“Absolutely. I’m more than happy to help.”
“Here’s what I have in mind. . .”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Christmas Eve arrives two weeks later. The weather in Sequoia Valley has continued to stay bitterly cold. All the forecasters predict a white Christmas, which may sound fantastic, but it also makes getting into and out of town impossible.
All the highways that go through the mountains are closed. Unless you’re traveling between one of the neighboring towns of Grizzly Springs or Lake Wakahanra, you’re stuck wherever you’re going to spend the holiday.
I’d hoped Fernando might be able to make it through before the roads closed, but all my instincts are telling me it isn’t going to happen. Not that I was even supposed to know about it. As disappointed as I am about spending the holidays apart from my boyfriend, at least I still have my family.
I send Fernando a text when I wake up, opting to play along as if I’m in the dark about what his plans are.
Ava: Hola, Fernando! Happy Christmas Eve! I hope your weather is better than ours. You’re missing one big storm.
I part the curtains on my apartment window and send him a photo of the blanket of white snow.
Ava: I bet you’ll be at the beach this morning or somewhere nice and warm. My phone said Santa Luz was going to be a nice 65 degrees. Do you guys do a big celebration? Also, please tell your family I said hello and wish them a happy Christmas Eve from me too.
Setting my phone aside, I see to Max, then pop into the kitchen to take care of some baking. I volunteered to take charge of dessert for the evening, which means I’ll be making apple and mince pies. I crank up the music, pull out my pans, and get to work.
Everything goes pretty smoothly until my power shuts off. “Ugh,” I cry. “Ijustput my pies in the oven.”
Frustrated, I pick up my phone, ready to text Daphne. As the screen lights up, I see a missed call and text from Fernando. He’s my first priority. The pies can wait.
Fernando: Happy Christmas Eve to you too. Let’s trade. I’ll give you the beach weather for some snow. Especially if it means that when I get home, we can sit in front of a roaring fire, sip on some hot chocolate, and watch some of those cheesy Hallmark movies you were telling me about.
“I wish we could do that right now,” I say to Max. “It’s much better than being here in the dark.” I continue to read his message.
Fernando: We don’t do anything big for Christmas Eve, just Christmas Day. Right now, I’m planning to pop over to the inn for an hour then help Mamá in the kitchen. She likes to put together a special dinner for the B&B guests. I’ll pass your greetings along. Everyone already misses you and can’t wait for you to come back. Are you free to video chat later?
Ava: We can make plans for a chat, but I can’t make any promises you’ll be able to see me. I just lost power and I’m sitting in the dark. Hoping my sister still has hers going. I’ll get back to you soon.
I tap on Daphne’s name and type another message:
Ava: Hey, sis. Hope your morning is going better than mine. Please tell me you still have power.
My phone chimes a few seconds later.
Daphne: *Sad face emoji* Nope. I was about to ask if you did.
Ava: Nope.
Daphne: Well, I guess that means we’re headed to Mom and Dad’s place. I just got off the phone with them. They’re still good to go. I doubt the power will come back on anytime soon. Dad said Mom’s already baking up a storm.
Ava: I hope she doesn’t make pies. I’d just stuck mine in when everything went down.
Daphne: You’re actually baking them? You didn’t pick them up at the store?
Ava: Nope. I wanted to try something new.
Daphne: Look at you! I’m proud! And also happy to take them off your hands.
Ava: Even if they taste like crap?
Daphne: Uh-huh. And they won’t.
Ava: I appreciate the vote of confidence.
