“No worries, Ginger. We’ve got your back,” Mason reassured her, his tone light and supportive.
“Thanks. You always do.” Ginger smiled fondly at her friend. “But I hope I get used to these things soon. I feel like I might be overstaying my welcome at Ethan’s cabin.”
Kristen waved off her concerns with a dismissive hand. “Nonsense! Ethan doesn’t mind at all. You’re helping us, after all. Besides, I think he enjoys the company at the farmhouse.”
Ginger chuckled. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Speaking of which,” Ginger continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “Ethan is out with the new serum now.”
Before she could finish, an exasperated voice from the other side of the trees interrupted their conversation.
“I can’t believe the balsams are not out yet,” one woman said, frustration dripping from her words.
“I know. It’s such a disappointment,” another added, her tone equally disheartened.
Ginger exchanged a concerned glance with Mason and Kristen. They needed to make the treatment work not just for the farm, but for the people of Pinecone Falls who cherished their Christmas traditions.
Ginger turned as a familiar voice reached her ears. “Dr. Sanders, a pleasure to see you. I hope your leg is improving.”
Mayor Thompson stood behind her, a cordial smile on his face. Ginger noted the intense gleam in his eyes that betrayed his friendly demeanor.
“My leg?” Ginger lifted her crutches slightly, returning his smile with a bit of strain. “Improving. I’ll be back to normal soon, thanks to these crutches.”
“And the trees?” His voice was almost casual, but the slight stiffening of his posture revealed his concern.
Just as Ginger was about to reply, Mayor Thompson interrupted. “You see, Dr. Sanders, it’s imperative that we have the tree in the town square by Saturday. I had hoped to select one from the Woodward farm. You stated one would be ready, but with no report on where and when I could see it, I have made arrangements with Shady Pines Tree Farm from the next town over.”
A rush of panic washed over Ginger. She couldn’t let that happen. She’d worked tirelessly to save the Woodward trees. They meant so much to the Woodward family, and Ethan…
Ginger blurted out a response, her voice steady despite the inner turmoil. “Actually, Mayor, there’s no need to worry. We’ve been prepping the trees. They’ll not only look good but last longer too.” The words flowed smoothly. Her lie was so convincingly delivered that she herself almost believed it. “Why don’t you drop by tonight to see for yourself?”
Mayor Thompson blinked, obviously taken aback. “Tonight, you say? After supper?”
“That would be perfect.” Ginger fought to keep her smile in place as he nodded and excused himself.
As he retreated, Kristen tugged at her sleeve. “Ginger, is that true? The trees will be ready?”
Inhaling deeply, Ginger crossed her fingers behind her back. “Ethan applied the latest treatment this morning. Let’s just hope it worked.”
Chapter25
With the afternoon sunshine bouncing off the frosted ground, Ethan sauntered down the main street of Pinecone Falls. Was it his imagination, or did the lights seem brighter and the decorations more vibrant? As he breathed in the crisp air, Ethan couldn’t help but feel the infectious holiday cheer that he had overlooked before.
Passing the Moosehead, a popular local pub, Ethan caught sight of his friends through the frost-kissed windows. Recognizing the familiar figures of burly Brad, bespectacled Will, and ever-chatty Mike, he decided to pop in for a bite. The scent of roasting chestnuts and hearty stew was already wafting out, and his stomach gave an approving grumble.
His friends beckoned him over, their surprised grins stretching across their faces as he slid into the booth beside them. The clink of their beer mugs in greeting echoed in the bustling pub.
Soon, Jake, their favorite waiter, scurried over. A young man with round glasses and a mop of curly dark hair, he expertly balanced a tray holding mugs of foamy beer. He passed out the beer and took their lunch orders.
Ethan’s gaze traveled over his friends—Brad, Will and Mike—three individuals as different as they were tight-knit. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed these casual, carefree moments until now.
Will, the practical one of the group, was the first to speak up. “You’ve been a hermit lately,” he said, his tone teasing but with a hint of genuine concern. “It’s good to see you out and about.”
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, a sudden rush of guilt washing over him. He’d been holed up in his cabin for so long, consumed by his grief, and had unintentionally left his friends in the lurch.
“Yeah, I guess I’ve been a bit of a recluse. My apologies, guys,” Ethan confessed, looking around the table, meeting each of their understanding gazes.
Mike, the joker, lightened the moment, as he always did. He clapped Ethan on the back, nearly sending him into his plate of fries. “Bit of a hermit? Mate, you make a mountain man look like a social butterfly!”
