Page 28 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
I was afraid telling me you were delayed was because you’d changed your mind.
No, I was being completely honest.
I see that now.
What about your commitment?
Not being able to give her sister a timeline for her visit made her situation difficult.
Another lengthy delay.
There isn’t one.
That Veronica was willing to admit to the lie was promising. She smiled and the stiffness left her shoulders and her neck as she relaxed.
Then I’ll take an Uber directly to your house as soon as we dock.
With Mom’s gingerbread cookies?
About those cookies, I handed them out when the cafeteria ran out of food. I hope you don’t mind.
Of course I don’t mind. That was a thoughtful thing to do.
Virginia had to smile. If only her sister knew what had prompted her generosity.
The cookies were a hit,she typed.
No doubt. Mom’s gingerbread always is. I can’t wait to see you. Later, then,Veronica texted.
Later,Virginia texted back, smiling the entire time.
CHAPTER NINE
Kellie felt like a kid again. Reed had suggested they ride Seattle’s Big Wheel, something she’d always wanted to do. Like so many other things, this was one of those fun ideas that was far too easy to put off untilsomeday. It looked likesomedayhad finally arrived and she was thrilled. This afternoon, as they lazily strolled down the festive waterfront, the sights and sounds of the holidays were all around them, wrapping her in a spirit of joy she hadn’t felt in months.
Eventually, after several short stops along the way, Reed went to purchase their tickets, and learned there was a two-hour wait time for the Ferris wheel. She shouldn’t have been surprised. This was one of the most popular tourist spots in town, along with the Space Needle and the tour of Underground Seattle.
Reed handed her the tickets. “Are you sure we’ll have enough time? I mean, the ferry should be working by then, don’t you think?”
“Maybe,” he said. “And maybe not. That call from my sister indicated the problem could take several hours to fix. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?”
“Right,” she agreed. As eager as she was to see her brother, she found herself happy to spend what she could of this day with Reed.
“Seeing that we’ve got a wait, let’s explore Pike Place Market,” Reed suggested.
“What a great idea.” They headed up what is known in Seattle as the Pike Street Hill Climb, the 163 stairs leading from thewaterfront to Pike Place Market. Their progress was slow, as the popular walkway was congested.
As they reached the top a bit breathless, Reed tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. As if expecting her to object, he added, “In case you lose your footing again.”
Kellie was more than happy to hold on to him, especially in the crowd of holiday shoppers that filled the market with its multiple stalls. The entire area was alive with activity. Although she’d lived in the Seattle area for several years, Kellie had been to Pike Place Market only a handful of times. It never failed to fascinate her. The market, like Seattle Center, was the heart of the city. It pulsed with charm and an old-world vibe.
Upon entering, they paused outside the seafood display. A bed of crushed ice showed a variety of halibut, salmon, tuna, rockfish, crab, oysters, and clams, all fresh from the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
While noting the wide array of fish, a large salmon went flying over her head to be caught by a fishmonger. A loud cheer went up, followed by a round of enthusiastic applause. Kellie had heard about the salmon toss, as it was a well-known tourist antic. Seeing it in person was a first, and she loved it.
From the fish stall, Reed steered them into the body of the market. The next place that caught Kellie’s attention were the flower stands. Brightly colored large bouquets of blooms of every conceivable color were on display. Red carnations, gladioli, and roses were a few of the flowers Kellie could easily identify. Living in a condo close to her worksite, she wasn’t into gardening other than a couple houseplants and a few herbs that grew on her windowsill. The bouquets were wrapped in holiday colors that were a feast for the eyes and the senses. Despite the cold, Kellie drew in a deep breath, hoping to catch a whiff of their fragrance.
“Look,” she said, pausing to admire the beauty and artwork. “These arrangements are breathtaking.”
