Page 24 of Tis the Season for Sass
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“So, this is it? Our parents’ house? It’s amazing,” Ginger said, staring at the sprawling cabin with a wraparound covered porch.
“Yep. It’s a lot of things, but I’m sure ‘amazing’ isn’t one of them. It’s been empty for so many years and it needs a ton of work. I have my own place now, but I couldn’t bear to sell the old house, or even rent it out. I think, now, I know why,” James said, handing Ginger a set of keys.
“Seriously? Just like that?”
“Well, it’s not exactly move-in ready. The electricity will be back on this week and some plumbing work will be finished too. Anyway, it’s your house, too, after all. Besides, everyone else in Black Paw has been trying to convince you to stick around, this is my contribution to the community effort. Do you think you’d be ready to move in by next weekend?”
“Uh, hell yeah. I don’t even care if I have to sleep on the floor.”
“No need for that, it’s fully furnished. Come on, let’s look inside.”
Entering the great room, she ran her hand over the field stone which was used to build the massive fireplace. Pulling off the dustcovers, she revealed well-used but comfortable furniture. Her pace quickened, anxious to uncover everything and see every room. Her newly recovered childhood memories were finally put into context. “I can’t believe it. This is our home, James. I never thought I’d find it.”
“And now it’s your home,” he replied.
Ginger’s mind swirled as she made a mental list of what she could do to bring the place to life. “When will the workers be done this week?”
“By Wednesday. Chance said he’d—"
“Wait, did you say Chance?”
“Yeah, he does electrical work, construction, a jack of all trades. If you think there will be a problem, I can see what I can do. But I can’t promise that I’ll be able to find anyone else on such short notice.”
“No, no. It’s fine,” Ginger sighed. “I’ll just stop back on Thursday.”
But by Tuesday, her curiosity had gotten the best of her. Slowing her jeep, she stealthily drove past the cabin. Sure enough, Chance’s truck was parked out front.
“This is so childish. It’s my fucking house. Why should I avoid it? Just because he’ll be all over me?”
“Let me go to him. Now! I’ll deal with him,”her wolf growled.
“What the hell is getting into you? You suddenly getting the mating itch too?”
“Now!”
“Calm the fuck down or I drive away right now.”She stopped the jeep and watched from a distance. Chance opened the front door, carrying a spool of wire and a tool belt.
She wanted to see him, just to talk and spend some time with him. But her wolf was pacing anxiously, ready to pounce. It isn’t what she wanted to happen, not yet, if at all.
Tilting his head back and then scanning his surroundings, he seemed to sense something. Then he looked straight at her.
“Damn, is he actually catching my scent?”
“Of course, he is. He is ours after all!”
Ginger hit the gas, ice and gravel spitting out behind her. “Now I feel stupid.”
Returning to Sofia’s, she debated with herself. Should she bring up the fact that she’d gone to spy on Chance?
“So, when is the big day?”
“Thursday morning,” she said cheerily. “I can’t wait.”
“Do you really think Chance will stop coming around? He’s not the kind of guy to sit and wait, pining away for you. And if you factor in the he’s convinced you’re his mate, he’s definitely not stopping.”
“You know what? Let him show up. I’ll handle his ass.”
