Santa's Shopkeeper (River's End Ranch Book 18) Read online

  “I’m sorry to drag you out so early,” she said. “But I have two reasons. First, I have to go in soon—so much to do, and of course I have to set up for the ornament decorating party. The other reason is that I couldn’t wait to tell you, but I wanted to tell you in person instead of on the phone. Phones are awesome and I love technology, but they’re still so impersonal.”

  He could tell she was excited about something. “What’s going on? Were you able to find out if the cabin’s free for a few extra days?”

  “That’s exactly it. Wade Weston, who manages the ranch, has donated its use to you for a full extra week. Donated—as in, no charge.”

  “What?” Mark blinked, not sure he understood her correctly. “That’s unbelievable. Did you ask him to do that?”

  “Nope. Wasn’t my idea at all. I just checked to see if it was free, and he did the rest.”

  “Wow. That’s amazing. I haven’t met him yet, but I’ll be sure to stop by and thank him in person.”

  Just then, a pregnant waitress came up to the table, a big smile on her face. “Morning! What can I get you? I have to say, the waffles are particularly good right now. Bob, our cook, has been in a little bit of a mood, and that means he’s been beating the batter to death. Doesn’t make him easy to live with, but it sure makes good waffles.”

  Mark laughed. “Okay, sold. Waffles and a side order of scrambled eggs, please.”

  “That sounds good to me too, Kelsi. Thanks.” Heidi smiled at the waitress as she moved back toward the kitchen. “That baby’s going to be the princess of the ranch. There’s not a single person here who doesn’t love her already.”

  “Does she have a name yet?” Mark asked.

  “Uh, that’s kind of a long story, and one I’d rather share with you tonight.” Heidi chuckled and shook her head. “In the meantime, how are Todd and Callie this morning?”

  “Still asleep, which is no surprise because I heard them talking until around four.”

  “So you’ve only had two hours of sleep?”

  “No, I haven’t had any. I kept expecting Callie to need me, and I couldn’t relax.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Heidi said. “Do you think you’ll get a nap today?”

  “I’m sure I can. But what about you? Do you need help setting up your ornament stuff?”

  She smiled and toyed with the silverware on the table. “Part of me says I’ll manage, but another part of me says to take you up on your offer and spend as much time with you as I can before you have to leave. Which part should I listen to?”

  “Well, the most fun part, of course.”

  “Okay! Can you meet me here at one? I’ve got boxes and boxes in the back of the store, and I have a four-wheeler with a trailer all set to transport them—I just need to load and then unload the trailer.”

  “Sounds like a big deal. Of course I can help.” And if he wasn’t needed until one, that gave him more than enough time for a nap. He’d help Heidi even if he didn’t have a nap, though—the more time he spent with her, the more time he wanted to spend. That had never happened to him before—usually, he was glad to take a break from being social, but this was more than being social. He was starting to think that he’d never want a break from Heidi. Ever.

  ***

  Wade sat back in his office chair and contemplated Heidi. She’d thanked him profusely for donating the cabin, then blurted out her idea a little too fast, like she usually did when she was excited or nervous, and she hoped she hadn’t sounded like a total nincompoop. She also knew that he’d been under a lot of pressure lately, and she hoped she wasn’t adding to it.

  “I think that’s a great idea,” he said after a long moment. “As long as everyone understands that this is completely voluntary and that they aren’t being compelled in any way.”

  “Of course,” she replied. “And I was planning to keep the guests out of it.”

  “Well, I’d say, don’t approach the guests for donations, but if some of them were to hear about it and want to help, that’s fine,” Wade replied. “Is there anything else I can do for you? How’s that replacement Santa doing, by the way? I had fun doing it, but I was more than happy to pass the red suit on to someone else.”

  “He’s doing great. The kids love him,” Heidi replied. She wondered if she should mention her concerns to Wade. If it turned out to be nothing, she’d feel silly for wasting his time, but if it did turn out to be something, and she’d never brought it up, that could be awkward too. “He might think he actually is Santa. I haven’t figured that out yet.”

