Her mom and dad had stayed here six months ago, and they’d enjoyed every minute.
“Is that you, Emma?”
She turned around. Despite how nervous Emma felt, she smiled at the tall woman walking toward her. “Hi, Cassie. I tried calling Jack but his phone is turned off. I thought he might be at the cottage.”
Cassie’s smile disappeared. “He’s gone away for a couple of days. I thought he would have told you.”
Emma didn’t know what to say. “I haven’t spoken to him since the weekend. Was he okay when he left?”
“To be honest, I haven’t seen very much of him. I’ve been working on my next jewelry collection.”
“How is it going?”
“Better than last week. Do you want me to call Noah? He might know how you can contact Jack.”
“No, it’s okay. He’ll call me when he’s ready. I hope your collection works out okay.”
“I’m sure it will. Would you like a cup of coffee? Noah won’t be too far away.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll go back into town. Kylie is looking after Dylan and Molly.”
Cassie walked with Emma to her truck. “I spoke to Pastor John the other day. He told me about the Christmas events you’re organizing. If you need more help, just ask.”
“That would be wonderful. Closer to each event, we’ll need all the volunteers we can find. Can I add your phone number to the list we have?”
“Sure. Add Noah’s name as well. He’ll want to help.”
Emma smiled. “Consider it done. When are you leaving for your honeymoon?”
“We fly out of Montana at the end of October. It’s so close that I can almost taste the Italian pizza and gelato we’re going to eat.”
“I’ve never been to Italy, but everything about it sounds wonderful.”
Cassie opened Emma’s door. “I hope you’re able to talk to Jack soon.”
“So do I.” With a heavy heart, Emma said goodbye to Cassie and drove to Kylie’s house. Speaking to Jack would have to wait until later. She had two excited children to take home and about an hour’s worth of work to do.
And after that, if she were feeling brave, she would try calling Jack again.
Hopefully, by that time, he would have turned on his phone.
Jack stood beside his truck. The last time he was at Evergreen Lodge he didn’t know if he would find Emma’s husband. Now he knew where Mark lived, but that didn’t make this journey any easier.
The cabin at the end of the road sat silently in the midmorning sunshine. Jack had considered calling Emma’s ex-husband to let him know he was on his way. But, in the end, he’d decided to take his chances and come anyway. Clearing two days from his schedule hadn’t been easy, but what he had to say couldn’t be said in Sapphire Bay or over the phone.
The sound of heavy footsteps coming closer made him turn around.
“You rented a different vehicle.” Mark stood a short distance away with a fishing rod in one hand and a cooler in the other.
“I took what was available. How was the fishing?”
“As good as it always is. Why are you here?”
Jack appreciated Mark’s directness. From what he’d seen, he was the type of person who didn’t hide who he was or how he felt. Except where his ex-wife was concerned. And that was why Jack needed to speak to him.
“I want to talk to you about Emma.”
Mark rested the end of the fishing rod on the ground, holding it like a warrior’s spear. “What happens between Emma and myself is no one’s business except our own.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Jack told him. “I plan on being part of Emma and the twins’ lives for a long time. That means either we get along or something has to change.”
Mark’s jaw tightened. “It shouldn’t have surprised me that Emma is dating someone else. But I’m the twins’ father. I made a mistake when I left but, from now on, I’m not going anywhere.”
“I don’t have an issue with you being part of Emma and the twins’ lives. In fact, I think it’s the best thing for everyone. What I have an issue with is you turning up unexpectedly and thinking you can manipulate Emma into feeling sorry for you.”
“Is this about me coming to Sapphire Bay to see Molly and Dylan start first grade?”
It was a whole lot more than that and Mark knew it. “You signed papers that made it clear when and how you would see your children. What made you think you could suddenly arrive and expect a warm welcome?”
“I wanted to be there for the twins.”
“If that were true, you would have called Emma and asked if it was okay to visit.”
Mark didn’t say anything.
“I’ve seen too many dysfunctional families to want anything like that for Molly and Dylan. But, one day, if you keep turning up unexpectedly and pushing your way into Emma’s life, she’s going to snap. And believe me, you won’t want to be there when that happens.”
“Emma wants me to be part of the twins’ lives.”
“As long as you follow the rules in the parenting agreement.”
“No one can stop me from seeing my children.”
Jack sighed. “A judge might see things differently if you keep breaking your agreement.” Jack couldn’t blame Mark for wanting to spend time with Dylan and Molly. He would be exactly the same in his position.
“Did Emma tell you I’ve been offered a job at Flathead Lake Resort?”
“She told me you were thinking of moving to Sapphire Bay.”
Mark placed the cooler on the ground. “That was the plan, but there aren’t many jobs in Sapphire Bay. The resort is in Bigfork. I’d be managing the staff who look after the cabins, hotel rooms, and RV sites.”
Jack looked around him. “What about these cabins?”
“I’d hire a manager to look after them. Moving to the resort would mean I was only a twenty-minute drive from Molly and Dylan.”
“You realize that you’ll only be able to see them a few times a year?”
“In the beginning.”
