Page 12 of Tis the Season for Sass
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Hal scrutinized the entire tree and after a few minutes he finally hung the last ornament as if it were the most important one of them all. He took a step back and nodded his approval. “And there you go. That’s how you decorate a Christmas tree,” he said with a proud smile.
“It’s sweet how they both seemed to have a memory associated with each ornament. So many Christmases shared.”But it was also a bittersweet feeling for her.“And that’s precisely why I’ve avoided all this deck the halls baloney for so long.”
Her wolf seemed to awaken from a nap.“You know, when it comes to stashing away good memories, everyone has to start somewhere. Have you ever thought that maybe this is a good time to start?”
“What? Stuck here in a freaking blizzard?”Now, she knew her wolf had finally lost her damn mind.
“No. I’m talking about this whole trip to Black Paw. Life moves on, change is going to happen regardless. It’s up to you to accept what the Fates have decided.”
“Thank you, great know-it-all philosopher wolf. Now goodnight. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted.”
“I don’t want to be presumptuous, but the couch opens up to a bed. Otherwise, there’s the recliner for one of you. Extra blankets and pillows are in the chest over there. Feel free to take what you need.” Siggy pointed to the chest.
Holding up an oil lamp, she tapped Hal on the shoulder. “Come on, loverboy. Let’s get to bed.”
Chance unfolded the sleeper of the couch and retrieved the bedding.
“A fold out bed. How convenient,” Ginger mumbled, once Siggy and Hal were out of earshot.
“Here you go. You take the bed. I’ll take the recliner,” he said.
Nodding, Ginger eyed the thin mattress, wondering if she was getting the worst of the deal. “Thanks.”
Once settled in, her gaze was drawn to Chance bathing in the flickering orange glow of the fireplace.
Though she was exhausted, her mind was still running roughly a million miles a second.“So that’s it? A kiss out of nowhere and then…nothing. Not so much as a single word? It wasn’t like anything could even happen in Siggy and Hal’s living room,”she complained to her wolf.
But to leave such a moment floating around without direction was contrary to every fiber in her being.
“He’s probably out cold anyway. It’s just as well. Forget about it. I’ll deal with it another day, if at all.”
She saw him adjust himself and his eyes gleaming in the firelight.
“He’s most definitely awake,”her wolf said.
The longer she watched, the more it bugged her.
“Oh, what the hell.”She might as well go for broke and just ask about what was gnawing at her brain.
“Chance. Chance. Hey, you awake?” she whispered, not wanting to wake the whole house.
“Yeah, why?” he replied, loud and clear.
Afraid his deep voice would awaken their hosts, she patted the empty space beside her. “Come here so we’re not yelling across the room,” she said.
Chance strolled over and casually laid down on his side, supporting his torso with his elbow. “What’s up?”
“Just wondering, what’s the plan for tomorrow? Will the roads even be cleared?” Ginger asked, steering clear from what was really on her mind.
“No way. I figured we’d just leave the truck here along with whatever supplies are in it. As long as the winds die down, our wolves can easily run the trails to get back home. I’ll pick up the truck and bring it back another day once the weather clears up.”
“Sounds great.” She waited silently, and a little awkwardly, wondering if there was anything he wanted to talk about.
“Oh shit, I want to bring it up. But I don’t know,”she said to her wolf.
“Chicken,”her wolf teased her.
