Amber even had a fresh mattress and sheets for the bed.She’d wanted options available for families once the inn opened, so they’d been readily available.
Olivia wondered how she would ever thank these generous people.Maybe she could buy them all something special for Christmas.
Christmas.
Did that mean she’d already decided to stay?Everything about the previous day felt right.She and Ella fit right in without any awkwardness.Her girl had enjoyed eating with the group at the table again.And she’d shown off her new words, delighted when everyone clapped and cheered her on.
This was a good place, and the thought of moving on filled her with sadness.
“We’ve got a home, Ella Mae.One your mom would love.We’re going to be happy here and we’re going to figure out how to help.”
Olivia had only ever bought gifts for Mary Mae, Liam, and Ella.Now, she had people she wanted to treat.
Charlie would be easy.Signed copies of the special editions of her books.Any merchandise her agent had approved.
She had time to figure out the rest.Maybe something for the winter months.They’d talked about all the outdoor activities they wanted to enjoy.
Snowshoes.She could buy snowshoes for everyone.
And something special for Nash.A thrill ran through her as she thought of the man who slept right on the other side of the wall.
She wanted to kiss him but didn’t want to make a mistake.She needed to tread carefully.
Olivia ensured their bedroom door was bolted, left the bathroom door open, and slipped into the shower.The pink tub and the tiles with pink flowers made her smile.As Charlie had predicted, Ella had been delighted with the decor during her bath the previous night.
As she dressed, Olivia planned for the day ahead.Between editing her chapters the previous evening, she’d researched cider making.
It was intriguing, especially considering the thought of doing it with Nash and Charlie.Experimenting with various processes and flavors sounded fun.She’d bet Charlie was full of ideas for interesting combinations.Did the farm grow anything else they could use for a flavor base?Things to learn.
While her books were written in a fantasy world, writing them required a ton of research.Topography was essential to make her mountainous land realistic.Same with climate and wind patterns.Dragons needed to know that, so Olivia did, too.Food sources and habitats for the brucans.Twin-spirited brucans like Kayaia.Battle tactics on land, in the air, and on the sea.
Maybe she could add an undersea creature to the series along with the avians she was considering.A species of water dragons that lived in undersea caves.Smaller and lighter than her own dragons.Endangered creatures that fought for survival.
“Mama.”
Olivia’s eyes misted as she spotted Ella sitting up, hugging Dragon.
“Good morning, Ella Mae.How’s my best girl this morning?”
“Mama.”
“Good job, Ella.How about we try Dragon next.Dragon.”
Ella squeezed her dragon and repeated, “Mama.”
Olivia laughed and put her hand on her chest.“Mama.”Then she put her hand on Ella.“Ella.”
“La.”
“That’s it, baby girl.Ella.”
They played with the words while Olivia dressed Ella.She was laughing as she opened the door.The house rules were for everyone to make their breakfasts and lunches on their own schedules.She’d bought a ton of oatmeal along with fresh and frozen fruit as that was their usual meal.Nothing as elaborate as what Jim and Carl had prepared.
Charlie stood in the doorway to his room.“Good morning, Olivia.Hi, Ella.”
“La.”
Charlie grinned.“Ella.You said your name.Good job.Ella.”
