Page 22 of Christmas on Ice
“Yeah. You know it?”
I chuckled, and then the chuckle turned into a laugh, and then the tears came. I barely noticed Brenna return to the bar. I gave her back her phone and swiped at my eyes. I probably looked a mess, but I really didn’t care.
Talk about a clear sign. Yeesh.
Poor Trask. His confused expression was priceless. And adorable.
“What did you say to her?” Brenna asked.
He shrugged. “Just that my sister was getting married at a bee farm.”
Her eyes widened, and she looked at me.“Ellis’sBee Farm? In Summerville?”
“Yeah. You know it, too?”
“Of course I do.” Brenna looked at me. “You didn’t tell him?”
I wiped my eyes. I had to get myself together. With the cost of flights at the holidays plus missed time off work, I hadn’t even considered making a trip this year. But if he covered the flights, it was doable.What a gift.I forced a smile. “Haven’t had the chance. I’m sorry I reacted like this, Trask. Oh, wow. Yes, Ryleigh and I would love to be your dates to your sister’s wedding.” I couldn’t wait to call my mother later and let her know we were back on for a family Christmas.
“Even if it’s at a bee farm? I know it sounds unusual, but she says the bees are separate from where the guests are allowed, and it’s the prettiest venue around.”
“Oh, it definitely is,” Brenna said. “Kami’s family owns it. Her maiden name is Ellis.”
“No freaking way!” Trask’s grin was so big, I just wanted to hug him. “I think I would have reacted the same way. That’s so cool.”
“It is. My sisters have done a great job of sprucing up the old barn and surrounding area over the last couple years. It’s gorgeous.” It really was. If I ever got married again …stop that thought dead in its tracks, Kamryn.
Brenna leaned on the bar. “So gorgeous, after I saw it, I decided to do something similar with our old barn. If I can get it cleared soon and find a reliable contractor, I’m hoping to be doing weddings out back by the end of next summer.”
“That’s great, Brenna.” Trask nodded toward the function room and grinned. “Trotter mentioned helping you clean it out.”
“Yeah, yeah. Speaking of.” She turned back to me. “I need to get those days figured out. Thanksgiving, you’re working, and I’m dining with Ryleigh. Friday, you’re off and I’m working. Saturday, I’ve got Ryleigh while you head out to collect your soil samples, and I’ll stay over since you’ll be back super late. Is it okay if I take her to the barn? The team is off that day, and Brendan said he can round up a few guys to help get the big items out.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. I really appreciate you taking her, Brenna.”
“I’ve told you so many times—I love that kid.” She pulled me into a side hug. “I’m happy to help.”
“I know,” I whispered. “You’re the best.” I turned back to Trask as she scooted off. “So what can I get you?”
“Just water. Where’s Ryleigh tonight?”
“She’s with her dad this weekend.” I picked up a glass, scooped ice, and grabbed the hose to fill it up. When I handed it to him, our eyes met, and I quickly let go.
“That’s cool. What do you have planned for tomorrow?”
Was that a leading question? I wished I had nothing planned so I could find out. “Reading. I noticed a discrepancy in my research, and I need to nail it down before I head into the mountains next Saturday to recollect some samples at my sites. I need to verify some data.”
He nodded and leaned back in his seat. “That’s cool. So are you a geologist, then? What do you want to do when you get your PhD?”
“Earth science. Soil and the effects of weather on structure and formation, specifically, and in turn how that affects plant growth. I’ve always been fascinated with all the different soil groups and map units in the Lowcountry. The mountain soils are so different from the marshy and clay types in the South. Choosing to get my degree here widens my scope of knowledge. But eventually, I’d really like to teach college students back home.”
“I hear ya. There’s no place like the Lowcountry.” His expression turned serious, and suddenly I felt like we were the only people in the restaurant.
“No.” My breath hitched as a warm tingle made its way up my arms to my shoulders. “No, there isn’t.”
“Nothing like it,” he said softly.
I shivered as our gazes held. “I should, um, check in on the function room.” Servers had brought out the catering that had been called in ahead of time, but it was my room to oversee and work. I’d only meant to step out of the room for a minute to take my mother’s call.
