September 21, 2025 • 21 mins
- second-chance romance
- small-town love story
- Harlequin romance
- pottery romance
- emotional audiobook
- family legacy romance
- romantic drama podcast
- artisan love story
- Cresthaven romance
- Mira Lane romance
- Jasper Reed story
- Lila Sterling author
- Midnight’s Shadow podcast
- community romance
- heartfelt fiction
Shadows Before Midnight
Step into the moonlit forests of New England romance with Lila Sterling’s tales of love, legacy, and supernatural intrigue. From the pines of Maine to the hearths of small-town artisans, each story weaves passion and mystery under the stars.
© 2025 Lila Sterling. All rights reserved. Recorded under the moonlit pines of New England, September 17, 2025.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Shadows of the pines. A Harlequin romance. Chapter one, The
Return to Pine Crest. The October wind whispered through the
towering pines of Pine Crest, a mountain town nestled in
the Cascades, where the air carried the sharp scent of
sap and woodsmoke. Nora Blake stepped from her rented suv
onto the gravel drive of her family's old lodge, Pinehaven Retreat.
(00:22):
At thirty two, Nora had built a career as a
freelance photographer in Seattle, capturing sit escapes far from the
rustic life she'd left behind thirteen years ago. Her aunt's
sudden passing had brought her back to settle the lodge's future,
a task she intended to complete swiftly before returning to
her urban world. The lodge, with its cedar walls and
(00:44):
stone chimney, stood as a monument to her childhood, full
of memories she'd tried to erase. Norah unlocked the heavy
pine door, its creek echoing in the still air. Inside.
The great room was dim, its log beams draped in shadows,
the fire place cold. She was here to assess the property,
meet with a realtor and sell. The lodge was failing.
(01:06):
Debts from her aunt's mismanagement piled high, and Nora had
no desire to stay. But as she traced a finger
along the carved mantle, her heart stirred with echoes of
summers spent exploring the woods, her laughter mingling with another's.
Norah blake. A deep voice broke the silence. She turned
to see a man in the doorway, his tall frame
silhouetted against the fadding light. He wore a denim jacket
(01:28):
over a flannel shirt, his dark hair slightly tousled, his
gray eyes sharp yet warm. Her breath caught calib Morrow,
her teenage love, the man who'd shattered her heart at nineteen. Caleb,
she said, her voice steady despite the jolt. What are
you doing here? He stepped inside, his boots soft on
the hardwood. I manage the lodge now. Your aunt hired
(01:51):
me to keep it afloat. Didn't know you'd be back.
Norah's chest tightened. Her aunt hadn't mentioned calib not once.
I'm here to sell, she said, lifting her chin. It
won't take long. His eyes flickered, a shadow crossing his face.
This lodge is more than a business. Norah, it's your
family's soul. It's just a building, she said, turning to
(02:14):
a stack of ledgers to hide the ache. His presence stirred,
but Kaleb's gaze lingered, rekindling memories she'd buried deep Chapter
two Sparks in the Pines. Over the next few days,
Norah threw herself into the lodge's affairs, reviewing accounts, inspecting cabins,
and arranging a realtor's visit. The retreat was in worse
(02:34):
shape than she'd feared, unpaid bills, crumbling roofs, and the
winter tourist's season looming. Kaleb was a constant presence, fixing plumbing,
chopping firewood, his quiet competence both comforting and unsettling. He
changed his shoulders broader, his demeanor steadier, but his gray
eyes still held the spark that had once made her
(02:56):
dream of forever. One afternoon, as a storm gathered at
over the mountains, Nora was in the main cabin sorting
through warped floorboards when rain began to lash the windows.
A leak dripped onto the rug, threatening a stack of
guest books. She grabbed a bucket, cursing softly, when calib appeared,
his jacket damp, his hair tousled by the wind. Need help,
(03:19):
he asked, his voice low over the storm's roar. I've
got it, she said, but the bucket slipped, water splashing
her sweater. Calib caught it, their hands brushing, and a
spark shot through her. Warm and dangerous. You haven't changed,
he said, a half smile playing on his lips. Still
think you can do it all alone. Her pulse raced,
(03:41):
Why you hear, calb, really? He set the bucket down,
his eyes locking onto hers. Your aunt asked me to stay,
to save this place for you. She knew you'd come back.
Norah's throat tightened. She was wrong. I'm not staying. Caleb
stepped closer, rain dripping from his hair. This town in
your blood, Norah. You feel it, don't you. The air crackled,
(04:05):
the storm outside, echoing her in a turmol. She wanted
to push him away, to flee the pull of his presence,
but her feet stayed rooted. We were young, Caleb. It's over,
is it, he asked, his voice soft a challenge. Thunder
clapped and they both laughed, the tension breaking for a moment.
They worked together to secure the leak. Their movements synchronized.
