Page 42 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
Thirty minutes passed before Reed heard someone mention that the disabled ferry wouldn’t be arriving anytime soon after all.
He checked his phone and saw that he’d missed a text from Avery.
You won’t believe this,Avery wrote.The engine still isn’t working, even after the repair. Everyone is upset. As soon as I know anything, I’ll send you word.
Kellie had her phone in her hand, too, as she’d gotten a text from Harrison. She shared a look with Reed. “It looks like the nightmare will continue.”
“What would you like to do?” Reed asked, suggesting a couple options. “We can walk up to my place to wait or remain here.”
The madhouse inside the terminal didn’t hold any appeal, especially when most everyone was in a cranky mood. It was Kellie’s choice, though. He’d stay if it meant he’d be able to spend more time with her.
“Your condo for sure,” she said without hesitation. They started to exit when she paused. “We aren’t likely to get a dinner reservation, right?”
“Right,” he agreed. He hadn’t even tried, knowing it was a lost cause.
“Your sister said she was starving, and my guess is that my brother is, too. Let’s cook them dinner. We can have it ready by the time they arrive.”
Reed loved the idea, although there was a minor complication to her plan. “The problem is all I have for dinner is in the freezer.”
Kellie smiled. “Reed, did we not recently walk through the most amazing market filled with everything we would ever want, need, or imagine? How about roasting a salmon filet?”
“The sourdough bread smelled heavenly,” he added, favoring the idea.
“And I believe I saw some white asparagus. That would be a real treat.”
“Perfect.” With a goal in mind, they headed back up the Pike Street Hill Climb to Pike Place Market.
Within ten minutes they had everything they needed. The trip from the market to his condo was a brisk seven-minute walk uphill.
The doorman greeted Reed and sent an appreciative smile at Kellie. “Welcome back, Mr. Bond.”
“Thanks, Charley.”
“I thought you were collecting your sister? Don’t tell me she’s one of those unfortunate souls trapped on that Bremerton ferry.”
“Unfortunately, she is,” he said, as he pushed the button to the elevator.
Reed was having second thoughts as the elevator welcomed them inside, their arms loaded with packages. They’d bought the salmon, found the white asparagus, and added salad fixings and baby potatoes.
Reed enjoyed living in his condo but had never gotten around to adding any homey touches. It was bare bones. He’d gotten a Christmas tree but hadn’t taken the time to decorate it, thinking it would be something for him and Avery to do together.
Once inside the door, Kellie paused, looked around, and then smiled.
“I haven’t done much decorating,” he said self-consciously.
“It’s fine, and soyou.”
“Some?”
“The brown leather couch with the large-screen television.” She motioned to the room he used for his office. “And of course a workstation. The problem is we’re both too absorbed in our jobs and other responsibilities. I’ve lived in my home for three years and there’s little more decoration than a few throw pillows on the sofa and a family photo here and there.”
“Avery offered to help me,” he said as he set the items they’d purchased on the kitchen counter.
They both immediately went to work, standing side by side. He turned on the fireplace and put on some Christmas music. While Kellie prepared the salmon for the oven, he washed the potatoes and, per Kellie’s instructions, peeled the asparagus.
Once the fish was ready to roast, Reed opened a bottle of sauvignon blanc he had chilled in the under-counter wine cooler. “Listen, if we get word the ferry is docking, you should stay here where it’s warm and cozy. I’ll walk down to the terminal to collect Avery and your brother.”
She nodded and looked grateful. “You sure you don’t mind?”
