Up to Snow Good - Kelly Collins Page 0,48
wherever they would live, they would share themselves, and that was what mattered. No family, no resource, and no remedy remained for either. They had the same opportunity that their parents had sought and won, the same promise of any two young lovers in America. The future was theirs for the taking, but the past was something that would have to be left behind.
After getting home, she collected Patrick and Cindy and Ruthie, whose wide eyes and fearful expressions told them that they were already prepared for the worst.
“We will see the Yule Village through,” Lauren said. “We think that’s only fitting, and honestly, it’s already paid for.” They shared a chuckle, but it didn’t last. “But after that, it’ll be time for you all to think about where you’ll be spending the next few years.”
Ruthie threw herself into Lauren’s arms, and the energy coursed between them as the older woman squeezed tighter. “I’m not leaving you, child.”
“No, Ruthie, you’ll never leave my heart, but I won’t have any work for you.”
“I’m not here because I work here. I’m family, child.” She broke out sobbing, hugging Lauren and rocking her in her loving arms.
Lauren looked at Patrick and Cindy.
Max could see more ill-ease between them than merely this new and terrible news. They had to have seen it coming, but they didn’t join hands as he thought they might. Their heads dipped, but they did not share in their sorrow, a sad fact not lost on him.
Lauren pressed a smile and said, “In the meantime, it’s Christmas time, we’ve got an exciting way to celebrate the season, the town, each other, and the lodge. It’s been good to us, and now we can give her a fitting farewell. Let’s give it that Christmas feeling.”
Max pulled her close, but he seemed to know he couldn’t bring her the peace he wished, or the rescue he’d intended. There was no way to turn the bend on that road.
“Let’s make this the greatest winter the lodge has ever seen, even if it will be the last.” Lauren failed to rouse a cheer from her distressed staff, but there was little mirth to be found at the moment.
The big front doors of the lodge opened and drew their attention, and the five turned to see a familiar young man stepping in with a cautious politeness and a professional smile.
“Deputy Mayor Roberts,” Max said. “Won’t you come in?”
Chapter Forty-One
Lauren
Lauren’s heart beat faster to see the luminary step into the lodge. It had to be bad news, in keeping with the past few weeks. The deputy mayor came in with a solemn, professional air she recognized all too well.
Max held her close, so she could face whatever the man offered—whatever new challenge was coming against them.
What did it matter now, she wondered, what further zoning complication could he bring, what permitting rule would this be? It was another move by Eaton Hunter to shut down the Yule Village, no doubt. What will it be, banning the reindeer, or an ordinance against not being a rotten person?
She clung to Max, knowing they had each other. She glanced at Ruthie and Patrick and Cindy, silently urging them to stand tall and that she would always stand with them. A ragtag family of outsiders and orphans, who’d always have each other as long as they wanted it to be that way.
Deputy Mayor Roberts approached, glancing around the lobby. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, it’s just the way I remember it. My family used to take me here, back when we were new to Moss Creek. I always had a good time, but my father got sick, and we had to keep our celebrations more private. Still, nice to see the place again. I always felt it had a friendly vibe to it.”
Lauren nodded, a hot worry still simmering in her gut. “Did you want a room?”
Roberts cracked a wry smile. “No, I’m sorry, I got lost in the nostalgic moment. I lost my parents recently in a plane crash.”
“I’m sorry,” Max was quick to say. “It’s always sad to say goodbye.”
“It is.” Roberts shrugged. “What brings me here isn’t quite so sentimental.”
The gathering warmth in Lauren receded, leaving a cold chill in its place. “What brings you?”
“Well, you two.” He spread his arms out. “All of you. I was thinking about your situation, and I may have an answer.”
“Really,” Max said, turning to glance at the man with skepticism.
“Look, I know what you’re probably thinking.