(04:28):
When their shoulders brushed, Norah's skin tingled, and she caught
Kaleb's glance. Intense. Unguarded, she turned away, her heart pounding.
She wasn't here for this. She couldn't be. Chapter three,
Shadows of the Past. As weeks passed, Nora and Kalb
fell into a tense rhythm, managing the lodge while sidestepping
(04:49):
their shared history. She noticed him, his hands deftly repairing shingles,
his rare laugh warming the chilly air. But their break
up loomed, Kalb's sudden silence, his refusal to explain why
he'd ended things. One evening, while sorting through her aunt's office,
Norah found a letter tucked inside a guest book. Her
(05:09):
aunt's handwriting read, Norah, Pinehaven is your heart, even if
you've run from it. Trust Calib. He's kept his promise.
Her chest ached. What promise? Calib appeared carrying a stack
of firewood. Thought you'd need this for the hearth, he said,
setting it down. Their fingers brushed as she took a log,
and she flinched, the letter falling. He picked it up,
(05:32):
his expressions softening. We had good times here. Didn't we
until you left me, she said, her voice sharp. You
never told me why, calib He looked away, his jaw tight.
My brother was in trouble, addiction debts. I was stuck
baling him out, working double shifts. You were headed for
the city, for a bigger life. I didn't want to
(05:53):
hold you back. The confession hit her hard. You should
have told me, she whispered. I would have stayed. That's
why I didn't, he said, his eyes meeting hers. You
deserved more than Pine Crest. Tears pricked her eyes. You
broke my heart. I broke mine, too, he said, stepping closer.
(06:14):
His hand hovered near her cheek, but she stepped back,
afraid of the fire his touch ignited. I'm here to sell,
she said, her voice trembling, not to relive the past.
Kaleb nodded, but his eyes held a vow. I'm not
going anywhere, Norah. Chapter four, The festival's glow. Pine Crest's
(06:34):
Winter Pine Festival was days away, and Pinehaven Retreat was
set to host a lantern lit tour to attract buyers.
Nora immersed herself in preparations, polishing furniture, stringing lights, displaying
her aunt's old Mapskalib helped his presence steady, but charged
their every interaction heavy with unspoken words. The festival night arrived,
(06:57):
the town aglow with lanterns, the air rich with pine
and mulled wine. Norah wore a sapphirr dress that flowed
with her movements, her chestnut hair loose. Kaleb's eyes followed
her as she mingled. His flannel traded for a crisp
shirt that accentuated his rugged frame. You're making this place shine,
he said, handing her a mug of cider, his voice warm.
(07:20):
She smiled, her guard slipping, just trying to sell it.
His gaze softened. Is that really what you want? Before
she could answer, a woman's voice cut through the crowd.
Caleb Morrow, still tied to this old lodge, I see.
Norah turned to see a woman in a tailored coat,
her blonde hair sleek, her smile sharp. Kaleb's face hardened.
(07:43):
Evelin he said, what are you doing here? Evelin's eyes
flicked to Norah, calculating exploring an investment. This lodge could
be a luxury retreat with the right byer. Norah's heart sank,
another threat, another shadow, and Kalib's past was rising, threatening
to unravel everything. Chapter five, Evelin's Shadow. The Winter Pine
(08:08):
Festival's lanterns cast a warm glow over Pine Crest, but
Evelyn's arrival had thrown a chill across Pinehaven Retreat. Her
sleek coat and sharp smile stood out against the town's
rugged charm. Her words this lodge could be a luxury retreat,
echoing in Norah Blake's mind like a warning shot. Evelyn's
presence threatened the lodge's future and stirred doubts about Calib Morrow,
(08:29):
whose past seemed to hold secrets Norah hadn't yet unraveled.
Evelin lingered near the lantern lit path, her blonde hair
catching the light, her eyes scanning the crowd. Norah, I presume,
she said, offering a manicure at hand. Evelin, heart with
heart properties. Your lodge's quaint, but it's bleeding money. My
firm's offer could erase your debts and set you up
(08:51):
for life. Norah's grip tightened on her side. A mug
Pinehaven isn't for sale, she said, her voice firm. Evelyn's
smile was raiseethin. Everything's for sale, Norah Kalb knows that,
don't you, Caleb. Caleb's jaw clenched, his gray eyes cold.
Leave Evelin. You're not welcome here. Evelin's laugh was sharp,
(09:14):
still playing the hero. I see, but you can't save
this place forever. She turned her coat swishing, and vanished
into the festival crowd, leaving a heavy silence. Norah faced Caleb,
her heart pounding. What did she mean? What's your history
with her? He exhaled, rubbing his neck. Evelin tried to
buy my family's formal years ago, after my brother's troubles
(09:37):
tanked it. She wanted to turn it into a resort.
I fought her off, but she doesn't let go easy.
