Chapter Fifteen
Owen was exhaustedafter putting in long hours for Santa’s Elves, but he was up early, making calls. He had a plan to execute; a woman to woo. Their conversation yesterday left him certain that Amaryllis cared for him. He still had no idea what decisions she’d make after reading her letter, but he suspected she was leaning toward remaining in Snowy Hollow. He whistled as he made plans and sent a rash of text messages. By the time the guests were finishing the breakfast he and Amaryllis had helped prepare, his plan was in motion.
He strode into the dining area where Johnathon, Carrie, Thomas, and Ozitta were having coffee. “Okay, everyone. Gather your outdoor gear and meet me at the front door in half an hour. We’re going on an excursion.”
“A what?” Amaryllis asked, pausing with the coffee pot above Carrie’s mug.
“An excursion. The roads are clear. The temperature has warmed up. We’re getting out of here. All of us.” Having the other couples along was a distraction. He didn’t want to tip Amaryllis off on his plan to woo her, to prove he was indispensable and romantic.
“I have rooms to clean and dishes to do.” Her puzzled frown made him grin.
“Not today, you don’t. There is a reason why the inn has regular staff. You don’t have to work EVERY day. You have two chambermaids and a desk clerk to watch things while we are gone. And your chef is already here prepping baked goods and casseroles in case of another blizzard. I guess she has a few things to prep for Christmas dinner too.”
“What about lunch?” She stood hands on her hips waiting for an answer.
“Again, not today. It’s only minus five Celsius. The six of us are going on a picnic.” He swept the room with his hand. Our transport will arrive at the front door in twenty-five minutes. Dress warmly. We’ll be gone a couple hours.”
“I’m excited,” Ozitta exclaimed, as she and Thomas hurried from the room. “I can’t wait to get outside.” Johnathon and Carrie followed them, equally enthusiastic about the upcoming adventure.
Amaryllis stomped up to him and jabbed him in the chest with her finger. “What are you doing? I can’t just leave.” She wanted to yell at him for taking off yesterday. She wanted to kiss him and apologize and declare her love. She did nothing but glare.
He grabbed her finger and kissed the tip. Sparks raced up her arm and she jerked it back. He smirked as if he recognized her reaction.
“Yes, you can. Your aunt and I planned this. Not for today, but I moved it up. We’re going out. We’ll all benefit from a few hours outside. You and I have been working too hard on Christmas preparations over the past few days. Working with the donation crew was rewarding but darned hard work. We need a break. You, me, our guests. If nothing else, do it for them. Give them a vacation to remember. Make them want to come back.”
She gave it a moment’s thought. Today was probably their last chance to play hooky before Christmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities would keep them hopping.
He turned her toward the apartment and wrapped his right arm around her waist to lead her forward. “Come on. We have to get ready. Lunch will be provided.”
♥ ♥ ♥
RILL WAS THE LAST PERSONoutside. She’d planned to refuse to go on Owen’s adventure because it felt like she was shirking her duties. Instead, she found herself eagerly bundling up in the snowsuit she’d left behind when she moved away. Winter boots, a hat, a scarf, and thick mittens were the finishing touches. She strode out the front door onto the deck and stopped dead.
Two beautiful white sleighs trimmed in gold were parked on the snowy expanse of the front lawn. Each was drawn by a team of four magnificent white horses with gray socks and manes. It was the perfect Thomas Kinkade image. It should have been on a greeting card. The inn’s guests were cuddled into the double seats in the first sleigh. Owen, dressed in a navy jacket with a faux fur trimmed knit hat, stood talking to the driver of the second. He looked warm and perfectly suited to the environment.
“Oh good, you’re here,” he called out, striding toward her. His breath formed tiny whisps in the air. “I thought I was going to have to come looking for you.” He handed her a hat identical to his. She pulled off her toque and slipped it in her pocket so they could wear matching hats.
“You planned this?” Stupid question. Of course, he had.
“It’s an idea your aunt and I implemented last year. Sleigh rides for the guests. Usually, we charge a small fee. Today, the guests ride free. On me, not at the inn’s expense.”
“Don’t be silly. If it was already planned, the inn will pay.” Surely, he didn’t think she’d let him pay for an inn event.
“These guests didn’t agree to pay, so we can’t charge them. Call it a treat, on me. Because I wanted to go on a sleigh ride...with you.”
Warmth and forgiveness trickled into her heart. No, that wasn’t right. He’d done nothing wrong besides disappear for a few hours. She was the one who had rebuffed him. She’d hurt his feelings. She owed him an apology. But how did she apologize when she couldn’t give him what he wanted; her. She wasn’t going to ruin this beautiful moment by opening that can of worms.
