“Oh dear, Mayor Thompson!” Dorothy exclaimed, examining his ankle. “I think you might’ve sprained it.”
“No, no.” The mayor tried to dismiss their concerns, attempting to steady himself. “It’s just a small stumble. I’m sure I’ll be—”
“Nonsense!” Ida interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. “You should get it checked out at the emergency room. Better safe than sorry.”
When he hesitated, Ida launched into a tale of her distant relative who had ignored a similar injury, ending up with a permanent limp and lifetime of regrets. The story, expertly woven with enough drama to rival any soap opera, had the desired effect. With a sigh of resignation, Mayor Thompson agreed to let Dorothy and Ida take him to the hospital.
As they ushered him out the door, Ida turned and winked at Ginger behind the mayor’s back. Standing in the hallway, she watched the unlikely trio disappear into the snowy evening.
A spark of hope ignited in her chest. She’d managed to avert disaster—for now. But could she really save the day? Ginger allowed herself a moment to bask in that tiny glimmer of optimism. It wasn’t much, but it was something.
Chapter29
Ethan’s truck crunched on the gravel as he pulled up to his cabin. He found Myrtle peering through the frosted glass of the front door.
“Myrtle?” Ethan’s brow furrowed in confusion. Her presence, combined with her concerned look, made his stomach churn. Could something have happened to Ginger? Had she fallen again? “Is something wrong?”
“Oh, there you are, Ethan!” Myrtle exclaimed, turning to face him. “I was just coming by to see if you wanted me to take the kittens.”
Ethan’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why would you think that?”
“Well”—Myrtle shrugged—“I saw Ginger at the Cozy Holly Inn. I figured you might not want to take care of the kittens all by yourself.”
Ethan felt like he’d been punched in the gut. “Ginger… She’s at the inn?”
“Yes, she moved back,” Myrtle said, her voice dropping to a sympathetic whisper. “She mentioned something about not wanting to be in your way. And I believe she was upset about the trees.”
Ethan unlocked the door, and as he swung it open, the kittens scampered toward him, their tiny meows echoing around the empty cabin. He picked one up. Its soft fur was a comforting sensation against the sudden hollow feeling in his chest.
Myrtle watched as Ethan cuddled the kitten, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Unless you want to keep them for a while…”
Ethan sighed. He’d grown attached and not just to the kittens. He didn’t want to let them go. He didn’t want to let Ginger go either. “Yes, I’ll keep them.”
Myrtle smiled. “Good! Then I’ll leave you to it.” Myrtle left, her departing footsteps crunching on the frost-laden path.
Ethan looked around at the now-too-quiet cabin. The tree they’d decorated stood in one corner, and the pine garland arranged along the windowsill spiced the air. He noticed a piece of paper sitting on the counter. It was a note in Ginger’s neat handwriting.
I oweyou a thousand thanks and a million apologies. Your kindness and hospitality these past few days meant more to me than you can ever imagine, and I can only hope my thanks can make up for the burden I might have imposed.
I want you to know that I tried my best to help the trees. In my final effort, I prepared a serum which I believe could help, and Mason was kind enough to assist me in applying it to the trees. Unfortunately, it will need twenty-four hours to take effect.
And here comes my deepest regret. The mayor is due to visit this evening, far before the serum can do its job. I’m so sorry, Ethan. I wish I had come up with this solution sooner. The fear that I’ve potentially ruined everything is unbearable.
Again, thank you for letting me stay in the cabin even though I wasn’t much help.
Yours sincerely,
Ginger
Ethan crumpledthe note in his hand. The weight of Ginger’s worries and his burgeoning feelings for her pressed on his chest. He glanced at the reminder buzzing on his phone—the mayor’s meeting. But the urgency he felt was not for that. It was for Ginger.
Tossing his phone aside, he made a decision. He didn’t care about the meeting or the mayor; he cared about Ginger. She was what mattered right now. With renewed determination, he grabbed the keys to his truck.
Chapter30
Settled comfortably within the welcoming confines of the Cozy Holly Inn, Ginger rested her foot atop a cushiony footstool. A partially knitted scarf lay spread on her lap, each stitch meticulously crafted. Yet her focus kept straying from her task, her eyes continually drawn to the window. The bare winter vista outside beckoned to her, a poignant reminder of Ethan’s cabin and the warmth she had left behind.
She shook her head, berating herself. Pinecone Falls was a world away from the bustling city she was accustomed to, a dream she had no business clinging to. She had made a promise to Mason to see out the holiday here. But when the festive glow faded, she would retreat to the familiarity of the cityscape.