Norah's chest tightened. You didn't tell me she was part
of your past. I didn't think she'd come here, he said,
his eyes meeting hers. I'm sorry, Norah, I'm with you
on this. The sincerity in his voice softened her, but
(09:58):
Evelyn's words gnawed at her. Could she trust Kaleb with
shadows lurking in his history? No more secrets, she said,
I need the truth, Kaleb. He nodded, his hand, brushing hers.
You'll have it, I promise. Chapter six the lodge's burden.
The next morning, Pinecrest woke to a frosty dawn, the
(10:19):
air sharp with pine and wood smoke. Nor A plunged
into the lodge's chaos, sorting ledgers, inspecting cabins, planning for
the winter season. The finances were dire, unpaid taxes, leaking roofs,
and outdated heating systems. Selling seemed the only way out,
but the thought of losing Pinehaven, her aunt's legacy, felt
like losing a piece of her soul. Kaleb was scarce
(10:42):
overseeing repairs in the outer cabins, his absence a quiet ache.
Nor A caught herself missing his steady presence, his rare
smile that warmed the mountain chill. But Evelin's threat loomed,
her offer of one point three million dollars dangling like
a life line or a trap. Evelyn appeared at the
lodge's office mid morning, her heels clicking on the hardwood.
(11:04):
I've run the numbers, she said, sliding a contract across
Norah's desk. Your aunt's debts a public record. My offer
clears them with profit to spare. Sign now and you're free.
Norah's stomach churned I told you it's not for sale.
Evelyn leaned closer, her voice low. You're drowning, Norah and Caleb.
(11:26):
He's tied to this place's failures. Ask him about the
deal he almost made with my firm two years ago.
Norah's blood ran cold another secret. She found Caleb in
the maintenance shed, fixing a generator, his hands smudged with grease.
Evelin says, you nearly took a deal with her, She said,
her voice trembling. Is it true? Caleb set down a wrench,
(11:49):
his eyes meeting hers. It was after your aunt's first
financial scare. The lodge was sinking, and I was desperate.
I backed out, Norah. I couldn't betray your family. Why
didn't you tell me, she asked, tears pricking her eyes.
I didn't want to hurt you, he said, stepping closer.
I stayed for you, Norah. I never stopped loving you.
(12:11):
Her breath caught her, heart, torn between trust and doubt.
I don't know if I can believe you calib not
with her here. Then let me prove it, he said,
his hand grazing hers. The touch sent a shiver through her,
and for a moment, she leaned into it, the shadows
of their past flickering. Chapter seven, Heat of the Night,
(12:32):
The days blurred into a rhythm of work and longing.
Nora and Kalib labored side by side, repairing cabins, stringing lanterns.
Their every interaction charged, his fingers brushing hers as they
stacked firewood, his smile easing the weight of her fears.
But Evelyn's presence was a constant shadow, her visits to
Pine Crest laced with hints of a take over. One evening,
(12:55):
as the sun dipped below the peaks, casting the pines
in shades of violet and gold, nor stayed late to
balance the books. Caleb joined her, hanging lanterns in the
great room, his movements steady and sure you're good at this,
she said, watching him a just alight, the glow softening
his rugged features. He grinned, his gray eyes, catching the light.
(13:19):
Learned from my dad he loved fixing things, even if
he couldn't fix himself. Norah hesitated, then asked, do you
ever think about what could have been if we hadn't ended?
Kalb's hands stilled every day, But I let you go
so you could soar, and you did. Her throat tightened.
I soared, but I was hollow. I missed you, Caalb.
(13:41):
He stepped closer, the air humming between them. I missed
you too. I'm not letting you go again. Her heart pounded,
and before she could think, he kissed her, slow, deep,
a rush of heat that melted her doubts. She melted
into him, her hands tangling in his hair, the pine
scented air wrapping around them. They pulled apart, breathless. When
(14:03):
a shadow crossed the doorway. Evelyn stood there, her eyes narrowing, charming,
she said, stepping inside. But love won't save this lodge, Norah.
Kaleb's arm tightened around her. Get out, Evelin, he said,
his voice cold. Evelin smirked, you're throwing away a fortune, Caleb,
for what a crumbling dream. Norah's face burned, but she
(14:26):
stood tall. This is my family's home. You can't have it.
Evelyn's smile was sharp. We'll see. She turned her heels,
echoing on the hardwood. Chapter eight, Secrets in the Pines.
The next morning, Norah woke with Caleb's kiss lingering, but
Evelin's words gnawed at her. Was the lodger lost? Cause
(14:47):
could she trust Caleb with his past hiding thorns. She
found a journal in her aunt's desk, its pages filled
with Lodge notes and sketches. One entry stopped her. Caleb's loyal,
but he's haunted. Tell Nora the truth when she's ready.
