and we should know,” Janice added.
“How do you mean?”
David answered. “Five years ago, Janice and I were on an Antarctica cruise and Asher was the naturalist aboard the ship. It was the experience of a lifetime.”
Nodding, Janice agreed. “David and I signed up with only a handful of others to go kayaking.”
“In Antarctica?” Everly was shocked.
“Yes,” Janice said, smiling proudly. “It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. David talked me into it, and I was glad he did, especially when I consider what happened.”
“I can’t even imagine doing such a thing,” Everly said, and she meant it. Give her a cozy spot in front of the fireplace with a good book and she was happy.
“Oh, it was quite the adventure. The worst part for me was transfering from the Zodiac into the kayak and then from the kayak back into the Zodiac,” Janice said.
“You’re getting us sidetracked, honey,” David said, cutting her off.
“Sorry, dear. I tend to do that.”
David gently patted her hand.
“What I wanted to tell you was that Asher was the head of our group and while we were in the water a pod of whales surrounded us. I don’t remember being more frightened in my life,” Janice said, trembling slightly with the memory.
“I don’t think there was one of us who wasn’t terrified of what could happen.”
Janice placed her hand over her heart. “My biggest fear was getting tossed out of the kayak and into the frigid waters…Of course, we had on protective watertight gear…Still, the possibility left me terrified. Only heaven knows what those huge whales would have done once we were flapping around in the icy waters. They might have viewed us as their next meal.”
“It must have been horrifying,” Everly said. It certainly wasn’t a situation she’d ever want to experience.
“Like I said, Asher was with us and handled the situation beautifully,” David said.
“He was wonderful,” Janice agreed with a nod.
“He calmly had us form a circle together and told us to remain stationary with our oars out of the water. He spoke to us, soothing our fears, and said we should enjoy this rare opportunity of viewing whales in the wild.”
“Once we relaxed and the orcas swam up close to our circle, we were able to observe these marvelous creatures in a way few will ever have the opportunity to experience.”
“It was magnificent,” Janice said.
“It was the highlight of our trip,” David concurred.
Janice smiled. “Christmas card–worthy. The best part was that David was able to get photos!”
“My point is,” David continued, “Asher was completely calm through that entire episode. Yet when he discovered you were missing yesterday, he was beside himself with worry, barking orders, asking questions. It left us all shaken because we know he generally is a rock in these types of situations.”
Everly smiled, hoping to hide how pleased his reaction made her feel. He did care about her above how he would for another passenger. When he’d held and kissed her, he’d repeatedly mentioned how alarmed he’d been when he realized she was lost. Remembering his words warmed her romantic heart, the very heart that had lain dormant for far too long.
“I believe Asher is quite taken with you,” Janice said, lowering her voice to a whisper. “And I, for one, think it’s delightful. You’re both young and unattached. While we don’t know you well, we’ve had the opportunity to spend time with Asher twice now and we both think he’s a wonderful young man.”
Everly blushed like a schoolgirl. She was out of her element; if Jack or anyone in the office at Easy Home could see her now, they wouldn’t believe she was the same woman. To hide her pleasure, she paid close attention to her breakfast.
“Janice,” David warned, “you’re making Daisy uncomfortable. We need to change the subject.”
“I apologize, Daisy.”
“Nonsense,” Everly said. The two had made her morning.
In an obvious change of subject, Janice asked, “What are your plans for this Christmas? It’ll be here before you know it.”
“I’m heading to Indiana to be with family.” She regretted being away from them the last couple years.
“That’s great.”
“It’s a little hectic. All my siblings are married with children. It’s a madhouse for sure, but my parents wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You’re sure to have a marvelous time.”
“What about the two of you?” Everly asked, certain the couple was like her own family-orientated parents.
“Our son and daughter and our five grandchildren will be joining us. We were on a cruise last Christmas and