Forever in Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Synopsis

In the beloved small town of Moose Falls, a holiday dating charade between coworkers starts to feel like the real thing . . .
 
The youngest of three brothers, Landon Stone would do anything for his grandmother, Hattie—even return to his hometown of Moose Falls. Hattie’s heart is set on her grandsons taking over the family business—and finding their happily-ever-afters in Alaska. When Hattie gets the idea that Landon is romantically entangled with his gorgeous colleague, Bailey Daniels, Landon doesn’t just go along with it—he asks Bailey to join the ruse.

Bailey isn’t sure if she agrees because she adores Hattie for helping her family through their darkest times . . . or because she finds the charmingly nerdy Landon completely irresistible. Either way, it’s extremely easy to appear totally into him. But as they collaborate at work—and after hours—to make Hattie’s Christmas extra special, Bailey and Landon’s relationship starts to feel all too real. What if the only people Landon and Bailey are fooling this season . . . are themselves?
 
 

Release date: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Print pages: 336

Sample

Twenty Years Later

CHRISTMAS HUNG IN THE air like the promise of something wonderful. Landon could smell it all around him as he walked down Main Street with his older brother, Caleb. Grabbing a smoothie before the workday began was always a good idea. As they walked into the smoothie shop, decorative pine wreaths hung on the door and the smell of peppermint permeated the air. A small Christmas tree sat in the corner of the shop, decked out with all the trimmings. The low hum of holiday music flowed through the speakers. He tapped his foot to the beats of Donny Hathaway crooning “This Christmas,” one of his personal favorites.

Yes indeed, he thought, Christmas was coming. Soon there would be nothing but tinsel, Yule logs, festively wrapped presents, and the strains of Mariah Carey’s most famous song—“All I Want for Christmas Is You.” And he was here for it—Christmas oozing from every shop window and home in Moose Falls.

The quaint Alaskan town was located on Kachemak Bay in the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Although fishing had been one of the town’s main industries for generations, Yukon Cider, the hard cider company created by his grandmother, had become a hot commodity with customers, tourists, and the townsfolk. This time of year the downtown area was booming with tourists who stayed at the local inns and sought out an authentic Alaskan holiday experience.

“We’ve barely gotten past Thanksgiving,” Caleb grumbled. “Let’s slow it down a little bit. I want to enjoy my pumpkin phase, thank you very much.” His lip stuck out in a dramatic pout.

Landon grinned. It wasn’t a secret in his family that he loved Christmas more than most people. It was the time of year when good cheer and happiness were in abundance. His philosophy was to bring on the festive season rather than slow it down. Full speed ahead as far as he was concerned. “Yeah, you know how that works. Christmas is the happiest time of the year, and folks just want to embrace it. It’s called joy, Caleb. Pure, unadulterated joy.”

His brother twisted his mouth and scrunched up his nose. It did nothing to mar his classic good looks. Caleb’s chiseled facial features and pearly-white smile had captivated women all over the globe. Now his brother was a one-woman man. Hopelessly devoted to Sophia, a beautiful single mother who was a brilliant photographer currently employed at Yukon Cider. Their first official meet-cute had happened when they’d gotten locked in Hattie’s attic during Xavier’s engagement party to his wife, True. Spirited and stunning, True had met Xavier at the tavern she now owned, Northern Exposure.

“In my book it’s called rushing the season when we should be savoring the last moments of fall. It isn’t even December yet,” Caleb said, scowling the same way he’d done when they were kids.

Landon shook his head at his brother. It was hard for him to object to anything Christmas related. Even though he’d felt a bit restless lately, celebrating his favorite time of year served as a huge pick-me-up. There was something very nostalgic about spending Christmas here in Moose Falls. Although some memories of his childhood in Alaska were indistinct, Landon had a myriad of holiday remembrances.

At the moment, Caleb was hankering for a pumpkin smoothie, the same type he’d been enjoying ever since September 1 rolled around. But this morning he’d been told by the barista at the Juice Spot that they were packing away the pumpkin for the season to make way for holiday flavors.

“Wait. I’m confused,” Caleb said to the barista named Zion. “Isn’t Thanksgiving a holiday? And isn’t pumpkin a Thanksgiving flavor?”

Zion held up his hands. “Don’t blame me, Caleb. I don’t make the rules, just the smoothies.”

“Chill, Caleb. It’s not the end of the world,” Landon said, shaking his head before ordering his usual cherry-and-blackberry smoothie. “Deep breaths.”

“I’m trying,” Caleb muttered. “But losing my pumpkin smoothie is heart-wrenching.” He placed his hand over his heart and made a face. “It brings me so much joy.”

