Forever, I Promise (A Northern Woods Novel) Read online

  Hailey envied Mariah’s perfect figure. She’d given birth to three children, yet had a perfectly fit body. Hailey always needed to work out daily in order for her body to continue to be a decent, but not an ideal weight.

  “Come on out to the greenhouse and I’ll show you around.”

  Mariah pushed her chair away from the table. “Let me help you with the dishes first.”

  “Nah, leave them. I’m finished with my gardening for today. I’ll clean them up later.”

  They slipped into their warm coats and gloves and stepped out the door. “I can’t believe how darn cold it gets in September here and winter isn’t even due for three months.” She glanced at Holly. “I’ll be right back, baby.” Holly walked over to her bed and watched them leave.

  “Follow me,” she said, and opened the sliding door.

  They strolled along the brick walkway and over to the greenhouse. A wall of large colorful rocks three feet high surrounded the entire building, not only for the beauty of it but also for protection from the wind and snow during the winter months. Hailey unlocked the door and held it open for Mariah, then followed into her new indoor garden.

  “Hailey, this is wonderful.”

  They walked around and Mariah turned in circles to view the soon-to-be nursery.

  “It’s not the kind of nursery we had in mind when we got married…” Hailey faltered, and then forced a light laugh as her heart did a small flip. “But it’s our baby and it’s got real potential.”

  “It’s beautiful, and so much larger than I expected! It’ll be even more exciting when it’s filled with flowers every month of the year rather than only six months of spring, summer and fall.”

  “Wade decided the A-frame with post and rafter style is the most durable for areas where windy conditions prevail, which of course is perfect for our Minnesota weather. The floors are made of hardwood with traditional panels for compartments.” Hailey pointed to them along the walls. “There’s a great deal of space and very good airflow. With the full foundation and heating system, it’s perfect for year-round use.”

  “I love it, Hailey. I’m sure you’ll attract many customers throughout each year.”

  “Thanks. I sure hope so.”

  As they walked out of the greenhouse Hailey stopped and looked out across the yard, to the north side of their property. She noticed a movement of something or someone that gave her a strange chill. “Huh…”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I could swear I saw someone standing at the edge of the woods facing this way. Looked like someone wearing blue jeans and a gray hoodie. I’m not sure if it was a man or a woman. Well, whoever it was is gone now, but it sort of gave me the creeps.”

  “It was probably someone lost in the woods and surprised to end up at the edge of your property,” Mariah said, “though you might want to let Wade know about it.”

  “I think you’re right. Someone was probably out hiking and lost their trail.”

  “Well, my friend, I’d better head home. We’ll talk again soon.”

  “Sounds good,” Hailey said and waved.

  Mariah walked to her car and Hailey glanced back to the wooded area. She saw not a thing and turned to enter the house, locked the door and closed the blinds.

  Chapter Nine

  Hailey, with the help of Mariah and her friend Sarah, passed out flyers in Pinewood Hills and Huntington. The leaflet told people all about Hailey’s Garden and announced the opening day of October 1st.

  There had been many visitors, along with quite a few sales over the first two weeks; by word of mouth from previous customers Hailey’s Garden became extremely busy the week before Thanksgiving. On the first of November Hailey stocked her nursery with wreaths and centerpieces for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. She also put in an order for poinsettias to arrive on the first day of December. The customers began to purchase them as soon as her orders came in. She picked up her phone and was about to call in her third request of poinsettias when Mariah knocked on the door and walked into the greenhouse.

  “Good morning, Hailey! How has your business been so far?”

  She smiled and hung up the receiver. “Well good morning to you too.” Hailey motioned for her to come over and sit in the empty chair next to her desk. “It’s been quite busy, more than normal at the moment. Would you be able to help out in another week or so? Christmas isn’t far away and I have two weddings to prepare for.”

  “Sure, let me know the days. Bess will be here until December 22nd when she leaves for the Twin Cities to visit her family. She’ll return on January 1st.” Mariah looked around the room. “This is awesome, Hailey, with the white snow outdoors and the beautiful colors in here.”

