“Thousands, if you’re like Aunt Rachael,” Shelley suggested, laughing. “But I can proudly say, I only have fifty. Maybe a few more. Still, that organization chick wouldn’t approve.”
Emma laughed. “But I love her other organizing tips. My closets now look better than they have in years.”
“I have no idea what you two are talking about, and I have no idea what Mike needs such a large workshop for.” Lyndon shrugged. “Maybe he’s planning ahead for retirement.”
Emma gaped. “Didn’t he tell you? He and another guy he works with build lawn signs in their spare time. The ones that say Keep Off The Grass. And they do funny novelty ones also like The dog is fine. Beware of the wife. And The house was clean yesterday. Sorry you missed it. I bought the one that said Forget the Lexus, don’t touch my laptop. Then I sold the car.” Emma laughed. “The guys donate them to a charity that sells them to raise funds. They make dozens of wooden signs every year.”
“Wow. I never heard about that. He could create a lot of product here. Good for him.” Lyndon bobbed his eyebrows at them. “And now that you’ve seen everything out here, let’s go have some more of that dessert.”
“Another trip to the gym,” Emma said, laughing.
“Don’t care. I’ll risk it.” Lyndon turned off the lights as they made their way through the building and then he locked the door.
Shelley took off running, Jake at her heels. Lyndon locked arms with Emma. “Don’t want you to fall. It’s a little slippery on this stone path with the new snow.”
“Thank you.” Emma chuckled, placing her hand on his arm. “Too close to Christmas for injuries.”
“Can’t dance on New Year’s Eve with a cast on your leg,” he warned.
A small smile crept onto Emma’s face. “I’ll be dancing on New Year’s Eve?”
“If I have any say in it you will.” Lyndon leaned down and stole a kiss, away from prying teenage eyes.
They rushed into the cabin and removed their outerwear, laughing. Lyndon pointed his chin in the direction of the kitchen and Emma followed his gaze. Shelley sat at a barstool, head in hands, perhaps crying.
“What’s wrong?” Emma kicked off her boots, dashed across the floor, and lifted the girl’s head.
“Nothing,” she whispered, her eyes welling with tears.
“You were so happy before.” Lyndon settled on a stool beside her. At least, there weren’t any tears falling yet. “Talk to me.”
“What’s going to happen now that you’re both done? You’re going to leave. And nobody is going to let me stay here by myself. You guys are deserting me,” the teen lamented as two huge tears rolled down her cheeks.
“We’ll think of something,” Lyndon said, his voice croaking. He hated when women cried, no matter the age.
Emma wrapped her arms around Shelley. “Oh, sweetie, don’t cry. We’re not going to desert you. We’ll make certain you’re taken care of, and no one will force you to go to Dubai if I have any say in the matter.”
“Promise?” Shelley whispered, laying her head on Emma’s shoulder.
“I promise.”
“We both do,” Lyndon added, running his hand down her arm. “You’ve become pretty special to us. We’re in your corner and you’re not getting rid of us that easily.”
“Thanks,” Shelley said, smiling through her tears. “I really love you guys.”
“We love you, too.” Emma leaned back and met the teen’s eyes. “Now, no more tears. You’ll have Jake worried about you.”
Lyndon patted her shoulder. “Help me clean up, and you can dry the dishes. Then I’ll declare your punishment’s officially over.”
“Yay!” Shelley brightened. “Deal.”
Emma smiled. “I’ll straighten up the cabin so it’s tidy when Mike and Rachael arrive in the morning. Then nobody pull out books or magazines or CDs or snuggle blankets, okay?”
“We won’t,” Shelley piped up. “Just leave Jake’s fluffy one on the sofa, please.”
“Of course.” Emma laughed. “Wouldn’t think of touching his favorite snoozing spot. Then I’m turning in early. I promised to meet Mike and Rachael at the airstrip. Mike’s flying his Cessna here so they require a ride to the cabin.”
“And we’ll be waiting here to welcome them,” Shelley said.
