Katie slumped against the wall. “If I’d published even one book with a publishing house, it would have made a huge difference. But, at the moment, I’m a wannabe author who has a career that’s going nowhere. And do you know what the worst part is?”
“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
Katie shot him a suspicious stare. If there was even the remotest chance he was laughing at her she’d burst into tears. “The worst thing is that Charlie leaves the inn during the day, too. Ethan’s taking him to the medical clinic for two hours each morning and afternoon. He said it helps his clients feel more at ease during their therapy sessions.”
“Maybe you could look after him between times?”
She blew her nose and tried to pull herself together. “That’s what Diana said. I’m sorry. You didn’t leave the reception to listen to my problems.”
“Do you feel better after talking to me?”
“I think so.”
“Well, mission accomplished.”
Katie took a deep breath. “You must be looking forward to going back to New York and seeing your friends.”
Peter frowned. “I am, but I might not be home for long. I’m thinking of living in Sapphire Bay for at least six months.”
Katie’s mouth dropped open. “Why?”
“To find some balance,” he said softly. “I’ve made good friends here. If I stay, I can catch flights home to see my family or for work.”
“That will be a huge change.”
“Not as much as what you and your sisters have done. If I don’t like living here, I can easily go back to New York City.”
Katie could only nod. It was bad enough thinking he was leaving in January but, now that she was leaving before him, saying goodbye would be even harder.
CHAPTER10
Peter opened his truck door and took two boxes of gifts off the back seat. As he walked toward The Lakeside Inn, he admired its high-pitched gable roof, elegant columns, and festive decorations. It looked like the type of scene you’d find on a Christmas card. Even though he was missing his family, it was the perfect place to enjoy Christmas Day.
He wondered if Katie’s family would be tired after the excitement of yesterday’s wedding. They’d danced into the night, ate an endless supply of delicious food, and devoured mountains of creamy chocolate from the fountains.
If it hadn’t been for Tiffany, he was sure he would have slept until mid-morning. But her plaintive cries at five o’clock had woken him out of a deep sleep and kept him awake.
“Peter’s here,” Mabel said excitedly as she opened the front door. “Goodness. What a lot of gifts.”
“I bought extra in case I missed someone.”
“That’s very thoughtful. Did Willow and Zac follow you down the mountain?”
“They did. They’re sorting out what needs to come into the house. After I’ve left the gifts inside, I’ll go and help them.”
Mabel patted her pocket before pulling out a cell phone. “We have plenty of family who can help. Barbara set up a family Facebook page. All I have to do is send a message to everyone and they’ll come running.”
Her prediction was scarily accurate. Within seconds, three teenage boys appeared at the top of the stairs.
“Come and give Zac and Willow a hand. They’re unpacking their truck.”
“They’re parked behind Katie’s blue truck,” Peter added in case they didn’t know who they were looking for.
With a stampede of feet, the boys hurried outside.
“That will keep my sisters grandsons busy for a few minutes.” Mabel held out her hands. “Let me take a box off you. We’ll leave them under the Christmas tree.”
When Peter saw the tree, he stopped and stared at the unexpected wonder. It was like a rainbow of light, glowing from the living room. Multi-colored baubles shone from beneath layers of red, pink, gold, and silver tinsel. He looked closer and saw strands of blue and orange, hidden in the thick pine branches.