  There were hibiscus trees which would be covered with yellow flowers in a few months; pink, salmon and white orchid rhododendrons, hyacinth and many more.

  “In May the azaleas will bloom with white flowers and turn rose pink, daffodils and tulips come spring, morning glory and beautiful baby’s breath during the summer; they’re my favorite. That’s an ideal filler flower, but can also be used alone to create popular globe-shaped centerpieces. Also, come springtime the greenhouse will become even more colorful with the outdoor gardens. And if a customer can’t find what they’d like, I’ll order it.”

  “With the many acres of beautiful gardening you’ve accomplished every summer, I knew you’d be able to build a wonderful business of your own.”

  “Yes, and I love working here year-round. Before the greenhouse was built I was bored to death come winter. Now I’m busy throughout the year and that goes for the book work also, but I don’t mind,” she said with a deep gratifying sigh. She recorded all of her sales each week and logged them into her computer at the end of the month.

  She motioned to Mariah. “Come in the house. I could use a break and Holly needs to go outdoors.” She pulled on her jacket and they quickly stepped out into the brisk wind. Snow was predicted for tonight – heavy snow storms throughout the northern half of Minnesota and Hailey was praying for her greenhouse to uphold.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee?” she asked, after they removed their boots; Hailey hung their parkas on the hooks behind the door.

  “Yes, I need something to warm me. The temperature is awfully cold; this is going to be a mighty harsh winter. I hope the greenhouse will remain heated if this storm hits us.”

  “I’m sure it will. The guys did everything required to keep it warm and sturdy. I’m not too worried. I have faith in our men.” She smiled and set a mug of coffee on the table in front of Mariah then sat across from her with her own.

  “By the way, when Wade and I went out to eat last night you won’t believe what happened to me.”

  “Try me,” Mariah said and took another sip of her coffee.

  “Well… we went to the Huntington Country Buffet for dinner. I finished my meal and slid out of our booth. I told Wade I’d be right back. I wanted to get my favorite dessert at the buffet, chocolate pudding cake. I added some vanilla ice cream on top and it gushed out of the machine too fast, making a loud swoosh. I quickly let up on the handle and everything seemed fine, although it could have easily spilled, so I carried it carefully and returned to our table. I kept my eyes on the bowl to make sure the ice cream wouldn’t run over the edge. I sat down and suddenly a man I’ve never seen before said, “I think you have the wrong booth.” I looked up and he was smiling at me as his wife arrived back to their table and smiled also. I stood quickly and noticed Wade waving at me, filled with laughter. I was so embarrassed!”

  “Oh no!” Mariah covered her mouth and laughed, followed by a snort. “I bet your face turned bright red.”

  “I’m sure it did. Luckily everyone laughed it off. I’m telling you, I was so humiliated.”

  “I would have been too. You might want to pay a bit closer attention from now on or Wade will think you’re in search of someone new.” Mariah glanced at her watch. “I need to get home to the kids. Give me a call lat
er.”

  “Okay, drive carefully. I hope the worst of the storm goes around us.”

  As Mariah drove away Hailey focused on the dark clouds swiftly moving in their direction. She held one palm into the cold air and felt the snowflakes begin to fall. The wind blew in gusts, swirling dust from the county road. It beat against the rail along the porch and she quickly closed the door before she rushed to the kitchen to let Holly out back. The rear of the house would protect her from the squall. Holly loves snow but she doesn’t care for heavy winds and it wouldn’t take much to blow her away with those short legs of hers.

  * * *

  By the time Wade pulled into the driveway two inches of snow had accumulated with much more on the way. He opened the door and entered the kitchen where he found Hailey standing at the stove.

  “Hi, honey. There’s a heavy storm rolling in. Have you checked the greenhouse to make sure everything was shut down tight?” He removed his boots and set them on the mat next to the door.