Jack admired Mark’s tenacity, but that didn’t mean he thought he would stick to the agreement. Living closer to the twins would only make it more likely that he’d arrive unexpectedly.
Jack couldn’t change what Mark decided to do, but he could change his own attitude. If they were going to make it less stressful for Emma and the twins, someone had to take the first step. “Good luck with the move. I hope the job works out.”
Mark nodded and picked up his cooler. “Is there anything else you want to say before you leave?”
There was only one thing, and that was more important than anything he’d already said. “I love Emma and the twins. I want you to know that I’ll look after them, no matter what happens.”
Tears filled Mark’s eyes. “I guess that makes two of us. I messed up my relationship with my family. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.” And without a backward glance, Mark walked toward his cabin.
After he left, Jack stood on the shore of Evergreen Lake, staring across the calm, blue water. He’d done what he had set out to do. But that didn’t stop him from worrying about Emma or the twins.
Emma opened the last box of Mabel’s children’s books and placed them on the sales table. So far, the surprise book launch had gone really well.
Mabel was thrilled that most of the community was here to celebrate the publication of her first book. Her impromptu speech was funny and emotional and, after she’d thanked Allan and Emma, there weren’t many dry eyes in the room.
“We’re running out of change,” Kylie said. “Do you think we could ask Pastor John for some smaller bills?”
Emma looked around the meeting room. “He said to let him know if we needed extra money. I’ll ask him.”
Kylie handed Emma a small bag. “Take this with you. I don’t like having too much money on the stand.”
“I’ll ask John to leave it in the safe. Will you be all right while I’m gone?”
“I sho
uld be. If it gets too busy, I’ll ask Allan to give me a hand.”
“I’ll be back soon.” As Emma wove through the crowd, she was filled with a deep sense of pride. Mabel had worked hard to finish her book so quickly. Not only had she produced a classic, beautifully illustrated book, she’d made her dreams come true.
“I thought you might still be here.”
Emma froze. Jack had been gone for five days. Even though he’d called her when he arrived in Manhattan, it didn’t make the distance between them any easier to handle.
She looked into Jack’s brown eyes and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”
Jack opened his arms. “I’ve missed you, too.”
As she hugged Jack tight, she tried to remember what her life was like before she’d met him. She had been happy, but not as happy as she was now. Even Molly and Dylan seemed more settled.
“Congratulations on the book launch. It’s a huge success.”
Emma kissed his cheek. “Mabel is over the moon with happiness. All the bookmarks have gone and nearly all the books are sold.”
Jack held up one of Mabel’s books. “I bought a signed copy. I thought Molly and Dylan would like it.”
“They’ll love it. With everything that’s been happening, I haven’t had a chance to get them a copy.” She glanced across the room at the sales table. “Would you mind if I come back in a few minutes? I need to ask John if we can have some more change.”
“That’s fine. Granddad’s standing beside the banner on the far wall. I’ll wait for you there.”
“I won’t be long.” Emma kissed Jack once more before heading toward John.
Once the book launch was over, she’d take a deep breath and prepare herself for the next few months. Because next Saturday was the beginning of the Christmas fundraising events. And from then until December 25, her life would be even more hectic than usual.
By the time Jack made it across the room, his grandfather was talking to Gordon Jessop. It never failed to amaze him how well his grandfather had slotted into life in Sapphire Bay. For a man who had always lived in large cities, his grandfather had taken to small town life as if he’d been born here.
Gordon smiled when Jack joined them. “I’ve been telling Patrick about Molly and Dylan. They’ve been helping me after school in the community garden. They’re great kids.”
Jack smiled. “They really enjoy your company, too.”
Patrick pointed to the book under Jack’s arm. “I can’t believe Mabel has published a book. It got me thinking about the stories that have been buzzing inside my head for years.”
“You should write them down,” Gordon said. “Mabel has inspired a lot of people. We could start our own publishing company.”
“I’ll think about it after the Christmas parade.” Patrick sent Jack a concerned frown. “Emma told me who will be on the sleigh with me.”
Jack studied his grandfather’s face. “It can’t be that bad.” The parade was in five days. If Patrick was worried about who was playing Mrs. Claus, they didn’t have a lot of time to convince him everything would be okay.
“Do you remember meeting a woman named Kathleen at Sweet Treats?”
Jack visited the candy shop so often that he knew everyone who worked there. “She’s Natalie’s mom. She moved to Sapphire Bay after her daughter decided to live here permanently. Is Kathleen dressing up as Mrs. Claus?”
Patrick looked over his shoulder. “I don’t want her to think I asked her to sit on the sleigh with me.”
“Why not?”
Gordon shook his head. “I’ve tried telling your grandfather it’s not a big deal, but he won’t listen.”
“I’m eighty-one years old,” Patrick whispered. “What if someone got the wrong idea.”
Jack’s eyebrows rose. “Kathleen is pretending to be Mrs. Claus. No one would think…” He looked around the room, hoping Kathleen wasn’t close enough to hear his next question. “Do you like Natalie’s mom?”
“Of course he likes her,” Gordon said. “He always visits the candy shop when she’s working.”
