Page 22 of Mine For The Winter

“How’re things going?” North asked. Kris was hammering the nail into a sign cut into the shape of a pointing finger, withChristmas Trail This Waypainted onto the front. After he’d left the tavern he’d come straight here, having promised Alaska he’d help with the final preparations for the trail.

It was due to open tomorrow at lunch time. They just had the tree to set up and a few last minute checks to do in the morning light, because right now the sky was darkening and there were a few rogue snowflakes dancing around in the breeze. He had a lamp set up, but they wouldn’t be able to turn the floodlights on until the electrician checked them in the morning.

“Almost there,” he told his brother. After the day he’d arrived to town, he hadn’t seen so much of North. He was busy at the farm, managing everything because Amber was pregnant and he didn’t want her to work so hard.

“I heard you rescued a damsel in distress today.” There was a half smile on North’s lips.

“I helped Kelly out, yeah.”

North nodded but said nothing.

“Come on, if you want to say it, say it.” Kris shook his head, a smile playing at his lips. “If you want the full details, I rescued Cole. Kelly just kind of came along for the ride.”

“That’s not how I heard it,” North said mildly. “From what I heard, you stayed with her car until Charlie came with his pickup, then helped him back at the garage. And that’s why you’re still working here in the dark.”

Kris stepped back to make sure the sign was straight. Yeah, it would past muster. Or in this case, Alaska’s scrutiny.

“Just helping out a friend in need.”

“So you and Kelly are friends again?” North asked.

Kris’ mouth felt dry. “Not quite.” But he wanted to be. Wanted a lot of things. Mostly to make up for all the mistakes he’d made. Wasn’t that why he was here, to mend all those fences he’d trampled?

“Hey,” Amber called out, walking over to where they were standing. “Alaska has some hot chocolate in the foyer. You guys coming in?”

“Where’s Willow?” North asked her.

“Already drinking hers. Although in her case it’s warm chocolate. And mostly whipped cream and marshmallows.” Amber smiled. “Alaska spoils her.”

“Everybody does,” North agreed, not looking perturbed at all. He glanced at Kris. “You coming in?”

“I just want to check a few things out here first.”

“We’ll be inside in a sec,” North told Amber. “Get inside before you freeze.”

He watched her walk back into the Inn then turned to Kris. “Let’s finish up for the night. I want to make sure Amber takes it easy. She’s too pregnant to be doing so much.”

“You looking forward to being a dad again?” Kris asked.

“Yeah, I can’t wait.” North beamed. “Willow’s so excited to be a big sister, too.”

“You’re a sap,” Kris teased, but he liked seeing his brother so happy. There was a time he never thought North would settle down.

“You wait until you find the right woman. And have a kid…” North trailed off, suddenly realizing what he’d said. “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean—”

“It’s fine,” Kris said quickly, because he didn’t want to get into this discussion right now. Another mess he’d made, this time all the way in Europe.

“You ever see her?”

“Yeah. Last time I saw them, they’re both doing fine.” Without him. He’d thought he could be a good husband and stepfather. Turned out he couldn’t.

North touched his arm. “It’s good to have you back. Whatever your reasons for being here.”

“Yeah, it’s good to be back,” Kris said. And it was true. He just wished everybody felt the same way.

* * *

Kelly really thought she’d gotten away with it and that Kris had forgotten or thought better of coming back to the Tavern. She’d locked the door after the last customer left, then spent the next half hour cleaning the tables and the bar, before starting the dishwasher as she pulled on her coat and picked up her purse to walk the mile and a half home.

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