Chapter 16 Jack #2
Abe’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “Darlene? I thought that was you in the kitchen earlier. Sorry, I didn’t stop to chat. But I had a lot to do.”
Mrs. Hurling’s cheeks flushed pink. “I completely understand, Abe.”
“It’s been a while,” Abe said, standing politely. “How have you been?”
“Getting along,” Mrs. Hurling said. “And you?”
“The same,” Abe said.
They stood there for a moment, and Jack suddenly realized he was witnessing something significant. These two knew each other. And judging by the way they were looking at each other, there was history there.
“How do you two know each other?” Jack asked.
“Grief support group,” Mrs. Hurling said softly. “In St. Augustine, many years ago.”
An idea began forming in Jack’s mind. A way to thank both of these good people who had helped him so much.
“Abe,” Jack said, “I’d like to invite you and your wife to the Winter Ball tomorrow night. As my guest.”
“That’s kind of you,” Abe said, his smile fading slightly. “But I’m a widower. Have been for nine years now. And I can’t accept gifts or anything that might be seen as a bribe. It could compromise my position.”
Jack was impressed by Abe’s integrity. The man could have easily accepted, and no one would have known. But he was honest enough to decline.
“I understand,” Jack said. “I respect that.”
Mrs. Hurling had turned to leave, but now she paused at the door. Then, as if making a sudden decision, she turned back, her cheeks flushing an even deeper pink.
“I have a plus-one ticket for the Winter Ball,” Mrs. Hurling said, the words coming out in a rush.
“If you would like to join me, Abe. It’s the least I can do.
You were all such a help at the support group, and you went out of your way to come here today to sort out this mess.
” She twisted her hands together nervously.
“I mean, if you’d like to. No pressure. I just thought. ..”
Abe’s face broke into a warm smile. “Darlene, I would be delighted to accept.”
Mrs. Hurling’s eyes widened with pleased surprise. “Really?”
“Really,” Abe confirmed.
“Oh, wonderful,” Mrs. Hurling said, looking flustered and happy. “We should exchange numbers. I can pick you up, or you can pick me up, or we can meet there, whatever you prefer.”
Jack watched the exchange with growing satisfaction. Behind Mrs. Hurling, he caught sight of his mother standing in the hallway. Julie’s eyes met his, and she smiled knowingly. She’d seen the whole thing.
Abe and Mrs. Hurling exchanged phone numbers, both of them smiling like teenagers planning their first date.
After Mrs. Hurling left, looking happier than Jack had ever seen her, Abe returned to reviewing the paperwork. But there was a lightness to him now, a spring in his step.
Finally, Abe set down the last document and looked at Jack.
“Are we going to be able to have the ball?” Jack asked, unable to keep the anxiety from his voice.
Abe smiled. “Jack, I can see that all the required work has been completed. The repairs are solid, the workmanship is excellent, and everything is up to code. I’ll need to go back to my office and write up the official report, but I can tell you right now that you’ll pass.”
Relief flooded through Jack so powerfully that he had to grip the edge of his desk. “We passed?”
“You passed,” Abe confirmed. “I’ll file the report this afternoon. You’re cleared to operate. Keep the inn open, have your ball, and enjoy your Christmas.”
After Abe left, promising to see them all at the ball and send the report as soon as it was done, Jack sat at his desk in stunned silence.
His mother appeared in the doorway.
“Jack?”
He looked up at her, and she must have seen something in his face because she rushed forward.
“We passed,” Jack said, his voice breaking. “Mom, we passed the inspection.”
Julie’s hands flew to her mouth, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “Oh, thank goodness. Oh, Jack.”
She pulled him into a fierce hug, and Jack hugged her back, both of them crying with relief and joy.
When they finally pulled apart, Jack wiped his eyes and laughed shakily. “I don’t know what to do. For the first time in months, I don’t have a crisis to deal with.”
“Why don’t you go take a walk or have a nap?” Julie suggested.
“Where is everyone?” Jack asked, suddenly realizing the inn was quieter than usual.
“They all went into town,” Julie told him. “To collect some last-minute things for Christmas and for the lantern decorating activity tonight.”
Tonight. The word hit Jack with the weight of a miracle.
They were going to have tonight. They were going to have tomorrow and Christmas. The inn was saved. The ball would happen. Thanks to everyone who had helped, and thanks to one honest man who had come to right a wrong in his department.
Maybe they’d pulled off a miracle after all.
“You could always take Duke for a walk,” Julie gave him another suggestion, realizing Jack was too keyed up to sleep.
An idea struck Jack. He’d been planning to fetch Brandy this evening, but he was sure Detective Bruce wouldn’t mind if he picked her up now. That way, when everyone got home, he could introduce them all to the newest member of the family. Mrs. Duke, he thought with a laugh.
“Are you okay?” Julie asked, eyeing him curiously.
Jack stood and kissed his mother’s cheek. “For the first time in a long, long time, Mom, I’m okay. I’m really okay.”
He turned and walked out of the inn, his heart lighter than it had been in months.
They’d done it. Against all odds, through all the obstacles, they’d saved the Christmas Inn.
Okay, well, that was a bit premature. They didn’t have to shut down for Christmas!
One step at a time, Jack, we are not completely out of the woods yet.
There was still the threat of debt and foreclosure. But for now he’d take this win.