Winter Falls (Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe)

Epilogue

epilogue

Amos put the phone down after leaving a message on the machine. It was as if a weight was off his shoulders telling the company no, they were not going to sell.

Now, in hindsight, he knew he never really wanted to sell anyways. But it was important to get Asher and Alana’s opinion before the decision was made. He slid the papers back into the envelope, taped it shut and put it in the bottom drawer of his desk. He wouldn't burn them or throw them out, he’d use them as a reminder how it helped his family find each other again.

He flipped off the light and rose, Jack hot on his heels. Out in the hall,the aroma of dinner made his mouth water. Roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. Holly insisted on making it and he wasn't going to argue. The scent of cinnamon buns also floated on the air. Amos smiled, Holly had added some extra touches of her own to his mother’s recipe. There was always a pan of them on the counter in the kitchen and he’d become used to it.

Amos walked into the great room to find Asher building another fire in the hearth. "You’ve become the fire starter these days."

"I remember mom saying that without a fire, there was something missing. She was right. As long as we're using this room, there should be a fire.” He crouched down and put a couple more logs on.

He stayed that way for a moment, staring into the flames. Amos watched him, a swell of pride for his brother grew inside him. He'd always be proud of Asher, and the way he stepped up this past week had shown him how much Asher had matured. He could no longer think of him as his younger pain in the ass brother, instead he saw him as a confident, independent man. But, he would always be his younger brother and he wished for him to find someone to share his life with.

"Mom was right. She was pretty much right about everything, wasn't she?" Amos crossed his arms and stood for a moment.

Asher nodded. "Yep, that's for sure. But why didn't we see it at the time? Why did it take all these years after them being gone for us to see it?"

"Who knows, we’re adults, we're not kids anymore, we've been through some shit."

Asher stood, and faced him. "Yeah, maybe that's all part of it. We all scattered, well except for you, and now only one person needs to find their way home."

"I'm hoping she gets here soon. We all need to be together.” Amos sighed. “I'm going to get a beer; do you want one?"

"Sure, thanks. "

In the kitchen, Holly had earbuds in and was swaying to music only she could hear, with her hands elbow deep in sudsy water washing dishes. Even though there was a dishwasher right beside her, she insisted on washing some things by hand.

He still couldn't get over how she had come into his life in a much more significant and impactful way. She's always been there, and finally seeing her as the amazing woman she is, was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

He approached her from behind, not trying to be quiet because he didn't want to scare her. When he slid his hands around her waist, she yelped and jumped, sending bubbles flying in the air.

He pulled out one earbud, and held her tight to his chest. "It's just me. I didn't mean to scare you." She turned his arms and looked up at him, holding her hands out so she didn't drip all over them. "I was startled. I don’t want to get you wet.”

"I don't care. I just wanna feel you in my arms." He looked down at her. “The house smells amazing, you didn't have to go to all that trouble to cook."

"I know, Mrs. Carter offered to have something prepared for us, but I told her I'd like to do it. So she gave me some tips. Plus, its New Year’s Eve and I wanted to do something special.” Holly tipped her face and kissed him on the lips then gently pushed him away. “I have to finish these dishes and the cinnamon buns are coming out of the oven shortly. I have everything set up on a timer."

Amos chuckled, he was getting used to her precision and scheduling. Although he did like to throw her off every now in attempt to make her more spontaneous.

"What would you do without your schedules?" He let her go and gave her a slap on the butt as she turned back to the dishes.

"Hey! You can save that for later.” She tossed him a cheeky grin over her shoulder.

Yes, things had definitely taken a change in his life since the blizzard. And he was not going to complain.

"I'll remind you of that. I'm getting us a beer. Do you want one or something different?"

“Beer would be great, thank you." She finished up the dishes and was wiping down the counter and sink. He popped the lid off the bottle and put itbeside her.

"Let me know if you need help with anything. Caleb said he'll come up for dinner, but he'll head back to the barn after.”

"I wish he felt more comfortable spending time with us here. I feel bad for him being all alone.” She lifted the bottle and took a drink.

“I know, but that's what he's like. I don't ask questions, and appreciate him being here."

“I’m glad he’s coming for dinner.” She pushed her hands into oven mitts and opened the oven. Heat and sweet aroma rushed out. Holly removed the pans and put them on cooling rack.

“Those look delicious.” Amos pulled off a piece and popped it in his mouth. “Oooh, hot!”

“It came from a hot place, silly. Don’t be so eager.”

“Whatever you say.” He kissed her and carried the beers into the great room.

He admired the tree that still stood proudly in front of the window. The tree had been the major turning point for Holly and him and it would stay up, decorated as long as she wanted it to be.

He handed a beer to Asher and sat on the couch, resting his feet on the plank coffee table in front. They both watched the flames in comfortable silence each lost in their own thoughts. Contentment filled Amos, a new and wonderful sensation he treasured.

"Dinner was amazing. You outdid yourself Holly." Asher complimented as I walked into the great room with a loaded tray of goodies and coffee.