  Wade laughed. “Well, there are some people who think Idaho is like the North Pole, so you never know—maybe Santa does live here. You’re doing a great job, Heidi. Thanks.”

  Heidi left the office feeling as though she’d done what she could. She’d dropped a hint so that if she did end up needing to report something, there was a foundation for it. For now, that was really about all she could do. In the meantime, she could put Santa’s delusions to good use. She pulled out her phone and sent him a quick text, asking him to come in early again. She included a quick note. I have extra Santa duty for you.

  ***

  Alicia and Reggie were excited to help. Alicia had a bunch of stuffed animals she’d collected over the years that she was ready to part with—they’d just sat on her shelf, so they were pretty much new. Reggie took a twenty-dollar bill from his wallet. “I don’t have any toys, but this might help,” he said.

  “Thanks so much,” Heidi told them. Alicia promised to bring the animals the next day, and then they all got busy helping customers. Heidi didn’t want to give away any secrets, but she did send Mark a quick text so he and the Wilsons wouldn’t be too worried about presents. Christmas just might be a little merry after all.

  What do you mean?

  You’ll see, was all she said in reply. It was fun to be mysterious once in a while.

  Chapter Ten

  Todd came out of the bedroom and plopped on the couch. “Dad’s buying me a plane ticket so I can get home faster to check out the house, and he’s sending Mom and Grace here to be with Callie and the kids,” he said. “He’s planning to pick me up at the airport and go out to the house with me, but he says he’ll buy you a ticket home too if you want to come along. What do you want to do?”

  Mark studied his brother’s face over the rim of his coffee cup. “Where do you want me to be?”

  “If it’s up to me, I’d rather you stay here with Callie. As much as I wish I could, I can’t be in two places at once, and having you here is the next best thing.”

  “Of course it’s up to you. I’ll do whatever you need.” Mark set his cup on the table. “And I think Heidi’s got something up her puffed pioneer sleeve, some kind of surprise. Probably a treat for the kids. We’ll be just fine here. How’s Callie feeling? Did she get some sleep?”

  “She’s handling this a whole lot better than I am. Yeah, she slept, and she’s in the shower now. Then we have to tell the kids.” Todd exhaled heavily. “Man, this is rough.”

  “I’m really sorry, bro,” Mark said, wishing he could do more than he was. “Have they been able to figure out what caused the fire?”

  “Not yet. They said they hoped to have a report for me when I get there.” Todd checked his watch. “Speaking of that, I’m supposed to leave for the airport in twenty minutes. Guess we can’t delay telling the kids any longer.”

  Callie came down the hall, her damp hair pulled back in a ponytail, and took a seat on the couch. Todd gathered up the kids from the bedroom where they’d been playing, and he and Callie each took a child on their laps while they talked. Mark was struck once again by what great parents Todd and Callie were. They stayed focused on the positive, telling the children that they’d rebuild a new house and that everything would be okay.

  “And we’ll get you new Christmas presents too,” Callie said. “They’ll just be a little later than we thought.”

  “It was nice of Santa to bring them early, though, ri
ght?” Todd asked.

  “Santa’s going to take care of everything,” Maisie said, sounding confident. “He’s right here at the ranch, and he can fix it.”

  “Santa has certain jobs to do, and other people have their jobs to do,” Todd said. “Like, it won’t be Santa building our new house—the house builders will do that.”

  “Oh, I know that,” Maisie said, rolling her eyes. “Santa can’t climb ladders and stuff. He’s too fat! And God doesn’t climb ladders either. He has helpers who do it for him.”

  “That’s right. We’ll be working with a lot of helpers to fix this problem.” Todd smiled at her, his eyes shiny with tears. “Do you kids know how much we love you?”

  “Because we’re yours!” Connor chimed in.

  “That’s right. Because you’re ours.” Callie gave Connor a big squeeze. “Now, guess what? Grandma and Aunt Grace are coming here to the ranch to see us! And your dad’s going to go home and check on our house, but he’ll be back for Christmas.”

