“Optimistic,” Dad corrected.
“Necessary. The sooner we get done, the sooner we can have paying guests,” I replied, thinking about all the red numbers on my spreadsheets that indicated the money going out versus the little to no money coming in.
“We can’t continue this afternoon. I have made arrangements for all of us to go to the local winter market. It’s a good chance to talk to the locals and we are expected to be there to introduce ourselves,” Mom told the group.
I looked around at the shambles of the dining room. “We really do need to finish this.”
“The work will be there later. This is an opportunity to network,” Kitty added.
“As much as it pains me to admit it, Kitty is right,” Meri reluctantly agreed.
Kitty stared at her in exaggerated shock. “What did you say? Could you repeat that a little louder? Can I record that for posterity?”
Meri sighed with longsuffering. “Networking with the local community could create cross promotional opportunities which will bring added business to the community and us.”
“Do we all need to go?” I wondered.
“Yes,” Mom firmly replied. “You all have been working too hard. It will be nice to take a little trip to town and visit the event. I insist we all go.”
“What is a winter market?” Dex slowly ventured to ask.
Chapter Twelve: The Winter Market
Dex.
By the time I came downstairs, the Bennets were already in motion. It wasn't the calm, efficient family outing I had been raised to expect. It was life in full surround sound. Helen was humming carols off-key while Kitty argued with Lydia about social media rules. Meri and Jane were helping William locate his wallet under a pile of scarves. It was a miracle they made it anywhere on time.
I stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the scene. There was so much chaos with the family, yet there was also warmth. Every voice overlapped and every laugh carried. While there was friction, there was also forgiveness and acceptance.
As an outsider who had never experienced a large family dynamic, I found it daunting and endearing at the same time.
“Coffee’s on the counter, Dex. I made one up for you just how you like it,” Helen called without looking as she wove a scarf around William’s neck.
“He likes it black. It’s not like that was difficult,” Meri wryly noted.
“You’re coming with us, aren't you?” Kitty wondered
“I suppose I am,” I accepted. While I could continue working on the inn, I found myself drawn to the Bennets. I also found myself drawn to Lucy and wondered where she was.
Kitty tossed me a scarf from the coat rack. “You need color. You look like an undertaker in that coat.”
“Thanks,” I said dryly, catching the scarf.
Braxton appeared in the doorway, his cheeks pink from the cold as he clapped his gloves together. “All the purchases from the hardware store are on the porch.”
“Excellent. I’m looking forward to staining that wainscotting in the dining room,” William approved.
Lucy appeared then, tugging on her mittens. Her hair was tucked under a knitted hat and she wore a thick coat that somehow made her more adorable. “You don’t have to come if you’re busy. Markets are mostly handmade things and cider. You might be bored.”
“I have never been to one,” I admitted.
She paused, her brown eyes meeting mine in surprise. “Never?”
“No.”
“Not even a small one? Booths, hot chocolate, carolers?” she asked with a tinge of disbelief.
“Not that I can recall.”
