Page 75 of Holly and Ivar
Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused for a moment before she saw Chad.“You came,” she whispered.
“Of course I came.You’re my sister,” he said, breathless, his voice rough.He kneeled beside her, pulling her into his arms.“You could’ve frozen out here, Ro.”
She let out a trembling laugh.“I told you I’d be fine.I just needed to think.”
“Next time,” Chad said, holding her tighter, “think somewhere warm.”
Ivar stood, scanning the trees as the pulse that had guided him faded into a slow, steady rhythm.
He glanced down at the siblings.Chad murmured something that made Rowan smile through her tears.Their relief was palpable.Chad still had his fear, but it was nothing compared to the love for his sister.
When Rowan was steady enough to stand, Ivar helped her to her feet.She leaned against her brother, weak but smiling.
“Let’s get you home,” Ivar said.“I’m going to carry you to the snowmobile and wrap you up warmly in the rescue sled.It’ll be a bit bumpy, but I’ll radio for someone to meet us at the trailhead.”
They made their way back to the snowmobile in silence.
With Rowan secured and warm, Ivar started the engine, glancing once more into the dark forest.The pines stood still, sentinel and ancient.And for a moment, he thought he saw a faint green glow deep among the trees, like a breath of the aurora.
He turned back to the trail, the rumble of the machine carrying them toward Winterwood.Back toward home.
38
holly-day forecast: complicated
Holly
WhileshewaitedforIvar to get back from the hospital, Holly searched his cupboards.He’d texted that Rowan was fine and would be home soon, so she busied herself with finding something to make for dinner.
Al walked into the kitchen and stretched out across the floor.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” she told the dog.“My culinary skills are limited.”
She opened the fridge, relieved to find eggs and cheese.“It will be either omelets or scrambled eggs, depending on how they turn out.Sound good, Al?”
Al’s tail thumped on the floor.She’d wait a few more minutes before starting so the food would be hot for Ivar’s arrival.
With the land issue resolved, the Yule Tree would be safe.And yet, beneath the relief, her thoughts tumbled, because it was time for her to return home.
Christmas Eve was only two weeks away.She should be at NED, overseeing logistics, scheduling sleigh routes, reviewing last-minute toy reports.She’d built her whole career—her life—on keeping Christmas running like clockwork.
But now, in Ivar’s kitchen, with a fire crackling and a dog at her feet, she decided to step back, take a breath, and let someone else run the show.Just this year—she wasn’t quitting; she’d never do that—but she needed a break.She didn’t want the season to feel like a deadline anymore.
And she didn’t want to spend the season without Ivar.They’d been through too much, their connection too strong, for her to leave at what she considered the beginning ofthem.
Confident in her decision, she pulled out her phone and dialed.
Rita picked up on the second ring.“Boss?Everything all right?Are you still in Vermont, or are you home?”
Home.Ivar was home.“I’m still in Vermont, and I’m staying here for Christmas.”
There was a pause.“Staying?But the Christmas Eve run—”
“I know.That’s why I’m calling.Nicola and Finn are ready.It’s time they took the route.They can each do half.”
“You’re serious?”Rita’s voice dropped to a whisper, as if someone might overhear.“Holly Kringle is taking a vacation?”
“Don’t sound so horrified,” Holly teased.“It’s for professional development.For them and for me.”