“You don’t complain when I bring fresh fudge to The Welcome Center,” Patrick grumbled.
Gordon crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’d be a fool to turn down the best fudge in Montana.”
Jack didn’t understand why his granddad was so worried. “You’re allowed to like someone, Granddad. Kathleen is a really nice lady, although she’s probably a little young for you.”
Gordon grinned. “I told you you’re robbing the cradle.”
“She’s sixty-three years old,” Patrick spluttered.
“My point exactly. When you were listening to the Beatles, she was a baby.”
Jack had only been joking when he pointed out their age difference. “If you’re really worried, why don’t you talk to Emma? She could let Kathleen know that you had nothing to do with choosing Mrs. Claus.”
“Emma’s got more on her mind than who’s wearing the costumes she bought.”
“Do you want me to tell her?”
A blush streaked across Patrick’s face. “No. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“If you don’t feel comfortable—”
Patrick rested his hand on Jack’s arm. “It will be all right. Kathleen has no idea how much I like her, so don’t say anything.” He glanced at Gordon. “That means you, too.”
“As long as you still bring me plenty of fudge from Sweet Treats, your secret is safe with me.”
“What secret are you talking about?” Emma asked.
Patrick’s blush returned. “It isn’t important. How are the book sales?”
“I’m happy to report that Mabel has officially sold all the books we brought with us. But, if you missed out, we’re taking orders. The next shipment should arrive in less than two weeks. Are you looking forward to being Santa next weekend?”
Patrick glanced at Jack. “I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”
“That’s great. Mabel invited Kathleen to the book launch. She thought it would be good for you to get to know the person who’s playing Mrs. Claus.”
“Well, that’s, umm…very thoughtful of her.”
Jack had never seen his grandfather so tongue-tied. Instead of leaving him to flounder, he offered him a lifeline. “I saw Noah by the main doors, Granddad. He wanted to see you before you go home.”
With a relieved smile, Patrick picked up his glass. “I’ll have the barbecue waiting for you. Don’t be late for dinner.” And before Gordon could invite himself for dinner, Patrick disappeared into the crowd.
“Well,” Gordon said with a smile. “That’s something I never thought I’d see.”
Emma seemed confused. “What do you mean?”
Gordon clamped his mouth shut. “Nothing. It’s just me, rambling on again. I’ll leave you to enjoy something to eat and drink. I promised Mabel I’d say hello.”
Emma watched Gordon leave, then turned her blue eyes toward Jack. “Did I miss something?”
“I’m not sure,” he said slowly. “I’ll let you know after the Santa Claus parade.”
Chapter 19
Molly rushed into the kitchen. “Mom, Dad wants to speak to you!”
Emma looked up from her laptop. Mark had called to speak to the twins. They enjoyed their regular catch-ups, often talking for more than an hour. Emma was pleased they were getting to know each other, even though Mark hadn’t seen the twins since they started first grade.
She took the phone from Molly and held her hand over the mouthpiece. “Remember to empty the dishwasher.”
“Oh, Mom. Do I have to?”
“There’s no point batting those big blue eyes at me. The answer is yes.”
“But Dylan hasn’t done anything.”
“He tidied up the kitchen.”
Molly let out an agonized breath. “Can Snowflake help me?”
“As long as your kitten doesn’t end up in the dishwasher, that’s fine. I’ll help you as soon as I’ve finished
speaking to your dad.”
As Molly raced out of the room to find Snowflake, Emma held the phone to her ear.
“Hi, Mark. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay. I wanted to let you know I’ve accepted the job in Bigfork.”
The last time they’d spoken, Mark had told her about the job. At that stage, he didn’t know whether he wanted to move so far away from his cabins in Colorado. “That’s good. Did the owners send you photos of where you’ll be living?”
“They arrived yesterday. The cabin is twice as big as where I am now and has a huge workshop. It will be perfect for my sculpting.”
“It sounds nice. When do you move?”
“At the beginning of December. If you’d like to bring Molly and Dylan for a visit, you’re more than welcome.”
“They’d like that. Let me know which weekend works for you and I’ll do my best to be there.”
“I will.”
Even though she hadn’t spent a lot of time with Mark since Jack found him, she had a feeling he had something else on his mind. So instead of telling him what the twins were doing at school, she waited.
Mark took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I broke our agreement when I flew to Sapphire Bay. It won’t happen again.”
Emma’s mouth dropped open. She hadn’t expected him to apologize. “It will take time for everyone to get used to the new arrangements.”
“You should be angry with me.”
“To be honest, I was a bit angry. But what good would that do?” Emma said softly. “I know you love the twins. Not seeing them for five years doesn’t change that. Just call me when you want to visit them outside of your scheduled visits. I’ll do what I can to make it work.”
“That’s more generous than I deserve. Did Jack tell you he came to Evergreen?”
Emma frowned. “No. When was he there?”
“A few days ago. He reminded me about our agreement.”
Jack must have stopped at Evergreen on his way to Manhattan. Emma couldn’t understand why he’d want to see Mark in person. He could have easily spoken to him on the phone. And why on earth had he gone there without talking to her first?
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