Page 42 of Holly and Ivar
When her phone buzzed again, she slid it facedown on the table and switched it to silent.
Just for a few minutes.
“Morning, sunshine!”Liv called from behind the buffet table, wielding a coffee pot like a scepter of joy.“You’re practically glowing.”
“It’s your delicious pastries.”
“Uh-huh.”Liv’s grin widened.“You mean it’s not from our victory last night?”
Holly ducked her head, pretending to fuss with her napkin.“Pure luck.I just happened to know a few Christmas facts.”
Liv topped up her cup of coffee.“Afew?You were like a one-woman holiday encyclopedia.Even George looked impressed.”
“I may have taken a folklore course in college,” Holly said, wrapping both hands around her mug and enjoying the heat.
Liv arched a brow.“A folklore course, huh?Interesting.Seems like fate that you’d end up in Winterwood, then.”
“Fate’s a strong word,” Holly said lightly.
Liv leaned against the counter, her eyes twinkling.“Ivar also mentioned you might be sticking around a little longer than expected.Said something about your family moving ahead with the Hale land purchase?”
“Yes,” Holly said, careful to sound neutral.“That’s the plan.”
“Well, that’s fantastic news.”Liv’s smile brightened even further.“And since you’ll be around…” She hesitated.“Will you please, please,pleasehelp with the Carnival?”
“The Carnival?”Holly echoed.
“Yes.You organized that festival timeline like an angel descended from the North Pole.Everything’s running smoother than ever, but I could really use your help on-site today.”
Holly’s first instinct was panic.“On-site?As in… outdoors?”
Liv nodded cheerfully.“Exactly.Hanging banners, setting up booths, that sort of thing.”
“I’m not sure that’s where my strengths lie,” Holly said carefully.“I’m more of a—”
“Spreadsheet girl,” Liv finished for her.“I know.But George usually helps with the banners, and he twisted his ankle leaving trivia last night.I can’t do it, and Tess is short-staffed at the brewery.Please?”
Holly searched for a graceful escape route, but the little Kringle voice in her head—the one that sounded suspiciously like her grandfather—reminded her thatKringles help bring Christmas cheer wherever it’s needed.
“It wouldn’t hurt to keep busy, I suppose.”If she was staying in Winterwood, she might as well be useful.
Liv’s grin was triumphant.“Perfect!I’ll have Ivar pick you up in an hour.”
Holly’s mug paused mid-sip.“Ivar?”
“Well, yes.He’s been volunteered to help too,” Liv said innocently.“He’s got the ladder, the truck, and the muscle.And between the two of you, I’m confident the square will be sparkling in no time.”
Holly suspected there was more matchmaking than management behind this plan, but she couldn’t bring herself to protest.
“A morning with Ivar,” she said, mostly to herself, “sounds… productive.”
Liv didn’t even bother hiding her grin.“That’s one word for it.”
23
no elfing way
Holly
