Chapter Six: Martha

Chapter Six – Martha

Martha’s heart raced as she sat on the sofa, a mix of excitement and hesitation coursing through her. She was ready to take the next step in her journey, and although she was nervous about what this new life in Bear Creek would bring, she was determined to make it work.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her notebook, the one with the sky-blue cover and the spiral binding, that she’d used to jot down every thought that crossed her mind as she slowly crafted an idea of her new future.

Little by little, her thoughts had begun to take shape and grow into something truly inspiring. But now she had to turn them into something concrete. Something real.

Excitement raced through her veins—this was it. At last, she was at the start of a new journey that would fulfill her in unimaginable ways.

Or had she fooled herself? At first, that whisper in the back of her mind had seemed like a blessing, pushing her to take a risk and make this move. But in recent weeks, the tone had changed and now it was filling her head with doubt.

Martha pushed herself to her feet as the voice in her head echoed that of her father, saying words she didn’t need to hear.

The walls of the cabin suddenly seemed to crowd in on her and she dropped the worn notebook on the sofa and grabbed her purse off the chair, before racing to the door, desperate for a few moments of freedom.

She stood on the porch and inhaled deeply, allowing the crisp morning air to wash over her. The morning sun danced on the tips of trees, casting dappled shadows through the pines, and the sharp scent of pine invigorated her senses.

The morning was alive with possibility, its beauty so pure it made her heart ache with a yearning she’d never felt before.

Martha tilted her head back and breathed in the sweetness of nature, and the weight that had been pressing against her chest eased.

A nearby rustling caught her attention, and she gasped as she caught a glimpse of a deer bounding through the trees. Her heart quickened as she watched it disappear from view, and for a moment, she felt an inexplicable urge to follow it.

To run through the trees and shake off the last of her doubts and fears. To explore the natural world around her. Wasn’t that why she’d come to Bear Creek, to find freedom?

Well, here it was, right in front of her eyes.

But she shook her head, dismissing the thought as foolishness. Perhaps that voice in her head was trying to lead her astray. A hike through the forest was tempting, but she had other plans for today.

And anyway, she didn’t have the correct footwear for a hike along an icy mountain trail.

Martha got into her car and drove away from Bear Creek Lodge, promising herself that she’d treat herself to some sturdy hiking boots while she was in town.

A sense of excitement washed over her as she drove down the winding mountain roads. The landscape was rugged and beautiful, with steep cliffs rising up on either side of the narrow road one moment before the rocky terrain dropped away and revealed a scenic view of the town below.

As she navigated the hazardous terrain, Martha took her time, savoring the new slow pace of life. She was used to the hustle and bustle of the city, but now she was in the mountains, surrounded by nature’s majesty. She could feel the tension in her shoulders easing as she drove, and her mind wandered as she imagined herself living among such a rich landscape.

The sun was shining brightly, melting the snow and ice on the ground and warming the air around her as she reached the outskirts of town. The wilderness of the mountain gave way to farms and fields, where small houses dotted the landscape, each one a testament to someone’s life and dreams.

A smile fluttered across her lips. Soon, one of these houses might be a testament to her own dreams.

Martha arrived in the town proper, passing by quaint shops and cafes that were bustling with people going about their daily lives. It wasn’t at all like she’d imagined it would be. It seemed like the name should have hinted at a town retreating into hibernation-like peacefulness at the end of tourist season, but it hadn’t turned out that way. The town was anything but sleepy.

Martha’s car rolled to a stop, and she stepped out onto Main Street. She’d been hopeful when she’d chosen Bear Creek as her new home, but the town before her was more than she could have hoped for. The folks she passed on the street seemed friendly, and many of them greeted her with nods and smiles, which she happily returned. It was so different from the faceless city she’d lived in for most of her life.

She walked past a row of shops, each with its own unique storefront and window display. There was a bakery with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting out onto the street, a boutique with brightly colored clothes and accessories, and a small art gallery with paintings and sculptures on display.

Martha strolled down the street, her gaze lingering on the faces of children playing in the park. Joyful giggles and wild laughter carried on the air, stirring something inside of her. A twinge of nostalgia, a longing for when life was effortless and days passed carefree. She was transported back in time, to a place and a simple sense of happiness that seemed a million miles away now.

One where her father played with her on a swing, sending her higher and higher. She’d soared through the air, his firm hands pushing her as she laughed and squealed with delight. It was as if he gave her wings and she felt invincible as he sent her higher and higher until the world below was nothing but a hazy blur.

Martha felt the familiar sting of sorrow like a fist around her heart, squeezing tight. She desperately wanted to put things right with her dad. He had always been her rock, supporting her in whatever she did.

Until now.

