Read Online Starry Night by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online Page B

to know. “Forget I said that.”
    She pantomimed zipping her lips closed. There was far more to Finn than she realized. “Listen, this isn’t related to anything I might write, so relax.”
    They broke for lunch. Finn made sandwiches, which they ate in front of the stove, sitting in the rocking chairs. A glance out the window told her the wind had died down and the snow had stopped.
    “My mother is probably worried about me,” she said, checking her cell phone. Thankfully, her battery wasn’t dead, but coverage this far north simply wasn’t going to happen. “I told her I’d phone, and I haven’t. Is there any way I can get word to her?”
    “I have a satellite phone, but it isn’t cheap.”
    “I’ll be happy to pay whatever the charges are. I won’t talk long.”
    “Having you out of my hair by tomorrow morning would be payment enough.”
    Carrie frowned. “Ouch. I thought we were getting along so well, too.”
    Finn chuckled. “We were almost friends until you whipped me in cribbage.”
    “Ah, men and their fragile egos.”
    Finn grumbled something she couldn’t hear, and then he showed her how to operate the phone by his desk. It took a moment for the line to connect, and when it did, her father answered.
    “Dad, it’s me. I don’t have a lot of time, but I want you to know I’m still in Alaska. Tell Mom I’m doing great and I’ll connect with her once I’m back in Chicago.”
    “Your mother’s been concerned. You said you’d call.”
    “I know, Dad. I’ll explain everything when I’m not paying outrageous satellite charges.”
    “Satellite charges? Where in heaven’s name are you?” Her father was the talker in the family.
    “Outside of Fairbanks, Alaska.” If she said anything more, her dad would have more questions, and then more after that.
    “You found him? You found Finn Dalton?”
    “Dad, I can’t talk now.”
    “Okay, okay, but I’m going to want a full report once you’re back.”
    “Will do. Reassure Mom that I’m fine and thank Grandpa for teaching me cribbage.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Never mind, I’ll explain later.”
    They said their farewells, and Carrie ended the call.When she turned around, she was surprised to find Finn had put on his parka and heavy boots.
    “You’re going somewhere?” she asked, surprised.
    “The wind has died down and the snow has mostly stopped. I won’t be gone long.” Hennessey was at the door, eager and ready to be on his way.
    At the door, Finn hesitated. “You’ll be all right for a while by yourself?”
    “Of course.” It surprised her that he’d asked. Actually, she welcomed the privacy in order to work on the article. The instant he was out the door, she retrieved her computer. It didn’t take her long to organize her thoughts. She’d already gathered more than enough information to write a lengthy piece about him. The rough draft took her the better part of an hour. Feeling good about the piece, which she felt was fair, if not flattering, she tucked her laptop back inside her suitcase, grateful Finn hadn’t returned while she’d had it open.
    With that out of the way, Carrie soon grew restless and bored, fidgeting, wishing she could talk to Sophie. Had she better planned this trip, she would have brought along her e-reader.
    Finding little with which to entertain herself, Carrie took out the paper tablet she had with her, found a pair of scissors, and went about cutting large snowflakes. With thesewing kit at the bottom of her purse, she took thread, stood barefoot on a chair, and suspended the flakes from the ceiling until the entire cabin looked like a magical winter wonderland.
    More than likely Finn wouldn’t appreciate her effort toward Christmas decorations; however, she wasn’t going to let that stop her. Other than keeping her occupied, she hoped this would amuse him.
    She was standing on the chair in the middle of the cabin, stretching her arms above her head, when the door unexpectedly opened and