After getting directions from Ginny, they headed back to their cars.She buckled Ella Mae into her seat.The girl pouted, but before she could wail about being trapped again, her eyelids dropped, and she was asleep.Play time and food had worn her out.
Charlie promised they would text her, and then they climbed into their vehicles.Nash gestured for her to exit first.
Instead of turning in the direction of the farm, he followed her the few blocks until she found the B&B.He idled at the curb while she unbuckled Ella Mae, grabbed the baby bag, and climbed to the front porch to ring the bell.
When a man opened the door smiling, Nash tooted his horn and drove away.
He was the kind of man who deserved to have fantasies woven around him.
“Hello, I’m Jim.Welcome to the Phail B&B.Come on inside.”
It didn’t even take a full second for her instincts to tell her this was another good man.He had warm eyes, a direct manner, and there wasn’t a creepy vibe in sight.
The Victorian house exuded warmth and welcome.From the antique desk where he moved to use the laptop to the open living room, she could spy with a welcoming fire and even a grand piano among the comfy couches.“You have a beautiful home.”
She knew the yearning she felt probably showed in her voice, but she couldn’t stop it.This place was a dream.And the room was probably out of her usual budget.But she didn’t want to get in her car and try elsewhere.
“Thank you.My husband Carl and I love it.Sorry about the boxes that are literally everywhere, but it’s time to decorate for Christmas.We may go a little overboard.”
Now she noticed the boxes stacked neatly behind the desk and along the walls in the living room.“I don’t think you can ever go overboard with Christmas.”
Jim chuckled.“I agree.We all need reminders to find joy, and that’s what Christmas is all about.Are you looking to book a room for you and the sweetheart snoozing on your shoulder?”
Olivia pulled her gaze back to him.“I am.Do you have any available?”
“Sure do.We’ll be busier closer to Christmas, but we have a few rooms now, including one with an antique toddler bed that might suit you.Or does your sweetie need a crib?We have a portable one we can set up.”
Olivia had to blink away the sudden rush of tears.This man was going to bring her to her knees with his kindness.She needed to sleep.
“The toddler bed would be amazing.”Ella didn’t like being trapped in a crib.She figured the girl would probably end up sleeping with Olivia, but it would be nice to give her the option.
The price was far lower than she’d expected, and she booked in for three nights.Spending that much time in the same place would be a luxury.Worth the risk.
She and Ella couldn’t keep driving to a new town daily.They needed a place to settle, a place where the little girl could thrive.
So far, Phail was everything they wanted.
Another man swung through a door from the back of the lobby, carrying a tray filled with mugs, a sippy cup, and a plate of cookies.
More tears filled her eyes.She blinked them away as the man approached and reached up to kiss Jim before turning his smile on her.“Welcome to our B&B.I was making us a cup of cocoa, and I thought you’d like some as well.”
Jim snagged a cookie off the tray and bit into it with a happy sigh.“Gingerbread.Delicious.I like this recipe best so far.”
Carl grinned.“Me too.It might be the winner.I hope you’ll help us out with our taste testing.”
Olivia nodded and even laughed as the couple bundled her up the stairs and into a room that was as warm as their personalities.
Jim took her keys to grab her suitcase from Rust Bucket, while Carl set the cups and plate on a desk in the corner of the room.
When Ella Mae woke, she gave the man a drooly grin.He waved at her.“Hello, Cutie.I hope you and your mama enjoy your time in Phail.”
Ella clapped her hands, and Carl laughed.“Sounds like we have a vote for staying in Phail.I hope you consider it.”
Jim echoed the sentiment as he settled her duffel on the luggage rack.Then they whirled out the door, telling her they’d expect her for dinner, and asking if either of them had allergies or things they detested.
When the door closed behind them, Olivia turned Ella into a dance.“I feel like Alice when she fell through the looking glass.”
Alice.Was Nash’s army call sign something to do with that story?
