Page 96 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“The invoice was paid,” Daddy continued. “It should reach your account after the holiday.”

“Thank you.”

“I also need you on a call Monday morning.”

“What time?”

“Ten.”

“I have therapy at ten. I can join at eleven-thirty.”

Daddy looked away from the screen.

The pause lasted long enough for me to hear the fire settle behind us.

“You’re still going every week?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He turned the old signet ring once.

“Eleven-thirty will work.”

I swallowed.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“I’m adjusting a meeting. Don’t make it historic.”

“It’s Christmas Eve. I’m allowed to acknowledge a miracle.”

Jonah covered a laugh with a cough.

Daddy narrowed his eyes at him. “You encourage this.”

“She arrived encouraged.”

“That’s true.”

I laughed, and Daddy’s mouth curved.

“Show me the snow,” Daddy said.

Jonah carried the laptop to the window while I held the curtain aside. White covered the road, porch, and stacked logs beneath the overhang. The pines stood heavy and still beyond the glass.

Daddy shook his head. “It’s beautiful from inside.”

“That’s also how I prefer it,” I said.

“Do you have enough food?”

“We could survive until February.”

Jonah set the laptop back on the table. “She cooked for twelve people.”

“My grandmother’s gravy shouldn’t be made in emotionally limited quantities.”

Daddy’s face softened again. “Your grandmother would agree.”