"Thank you, sir. It's nice cooking for more than just myself, especially when people enjoy it.” I placed the tray on the table in front of the couch.

"Now what have you got here?" Asher asked and leaned forward in the armchair. He sniffed. "Coffee and cinnamon buns, oh and you brought whipped cream for the coffee. A woman after my own heart."

"Well, this woman is taken. What happened to yours? "Amos said when I sat beside him and straightened the tray. I smiled at the tone of possessiveness in his voice. I didn't mind it. It was a long time coming, a long time in denying, and I felt the same towards him.

"What woman?" Asher evaded the question.

I glanced at Amos and rolled my eyes. "Oh, come on, don't be so evasive. You know we know full well you and Tess got together while we were all stranded here during the blizzard. Although I have no idea how when the house was so full of people."

He came over to make his coffee, giving a healthy serving of whipped cream on top, I handed him a plate with a large cinnamon bun. He glanced at me and winked.

"Tess is fine. I debated on going back with her, but I felt it best to stay here with all the impact from the blizzard, and I’m hoping to see Alana." He sat back in the deep leather arm chair, and put his oversize mug on the lamp table beside it.

"How was her flight back to Ontario?” I asked as I handed Amos a plate, and put a mug of coffee in front of him.

“It went without a hitch, thank goodness. I was glad to hear she landed safely." He took a forkful of the cinnamon bun and rolled his eyes with pleasure. He pointed the fork at it and nodded his head.

I looked at Amos, he was chewing and nodding as well. I wanted to make sure I haddone the best I could to re-create their mother's recipe. I'd added in some candied pecans, and tiny little chunks of apple, straying a bit from her recipe.

We all fell quiet, and the only sound was the fire crackling in the hearth, and the wind blowing around the house. Another storm was predicted, and it seemed to be coming in a bit early.

"The house is so quiet now,” I whispered.

"It sure is," Asher agreed.

"I didn't mind the noise, the busyness, the cramped quarters," Amos offered, and we both looked at him with surprise. “What? It was a very enlightening experience. I learned a lot and I will always be grateful." He turned to look at me and I reached out to squeeze his knee.

"It's just such a change to hear that coming from you,” Asher replied.

"I hate to admit it, but I know that. So many years wasted, and it took only a couple of nights to change all that."

“Years weren't wasted," I assured him. "You raised your brother and sister and kept the farm running. Improving and expanding to the point where you attracted a business to want to buy it out. You've kept your family legacy. I don't see that as wasted years at all."

"The fact that you're here, Holly, and you, Asher, almost makes this complete. We’re missing Alana. And I hope she makes it before this next storm blows in." Amos finished his cinnamon bun and put the plate back down on the coffee table. Leaning back, he put his arm around my shoulder and tugged me to his side.

"I hope so too,” Asher said. “But by the sound of the wind outside, I'm not too hopeful."

We fell silent again, lost in our thoughts. The wind howled and the fire roared. It was cozyinside and I pulled a quilt over our laps. I couldn't be more contented.

Suddenly, Jack jumped up and started barking, alerting Amos and Asher. They both stood and listened.

“What?” I whispered. They told me they'd seen a bear hanging around and it frightened the heck out of me. “Is it the bear?”

Jack started to growl and went into the front foyer, the men followed him, and I came up the rear, not wanting to be alone, even though I was in a pretty solidly built house.

“Is it? Tell me it’s not the bear.”

"Jack, come here," Amos ordered him. The dog came back and sat beside me, still giving low growls.

Asher went to the cabinet in the front foyer where they kept rifles. He was unlocking it when it all happened at once. The front door burst open, Jack leapt forward barking, and growling, running towards the door. Asher yanked open the cabinet and Amos jumped in front of me. I let out a scream, that I swear could shatter the windows.

I fully expected a raging, large, grizzly bear with ridiculously long claws smashing through the door. Instead, when the door banged back, it was someone wearing a parka, with the hood pulled over their head and dragging a suitcase through the deep, fresh snow. I blinked, trying to regroup myself, as did Asher and Amos. Jack let out a weird howling, frightened by the person coming in and then started wagging his tail.

"What the fuck." Amos shouted.

Asher was beside him ready to react.

The person pushed the hood back and we all fell silent when we saw who it was.

“Alana!" Amos rushed forward and pulled her in the house while Asher grabbed the suitcase and closed the door behind her. “How did you get here?”

He grabbed her in a hug, with Jack jumping around their legs and this time happy barking. Asher stood stunned, watching them. Then Alana reached out her arm, and he fell into their embrace.

“The Triple A's are back together again,” I said quietly. My heart swelled for them. I heard her crying, and knew her brothers would be just as moved as she. I decided they needed a moment alone and went back to sit on the couch.

