After briefly talking to Jorge, Piper put her winter parka on along with a woolen hat and a pair of cozy Lovely boots. She was now ready for the elements. Outside, Braden yanked open the passenger side door of his car for her. Once he settled himself in the driver’s seat, Braden started the car and let it idle for a while to warm up the engine. A cold front had swept in overnight, putting Owl Creek at historically low temperatures for December. Even though she was bundled up, the interior of Braden’s vehicle felt frigid.
Otis’s house was located about ten minutes from town near the mountains. As they drove past scenic views, Piper’s thoughts were racing. Last night she’d stayed up way too late brainstorming ideas for the diner. She’d come up with a plan to have a “countdown to Christmas” promotion where signature holiday items would be served along with a festive giveaway every day. Perhaps a precious ornament, fragrant candle or a festive stocking. And she would tie it in to a theme such as ugly sweaters, Christmas songs or holiday classic films. She wanted to tell Braden all about it, but she needed to focus on the matter at hand—this visit to see Otis.
So much was riding on these next few weeks, and if this pie idea took off, it could be a game changer. Perhaps on the way home she and Braden could brainstorm some more. When they were focusing on the Snowy Owl, Piper could almost pretend as if things were normal between them. It was her fervent hope that working together would bring them back to that place in time when they were completely in sync. And if she managed to hold on to ownership of the diner in the process, it would be the most wonderful Christmas gift of all.
By the time they reached Otis’s log cabin, snow was beginning to swirl down from the sky. Piper didn’t mind the snow one bit. It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without a bunch of the fluffy white stuff gracing Owl Creek. Ever since she was little she’d enjoyed snowstorms and inclement weather. It was one of the many reasons she never wanted to leave Alaska. She felt fortunate to live in the last frontier.
Otis’s home was a rustic and charming house, nestled behind a wooded lane. As they drove up to it, the first thing Piper noticed was the smoke curling from the chimney, emitting a cozy vibe. Although it was a sweet cabin, it was clear the place had seen better days. The shutters were a faded gray, and the paint on the front door was chipped and peeling. Piper hadn’t been out here in years, not since she’d interviewed Otis for her school paper about his former career as a park ranger. Back then she’d been greeted at the front door by both Otis and June, who couldn’t have been a lovelier couple. They had graciously welcomed her into their home and treated her like a treasured guest.
Although neither she nor Braden had spoken about it during the ride over, the trail where her father had suffered his fatal injuries was only a few miles down the road. She’d been acutely aware of it when they were in the vicinity. Actual goosebumps had risen on the back of her neck.
“It must get lonely for Otis living all the way out here by himself,” Braden noted, looking around the area as they got out of the truck. All one could see was acres of forest, snowcapped mountains and chopped logs resting in a pile by the house. From the looks of it, Otis would be keeping himself warm for a very long time.
“I imagine so, especially since he’s a recent widower. It’s so quiet out here,” Piper said. “I’m glad my mom had the inn filled with customers to keep her company.” She made a mental note to include Otis in more town activities. It couldn’t be easy fending for himself after being married for such a long time. She was pretty sure his children, who had children themselves, didn’t live nearby.
When they reached the front door, Piper took the lead and knocked. The sound of a barking dog reached their ears. The door swung open to reveal Otis standing on the threshold with a Siberian Husky puppy yipping at his heels. Although Piper wanted to squeal at the sight of the exact type of dog she’d always dreamed of owning, she knew it was important to focus on the matter at hand. Otis raised his hand in a command for the dog. “Settle down, Winter.”
His eyes went wide with surprise when he laid eyes on them. “Piper. And Braden. What in the world brings the two of you out to my neck of the woods?”
“We’re sorry for the interruption,” Piper said, “but may we come in? We have a proposition for you.”
Otis took a step back and waved them inside the house. “Of course. Come on in. I’ll get the kettle heated so we can have some tea. It’s getting pretty nippy out there.” Piper and Braden entered the house and took off their snowy boots, leaving them on the mat by the door. “Follow me,” Otis said, leading them toward the kitchen. Winter trailed behind them.
The kitchen was warm and bright—yellow walls lent the room a cheery vibe. It had a woman’s touch—sweet tea towels and floral tins graced the counter. A wooden sign instructed them to Bless the Cook. Once they’d settled down at the table and Otis had served them their tea along with some zucchini bread, their host cut to the chase.
“So, I’m mighty curious about this proposition you have for me. This is probably the biggest excitement I’ve had in a long time.” Otis’s smile was endearing.
Piper shared a quick glance with Braden before speaking. “Otis, I’d like to ask you something, if it’s all right.”
“You’re the biggest sweetheart in town, Piper. You can ask me anything,” Otis responded, adding a sugar cube to his tea before stirring it.
Piper warmed at the compliment. “I wanted to know if you still had June’s pie recipes. I’m going to start making specialty
pies as one of the holiday attractions at the diner.” She crossed her hands in front of her and locked gazes with Otis. “I remember how fantastic June’s pies were. I seem to recall a very unusual twist on key lime pie, as well. Everyone here in town would always rave about them.”
A sheepish expression appeared on his face. He began to fiddle with his fingers while avoiding eye contact with her. “Well, Piper,” he said in a halting voice. “I have a confession to make. The truth is it wasn’t June who made those pies. It was me.” Piper felt her jaw drop. She swung her gaze toward Braden who also seemed flabbergasted by the news.
“You? Why, Otis, that’s fantastic,” she sputtered.
“Why the secrecy?” Braden asked. “Didn’t you want everyone to know about your baking talents?”
Otis looked sheepish. “I grew up in a time when it wasn’t considered manly to be a pie baker. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I’m talking fifty years ago in a different time and place. Gender roles were very rigid. So I let June take the credit, even though it drove her crazy not to brag about her pie-making husband. In her eyes I was pretty spectacular.”
“Whoa. I did not see that coming,” Braden said, letting out a low whistle.
Piper subtly elbowed Braden in the side. “Well, June was right. I think you’re amazing, Otis. A true Renaissance man. Would you consider working for me? I’ve decided to increase my pie supply and frankly, I need help.” Piper made a face. “The holiday pies are really important to increasing revenue at the Snowy Owl.”
Otis appeared stunned by the invitation. “Do you really want an old guy like me making pies for you?” Otis asked. “These fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be. I have arthritis and a few other ailments.”
“It would be an honor, Otis,” Piper gushed. “Frankly, I’m eager to up my pie game. I could learn a lot from you.”
Otis threw his head back and laughed. “You sure know how to flatter an old man.”
Piper wagged her finger at Otis. “My granny always used to say that age is nothing but a number. You’ve got lots of life in you yet.”
“That’s right,” Braden concurred. “So please say yes to Piper’s offer. It would mean the world to her.”
“I’d like to show you something.” Otis stood up and went over to a cabinet in the corner of the kitchen. After rummaging around in a drawer for a few minutes, he let out a sound of triumph. When he turned back toward them, he was clutching a big scrapbook with frayed edges. He sat back down at the table and lovingly ran his hand over the material. “It’s taken me over fifty years of pie baking to compile this book.” He let out a ragged sigh. “June gave it to me. She told me I needed to put my recipes in one place so we could pass them down to our children and grandchildren. But Ned and Bonnie don’t get back home much, and I barely know my grandkids.”
