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“Where are the girls?” Ellen gave her husband a quick hug.
“They grabbed a bite to eat a couple of hours ago and headed upstairs to watch a movie. Haven’t heard from them since. I’ll go get them—that is if Luke can get the pizzas out of the oven without burning them.” Daniel strode toward the stairs, accompanied by male laughter.
“Everyone’s a critic.” Luke threw open the oven door and pulled out four large pizzas in quick succession.
Sally looked at herself, dirt and grime caked on the legs of her pants—not to mention under her fingernails. Her skin practically crawled with the sweat and dirt that covered her. “I was hoping for a shower and a change of clothes.” She lifted her hands, afraid to touch anything.
Luke dropped his pot holders and circled the kitchen counter. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him, his lips grazing her forehead. “We’re all in the same boat, sunshine. Just wash off the worst of it for now.” He lowered his lips to her ear and continued in a whisper. “When we get back to the cabin, I’ll wash you…from head to toe.”
Sally’s gaze darted to his. Mischief shone warmly from his eyes. “Now there’s an offer a girl can’t refuse.” She pressed close and lifted her lips to meet his.
Stepping back, she headed quickly for the nearest sink. Luke’s low groan followed her.
“Bridgett and Jen said they’re not hungry. Let’s eat.” Daniel made the announcement as he descended the stairs.
Luke pulled a huge bowl of salad and two bottles of wine from the refrigerator and handed them to Daniel. When they were all seated, Daniel blessed the meal and then bedlam broke out as they passed the salad around the table while everyone grabbed for slices of pizza.
“This is delicious,” Sally said, a slice still clutched in her hand.
The others murmured their agreement, and Luke gave her a kiss on the cheek.
A warm sensation grew in her belly until a flush of heat on her skin made her look away.
“Ellen, what time will the guests arrive tomorrow?”
“Around noon. We’ll check them in and get them settled first. We stocked the cabins with lunch supplies, but they’ll take their breakfast and supper meals with us.” Ellen glanced at her husband.
As though on cue, Daniel raised his wineglass and cleared his throat. “Obviously, Ellen and I couldn’t have gotten this place ready in time by ourselves. Thanks to all of you, we got ’er done. It’s a fitting tribute to Ian’s choice of good friends.” His gaze traveled to Sally. “And Luke’s—who didn’t stop talking aboutyouall day.”
Sally refused to blush but couldn’t corral the pleased smile that spread of its own accord.
Luke chuckled and rubbed his hand up and down her back, then lifted his glass. “To Ian and good friends.”
“May he rest in peace,” Matt said.
“Hear, hear.” Travis held his glass skyward, as though saluting someone the rest of them couldn’t see.
Sally watched him as he solemnly honored his fallen comrade.
Silence settled over the group for a moment until Daniel coughed self-consciously. “You know, those kids are probably sound asleep by now.”
Sally had been thinking the same thing. Before she could reply, Luke threaded his fingers through hers. “No problem. I’ll carry her back to our cabin.”
“Or…you could let her stay the night again,” Ellen said. “I’m being selfish, of course, but Bridgett’s been so happy since Jen arrived.” A blush tinging her cheeks pink, she stood and started clearing the table.
All hands helped carry the dirty dishes to the sink until the men, with Ellen’s prodding, filed outside and quiet descended on the room. In short order, the kitchen was spotless and the dishwasher purred softly through its cycle.
Sally dried her hands on a kitchen towel. “You look tired.” She smiled at her new friend. “Tell me what I can do to help tomorrow.”
“People don’t come here expecting to have everything done for them. Our guests carry their own luggage and clear their place settings from the table. But…even we have to keep records and pay lodging tax. I feel bad even asking, but if you could drop in about noon and help me get them registered, that would really speed things up.”
“Say no more. I’ll be here.” Sally hung the towel to dry on the oven door. “Well, I’d better go get Jen.”
“Need any help?”
“Thanks, but I’ll grab Luke if she needs to be carried.” Sally appreciated that Ellen didn’t bring up Jen staying over again. After everything that had happened last night with the marshal, she wanted her daughter close.
Jen and Bridgett were sound asleep on theFrozencomforter that topped Bridgett’s princess canopy-style bed. Sally should’ve known, but disappointment bit her anyway as she halted just inside the door. For a moment, she stood watching her daughter in peaceful sleep while she made up her mind. Then, carefully covering both girls, she left them there.
