“I already decorated,” Ava countered, shedding her coat and laying it behind the counter.
“Well, you didn’t put any lights around the shelves. Thought I’d add the finishing touches since I’m here.”
He felt like a traitor, marching back out into the cold for more gift baskets, but what could he do? It was on his third trip in that he spotted Mallory in the corner ogling the baskets while Ava showed Rilee something at the register. “Ava, what are these?”
Ava murmured something to Rilee before scooting out from behind the counter and marching toward the display corner. “Gift baskets, Mother. What do they look like?”
“Aren’t they wonderful?” Brayden chimed in, putting his arm around Ava’s shoulders and pulling her against him. Kissing her on the temple was probably a bit much, but he blamed it on looking the part. He hoped to prevent an all-out war that already raged in Ava’s eyes. He’d have to figure out a way to get Mallory out of the store so Ava could run her business without interference. “They’re selling like hotcakes.”
“We’ve never done gift baskets before,” Mallory commented.
He felt Ava tense. “No,wehaven’t.”
Mallory lifted a small basket, searching the bottom. “Who made these?”
“These were all Ava,” Brayden boasted. “I helped a little. But all this is Ava’s creation. I just followed some very detailed instructions. With their unique qualities, you’d never guess she’s got this down to a science. The customers can’t get enough of them. The lodge ordered several for their guests. I bet there’s a basket waiting for you on your bed as we speak.”
Ava offered him a smile, her intoxicating peppermint aroma drifting around him, threatening to distract his main mission. It reminded him of the mistletoe-induced kiss they shared only last night. Why couldn’t Mallory hang more ofthatinstead of lights?
“You’re underpricing these,” Mallory warned. “They should beat leastten dollars more. Probably twelve.”
“Not this close to Christmas,” Ava said coolly, folding her arms. “I wouldn’t move nearly as many if I raised the price. I did my research, Mom, just like you taught me. And the profit margin on them is more than you might think. I wasveryresourceful.”
Mallory stretched her neck over Ava’s shoulder, glancing at Rilee. “Are you planning to give out holiday bonuses?” she asked in a loud whisper.
“Mrs. Monroe,” Brayden said, slipping his arm off Ava’s shoulder and placing it on Mallory’s. “Have you had a chance to see everything your talented daughter has done with the store since you last visited?” He urged her away from the corner despite her obvious objections and slyly lulled her into a tour. Mallory only looked back at Ava once before he sucked her in, using his best sales tactics. It was easy to do with how intimately familiar he was with most of the inventory. He owned more items than not. “These northern lights mugs are my favorite.” Brayden pointed. “Ava tells me they’re one of her tried-and-true products.”
“I first sold those twenty-two years ago. They’re always a big hit with the tourists.”
“The locals, too,” Brayden said with a wink. “I have four in my cupboard, and I’ve sent a dozen to my grandma in Texas to share with her friends.”
Mallory cooed in approval, but her gaze drifted back toward the basket display. Her smile faltered, and Brayden knew he had to do something. Mallory meant well, of that he was certain. But Ava had enough on her plate without added pressure. The whole point of the fake relationship was to save each other from their mothers. Since his was preoccupied in her lodge room all morning with conference calls she refused to reschedule, he could do Ava this kindness. With any luck, he’d have the two moms paired up and sightseeing by lunch.
“I have something I need to ask you,” he said, keeping his voice hushed beneath the broadcasted Christmas tune.
Mallory’s eyes lit. “Ask away,” she responded in a conspiratorial whisper.
“That desk in Ava’s office. Is it a family heirloom?”
She snorted. “That rickety thing? Hardly. I bought that at a store closing one of my first years running the shop. I’m surprised Ava still keeps it around. Why do you ask?”
Brayden snuck a glance at Ava, ushering Mallory into the opposite corner of the store that held women’s sweaters and a display of gloves. He wondered if Ava’d find it funny or offensive if he bought her a pair for Christmas. He made a mental note to pick up one later when she wasn’t working so he could find out. “I don’t know if Ava mentioned it, but I’m a woodworker. I make coffee tables, dressers, end tables. That sort of thing.”
“How lovely.”
Brayden bowed his head deeper, lowering his voice further. “I’m making Ava a desk for Christmas. I’ve only just started on it, but I wonder if you might take a look at the design. Make any suggestions before I get to the point of no return. But if your schedule is too full—”
“Oh, I can spare a little time for consulting. I do know her so well. We worked side-by-side for over a decade. Plus, Iamher mom, you know.”
“I knew I asked the right person.” Brayden slipped behind the counter, procuring Mallory’s coat. As he helped her into it, he caught Ava’s gaze. “I’m going to give your mom a tour of my woodworking shop. Let her know who her daughter’s really tangled up with.”
“You two have fun.” The relief in Ava’s voice was clear as a cloudless sky, making him feel he’d finally gotten something right when it came to his neighbor.
“I’ll see you this evening, Ava dear,” Mallory added as she buttoned up. “Having lunch with Pam. Promised to change her life with that halibut chowder. She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re also taking a stroll through the park to look at the holiday-themed ice sculptures. Told Chase I’d decorate his house tonight.” Mallory rushed to the door to catch up with Brayden, but she wasn’t finished. “Tomorrow I have presents to wrap for the sweater party. And the lodge is having a book club late in the afternoon. Ran into Marianne Baxter and she told me I justhadto come. Maybe we can grab some pie tomorrow evening?”
“Sure thing,” Ava said with a wave. “Have fun.”
“Should we stop for coffee?” Brayden asked Mallory as he held the door open. Ava mouthedthank youbefore he let it fall shut. Her grateful smile was all the reward he needed. He couldn’t image a day without it.
