Mistletoe and Paws by Brooke Penny

Author:Brooke, Penny [Brooke, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-19T22:00:00+00:00

9

STARTING OFF WITH A BANG-BANG

New Year’s Day had been solemn. Gretchen had, naturally, imbibed far too much and was sleeping it off. Sylvia even looked a bit green as she stood in the kitchen after breakfast, making a list of the inventory in the cupboards. “We’re going to need a lot of groceries,” she observed solemnly, and I nodded.

“Get in whatever you need. We’re done partying for a while, though.”

“I appreciate you backing my society up, but I have to say I’m a little glad we’re settling back to normal overall.”

I nodded and pushed through the swinging door to the dining room. “You and me, both.”

The Ryders were leaving, and I helped them check out. They’d been very quiet during their stay, contributing nothing more about their personal lives after they’d talked about their daughter. “I’m sorry you’re not staying longer,” I said politely as Dave made out a check.

“Oh, we are, too,” Susan responded, “but frankly, is it always this traumatic around here?”

I knew she was referring to Carol’s death. “Oh, no, we’re normally quite boring.”

Dave shook my hand, and they left. I looked to the west and saw more dark clouds coming our way. “More snow,” I said aloud.

Sylvia had come in behind me. “You’re like a little kid all year waiting for Christmas, and when it’s done, you turn positively depressed.”

“I know.” I sighed. “It’s the idea of getting up on that roof and taking down all those lights.”

“Don’t blame you. You need a man around the house.”

That was when it occurred to me. “Oh, I can’t believe this, that I forgot to tell you, but look.” I held out my hand, and she promptly dropped her mouth open.

“Peter?”

I nodded proudly. “He asked me last night.”

She hugged me and then stood back, a shadow crossing her face. I read it perfectly.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will change around here. He’s moving in with me, and things will go on as normal.”

Her shoulders slumped in relief. “I’m sorry…I just thought…”

“And not let my children have their grandma?”

I got a second hug, and then she left, whistling.

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