Lyndon smiled as he collected the dirty dishes; all thoughts of a second helping of dessert vanished when dealing with the sad teenager. “I can’t wait to see the look on Rachael’s face.”
“I’m going to make her close her eyes before I turn onto the driveway.” Emma giggled. “This will be such a surprise.”
“I’ll have my phone ready to take a picture,” Shelley suggested.
Emma glanced at the picture wall. “We’ll have another addition to the collection.”
Lyndon filled the dishwasher and then he washed the crystal wine glasses and the pots and large bowls in the sink, with Shelley drying to complete her penance for the laptop indiscretion. “Off to bed, kiddo. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”
“Can Jake sleep on my bed?” she whispered.
He nodded. “Sure. Please make certain he makes a trip outside before it’s lights out.”
“I will,” she said, beaming. “Don’t worry. Even if I dumped all my books out, he still wouldn’t fit in my backpack. He’s still all yours.”
Lyndon pretended to wipe his brow in relief. “Thank goodness.”
“Goodnight, Lyndon.”
“Goodnight, kiddo. And don’t worry. Everything will work out. I have a good feeling about it.” He hugged the teen when she threw herself into his arms.
“Thank you for being so nice to me. I’m glad you and Em are here. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been as much food to eat, and I wouldn’t have known what to do during the storm. I really appreciate you guys.”
“You’re a good kid.” Lyndon smiled.
“I think you should marry Em and then you guys could adopt me.” Shelley looked up at him, grinning.
Lyndon shook his head. “Better idea… I’ll talk to your dad if I get a chance. I’m in your corner.”
“Thank you.” Shelley nodded, tearing up, and then she headed down the hallway. “Come on, Jake,” she called and the dog trotted off without a backward glance.
Lyndon drained the dishwater and wiped out the sink. His dog might not fit into her backpack but he certainly fit into her heart.
Chapter 24
Emma stared out the family room window, disconcerted at the scene before her. Almost a foot of snow had fallen overnight, leaving the backyard resembling a scene from the Disney movie with all the princesses and the ice and hoarfrost on the trees. She couldn’t remember seeing anything so pristine and pretty. Or so troubling. Driving the mountain road would be a complete nightmare. She white-knuckled the entire way to the main highway even when the pavement was dry.
“What am I going to do?” she wailed.
“Don’t worry.” Lyndon wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I emailed the maintenance guy at the resort and explained we needed the road cleared as soon as he can manage it.”
“Really?”
“We own a one-ton truck equipped with a blade on front to keep the road cleared year-round for guests.” Lyndon kissed the top of her head. “Once I hear back from Joe, I’ll drive to the airstrip and get Mike and Rachael.”
Emma heaved a sigh. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it. Even if the road was plowed, I’d be a nervous wreck.”
“I figured as much when your face paled worse than what’s outside.”
She swatted his arm.
“Ouch.” He rubbed it playfully.
“There will be coffee and hot chocolate waiting when you return. And Shelley’s cake will be decorated and smelling delectable, and all ready for her to pour the caramel sauce on it before she serves everyone a piece.”
“But first, Rachael and Mike receive a tour of the new garage and workshop,” Lyndon reminded her. “Kiddo better have that phone rea
dy to snap a dozen photos of her expression.”
“I will.” Shelley promised, bounding into the room with Jake on her heels. Her red cheeks proved she enjoyed her time outside with Jake this morning, roughhousing in the snow and chasing each other around the yard.
“Thanks for shoveling the walks.” Lyndon hugged her and playfully messed up her hair. “Without me even asking.”
“Can’t have an old guy like you suffering a heart attack or something.” Shelley returned the teasing, finger-combing her hair back into place.
“Old guy?” Lyndon stood hands on hips. “And I was going to suggest we watch that silly cartoon movie you’ve been bugging us to watch with you.”
“Sorry!” Shelley clasped her hands together. “Please? Pretty please?”
“I’ll make the popcorn. Go set it up,” Emma offered.
“Yes!” Shelley high-fived the air and raced off to the family room. Jake woofed and followed, having no idea what all the excitement centered around.
