Page 8 of Christmas at Pine Ridge Inn
“It’s a beautiful spot,” Lila agreed.
The larger doe lifted her head, alert, then seemed to decide all was well and returned to chewing on some kind of brush. The smaller deer stayed close to her side.
“A mother and her child,” Sarah observed quietly.
Lila felt an unexpected tightness in her chest, unable to reply. She missed her mother so much it physically hurt in moments like this, and yet watching the two graceful animals reminded her of all the beautiful things still left in the world
The women sat quietly, sipping their coffee while the deer moved around the brush and nibbled. It was nice to be able to sit with someone and not have to keep up a conversation while enjoying something as simple as watching wildlife out the window.
“Well,” Sarah said, standing as the deer began to wander back toward the trees, “I should let you enjoy your morning in peace. Thank you for sharing the view with me.”
“Thank you for pointing them out,” Lila said. “I probably would have missed them entirely.”
Sarah smiled. “That’s what Pine Ridge is for ... slowing down to appreciate the little things.”
After Sarah left, Lila remained in the chair, watching the empty field where the deer had been. She had come to town for something else entirely, but it didn’t hurt to enjoy the scenery while she was there.
Freshly showered and dressed an hour later, Lila heard the others stirring downstairs as her stomach growled for breakfast. As she made her way down and into the lobby though, she didn’t see anyone else yet.
As she approached the dining room, she heard a mechanical whirring followed by what sounded like disgruntled mumbling.
She found Brady crouching over the coffee station in the dining room, tools spread around him as he worked on what appeared to be an ancient coffee machine. A panel was removed, revealing a tangle of wires and components that looked like a science experiment gone wrong.
Brady glanced up. “The machine’s acting up, but there’s a single-serve unit upstairs if you don’t want to wait.” He returned his attention to the machine, adjusting something with his screwdriver.
Lila moved closer, studying the ancient contraption. “You know, there are some fantastic commercial-grade machines I always recommend to my clients. The Brew Pro 11 is what most of the high-end hotels use. It can handle high volume and makes perfect espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. It really elevates the guest experience.”
Brady paused in his work and looked up at her with the same frown of disappointment he’d given her the previous evening. “This machine makes coffee just fine when it’s working properly. Our guests don’t need dessert masquerading as coffee. They come here for the simple and traditional, not fancy and over the top.”
“I just meant—”
“This isn’t the kind of town that needs a Starbucks on the corner,” Brady snarked.
Heat crept up Lila’s neck. She’d only been trying to help, but clearly her suggestion wasn’t welcome. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply there was anything wrong with how you do things. Just trying to make your job a little easier.”
Brady’s expression softened slightly, as if he realized he’d been sharper than necessary. “Thanks, but I’m good.”
Remembering what Sarah had told her that morning about his parents, Lila cut him some slack and backed away to find a seat at the table. This probably wasn’t his favorite time of year, so she couldn’t blame him for being a little prickly.
Carol appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray of pastries as Lila settled in the same chair she’d occupied the night before.
“Can it be resuscitated?” Carol asked Brady.
“Should have it running in a few minutes,” Brady said, returning to his work.
“Brady keeps that machine and everything else here running,” Carol told Lila with obvious affection. “I don’t know what we would do without him.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Don’t tell Tom I said this, but he’s not very handy with mechanical things.”
“Hey, I heard that,” Tom said, coming out of the kitchen with a platter full of bacon.
“Love you, honey,” Carol said, turning to smile at him.
“She’s right,” Tom whispered loud enough for Carol to hear as he passed by Lila to place the bacon on the buffet table. “I can build new cabinets and repair the deck, but I stay away from things with wires and plugs.”
“You can’t be good at everything, darling,” Carol assured him as she took the platter from his hands.
Brady was focused intently on the coffee machine, but Lila caught the way a smile played at the corners of his lips as he shook his head at Carol and Tom’s playful teasing.
The other guests began filtering in. The older couple, Sophie and Miles, were debating whether to attempt a walk into town given the snow that had fallen overnight or stay in to play cards. Meanwhile, the sisters were excited about the fresh powder for the afternoon’s planned activities.
