Wyatt whistled. “Coming from Jack?” He bobbed his eyebrows at Evie. “Good luck.”
She chuckled. Jack didn’t pull rank for no reason, and he generally didn’t get involved in something like this. Whatever was going on must be extra special.
“I think he knows the couple,” Lisa said as she drafted the email reply to the other guest.
“Oh, now, that makes more sense.” Evie smiled. “Hopefully it’s something we can easily add to the schedule.”
“Even better if it’s something wewantto add this close to Christmas.”
“Hm. If we’re dreaming big…” Evie drummed her fingers together. “Do you think the newlyweds asked to babysit the twins?”
“As much as I believe in Christmas miracles, that probably isn’t it.” Wyatt laughed.
Evie’s laughter blended with his. “I’ll text Jack and let him know I’m heading upstairs.” With a kiss for Wyatt and a wave to Lisa, she headed for the staff elevators.
CHAPTER 2
Upstairs in the executive suite, she stepped off the elevator and turned toward Jack’s office. The door was open, but her gaze was inevitably drawn toward the windows and the stunning winter landscape showcased perfectly beyond them. Towering pines, the deep green spires frosted with sparkling white snow, marched up the slopes toward rugged snow-capped mountain peaks. The thick forest hugged the city, despite the development and growth beyond historic Main Street.
To Evie, this was the best view in the world, a slice of heaven that brightened every day. She and Wyatt were gladly teaching the boys that traveling was fun and important, confident about expanding their world as they grew. But this place, this view, would always be her home. The place where her heart could expand and breathe and she felt most like herself.
Although she knew firsthand that the mountains could be as treacherous as they were beautiful, she found that a fair trade-off for the honor of building a life out here. With a sigh, she turned to see Jack had come around his desk, striding her way, that indulgent smile on his face.
“You do this every time.” The observation was kind and his gaze full of friendly understanding.
“I don’t know how you get any work done,” she admitted.
“Guess that’s why they promoted me and not you.”
“That and a few million other reasons.”
He huffed, gave a nod. “How’s the winter wonderland going?”
“Everyone’s having a blast on the sled run, as usual.”
“We get emails every day from parents who are thankful to have something to keep the kids busy over the holiday break.”
“I can relate,” Evie said. She wasn’t a typical stay-at-home mom, but like every parent, she was grateful for the sled hill and all the other options for distracting hyped-up kids during the weeks away from school. “Tell me about this special request.”
He motioned to the long couch in front of the window and they sat down on separate ends. “It’s my cousin, Minnie.”
“Like the mouse?”
“No.” Jack laughed. “But that would’ve fit her. Growing up, she was a living miniature of her mom. The nickname stuck.” He shook his head. “Officially, they are now Melissa and Dave Woodson.”
The last name clicked. “You went to their wedding a few months ago.”
“End of August, that’s right.” He smiled. “Well, they didn’t take a long honeymoon—just a three-day weekend really—and she wants something memorable and fabulous for their first Christmas.” His brow flexed. “It sounds like the families might’ve been bickering about blending old and new traditions.”
“Oh, that can be tricky. Smart move to cut the argument short with a delayed honeymoon instead.” Evie dragged her gaze back from the mountain range. “How can we help?”
“They arrive late tonight. She made noises about a rustic cabin, but I know her. I convinced her to take one of the luxury suites and enjoy some fun wintery excursions. I’ve arranged for a small fresh tree in the room for them to decorate?—”
“Brilliant idea.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping you and Wyatt can come up with ways to put a romantic spin on a few of the normal adventure packages.”
“Between now and Christmas?” She managed not to roll her eyes.
