Page 6 of Mistletoe Mischief

“So, what does the winner of your contest get?” Neil asked, interrupting her ogling. “The one who suggested Mistletoe as a destination?”

“I thought picking their destination suggestion was enough,” Ryler said, clicking on @PikenAround’s profile picture. He was smiling for the camera with a backdrop of trees, hands in the pockets of his dark blue coat. His neat red beard was vibrant against the dark of his jacket. He had a nice smile and eyes, although he was too far away to tell the actual color.

“Oh, come on. He or she should get something extra. Who is this person?”

Ryler followed the link for Adventures in Mistletoe and scrolled through the different services. “He owns an outdoor sports tour company. Snowboarding lessons. Snowmobiling.”

“Hey, that could be fun. We could hire his company’s services while we’re out there. When is the last time we hit the slopes?” he asked.

“Years, and I already did.” She turned her phone around to show him the confirmation emails. “We have four activities booked, but I have a feeling we could do more.” Ryler groaned. “I don’t know about snowboarding. I’m totally out of practice.”

“Stop acting like you’re old,” Neil said, snapping his fingers. “I’ll make some sponsorship calls, and we can get everything we need shipped and waiting for us at the house when we arrive.” Neil pulled out his phone, pausing with his fingers on the keys. “You said the house was a four-bedroom, right?”

“Yes, why?”

“Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t sharing a room with Kit. He has one string cheese and he can clear a building with his noxious gas.”

“Gross!” Ryler laughed, although she knew firsthand about Kit’s dairy intolerance. Being stuck in a car with someone over the course of five years, you get real familiar with what they can eat on the road.

“By the way,” Neil said, sobering, “I smoothed things over, but Alia insulted the man with the corner food cart and a waitress at the bar we were at last night.”

Ryler grimaced. Although she loved Alia like a sister, Ryler knew she could be abrasive and tactless. Alia called it honesty, but no one else took it that way.

“Thanks for taking care of it.”

“You don’t have to thank me. Excursions is as much my baby as it is yours, and I’d never want people to think badly of us.”

“I know,” Ryler said, thankful that Neil was always there to support her. He was the only other constant in her life besides Alia and Excursions. He was her family.

“We fly out at three today,” Ryler said, setting her phone down, “and I figured that would give you guys a couple days with your families before you fly out Friday to join us.”

“When are you two going to arrive?” he asked.

“We will land with enough time to run back to the town house, pack, and get a good night’s sleep.”

Neil frowned. “Are you sure you don’t want to come home with me? My mother loves you, and you know there’s plenty of food.” He cleared his throat, adding casually, “Alia could even come with you.”

While Ryler enjoyed visiting with Neil and his family, she avoided major holidays with people, preferring to keep things low-key. Less likely to experience a rush of memories. However, she didn’t like to tell Neil that kind of thing and have him pity her.

“Oh boy, that will be fun,” she deadpanned. “Refereeing the two of you during Thanksgiving dinner?”

“Now, hang on, if Thanksgiving with my family has taught me anything, it is how to keep the peace for even the most contentious relationships.”

Ryler patted Neil’s arm. “I appreciate it, but you know I like to dig in ahead of everyone else. Get a feel for the place.”

“Fine,” Neil said, stretching. “Do you want me to stick around to break the news to Alia, or are you good if I head out for a run?”

“I’m not scared of my cousin,” Ryler said.

“Shit, I am. She throws a tantrum like a three-year-old who wants more juice.”

Ryler smothered her laugh. “You’re mean.”

“Maybe, but I’m just saying. She’s gotten a little spoiled over the last few years.”

Ryler knew Neil had issues with Alia. He hadn’t been shy about telling her daily. Hiring Alia to be the face of Excursions gave Ryler the freedom to relax and continue to be herself without dealing with the politics. Dealing with Alia’s dramatics was a small price to pay.

Especially after everything Alia and her family had done for Ryler.