Chapter 13
Wynter
I take a deep breath. The VA hall is absolute, glorious chaos.
Every corner is occupied. Pairs of volunteers are wrapping and labeling their packages.
Some are perched at tiny card tables, others kneeling or sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Sall, Chad, and Nico man the check-in/check-out station like a well-oiled machine.
Handing out the gifts to wrap, logging them, then checking them back in once they’re wrapped and returned.
It's working, just slower than we’d hoped.
Finished gifts are sorted in another room under age flags we taped to the walls. I’ve been bouncing around filling in wherever someone needs a break.
Nico has been a lifesaver. He called the coffee shop and had them deliver urns of coffee, cups and donuts. Then he ordered in pizza for everyone. Volunteers fueled, morale stabilized.
We’re two-thirds done when the door swings open and Dom steps inside. He pauses to take in the chaos, spots Nico to my left, gives him a small nod, then heads straight for me.
“I’m sorry, Sis. I’m a douche. I should have been here for you. Put me to work. I’m here till the end.”
“What about Red Corvette?” I ask, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.
He winces. “I was an ass and inconsiderate. If it helps… I think I’ve grown up a little in the last few days. If you’ll have me, I’m staying until this is done.”
“We can use—”
“Come with me, Dom,” Nico interrupts gently. “Take over for me so I can get your sister some fresh air.” He looks at me. “Will you grab our coats?”
“Nico, we…”
“Ten minutes,” he says. “Just ten minutes of fresh air.”
I do as he asks, meeting him at the door. He takes my hand and we head down the street toward the coffee shop. He was right. With every step, tension uncoils a little more.
“I wonder what made Dom come back? Do you think everything is okay?”
“He called me earlier. I think he finally realized what matters. He loves you.”
Nico squeezes my hand. “Relax. You’ve done an amazing job. This is going to be the talk of the town for years. Actually, I’ve got an idea for next year.”
“You do?”
“Every business that donates or sponsors something gets a banner of recognition.”
I snort. “If the town’s still here.”
“It will be. With the right mayor and the right priorities, Frost Haven is going to thrive. People will be fighting to open shops here.”
One of the baristas comes out of the coffee shop and hands each of us a cup.
“How’d you know?” I ask.
She chuckles. “Nico had Sall text me to have your favorite ready. He said you wouldn’t stay away from the hall long. I’m off in thirty minutes, then I’ll be down to help.”
We walk a few more steps. “Everyone loves this town so much,” I murmur.
Nico stops and turns to face me. “Everyone loves you. The town is the better because of you, and they know it. Sall’s been telling me all day of the little things you’ve done here—the free dog wash for people who couldn’t manage it, the retirement home charity drive.
Every summer you would organize games and crafts at the park for all the kids.
The little things add up. People remember. They love and respect you.”
“My family—”
“Stop,” he says softly. “The town knows it wasn’t your parents. Maybe your grandparents, but not them. What kept this place going—this warmth, this heart—that’s you.”
I fall in step with him. What he said is true. I know my grandparents loved and supported the town. Mom and Dad… not so much.
“Oh, look,” I say suddenly, pointing. “Someone is coming out of the empty restaurant. I think that’s the relator with them. Do you think…? Oh, a new business would be amazing.” I glance up at him. “If it’s really good one, do you think Sven would keep his promise about cross-promotion?”
“Yes, he’ll keep his promise.”
The couple and the realtor glance over at us. The woman smiles before turning back. Then they all go into the empty building next door.
Back at the hall, three people in suits are standing to the side observing the activity. One spots me, smiles, and walks our way. “Wynter, just who we were looking for.”
“Mr. McDermott, what can I do for you?”
“Say yes.”
“Yes to what?”
“Yes, to becoming our mayor.”
“What?”
“The mayor resigned and skipped town last night after learning he was being investigated for fraud. The council is perusing legal action, but we’d like you to serve as interim mayor.
Would you consider it? You’ve already done more to bring business back here than he ever attempted.
” He gestures at the room full of laughing volunteers, wrapped gifts and holiday joy.
“You’ve brought heart back into the community. ”
“I…” I look at Nico. He smiles and nods. I feel a presence behind me.
Dom puts his hand on my shoulder. “Say yes, Wynter. You’re what this town needs.”
“Yes,” I whisper. “Yes.”
“Nico, where did Dom disappear to? We have his truck.” I kick off my boots, hang my coat, and set my laptop on the counter.
“He got a rental since we need the truck. He’s staying at the lodge for now.”
“Why? He always crashes at home.”
“He wanted a bed.”
I pause and look to the bed Nico and I’ve been sharing.
“Oh. Good point. He knows about us?”
“I told him. Asked his permission. That okay?”
My lips and my heart both smile. “I don’t need anyone’s permission. But… it makes me kind of happy that you asked him. What did he say?”
“The same thing I tell guys who date my sister. 'Hurt her and no one will find your body’.”