Chapter Nine
Afew days later, theweather had finally cleared. Owen had woke late two nights ago to the sound of snowplows in the distance. After two days of shovelling, the inn’s walkways were finally clear. It was time for a day of relaxation.
Owen helped Amaryllis climb into his four-by-four truck. She didn’t need the help, but he opened her door and offered his hand so she could hold it and climb in. The gentlemanly act was intended to show her she was valuable, rather than incapable, and she seemed to appreciate it. “When is the last time you went to a Christmas fair?”
“Probably before I moved to Saskatoon. They do have craft fairs there, tons of them, but I never got around to going.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but her frown told him otherwise.
“Craft fairs? You think the Snowy Hollow Winter Festival is a craft fair? Woman, have you gone goofy?”
“Goofy? I resent that, and don’t call me woman. My name is Rill. What’s so great about this Christmas fair? Why is it better than the others?” Clearly, she was teasing, poking fun at his enthusiasm.
“Absolutely everything. To start with, there’s a crafter’s venue.” Her eyeroll made him laugh. “There are rides, sleigh rides, the town tree lighting, a bake sale, sledding races; did I mention rides? Games. It’s a full-on carnival without the mechanical rides.” He climbed in and backed out of his parking space.
“Rides but no rides?” Her confusion was adorable.
“Wait and see, you’re going to love it. You’re going to adore the food vendors. The mini donuts are my favorite. Unless you count the corn dogs. There are vendors selling deep-fried cheese and deep-fried pickles this year too.”
“That doesn’t even sound good. Tell me about the not-rides rides.”
“You’re going to have to wait and see when we get there. When does the next guest check in?” It was time to change the subject; before he caved and answered her questions. He wanted the full extent of the carnival to wow her.
“Tonight. Around seven, I think. We have two families of four coming after dinner and staying through Christmas. More guests are coming the day after that. There’s a bit of a lull, but then we’re booked solid for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.”
The road flew by as they chatted about guests and holiday plans. Before he knew it, they were driving down Main Street. “We’ll walk from here,” Owen said. “I don’t think we’ll get any closer to the fairgrounds. Bundle up.” He parked in the library lot.
“When did Snowy Hollow get a fair ground?” She pulled on her mittens and beanie before climbing from the truck.
“About five years ago. You really should come home more often, you’re way behind the times.” She slipped her arm in his elbow as they walked along, and he reached over to squeeze her hand lightly. “It’s about three blocks. I can almost smell the donuts and fries. This is going to be a blast. I come every year. I’m often here all three days.” He really loved all the local festivals, but this was his favorite.
“Really? Why on earth would you come for all three days?” She looked puzzled.
“I have a secret.” He winked.
“Oh? Do tell. I’d like to know your deepest darkest secrets.” Her tone left no doubt that she was serious.
“Remember the ornament rack?” She nodded, so he kept talking. “I make metal stuff. Ornaments, sculptures. All from scrap.” He was proud of his work. He’d taught himself welding to repair some old equipment at the inn. He loved working with the welder and torch so he started playing around. “I have fun with the tools. A guest saw this rudimentary cow I made. It was about two feet tall. She loved it and wanted to buy it. I sold a few pieces after that. One winter, Ophelia suggested I get a booth in the craft market. I didn’t think I’d sell much, but I sold out.”
“That’s incredible. I’d love to see more of your work. How come you don’t have a booth this year?” They walked arm in arm toward the fairgrounds, greeting people they knew on the way. The bright sun chased away the morning chill.
“I do have a booth. I’ll check in later. I’ve hired someone to run the booth for me since I’m busy.” Okay, he’d hired Glover because his family needed the money. He saw a lot of himself in the youth and was helping out Glover’s family.
“Can we go there first?” She danced excitedly as they neared the grounds.
“Nope. Donuts and cider first. Then we’ll hit the market. I have a plan.” He’d feed her and show her the magic of the Christmas market and fair. She’d fall in love with Snowy Hollow all over again and never want to leave.
“I can live with donuts.” She chuckled and urged him forward.
Her laughter warmed him deep inside, chasing away his lingering loneliness. He had plenty of friends, but aside from his unconventional and somewhat loveless marriage, it had been a long time since he’d had a truly close relationship. Ophelia was his friend, but not what his heart yearned for. Amaryllis, on the other hand...
