The Meaning in Mistletoe - Rachael Bloome Page 0,61
reception, we can all go to the Christmas Carnival in the evening. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s rather perfect. And I know Colt will love the idea.”
As Kat mulled it over, Penny added, “We don’t need a big bridal party, either. Just a best man and a maid of honor to stand up with us.”
“That would certainly make things easier.”
“Of course, that’s assuming you can come back on Christmas Day. To be my maid of honor,” Penny added with a hopeful smile.
For a moment, Kat couldn’t speak. Only a few weeks earlier, this woman had been a stranger. And now, Kat not only had a sister, she’d gained a best friend. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said at last, her voice thick with emotion. “And I’ll definitely be here because… I’ve decided to stay in Poppy Creek.”
Grinning through her tears, Penny shouted, “Did you hear that, Chip? She’s staying! Didn’t I tell you she would?”
For the second time that afternoon, Kat found herself in an embrace. “I guess it’s too late to mention that I’m not really a hugger,” she teased, realizing how much she’d come to appreciate the show of affection.
“Oh, it’s absolutely too late,” Penny laughed. “And you’d better get used to it because it’ll be happening a lot. I’m so excited you’re staying!”
“There’s just one tiny problem….” Kat paused, trying to decide how to phrase her question.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, per se. But I’d need a job. I was wondering if you could use some help around here until I can find something a little more permanent?”
“Are you kidding? I would love that! I haven’t been able to find anyone since Bri left for college. And working together would be so much fun!” Penny’s grin widened as another idea struck her. “Plus, you could live here!”
“That’s a sweet offer, but I thought Colt was moving in after the wedding so you could save up for a house?”
“He was, but then Beverly offered us her place for next to nothing. It’s a darling little cottage by the creek. And Chip will have his own room, which he’s thrilled about. So, you can stay here, work for me part-time, and—” She snapped her mouth shut as though she were on the verge of saying something she shouldn’t.
“And…?” Kat pressed, suddenly curious.
“I’m not supposed to say anything. Jack wants to be the one to tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
After cutting down all the dead vines wrapped around the eaves of the Windsor house, Jack stood back to survey his handiwork. Warmth spread across his chest.
It would take several months before the place would be up and running, but he enjoyed watching the progress. What started as an endeavor to help Kat achieve her dream had transformed into so much more.
Her generous nature had inspired him to share what he had with others. And an inn would certainly be a blessing to Poppy Creek. Not only would it alleviate some of the pressure off of George and Trudy, but it would bring more traffic to local businesses.
Jack chuckled, realizing that for once, his goals were aligned with Mayor Burns’s—perhaps the real Christmas miracle.
Opening an inn would solve another problem, too. He’d decided to ask Colt to run the inn’s restaurant, which would give his friend free rein over the menu, and he and Vick could go back to serving unpretentious comfort food at the diner.
Overall, it was a win-win.
“What do you think, Fitz? How does it look?”
From his lounging position on the front porch, Fitz glanced up from his well-gnawed antler and barked his approval.
Tires crunched across the gravel, drawing the pup’s attention toward the driveway. His ears perked up, and in one leap, he bounded down the steps.
Jack turned, his heart ricocheting into his throat as Kat’s Corolla came to a stop beside his truck. He knew he’d missed her, but seeing her again multiplied his emotions tenfold.
Without thinking, he strode toward her, nearly breaking into a jog.
The instant she stepped from the car, he scooped her into his arms, capturing her mouth with his.
She melted against him, only breaking away after Fitz pawed her leg.
“Gee,” she gasped, struggling to catch her breath, “that was quite the greeting.”
“We all have our forms of saying hello. You assault people on sidewalks, and I—” He cupped her chin again, kissing her deeply.
When their lips finally parted, she murmured, “I hope you don’t greet all the girls like that.”
“Just one. And only one, from here on out.”
Her eyes widened,