“We have certified day care professionals in town who could apply to be the director, someone to manage all the activities and supervise student councilors. They could offer evening babysitters too, for dinners or adult events. Infant care included. They’d need enough indoor and outdoor activities and at leasttwo dedicated rooms for bad weather. But the lodge could handle that easily with their conference rooms.
“And students from Frost Haven and other nearby towns could use the income to help their families or save for college. Plus the shuttle means reliable transportation and fewer chances for injury.”
I hide my smile. She can’t help herself. Already planning and organizing, making lists in her head, trying not to miss a single detail.
And I love her for it.
“Time for bed,kardiá mou. We can come back to this after the holiday party is over. I’m going to need your help to find a place to live as well, once my season is finished.”
Finally glancing up, her eyes widen when she realizes I’m only wearing my towel.
Crossing to where she lays, I take the laptop from her and place it on the table. Then remove the cup from her hand.
“As much as I love seeing you in my shirt, you’re overdressed. I’ll keep you warm.”
She smiles at me as I lift the shirt over her head and toss it with my towel to the side. Crawling in beside her, I snuggle her before rolling to my back so she’s on top.
“Aha, my Wynter, warm me with your love. I need you.”
Once she’s asleep I text Dom.
CHAPTER 13
Wynter
I take a deep breath. The VA hall is absolute, glorious chaos. Every corner is occupied. Pairs of volunteers are wrapping and labeling their packages. Some are perched at tiny card tables, others kneeling or sitting cross-legged on the floor. Sall, Chad, and Nico man the check-in/check-out station like a well-oiled machine. Handing out the gifts to wrap, logging them, then checking them back in once they’re wrapped and returned. It's working, just slower than we’d hoped.
Finished gifts are sorted in another room under age flags we taped to the walls. I’ve been bouncing around filling in wherever someone needs a break.
Nico has been a lifesaver. He called the coffee shop and had them deliver urns of coffee, cups and donuts. Then he ordered in pizza for everyone. Volunteers fueled, morale stabilized.
We’re two-thirds done when the door swings open and Dom steps inside. He pauses to take in the chaos, spots Nico to my left, gives him a small nod, then heads straight for me.
“I’m sorry, Sis. I’m a douche. I should have been here for you. Put me to work. I’m here till the end.”
“What about Red Corvette?” I ask, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.
He winces. “I was an ass and inconsiderate. If it helps… I think I’ve grown up a little in the last few days. If you’ll have me, I’m staying until this is done.”
“We can use?—”
“Come with me, Dom,” Nico interrupts gently. “Take over for me so I can get your sister some fresh air.” He looks at me. “Will you grab our coats?”
“Nico, we…”
“Ten minutes,” he says. “Just ten minutes of fresh air.”
I do as he asks, meeting him at the door. He takes my hand and we head down the street toward the coffee shop. He was right. With every step, tension uncoils a little more.
“I wonder what made Dom come back? Do you think everything is okay?”
“He called me earlier. I think he finally realized what matters. He loves you.”
Nico squeezes my hand. “Relax. You’ve done an amazing job. This is going to be the talk of the town for years. Actually, I’ve got an idea for next year.”
“You do?”
“Every business that donates or sponsors something gets a banner of recognition.”
