One More for Christmas(49)

Michael slung a backpack over his shoulder and picked up a case in each hand, while Brodie unloaded the rest of their bags.

“You get into the warm. I’ll handle these.”

“I’m fine.” Samantha carried her own suitcase and walked with Brodie.

She wanted to say something thoughtful about his father, but what? She’d already said the wrong thing. She didn’t want to double down on her mistake.

Stuck for safe topics of conversation, she settled on the weather.

“I’m one of those rare people who love snow. I live in Boston. As well as snow, we have wind. I’ve actually seen snow falling horizontally there.”

“I know Boston well.”

“You do?”

“I’ve worked with a few tech starts-up there. Smart people.”

“Work? What work?”

“I’m a data analyst.”

“You—” She stopped dead. “I assumed you were an outdoors person who runs to the top of a mountain before breakfast.”

“Ah.” His smile flashed briefly. “Once I’ve fallen flat on my face a few times you’ll realize that walking on ice isn’t one of my specialities. And although I’m happy hiking up a mountain, running I leave to other people.”

A data analyst.

As they stepped into the warmth, Samantha saw that the inside of the lodge was as warm and welcoming as the outside. There was a vaulted entrance hall, with a sweeping paneled staircase hung with antique portraits. A fire blazed in the hearth, and a huge tree reached almost to the ceiling, its branches decorated with green and red. Family photos clustered on tables, and there were boots and umbrellas tucked inside the porch, all signs that this was not a hotel, but a home.

Tab was absorbed by the tree. “How did you put the star on top?”

“We used a ladder.” He broke off as a black Labrador sprinted toward them. “Sit! Stay! Stop—do not jump—Oh for—” He steadied himself as the dog planted both paws on his stomach. “As you can see, we’re still working on the training.” He held on to the dog’s collar firmly and glanced at Tab. “He’s friendly—don’t worry. A little too friendly.”

Tab approached the dog. “What’s he called?”

“Bear.”

Hearing his name, the dog wagged his tale furiously.

Tab waved a finger. “Sit.”

Bear sat.

Brodie raised his eyebrows. “You have the touch. You are now officially in charge of Bear’s training while you’re here.”

Samantha crouched down and stroked him. “He’s gorgeous. How old is he?”

“About twelve months. I was driving home from my father’s—” He paused. “I was driving, and there he was in the ditch.”

He’d been driving home from his father’s funeral. He hadn’t finished the sentence but she knew.

“Someone abandoned him?”

“Left him there. I would have missed him if my headlights hadn’t picked him out.”

“And you brought him home.” He’d rescued the dog. She had no idea why that made her feel so emotional. Jet lag. She needed sleep.

Brodie rubbed Bear’s head. “He’s a little out of control, but he’s the most loving dog I’ve ever met.” He straightened. “But not everyone loves dogs, I know, so if he’s a problem we can figure something out.”

“I love him.” Tab had her arms locked round Bear, who clearly returned her feelings.

Brodie glanced up as an older woman walked into the room.

“Mum.” He stepped toward her. “Our guests have arrived.”

“I see that, and they’re very welcome. I’m Mary.” Mary held out both hands to Samantha, who took them, startled by the warmth shown to a stranger.

“Thank you for allowing us to join you.”

She assumed Brodie must have taken after his father, rather than his mother. Whereas his hair was dark, hers was blond, lightened by touches of silver. The skin around the corner of her eyes was creased from years of smiling.

“You can’t imagine how happy I am. It will be wonderful to have the house full of people again.” Her hands tightened on Samantha’s. “It’s been too quiet ever since—”

“Mum—” Brodie spoke quietly, and Mary caught his eye and swallowed.

“And you must be Tab.” She beamed at the child. “It’s been a while since we had young feet running around this house. When my children were your age, they used to love helping me in the kitchen. Do you like cooking?”

“Yes!”

“Good. Because with all these mouths to feed, I would appreciate help in the kitchen.”

Tab still had her arms locked around Bear. “I can help. I can make cookies.”

“Good. And don’t worry that we’re a little way from the village—” Mary glanced quickly at Brodie “—because we have everything we need right here. We’re so well stocked we could feed you for a month without ever having to leave the estate. And there’s plenty to do. Even if it’s snowing, we can—”

“They’re tired, Mum,” Brodie said. “Let’s save the list of activities until tomorrow.”

“All I’m saying is that we’re not that remote. Not at all.” Mary cleared her throat. “I think people are going to love it here.”