Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
When I pull to a stop in front of the inn, I whistle long and slow. “Holy shit. The elves have been damn busy.”
Red bows and garland are draped across the front of the building. The old Ford that we found in the barn and had restored is parked under the portico, a small wreath hanging on the grill. It looks like something off a postcard.
Once I walk inside, I find several tall Christmas trees, fully decorated with thousands of ornaments, and lanterns sit on each step leading up the staircase.
“Did Sarah paint this?” I ask Luna as she walks in from the kitchen. She looks up at the painting I’m pointing at. It’s of the inn decorated for the holidays, and Luna lights up with pride and happiness.
“Yes, isn’t it perfect for the holidays?”
“It’s beautiful,” I confirm. “How’s it going in here?”
“Better than I expected, actually. Mom and Dad have been a huge help. We’re right on track with everything. What are you up to?”
“I came to see Mom and Dad and to check in with June.”
“Why would you need to check in with June?” she asks.
Well, no better time than the present, I guess. “Because she and I are…together.”
Her eyebrows climb, but she doesn’t look shocked.
“And you already knew that.”
“I kind of figured it out. I love it, by the way. My best friend and my brother? Hell yes.”
“Where is she?”
“Oh, she just left. Said she had some errand to run or something.”
I huff out a breath and rake a hand through my hair.
“Did you give her a heads-up that you were headed this way?”
“Unfortunately. She’s been avoiding me, and I’m ready to shake some sense into her.”
“I think she’s been really busy, Apollo. Honest.” She bites her lip, and before I can ask any questions, my dad walks into the room.
“Luna, I love these old lighthouse magazines that you have sitting out in the library. They’re fascinating—oh, hi, son. Come on in and sit with me in the library.”
“You know what? I think I will. Where can I find a cup of coffee?”
“There’s some on the sideboard in the dining room.” Luna gestures to her right. “There are muffins and scones in there, too. Help yourself.”
I do just that. Armed with fresh coffee and sugar, I follow my dad into the library, which has an incredible view of the ocean. We sit in the leather chairs that face the floor-to-ceiling window, giving us an unblocked view of the waves below.
“How do you feel after your trip yesterday?” I bite into a scone and glance at Dad, who’s watching me with a big grin on his face. “What?”
“You look frustrated. It must be a woman.”
“I—” I laugh and take another bite of scone. “Yeah, I’m frustrated over a woman.”
“They’re clever beings, aren’t they?”
“I was thinking more like irritating.”
He looks over his shoulder as if to make sure my mom isn’t standing right behind him, and then he leans closer to me. “Sometimes that’s the case, yes. Want to talk about it?”
“I feel like all I do is talk about it.” I blow out a breath before taking a sip of coffee. “Juniper Snow.”
“Really?” He raises an eyebrow in surprise. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Why?”
“Well, because you were always sniping at each other. I didn’t think you liked each other.”
“We’ve smoothed all of that out.”
“About time. I’ve always liked that girl. She’s damn talented, too.”
“I know. She’s remodeling that little white chapel in town. She’s going to live in it.”
“Is that right? I can see her doing something like that. Good for her.”
“She’s avoiding me.” I don’t like saying that out loud. “I’m sure I did something to piss her off, but I have no idea what, and she won’t talk to me about it.”
“Ah, the old cold shoulder.” He nods as if he knows all about that. “It happens from time to time. It’s been my experience that, if I give your mom some space and let her work through the mad, she’ll come out the other side and let me have it. Then I apologize, and we get on with our wonderful life.”
“She’s had a damn week.”
He taps his fingers on the arm of the chair, which is something he only does when he’s concerned. “That’s quite a mad she’s in.”
“And I don’t know why.”
“That is irritating, but you’ll figure it out. My son isn’t an idiot.”
“I feel like one today.”
“Nah.” He reaches over and pats my shoulder. “How’s the electrical business?”
“Busy.”
“And everything else?”
I’m quiet for a moment as I watch the waves crash against the cliffs. The ocean looks angry today.
“As soon as I figure out what makes Juniper happy, everything will be just about perfect.”
“Good for you, son.” He settles deeper into the chair and sighs with contentment. “You’re happy. Luna’s getting married and built this amazing new business while still managing to take care of the light. My kids are the coolest people I know.”