Page 25 of Close to Heaven

Nine

The party guests were gathered in the lobby, mingling in small groups while they waited for the guest of honor to arrive. Jax had sent Mary off on a trumped-up errand so they’d have time to set up tables and food for the party. He stood back and looked around, pleased with the results. Then he caught eyes with Avery across the room, and he tipped his head at her and smiled. When she returned his smile, it seeped into his bones and made him feel warm all over.

It was mostly thanks to her that the party had come together so easily. Other than making a few phone calls, he’d hardly had to lift a finger.

Avery was currently chatting with Dakota and Cody, and although several other people were in the room, Jax’s gaze kept returning to her. Maybe it was because she looked different today. Instead of her usual work attire, she was wearing a red sweater dress and tall black boots that came to her knees. The dress accentuated her curves without showing any skin, and the boots emphasized her shapely calves. She usually wore her long brown hair straight, but today it fell in loose curls down her back and around her shoulders.

He was wondering if she knew how attractive she was when Mary’s husband, Roger, said, “Here she comes, everyone!”

Mary’s family had been congregating near the front window and keeping an eye out for her return. The room fell silent, and all eyes went to the front door.

“Surprise!” everyone shouted as Mary came bustling in, laden down with bags from the office supply store.

Her mouth gaped, and with eyes wide, she scanned the room. Then she burst into tears. Her husband and children rushed forward and showered her with hugs and kisses.

“Why is Grammy crying?” asked one of her grandchildren.

“She’s just happy, sweetie,” Mary’s oldest daughter replied.

Jax waited a moment and then stepped forward. He didn’t have to look to know that his siblings were standing right behind him, and Avery too.

“Did you do this?” Mary asked through her tears.

“Guilty as charged,” Jax said gruffly.

She held out her arms. “Come here, you.”

Only Mary could get away with hugging him in front of an audience this size. He allowed himself to be wrapped in her warm embrace, which was still comforting after all these years.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he said quietly.

She laughed. “I’ll forgive you anything. You know that.”

She let go and then hugged each of his siblings in turn. Avery hung back, but then Mary motioned her forward.

“I bet you had a part in this too,” Mary mock-scolded.

“Yes, ma’am. But in my defense, Jax asked for my help.”

Mary looked from Avery to Jax and smiled. “Well, thank you both.”

Jax cleared his throat. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”

He wasn’t a fan of speeches and grand gestures, but in Mary’s case, he’d make an exception. Everyone quieted down again.

“As you know, Mary has been an employee of Sawyer’s Ridge for a very long time, but she’s been much more than that to me and my family.” He heard sniffling, but he didn’t look for the source. He had a feeling it was Dakota, though, and he was afraid that if he looked at her, he’d tear up too. “Mary, thank you so much for all you’ve done for the resort and our family.” He took a moment to catch his breath. “We love you, and we’re going to miss seeing your smiling face around here.”

“And your frowning one too,” Cody teased.

Everyone laughed, including Mary.

Now that the serious moment had passed, Jax said, “Okay, let’s eat!”

The noise level rose again as the guests dispersed. Jax was making his way to the food table when Avery stepped in his path.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” he said. Almost everyone was gathered around the food tables, so he figured now was as good a time as any.

“Sure. What’s up?”