“What’s this movie called again?”
Emma shrugged, digging the air popper out of the lower cabinet. “I don’t remember. Something about Pets and Life. She claims it’s cute. She’s probably seen it a dozen times already. I guess it’s going to be a dozen and one.”
“If I have to leave when Joe emails me, you can finish watching it with her.”
“I like pet movies. I’ll probably get into it.” Emma chuckled. “We’ll both want to adopt a dog by the time the movie’s over.”
“Just as long as you rescue your own dog and leave mine alone.” Lyndon wagged his finger at her. “Plenty more at the shelters.”
Emma saluted him. “Yes, sir. Jake is all yours.”
Lyndon reached for her and held her close. “Man, you’re a lot of fun.” He leaned down and kissed her lips.
Emma sighed and he tightened the embrace, deepening the kiss. She never wanted the kiss to end. She’d completely and thoroughly fallen in love with him. She couldn’t deny it another day. He’d won her over, despite her convictions to never get involved with any man again. Of course, Lyndon wasn’t any regular man. He was Lyndon. So special. So caring. So loving.
He ended the kiss and looked deep into her eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with you,” he whispered.
She smiled. “That’s good. Really good. Because I’m certain I’ve fallen in love with you.”
* * *
At three o’clock, Emma stomped the snow from her boots and slipped her arms out of her coat sleeves. Rachael and Shelley followed her inside, while the men remained in the garage oohing and aahing and bonding further over the new workshop. Outerwear came off and was tossed onto the bench by the door. Boots landed willy-nilly in the entryway.
“I’m never going to forgive you for keeping that secret,” Rachael said, smiling. “How did I not know something was up when Mike insisted he was coming with me? Normally, when I meet clients here, he avoids the cabin at all costs. But, no, he steadfastly refused to stay home. I should have guessed he was up to something.”
“Aunt Rachael, you looked so shocked.” Shelley giggled. “I’ve got so many pictures. One of them is definitely going to make it onto the family wall.”
She frowned. “The family wall?”
Emma chuckled and pointed. “That’s what we’ve dubbed your photo collection over there. The Family Wall. A place of honor where memories are hung for all time, whether the victim of your photography obsession approves or not.”
“Victim? And I am not obsessed.” Rachael poked her friend’s arm.
“There are forty-two pictures up there.” Shelley stood, arms crossed over her chest with one hip cocked higher than the other. “I know. Emma made me dust them and I counted.”
Rachael turned and met Emma’s eyes.
“Long story.” Emma smiled. “But then she vacuumed the entire cabin also, without me asking.”
“I screwed up and it was punishment,” Shelley admitted. “Lyndon made me do stuff, too. I learned not to mess with these two. They have the parenting thing down, even though they don’t have any kids yet.”
“Yet?” Rachael gaped at her friend. “Something you’re not telling me?”
“Absolutely not!” Emma shrugged, smiling. And then she winked at her. “But maybe, one day.”
“Shelley Lewis. What have you done to my author? She’s actually considering having a baby now?” Rachael threw up her hands. “I leave Emma alone for a few weeks and this happens.”
“I saw her kissing Lyndon this morning,” Shelley whispered. “They love each other.”
Emma gasped. “You were definitely not supposed to see that. Or hear us talking either.”
Shelley giggled. “It’s not like you were doing anything… you know. You were only kissing.”
Emma pointed. “Go. Serve your cake. Now.”
“I’m waiting for Uncle Mike and Lyndon,” Shelley said, flouncing down the hallway toward her room. “Let me know when they come in.”
“Jake will come find you,” Emma called. “Then you’ll know.”
Rachael wandered into the family room and slumped onto the sofa. “Jake is the dog.”
“Right. He and Shelley have become best buddies.” Emma settled on the upholstered chair opposite her friend seated on the sofa. “I have so much to tell you. And a manuscript to place in your hands, thank goodness.”
For the next thirty minutes, Emma talked non-stop, explaining everything that happened before Shelley’s arrival and then all the adventures and misadventures since. Including the fact the kid guessed her password and read her book with only one chapter to finish.
