Page 37 of The Holiday Clause

She searched for a vase. “I, uh, taught my noon class, helped my dad mend a few of the cat houses, and did the kitchen inventory with Freya. She’s talking to Mia about having a photoshoot for the new menu. Mia’s also been photographing content for all our social media. Things are really coming together.”

“Freya’s the new chef you hired?”

“Yeah.”

“How’s she working out?” He pulled out a stool, making himself comfortable at the counter.

“I like her a lot. And the guests really like her style of cooking. She specializes in traditional Nordic dishes. I mean, right now, she’s only doing breakfast and afternoon teas, but I hope to get her on special event dinners soon. We have one planned for the winter solstice.”

“I love how your face lights up when you talk about The Haven.” He caught her hand and squeezed. “Your mom would be proud.”

Something heavy shifted in her chest. “Thanks, Logan. I hope so.”

The Haven was named after her mother. She’d been the one who taught her how to do yoga, garden, and appreciate the seasons for the lessons they taught. Everything about her business was inspired by the way her mother lived. In a way, it kept her alive and present in Wren’s life.

“You should probably put those in water.”

Realizing they were still holding hands, she let him go and unwrapped the paper from the bouquet. “Oh, what’s this?” It looked important, a stiff envelope with a candy cane taped on top, so she passed it to Logan.

“Nope, it’s for you.”

She turned the small vintage Christmas card over, and read,“Go where you were when Wendy first met Pan.”She frowned. “I don’t get it.”

“It’s a clue.”

“A clue to what?”

“Our date. I made us a scavenger hunt.”

“Really?” She beamed, curious excitement overtaking the nervousness that had first filled her belly. “That’s so clever. And thoughtful.” She couldn’t believe he’d planned something so extravagant. Looking back at the clue, she reread it and tried to put the pieces together. “Neverland?”

“Close. You have to think back to our childhood. Don’t take the story reference so literally.”

“So you’re talking about the book, not the movie.”

“Correct.”

She set the flowers in water and arranged the blooms. When they were younger, Magnus used to make the boys go to thelibrary to do their homework. She and Logan would pass the time reading fiction in the children’s section while they waited for his older brothers to finish their assignments. That was where she first read J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

“The library?”

He lifted his keys. “Only one way to find out.”

Giddy to play this game with him, she grabbed the flannel by the door.

Logan stilled. “Is that Greyson’s?”

“Oh.” She looked down guiltily. “He loaned it to me when I lost my coat. If it bothers you, I don’t have to wear it.”

“No, it’s cool. When did you see Grey?” He held open the door and waited as she locked it.

She didn’t want to think about the other day when Greyson came by because she was still embarrassed. The longer he avoided seeing her again, the worse she felt about the things she’d done and said.

“He stopped by about the snow.”

“Of course he did.” Logan rolled his eyes and opened the passenger door for her—something he didn’t typically do.

“Why do you say it like that?” She hauled herself onto the seat.