“Are you going to tell me where we’re going or not?” Outside the window the White Mountains rose before them. Even through the rain and overcast skies, they were breathtaking. Instinctively, she searched for the state’s famous Old Man in the mountain, something she’d always done when her family and Nate’s had camped in the area. But then she remembered that it had fallen from the side of the mountain a few years earlier. The last time she’d come up to this part of the state it had still been visible. Had it really been that long since her last trip up here?
During her childhood and up until she’d turned seventeen, her family, along with Nate’s, had camped up here together almost every summer. Had she been here since then? Lauren thought back, but nothing came to mind. Had it really been more than fifteen years since she’d last come up here?
“You’ll know when we get there.” He threw her a don’t worry, you’re going to love this smile, but said nothing else as he continued on the Kancamagus Highway that cut a path through the White Mountain National Forest.
“Time to wake up.” Nate shook her, his voice invading her nap.
Lauren pulled her face off the window and rubbed the back of her neck. Outside the window stood a rustic wooden sign welcoming them to Middlebrooke Woods. Middlebrooke Woods. She hadn’t thought of that place in years. It was the place their two families had normally stayed in New Hampshire. Back then they’d come in either July or August, and most years both families had campers in tow. Nate didn’t intend for them to camp did he? She’d slept in a tent before, but it didn’t rank high on her list of favorite activities, not to mention it was raining out.
“Isn’t it a little wet to camp?” She appreciated his effort to surprise her, but she wasn’t spending the weekend in a wet tent.
The car continued down the gravel-covered road. “We’re not camping. The owners turned the place into a hotel and spa.”
Sure enough, when they turned the bend in the driveway a four-story building came into view. With its white exterior and red-colored roof it reminded her of a smaller version of the famous Mount Washington Resort.
At the curb, a valet waited when Nate pulled up. “Both the hotel and spa got great reviews. I wanted to make you an appointment at the spa, but the place has services I’ve never heard of. I figured you should do it yourself.”
“Maybe we can have a couple’s massage. Christine, from school, and her husband go for them all the time.”
Nate’s expression spoke volumes. “Not happening. Get anything you want, but count me out.” He opened the car door without another word.
Despite the rustic location, the hotel they entered had everything you’d expect to find in a hotel located in the heart of a big city. Marble floors led from the revolving doors into the foyer. A gleaming reception desk lined one wall, while in another area several upholstered sofas were arranged in front of a granite fireplace. It was beautiful and not at all what she’d ever expect to find on the grounds of Middlebrooke Woods.
While Nate checked them in, she studied the paintings of the area hanging on the walls. By the looks of it, the owners had built the new hotel on what had been the campsites but had kept the individual log cabins located closer to the lake. Whenever her family had come they’d camped, but she’d always thought the cabins looked cute, and she was glad to see they remained.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call the front desk, Mr. Callahan,” the receptionist said, handing Nate two room cards.
So far so good. They’d both gotten home early and made it up to New Hampshire at a decent hour. The hotel matched everything he’d seen on the Internet, and Lauren appeared happy with his surprise so far this weekend. Now he just needed to pick the perfect time for the next part of his surprise. Should he do it tonight? Reaching into the front pocket of his suitcase, he felt for the box he’d slipped in there just before they left. Satisfied it remained safe and hidden, he re-zipped the pocket before Lauren came back into the bedroom. If he waited until tomorrow, he could do it over a nice romantic dinner. Make it a special occasion for Lauren. Something that she would always remember. If anyone deserved that, she did.
Nate cracked his knuckles on his left hand. He’d waited this long. He’d survive another night for Lauren’s sake.
“If they have openings tomorrow, I want a seaweed wrap.” Lauren entered the bedroom, a spa menu in her hand, wearing some black lace teddy he’d never seen on her before. “I’ve always wanted to try one.”