What truth? Norah confronted calib in the maintenance shed, the
air thick with pine and oil. My aunt wrote about you,
(15:09):
she said, holding up the journal. What truth, Klibu, He exhaled,
his eyes haunted. Your aunt knew why I ended things,
my brother's addiction, the debts. I was drowning. She told
me to let you go, to give you a chance
at a bigger life, but to stay and protect the
lodge for you. Norah's heart ached. You let me go
(15:30):
because of her, not just her, he said, stepping closer.
I loved you too much to hold you back, but
I never stopped hopping you'd return. Tears streamed down her face.
You should have told me, I know, he said, his voice, raw,
I love you, Norah. The words broke her open, but
Evelin's threat loomed, and a call from the bank shifted everything.
(15:54):
A new loan offer, but it required putting the lodge
up as collateral sell or lose it all. Chapter nine,
The breaking point. The bank's ultimatum weighed heavily on Norah
Blake's mind like a storm cloud over Pine Crest. A
new loan offer, but the lodge's collateral sell or lose everything.
She stood in the great room of Pinehaven Retreat, her
(16:15):
aunt's journal, trembling in her hands, its words Caleb's loyal,
but he's haunted, clashing with the weight of her decision.
The Lodge, with its cedar beams and stone hearth, was
her family's legacy, a tether to her past. Yet the debts,
her aunt's mismanagement, and Evelin's looming offer pressed like a
vice around her heart. Calib Morrow found her there, his
(16:38):
gray eyes searching hers, his presence a steady anchor in
the chaos. Norah, he said, his voice soft over the
crackle of the newly lit fireplace. What did the banks say?
She clutched the journal, her voice breaking. They'll give us
a loan, but if we can't pay, they take the lodge.
Evelin's offer. It's the safe choice. Caleb's jaw or tightened,
(17:00):
his hands, bawling into fists. Your aunt poured her life
into this place. It's worth fighting for, Norah, so are we.
Her chest ached, his words, stirring the shadows of their past.
I want to believe you, calib but you kept secrets,
Evelin the deal. How do I trust you now? He
stepped closer, his warmth cutting through the room's chill. I
(17:23):
messed up, Norah. I hid things to protect you, to
keep this place alive. But I'm here and I love you.
Her breath caught his confession a spark in her heart.
I love you too, she whispered. But I'm scared of
losing the lodge, of losing us. You won't lose me,
he said, his hand cupping her cheek. We'll save this
(17:43):
place together. The promise steadied her, but Evelin's threat and
the bank's deadline loomed, and the Winter Pine Festival's final
day was tomorrow. Nora nodded her resolve, hardening, Okay, let's
fight Chapter ten Evelin's gambit. The morning of the festival's
final day dawned sharp and cold, Pine crest alive with
(18:05):
the scent of pine and mulled wine. Pinehaven Retreat buzzed
with preparations for a grand lantern tour and auction. The
great room adorned with twinkling lights, tables laden with local crafts.
Norah wore a deep emerald dress that hugged her frame,
her chestnut hair loose, but her nerves jangled. Evelin was circling,
and the bank's deadline was midnight. Evelin arrived at noon,
(18:27):
her tailored coats stark against the lodge's warmth, her smile sharp.
Last chance, Norah, she said, sliding a revised contract across
a table, one point six million, clear your debts, walk
away rich. Norah's stomach twisted, but she pushed the contract back.
Pine Haven's not for sale. Evelin's eyes narrowed. You're making
(18:49):
a mistake. Kaleb's dragging you down, just like he did
with his family's saw mill. Kaleb appeared, his presence solid.
She's not going anywhere, Evelin either, am I? Evelyn laughed,
glancing at the crowd. We'll see my firm doesn't lose.
As she left, Norah turned to Caleb, her voice trembling
(19:10):
one point six million calb. We could start over, be free.
What if we're wrong, He took her hands, his eyes fierce.
We're not wrong. This lodge, this town, it's us. I'll
fight for it for you. Her throat tightened, his words,
grounding her. They threw themselves into the auction, Norah showcasing
her aunt's vintage maps, Caleb charming bidders with stories of
(19:33):
Pinecrest's history. The bids climbed, but not enough to cover
the debts. Chapter eleven, the Lodge's heart. Desperate, Nora and
Caleb rallied the town for a final push, a community
fundraiser to save Pinehaven. Locals donated quilts, Baker's offered pies,
and Norah's photographs of the cascades became coveted items. The
(19:56):
great room glowed under the festival's lights, the air rich
with her hope and pine. Evelin returned her presence, A
chill in the warm night. Sweet effort, she said, sidling
up to Norah, but it won't be enough. Sign my
offer by midnight, or my firm will push the bank
to foreclose. Norah stood tall, Caleb at her side, We're
(20:17):
not giving up. As the auction continued, a local craftsman
donated a hand carved pine bench, sparking a bidding war.