  “Yes, and everything seemed to be fine so far. I’m sure it will remain so. I’m not too worried; you, Nick and a few of the your co-workers who helped did a terrific job with the construction.”

  “Pinewood Hills already had plows ready to hit the roads by the time I left the stables. They’re trying to get an early start. It’ll be a mighty rough night by the looks of it and Friday will only be worse.

  “What’s for supper?”

  “I’m in the process of browning hamburger for Sloppy Joes; I also prepared a salad, and dinner rolls are in the oven. Is there anything else you’d like?”

  “Nope, that sounds perfect.” He picked up the mail from the counter and flipped through it before he set the stack down and turned to leave the kitchen. “Give me twenty minutes to clean up.”

  “Okay, no need to hurry.” She smiled and watched him head for the main bathroom. I’m a very lucky woman, she thought while she chopped an onion and added it to the hamburger along with a can of tomato soup, a dash of salt and a cup of water. She left the Sloppy Joe mix on simmer and walked over to the sliding door to observe the backyard and the greenhouse.

  Wade returned to the kitchen and stood next to her. “The snow is already beginning to pile up. I’ll run the snow blower right after dinner.”

  “Wade, you’ve had a long day at work. You’re tired.” Hailey softly bit her bottom lip with a frown.

  “Yes, but if it’s not removed now, much more will pile by morning when I leave for work.”

  “Come sit down to eat. The meal will warm you up before you head back out,” she said, and turned to the refrigerator to remove their bowls of salad and Italian dressing. She set them on the table then grabbed an oven mitt and slid the dinner rolls from the oven, arranged them on a plate and placed them on the table.

  “Thank you, honey,” he said and reached for the butter at the center of the table.

  She took a plate from the cupboard and spooned the Sloppy Joe mix onto several buns and handed it to Wade before she sat down with a plate of her own.

  “You’re a great cook,” he said, as he began to eat.

  She laughed. “It’s only salad and Sloppy Joes, Wade. It was simple and fast. You’ll be able to get out there to clear the snow and come back in to rest.”

  When they finished their meal Wade excused himself then stood and climbed into his snowmobile suite and heavy insulated boots while Hailey cleared the dishes from the table. She poured the leftovers in latch-tight containers and placed them on a shelf in the refrigerator. She ran soapy water into the sink and before putting her hands in the warm water she turned to give Wade a hug.

  “Be careful. The temperature dropped to five below and the winds are fierce.”

  “I’ll be fine with three layers of clothing. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. I’m only going to blow snow from the stone walkway to the greenhouse, then the driveway and the sidewalk leading to the front porch.” He left the house and entered the garage where the snow blower was waiting.

  The moment Hailey finished the dishes and fed Holly she pulled on her heavy parka and hooked a leash to the dog’s collar. They were only going out to the backyard at the edge of the patio, but the winds were becoming quite harsh and she was afraid it would pick Holly up off the ground. As soon as they returned to the house she dried her with a towel and the little fur ball curled up in her warm bed.

  Hailey entered the living room and made an attempt to see if Wade had yet arrived at the end of their long driveway. The snow was coming down in sheets and she was unable to see beyond the porch. When an hour went by she began to worry and decided go outdoors to look for him. She pulled on her snowmobile suit and her double lined snow boots then wrapped a thick soft-knit scarf around her neck. She lifted the hood and shoved her hands into a pair of insulated gloves before heading out to the garage. She opened the garage door and the snow swirled around like a white tornado, blasted her face, and covered the small area of visibility. She turned around and rushed in to find her snow goggles. They hung from a hook on the wall and she pulled them over her hood before she raced back out the door.

  “Wade!” she yelled. “Wade, where are you?” The drifting snow covered her feet so quickly she was unable to take more than a few steps. A sinking feeling in the hollow of her stomach threatened to disgorge her meal. She felt faint. She turned back in the direction of the garage, re-entered and closed the door before she ran into the house and reached for her cell phone. Her hands shook and she paced back and forth while she dialed the number for Nick Colburn.

