Page 16 of Moonlight Over Mistletoe
Eleanor nodded slowly, surprising herself with her next words. “It's been nice, actually. Feeling connected to Mistletoe again. Not just as an observer, but as a participant.” She shook her head as if to clear away the sentimentality, yet a smile tugged at her lips. “But don't you go spreading that around, Vivian Miller. I have a reputation to maintain.”
“I wouldn't dream of it,” Vivian said. “Now, let's make some more coffee and get back to work.”
“Yes, but first, I need you to know that I couldn't have done any of this without you,” Eleanor said. “Your support has been invaluable.”
Vivian reached across the table, patting Eleanor's hand. “That's what friends are for, El. I'm just glad to see you finding happiness again.”
A lump formed in her throat from such an open display of affection. She cleared it gruffly. “Yes, well, thank you. I mean it.”
They shared a laugh, years of friendship filling the kitchen. Eleanor glanced at the papers strewn across the table. They would finish the planning to finalize the event that afternoon. A sense of accomplishment washed over her.
“We're almost there, Viv,” she said, allowing a small smile to grace her lips. “This competition might actually be a success.”
Vivian nodded, gathering the papers into neat piles. “It will be. You've poured your heart into it.”
Eleanor nodded as a flutter of elation ran through her.
“I honestly believe that Mistletoe's first ballroom dance competition is going to be a night to remember,” said Vivian.
“You know, I think you might be right.”
12
Christopher’seyestwinkledashe settled into his plush, red armchair, the glow of his laptop illuminating his face. His fingers flew across the keyboard, clicking through a myriad of websites showcasing activities in Alaska.
After the pleasant afternoon he'd spent with Eleanor, Christopher wondered if his daughter had been right. Getting away from work proved good for him. Maybe he could semi-retire. The thing was, having someone to do activities with made it much more appealing.
“Ho ho! What do we have here?” he chuckled, leaning closer to the screen. An article about dog sledding caught his attention, the image of majestic huskies racing across a snowy landscape filled him with wonder.
Perhaps, but he didn't know if Eleanor liked dogs. He also imagined her teasing that it was just another kind of sleigh.
He continued to scroll.
Christopher scratched his beard as he read. Ice fishing. Now that was an activity he hadn't tried even after a lifetime of living in the north. He could almost smell the cold, clean air and taste the fresh catch cooked over an open fire.
Yes. Ice fishing would be perfect.
His heart raced with anticipation as he reached for his phone, eager to call Eleanor. But just as his fingers brushed the device, it rang.
“Good afternoon, Christopher here,” he answered, his tone welcoming.
The voice on the other end was frantic, detailing a crisis at one of the toy factories.
“Let's not panic,” he soothed. “What seems to be the problem?”
As he listened to the details, Christopher's first instinct was to drop everything and rush to the factory. But then Jack's advice entered his mind.Delegate. Yes, he needed to delegate more. And why not start today? Then, he could still make plans with Eleanor.
“I understand the urgency,” Christopher said firmly. “I'll send Shelly or Adam right away. They can handle this situation.”
After a call to Adam, Christopher exhaled, relaxing. He picked up his phone again, this time dialing Eleanor's number. His finger shook slightly.
“Eleanor? It's Christopher. Do you have a minute to chat?”
“Yes. I do.”
“Wonderful.” He then proceeded to explain his idea.
“Ice fishing?” Eleanor did not sound convinced.
