Page 11 of The Inn at Evergreen Hollow

A faint, pinched line appeared immediately between Rhonda’s brows, a familiar sight that Nora was used to, when she and Caroline were in the same room. “Be kind to your sister, Caroline,” Rhonda murmured gently. “Just enjoy having herback, all right? There’s no need to be rude to each other. Plenty of time has passed.”

Nora set her fork down, her appetite gone. She’d forgotten, ever so briefly, how difficult it was to be in the same room with her sister—and now she was kicking herself for having forgotten it at all. That twisting feeling in her stomach returned, making her wonder once again if this had all been a mistake.

Caroline let out a sharp breath. “I’m glad you’re back here for the holidays with us, Nora.” There was some genuineness in her words peeking through, but they were still stiff. Nora could tell that she was still biting back what she really wanted to say.

“I’m glad to be here.” Nora poked at the quiche, but she couldn’t bring herself to take another bite. A small part of her had hoped that Caroline would have forgotten about the divide between them, but it was still there, as wide as ever.

“See? That wasn’t so difficult, girls.” Rhonda smiled at both of her daughters. “Now, Caroline, what did you need?”

Caroline cleared her throat, glancing once more at Nora before turning to her mother. “I was looking for Dad. He has some of the tools I need to fix the water heater.”

Despite herself, Nora couldn’t help but be impressed. Caroline had always liked learning from their father, but it was clear she’d become even more handy in the years since Nora had left. She just wished that Caroline didn’t have to be so smug about it, as if she were the one holding everything together, while Nora did nothing at all with her life.

Just because my life isn’t what she would want doesn’t mean it’s worthless.Nora pushed the thought down, trying to stuff the resentment down along with it. She had never wanted to run the inn, and Caroline had always seemed to think that was a fault. Thatnotwanting to own a bed and breakfast was somehow a character flaw.

“Go check out front,” Rhonda said, still looking at her older daughter. “I think he might be on the porch.” She glanced back at Nora as Caroline walked away. “Tryto get along with your sister. I know she can be difficult, but she means well. She’s just trying to look out for us all.”

Nora let out a short, sharp breath. “I’ll try. But I can’t make any promises.”

“That’s all I ask.” Rhonda got up, reaching for the plates, and Nora started to stand too.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Rhonda shook her head, waving a hand at her daughter. “Don’t worry about it. Go see Melanie at the coffee shop, why don’t you? Get reacquainted with Evergreen Hollow a bit. It’s been so long since you’ve been back.”

“All right.” Nora nodded, leaning in to give her mother a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Whatever concerns she had about being home, she was glad to see her mother again.

She went to get her coat, drawing in a deep breath. It was time to make herself at home again. As much as she’d be able to anyway—considering the fact that she had no intention of staying.

Not past the holidays anyway.

CHAPTER SIX

There was no better place in town to grab a quick bite to eat than Rockridge Grill. It was good enough that it drew people from miles around, even outside of Evergreen Hollow.

Part of it was the atmosphere—a rustic, homey space with a knotted pine floor, wide booths and lacquered-wood tables, the windows topped with cheerful red-and-white valances. But more than anything else, it was the food. The lunch menu was written on the chalkboard above the pickup counter, along with the card-stock menus on every table, and Aiden glanced at it as he walked up. He’d ordered an elk burger with parmesan fries—a good, hearty lunch with cheese, onion, pickle, and the grill’s special sauce on it. But the menu for the day had him considering coming back for dinner.

There was the usual homemade lasagna, a beef and vegetable stew, a pork belly BLT, and the special for the day: bacon wrapped venison with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. He considered himself a decent enough cook, but it couldn’t match up to that, especially that last item.

The bell over the door chimed as he waited for his order to come out from the back. He glanced over to see Leon’s wife walking in—Bethany Woodrow—her black scrubs covered in pethair. He smothered a smile at the sight. No matter what Bethany wore, it wasalwayscovered in fur. She ran Pets First,the pet shop and groomer in Evergreen Hollow, and the fur followed her like a cloud.

No one held it against her though. Bethany was one of the sweetest, friendliest people in town—and also good to know if you wanted any of the gossip. Even Aiden had to admit to being partial to hearing what was going on from time to time—Bethany knew everyone, and always seemed to know what was happening.

“Hey there.” She smiled at him as she walked up to the counter, a huge tote bag slung over her shoulder.

“Hey. Picking up lunch?” Aiden returned the smile, leaning up against the wall. “Any problems with that door?”

“I thought I’d grab something and take it over to the store for Leon and me. And no, the door is perfect. What a relief.” Bethany shifted the bag on her shoulder. “I thought the old one was going to drive me mad.”

“That’s what Leon said.” Aiden’s gaze shifted. “Hey, what’s in the bag?”

Bethany grinned, a mischievous look crossing her face as she reached inside. He didn’t know what he’d expected, exactly, but it wasn’t what came out. He couldn’t help but start to laugh.

It was ahugereindeer costume, and surprisingly realistic. He shook his head, still chuckling. It wasn’t unusual for people in Evergreen Hollow to go all out for the festival, but this was over the top. Coming from Bethany, it didn’t surprise him. She was always enthusiastic this time of year. Evergreen Hollow was full of cheer all around, but it was like an aura around her, from October straight through the New Year. She could power the whole town’s Christmas spirit all on her own, if need be.

Aiden rubbed his hand over his chin. “That looks a little big for you.”

Bethany grimaced, nodding as she looked at it. “I thought the same thing. I was hoping I could doctor it up so it’d fit.” She peered at him, a glimmer of excitement flickering into her eyes. “It would be great for you, though! You should try it on.”

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