“I’m sure Sophia will help you recover,” Landon said. Caleb and Sophia were in the loved-up phase, constantly kissing and being touchy-feely. Caleb was going to be a stepdad to Sophia’s daughter, Lily, which would make them a true family. Although Landon was happy for both his brothers, a part of him was envious. He’d never had anything like what they shared. Matter of fact, he’d never had a serious girlfriend. At times he wondered whether there was something wrong with him.

As soon as their order came in, they grabbed their smoothies and began heading toward the door. All of a sudden a whirl of motion grabbed his attention. A flash of curly dark hair and mocha-colored skin smattered with freckles came into view. The woman was tall and wearing a puffy coat and big clunky boots that were probably the latest trend. She looked slightly familiar to Landon, but he couldn’t place her. Why was she standing so close to him?

“I’m sorry about this,” she said in a low voice before grabbing his hand and linking hers with his. “It’s so good to see you,” she said in a raised voice. “I’ve missed you.” She leaned toward him and swept her lips against his cheek. The scent of vanilla and apples rose to his nostrils. Her long hair brushed against his face.

Confusion swirled around him. “You’ve missed… me?”

She threw back her head and let out a roar of laughter, curls bouncing in the process. “Of course you, silly. Who else?” Her voice was light and airy, with a hint of teasing that was typically used between friends or couples. They were neither. He didn’t have a single idea who she was, although he thought she might be the most gorgeous woman he’d ever seen.

“I think you might be confusing me with someone else,” he said in a low voice. He didn’t want to embarrass her in front of all the other patrons. Caleb was gawking at them as if he were watching a trapeze artist at the circus.

“Just play along,” the woman said through clenched teeth as she leaned toward him, whispering the words in his ear. A strong floral scent rose to his nostrils due to her proximity. She sent him a pointed look just as a tall, built man approached them. Her lips were so close to Landon’s that for a moment he thought she might kiss him. The idea of it wasn’t unwelcome either. He hadn’t been kissed in quite some time. Kissing her would definitely get him out of his slump.

“Bailey. Why haven’t you returned my calls?” the man asked, scowling at Landon. “Who’s this?” He jerked his chin in Landon’s direction.

Caleb took a step closer toward Landon, clearly ready for anything. That was the thing about the Stone brothers. All for one and one for all. If this guy started anything, Landon wouldn’t be handling the situation on his own. He’d had backup since the day he was born.

“He’s none of your business, Jamie,” the woman, presumably Bailey, answered. “All you need to know is that I’m not interested in being with you. Like I’ve told you dozens of times. Please stop all the texts and calls. Stop following me!”

“Because of him?” Jamie asked. All of a sudden he appeared to be on the verge of tears, with trembling lips and moisture pooling in his eyes. All his bravado evaporated in a single second.

Bailey let out a sigh. “Let’s just say I’m otherwise occupied.” She looked over at Landon and shot him an oversize grin. Her grip on his arm tightened, and she moved a little bit closer until there was barely an inch between them. They were practically hip to hip.

Landon’s heart almost stopped beating. Her smile threatened to make his knees buckle. She was incredibly convincing in this role she was playing. For a second he almost believed they were an item. Maybe it was wishful thinking on his part.

“Got it,” Jamie said, practically grunting. “I won’t bother you again.” He stormed away, letting the shop door bang behind him.

“Thanks, Landon. I owe you one,” Bailey said, squeezing his hand tightly before turning and heading out of the shop. Landon’s gaze trailed after her. She had swept in like a mini tornado and pulled him into her tangled web. He almost wanted to follow after her, but what would be the point? Landon had no idea what he would say to her.

What had just happened? he asked himself. He knew he’d never met Bailey before, yet she clearly knew him by name. He shouldn’t be surprised, since the entire town had rolled out the red carpet when he and his brothers arrived in Moose Falls.

Caleb was shaking his head. “So you’ve been holding out on us, huh?” Caleb asked him, his gaze narrowed as he looked at Landon. “You are seeing someone.”

“N-no,” he sputtered. “I have no idea who she is. That man called her Bailey, but I don’t know her. I swear.”

His brother rolled his eyes. He could tell that Caleb didn’t believe him, and he couldn’t really blame him. His story sounded suspect. Bailey had been very up close and personal with him.

“Well, the two of you looked pretty cozy back there,” Caleb remarked. He raised an eyebrow. “Sure there’s nothing you want to tell me? I’m all ears,” he said with a mischievous grin. Both his brothers were constantly advising him to put himself out there and find a romantic partner, so he knew Caleb would eat up the details (if there were any) and come back for seconds. Then quickly tell Xavier, True, and Sophia. Maybe even Hattie and Daisy.

Landon shook his head. “There’s nothing to tell. Seriously.”

