A Mrs. Miracle Christmas - Debbie Macomber Page 0,63

it went with Josie. If she turned me down, then I doubted I’d be in the mood to talk to anyone, including my persistent sister.

After my conversation with Alicia, I took time off to think everything through. I work as a master swordsmith, forging swords and other weapons from metal. I’d been working at my craft from the age of sixteen, when I became an apprentice. Because I was homeschooled, I’d earned enough credits to graduate early. College didn’t interest me. I’m a man who needs to work with his hands, not just his brain.

Currently, I was creating a replica of a Civil War sword. It was an important commission, as the job was bringing in more money than any of my other projects to date. I was fortunate enough to make a living doing what I loved. I worked most days in my workshop with my forge, hammer, and anvil. My needs were simple, and my work had gained a growing notoriety.

Since this evening was my one last shot with Josie, I had to do it right. Because I got tongue-tied every time I attempted to bring up the topic, I figured my best chance was to write down what I wanted to say. That was the only way I could ensure that I didn’t forget an important point.

I was sitting at the kitchen table with my dog, Hobo, an Alaskan husky, who was sleeping at my feet, while I composed a list. I was about halfway through making my notes when Jack showed up. As usual, he didn’t bother to knock.

I glanced up from the table where I sat in my kitchen. Jack looked like he’d lost his best friend.

“You okay?”

“No,” Jack replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from me. “The lodge is closing.”

“It closes every year, Jack. That’s nothing new.”

Jack shook his head. “But Josie…She’s leaving. She’s the best cook they’ve ever had here.”

I never understood how Jack managed to keep his weight down. I swear my friend ate as much as a grizzly bear.

“She made the best moose stroganoff I’ve ever had.”

For me, Josie’s leaving meant losing a lot more than her great cooking. “Yup,” I agreed.

“She baked me a blueberry pie as a farewell gift, using the leftover berries she’d frozen. I ate the whole pie already, and that’s when it hit me that there’d be no more.”

I’d been the one picking those blueberries with Josie. I never thought I’d enjoy wandering around the lake’s edge, picking berries. Then again, I was willing to do about anything if it meant I could spend time with her. I had it bad. Even now, with the deadline closing in on me, I couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving. That made my growing list even more important. If ever there was a time I needed my wits about me, it was now.

“You gonna miss her, too, right?” Jack asked me.

“Yeah, I suppose.” No need to admit more than necessary.

Jack frowned. “You do know that if you were to marry her, she’d be here full-time and could cook for us?”

“Us?” I arched my brows. I didn’t like the idea of Jack thinking he could drop by for meals anytime the mood struck him, but then that was Jack. He was clueless when it came to social etiquette. Knowing him as well as I did, I knew he’d be stopping by daily.

“Well, yes,” Jack countered. “Seems right you’d want to invite me over.”

I snorted out loud. “Not happening.”

Jack appeared offended by my rejection. “Did I or did I not share that elk meat with you?”

“One roast does not equate to a lifetime of free meals.”

“And my sourdough starter, which I’d like to remind you is over a hundred and fifty years old,” Jack added.

“Right.” I was willing to admit that I appreciated the starter and routinely made good use of it. I ate sourdough pancakes almost every morning, thanks to Jack’s starter.

“Then show a little appreciation, son.”

It probably wasn’t right to roll my eyes, but I couldn’t help it. “No use arguing, Jack. It’s highly likely that Josie will leave in the morning, along with the rest of the lodge staff.” I hated being a pessimist, but at the rate this list was going, I was slowly coming to the realization that I didn’t have a lot to offer to convince her to stay, compared to what she had in the big city.

Jack’s eyes brightened and he sat up straight, ready to solve