Chapter 282: Scott's Making PancakesIt was nearly 8:00 when Jackie padded downstairs the next morning. She'd slept the sleep of the dead, and if either child had so much as whimpered in the night, she hadn't heard it. By the time Scott had tucked her into bed and left, she'd felt completely relaxed.As she descended the stairs, the aroma of fried batter greeted her, and the sound of happy children's voices floated from the kitchen. She came around the corner to see Grant and Emma seated at the table, while Scott, dressed in a Blue Jays t-shirt and khaki shorts, tended to something on the stove."Hey everybody, good morning," she greeted them."Hi, Mom. Scott's making pancakes," Grant told her."Is he?" she asked, smiling. "And it's Mr. Scott. We've talked about this."Scott turned and flashed her a warm smile. "Hi, Jackie. We decided to make breakfast. Hope you don't mind.""It smells great," she said, crossing over to peek at the griddle. She lay a gentle hand on his forear

Chapter 284: The Folks ArriveBy 6:30 that evening, the construction work had stopped, and the compound blissfully returned to its normal serenity. Jackie breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they had enough rooms for the guests who would be arriving the following day. Seated with the family on the back deck, she gazed around the table and caught Scott's eye. He gave her a quick wink and returned his focus to her father, who was in the middle of a fishing story. The pair had hit it off from the moment her parents had arrived that afternoon. Of course, the elder Walkers had insisted on seeing the fire damage first-hand, and although saddened at the losses the compound had sustained, they'd been impressed with the amount of work that had already been done to restore the place to better than before. They'd taken a tour of the entire property and Jackie felt that her parents seemed pleased about the direction the business was taking.Her father, in particular, had seemed impress

Chapter 286: Blake and Amy"So where are you going to live?" Ann wondered aloud.All the Walkers, plus Amy and Scott, sat around the table on the deck as the sunset painted the western sky in layers of purple and orange. They'd just enjoyed a dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread, and tossed salad. When they'd finished eating, the children had begged off in favor of cartoons on television."We'll have our new house here, of course," Blake began. "But we're also going to find a place in California.""I'm selling my home in Malibu," Amy said. "It's not right for us. We'll pick out something together." Jackie watched as she reached for Blake's hand."Homes in both places," Jim said thoughtfully."It works out well," Amy explained. "I'll still be working in California. In fact," she glanced at Blake, who nodded, "we're going back in about a week. I'm starting a new movie. One I wrote. I'll be directing, too. It's very exciting.""A week?" Jackie murmured. "I sort of thought Blake

Chapter 288: Nine MinutesJackie waved as Blake, still carrying a giggling Amy, hiked up the slope and headed toward his cabin.Wistfully, Jackie watched them go. "Yeah, we won't be seeing them again tonight." She sighed and headed back into the lodge. The telephone was ringing as she passed the office. She spent five minutes chatting with her mother. They'd arrived in Niagara Falls safe and sound. The children could hardly be pulled away from the hotel room balcony overlooking the falls, but Ann insisted that they each say hello to their mother. "Don't worry about a thing, sweetie," her mother said. "We'll be back on Friday."Hanging up the phone, Jackie checked on Trina at the front desk. The current guests were settled, and they didn't expect any new arrivals until the weekend. Trina reassured her that she had things well in hand. "Relax, Jackie," she smiled. "I'll be here until 10:00. But everything should be quiet tonight."Jackie thanked her and headed back to the

Chapter 290: Showing Off the Play CabinJackie had just finished helping Dawn and Angie carry bundles of linens down to the laundry room when Blake and Amy came over."Hi, sis, how are you this fine day?" Blake asked. The fingers of his right hand were intertwined with those on Amy's left hand, where her engagement ring sparkled."Well, you know, I'm working, so…""But you're ready to go into town, right?" Amy asked, grinning happily.Town? "Oh, shit, I completely forgot.""Well unforget, because this redhaired kitten has permission to score a new vibe." Amy grinned up at Blake.Jackie felt her cheeks bloom with embarrassment. "Geez, Amy," she muttered.Blake suppressed a smirk. "Go on, Jackie. With breakfast out of the way and laundry going, I imagine Trina has the lodge under control."Frowning, she crossed her arms and leaned against the kitchen counter. "Everybody keeps saying that.""Saying what?" Blake shrugged. "Take a couple of hours and go into town. I promised Scott