Niall picked out her hiking shoes, loosened the lacings and put them on a bench made from a split log. The grain had a dull luster, polished by a variety of backsides. “Try these on, see if they’re a fair fit.”
As she took a seat and slipped off her boots, the proprietor ambled over. Given their surroundings, she’d expected a grizzled mountain man, but he was a fit male in his forties, with a clean-shaven face and receding hairline, evident by his close-cropped hairstyle. From the flag displayed behind the register, proudly stating Semper Fi, she deduced he’d been in the Marine Corps.
“Your friend going to be staying with you long, Niall?” he asked, eyeing her with friendly curiosity.
“Depends on how long it takes for law enforcement to track her. Kidnapping a female and bringing her up here to cook and clean for us isnae as easy as it used to be.”
“Yeah, damn it all. Howard Keel made it look so easy.”
“Which reminds me. Ye still have your movie section?”
“Sure do. Including several copies of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Niall gave Alanna a grin. “Throw one in the pile, Henry. She can use it as research. See what mountain life’s really like.”
“Yeah, that’ll help.” The man snorted, gave Alanna a second appreciative look. “Might have to come up and see how she’s doing.”
“And I might have to tell Elaine you dinnae have enough to do about the house. That woman will shoot ye in the gut if you stray. Let the coyotes finish you off.”
“You make her sound far more merciful than she is.” Henry nodded to Alanna. “How are those fitting, ma’am?”
“Very well.” She stood up, rocking on her feet. She’d never worn such a shoe. Though heavy and clunky, it would obviously be useful for moving through heavy forest terrain.
“Add in some Band-Aids. The lass will have blisters, those first couple hikes.”
As Henry moved back toward his register, Niall pointed to a shelf stuffed full of books. “There’s a few left at the cabin, but ye might pick up a few of those as well. Nae always much to do ’til Evan’s up.”
“Does he like having books read to him?”