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She bobbed her head in acknowledgement, her attention already elsewhere.
On his way up to the attic, he stuck his head into the lounge area and spotted the fresh tree in the corner beside the fireplace. It wasn’t oversized, which meant the box of ornaments he recalled from his last Christmas here should be enough.
The narrow stairs at the back of the house near his bedroom led into a large open space directly under the roof. Reflective silver paper had been tacked to the beams for insulation and made it surprisingly light and airy, despite there being only a couple of good-sized circular windows, one at each end.
It was full of boxes and old furniture, neatly stacked around the edges of the room. Don insisted on labelling everything, so it was easy to see the contents of each box. The Christmas decoration box was large, but lightweight and right at the front. He opened it to check the contents and put it aside. There were a couple of boxes labelled with his name that he didn’t recognise. Probably from his room when they cleared it out for Bonnie or maybe guests.
Squatting on the floor he used a credit card from his wallet to slice through the tape on one of the boxes. Books. He fumbled through them and put them back. Old schoolbooks and novels he wasn’t likely to need again. He shoved it aside and opened the other one.
He was staring at his old laptop when he heard the creak of the steps. He’d totally forgotten leaving it behind four years ago. He’d had at least two new ones since then. Bonnie stood at the entrance to the attic, her head tilted to take into account the slope of the roof.
Placing the laptop into the box with the decorations, he stood up. “I found the decorations. I got sidetracked with some of my old things.” He indicated the box of books. “This could probably be sent to the recycle shop.”
“I’ll see to it. Colin was wondering what was keeping you. He’s all ready to start.”
“Where’s Tamara?”
“Working. We had three people leave, so she’s doing the rooms. I’ll have to help her with the cottage later, once the tree is done.”
He followed her down with the box of decorations clutched to his body. Her hips swayed enticingly as she took the steps one at a time, one hand steadying herself on the rail. He dragged his gaze away to focus on making it down without tripping over his own feet. Falling down the steps would be really bad timing.
Colin stood bright-eyed beside the tree. “Can I put the star on top, puhlease?”
Xander laughed. “Sure you can, buddy.”
They started by tipping the contents of the box onto the bare floor in front of the fireplace. Colin was totally into it, separating the shining balls into sizes and colours under Bonnie’s direction. She’d make a great mum one day. The idea sent a warmth to his belly and he picked up the string of lights. “I’ll start with these.”
The three of them worked well, using a small stool to reach the higher branches. Colin darted in and out—checking on his mother, according to Bonnie—finally dancing back, ready to put the star on top.
Xander lifted the boy up, keeping him steady while he slid the bright silver star onto the topmost branch. “Well done, laddie.”
They were standing together admiring the tree when he noticed Bonnie’s attention had strayed.
A fair woman in a neat trouser suit with an unbuttoned, bright red overcoat stood at the door, watching them with speculative eyes.
“I’m Angie Schultz from theBialga Daily News. I was told by your agent you would be available for an interview.”
Not what he needed right now. He liked to keep his private life separate. “Not today, but yes, I will be available. You need to make an appointment.” He put Colin down and stood waiting for her to approach.
“I was hoping we could arrange something while I’m here.”
“Perhaps during the week?”
“I’ll be in town again on Tuesday.”
He thought through his commitments. The interview was part of his agreement with the local committee leading up to the charity concert. “Tuesday morning around ten would work for me. We could meet at Maxine’s.”
She keyed something into her phone. If she was disappointed at the venue, she didn’t show it. “Thanks.”
He waited for her to leave but she looked around, her eyes taking in the domestic scene. He wondered what had brought her to the inn on a Sunday. Nothing good.
“You mentioned you’d be having family time. I see you meant it. May I take a photograph of the three of you?”
Bonnie stepped forward to Xander’s side. “The child belongs to one of my staff. He’s not public property.”
The reporter narrowed her eyes. “I see. And you are?”
“I’m working here temporarily for the MacDonald’s. I’m a cook. Nobody of interest.”
