Chapter 18
18
"Just like that. Right in the middle of my forehead," Frankie said with a dramatic wave of her hand, causing another round of laughter to ripple through the kitchen.
"You should have seen Joe’s face," Chris added, his grin widening as he painted the scene for everyone around the table.
Joe stepped into the kitchen as if on cue, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. "What about me?"
"Oh, we were just telling them about the snowball fight," Frankie replied, her voice light with amusement.
Nick, who was balancing a tray of food, looked up and waved Joe over. "Let me fix you a plate, Joe. I made a special dish to test on you guys tonight."
Nick set the tray down with a flourish, his eyes twinkling with pride as he began serving up hearty portions of the dish he'd spent the evening perfecting. The kitchen was already alive with the happy buzz of laughter, clinking silverware, and the comforting scent of a home-cooked meal that filled every corner. Around the table, everyone was already digging in, passing plates, and trading stories. The warmth in the room was undeniable — a blend of family and festivity that made the Christmas Inn feel like the heart of the holiday.
Joe accepted Nick's plate with a quiet nod of thanks, but his expression softened as soon as he took that first bite. The tension in his shoulders eased, and though he didn’t say a word, the satisfied gleam in his eyes said everything. Nick's grin widened as Joe took another bite, this time slower, savoring the flavors. The dish was a hit. It was one of those rare moments when everything felt right — family, food, and just the hint of peace Joe hadn’t felt in a long time.
"It’s divine," Gloria said, her eyes twinkling as she took another mouthful. "Practically melts in your mouth."
"Agreed," Devyn added, wiping the corner of her mouth with a napkin, clearly savoring each bite.
Abe leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips as he looked around the table. "Well, it sounds like you all had a good time today."
"Sounds like old times," Nick replied. "Next time, wait for me."
"Me too," Sam said, smiling as she glanced around the group.
Chris, always quick to praise, spoke up between bites. "This is really good, Nick. You should put it on the regular menu here."
Joe had been standing by the door, his plate in hand, clearly distracted. "See you all later," he muttered, turning to leave.
"Wait, where are you going?" Chris called after him. "Sit. Have a meal with the family."
Joe paused, looking around the table at the group seated before him — his brothers, friends, and family. His smile was weak, barely reaching his eyes. "I can’t. I’ve got to cover the sleigh service schedule line."
"Sleigh service?" Nick’s curiosity piqued.
Abe, ever the voice of reason and wisdom, explained. "Oh, Joe had this wonderful idea to offer sleigh service to guests to get around the property."
"Like a taxi service?" Frankie asked, her brow lifting with interest.
"Precisely," Abe nodded. "Guests call ahead, schedule a time. First come, first served kind of thing."
Gloria clapped her hands together softly, beaming. "What a wonderful idea."
Joe shrugged modestly. "Golf carts don’t do snow well in some areas, but a horse-drawn sleigh can get just about anywhere."
Frankie, always brimming with ideas, leaned forward, her mind already racing. "A scheduler. You need an automated scheduler on your website. Better yet, an app."
Chris grinned, not one to miss an opportunity to keep the banter going. "And while you’re at it, you should put this dish on the menu."
Joe glanced down at his plate, which was nearly empty by now. "This really is great, Nick," he admitted. "Thank you. I’ll take it with me. I better get going."
With a nod to everyone at the table, Joe made his way toward the door once again, the plate still in hand.
"Joe..." Frankie’s voice was soft, a hint of concern threading through it.
But Joe didn’t stop. He left without another word, the kitchen falling into a brief, uneasy silence as the door swung shut behind him.
Chris looked around, breaking the quiet. "Was it something I said?"
The weight of Joe’s absence hung in the air, palpable among the remaining group.
Frankie sighed, her eyes lowering to her plate. "I think it was something we all said."
Frankie strolled along the snow-dusted path, the soft crunch of her boots the only sound in the crisp night air. She couldn't help but grin as a sleigh jingled by. The couple in the back snuggled close under a blanket, laughing as they passed. The magic of Christmas was in full swing, and the scene warmed her heart.
As she neared Joe’s cabin, something caught her eye. She slowed, noticing the once-porch-perched Christmas tree now sitting proudly in the front window, though still undecorated. A small smile tugged at her lips. Progress.
With a final glance at the cabin, she continued on her way, her breath coming out in puffs. The warmth of the moment lingering as she headed back to her cozy cabin… her mind swirling with a new plan.