Comfort and Joy by Alexa Land

Author:Alexa Land [Land, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

About ninety minutes later, Dakota and I pulled up in front of the Black Bear Lodge. The building was charming. It looked like it had been transported from the Alps with its two rows of balconies, dark wood trim, and decorative shutters. The chalet sat in a clearing ringed by a thick pine forest. During the summer, the open space was probably a green lawn, or maybe a meadow. But with all that rain, it was just a sea of mud.

Jessie and Kai pulled into the parking lot a few moments later. After freeing my SUV, they’d towed the broken truck behind their Ford Bronco. They obviously wouldn’t be able to fix it without parts and tools, but they’d already taken a look under the hood and were confident it’d be an easy fix, once a garage opened in the morning.

We ran from the parking lot to the covered entryway with just a few of our things. Dakota had tucked the cat inside his jacket with just its head sticking out, and he cradled the little animal carefully and used his baseball cap to shield it from the rain. I said, “Let’s get checked in and get the cat settled before worrying about the rest of our stuff,” and Dakota nodded in agreement.

The lobby was packed with Dombrusos. I knew almost all of them, but not that well. Jessie was a part of their family, and they’d brought me into the fold by extension. But because of the long hours I worked, I usually ended up turning down the stream of invitations to parties, dinners, and more that they were nice enough to send my way.

Dante Dombruso joined us at the front desk and shook my hand. He was tall, handsome, and intense, and I’d thought he was intimidating when I first met him. But beneath the expensive suit and piercing gaze was a heart of gold. It was obvious in the way he adored his husband Charlie and doted on his little Nana.

After I introduced him to Dakota, Dante said, “Welcome, both of you. I’m glad you could make it, even though the weather’s been a pain in the ass. The cabin fever after just a couple of days is making my family climb the walls. I’m talking about the adults. The kids are all finding ways to entertain themselves.”

I thanked him and added, “I hope it’s okay that we’re smuggling in a cat.”

“Definitely. We picked a hotel that was pet-friendly, and several people brought their dogs along. There’s also a foul-mouthed parakeet, a ferret, and a pet skunk, so the cat should fit right in.”

“Wow, that’s quite the menagerie.”

“Even without the animals, it’s a three-ring circus whenever we travel. That’s why I like to rent the whole place and let everyone just do their thing. Speaking of taking over this hotel, there’s food pretty much around the clock in the dining room, so be sure to help yourself. Also, there are snacks and movies in the lobby every evening.

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