“Whatever you say,” Caleb said, taking a sip of his smoothie. He winked at Landon. “In my opinion, that type of nothing is the best kind of something.”

“Let’s just get out of here and head to the office,” Landon said, still confused about the woman named Bailey. She’d said his name, which had thrown him a little bit off-kilter. He wasn’t a stranger to her.

Maybe that part shouldn’t have been so surprising, since everyone in town knew who he and his brothers were before they’d even set foot in Alaska. To Landon it seemed as if they had all been waiting twenty years for their return. According to Hattie, not a day had gone by without her hoping for a reunion with her grandsons.

Once they were in Landon’s truck, he quickly changed the topic away from Bailey. Caleb was like a hound dog whenever he tried to dig up information. Landon shifted the conversation to their inheritance. As they both knew, time was ticking away. In the blink of an eye, their year in Moose Falls would be up.

“So where’s your head at? About Yukon Cider?” Caleb asked.

Roughly ten months ago, they had moved to Moose Falls, Alaska, at the behest of their long-lost grandmother, Hattie Stone. Although they had received cards, gifts, and checks from her over the years, they hadn’t spent any quality time with Hattie since they were small. Due to renal disease, she was terminally ill and looking to get her affairs in order. She wanted Landon and his brothers to take over her hard cider company. The paperwork they had signed upon their arrival in town dictated that they had one year to decide whether to stay and run Yukon Cider, or sell. They had to be unanimous in their decision or forgo the inheritance altogether.

With everything changing in the personal lives of his brothers, all bets were off. It would make sense for Xavier and Caleb to want to stay in Moose Falls, because they were both in love with their partners and setting down roots. Staying in Alaska didn’t make the most sense for him. He still had unfinished business in California with Abbott Laboratories. He missed his former life as a research scientist and working in a lab setting. He hadn’t been able to forget that he’d been targeted and scapegoated by the lab directors. They had falsified evidence against him and forced him out of the laboratory.

Landon’s big goal was to return to Abbott Laboratories and restore his reputation as a chemist. Later today he had a Zoom call with his colleagues, Griff Benson and Sonali Patel. He was hoping that there were more developments that would bolster his case against the laboratory. They were all working behind the scenes to take Abbott Laboratories down.

“I’m still pondering the matter,” Landon admitted. All these months later and he still wasn’t sure. Coming back to Alaska did feel like coming home again, but he wasn’t exactly doing what he’d always dreamed of—being a scientist. “I think we both know which way Xavier is leaning,” Landon said. “Especially now that he’s in the honeymoon stage.”

“Literally,” Caleb said, grinning. “He’s living his best life.”

Their older brother, Xavier, had just returned from a weeklong honeymoon in Greece with his wife, True. The newly married couple had met on the same day the brothers had first arrived in Moose Falls. True had been working as the manager of Northern Exposure, a tavern owned by their grandmother. Xavier hadn’t been able to resist True’s challenge to eat the tavern’s wings, which he hadn’t known were ghost pepper wings. Recently, True had bought the establishment after having her eye on it for years. With Caleb getting engaged to his own fantastic woman, Sophia Brand, the Stone brothers were coupling up at a rapid pace.

Except him, Landon thought. A sigh escaped his lips. Being in a relationship seemed as unlikely for him as walking on the moon. He didn’t dare admit it out loud. His brothers were constantly questioning his single status and none too subtly grilling him about past romances. Sadly, there hadn’t been any relationships. Sure, he’d dated here and there, but he’d never had a girlfriend or a serious relationship.

He’d asked himself why dozens of times, never coming up with an answer that made sense. He wasn’t the best in social situations, which was a bit limiting. Landon wasn’t naturally outgoing like Xavier and Caleb. Mostly he thought he was afraid to fall. He’d seen what happened when love turned to something else, something painful and heartbreaking. Like with his parents. To this day, neither had found another great love. Red was a good-looking, charismatic man, while Daisy was a gentle and beautiful soul.

Both his brothers had been in tumultuous relationships before coming back to Moose Falls. Finding romance in their Alaskan hometown hadn’t been on anyone’s bingo card, yet love had bloomed. Seeing them so settled made him believe it could happen for him as well.

“Hey! Did you hear me?” Caleb asked, interrupting his thoughts. “I was asking you something.”

“Sorry,” Landon apologized. “Trying to focus on these slick roads.”

Driving in Alaska wasn’t for the faint of heart. He was just getting acclimated to the unexpected twists and turns in the weather. He’d done his fair share of nervously clutching the wheel as he drove through snow, ice, sleet, and hail. As of late, though, Landon had mastered this particular skill. Life in Moose Falls fit him like a glove, despite the nagging worry that he had things that he needed to get back to in California.

