a knowing look. “You seen that boy yet?”
“Who? Cabe? Not yet, but I’m sure he’ll find me once his day is done.”
“Mmhmm.”
I narrow my eyes.
Seth pushes off the doorway. “All right, logistics. Breakfast starts at six thirty. Training days officially begin at eight, but instructors are usually moving around before that.”
“Okay.”
