Alaskan Holiday
Page 14

Hobo interrupted me and wanted out. I could use a break as well. I grabbed my coat from the hook by the door and walked toward town, my boots crunching into the hard snow.
Hobo did his business and quickly returned to my side. As I neared town, I happened to catch a glimpse of Josie. She was outside of Steve and Angie’s cabin, playing with their youngest boy, Oliver. I stood frozen in place as I watched them playing some silly kid’s game in the snow. Seeing Josie with the little boy, I was mesmerized, dreaming of the day she would be playing with a child of our own. A man could hope.
She must have felt my presence because she looked in my direction and smiled. The simple action went through me like a hot spoon digging into a bowl of ice cream. Raising her hand, she gave me a small wave before Oliver hit her square in the stomach with a snowball. Throwing her head back and laughing, she took off and chased after the boy, grabbing him by the waist and twirling him around.
I don’t think I could have loved her more at that moment; my heart felt like it was melting inside my chest. I didn’t know how it would ever be possible for me to watch her leave, and I knew the time would fly by before I would have to do just that.
Hobo barked when he saw Oliver and Josie, and took after them. I reluctantly followed, fearing Josie would sense my vulnerability to her and the power she held over me.
Oliver dropped to his knees to play with Hobo while I joined Josie. “Hey,” I said, finding my tongue thick and my speech awkward.
She beamed a brilliant smile at me, and I swear it was all I could do to refrain from pulling her toward me and kissing her senseless.
“Hey,” she said.
For a few uncomfortable moments all we did was stare at each other, until she broke the ice.
“I’m cooking for Jack tonight at his place. You want to join us?”
After all the meals Jack had helped himself to at my cabin, I didn’t hesitate. “Sure. What time?”
She shrugged, as if she hadn’t considered that. “We’ll eat when you arrive.”
“Okay.” Why, oh why, did she have to be so perfect?
“Palmer? Palmer?” Oliver jerked at the bottom of my jacket. With my full focus on Josie, I hadn’t paid any attention to the four-year-old.
“Yes, Oliver?” I asked, squatting down so we were at eye level.
“Can Hobo stay and play with us?” Oliver’s cheeks were red from the cold and his chubby face was round and hopeful.
I looked up at Josie. “It’s all right with me,” she said. “If you don’t mind.”
“Sure, have fun.”
“You want me to bring him home once we’re ready to go inside?”
Hobo knew his way to the shop on his own. I think what she was asking was if she would be interrupting me and my work when she brought him back. Not one to miss the opportunity to see her, my answer was clear.
“That would be great.”
Josie gave my hand a gentle squeeze, and my heart felt like it was going to break free of my chest. This woman! How would I ever find the strength to let her go?
* * *
—
When Josie dropped off the dog a bit later, we spent more time kissing than talking. A full three hours passed before she left, and I returned to my workshop and to the blade I’d spent a copious amount of time designing and creating. This was by far my most prestigious commission, and it was important that I provide a product worthy of the trust placed in me. Bottom line: I would need to start all over, as there was no way to repair the crack in the blade. I was about to get started when my workshop door opened and Jack stepped inside, looking cheerful and happy. Hobo got up from his bed to greet my friend.
“I’m busy,” I told him. I’d spent the better part of the afternoon with Josie and needed to get back to work.
“Saw Josie was here.”
“Yup.” I ignored him as best I could and built up the fire, ready to melt the steel.
“She said she invited you to dinner.”
“She did.” I added wood to the burner.
“At my cabin.”
“She mentioned that, too.”
“She’s cooking.”
“Know that.” I dug for a fresh piece of steel in my pile.
“You gonna be there?”
“I’ll be there. Listen, Jack, I really need to get back to work. We’ll connect later, okay?” I looked toward the door, hoping he’d take the hint.
He buried his hands in his pockets and shuffled his feet. “You really going to let her leave?”
“I don’t have a choice, Jack. It’s not like I can kidnap her and force her to stay.”
His eyes widened. “Maybe you couldn’t, but I could.”
“Jack, of all the ridiculous ideas!”
“ ’Course, she’d be upset for the first few days. She’d get over it, though. No need letting her know you were in on the plan. I wouldn’t tie her up or anything, just keep her locked in the kitchen. She’d need her hands free to prepare meals. What do you think?”
“You’re off your ever-lovin’ rocker. Don’t even think of doing anything that stupid. Promise me, Jack. Josie would never forgive you. I’d never forgive you. And worse yet, she’d blame me.”
The older man’s shoulders sank with defeat. “I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“Promise me,” I emphasized.
“Promise,” he muttered, and started toward the door. “Josie said we wouldn’t eat until you arrived. I like my meals early, so don’t be late.”
“I’ll do my best,” I replied, trying to hide my amusement.
And with that, Jack was gone.
* * *
—
I worked late into the afternoon, well past dusk, and knew Jack would be pacing with impatience by the time I decided to quit for the day. I was making progress on the sword, but I’d lost valuable time.
It’d been hours since I’d last eaten and I had to admit I was hungry. Earlier in the week, Jack had brought me a fresh loaf of sourdough bread Josie had baked, still warm, fresh from the oven. The butter had melted, soaking into the bread. It was delicious. The best. I’d devoured the entire loaf within two days. My mind imagined Josie in the kitchen, kneading the dough and then shaping it into loaves before baking it. I’d held that thought in my mind long afterward. I hoped she’d have time to bake again before she left, although I had the feeling I’d be fighting Jack for a share.
I hurriedly headed out the door. Hobo was fed, and I left him at home, although he wasn’t happy about it. When I reached Jack’s cabin, I knocked on the door and didn’t wait for a response before I let myself in. I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of chili.
Jack, who’d been sitting by the fireplace, immediately leapt to his feet. “It’s about time,” he said, exasperated. “My stomach is as hollow as an empty well. It’s been torture waiting for you. Don’t you ever look at your phone?”
“My phone?” I repeated.
“Jack sent you a text,” Josie explained.
I arched my thick brows. “You know how to text?”
“Josie taught me, and I didn’t send you just one, I sent six.”
Swallowing a grin, I apologized. “I’m sorry for the delay.”
“As you should be. I told you I like to eat early.” Jack had already taken his place at the table and held his spoon upright, letting us know he was ready to be served.
Josie went into the kitchen and I followed. “You need any help?” I asked.
She handed me a platter of corn bread. “You can take this to the table, but keep it away from Jack. He’s eaten half the pan as it is.”
That didn’t come as a surprise. “Will do.” I carried the plate over to the table and set it at the far end while Josie delivered a large pot of chili, which she set in the middle.
Jack bowed his head and said a shortened version of grace. “Good friends, good meat. Good God, let’s eat!”
Chuckling, I reached for the corn bread before handing the plate to Josie, who asked me about the sword. Soon we were all talking and laughing together. This was the thing with Josie. She was easy to talk to, easy to be with, and even easier to love.