A wealthy collector from Seattle moved by Nora's passion, offered
a record sum. The total surged enough to secure the
loan and clear the debts. The crowd erupted in cheers,
and Evelin's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with defeat. You
(20:41):
won't last, she said, her voice low. This place will
break you. No, Nora said, her voice steady, It makes
us whole. Evelyn turned her heels, echoing on the hardwood,
her threat fadding into the night. Norah exhaled, leaning into
Kalb's warmth. We did it, she whispered. He grinned, pulling
(21:01):
her clothes. We're just getting started.
Shadows of the pines. A Harlequin romance. Chapter one, The
Return to Pine Crest. The October wind whispered through the
towering pines of Pine Crest, a mountain town nestled in
the Cascades, where the air carried the sharp scent of
sap and woodsmoke. Nora Blake stepped from her rented suv
onto the gravel drive of her family's old lodge, Pinehaven Retreat.
(00:22):
At thirty two, Nora had built a career as a
freelance photographer in Seattle, capturing sit escapes far from the
rustic life she'd left behind thirteen years ago. Her aunt's
sudden passing had brought her back to settle the lodge's future,
a task she intended to complete swiftly before returning to
her urban world. The lodge, with its cedar walls and
(00:44):
stone chimney, stood as a monument to her childhood, full
of memories she'd tried to erase. Norah unlocked the heavy
pine door, its creek echoing in the still air. Inside.
The great room was dim, its log beams draped in shadows,
the fire place cold. She was here to assess the property,
meet with a realtor and sell. The lodge was failing.
(01:06):
Debts from her aunt's mismanagement piled high, and Nora had
no desire to stay. But as she traced a finger
along the carved mantle, her heart stirred with echoes of
summers spent exploring the woods, her laughter mingling with another's.
Norah blake. A deep voice broke the silence. She turned
to see a man in the doorway, his tall frame
silhouetted against the fadding light. He wore a denim jacket
(01:28):
over a flannel shirt, his dark hair slightly tousled, his
gray eyes sharp yet warm. Her breath caught calib Morrow,
her teenage love, the man who'd shattered her heart at nineteen. Caleb,
she said, her voice steady despite the jolt. What are
you doing here? He stepped inside, his boots soft on
the hardwood. I manage the lodge now. Your aunt hired
(01:51):
me to keep it afloat. Didn't know you'd be back.
Norah's chest tightened. Her aunt hadn't mentioned calib not once.
I'm here to sell, she said, lifting her chin. It
won't take long. His eyes flickered, a shadow crossing his face.
This lodge is more than a business. Norah, it's your
family's soul. It's just a building, she said, turning to
(02:14):
a stack of ledgers to hide the ache. His presence stirred,
but Kaleb's gaze lingered, rekindling memories she'd buried deep Chapter
two Sparks in the Pines. Over the next few days,
Norah threw herself into the lodge's affairs, reviewing accounts, inspecting cabins,
and arranging a realtor's visit. The retreat was in worse
(02:34):
shape than she'd feared, unpaid bills, crumbling roofs, and the
winter tourist's season looming. Kaleb was a constant presence, fixing plumbing,
chopping firewood, his quiet competence both comforting and unsettling. He
changed his shoulders broader, his demeanor steadier, but his gray
eyes still held the spark that had once made her
(02:56):
dream of forever. One afternoon, as a storm gathered at
over the mountains, Nora was in the main cabin sorting
through warped floorboards when rain began to lash the windows.
A leak dripped onto the rug, threatening a stack of
guest books. She grabbed a bucket, cursing softly, when calib appeared,
his jacket damp, his hair tousled by the wind. Need help,
(03:19):
he asked, his voice low over the storm's roar. I've
got it, she said, but the bucket slipped, water splashing
her sweater. Calib caught it, their hands brushing, and a
spark shot through her. Warm and dangerous. You haven't changed,
he said, a half smile playing on his lips. Still
think you can do it all alone. Her pulse raced,
(03:41):
Why you hear, calb, really? He set the bucket down,
his eyes locking onto hers. Your aunt asked me to stay,
to save this place for you. She knew you'd come back.
Norah's throat tightened. She was wrong. I'm not staying. Caleb
stepped closer, rain dripping from his hair. This town in
your blood, Norah. You feel it, don't you. The air crackled,
(04:05):
the storm outside, echoing her in a turmol. She wanted
to push him away, to flee the pull of his presence,
but her feet stayed rooted. We were young, Caleb. It's over,
is it, he asked, his voice soft a challenge. Thunder
clapped and they both laughed, the tension breaking for a moment.
They worked together to secure the leak. Their movements synchronized.
(04:28):
When their shoulders brushed, Norah's skin tingled, and she caught
Kaleb's glance. Intense. Unguarded, she turned away, her heart pounding.
