Chapter 12
Sadie
“A snowmobile?” I blink, looking at the machine in front of me.
”Yeah, you’ve never ridden one?”
I give him a look. “Not in Manhattan, no.”
Is that a trace of a smirk? It’s gone before I can make it out. Oh, he’s a wise guy all of a sudden.
“When the snow gets really thick, which will be any day now, I’ll take you for a ride.”
I swallow. “Uh, okay. Am I expected to ride this deathtrap by myself?”
“Death trap?” For the first time, he chuckles. My heart races at the mere sound. “Not if you don’t feel comfortable, but it’s a handy skill to have.”
Skills.
I have skills! They involve office work and administration, not riding around on giant snowmobiles — I don’t care, it is another word for deathtrap. Not for the first time, I wonder what I’m even doing here, then I remember my horrible life back in New York.
I glance up as Zane opens the gate to the tree farm.Yes, they have a security gate.
It seems the good people of Alpine Falls can get a little overzealous as soon as the farm opens its gates. And I’ve also learned there’s a waitlist, and people get told when they can come and collect their tree. You’d never get away with shit like this in New York, I love it.
The property is magnificent. The backdrop of mountains behind acres and acres of trees as far as the eye can see is not just mystical, it’s magical.
Just as we’re taking a walk through the farm itself, little snowflakes begin to fall.
We have snow in New York, but not like this.
We also don’t have a lake that freezes over in the wintertime, turning Alpine Falls into a winter wonderland so people can ice skate and enjoy the festivities.
This town goes all out as well. I’ve seen photos over the years that Bailey has sent me, and I have to say, this little haven takes decoration to a whole new level.
There’s tree decorating competitions, bake-offs, treasure hunts, cookouts, an ornament repair shop — and everyone is genuinely happy.
Well, with the exception of my new boss.
The only smile I got was when we went into the stables and he saw his horses.
I get it. He’s not a people person, some people aren’t.
But his frosty exterior doesn’t fool me.
I’d be willing to bet there’s a heart in that big chest of his after all.
Bailey didn’t give much away, aside from the facts we already know; he’s a grump who never smiles, but there has to be a reason for it.
I make a mental note to ask her more questions, not that I care.
I mean, he’s been polite enough — aside from the lettuce leaf comment, and the fact that I cried — but I get the feeling I’m more a thorn in his side, when really I’m just here to help.
He needs to get over the fact his sister hired me and just trust in the process.
I check my phone and frown. Oh, no. It’s been going off for ages in my pocket, on silent but vibrating, and I didn’t want to check it in front of Zane. It’s not exactly a good first impression if all I’m doing is checking my phone on my orientation.
It’s my ex.
I don’t know how he got this number, but I recognize his. How in the world did he track me down? And why? I have nothing to say to that cheating asshole, so I don’t read the messages. Not yet. I don’t want to ruin my first day here on the farm.
I hum to myself as we walk through rows and rows of trees, the smell of pine needles permeating my senses. I don’t want to think about my ex, or what the hell he wants after all this time. All I want to do is enjoy walking around the farm with a clear path, physically and mentally.
“We have all kinds of trees,” Zane is saying.
“The Douglas fir is the most common and popular because of its shape and size, and durability. Then we have a lodgepole pine, it’s hardy and traditional, but they get really tall.
We’ve also have a new variety of blue spruce this year, and we’re trialing the white fir.
It’s a Wyoming native and an evergreen. It’s gotta pass the Lawless test, but that won’t be for another season. ”
I take mental notes because I’m probably expected to remember all of this.
“They’re so beautiful,” I say. “I can see how people get really into the Christmas spirit when they come out here.”
He grunts in response.
Zane is going to be hard work, that I’ve already worked out, but if he thinks he can sour my mood, he’s got another thing coming.
This town isn’t so bad. It’s small, but not tiny.
And it’s quaint. I need to rethink my dining options, however, especially if The Perky Porch is my only option for takeout.
It looks like I’m gonna have to learn how to expand my culinary skills.
I’m not the greatest cook in the world, but I try.
It also doesn’t help that New York has some of the finest vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the world, so I’m a little spoiled for choice.
Alpine Falls, Wyoming, however? Umm, not so much. Still, it’s not the end of the world. Eating out costs money, and I need to save every penny and take all the shifts I can get my hands on right now.
“Why hello there, little lady,” a voice from behind booms.
I jump, not realizing there was anyone out here but us.
A man a little shorter than Zane, but just as solid, waves a hand… and he’s riding a horse. He’s wearing a cowboy hat, a winter coat, full chaps and a big grin.
He jumps down off his horse with ease, his snow boots imprinting the ground below, and tells ‘Butterscotch’ to stay. Thrusting a large hand toward me, he says, “I’m Frank, Zane’s father, you must be Sadie.”
I shake his hand, thankful that he’s friendly. “Hello, Mr. Lawless—”
“Now, now,” he chastises. “It’s Frank. Mr. Lawless is my father.” He gives me a wink, then thumbs to his son. “This one givin’ you any trouble?”
