The mayor furrowed his brow but eventually nodded, his skepticism giving way to cautious optimism. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing the tree some other time, then,” he said before departing.
With the door closed behind the mayor, Ginger turned to Ethan and Dorothy and let out her breath. “Well, that went well, I think.”
“You were brilliant!” Dorothy said.
“What’s exomethachloride?” Ethan asked.
Ginger shrugged. “I made it up. It was the first thing I could think of to get rid of him.”
Dorothy laughed. “Quick thinking, but he’s still a problem. He’ll be wanting to see that tree sooner rather than later.”
“I know,” Ginger said, feeling an exciting sense of camaraderie with Ethan and Dorothy. “That’s why I’m glad that I think I have found the perfect solution to get those trees healthy well before Christmas Eve.”
Chapter15
Ethan snuck glances at Ginger as they worked together to clear the table. It was clear to see she was very passionate about her work as she filled them in on her research, pointing out the makeshift lab she’d set up on the counter. Her microscope, beakers, and various scientific instruments were neatly arranged, a testament to her dedication to her work.
“I’ve been studying the needles,” Ginger explained, indicating the slides under the microscope. “And I found that they need more nitrogen. I believe I’ve devised a formula and method that will help the trees absorb it more efficiently, which means they should be looking good in about five days.”
Dorothy’s eyes sparkled with delight. “That’s fantastic news, Ginger!”
Ethan watched in fascination. When Ginger talked about her work, she became so animated, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. She looked beautiful. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, and he quickly looked away. It wouldn’t do to get too close to her. That might lead to heartbreak, and Ethan had had enough of that for one lifetime. Even so, he was grateful she’d found something they could try.
She continued, “The solution needs to be applied in a specific way to ensure its effectiveness, and I’m going to need a few things.”
“Anything,” Dorothy said. “We’ll get you whatever you need.”
“Okay, they might sound strange. I need about eight cups of coffee grounds, a dozen eggshells, and some manure. Oh! And if you can find some banana peels, that would be a bonus.” Ginger looked at them. “And some type of syringe that can penetrate the bark. I think we need to inject the solution directly into the roots of the trees.”
Ethan couldn’t keep the frown off his face. Coffee grounds? Banana peels? Now he was starting to think that maybe this woman was some kind of quack. But Mason swore she could work wonders, and since he didn’t have a better option, he supposed he’d go along.
Before they could discuss the application process further, another knock came at the door. Dorothy went to answer it.
“Well, it seems like we have a lot of visitors tonight,” Ginger remarked with a smile, breaking the silence.
“Usually, no one comes here.”
Ethan glanced at the door to see Myrtle from the animal rescue. Judging by the tote bag full of yarn and knitting needles, she wasn’t here to seehim.
Myrtle stepped into the cabin, the colorful assortment of yarn practically spilling out of the bag. “The knitting club at the Cozy Holly Inn thought Ginger might appreciate something to help pass the time while she’s here,” Myrtle explained with a warm smile.
Ginger’s face lit up with gratitude as she reached out to accept the bag. “Thank you so much!” She rummaged through the bag. “It’s perfect. Please thank everyone for me.”
“You’re very welcome.” Myrtle reached down and picked up a plastic carrier.
“What’s in there?” Dorothy asked, craning her neck for a better look.
Ethan had a pretty good idea, considering the mewling sounds coming out of it.
Myrtle beamed with pride as she opened the carrier to reveal three adorable orange-striped kittens. “I was hoping Ginger might be willing to foster these little ones while she’s here,” she said. “Since she’s all alone in the cabin, they could keep her company and give her something to care for.”
Ethan’s mind raced with images of kittens creating chaos in his once-peaceful cabin, litter boxes occupying valuable space, and cat hair blanketing every surface. He tried to think of a polite way to decline the offer, but before he could voice his concerns, Dorothy interjected with enthusiasm.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Myrtle! They’ll be perfect companions for Ginger.”
Ginger’s eyes filled with adoration for the tiny feline she’d taken out of the carrier and was now cradling under her chin. “I’d love to have them here, but this is Ethan’s place. It’s ultimately his decision.”
Ethan attempted a feeble protest, saying, “It might be too much for Ginger to handle on top of her recovery…” But his words faltered as he saw the joy in her eyes as she cuddled the kittens. And he had to admit they were kind of cute.
