Page 12 of Holly and Ivar
The smell of rich beef, roasted vegetables, and the faint sweetness of maple was intoxicating.Holly took a bite and almost groaned.The beef melted on her tongue, and the carrots and parsnips were soft and sweet.
“I think I’m in love,” she said before she could stop herself.
Liv laughed.“That’s why it’s my favorite.”
They were finishing the last of the bread when the dining room doors opened again.Two boys burst in, both flushed from the cold.A tall man followed at a calmer pace, shaking snow from his jacket.He was an inch or two over six feet, with blond hair poking out from under his beanie and glacier-blue eyes that seemed to hold a thousand secrets.Holly blinked.Where had that come from?
“Mom, we’re back from hockey,” the younger boy announced.
“I can see that,” Liv said, smiling.“I’m just finishing here.Homework, then bed.And thank Uncle Ivar.”
The boys chorused their thanks and bounded away.
“Sorry for the interruption,” Liv said, turning back to Holly.“That was my crew.We live behind the inn in a small house, so we’re close, but nottooclose.”She grinned.“Otherwise they’d eat through my profits.”
Liv turned to the man still standing nearby.“Join us.This is Ivar, my brother.He’s a park ranger.I believe I mentioned on the phone that he might be a good guide while you’re exploring the Hale property.”
Holly tried not to stare at those icy blue eyes, so she focused on the rest of him instead.With worn jeans, a plaid flannel shirt, and a brown barn jacket, he practically defined Vermont.
And yet, he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else at the moment.
“I don’t want to impose on anyone,” she said quickly.
“Nonsense,” Liv said.“Ivar knows the forest better than anyone.”
“Nice to meet you, Holly.”Ivar’s voice was low and steady.“What exactly does your family want it for?”
“An investment,” she said.
“In a forest?”His brow furrowed.“You’re not planning to log or build?”
“Not log, but maybe someday—”
“Sorry,” Liv cut in.“He’s protective of the land.It’s been a big topic in town.”
“I understand,” Holly said.“We’re simply exploring some options right now.”
“I’m free tomorrow, if you are,” Ivar said, only a hint of resignation slipping through as he glanced at his sister.“We can start early.”
It didn’t sound quite like an offer.Holly had the distinct impression he’d rather face a blizzard than play tour guide, but starting tomorrow instead of wasting the day finding someone else was fine with her.
“Okay,” she agreed.“That would be great.”
“Great,” he echoed.“If you’ll excuse me.”
He turned to go, but Liv’s hand shot out to stop him.“Can you grab Holly’s luggage from her car?I noticed she didn’t have any when she checked in.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Holly said.
“Nonsense,” Liv replied.“It’s cold out.Let him.”
Reluctantly, Holly handed over her key.“It’s the black Prius.”
Ivar nodded, gave his sister a look that translated toyou owe me,and disappeared through the door.
Holly stood, smiling.“Thank you again for dinner.I’m going to sleep like a log.”
“My pleasure,” Liv said, following her into the lobby.“Welcome to Winterwood, Holly.I have a feeling you’re going to like it here.”
