Up to Snow Good - Kelly Collins Page 0,40

wasn’t sure if her feelings were born of humility, gratitude, or perhaps even duplicity, but it hardly mattered. His father’s feelings were what mattered between them as far as he was concerned.

Lauren’s feelings were what mattered to Max. The rest would take care of itself with a little care, a dash of hope, and a mustard seed of faith.

Faith, Max couldn’t help but think. He’d long understood love. His study of the romantics had stoked his instinctive insight into the ways of the human heart and mind. He had hoped for a better family, a better life, and that hope seemed poised to come to fruition.

They finished dinner, and Max kissed his grandmother’s cheek before helping take her to the SUV. Once settled, he walked around to the driver’s side and held out his hand to his father.

“Thank you for coming.”

His father took his hand and shook it, looking into Max’s eyes. “It’s important to know when to stand down to get what you want.” He squeezed his hand. “Love you, son.”

As the taillights faded into the distance, he thought about the evening and how everything had turned out the way they wanted. He couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

In the back of his brain, his unconscious self said, “Be careful what you ask for.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Lauren

Lauren woke up early the next day and got right to work finishing the costumes, which had to be tailored at the lodge.

Cindy stood on a stepstool while Lauren sewed the hem of her big, Bavarian skirt. She was pretty in her peasant blouse, a charming old-world maiden to help transport their guests to a different place and time, a land of magic and lore.

Cindy said, “So, you and Max? You’re together?”

Lauren nodded. “Yes, we were childhood friends, and now we’re together.”

“That’s so sweet.” After a tentative pause, she asked, “How did you know for sure that your guy was the guy?”

“Max,” Lauren said with a smile, “was always the guy for me. Not that I wasn’t surprised that it worked out, I still can hardly believe it, but I guess when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. No reason to overthink it or overwork the details. Even when we faced things that seemed insurmountable, it came together because we didn’t care about those things, we didn’t worry about those distractions. We love each other, we’re meant to be together, and we’re lucky enough to know it, and have a second chance to make it work.”

Cindy nodded, but she didn’t smile the way Lauren might have expected, and she had a good inkling as to why.

“Are you having doubts about Patrick?”

Her eyes grew wide. “You know?”

Lauren coughed up an amused little huff. “I had a hunch,” was all she felt she needed to say. “He’s a good guy. Was there an argument or a disagreement? Nothing to do with the lodge, I hope.”

“No, it’s just …” Cindy reached up and set her hand flat against her belly; her miserable expression told Lauren everything she needed to know. Lauren would stand by Cindy, not as an employer, but a friend, and a fellow human being.

“Does he know?”

Cindy shook his head. “I’m afraid to tell him.”

“Do you love him?”

“I do, Lauren, I really do, but I mean, we both work here. Will we be able to keep working here?” She looked around the room. “We’ll have expenses, and I won’t be able to work after some time. There’s so much to think and worry about.”

“I understand,” Lauren was quick to say, “I really do. Does he love you?”

“He says he does, and I believe him, but I want to believe him, especially now. Patrick is getting his electrician’s license, and if we both keep working here, we’ll be able to make ends meet, but with how things are going …”

“I know.” She hung her head. “We’re doing everything we can to keep the lodge going.”

She nodded. “I’ve told all my friends about the festival, but once the winter comes and goes, and this whole thing blows over, then what?”

Lauren sighed; heart heavy and head shaking. “Honestly, I don’t know. We’re trying to be hopeful and have faith, but I know that won’t be so easy for you with another mouth to feed on the way.”

“What if he leaves me?” Cindy asked. “I couldn’t do it alone.”

“You could do it on your own if you had to.” Reading the fear on her face, Lauren was quick to add, “But you won’t have to.” She looked