I thought about all that had transpired over the last week. The blizzard, this house full of strangers who then became friends, the success of the Christmas festival, even though the storm created havoc, everything had worked out in the end. Pauline had managed perfectly while we were stuck up here on the farm. And we even got some amazing reviews through social media which put the town firmly on the map. So aside from old man winter being his own Mr. Grumpyface, he did us a big favor in the long run.

It was still taking some time to clean up all the snow, and this next storm that was descending certainly wasn't going to make it any easier. But the town had proved we could manage just fine under any circumstance.

A few minutes later, Amos, Asher and Alana came into the great room. She rushed over to me.

“Holly, it’s so good to see you." She wrapped me in a big hug which I returned.

“This is a wonderful surprise. How did you get here?" I asked her when we parted.

"Well, I have a surprise of my own. He should be coming through the door right about now." We all turned.

"I locked the door." Asher said.

"Well, that was dumb!" Alana ran to the front door and Asher turned to Amos and I and raised his palms.

“How was I to know?” he said and Amos clapped him on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it, you know Alana.” Amos was smiling, and I loved seeing him like this.

We walked into the foyer as someone started banging on the other side of the door, which of course set Jack on another barking round.

Alana hauled open the door. Snow and wind blew in, she reached out to the person and dragged him inside. He was loaded up with duffle bags.

She pushed off his hood and helped him set the bags down. “Hurry, take off your coat and boots. You have to get in here. You’re freezing.” She closed the door as he shucked off his outwear.

I glanced at Amos and he at me, he raised his shoulders."

"Everyone I'd like you to meet Alexander. My fiancé."

Alana clutched his hand and gazed up at him. He was tall, blonde, muscular and looked likehe just stepped out of Vikings.

"Wow, this certainly is a surprise!" Amos stepped forward and shook his hand. “Welcome, and all the best to you to keep my sister in line."

Alexander laughed. "I'm not sure anybody can keep her in line." He gazed at her with adoring eyes.

"Welcome to the family." Asher also stepped forward and they shook hands. "How did you guys meet? Alana has been very secretive."

"Oh, it wasn't intentional. We've been so busy travelling around and just doing all things. We met in Norway at the ice hotel where I went to watch the Aurora Borealis. It was serendipity, because he had just arrived from Stockholm, where he's from, at the same time I was there and the rest as they say, is history.

I stepped forward. “Well then, this kind of weather certainly doesn't deter you, does it? I'm Holly and with this guy here," I said and pointed to Amos. He dropped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me tight. We’d been unable to keep our hands off each other and I was so smitten, as was he.

"And it's about time too," Alana said. “They’ve been tippy towing around each other for years."

"Whatever, come on in. We've got a lot to catch up on." Amos lead us all back into the great room, and Asher went to stoke the fire.

We all sat but Alana squealed with delight.

"Look at this place, it's fabulous and you have a Christmas tree. When was the last time this place had a tree? No need to answer that because I know." I watched her walk to the tree and gently touch the ornaments. “Mom’s decorations.”

Her voice was low and edged with emotion. We were all quiet, watching her gaze at the tree. It was a powerful moment, and both Amos and Asher went to her. They put their arms around each other and it was like a flash back in time seeing them together. Only now they were grown, adults, each leading their own lives but now reunited in a home they’d agreed would stay in the family. To preserve and treasure its historical significance.

I choked up watching them, and glanced at Alexander. He was smiling, and the emotion on his face reflected the intensity we all seemed to be feeling.

Alana turned and her eyes shone with unshed tears. “We’re all together and we have so much to catch up on. By the way, we decided we’re getting married here. Maybe we could make it a double wedding?”

She glanced between me and Amos. I froze, it wasn’t something we’d discussed, but obviously I’d thought about it. I looked at Amos and he didn’t seem the least bit perturbed by the suggestion. Instead he smiled at me, then her and said, “we’ll see, it’s your big day and I want it to be grand for you.”

“And Asher, what about you, is there someone in your life?” She asked and took her brothers’ hands to lead them to the sitting area.

“Ah, well yeah. Kinda. But she’s not here right now.”

“Then she’ll have to come so I can meet her and give my stamp of approval.” Alana laughed and gave him a swat. “Kidding…but not really.”

With Alana in the house everything seemed brighter, more alive and I could see Asher and Amos were thrilled she was here. Then I realized they’d gone from the Triple A’s to the what…quadruple A’s, Quad A’s, Four A’s now with Alexander.

Amos sat beside me, and Asher back in his chair, Alana was about to sit with Alexander when she twirled around with her arms out. “It’s so good to be home, I never want to leave again.” She stopped and wobbled a bit. “Whoa, dizzy.”

She blinked then noticed the food on the coffee table. “Are those mom’s cinnamon buns!”

I hope you enjoyed Amos and Holly’s story, I had such a good time bringing them together. Tess and Ellie are visitors from NORTHERN RESCUE where Beca and Barrett rescue a pack of love hungry dogs and get stranded in the wilderness during a snow storm. They must count on each other for survival, and love grows along the way.

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Ready for the next book in the Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe series? Check out The Christmas Ornament by DL Gallie.