Chapter 2
Upstairs in the executive suite, she stepped off the elevator and turned toward Jack’s office.
The door was open, but her gaze was inevitably drawn toward the windows and the stunning winter landscape showcased perfectly beyond them.
Towering pines, the deep green spires frosted with sparkling white snow, marched up the slopes toward rugged snow-capped mountain peaks.
The thick forest hugged the city, despite the development and growth beyond historic Main Street.
To Evie, this was the best view in the world, a slice of heaven that brightened every day.
She and Wyatt were gladly teaching the boys that traveling was fun and important, confident about expanding their world as they grew.
But this place, this view, would always be her home.
The place where her heart could expand and breathe and she felt most like herself.
Although she knew firsthand that the mountains could be as treacherous as they were beautiful, she found that a fair trade-off for the honor of building a life out here. With a sigh, she turned to see Jack had come around his desk, striding her way, that indulgent smile on his face.
“You do this every time.” The observation was kind and his gaze full of friendly understanding.
“I don’t know how you get any work done,” she admitted.
“Guess that’s why they promoted me and not you.”
“That and a few million other reasons.”
He huffed, gave a nod. “How’s the winter wonderland going?”
“Everyone’s having a blast on the sled run, as usual.”
“We get emails every day from parents who are thankful to have something to keep the kids busy over the holiday break.”
“I can relate,” Evie said. She wasn’t a typical stay-at-home mom, but like every parent, she was grateful for the sled hill and all the other options for distracting hyped-up kids during the weeks away from school. “Tell me about this special request.”
He motioned to the long couch in front of the window and they sat down on separate ends. “It’s my cousin, Minnie.”
“Like the mouse?”
“No.” Jack laughed. “But that would’ve fit her. Growing up, she was a living miniature of her mom. The nickname stuck.” He shook his head. “Officially, they are now Melissa and Dave Woodson.”
The last name clicked. “You went to their wedding a few months ago.”
“End of August, that’s right.” He smiled. “Well, they didn’t take a long honeymoon—just a three-day weekend really—and she wants something memorable and fabulous for their first Christmas.” His brow flexed. “It sounds like the families might’ve been bickering about blending old and new traditions.”
“Oh, that can be tricky. Smart move to cut the argument short with a delayed honeymoon instead.” Evie dragged her gaze back from the mountain range. “How can we help?”
“They arrive late tonight. She made noises about a rustic cabin, but I know her. I convinced her to take one of the luxury suites and enjoy some fun wintery excursions. I’ve arranged for a small fresh tree in the room for them to decorate—”
“Brilliant idea.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping you and Wyatt can come up with ways to put a romantic spin on a few of the normal adventure packages.”
“Between now and Christmas?” She managed not to roll her eyes.
“I know it’s a lot—and last minute.”
“For your family, Jack? We’ll find a way.” She pulled up the schedule on her cell phone. “Wyatt’s snowshoeing tomorrow.” She chewed on her lip. “What about a private horse-drawn sleigh?”
“Yeah, I like that.” His face brightened. “She’ll love that kind of thing. And he’ll love doing what makes her happy.”
“Good man.” Evie skimmed through the schedule, looking for more options. “They’ll be here through Christmas?”
“Through New Year’s Day,” he replied. “It doesn’t all need to be crammed into the next few days. I’ve got New Year’s Eve covered and I’ve called in a favor with the spa for some couple packages too.”
“Okay, good.” She gave it more thought. “Dad can do the sleigh tour. He enjoys those. What if we have him drive the sleigh up to one of the picnic spots, give them time for a walk and a cozy winter lunch or something?”
“Loving that.” Jack’s pen moved across the page in the notebook propped on his knee. “I’ll take care of the picnic food. Keep going.”
She chuckled. “Hiking out to the frozen falls in Spearfish?” she suggested. “Can’t beat it for memorable photos.”
“Another picnic stop?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I was thinking more along the lines of a first-Christmas photo shoot. We can squeeze that in on the twenty-third, weather permitting. Cottonwood will provide the hot chocolate, cookies, and whatever holiday themed props the photographer suggests. Afterward they can choose the photos they want for ornaments or prints for framing.”
“Great. You’re good at this,” Jack said. “I know you think you got the better end of the partnership deal, but I disagree. Silver Aces wins again.”
“House always does.” Her stomach gurgled.
“You need to eat,” Jack said. “Want me to call the kitchen?”
“Not unless you’ve got something else in mind for your cousin. This close to Christmas, I don’t think we can add much more in the way of private outdoor tours. But have them swing by the office to book themselves for any events between Christmas and New Years.”
“You’re sure you can accommodate them?”
“Of course,” she assured him. “Lisa and I will get a newlywed welcome basket ready for their room. Matching scarves, gloves, and cozy, after-adventure socks. You know the drill. We’ll add their excursion details and coupons for the store if they need any gear.
Plus some coupons for the Holiday Trading Post, so they can start their own holiday decor collection. ”
“Again, I say brilliant.”
“Happy to impress.” She gave a regal nod.
After years of delaying good marketing tactics while battling her dad’s depression, it was rewarding to see her ideas making a big splash now.
Standing, she smiled at her friend. “Congrats again to the newlyweds. I’d better get back so we can get this together.
You’re sure you’ve got the picnic covered? ”
“Just text me the departure time and I’ll make sure the kitchen has it ready to go.”
“That works.”
Jack stood as well. “You’ll be at the party tomorrow night?” Jack asked as he walked her to the elevator. “I’ve invited Minnie and Dave.”
“You mean Mr. and Mrs. Woodson?”
He laughed at himself. “Them too. I’d love to introduce you.”
“We’ll be there. Wyatt and I are excited about our grown-up date.” Now she rolled her eyes. “I sound like the boys.”
Jack winked at her. “Be sure to tell them Uncle Jack hasn’t forgotten it’s Christmas.”
“I will not tell them any such thing.” She poked his shoulder. “They’re too excited already. You will be a wonderful surprise at Christmas dinner.”
“Guess that’s more than fair.” He gave her a quick hug when the elevator arrived.
Whether it was the hormones or the season, she found herself blinking away happy tears as she reveled in her wonderful life. In her mind she ticked off every good thing: a fabulous husband, healthy kids, awesome friends, and the career she’d dreamed of for as long as she could remember.
She even had her dad back, involved and full of life and love once again. He might be more excited for a new grandchild than the four of them put together. She couldn’t wait to find out. Alone in the elevator, she touched her belly, enjoying the earliest days of one more miracle in the making.