Page 19 of Holly and Ivar
Emma smiled, setting the food down.“Nice to meet you.We were all sorry to see that land go up for sale.But Winterwood is a friendly place.Whatever you decide to do with it, you’ll be welcome here.”
“Thank you.That’s very kind.”
“Are you thinking resort?Vacation cabins?”
“Nothing like that.Right now we’re just exploring.”
“And what kind of business are you in?”
“Toys,” Ivar said, and Holly braced for the reaction.
Emma blinked, then broke into a delighted laugh.“Of course you are.Well, in that case...”She pulled a flyer from her apron pocket and set it on the table.“Winterwood Christmas Carnival.It starts in a week.We have craft booths, carols, food, ice carving, you name it.We raise money so that every kid in town gets something special.On Christmas Eve, we have a breakfast with Santa event and hand out the gifts then.If your company wants to donate a few toys, we’d love that.”
“I’ll mention it to my father.”Holly tucked the flyer into her bag.
“And if you’re staying longer, we could always use another volunteer.”
“I don’t think I’ll be here that long.”At least she hoped not.
“Fair enough.Enjoy the soup.It will thaw your bones.”
Holly tasted the soup and nearly melted.Silky, sweet, and rich with maple and nutmeg.
They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Holly asked, “So where to next?”
Ivar leaned back in his chair.“You don’t waste a minute.”
“There’s a lot to see.”
“All work and no play.”
She arched an eyebrow.“Is that a warning or an invitation?”
He grinned, eyes crinkling at the corners.“Maybe both.If you’re serious about this land, you should see what it means to the people here.Not just the property lines.The heart of it.”
“I don’t really have time.”
“Make time,” he said, rising to his feet.“I have an idea.”
She narrowed her eyes.“This is the part where I’m supposed to be suspicious, right?”
“Only if you hate fun.”
The park ranger flashed her a grin that dared her to say no.
Whether it was that devilish smile or his blatant challenge, she didn’t know, but she found herself caving.“Okay then.”She stood, slipping the little maple-leaf cookie from her saucer into her pocket.“Lead the way.”
10
yule have fun, i promise
Ivar
Theypassedtheinn,stopping briefly so Ivar could collect Al from Liv’s office.The husky bounded into the snow as if he’d been launched from a cannon, tail flying, nose buried in powder.
As they drove toward his cabin, Ivar’s thoughts spun circles around one question: What on earth had he been thinking?
Bringing the polished, caffeine-fueled toy executive back to his home?