  “Is Gwamma bringing me chocowate?” Connor asked.

  Mark chuckled. His mother had stumbled across this fudge place in Wyoming and ordered it in regularly. “I’m thinking yes,” he replied.

  “Now, kids, give me hugs. I need to catch my plane.” Todd held each of the kids close, then wiped his eyes as he walked into the bedroom to grab his things.

  “Mommy?” Maisie climbed up on Callie’s lap. “Mommy, it’s going to be okay. You wanna know how I know?” She touched her chest. “I feel it in here. You don’t have to be sad.”

  “Thank you, baby.” Callie sniffed. “Are you kids ready for lunch?”

  They said they were, so she pulled out some sandwich makings and set to work.

  Mark watched her for a few minutes. Although she looked sad, she did seem strong, and he was so grateful. It wouldn’t be hard at all for something like this to send her crashing down.

  “Hey, Callie? You mind if I go help Heidi for a little bit? How’s Todd getting to the airport, anyway? Is he driving?”

  “No, he’s leaving the car here in case we need it. The ranch people said they’d get him there.”

  “That’s so great of them.” Mark fished in his pocket. “Okay, my phone is on and charged. Call if you need anything, okay?”

  “Always do,” she replied, flashing him a smile. “We’ll be down to make ornaments as soon as it starts. See you there.”

  ***

  Heidi glanced up when Mark came in, bundled against the cold. “Hey there,” she called out. “Are you ready to be put to work?”

  “That’s what I’m here for,” he replied. “What do you need?”

  “The trailer’s parked right out back. Can you go through the storeroom, open the back door, and start carrying out the boxes that are marked paints and ornaments? We’re having a problem with the cash register and I need to get it fixed before we can leave.”

  “Not a problem.” Mark disappeared toward the back, and Heidi turned her attention to the silly machine that had been giving her fits for the last twenty minutes. At last, it was working, and she was able to turn things over to Alicia and Reggie. She was running late, and that stressed her out because she was supposed to have the ornaments ready to be made by three.

  She pulled Alicia over to the corner. “I told Santa to come in early so I could ask for his help,” she said in an undertone. “But I just realized I won’t be here. Could you please talk to him and ask if he’s available on Christmas Eve to help deliver presents to the Wilsons?”

  “Sure,” Alicia replied. “I hope he can—that would be so awesome.”

  “Thanks—you’re the best. Okay, I’m off to supervise ornament day.”

  Alicia gave her a thumbs-up, and she rounded the corner toward the back to find Mark waiting for her.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked. “You and Alicia looked like you were discussing something pretty serious.”

  “Nope, it’s all good,” Heidi replied. She hoped she sounded nonchalant and airy. It’s hard to tell how one’s own voice sounds. “Were you able to get everything?”

  “I was. Thanks for having it clearly labeled.”

  When they walked outside, Heidi saw that Mark had tied it all down with a rope and they were ready to go. She hopped onto the four-wheeler and patted the seat behind her. “Climb on.”

  “I’ve never ridden one of these,” he said as he settled in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to forget all about ornament day and being in a hurry and just sit there with his arms around her. It was one of the nicest things she’d ever felt.

  “So, how does this thing go, anyway?” Mark asked, and Heidi realized she’d zoned out.

  “It’s super easy. Like this.” She showed him how to accelerate and brake, then drove them over to the event barn. They had to take it a little slow because of the snow and because they were pulling a small trailer, but they were there in a matter of minutes and could start unloading.

  “Did you get a nap? And how are Todd and Callie doing?” Heidi asked as they hefted their first boxes to carry in.

  “I did get a nap, and Todd’s on his way home right now to check on things. My dad sent him a plane ticket, and my mom and sister are on their way. I just got a text a few minutes ago that they were able to get on standby and will be here by dinner.”

  “That’s great,” Heidi said, setting her load down on a table in the front. She was both excited to meet more of Mark’s family and apprehensive as well. She had the tendency of getting attached to people a little too fast, and with Mark just being there for a few more days, she knew she’d just be making friends to lose them again. But what was that old expression about how it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all … yeah. That thing people said when they were trying to put lousy stuff in perspective. It never had worked for her.

