Page 85 of Snowed Inn

“You too, Maria,” Aiden adds. “I heard you learned to clean rooms.”

“Clean rooms and fix pipes,” Jesse offers.

Ellie turns to me with a look that suggests her internal monologue is screaming.

“Okay, that sounded dirty,” Jesse admits, flushing a little. “There was a plumbing issue in the attic apartment and . . . you know what? Never mind.”

Ellie and Aiden laugh, and that seems to be everyone’s cue to move. We head inside, where the peppermint-scented lobby becomes chaos in the best way. Pumpkin stays at Ellie’s feet like he’s been physically wounded by her absence. Aiden starts poking through the snack drawer like he’s still living on saltines. Argos is at Aiden’s side, snout in the drawer. And Jesse leans against the front desk, looking unfairly attractive in a flannel I want to both borrow and burn.

After disappearing into her parents’ apartment for a few minutes, Ellie returns and settles into one of the stools behind the desk with a mug of tea. “Okay. I need a full party rundown. What’s the vibe tonight? What are you wearing? Will there be glitter?”

I clear my throat. I’ve been waiting for this rundown. “Yes to glitter. You’ll have to wait and see what I’m wearing because I like to make an entrance, and it’s going to be a hybrid DJ meets orchestra extravaganza.”

Her eyes widen. “You hired a DJ?”

“Only as backup in case the orchestra didn’t make it. But now I figure the DJ can play while the orchestra’s on break.”

She nods slowly. “Ooh, good idea.”

“How many people are we expecting?” Aiden asks, coming to stand next to us with a package of mixed nuts in his hand. He tosses one to Argos every once in a while. Argos never misses, which feels less like luck and more like a résumé skill.

“The whole town will basically be here,” I reply. “Local businesses, friends of the inn, some people from the city who stayed after the holidays . . . It’s open invite. We’ll probably hit two hundred people, easy.”

“And we have Maria to thank for it,” Jesse adds. “She managed to drum up excitement online even during a blizzard.”

I swipe a hand toward him like I’m far too humble to accept the compliment, but I’m not too humble to enjoy it.

“How are we gonna fit all those people?” Ellie wants to know.

“That’s the best part,” I share, fluttering my eyelashes in an exaggerated fashion. “We’re having a party in the food barn, a ball in the dining room, and there will be huge bonfires outside for the overflow.”

Ellie squeals. “Bonfires!”

“Trust me,” I continue. “Small ones. Local ordinance-safe. But enough to make it feel festive. Plus, we’ve got twinkle lights and space heaters. I even called about the insurance.”

Ellie looks duly impressed. “Okay, calling about the insurance is next-level.” Then her eyes narrow. “What about the cinnamon pine tea lights?”

“All two hundred and fifty of them arrived three days ago,” I tell her. “And they’re already scattered around the party spaces just waiting to be lit. Donny’s got a special lighter.”

“Nice.” Ellie sighs happily, taking a sip of tea. “It’s going to be so romantic.” She glances up at Aiden. “Am I gonna get kissed at midnight or what?”

Aiden laughs. “Pretty sure I’m contractually obligated.”

She beams at him and takes another sip. “Best flu recovery ever.”

Then her gaze drifts slowly toward me, all fake innocence. She points at me and Jesse. “So, will you two have time to dance together tonight or will you be too busy . . . managing things?” She somehow makes the whole sentence sound dirty.

I shoot her a death glare. “Did I mention there will be a photo booth like at the Autumn Harvest Festival?”

Ellie gasps. “Ooh, with props?”

Good. I’ve suitably distracted her. “Yep. Top hats, tiaras, new year’s glasses, inflatable champagne bottles, feather boas . . . All of it.”

She sighs. “I do love a feather boa. Okay, next question—what’s the drink situation?”

“We’re doing a champagne bar,” Jesse says, clearly warming to his favorite topic. “Three types of bubbly, mix-ins, fruit garnishes, edible flowers—AND,” he continues, “a hot cider bourbon punch in the slow cooker. Aiden, you’re on firewood duty, by the way.”

Aiden salutes. “Copy that.”