“Aside from a walk in the woods, a history lesson on the regeneration of Christmas trees native to Wyoming, and the snowball fight we just had — that I won — he’s on his best behavior.”
Frank stares at me for a fraction of a second, then bursts out laughing, his hands slapping his knees. Of course we didn’t have a snowball fight, but if we did, I’m sure I would win. “She’s a keeper,” he says as he wipes tears from his eyes.
I can’t even imagine Zane Lawless doing anything fun like making snowballs, but I’m glad I made his dad laugh.
Zane gruffs. “If anyone had a snowball fight around here, it’s fairly obvious that I have a distinct advantage,” he drawls.
“I don’t know? What she may lack in height and brawn, she sure makes up for in attitude,” Frank says, still laughing.
Well, I’m glad someone around here finds me funny. This has been a tough crowd all morning. “I’m from Manhattan,” I explain.
“Ah,” Frank says, tipping his hat. “Well, I’m very pleased to meet you, Sadie. If there’s anything we can do to make your stay a little more comfortable, just let us know.”
“I’ll do that,” I say. “Thank you.”
“She’s stayin’ with Bailey.” Zane deadpans.
“Now, now, that won’t do,” Frank says. “To experience the full Lawless family traditions, the Lodge has been especially designed for our staff. We value our workers around here.”
“She’s fine,” Zane answers for me. “Plus, it’ll be one less bed to worry about for the other staff comin’ and goin’ over the holidays.”
“Oh, I may need a place to stay soon because Bailey’s parents come in for Christmas.” I waft over that, hoping it won’t be an issue.
“My son is practical,” Frank whispers behind the back of his hand. “But I insist you come to dinner on Christmas Day, that’s if you don’t have any other plans?”
“Pops,” Zane mutters.
I’m taken aback. He’s so warm and friendly — unlike his oldest offspring — it’s making me feel a little confused.
Frank looks between the two of us. “What? Sadie’s got no family here, it’ll be nice for her to spend some time with our family since she’s now part of it.”
He’s such a sweet man.
“Dad, she’s an employee, and her folks stay in Silver Pines every year.”
I ignore Zane. “Thank you, Frank, that would be lovely. I’m surprising my parents soon before their big trip. They’re gonna be thrilled having me so close this Christmas.”
“Why, that’s just the sweetest thing, you hear that, Zane?”
“Yep, standin’ right here,” Zane replies, looking less than impressed.
“Well, the more the merrier,” Frank enthuses. “Welcome to Alpine Falls, Sadie. I hope you’ll be happy here, and I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
“I’m very happy to be here,” I tell him as he smiles, heading back to his horse. “I appreciate the opportunity.”
I can feel Zane’s eyes on me, he’s probably looking down his nose skeptically. I get he runs the place, but I’m not totally useless. And I also haven’t even been given a chance yet to prove myself. At least Frank isn’t judging me.
“Oh, and honey?” Frank gives me a pointed look. “You’re gonna need some snow boots.”
Yep, everyone seems to be noticing my ridiculous outerwear. “You got any, sweetheart?”
I shake my head. “No, sir.”
He looks at Zane. “Get her sorted out at the outfitters today.” He turns his attention to the sky. “Storms comin’ in, snow will be as thick as a bison’s ass by the weekend.”
I roll my lips. I really like Frank.
“Got it, Dad,” Zane sighs.
Then he takes off on Butterscotch. I watch after him, then say, “That did just happen, right?”
“My dad,” he explains. “If you didn’t guess, he’s a cowboy, albeit a semi retired one. After thirty years on this very farm, he still loves it like it’s his first day on the job.”
“He seems like a lot of fun, and he clearly loves it,” I agree.
“He’s the best ranch hand this side of the mountain, a hard worker, and he likes to meddle, just like my grandpa.”
“Well, I think he’s very sweet.” Why didn’t you get that gene?
“Don’t feel obliged about the Christmas thing,” Zane says. “He’s like that to all the newcomers.”
Everyone is so welcoming, not like New York, where nobody gives a shit where you’re from or where you’re going. The Lawless family, minus Zane, all seem quite lovely.
“Oh, I’ll be sure to pop in for a bit,” I say wildly. “It would be bad manners not to accept an invitation over the holidays.” Ass.
He flexes his jaw, and I roll my eyes as he turns. “So, that’s the farm.”
“Great. Oh, and just so you know, I’m really good at snowball fights, just in case you thought I was kidding.”
Anything to try and get him to smile. I’m sure his face could light up like one of his beloved Christmas trees when he tries, but I’m not going to be privy to that.
He stops in his tracks, then turns his huge body to look over his shoulder down at me. I don’t know why a little thrill runs through me, but it’s hot. He’s hot.
“You’re gonna regret saying that.”
I lift a brow. “Is that a challenge?”
He shakes his head. “Oh, Manhattan, you’re in for a world of hurtin’.”
The way he says Manhattan.
I stand my ground. “I’ll remember you said that.”
His lips twitch and we stare at each other for a fraction too long. He clears his throat. “Outfitters.”
“Lead the way.”