"This one has to be opened before Christmas," Sofia said excitedly.
I opened the envelope. "Did you help pick it out?"
"I helped with the research."
"I don't have any idea what it could be," I opened the card, and an advertisement for a bed-and-breakfast was inside. "Oh, how lovely."
I still wasn't sure why it had to be opened before Christmas though. I needed to figure out what to get him because this was a bigger gift than I'd expected for a newer relationship.
"I made reservations for this weekend. I wanted you to get away before Christmas. We can't go during the holidays, so this was the best time."
I lowered the card. "This is lovely. But I'm working through Christmas."
"You can't take one night off? It's the only weekend my parents can watch Sofia. They're traveling after the holidays."
I closed my eyes. "This is a trip for just the two of us?"
"Yes." He stood by the window, and Sofia was looking at me with excitement in her eyes.
I felt the heavy press of their expectation. I was supposed to be happy about this. "I don't see how I could get away. There are the flood damage and Hudson's inspections for the rest of the town's buildings. Then I have to prepare for a town hall because the shop owners can't get along. I just don't see how I could possibly get away right now. Maybe after Christmas."
"The reservations are for this weekend. Take your time and think about it." Maddox walked past me toward the door.
"You'll have so much fun," Sofia said, but her excitement was dimmed, and it was all my fault.
I didn't want them to leave. I wanted them to stay and talk about the bed-and-breakfast, but my phone was ringing.
"Eve Palmer. Town Coordinator," I said into the speaker as Sofia slipped through the door after her father.
I wanted to hang up this call and tell them to come back. But I couldn't. There were too many people depending on me.Maddox would understand. His job was demanding in its own way.
After I met with a few shop owners to ease their fears about the pipes in their buildings, I read through my texts.
Natasha: I heard Maddox got the promotion. Congrats to him! How are you celebrating?
Eve: I hadn't heard about it.
Natasha: Oops. Maybe he was waiting to tell you in person.
Was that why he was here this morning? He wanted to tell me the good news and go away for a weekend to celebrate? I was such an idiot.
Natasha: How are the plumbing repairs coming?
Eve: There are more issues popping up all the time. I'm just trying to keep up with it.
Natasha: Getting Angela's store reopened is the top priority.
Eve: There was another leak next to her shop.
Natasha: Ugh. Seriously?
Eve: But don't worry. We've got everything under control. Hudson's on top of it.
I was relying on him to discover which buildings needed work first. It wasn't in our plans to do this work at the same time as the inn renovations, but we didn't have a choice. I couldn't have any more burst pipes, especially during our busy season.
Natasha: I'm so glad you're handling it. We're booked to capacity. As soon as Ford finishes a room, it's reserved.
Eve: Is everyone liking the updates?
