“We never got our run this morning,” Jack said with a rueful smile.
“No,” Holly agreed. “I don’t think either of us could run right now. I’m so tired I can barely stand.”
Jack pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She leaned into him, and they stood there for a moment, just holding each other.
“Thank you,” Jack said softly. “For everything. For staying. For fighting. For bringing that envelope from Terry that might have just saved us.”
“We’re not saved yet,” Holly reminded him, but she was smiling. “We still have to pass the inspection.”
“We will,” Jack said, surprising himself with how much he believed it. “We’re going to pass, we’re going to hold the Winter Ball, and we’re going to save this inn.”
Holly looked up at him, her eyes shining. “I love you,Jack Christmas.”
“I love you too,” Jack said, then kissed her softly.
They were interrupted by Jack’s phone ringing. He groaned and pulled it out, then sighed when he saw the name on the screen.
“Detective Bruce,” Jack said, answering the call. “Please tell me this is good news.”
“I’m afraid not, Jack,” Detective Bruce said. “Brandy is missing. She got out of my yard sometime last night, and I can’t find her anywhere.”
Jack sagged against the porch railing. This was all he needed right now.
“I’ll be right there,” Jack said. “I can guarantee Duke had something to do with this.”
He hung up and looked at Holly apologetically.
“Go,” Holly said. “Find Duke and Brandy. We’ve got things covered here.”
Jack was about to leave when he stopped at the door. “We never got a chance to go over everything in the envelope Terry gave you. The contract, the proof about Pamela.”
“Don’t worry,” Holly said with a grin. “Charlie will fill you in when we all meet at noon. She’s been going through everything with a fine-tooth comb.”
Jack smiled and nodded. “Okay. Let me go find Brandy, because I can guarantee Duke is involved in her disappearance. Then I need to shower and get ready to meet Abe at eight.”
They kissed goodbye, and this time, as Jack turned to go, his heart felt lighter.
They might not be completely clear yet, but he had a better feeling about their odds than he’d had yesterday.
Maybe, just maybe, they were going to make it through this after all.
15
HOLLY
The breakfast crowd of last night’s helpers were pouring out of the inn, exhausted but satisfied with their work. Holly looked around for Charlie but couldn’t find her anywhere. She presumed Charlie was in the suite having a shower and then getting some much-needed sleep, just like Holly, Trinity, and Maddy planned to do.
Holly had just climbed out of the shower and was pulling on comfortable clothes to sleep in when her phone beeped. It was a message from Jack.
Found the eloping pups hiding in an old lifeguard shed further down the beach. After an interesting conversation with Detective Bruce, who’s leaving Anastasia Island for a promotion and can’t take a dog with him, I’ve decided to adopt Brandy. Now I think our lovestruck Great Dane won’t try to elope with her anymore. Don’t tell the kids, especially Trinity and Maddy, who have been pestering me to adopt her. I want to surprise them all.
Holly smiled at the message. This Brandy and Duke love affair had been going on for a couple of weeks now. Jane and the girls had even given the dogs a couple name: Bruke, which was infinitely better than what Holly had been thinking of calling them.
The kids were going to be ecstatic when they heard the news. And Holly had a sneaking suspicion they’d have puppies in a few months’ time. Belgian Malinois crossed with a Great Dane. That was going to be interesting.
She typed back:You are going to be everyone’s hero here. We were all rooting for Duke and Brandy.
Holly lay down on her bed, finally allowing herself to relax. Her heart felt lighter than it had in months. Despite everything they were facing, despite the uncertainty about the inspection and the inn’s future, she felt hopeful.
