Page 15 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
"Hi there." Jack's gaze flicked to the open trunk, then back to Holly. "You're our penthouse guests, right?"
"That's us." Trinity beamed, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
"Well then, welcome to the Christmas Inn." He gestured toward the truck. "May I?"
Holly hesitated for half a second, then stepped aside. "Thank you."
Jack moved past her, reaching into the trunk with practiced ease. He grabbed both of their large suitcases like they weighed nothing, then glanced into the backseat. "I thought there were three of you?"
"My sister's on her way," Holly found herself saying before she could stop herself. The words tumbled out in a rush. "She got held up at work, and we wanted to get on the road."
Jack nodded, balancing the luggage with one hand while he closed the trunk with the other. "No problem. Someone is always around to let you in, no matter what time you arrive."
"Your inn is gorgeous," Trinity said, her voice full of awe as she stared up at the building.
Jack glanced down at her, his smile softening. "Thanks. I like it too.” His eyes caught Holly’s, and that fluttering in her stomach got more intense. “I hope you're hungry, because our chef has cooked up a storm for you."
Trinity's face lit up. "Yeah, I'm starving."
Jack laughed, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to come from deep in his chest. "Well then, let's get you settled so you can have some dinner."
He gestured for them to walk ahead of him, and Holly fell into step beside Trinity. She was glad to be walking in front of him as it was hard not to stare at the gorgeous man who was going to be their host at the inn for the next three weeks. There was something about him that was impossible to ignore. Not just his looks, though he was undeniably handsome in a rugged, effortless kind of way. It was the way he moved, the way he spoke, the way he'd smiled at Trinity like she was the most important person in the world.
He was good with kids. And that made something warm and unfamiliar stir in Holly's chest.
They climbed the steps to the front porch, their footsteps echoing softly on the weathered wood. The door was open, and as they entered the foyer, a young woman stepped out from behind the front desk.
She was tall, with auburn hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and the same striking blue eyes as Jack. Her smile was warm, but there was something haunted in her gaze, a shadow that lingered even as she greeted them.
"You must be the Bennetts," she said. "I'm Jane Christmas. Welcome."
"Thank you," Holly said, returning the smile.
“I see you’ve already met my father,” Jane said, her eyes moving to take in Jack carrying their luggage.
Trinity moved closer to the desk, her eyes wide as she took in the lobby. It was stunning. The wooden floors gleamed in the soft light, and the walls were lined with vintage photographs and framed holiday cards from decades past. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, its mantel draped in garland and candles that flickered gently. Through the wide windows at the back, the ocean stretched out into the darkness, its surface glinting with reflected moonlight.
"I hear some new guests have arrived," a new voice called from the hallway.
Holly turned to see an older woman emerging from a doorway markedOffice. She was petite, with silver-white hair styled in soft waves and eyes that sparkled with warmth. A shawl was draped over her shoulders, and she moved with a grace that spoke of years spent welcoming guests into her home.
"I'm Julie Christmas," the woman said, her smile radiant. "We're so glad you're here."
“Hello, I’m Holly, and this is my granddaughter, Trinity,” Holly greeted Julie, already feeling the warmth of this friendly familystarting to seep through the cold that had formed inside her over these past six months.
Before anyone could say more, a massive dog bounded into the lobby, his tail wagging so hard his entire back end swayed. He was a Great Dane, his coat a rich, chocolate-brown, and he made a beeline straight for Trinity.
"Duke! Manners!" Jane called, but there was laughter in her voice.
Trinity squealed with delight, dropping to her knees as the dog licked her face enthusiastically. "He's so big! And so cute!"
"He's still a puppy," Julie said apologetically but with a fond smile. "He’s only eleven months old and hasn't quite figured out how big he is yet."
Holly watched as Trinity wrapped her arms around Duke's neck, her laughter filling the space. And then she glanced at Jane.
The young woman was watching them too, but her smile had faltered. Her eyes had gone distant, filled with a pain so raw it made Holly's chest ache. For just a moment, Jane's hand moved to her stomach, her fingers pressing there as if holding something precious.
Maybe Jane’s pregnant?The thought flashed through Holly's mind like lightning, but the raw grief in Jane's eyes struck her with such force she nearly gasped aloud. No—this was the hollow, haunted look of a mother with empty arms.