“Remind me to change my password.” Rachael chuckled, shaking her head. “Did she at least like the story?”
“Of course. She loved it. Said it was one of the best I’ve written.”
“That’s my girl!”
“Who? Me or Shelley?” Emma paused for an answer.
“Both of you.” Rachael climbed off the sofa. “Where’s the Chardonnay? I know you brought a case with you and I’m dying for a drink. Besides, we need to celebrate!”
“Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been rationing the wine until you arrived, but I’ve only one bottle left. We need to make a trip to town tomorrow.”
“We brought a few bottles with us,” Rachael admitted.
Emma hopped up and linked arms with her. They’d been best friends since rooming together in college and they knew each other so well, and respected each other’s talents. “I actually think this is one of the best books I’ve written, also. And you’re not going to guess the ending.”
“Better have a happily-ever-after. It’s a romance, remember.”
“Oh, yes, but I’ve thrown in a little twist you won’t expect.” Emma winked at her. “Even Shelley doesn’t know about this one. She hacked me before I’d finished.”
“Good. The little brat should be spanked for what she did.” Rachael chuckled. “Of course, you can’t spank kids now, right?”
Emma shrugged. “I don’t think so. Especially when they’re fifteen and as tall as you.”
“Something for you to research before you marry Lyndon,” Rachael whispered. And then she burst into laughter.
“You’re not funny,” Emma said, poking her in the ribs.
Just then Lyndon and Mike burst inside through the back door, stomping snow off their boots, and laughing uproariously. Jake dashed into the family room, glanced around, and then raced down the hallway, looking for Shelley. Snow flew from his body, landing on the floors. He’d side-stepped Lyndon before he could brush him off.
“I believe we’re about to have cake,” Rachael muttered.
“That kid can sure cook.” Emma laughed. “Outdoes me in the kitchen, that’s for sure.”
“Grandma Lewis won awards for her culinary skills at country fairs and local contests. I’ve heard stories from the family. Must be in the genes.”
“Let’s see if the guys want coffee or a beer.”
“All right. And then Mike and I can share the news we finally learned from Shelley’s father. Walter couldn’t come this weekend to collect Shelley, but we have a message for her.” Rachael followed Emma into the kitchen.
“I hope it’s good news. Or you know she’s going to run again.”
“You’ll see. We’ll share it with all of you.”
A half hour later, the five of them sat around the dining room table with drinks and dessert in front of them. A collection of groans accompanied the first bite of cake and Shelley beamed with their praise of her pastry skills.
“She prepared a roast chicken the other night.” Lyndon smiled at her. “I almost proposed.”
“He almost did.” Shelley giggled. “Apparently, I’m twenty years too young.”
Mike chuckled. “Good thing, too. Or you really would give your dad a heart attack. Running away came close enough.”
“Dad’s okay, right?” Shelley blurted, a concerned expression on her face.
“Just kidding. Yes, he’s fine. And he sent us with a very important message for you.” Mike wiped his mouth on his napkin and set it aside.
Shelley swallowed hard and met Emma’s eyes.
“It’s okay, sweetie. Let’s hear what your uncle has to say,” she encouraged the teen.
Shelley nodded and lowered her eyes. “All right,” she whispered.
“Well, first of all, your dad decided you’re not moving to Dubai,” Mike began.
Shelley’s head whipped up, her eyes round as saucers. “I’m not?”
“No. You’d be living there by yourself. And Walter and Diane don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Rachael explained, smiling.
“I don’t get it?” Shelley glanced from Rachael to Emma and back to Mike.
“Your mom decided she wasn’t going either, and your dad met with his boss to turn down the job since his family and their happiness meant more to him than that job. Your dad’s boss already heard about you running away. He only offered Walter the job because of his seniority, and he was obligated to offer him the Dubai job and right of first refusal. Which your dad exercised. Then his boss offered your father a Vice President of Operations position instead.” Mike touched his niece’s arm. “You’re staying in Canada and so is your family.”
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