She wasn't here for this. She couldn't be. Chapter three,
Shadows of the Past. As weeks passed, Nora and Kalb
fell into a tense rhythm, managing the lodge while sidestepping
(04:49):
their shared history. She noticed him, his hands deftly repairing shingles,
his rare laugh warming the chilly air. But their break
up loomed, Kalb's sudden silence, his refusal to explain why
he'd ended things. One evening, while sorting through her aunt's office,
Norah found a letter tucked inside a guest book. Her
(05:09):
aunt's handwriting read, Norah, Pinehaven is your heart, even if
you've run from it. Trust Calib. He's kept his promise.
Her chest ached. What promise? Calib appeared carrying a stack
of firewood. Thought you'd need this for the hearth, he said,
setting it down. Their fingers brushed as she took a log,
and she flinched, the letter falling. He picked it up,
(05:32):
his expressions softening. We had good times here. Didn't we
until you left me, she said, her voice sharp. You
never told me why, calib He looked away, his jaw tight.
My brother was in trouble, addiction debts. I was stuck
baling him out, working double shifts. You were headed for
the city, for a bigger life. I didn't want to
(05:53):
hold you back. The confession hit her hard. You should
have told me, she whispered. I would have stayed. That's
why I didn't, he said, his eyes meeting hers. You
deserved more than Pine Crest. Tears pricked her eyes. You
broke my heart. I broke mine, too, he said, stepping closer.
(06:14):
His hand hovered near her cheek, but she stepped back,
afraid of the fire his touch ignited. I'm here to sell,
she said, her voice trembling, not to relive the past.
Kaleb nodded, but his eyes held a vow. I'm not
going anywhere, Norah. Chapter four, The festival's glow. Pine Crest's
(06:34):
Winter Pine Festival was days away, and Pinehaven Retreat was
set to host a lantern lit tour to attract buyers.
Nora immersed herself in preparations, polishing furniture, stringing lights, displaying
her aunt's old Mapskalib helped his presence steady, but charged
their every interaction heavy with unspoken words. The festival night arrived,
(06:57):
the town aglow with lanterns, the air rich with pine
and mulled wine. Norah wore a sapphirr dress that flowed
with her movements, her chestnut hair loose. Kaleb's eyes followed
her as she mingled. His flannel traded for a crisp
shirt that accentuated his rugged frame. You're making this place shine,
he said, handing her a mug of cider, his voice warm.
(07:20):
She smiled, her guard slipping, just trying to sell it.
His gaze softened. Is that really what you want? Before
she could answer, a woman's voice cut through the crowd.
Caleb Morrow, still tied to this old lodge, I see.
Norah turned to see a woman in a tailored coat,
her blonde hair sleek, her smile sharp. Kaleb's face hardened.
(07:43):
Evelin he said, what are you doing here? Evelin's eyes
flicked to Norah, calculating exploring an investment. This lodge could
be a luxury retreat with the right byer. Norah's heart sank,
another threat, another shadow, and Kalib's past was rising, threatening
to unravel everything. Chapter five, Evelin's Shadow. The Winter Pine
(08:08):
Festival's lanterns cast a warm glow over Pine Crest, but
Evelyn's arrival had thrown a chill across Pinehaven Retreat. Her
sleek coat and sharp smile stood out against the town's
rugged charm. Her words this lodge could be a luxury retreat,
echoing in Norah Blake's mind like a warning shot. Evelyn's
presence threatened the lodge's future and stirred doubts about Calib Morrow,
(08:29):
whose past seemed to hold secrets Norah hadn't yet unraveled.
Evelin lingered near the lantern lit path, her blonde hair
catching the light, her eyes scanning the crowd. Norah, I presume,
she said, offering a manicure at hand. Evelin, heart with
heart properties. Your lodge's quaint, but it's bleeding money. My
firm's offer could erase your debts and set you up
(08:51):
for life. Norah's grip tightened on her side. A mug
Pinehaven isn't for sale, she said, her voice firm. Evelyn's
smile was raiseethin. Everything's for sale, Norah Kalb knows that,
don't you, Caleb. Caleb's jaw clenched, his gray eyes cold.
Leave Evelin. You're not welcome here. Evelin's laugh was sharp,
(09:14):
still playing the hero. I see, but you can't save
this place forever. She turned her coat swishing, and vanished
into the festival crowd, leaving a heavy silence. Norah faced Caleb,
her heart pounding. What did she mean? What's your history
with her? He exhaled, rubbing his neck. Evelin tried to
buy my family's formal years ago, after my brother's troubles
(09:37):
tanked it. She wanted to turn it into a resort.
I fought her off, but she doesn't let go easy.
Norah's chest tightened. You didn't tell me she was part
of your past. I didn't think she'd come here, he said,
his eyes meeting hers. I'm sorry, Norah, I'm with you
on this. The sincerity in his voice softened her, but
(09:58):
Evelyn's words gnawed at her. Could she trust Kaleb with
shadows lurking in his history? No more secrets, she said,
I need the truth, Kaleb. He nodded, his hand, brushing hers.
You'll have it, I promise. Chapter six the lodge's burden.
