Maybe life didn’t end at their age. Maybe love wasn’t a closed door after all. Her mind flickered to Matt and the way his deep laugh warmed her. She pushed the thought away before it could take root.
“Hot chocolate?” MJ offered, lifting her chin toward the kitchen. “I was about to have a cup.”
“Only if there are marshmallows,” Jack said, rubbing his hands together.
MJ shot a playful look. “What kind of lodge do you think I’m running? Marshmallows and, if you’ll stoke it, a blazing fire.”
As she headed back into the kitchen, she heard Cindy whisper, “Something’s wrong. She’s got that look.”
Of course her sister could see right through her false brightness.
But she didn’t want to drag this happy couple into her blues. As she finished making the cocoa, she gave herself a little pep talk, ready to keep the conversation light and merry with two of her favorite people on Earth.
But when she walked back into the living room, Cindy’s concern was written all over her face. “Spill it,” she said, accepting the mug. “What’s going on?”
She’d never get anything past her sister, the closest thing she had to a soulmate since George died.
MJ sighed and sank into her favorite armchair near the fire that Jack had brought back to life. The flames painted the room gold, flickering over the worn furniture and family photos.
Yes, she could share some of her concerns. It would be strange if she didn’t.
“It’s just…that leak Matt fixed,” she began. “It’s holding for now, but it made me notice other things and realize…”
“We’re in bad shape,” Cindy said on a sad sigh. “I know.”
“I don’t want to dwell on it, Cin,” she said. “Not now, with you two”—she lifted her mug—“so good again.”
They shared a quick smile, but their expressions grew serious.
“We’re good, not blind,” Cindy said. “We got through the worst of it and are paying the tax bill, but you know what I’vesaid for more than a month. We do have”—she glanced at Jack—“another option.”
Did he think they should sell, too? MJ turned to him, holding her breath. Because if he did?—
“It’s crazy to even talk about,” he said, swallowing a sip. “You can’t give up Snowberry Lodge.”
MJ huffed out a relieved breath. “Thank you. But we are looking at some major problems that are starting to eat away at me.”
Cindy narrowed her eyes. “Worrying is not like you, MJ. I expect you to see blue skies, not stormy ones.”
“I know.” MJ rubbed her forehead. “But I can’t help it. Everywhere I turn, I see something that needs attention, and it’s like…like I’m standing on a frozen lake, and I can hear the cracks forming under my feet.”
Jack frowned. “Hey, now. Cindy’s right. This isn’t like you at all.”
MJ wrapped her hands around her mug, seeking warmth. “The thing is, I keep imagining what wecoulddo. We could restore the place while keeping its soul intact. Fresh paint, new fixtures, better insulation. A new bathroom in every cabin, and, of course, the dang roof.” She didn’t dare mention her wedding venue fantasy, not when they had to be down to earth and practical about this. “Any chance you called the roofer? Matt didn’t like what he saw up there.”
She nodded. “He’ll be here January second. I’m just praying he says we can go another year or two without a new roof.”
“Or a For Sale sign,” MJ said glumly.
Jack leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Look, you two. There are ways we can get through this. I can help with repairs.”
“It’s not just patching holes and painting walls,” MJ said. “Some of these problems are big—hidden stuff like plumbing, electrical. Expensive things.”
“This place is worth a fortune,” he said. “You could always get an equity loan.”
Cindy and MJ shared a look, this topic well-discussed by them.
“We hate that idea,” Cindy said, speaking for both of them.
