The Twins' Alaskan Adventure by Heidi McCahan

Author:Heidi McCahan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-03-26T15:59:58+00:00

* * *

“I’m proud of you.” Eliana opened the door of the Trading Post and ushered the twins inside. “You are both so brave.”

“I went off the diving board,” Hunter said. “All by myself.”

Willow scoffed. “With your floaty on.”

His proud smile vanished. “Doesn’t matter. Floaties still count.”

“Willow, I saw you put your face in the water and swim from one side of the pool to the other. That was awesome.” Eliana led them to the counter. “We’ll eat the lunches your dad packed, but let’s order special drinks and a treat to celebrate a great day at camp.”

“And for being brave.” Willow poked her finger in the air. “Don’t forget that part.”

“Right.”

The hiss of the steam wand frothing milk drowned out their conversation. Annie waved from behind the espresso machine. “I’ll be with you in a sec.”

Eliana smiled at her best friend, then surveyed the dining area. “Willow and Hunter, why don’t you go put your water bottles and lunch boxes on one of those open tables while I stand in line?”

They walked quickly to one of the square tables near the window. Eliana didn’t take her eyes off them. As they circled the chairs several times, she almost intervened, certain an argument was about to erupt. Then they plunked their water bottles and lunch bags on the table and hurried back to her side.

“Great choice. That table is my favorite, too.” She patted them both on the shoulder and steered them back into the line. Hunter yawned, then rubbed his eyes. Willow sagged against her leg. Uh-oh. Maybe a lunch outing was a poor decision after a busy morning. She still hadn’t figured out when to encourage more activity and when they’d had enough. Hunter and Willow were so articulate, sometimes Eliana forgot they weren’t quite five years old yet.

Annie delivered the drink she’d made for the customer waiting at the other end of the counter, then returned to her post between the register and the espresso machine. “What can I get you?”

“I have two very brave swimmers here,” Eliana said. “They get to pick a drink and a special treat. We’re celebrating a wonderful day at camp.”

Annie’s green eyes rounded. “That’s awesome. Great job, kiddos. We love celebrating bravery around here. We have juice boxes, chocolate milk, regular milk, lemonade, Italian sodas...”

They both ordered chocolate milk, then pressed their faces to the glass bakery case housing the scrumptious treats.

Eliana opened her mouth to correct them about leaving fingerprints and smudges on the glass, but Annie silently implored her to let it go.

All right. Fine. They were celebrating bravery, not perfect behavior. She pressed her lips tight.

“May I have a chocolate chip cookie? A big one?” Hunter pointed to the cookies on a pedestal, which had to be larger than one of his palms.

“Of course.” Annie slid the door open. “And for you, Miss Willow?”

“A cake pop, please. The pink one.”

“Coming right up,” Annie said. “My, your manners are incredible. Thank you for being so polite.”

The twins beamed up at Eliana.

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