  She turned to go back out for the next load, but Mark reached out and caught her arm. “Hey,” he said softly.

  “Yeah?”

  “So, we’re alone for a second, right?”

  “Just about that long. People are going to start showing up soon.”

  “Hmm. Sounds like we’d better be quick, then.” He slid his hand behind her neck and brought her in close, cuddling her against his chest for the smallest moment before kissing her. She brought her hands up and clung to the lapels of his coat, wanting to hold him there in that moment forever, tingles racing up and down her arms and her brain exploding into thousands of fireworks. Wow. This guy could really kiss. He’d been holding out on her before.

  He pulled back and took a deep breath. “Um, Heidi, we need to talk.”

  That sounded bad. “Can we just kiss again instead?”

  He grinned and did as she asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I think we need to finish getting set up,” he said at last, breathing hard into her ear. “But can I take you to dinner tonight? We really do need to talk.”

  “Okay,” she replied. She’d known it was going to happen—he’d be giving her the whole “I’m leaving and you’re staying here, and this has been awesome but too bad” speech. Well, she’d enjoy the minutes while she had them. And she had tables to set up.

  “If you want to start unpacking, I’ll bring the rest in,” he said, and she nodded.

  She’d already divided the ornaments up into categories, and so it was just a matter of taking things from the boxes and putting them on the tables at the front of the room. Then out came the paints and brushes and glue and all that other lovely stuff that was going to make a giant mess. The crew had already set up the tables and covered them with butcher paper, so that would reduce some of the possible damage. She just hoped that the children wouldn’t get too much paint on their clothes.

  As soon as Mark had brought in the last box, he started unpacking as well, and then Natasha from the housekeeping crew came in to volunteer. By the time three o’clock hit, they were ready to go, even with the slight delay
they’d experienced when Mark had kissed her.

  Dang it. Why had he gone and done that? She was supposed to be concentrating on getting ready for this event, and instead, she kept reliving those moments and wishing she could go back in time and freeze it right there.

  Rather than having everyone come in at the same time, which would make everything too wild and crazy, Heidi had scheduled the times so people could trickle in as they were free for the next four hours. She hoped this would be easier than trying to coordinate an entire ranch full of people simultaneously.

  “What would you like me to do now?” Mark asked.

  “Take me away from here and build me a fire and make me hot chocolate and cuddle me” was what she wanted to say, but she didn’t. He might have thought that was a little weird. Instead, she said, “Keep the ornament selections well stocked, and make sure everyone has a paintbrush.”

  “Got it,” he said, giving her a small salute.

  Callie and her two children were some of the first to come in, and Heidi made sure they saw all the choices so they’d get their favorite things. A few minutes later, Jaclyn came in, a bunny tucked into a baby sling on her chest.

  “George asked me to come see if he’s being properly represented,” she said.

  “The gnomes are right over here. Um, is that one of your litter-trained rabbits?”

  Jaclyn gave her an exaggerated look. “Of course. I can’t take the others out in public—that would necessitate a diaper bag and changing tables and all that nonsense, and I think I’m a little too old to be dealing with all that, don’t you?”

  “You’re most likely right,” Heidi replied. “Here are the gnomes. What do you think?”

  Jaclyn picked up the one Heidi thought looked like Gorgeous George and held him up to the light. “Hmm. He’s close, but his nose isn’t quite right. I’ll take him anyway.”

  “Great. The paints are over there.” Heidi grinned as Jaclyn hoisted the rabbit up a little more securely in the sling before walking off to find a spot at a table.

  She felt someone watching her and looked over to see Mark smiling at her. He turned away long enough to hand someone an extra bottle of white paint, but then he glanced her way again. She felt heat flood her cheeks. She wished he could stay here on the ranch with her forever. It was a magical place, right? Amazing things happened here all the time, but she didn’t think that extended to taking a guy in a well-established career and moving him to a different state to be with a girl who sold lemon drops for a living.