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Once we finished and tidied up our mess, Norah and I stayed with Cobie and let Trixie, Alice, and Willa retire while we waited for Keller to return with Isaac.
By the time they walked into the great room, where the three of us were watchingThe Grinch, Cobie was fast asleep.
Isaac picked her up and carried her to bed. Keller, worried about us driving so late in the snow, convinced Norah and me to catch a few hours of sleep on the couch. He threw two large logs on the fire and brought us pillows and extra blankets before going home in search of Willa.
We woke to the sound of Hal working in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
He sent us off with freshly baked bacon and egg biscuits and to-go coffees.
Norah dropped me off at my apartment before hurrying home to get ready for her day. Luckily, she had her employee, Steph, scheduled to open the store.
I make it to the office, and Roxie stands to greet me, hands me a warm mug, and informs me that Isaac has already arrived and he and Hoyt are waiting for me in the mayor’s office.
“Thanks, Roxie,” I call as I hasten down the walkway leading to the mayor’s office.
I knock once before entering to find Hoyt and Isaac laughing like old friends.
“Sela, please come in,” Hoyt beckons.
Isaac stands.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” I say as I join them.
Hoyt looks down at his watch. “You’re right on time.”
Right on time is late for me. I’m the person who always arrives early. I’m not a fan of rushing, and I don’t like feeling unprepared. I like to take my time, stop for coffee, and chat with folks as I stroll into the office.
I look around, flustered.
“No Cobie this morning?” I ask.
“She decided she wanted to stay at the inn and help Trixie and Willa bake and gut pumpkins for tonight’s ginger pumpkin pie and toasted pumpkin seeds. So, it’ll be just you and me on today’s adventure,” Isaac explains.
Darn, I wanted to take her to the ice rink and park today.
My disappointment must show on my face.
“It was a hard choice for her. She wanted to see you again, but she’s never made pies before,” he consoles.
“Thankfully, I’ll get to see her tomorrow night to hunt elves, right?”
He smiles. “There’s no way she’ll miss that.”
“So, what is on today’s agenda?” Isaac asks.
My stomach lets out a loud growl, and he lifts an eyebrow in question.
“First stop is for food. I missed breakfast this morning,” I reply.
He opens the door to town hall and motions for me to lead the way.
The Snow Bird Café is only two doors down from town hall, so we duck in and slide into a corner booth.
Joe Walsh, the owner of the café, waves to us from the kitchen.
“What can I get you, Sela?” he calls.
“Sausage egg and cheese on a bun and …” I reply and then lift an eyebrow to Isaac.
