Page 13 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
“What cut?”
Winter holds her palm up, and I notice two neat little butterfly bandages helping hold the now clean cut together. “I took care of it.”
Her mom beams, “You did a good job.”
I use it as an in to my original plan from the coffee shop. “I guess this means you’ll need my help even more, now. I’m soglad I have more time off this season to help out. We’ll figure out all the festival stuff we need to do together, Winter. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my word and help.” I say, offering her a tender glance, then flash a happy smile around the table.
Her parents and my mother instantly seem intrigued. Her grandmother smirks, a twinkle shining in her gaze. Her grandfather, however, furrows his brow as his lips turn down. I don’t know why this guy doesn’t seem to be my biggest fan, but something has to give. I literally did what he asked me to; should I have done the opposite? Been stubborn and selfish and demanded he stay out of mine and Winter’s business so she’d follow me to college like I’d originally hoped she would?
We’ve passed all of that now. We’re adults with careers and homes, so there shouldn’t be an issue with me courting his granddaughter.
“What are you talking about?” She practically hisses, her hand in front of her mouth as if the entire table can’t hear her.
Just an FYI, we can all clearly hear her.
My gaze finds hers, and it takes all the strength I can muster not to get lost in her eyes and let her have her way with this. She’s stressed enough, so I’m going to help her as much as I can. Even if I have to resort to using her family for help. “You know. Our discussion we had yesterday at the coffee shop.”
Her eyes flare in panic, and I don’t miss her hands clenching under the table. She probably wants to pile drive me to the ground right about now, but this is a family holiday, so I’m safe. Rotten of me to use it to my advantage? Probably, but who can blame a guy for finding an ‘in’ withthe one who got away?
“You were saying how you’re getting a late start on the Noel Falls Christmas festival, and I promised I’d help with everything when I’m in town. Remember?”
She releases a tense breath, her shoulders dropping a bit. Did she think I was going to mention the money issues with heraccount? I promised her I wouldn’t, and despite what she may be thinking right now, I keep my promises.
“Oh, right. Uh, I’m sure you're busy. It’s fine, I’ve got it.” She responds with a glance around the table and a fake smile, covering up her brief moment of panic from before.
“I don’t mind, truly. I’ll help with whatever you need me to here on the farm, and also with the festival. Even putting the lights up on the porch or wherever, just like we already discussed during our coffee date.” I’m stretching the truth by a lot, but it is what it is at this point. Surely fibbing a little doesn’t count against me when it’s for a good cause to help someone who needs it, right?
Her father, David, perks up. “Honey, you didn’t tell us you’d had a coffee date and found someone to help.” He trains his attention on me next, “Thanks, Sean. We all appreciate your help around here, seriously. I was worried Winter would have her hands full with everything, so this is a relief.”
Brenda nods along, “Yep, just the farm animals alone can be overwhelming. It’s a good thing you’re going to be helping her out.” She beams, and I don’t miss the grumbling from the feisty woman beside me.
Gram Verna claps with delight. “And, now she’ll have someone to help her prepare all the special homemade farm creations we’ve been making in our family for years. We’ve been long overdue to add a new person to the bunch.”
Pop Frank sputters a bit at his wife’s words, “Now, hold on a minute. You want to share our family recipes? But then they won’t be the family’s.”
Gram Verna slugs him in the arm, “Hush up, you old fool. Sean Spruce is a pillar of the community. If there’s any young man we can trust around here, it’s certainly him.”
Mom is watching everything play out and seems more than pleased with Verna’s claim. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Sean.And Winter, if there’s anything I can do on my days off as well, don’t hesitate to ask. I may not know how to make candy or candles, but I can pick up supplies or anything else you may need. I know how to tie bows, too, if you want them to decorate your packages and the gift baskets.”
Brenda reaches over, squeezing Mom’s hand. “Thank you, Calla. You’ve done so much for our family already during this time. I hope you know how grateful we all are.”
“You were there for me when Sean’s father passed. It’s the least I can do. You’re not only my boss at the clinic, but you’re family.”
They both sniffle a bit, and I’m ready to shift this conversation in a happier direction. One where I now have a viable excuse to spend as much time around Winter as possible. Like I said before, when I play, it’s to win, and she has no idea what I’m willing to do when it comes to her.
“Great, I have practice at the Blizzards’ rink, and a couple of games, otherwise, I’ll be here.” I can’t wipe the grin off my face as I stuff a bite of turkey and stuffing in my mouth, then chew. I hope Winter’s ready to spend some time together, because I plan to be over here enough to the point, she no longer knows what her life is like without me in it.
Gram Verna takes a dainty bite of her green bean casserole and then asks, “So Sean, you never found a woman?”
I nearly choke on my roll. Coughing, I clear my throat. “Um, no, I’ve dated here and there.”
“But none of those floozies stuck with you like Winter has?”
“Uh…”
“Gram!” Winter gasps, mouth falling open. She starts tossing out hand signals, but I miss them for the most part as I meet her grandmother’s inquisitive stare. I’m not trying to be rude; I have a feeling this old woman could be my biggest ally when it comes to her granddaughter.
“Mom,” David interrupts. “Let’s not put Sean on the spot, the poor guy. These two have managed to stay friends, and I wasn’t so sure after Winter cried nonstop for nearly a month straight after he left to play college hockey. Let’s just be thankful they’ve pushed past any previous animosity.”
