“I’m Ezekiel Ashwood,” he said. “The Pineberry Brook Inn has been in my family for generations. It’s run by myself and my brother, Elijah. I know, not at all confusing to have two people with a similar name.”
“Oh, that’s nothing,” I giggled. “Luke is on an ice hockey team with someone called Liam.” I quickly closed my mouth before I said my second thought which was about Liam also engaging in a relationship with a guy.
Ezekiel chuckled. “Oh, that’s amazing, the team, not the names. I take it you’ll be wanting directions for the lake then?”
“I’ve been here before, not herehere, but to the lake,” Luke said. “Although, any recommendations you might have, I would love to hear them.”
I hugged Luke’s hand tighter. “Oh, I had a question. Why is it named Pineberry Brook Inn instead in Pineberry Falls Inn?”
“Well, there’s a story behind that,” he said. “But before I tell it, do you want to get checked in and out of this snow? Also, there is a small parking bay just around the side of the house. If you’d like to park there, you’re closer to the side entrance so I grab bring your bags inside.”
“You want to go inside while I do the car?” Luke asked in a quieter voice. I nodded and he gave me a kiss. “I’ll be in soon.”
“We have a log fire burning inside as well,” Ezekiel said. “You’ll be our only guests over Christmas, so anything you need, just let me know.”
As I walked into the large cottage house, following the owner, I smelled the most divine smell of cookies waft through the air. I nearly dropped Bloo who I’d tangled up with me in the process of putting my coat back on.
“It smells so good,” I said, my eyes darting in all directions to see how gorgeous every corner of the house was and the kitschy old style. A lot of exposed wood but covered in cream paints. And wooden beam supports in the ceiling. “And I hope we’re not getting in your way of your Christmas.”
He shook his head. “Oh no, it’s actually nice to have people over during the holidays,” he said. “Most people drive the extra house to Snowflake Springs. We’re a much more popular spot for the summer. Do you already have plans for your time in Pineberry?”
“The lake,” I answered. It was a spot of nerves for me because of how I fared on the ice the first time with Luke, but we’d been on the ice several times since then, and while I hadn’t fallen since, it wasn’t on a lake—where I could fall through. Even though everyone supposedly went there to skate. “And the ranch. They have a petting zoo, right?”
“Wilde Ranch,” he said, eyes lighting up. “Not the typical ranch. They don’t herd cattle, but they do have sheep, goats, and plenty of chickens. I think most of Pineberry gets their eggs right from the ranch.”
“So no cows?”
He shook his head. “They have alpacas, as well. Two of them, adorable animals. Rescues from a zoo that went out of business. Anyway, you go sit yourself in front of the fire, I’ll help your partner with the luggage.”
A shiver of excitement ran through me. I wondered if it was obvious we were in a relationship with each other. I hoped so, the place didn’t seem to be intolerant of people, they had pride flags throughout the town.
In the lounge where the crackle of the log fire welcomed me, I sat on the large red leather arm chair, sinking into the softness. I was beginning to sweat. As I pulled my coat off, Bloo was still tucked under my arm. “It’s a nice place,” I whispered to him. “I think Daddy likes it too.” He’d overcome that crushing loss from the tournament, but I think it was more than that. The Orcas were third in the conference rankings, which meant they weren’t going to the playoffs in March, but they had a couple more games yet. I also had the second-best fantasy league team, and I needed Daddy to be on his best game for both of us to win.
“Sorry,” Luke’s voice traveled followed by a grunt and a groan. “I swear it’s not full of bricks.”
From where I sat, I didn’t have a great view of them, but they were talking about my suitcase. “Oopsy doopsy,” I said, shrinking as if to hide in the chair.
We were checked into the largest room in the house. The only other people staying here were Ezekiel and his brother, who we’d yet to meet. The room had the same cream and dark brown wood stain color throughout it.
As the innocent little who was not allowed to carry his bags, I got away with just walking behind them and pretending Bloo weighed like an actual orca in my arms.
I perched on the end of the bed, testing out how firm it was. It was nice, I threw myself back onto it, sinking into the thick duvet. It was like being swallowed by a marshmallow.
Luke laid beside me, patting out the duvet to get to me. “What are your first impressions?”
“Incredible,” I told him, rolling over onto him. “The owner was telling me the petting zoo had alpacas, so we need to go there.”
“Of course.”
“And I might just watch you on the lake ice, if that’s ok.”
“I’d never force you to do anything you didn’t want,” he said. “But I do want to go on that ice, just to see if it’s anything like I remember.”
I nodded. “Then we can do that. I also think we need to go into the town and get some wrapping paper because I forgot to wrap your Christmas present.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything. I told you.”
“I did.” It was technically a gift from the heart because I’d made something. “And I’m very excited to see what you think.”