Page 38 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
Naomi’s face clouded with uncertainty, and Morgan could see she was torn. “It’s Christmas Eve. You could freeze in your car. Grandmother is willing to set your differences aside. You won’t be sleeping on the couch. You’ll have your own room,” Morgan joked.
The woman’s lower lip trembled. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
“Not really.” Morgan grabbed her purse and whisked Naomi out of Looking Glass Cottage.
Gusty winds and blowing, swirling snow met them at the door. Picking up the pace, the women hurried across the driveway.
Morgan set Chester inside her SUV and grabbed her snow brush. She gave the front windshield a quick swipe, enough to clear the snow.
“I’ll be right back.” Naomi ran to her car. Grabbing her bag, she slammed the door and hustled to the SUV. “It’s piling up out here.”
“We need to get a move on.” Morgan hopped in, shifted into reverse and tapped the gas. They backed up a few inches before coming to an abrupt halt. “It’s a good thing I have four-wheel drive.” She pressed the button to engage all four tires, hit the gas again and away they went.
As soon as they turned onto the street, the skies opened up. The swirling snow created a full-blown snow globe effect, making it nearly impossible for Morgan to see. She prayed for safety as they inched along what she hoped was the road.
Leaning forward, she peered through the window, struggling to see through the blinding snow. Morgan almost wept with relief when she glimpsed Dead Man’s Drop, the road leading to Easton Estate. “Brace yourself. I’ll need to get some momentum going for us to reach the top.”
“I’m bracing,” Naomi said.
Morgan pressed down on the gas pedal and kept her foot on it, only letting off when they leveled out.
Thankfully, the estate’s gates were wide open, and they drove straight through.
“The driveway is clear.”
“Grandmother is waiting for us. I’m sure Jax has been keeping it plowed so we would make it safely.” Morgan could feel the weight of the white-knuckle drive lift as she eased into her spot alongside Brett’s vehicle. Several other vehicles sat parkedin front of the garage, filling an entire section of the estate’s overflow parking area.
“Easton Estate is full.”
“As I mentioned earlier, Prissy is here, along with Grandmother’s best friend, Mary, Quinn, Brett, Jax, Mrs. Arnsby, Gerard and two of Brett’s guests.”
Ben must’ve been watching for them because as soon as Morgan shut the engine off, he jogged over to the driver’s side. “Thank goodness you’re here. Elizabeth has been worried sick.”
“I’m sorry it took so long. It’s getting scary out there. The roads are drifting shut.” Morgan held the door for Chester. He bounded out and promptly landed in a snowdrift. The only things sticking out were the tips of his ears.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Morgan couldn’t help but laugh. “Silly dog.” She swooped down and scooped him up.
Naomi emerged from the passenger side. Judging by the look on Ben’s face, Elizabeth hadn’t given him a heads-up that she was with Morgan.
“Hello, Ben Baker,” Naomi greeted him. “It’s been a long time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shot Morgan a questioning look.
“Grandmother invited Naomi to stay here to ride out the storm. Her power is out. The roads are blown shut, and she couldn’t make it to the airport for shelter.”
“Bless her heart,” he said. “Elizabeth Easton is first class all the way.”
“I’ll admit, she has a more generous spirit than I do,” Naomi said. “I never thought I would set foot on this property in my life.”
“Welcome to Easton Estate,” Morgan said. “We should all get inside before Grandmother rounds up a rescue team.”
Chapter 17
“You finally made it.” Mrs. Arnsby hustled across the kitchen, stopping in her tracks when she noticed Naomi traipsing in behind her. “Oh.”
“Mrs. Arnsby, I’m sure you know Naomi Renaud.”
“Yes. Of course.”
