Page 54 of Black Ice
“I know it’s a lot—and last minute.”
“For your family, Jack? We’ll find a way.” She pulled up the schedule on her cell phone. “Wyatt’s snowshoeing tomorrow.” She chewed on her lip. “What about a private horse-drawn sleigh?”
“Yeah, I like that.” His face brightened. “She’ll love that kind of thing. And he’ll love doing what makes her happy.”
“Good man.” Evie skimmed through the schedule, looking for more options. “They’ll be here through Christmas?”
“Through New Year’s Day,” he replied. “It doesn’t all need to be crammed into the next few days. I’ve got New Year’s Eve covered and I’ve called in a favor with the spa for some couple packages too.”
“Okay, good.” She gave it more thought. “Dad can do the sleigh tour. He enjoys those. What if we have him drive the sleigh up to one of the picnic spots, give them time for a walk and a cozy winter lunch or something?”
“Loving that.” Jack’s pen moved across the page in the notebook propped on his knee. “I’ll take care of the picnic food. Keep going.”
She chuckled. “Hiking out to the frozen falls in Spearfish?” she suggested. “Can’t beat it for memorable photos.”
“Another picnic stop?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I was thinking more along the lines of a first-Christmas photo shoot. We can squeeze that in on the twenty-third, weather permitting. Cottonwood will provide the hot chocolate, cookies, and whatever holiday themed props thephotographer suggests. Afterward they can choose the photos they want for ornaments or prints for framing.”
“Great. You’re good at this,” Jack said. “I know you think you got the better end of the partnership deal, but I disagree. Silver Aces wins again.”
“House always does.” Her stomach gurgled.
“You need to eat,” Jack said. “Want me to call the kitchen?”
“Not unless you’ve got something else in mind for your cousin. This close to Christmas, I don’t think we can add much more in the way of private outdoor tours. But have them swing by the office to book themselves for any events between Christmas and New Years.”
“You’re sure you can accommodate them?”
“Of course,” she assured him. “Lisa and I will get a newlywed welcome basket ready for their room. Matching scarves, gloves, and cozy, after-adventure socks. You know the drill. We’ll add their excursion details and coupons for the store if they need any gear. Plus some coupons for the Holiday Trading Post, so they can start their own holiday decor collection.”
“Again, I say brilliant.”
“Happy to impress.” She gave a regal nod. After years of delaying good marketing tactics while battling her dad’s depression, it was rewarding to see her ideas making a big splash now. Standing, she smiled at her friend. “Congrats again to the newlyweds. I’d better get back so we can get this together. You’re sure you’ve got the picnic covered?”
“Just text me the departure time and I’ll make sure the kitchen has it ready to go.”
“That works.”
Jack stood as well. “You’ll be at the party tomorrow night?” Jack asked as he walked her to the elevator. “I’ve invited Minnie and Dave.”
“You mean Mr. and Mrs. Woodson?”
He laughed at himself. “Them too. I’d love to introduce you.”
“We’ll be there. Wyatt and I are excited about our grown-up date.” Now she rolled her eyes. “I sound like the boys.”
Jack winked at her. “Be sure to tell them Uncle Jack hasn’t forgotten it’s Christmas.”
“I will not tell them any such thing.” She poked his shoulder. “They’re too excited already.Youwill be a wonderfulsurpriseat Christmas dinner.”
“Guess that’s more than fair.” He gave her a quick hug when the elevator arrived.
Whether it was the hormones or the season, she found herself blinking away happy tears as she reveled in her wonderful life. In her mind she ticked off every good thing: a fabulous husband, healthy kids, awesome friends, and the career she’d dreamed of for as long as she could remember.
She even had her dad back, involved and full of life and love once again. He might be more excited for a new grandchild than the four of them put together. She couldn’t wait to find out. Alone in the elevator, she touched her belly, enjoying the earliest days of one more miracle in the making.
CHAPTER 3
