Page 9 of Dancing in Lake Mistletoe

It took a minute—and I can’t say I don’t still rely on my parents a bit—but I finally got the hang of this single-dad gig. Josie and I have a good life. Busy and at times chaotic, but a happy life.

There hasn’t been much time to dive into the dating pool. I won’t deny that I’ve dipped my toes in from time to time, but it’s been fleeting moments, shared with ladies just passing through on vacation or the occasional seasonal staff member at Sun Valley. The truth is, my hands are full with Josie, and my wants and needs are on the back burner for now.

So, I smile politely and give the politically correct response, “I just haven’t found the right one yet,” when inquiring minds ask about my love life.

Josie adds a box of green glow-in-the-dark twisty straws and a package of small pumpkin flashlights to our contribution for the goody bags, and we head to check out.

Once we’re home, Josie takes a bath and changes into a pair of warm leggings and aHocus Pocussweatshirt.

She is so excited to spend the evening with the girls at the Gingerbread Inn that she can barely hold still as I brush her hair and fasten it into a high ponytail.

I’m tying the laces on her fur-lined duck boots when the front door swings open, and Cobie comes barreling in with Isaac on her heel.

The girls squeal, delighted by the fact that they are wearing matching hoodies and boots.

“Thanks for picking her up, man,” I say as I slap Isaac’s shoulder.

“Are you kidding me? I have the easy part,” he says.

The girls talked me into letting Cobie sleep over tonight. Isaac was hesitant at first since he just picked Cobie up this evening, but he had been in South America on assignment for the past two weeks, and a night alone with Sela was too tempting to pass up.

“I’ll come get her in the morning,” he says as he hands me her overnight bag.

“No need. I’ll bring them to the coffee shop for breakfast. You can walk down and meet us if you want.”

“Sounds good. Just shoot me a text,” he agrees.

The girls grab the bags of supplies from the bench in the mudroom and scurry out the door with Isaac following.

“Have Willa call me when it’s time to pick them up tonight,” I call after them.

Isaac’s hand shoots up. “Will do.”

I shut the door behind them and make my way to my bathroom to shower off the day.

It’s been a long one.

Mindi

When I walk through the door to the great room, the heat from the fire wraps around me like a warm hug. I take in the wooden beams running across the ceiling and the twinkling string lights draped above the windows on either side of the large mantel. A cluster of pumpkins—some painted, some carved—sit next to the hearth. It feels cozy.

Inside, I spot Willa and two other women gathered around a large oak table with bowls of candy, stickers, and tiny toys spread out before them. When she notices me, she waves me over.

“Mindi, come here. I want to introduce you,” she urges.

I walk over, and the two women sitting opposite her look up.

“This is Norah. She’s my sister-in-law and Trixie’s youngest, and that’s our cousin, Hannah. Her mom—Trudy—and Trixie are sisters,” she introduces.

“Speak of the devils,” Hannah mutters just as Trixie walks in with a carbon copy on her heel.

Norah looks at Willa. “You witch. You conjured them from thin air.”

Willa rolls her eyes. “Guys, this is Mindi. She’ll be with us until after Christmas.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Norah says.

“You too,” I say as I look back at Willa. “I’m here to work. Where do you want me?”

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