“I guess I do. I miss creating something that feels permanent." I shrugged off the emotion that came with the statement.
“You’re doing that here at the inn. Helping us to create something that will last,” Lucy mentioned.
Her words landed somewhere deep, in a place I rarely let anyone touch.
We stopped for roasted almonds and pretended we were cold enough to justify a second cup of cider. Jane and Braxton passed by, laughing, both carrying paper bags. Lydia trailed behind filming commentary, and Kitty was debating with Meri whether or not to buy a tablecloth. I caught Lucy watching them, a faint, proud smile tugging at her lips. “They really are happy here.”
“If they are, it's because of you.”
She blinked. “Because of Mom’s delusion and Dad’s savings account.”
“No. You are the glue that holds your family together,” I observed.
For a moment she said nothing. Then she turned, pretending to examine a rack of scarves, though her hand trembled just slightly as she lifted one. “You give me too much credit.”
We met the rest of the family near the ornament booth. Helen had somehow accumulated three bags of purchases and was still negotiating for more. A resigned William carried at least six more bags for her. Kitty and Meri were comparing purchases while Lydia checked the latest stats on her social media.
Jane and Braxton joined us, both with smiles on their faces.
When we returned to the vehicles, the sky had softened into late-afternoon gold. Snow began to drift again, light as breath. Everyone piled into the van and car, weighed down by purchases and sugar. The radio hummed with static and faint music, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t mind the quiet.
Back at the inn, the porch light glowed warm against the falling snow. We carried in the bags, the house filling instantly with chatter again. The family scattered, mostly to put theirpurchases away, but I saw Jane disappear into the kitchen again.
Lucy lingered by the door, unbuttoning her coat. The faint scent of cold air and pine clung to her. “Thank you for coming. Most men would have found that exhausting.”
“I did, but I liked it,” I said honestly.
She laughed. “There is no such thing as enjoyable exhaustion.”
“There is,” I decided.
Her eyes met mine, soft and steady. For a moment I thought she might say something more, but Helen called from the upstairs hallway asking about a missing bag, and the spell broke. Lucy gave a brief smile before going to walk up the stairs, her hand gliding along the old railing we had polished last week. I watched her until she disappeared around the landing.
When the house fell quiet again, I stood in the empty foyer, the faint scent of cinnamon still hanging in the air. My hands were cold from the drive, my coat dusted with snow, and I had done exactly nothing in the past few hours yet the time didn't feel wasted.
My cellphone vibrated, indicating a text. I pulled it out of my pocket to see that Carly was contacting me yet again about visiting the ski lodge.
Chapter Thirteen: The Things We Keep
Lucy.
Morning came with the scent of coffee, sawdust, and toast thick in the air. The house had that comfortable hum it always took on before everyone started talking at once. I stood at the counter slicing apples while Mom directed traffic from the stove. Somewhere in the foyer, Dex and Braxton were talking with Dad, their voices low and practical. The sound made my stomach tighten before I even knew why.
A minute later, Braxton appeared in the doorway with his usual grin. “Ladies, you are looking at two men off to conquer the mountain.”
Mom clapped her hands in delight. “The ski lodge! How wonderful. Perhaps when we have the renovations done, we can do a family outing. What will you be doing there? Skiing, snowboarding, or hiking?”
Dex entered the kitchen, already buttoning his coat. “Carly asked us to look over the expansion plans. They are adding a new wing and a spa. She wants an architect’s opinion before she finalizes anything.”
His tone was even, professional, but the mention of Carly made something in me bristle. I strove and failed for a neutral tone in my reply. “That sounds… productive.”
Mom quickly poured coffee into travel mugs. “Of course you should go. Networking is always wise. Carly is such a lovely young woman.”
Lovely was one word for it. I smiled anyway.”
Braxton winked at Jane, who rolled her eyes but smiled. The Honeymooners, already finishing breakfast, lit up at the mention of the lodge.
“We are skiing there today! Maybe we will see you two,” Kelsy gushed.