As she stopped outside a store that sold mountain gear, Martha made a promise to the girl she had been...that the woman she was becoming would do whatever it took to restore her relationship with her father.

Fighting back tears, Martha pushed the door open and entered the store with a smile. Somehow, already, this small town felt like home—like the warmth of a hug from the past and the promise of a bright future all rolled into one.

Martha stepped into the small mountain store, her eyes scanning the shelves of outdoor gear and supplies. She was greeted by a friendly-looking man with a rugged beard and kind eyes.

“Morning,” the man said with a smile. “How can I help you today?”

Martha smiled back. “I’m new to town, and I need some hiking boots. Do you have any recommendations?”

The man’s expression softened. “We have an excellent selection here. Tell me, where are you thinking of exploring?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” Martha admitted, almost bashfully. “I haven’t had a chance to get to know the area. So maybe you can give me some tips.”

“I’d be happy to. Any of these are hard-wearing and built to last.” The man indicated a row of boots. “They’re a little pricier, but if you want to explore the best trails, they’re worth the extra money.”

“Thanks.” Martha stood staring at the hiking boots.

“This town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking trails. You’re going to love it here.” The man took a pair of boots off the shelf. “I think these would be a good match.”

“Thanks. I already do,” she said, as she tried on the sturdy boots. “This looks like the sort of place where I could put down roots.”

“I can’t recommend the town enough,” the man said. “Everyone here is friendly and welcoming.”

“I got that feeling. But it’s good to hear.” Martha walked around the store in the boots. They were stiff, but would soon wear in. “I am hoping to buy a property in the area.” She glanced down at the boots. “I’ll take them.”

“Great. You won’t go wrong with them. And now that you know where we are, I’m sure you’ll be back. Once you get out into the mountains, you’ll get a taste for the wilderness and you’ll be back for camping gear.” He nodded at her as if it was a matter of fact.

“I’m sure I’ll be back.” She grinned back at him as she tucked her bag under her arm and headed for the door. “Bye.”

“Take care now.” He called out an affectionate goodbye as the door of the store swung shut behind her. Time to find a real estate agent.

“Watch out!” She jumped as a couple of children ran out of a side road and hurtled around the street corner. They took her by surprise and she stepped back out of the way as a man came around the corner after them.

“Sorry!” the children chorused as they slowed down.

“No harm done.” She straightened up, ready to walk on, when a man ran around the corner, his uniform and badge identifying him as the local sheriff.

“Hey there,” the sheriff called out, and Martha wasn’t sure if he was talking to her or the children.

“Hi.” Martha glanced at him and then at the children. Was her assessment of the town about to be turned on its head? “Is there a problem here?”

“No, ma’am,” the sheriff said, but his lips quirked up in a slow smile as he offered her his hand. “Guess you must be new to these parts. Brad, town sheriff.”

Martha smiled back—a real one this time—and shook his hand. “Martha. Nice to meet you.”

For a moment, Brad stared at her with unabashed curiosity, as though she were an exotic animal in a zoo or something. But then his smile widened, and he said, “Welcome to Bear Creek, Martha.”

“I am feeling very welcome so far,” she replied. “You have a wonderful town.”

“We like it.” Brad’s eyes shifted to the two children who were waiting on the street corner.

“It’s great to see you so relaxed and happy. I’m guessing that means the crime rate is low.” Martha’s dad had always told her you could gauge a town by the stress level of its law enforcement officers.

Brad nodded. “Very low. This is a special town, full of great people. You’ll find that everyone is friendly and welcoming, always willing to lend a helping hand.” He arched an eyebrow. “As long as you are a law-abiding citizen.”

“Oh!” She held up her hands. “You got me there.” She chuckled. “Actually, I’m a lawyer.”

He chuckled, the sound low and throaty. His gaze crinkled at the corners and sparkled playfully. “Ah. ‘Fraid there’s not much work for a lawyer in Bear Creek. But if we clash over a case, I won’t hold it against you.”

“I’m not here to practice law,” she said, her voice strong and determined. “I’m looking for a fresh start, as I often hear my clients say.”

He met her gaze, his eyes dark and penetrating, and said softly, “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Martha.”

“Right now I’m looking for property.” She gestured at the real estate office, then turned back to him. “But I’m sure I’ll find more than that while I’m here.”

“I’m sure you will,” he murmured, with that curious look in his eyes once more. Brad inched away from her. “We’re on the hunt for ice cream. My kids are giving me the look that means I’m talking too much. I’m back on duty in an hour and I promised them ice cream and a trip to the park.”

“Oh, don’t let me hold you up.” She gave them a warm smile and a wave before turning around and continuing down the street. Each step she took felt like a declaration of freedom, as if the real estate office were waiting for her with open arms, ready to embrace all the hopes and dreams she had for the future.