Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“It’s a first edition, just off the press.”
“Are you serious?” I look at the name on the bottom. Written and Illustrated by Jenny Mason.
It’s been published by Snowfall Publishing, which isn’t a surprise because everyone in town knows she’s gifted, even Mr. Miller who opened the business years ago. I stand up and hug my sister. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m proud of you, big brother.” I look at Mia, and she’s snapping pictures. I sit back down and look at the book before turning back to Mia. Taking the camera, I pull her to me and kiss her lips.
“Can I see it?”
“Sure.” I hand it to her and then take a drink from my coffee because my throat feels tight.
“So, enough with that mushy shit.”
“Mouth, Derek,” Jenny says.
“I’ll give you my mouth, wife,” he growls, grabbing her around the face and kissing her.
“Again,” Lily huffs with her hands on her waist, rolling her round little eyes.
Mia’s voice brings my attention to her. “Adorable.” I think she’s talking about Lily, but her eyes are focused on the book.
“It is pretty cool, right?”
“Yes. Jenny, you have an amazing gift.”
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all of these wonderful people pushing me.”
“Momma, we don’t have a present for Aunt Mia.”
Lily looks so distraught, but Derek is quick to answer his little girl. “It’s okay, sweetie. We’re going to pick out something for her at the festival. How does that sound?”
“Can we please?”
“Yes, sweetie.”
“Can I have a hug?” Mia asks.
“Yes,” Lily shouts, running through the paper mess and into Mia’s arms. I’ll gladly stay Uncle Mark forever if Mia will stay with me.
“Okay. It’s getting late, and I have to get to the square. You know I’m on the committee.” My mother jumps out of her seat. “Who’s going to drive me?”
“I’m going that way to take Mia to the inn.”
“Well, let’s get moving.”
“Yes, Mother.” We get up and gather our things, saying goodbye to the family who will meet us at the event. I’m exhausted, but I need to make this day count as much as I can. I owe Lily another present for that Aunt Mia comment. She’s in my corner one hundred and ten percent. Actually, everyone is.
We get to the inn after dropping my mom off down the street. “Hey, wake up,” I say, nudging young Frankie Jones at the desk.
“Oh, sorry, Sheriff. I fell asleep, so I stayed to make up the time and I guess I fell asleep again.” There’s an hour until the festival starts, so no one will be checking in and everything is on a secure network with all rooms locked and cameras in the hallways and lobby.
“Relax, Frank. Merry Christmas. Go on home and get ready for the festival tonight. I’ll be closing up the front desk soon. See you tonight.”
“Thanks.” He should have left at midnight last night. Poor kid is always trying to prove he’s not his father. I take a seat behind the desk and look through the system, finding Mia’s registration information and mentally memorizing her address.
The doorbell rings at the entrance and a tall man in a puffy coat and scarf comes in, taking off his gloves. His eyes go around the room, looking everywhere like he’s assessing the place. “Hello—can I help you, sir?”
“Yes. I heard there’s a festival today and wanted to see if you had any rooms available.”
“We do. What is it that you’re looking for, and is it just for yourself?”
“Soren!” Mia calls out from the edge of the stairway. “What are you doing here?”
He pulls her into his arms, and I do my best not to be jealous because I know that’s her brother. She slips out of his grip and looks cute with her pretty sweater and hat on. “I came to check this place out and to find that asshole and make sure he’s on the up and up.”
“Ugh. I’m fine, Soren. Besides, I must remind you that I’m an adult.”
“Yes, and I’ll remind you that I’m your older brother who worries. So where is this guy at?”
“Right here.”
“You? I thought you said you were a sheriff.”
“I am. My sister owns this place, and I came to handle things for a bit while Mia gets ready for the festival. I’m Mark Stone.” I stick out my hand and we shake hands, although her brother is attempting to test my strength. He’s a tough guy even though he’s much more slender than me, but I have years of military training and a hell of a grip. Still, I maintain my composure.
“What are your intentions with her?”
“I intend to take her out and get to know her. After that, I plan on marrying her, but that’s still all up to her.”
“What’s your income? How long have you been in law enforcement?”