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Riley was shaking her head even before Annie had finished speaking. “I can’t… I just can’t.” Time to talk about something else. “So, tell me about your guesthouse? Are you still happy with the number of guests you’re getting? Remember, I’m here until Friday. I can easily take more photographs if you like?”
Annie laughed. “Changing the subject, are we? It won’t always work, you know. I’m here if you ever want to talk. Okay, different topic. Yes, the guesthouse has been gloriously busy over the summer, I’m happy to report. On occasion, I’ve actually had to tell people I don’t have a room for them. Do you really think it’s necessary to change the pictures on my website? Craig has mentioned the idea, too, but I don’t know whether there’s a point.”
Riley nodded. “Maybe bring a little winter and Christmas to your pages? You’ve turned your house into a Christmas wonderland—I think you should show people what it looks like this time of year. And what about pictures of Main Street at night? Copper Mountain covered in snow? And isn’t there a lake somewhere where you skate? I remember Aiden mentioning it.”
Annie clapped her hands. “Miracle Lake. Oooh, yes, it sounds lovely. Maybe we can all go one evening. It’s freezing cold, but they serve hot chocolate, and we don’t have to stay long. Dylan would love it. But do you have time?”
“It’ll have to be tomorrow—we’re leaving on Friday, but I should be able to do quite a lot during a day. I can take the other pictures in the morning, and then maybe if we go to Miracle Lake tomorrow, after everyone is back from work, I could take a few pictures there?”
Annie grabbed her phone. “Sounds perfect. Let me text everyone. I’ll make something so we can have a light supper before we go.”
Chapter Twelve
Mitch was onhis way back from school when he saw Riley’s car in front of Annie’s house. He was going to swing by Janice’s house later to talk to her, but he wasn’t going to waste another moment before he could see her.
The last two days had been busy at school. Also, both his sisters had finished reading his manuscript, and each one had sent him notes and ideas as he’d requested. He wasn’t sleeping anyway, so the last two nights he hadn’t even tried. Instead of rolling around in bed, dreaming about a long-legged redhead who was driving him nuts, he’d been editing his manuscript.
With a quick knock on the front door, he opened it. “Annie?” he called.
His sister appeared in the kitchen door. “Come on in, I’ve made scones.”
Smiling, he gave his sister a quick hug. “Thanks, sounds nice. Thanks for all your notes, by the way. I appreciate your help.”
“I loved the story,” she said as they entered the kitchen. “Not difficult to guess who your inspiration for Dorothy is,” she said under her breath. “Riley and I are having tea.”
His eyes found Riley’s, and his heart sighed. Damn, he’d missed seeing her face. Without conscious thought, he walked up to where she was sitting and touched her shoulder. “Hey, you. I was going to stop by Janice’s later, but then I saw your car outside…” Bending down, he kissed her.
The sound of her breath hitching in her throat nearly brought him to his knees, and he simply had to feel the satiny texture of her face beneath his fingers. Her eyes darkened.
He had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Is Dylan with Janice?”
“He’s… um… he’s at a playdate.” Her voice was husky and not quite steady.
Mmm, she was also a bit rattled, he was happy to see. “So, he likes school?”
“This one, apparently,” Annie said. “Maybe a good idea to leave him with Janice as she suggested when you go back for your photo shoot.”
“I don’t think I’m coming back for Christmas, Annie. I have a lot of work…”
“You should make sure you’re back a few days before the big day,” Annie said, blithely ignoring Riley. “There are so many things happening close to Christmas Dylan would enjoy. There’s a gingerbread house competition; we’re all putting up Christmas trees and would need help, not to mention all the cooking to be done before the big day. Christmas is a time for family, and you’re family, Riley. Your and Dylan’s place is here, with us. Tea, Mitch?”
Nodding, Mitch sat down next to Riley. “You might as well agree.” He grinned at Riley. “Annie will not stop pestering you, if you don’t.”
Annie had already moved on to the next topic. “Riley sent us the final wedding photos last night—I’m so happy with every single one. You’ve captured exceptional moments in such a special way, Riley. Mitch, there’s such a beautiful one of you and Dylan at the reception…”
“They’re all extraordinary.” He looked at Riley. “I’ve wanted to ask you—the photo of Dylan and me in front of the cottonwood tree, will you please send it to me?” Mitch looked down at his tea. “It’s probably saved in the other folder on your computer.”
The only indication Riley had heard him was a quick intake of breath. “I’ll have a look.” As she put her cup down, she got up. “I really have to go, Annie. I still have to pick up Dylan. Thanks for a lovely afternoon. I’ll see what I can do tomorrow about new pictures of the town in all its Christmas glory.”
“Thank you. And we’ll see all of you at around six? Mitch, did you get my text?”
Mitch took out his phone. “I keep it on silent during school hours.”
“Riley is going to take more pictures for my website. We thought of going to Miracle Lake tomorrow after you all have finished work. I do love the vibe of the place.”
Riley turned away. “Okay, great, we’ll see you there. Dylan has never skated before; he’ll be fascinated.”
Mitch placed a hand at Riley’s back. “I’ll walk her out,” he told Annie.