“I asked if you’d made a list of the pros and cons about staying or leaving. That might help move you along on the matter,” Caleb said. “I’ve been keeping a list since we got here.”

Landon nodded. He had made so many lists, yet none of them had led him in a decisive direction. And he only had a few more months before a decision had to be made. A part of him knew that his indecisiveness was deliberate. A decision like this one was nearly impossible to make. “I’ve made dozens of lists,” he told his brother. “Most times I end up feeling even more conflicted, mainly because I have unfinished business in California. And I’ve teamed up with some former colleagues to try and prove my case.”

“I hear that,” Caleb said. “For me it’s a lot more straightforward. Now that I’m the spokesman for Yukon Cider and engaged to Sophia, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Now that doesn’t mean we have to run the company, but it gives me a strong incentive to stay.”

“I haven’t given up on getting my good name back in the research community, not to mention that I can’t imagine being here without Hattie,” Landon blurted out. Lately it was the huge elephant in the room when he was with his brothers. Being back in Moose Falls was so tied up in their grandmother. Despite the lost years between them, they loved her and had all grown close to the Stone matriarch since their return.

“Yeah, I keep thinking she’ll outsmart this disease. I mean, if anyone can accomplish that feat, it would be our grandmother.” Caleb’s voice sounded optimistic.

As a scientist, Landon knew that scenario was extremely unlikely. Hattie had laid everything out in full detail for them regarding her renal failure. They’d met with her medical team on several occasions, and there was no doubt that her days were numbered. She wasn’t going to make a miraculous recovery, no matter how much they all wanted it to happen.

Landon pulled into the parking lot for Yukon Cider and put his truck in park.

Caleb rubbed his hands together. “You got us here with ten minutes to spare before the meeting.”

“Well, you know how much Hattie despises lateness,” Landon said, chuckling. It wasn’t unlike their grandmother to call someone on the carpet if they weren’t on time. And she didn’t play favorites either. She would do it to her own flesh and blood in a heartbeat. He winced at the memory of having been late to one of her meetings. Ouch! She hadn’t spared his feelings one bit. Landon knew firsthand that no one in this world wanted to be on the receiving end of Hattie’s sharp tongue.

As soon as they entered the building, they were greeted by abundant signs of the holiday season. A huge Christmas tree sat in the foyer, adorned with brightly colored bulbs and beautiful ornaments. Garlands of tinsel hung from the stairwell. Festive wreaths were all around them, and strings of candy canes decorated the check-in desk.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” Landon said, nodding approvingly.

“Thanksgiving was just two days ago,” Caleb wailed.

The brothers wasted no time heading to the conference room. The side table was laden with a large tray of breakfast pastries—croissants, bagels, Danish. About a half dozen of their colleagues were already in the room, talking to Xavier, who was in the middle of the group answering questions about his honeymoon.

“Athens was amazing,” Xavier gushed. “We almost didn’t want to leave.” He let out a holler as soon as he spotted Landon and Caleb. Within seconds they were being swept up in a huge bear hug from their older brother.

The Three Musketeers back together again. For Landon, this was the lure that was pulling him toward making the decision to stay in Moose Falls. Being around Xavier and Caleb on a daily basis never got old. Working at the same company as them and alongside Hattie almost made up for not being able to work in a research lab.

Just before the meeting’s start time, Hattie came whizzing through the door on a mobility scooter. Jacques, her romantic partner and majordomo, was two steps behind her.

“Take it easy,” Caleb heard Jacques say in a low voice.

“No time for that,” Hattie quipped as she steered herself toward her position at the head of the table. She clapped her hands together. “Just in the nick of time. If it hadn’t been for a huge moose in the road, I would’ve been here fifteen minutes ago. That’s Alaska for you. Always expect the unexpected.” She let out a throaty laugh. “Let’s get down to business, shall we? A wonderful idea came to me last night, and I cannot wait to share it with all of you.” She wiggled her eyebrows and looked around the table, pausing to send Landon a pointed look.

Landon had no idea what Hattie was up to (he usually didn’t), but he knew instinctively that her plans somehow involved him.

SOMETIMES BAILEY DANIELS COULDN’T believe her own nerve.

Her encounter with Landon Stone at the smoothie shop this morning was running on a loop through her mind. She had plenty of time to relive those moments as she made the drive to Yukon Cider. The shocked look on his handsome face had been priceless. She had seized the moment and used him as a human prop to drive home the point to Jamie that she had no intention of going out with him ever again. Poor Landon. He’d been like a deer in the headlights. She hadn’t even stuck around long enough to explain the situation to him, although she was fairly certain he’d gotten the gist.

Bailey knew she tended to act rashly rather than think things through. She also acted on emotion, letting . . .