Page 34 of Two Hearts Reunited

Eric couldn’t help laughing, and soon Brian and Ashley joined in.

“It does seem to be working though,” Ashley said with obvious relief a few moments later. “We’d better round up all the pacifiers we have around the house and stick every single one of them into the freezer so we can be prepared for the worst. We need to be making more of a conscious effort of keeping them clean anyway since she’ll be exposed to more people.”

Eric had insisted on making breakfast since Ashley would more than likely be spending much of the next two days in the kitchen cooking. A few minutes later, everyone was eating at the table.

“It was so nice of Anya to bring that food last night for you and leave all the leftovers. We were hungry once we got home, but dead on our feet,” Brian admitted. “There was so much packing to do. We knew we could safely label certain items even though the final bids weren’t due until midnight. I’m not sure, but the charities might have made more than they usually do by handling the auction all online.”

“Danny was even thinking about making it a two-day event next year, but then again, it might be more difficult during the holidays, especially if the COVID restrictions are finally lifted.People will probably be wanting to visit their families as opposed to attending a charity event,” Ashley said.

“What time is everyone due to arrive today?” Eric asked.

“Probably not until mid-afternoon,” Ashley said. “I’ve had the turkey thawing for three or four days in the fridge downstairs.”

“I saw that,” Eric admitted.

“And I have a huge roast beef ready to cook this afternoon. I thought we’d have a buffet late this afternoon since we’re not sure when everyone will be here.”

“Where did the roast beef come from?”

Brian grinned. “Jake and Danielle. They said they’d overordered for the holiday reservations, but I think that it was intended for us either way.”

Eric grinned.

“Oh, that’s right. I talked to Jake about Anya’s sister, Eric. Somehow, he knew that Anya was living at the cabin.” Ashley shook her head. “I’m not sure how they seem to know everything about everyone here in town, but he said he’d stop by her cabin the day after tomorrow around ten o’clock to talk if that was alright with her. I told him you mentioned that she had some additional research on hand about her sister. He was definitely interested in learning what she’s found out.”

“Good. I’ll let her know when I give her a call,” Eric said. “What time should I have her come over?”

“Anytime she’d like, I guess,” Ashley replied. “Any time after three, because I’ll have the roast beef in the oven and everything else we’re going to serve later should be ready to go too.”

“While you guys are here getting ready for company, I think I’m going to go into town and pick up a few things,” he said. “Is there anything else you might need from the store?”

She grimaced. “Maybe. I’ve got your number on speed dial now. How long will you be gone?”

“Only a few hours but even if I’m on my way back, I’d be happy to go back to the store for you. I have to pick up a few gifts that are being held for me that I couldn’t bring home with me the other day because the place I ordered them from was so busy. Plus, I finally found something for Mom and Dad. I’ve got plenty of stuff for you, Arielle,” Eric admitted.

“I have a feeling that Arielle’s going to have plenty of gifts this year for her first Christmas,” Brian observed dryly.

“Why don’t the two of you sit and relax while I load the dishwasher and straighten the kitchen before I go? I think I’ll make more coffee. Arielle had me exhausted last night too. And considering the active life I lead, that says a lot,” Eric muttered before finishing his coffee.

Brian and Ashley were both smiling as Eric filled their cups with the rest of the coffee in the pot so he could make more.

* * *

Eric managed to run most of his errands within an hour. The rest of the items he’d purchased were waiting at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn.

Since he’d heard from his superior this morning and would have to report back to base in less than a month, he was glad that he’d gone all out on a gift for Anya. Somehow, someway, he was going to have to figure out how to make Crystal Rock home base eventually, despite having to return to Germany at the end of January.

Meanwhile, he would assist her the best that he could with helping her discover what had happened to her sister. He was definitely interested in what Jake Loughlin had to say, so as long as she didn’t mind, he’d be there for her when she talked with him. Maybe while she was at work, there were things he could do for her at the cabin to help her out.

He’d also be here for Brian and Ashley too. They’d definitely looked a little sleep deprived when he’d arrived the other day, so he was going to make sure that they would have more alone time together while he was here to help.

Pulling into the parking lot of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, he was taken aback to see how many cars were already parked in the lot. Quickly, he slipped on his mask.

But when he saw people walking outside from inside the Inn carrying packages, he realized that a lot of people were picking up the items they’d acquired from the auction. He’d been pleased to hear that he’d won the bid for the oil painting he’d wanted for Ashley and Brian, so he would pick that up after he made a stop at the gift shop first.

“Eric?” The woman behind the counter asked as he walked inside. “I don’t know if you remember me?”

He smiled in recognition. “Dawn? Sure. I’m surprised that you recognized me since I was wearing this mask. How are you?”

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