The next morning, Pinecrest woke to a frosty dawn, the
(10:19):
air sharp with pine and wood smoke. Nor A plunged
into the lodge's chaos, sorting ledgers, inspecting cabins, planning for
the winter season. The finances were dire, unpaid taxes, leaking roofs,
and outdated heating systems. Selling seemed the only way out,
but the thought of losing Pinehaven, her aunt's legacy, felt
like losing a piece of her soul. Kaleb was scarce
(10:42):
overseeing repairs in the outer cabins, his absence a quiet ache.
Nor A caught herself missing his steady presence, his rare
smile that warmed the mountain chill. But Evelin's threat loomed,
her offer of one point three million dollars dangling like
a life line or a trap. Evelyn appeared at the
lodge's office mid morning, her heels clicking on the hardwood.
(11:04):
I've run the numbers, she said, sliding a contract across
Norah's desk. Your aunt's debts a public record. My offer
clears them with profit to spare. Sign now and you're free.
Norah's stomach churned I told you it's not for sale.
Evelyn leaned closer, her voice low. You're drowning, Norah and Caleb.
(11:26):
He's tied to this place's failures. Ask him about the
deal he almost made with my firm two years ago.
Norah's blood ran cold another secret. She found Caleb in
the maintenance shed, fixing a generator, his hands smudged with grease.
Evelin says, you nearly took a deal with her, She said,
her voice trembling. Is it true? Caleb set down a wrench,
(11:49):
his eyes meeting hers. It was after your aunt's first
financial scare. The lodge was sinking, and I was desperate.
I backed out, Norah. I couldn't betray your family. Why
didn't you tell me, she asked, tears pricking her eyes.
I didn't want to hurt you, he said, stepping closer.
I stayed for you, Norah. I never stopped loving you.
(12:11):
Her breath caught her, heart, torn between trust and doubt.
I don't know if I can believe you calib not
with her here. Then let me prove it, he said,
his hand grazing hers. The touch sent a shiver through her,
and for a moment, she leaned into it, the shadows
of their past flickering. Chapter seven, Heat of the Night,
(12:32):
The days blurred into a rhythm of work and longing.
Nora and Kalib labored side by side, repairing cabins, stringing lanterns.
Their every interaction charged, his fingers brushing hers as they
stacked firewood, his smile easing the weight of her fears.
But Evelyn's presence was a constant shadow, her visits to
Pine Crest laced with hints of a take over. One evening,
(12:55):
as the sun dipped below the peaks, casting the pines
in shades of violet and gold, nor stayed late to
balance the books. Caleb joined her, hanging lanterns in the
great room, his movements steady and sure you're good at this,
she said, watching him a just alight, the glow softening
his rugged features. He grinned, his gray eyes, catching the light.
(13:19):
Learned from my dad he loved fixing things, even if
he couldn't fix himself. Norah hesitated, then asked, do you
ever think about what could have been if we hadn't ended?
Kalb's hands stilled every day, But I let you go
so you could soar, and you did. Her throat tightened.
I soared, but I was hollow. I missed you, Caalb.
(13:41):
He stepped closer, the air humming between them. I missed
you too. I'm not letting you go again. Her heart pounded,
and before she could think, he kissed her, slow, deep,
a rush of heat that melted her doubts. She melted
into him, her hands tangling in his hair, the pine
scented air wrapping around them. They pulled apart, breathless. When
(14:03):
a shadow crossed the doorway. Evelyn stood there, her eyes narrowing, charming,
she said, stepping inside. But love won't save this lodge, Norah.
Kaleb's arm tightened around her. Get out, Evelin, he said,
his voice cold. Evelin smirked, you're throwing away a fortune, Caleb,
for what a crumbling dream. Norah's face burned, but she
(14:26):
stood tall. This is my family's home. You can't have it.
Evelyn's smile was sharp. We'll see. She turned her heels,
echoing on the hardwood. Chapter eight, Secrets in the Pines.
The next morning, Norah woke with Caleb's kiss lingering, but
Evelin's words gnawed at her. Was the lodger lost? Cause
(14:47):
could she trust Caleb with his past hiding thorns. She
found a journal in her aunt's desk, its pages filled
with Lodge notes and sketches. One entry stopped her. Caleb's loyal,
but he's haunted. Tell Nora the truth when she's ready.
What truth? Norah confronted calib in the maintenance shed, the
air thick with pine and oil. My aunt wrote about you,
(15:09):
she said, holding up the journal. What truth, Klibu, He exhaled,
his eyes haunted. Your aunt knew why I ended things,
my brother's addiction, the debts. I was drowning. She told
me to let you go, to give you a chance
at a bigger life, but to stay and protect the
lodge for you. Norah's heart ached. You let me go
(15:30):
because of her, not just her, he said, stepping closer.
I loved you too much to hold you back, but
I never stopped hopping you'd return. Tears streamed down her face.
