Page 40 of Cold Winter Nights

Royal gave a somber nod.

Stone turned to him, the resolve in his glare lessening for the briefest moment before he leaned over and pressed his lips to Royal’s in a tender kiss. It was a small moment of heat amidst the cold, but it was enough.

Royal got out of the truck and watched Stone back away and get across the street to his crew. His heart was heavy with worry for the man he was starting to care for more than he’d expected.

He stood in the cold, his mind whirring with ideas. Stone and this town were not alone. No matter what it took, Royal would find a way to help. This town had given him so much in a short time, and he was ready to give back.

This storm had broken Stone’s heart. Royalwouldthink of something.

Royal

Royal walked inside the bed and breakfast and was taken aback by how quiet it was.

Mrs. Pearl was at the desk with her face buried in her hands.

Royal’s heart twisted. Mrs. Pearl was never upset. She was always smiling, always greeting him with a warm word or gentle laugh. But right now she was a shell of herself. The strong woman who’d been so welcoming to him was crumpled in grief, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

Myra, Brissy and Jojo hovered near her, trying to console her. But, even Jojo’s bright demeanor seemed dimmed.

Royal hurried towards them, almost panicked. He’d just crossed the threshold when Myra noticed him, her face red and splotchy from crying.

“Royal,” Jojo said, her voice heavy with emotion, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Mrs. Pearl. What’s wrong?”

Jojo swallowed hard. “The storm…none of her guests were able to make it down the mountain, and the ones set to arrive later this week have already cancelled their reservations. We um, we might have to do some layoffs if…”

Royal’s stomach hit the floor.

“Hey, hey,” he said softly, moving around the desk and wrapped his arms around Mrs. Pearl.

She stiffened at first but then she clung to him, her tears soaking into his coat.

He kissed the top of her forehead, then cupped her face, lifting it to meet his eyes. “It’s okay, I will figure something out, don’t worry.”

Myra and Brissy nodded. Even in their sadness they were determined.

“I’ll work for free,” Myra said.

“I will too,” Brissy added.

Mrs. Pearl shook her head so hard her bun came loose. “Absolutely not. Myra you have a son in college you support, and Brissy, you have two toddlers. You both need your wages and you know it. I appreciate it, girls. I do. But, I won’t have it. I’ll just shut down for a few months. I’m a darn good seamstress, you both know that. I’ll go back to work at Sew I Can in Kirfair. I’ll make do.”

“We have to stick together,” Brissy insisted.

“Mrs. Pearl. I promise you, I’ll figure this out,” Royal vowed. “You’re not leaving Windeville, andno onewill lose their jobs. Royal wiped her tears with his thumb.

“I’ll be upstairs in my room for a while,” Royal said, taking a step back. “I need to make some phone calls.”

Royal ascended the stairs two at a time. He went into his room, yanked his cell phone out of the nightstand drawer and powered it on. With muscle memory he dialed the number for Global Crown.

“Royal! You bored of the small-town living already?” his ex-boss blurted.

Stone rolled his eyes. Charles was always too darn loud for no apparent reason.

“I need your help,” Royal said, cutting to the chase. “I’m not sure exactly what you can do but this town I’m in is in trouble.A winter festival that they rely on every year has to be cancelled due to inclement weather and they’re looking at major losses.”

There was a brief moment of silence on the other end, then his boss’s tone grew more serious.

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