Accidental Family Read Free

away from the bustle of the big city. It was obviously a popular destination. He’d only been able to reserve a room at Twin Oaks due to a last-minute cancellation.
    Slowly he looked around the large great room, impressed by the simple, cozy elegance of the place. A vintage piano stood in one corner, and the scent of cinnamon lingered in the air.
    A man appeared in the doorway that led to a dining room, wiping his large hands on a dish towel. “Can I help you?”
    “I’m Alan Rand,” he replied, setting down his suitcases. He’d probably overpacked for this trip, but he wasn’t certain how long he’d be staying. If he was lucky, he’d be out of Cooper’s Corner soon. Or maybe he’d stay on for a while and do some skiing, since he’d made arrangements to work out of the office for the next few weeks. His future plans, both short-term and long-term, all hinged on one woman. “I have a reservation.”
    “Nice to meet you, Mr. Rand,” the man said, flipping the towel over his shoulder and holding out his hand. “I’m Clint Cooper. My sister, Maureen, and I own Twin Oaks.”
    Alan reached out to shake his hand. “Great place you’ve got here.”
    “We like it,” Clint said, moving behind the registration desk. He opened the top desk drawer and retrieved a big brass key. “If you’ll sign the guest book, I’ll be happy to show you up to your room.”
    After scribbling his signature in the guest book, Alan picked up his suitcases and followed Clint up the staircase. They stopped at the end of the hallway, and Clint pulled the key out of the pocket of his khaki slacks. Then he unlocked the door and swung it open. “This is your room.”
    Alan walked inside and looked around. The first thing he noticed was another cheery fire crackling in a corner hearth. A bright blue and white quilt covered the four-poster pine bed. But the most spectacular feature of the room was the view of the Berkshires from the large window. Dazzling, snow-covered hills lined with ski trails were framed against the azure blue sky.
    “I just took some cookies out of the oven,” Clint said, removing a small tin from the nightstand. “I’ll fill this up and have my son, Keegan, bring it to you.” One corner of his mouth kicked up in a smile. “If you’re lucky there’ll be a few left by the time he gets here.”
    “Sounds good,” Alan replied, shrugging out of his coat. Clint stood a couple inches taller than he did, at least six-three, and looked like he belonged more in a logging camp than a kitchen. Learning to bake was on Alan’s list, but he preferred to handle one challenge at a time.
    “There’s a breakfast buffet every morning from seven until nine,” Clint informed him. “And a library downstairs if you like to read.”
    Alan had a briefcase full of manuscripts to read for work, mostly nonfiction tomes on various technical subjects. It might be nice to do some pleasure reading while he was here. “Thanks. I’ll check it out.”
    “Hope you have a pleasant stay here at Twin Oaks.” Clint moved toward the open door. “And let me know if there’s anything you need.”
    “I will.”
    By the time Alan had unpacked his suitcases and placed his clothes in the boudoir, a young boy of about twelve appeared in the open doorway with the tin in his hands.
    “Here are your cookies.”
    “Great. I’m starved.” Alan took the tin from him, the metal warm against his palms. “You must be Keegan.”
    The boy nodded as Alan popped the lid off the tin. Despite Clint’s warning, the tin wasn’t empty. It was full of cookies. Their spicy cinnamon aroma teased his nostrils and made his mouth water. “Hey, snickerdoodles are my favorite.”
    “Mine, too,” Keegan said, still lingering in the doorway. “They’re even better than the chocolate chip ones Dad usually makes.”
    Alan held out the tin. “Want one?”
    “Thanks.” Keegan eagerly reached for a cookie, then downed it in two bites. “Are you here by