You should have told me, I know, he said, his voice, raw,
I love you, Norah. The words broke her open, but
Evelin's threat loomed, and a call from the bank shifted everything.
(15:54):
A new loan offer, but it required putting the lodge
up as collateral sell or lose it all. Chapter nine,
The breaking point. The bank's ultimatum weighed heavily on Norah
Blake's mind like a storm cloud over Pine Crest. A
new loan offer, but the lodge's collateral sell or lose everything.
She stood in the great room of Pinehaven Retreat, her
(16:15):
aunt's journal, trembling in her hands, its words Caleb's loyal,
but he's haunted, clashing with the weight of her decision.
The Lodge, with its cedar beams and stone hearth, was
her family's legacy, a tether to her past. Yet the debts,
her aunt's mismanagement, and Evelin's looming offer pressed like a
vice around her heart. Calib Morrow found her there, his
(16:38):
gray eyes searching hers, his presence a steady anchor in
the chaos. Norah, he said, his voice soft over the
crackle of the newly lit fireplace. What did the banks say?
She clutched the journal, her voice breaking. They'll give us
a loan, but if we can't pay, they take the lodge.
Evelin's offer. It's the safe choice. Caleb's jaw or tightened,
(17:00):
his hands, bawling into fists. Your aunt poured her life
into this place. It's worth fighting for, Norah, so are we.
Her chest ached, his words, stirring the shadows of their past.
I want to believe you, calib but you kept secrets,
Evelin the deal. How do I trust you now? He
stepped closer, his warmth cutting through the room's chill. I
(17:23):
messed up, Norah. I hid things to protect you, to
keep this place alive. But I'm here and I love you.
Her breath caught his confession a spark in her heart.
I love you too, she whispered. But I'm scared of
losing the lodge, of losing us. You won't lose me,
he said, his hand cupping her cheek. We'll save this
(17:43):
place together. The promise steadied her, but Evelin's threat and
the bank's deadline loomed, and the Winter Pine Festival's final
day was tomorrow. Nora nodded her resolve, hardening, Okay, let's
fight Chapter ten Evelin's gambit. The morning of the festival's
final day dawned sharp and cold, Pine crest alive with
(18:05):
the scent of pine and mulled wine. Pinehaven Retreat buzzed
with preparations for a grand lantern tour and auction. The
great room adorned with twinkling lights, tables laden with local crafts.
Norah wore a deep emerald dress that hugged her frame,
her chestnut hair loose, but her nerves jangled. Evelin was circling,
and the bank's deadline was midnight. Evelin arrived at noon,
(18:27):
her tailored coats stark against the lodge's warmth, her smile sharp.
Last chance, Norah, she said, sliding a revised contract across
a table, one point six million, clear your debts, walk
away rich. Norah's stomach twisted, but she pushed the contract back.
Pine Haven's not for sale. Evelin's eyes narrowed. You're making
(18:49):
a mistake. Kaleb's dragging you down, just like he did
with his family's saw mill. Kaleb appeared, his presence solid.
She's not going anywhere, Evelin either, am I? Evelyn laughed,
glancing at the crowd. We'll see my firm doesn't lose.
As she left, Norah turned to Caleb, her voice trembling
(19:10):
one point six million calb. We could start over, be free.
What if we're wrong, He took her hands, his eyes fierce.
We're not wrong. This lodge, this town, it's us. I'll
fight for it for you. Her throat tightened, his words,
grounding her. They threw themselves into the auction, Norah showcasing
her aunt's vintage maps, Caleb charming bidders with stories of
(19:33):
Pinecrest's history. The bids climbed, but not enough to cover
the debts. Chapter eleven, the Lodge's heart. Desperate, Nora and
Caleb rallied the town for a final push, a community
fundraiser to save Pinehaven. Locals donated quilts, Baker's offered pies,
and Norah's photographs of the cascades became coveted items. The
(19:56):
great room glowed under the festival's lights, the air rich
with her hope and pine. Evelin returned her presence, A
chill in the warm night. Sweet effort, she said, sidling
up to Norah, but it won't be enough. Sign my
offer by midnight, or my firm will push the bank
to foreclose. Norah stood tall, Caleb at her side, We're
(20:17):
not giving up. As the auction continued, a local craftsman
donated a hand carved pine bench, sparking a bidding war.
A wealthy collector from Seattle moved by Nora's passion, offered
a record sum. The total surged enough to secure the
loan and clear the debts. The crowd erupted in cheers,
and Evelin's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with defeat. You
(20:41):
won't last, she said, her voice low. This place will
break you. No, Nora said, her voice steady, It makes
us whole. Evelyn turned her heels, echoing on the hardwood,
her threat fadding into the night. Norah exhaled, leaning into
Kalb's warmth. We did it, she whispered. He grinned, pulling
(21:01):
her clothes. We're just getting started.
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