Page 24 of A Runaway in Winter
The Wintervale Tree Farm feels like a second home, and like the rest of my family, I live for the holiday season. We’re not just selling trees—we’re creating memories, traditions, celebrating engagements, family pictures, and more.
And I love every second of it.
Harlan Frost, our newest seasonal hire, stands at our makeshift breakfast bar, and knowing we have a long day ahead, I join him and grab a coffee.
“Hey man,” I greet him and am rewarded with a shorthey.The guy is more than a little closed off, the details of his departure from a ranch in Wyoming lacking at best, but he works hard. Murmurings among the staff is that he’s here early and stays late, and that kind of dedication would serve us well from a full-time employee.
“He lives!” my youngest brother, Jesse, says dramatically, pulling me from my thoughts as he joins us at the table.
“Hilarious,” I reply, steeling myself for the razzing that will undoubtedly unfold.
“What? You took off with the bride and have been holed up God knows where for more than a week.” He grins. “I was worried.”
“No, he wasn’t. He won the bet; he just wants to gloat,” Beau says loudly as he comes back in the room and pours himself another cup of coffee.
“I would never.” Jesse’s voice is filled with faux indignation as he places his hand on his chest.
Typical.
“I can’t believe you’d bet on the wedding,” I grunt disbelievingly. “How much did you win?”
“Two hundred bucks.” Beau’s expression is almost gleeful as my mouth falls open.
“You guys bettwo hundred dollarson Pennotgetting married?” I manage as Jesse shakes his head.
“Of course not.”
“We bet two hundred dollars that the wedding wouldn’t happenandthat you’d swoop in to be her knight in shining armor. Buy-in was fifty each,” Wren says, wrapping her arms around my waist and making it nearly impossible to be mad.
“You guys are the worst,” I grouse before kissing the top of her head.
“That’s why you love us,” Wren says before shifting her focus. “And you must be Harlan the hottie. I’m Wren. It’s nice to meet you.”
Harlan’s expression goes from skittish to alarmed, his gaze bouncing between us like he realizes he can no longer just fade into the background. I’d feel bad for him, but if he was a ranch hand, he can definitely handle my sister.
Probably.
It only lasts for a minute, the lot of us all jumping in before it’s time to start the day, the banter lifting my spirits.
“Welcome to the Wintervale fam, Harlan. If you stick around this will only get worse,” I tell him.
“I’ll keep it in mind,” he murmurs before hightailing it out of there and leaving me with a smile I can’t seem to wipe off my face.
Time to sell some trees.
14
PEN
Istare at the screen, the email mocking me the longer I sit here.
Upon further review, we are unable to accommodate…
What in theactualfuck is this?
Blinking, I grab my phone and dial Cameron’s number. I’m in danger of getting his voicemail when he finally picks up.
“Pen, hi. I see you got my email.”