  “Colburn Stables.”

  “Nick, this is Hailey. I hate to bother you, but we need some help.”

  “What’s the problem, Hailey?”

  She clutched the phone and with a shaky voice continued. “It’s Wade. He went outdoors a couple of hours ago, and as of yet he hasn’t returned. He told me he was only going to use the snow blower on the back walkway, the sidewalk leading to the front porch, and the driveway. I went out and yelled for him. With the strong wind and snow I was unable to hear him or the snow blower. I’m afraid something may have happened.”

  “The weather service recently posted a warning of blizzard conditions. We’re located less than two miles from your property. I have a plow on my Ford Super-Duty with highest quality blizzard headlights and spotlights. You stay indoors. I’m on my way.”

  “Thank you, Nick,” Hailey said, but he was already gone. Her hands shook when she closed her phone. She pulled off her outer clothing, now wet from the melting snow, and carried them into the bathroom and hung them over the shower bar. She re-entered the living room and Holly followed at her heels. She held onto her cell phone, periodically checked for messages she may have missed. There were none. She set the phone on the coffee table and again turned toward the window to keep watch. The snow now blew with more force than it had ten minutes earlier. With an unfocused gaze toward the driveway, she made an attempt to loosen up her nerves. She rolled her shoulders but the muscles remained tense. She moved over to the couch where she sat and prayed for Wade’s safe return.

  * * *

  Nick was able to contact Art Browning to give him a hand. Art owned a home on the Colburn property. Mariah handed Nick a Thermos of hot chocolate as he left the house. The two men carefully traveled north on the county road. Even though Nick had chains on his pickup truck and a heavy duty plow, the road was treacherous.

  They traveled close to two miles when Art spotted something alongside the roadway. “Stop, Nick!” he exclaimed and pointed to the edge of the road. “I see something red near the gutter; looks like it may be the arm of a snow blower buried in the snow bank.” Nick brought the truck to a halt. They both pulled up the hood of their jackets and climbed out. Sure enough, it was the snow blower and they trekked through the deep drift, hoping to reach Wade in time.

  “Wade!” Nick shouted loudly but the wind carried his voice in the opposite direction. By the time they drew close to the machine they found Wade crouched alongside
of it, his arms wrapped around the seat. “Wade! You okay, buddy?”

  Wade signaled to them with a slow lift of his hand. “Lost; damn – cold – out – here,” he mumbled; they had to strain to hear due to the howling wind. His lips were blue, his lashes coated with ice.

  “Let’s get him over to the truck – fast!” Nick barked. Together they lifted Wade away from the machine, braced him with their shoulders and helped him move slowly, step by step to the truck. Art opened the door to the backseat and they guided Wade in. Nick reached for a few warm blankets while Art removed Wade’s insulated outer clothing, including his gloves and boots. They wrapped the covers around him. Nick pulled out a pair of heated gloves from the compartment behind the rear seat and carefully slid them onto Wade’s hands along with heated socks for his feet.

  Within ten minutes Wade was able to move his fingers and toes; his eyes were inflamed from the cold wind and he squinted at the men.

  “Feeling better yet?” Nick asked. “Apparently we arrived just in time.”

  Wade nodded. “Thank God you made it. I was beginning to tire and kept nodding off.”

  “What happened?” Art asked. “You lose your sense of direction?”

  “Yeah, I thought I was at the end of the driveway. Suddenly the snow blower quit running. Wasn’t sure where I was. I knew I wouldn’t last long in these freezing temps; kept trying to move around but it was getting more difficult by the minute. I wasn’t sure if I should try to find my way back home. I may have headed in the wrong direction.”

  “Glad we were able to spot you. Hold on, we need to find your driveway and get you into your warm house.” Nick climbed into the driver’s seat while Art remained in the back with Wade.

  “We shouldn’t be too far from your property.”

  “Look for the two pine trees – there’s one on each side of the driveway, a few feet beyond the gutter,” Wade said.