“Maybe I should get a little tree to decorate in here,” she mused, a small smile creeping onto her face as she imagined how much it would brighten the cabin. “I need some holiday spirit.”
With a determined nod, Ginger cracked open her book, eager to come up with the final solution for the trees.
“All right, let’s see what you’ve got for me,” she whispered to the book, her eyes scanning the text with a laser-like focus. “We’re going to save those trees, one way or another.”
Chapter13
The farmhouse is cluttered with holiday cheer,Ethan thought grumpily as he stood at the top of the stairs, his hand resting on the wooden banister worn smooth by generations of Woodwards. He supposed the excessive decorating his mother had done was cheery, but he preferred the simple decor in his cabin. Okay, maybe he had to admit the cabin was a bit bare; perhaps something in between the farmhouse and the cabin would be ideal.
He’d just finished unpacking his few belongings in his childhood bedroom, and he couldn’t decide if it was more depressing or comforting to be back here. So many memories were tied up within these walls—the laughter-filled Christmases with his father and the bittersweet moments spent with his late wife. At least it would only be for a short time, he reminded himself.
As he descended the stairs, his hand accidentally knocked one of the ornaments off the garland draped around the banister. It tumbled down the steps. He rushed to catch it before it could smashed to pieces.
“Maybe klutzinessiscontagious,” he thought to himself as he grabbed the ornament. Images of Ginger in his cabin bubbled up. He’d snuck a peek back in as he left, and the scene had looked cozy with his mom, Kristen, Mason, and Ida gathered around Ginger. She seemed to add warmth to the cabin. It almost seemedrightfor her to be there, and the thought scared Ethan for some reason.
As he crouched to get the ornament, the soft sound of paws against floorboards startled him from his thoughts as George came skulking toward him, his green eyes filled with curiosity and maybe even a bit of sympathy. Smiling softly to himself, Ethan reached out and petted the cat quietly, making sure no one was around to see him.
The aroma of caramelized onions and sautéed garlic mingling with a hint of rosemary and thyme wafted out from the kitchen. That was one benefit to being back in the farmhouse—his mom’s delicious cooking.
Ethan headed toward the kitchen.
“There you are.” Dorothy turned from the pot she was stirring. “Did you get settled in your room?”
“Sure did. It’s kind of weird being back in there, but seems like it’s for the best.”
“And it’s only for a little while.” Dorothy returned her attention to the pot.
“Where is Kristen?” Ethan asked.
“She and Mason went out to dinner.” Dorothy turned off the burner.
“All the more for me.” Ethan tried to sneak a peek at the pot his mother was guarding so closely. “And if I know you, Mom, it’s bound to be something amazing.”
Dorothy swatted his hand away from the pot with a gentle laugh. “It’s your favorite.”
“Beef stew?” Ethan’s mouth started to water. “I’ll set the table.”
Dorothy chuckled softly. “Oh, that won’t be necessary, dear.”
“Really?” Ethan asked, pausing midmotion with a fork in one hand and a napkin in the other. “Why not?”
“Because,” Dorothy said, her voice taking on a mischievous lilt, “we’re going to take this meal over to Ginger at the cabin.”
Ethan’s stomach plummeted at the words. He had been so focused on the tantalizing smells of his favorite meal that he’d momentarily forgotten about the determined plant specialist currently occupying his cabin. And now he had to have dinner with her?
Dorothy turned around, her eyes sparkling. “What youcando, though, is help me pack this stuff up so we can get it over there while it’s still hot.”
Chapter14
“Let me help you set the table.” Ginger wheeled herself from the kitchen to the table and began arranging knives, forks, and spoons, humming as she worked.
The mouthwatering aroma of Dorothy’s homemade beef stew and freshly baked rolls filled the air, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. She’d been surprised and delighted that Dorothy had brought her homemade beef stew and rolls and even more surprised that Ethan had come with her, although she suspected his growling stomach might have been his main motivation.
“You don’t need to do a thing, dear. Just sit,” Dorothy insisted, placing a steaming bowl on the table.
Ethan was quiet, nodding responses and avoiding eye contact. Yesterday, she would have put it down to him being a grump, but after seeing the picture of him and his father, she couldn’t help but feel a deeper understanding of Ethan’s reserved demeanor. Beneath his gruff exterior, she sensed a kind-hearted person whose emotions ran deep.
As they enjoyed the dinner, Dorothy and Ginger engaged in lively conversation, with Ethan occasionally offering a comment.
