Page 65 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow

“Sure am.” I grin. “Thankfully, it’s not snowing at the moment. Has everyone got boots?”

“Boots sorted.” She nods. “Coats on, hats and gloves at the ready. They’re just waiting for you.”

“Be right out,” I reply, and she closes the door again. Standing up, I grab my scarf and wind it around my neck before reaching for my thick winter coat. I pull it on, zipping it up to my chin, and grab my mittens, sliding them onto my hands. I’m already wearing my fleece-lined snow boots, and my toes are nice and toasty. Scooping up my woolly hat, I head out of the office and into the lobby.

“There you are,” Morgan says, stepping in closer. I’m so tempted to lift my face for a kiss, but we should at least attempt to look professional with a lobby full of guests and ghost hunters watching us. “I found this in the dining room.” He holds up my phone.

“Oh, thanks.” I smile brightly and offer my hip for him to slip it into my coat pocket. “I was looking for that for ages.”

He tucks my phone safely inside and reaches for my hat, pulling it on my head and tugging at the two pom-poms that look like panda ears.

“You look cute and warm,” he says quietly, and I smile at him.

Just then, Warren strolls up, a coffee in one hand. “You do look cute.”

“Afternoon, Warren,” I greet him with a bright smile. “Are you all caught up on your sleep now?”

“Why, yes, I am, Ellis. Thank you for asking and not mocking.” He throws his brother a pointed look.

“Are you not joining us?” I ask, eyeing his jeans, sweater, and casual shoes.

“Nope.” He takes another sip of his coffee. “The snow looks pretty as a picture from in here, but I have no desire to get up close and personal with it. I’ve got a date with some more of Aggie’s cookies and then I’ve got some work to do.”

“Or you could not work and have an actual break,” Morgan suggests.

“I could, but I’m not going to,” he says. “You kids have fun making snowmen.”

I watch as he walks away, and I also don’t miss the way Thad’s eyes follow him across the lobby.

“Okay, can I have everyone’s attention, please!” I call out to everyone milling about the room. The low murmur of voices quiets down as all eyes turn in my direction. “I hope you all enjoyed your tour of the house with Rosie this morning. I’m sure she introduced you to our resident ghosts, and you had a chance to see their portraits and the places where they died. Now, we’ll be heading outside in just a moment so make sure you’re bundled up warmly.”

My gaze scans over the group quickly to make sure they’re all dressed appropriately.

“First, we’ll be heading through the orchard where Edwina Ashton-Drake met her end during the winter of 1904 in protest of women’s rights. Then we’ll make our way towards the chapel and graveyard. We won’t be going inside the chapel or the mausoleum as they are private for the family. I’d like to also remind you that the graveyard is the Ashton-Drake family burial ground, so please be respectful. Once we pass through the orchard, we’ll be heading through wild woodlands. We do have several badger setts located in that area, and as cute as they look, we ask that you don’t get too close. They can be a bit aggressive.”

“Awww, will there be babies?” Haru asks excitedly.

“Not yet,” I chuckle. “We usually see some babies during springtime. Although they’re born around February, they won’t emerge from undergrounds until April or May.”

“Oh,” Haru pouts.

“Once we’ve seen the chapel and graveyard, we’ll continue on through the woods where the tour will conclude at Lovers Hollow, then it’s back to the hotel for hot drinks and a slice of Aggie’s ginger cake, which is amazing. Now, before we head out, one more warning. It’s been snowing during the night, so the snow will be quite deep in places. I wouldn’t want anyone to stumble on the uneven ground and hurt themselves, so Morgan and I will go first and cut the path. Try and follow along the path of our footprints. Any questions?”

When everyone shakes their heads, I clap my mittened hands together even though they make no sound.

“Okay, let’s go!”

I turn to Morgan, who’s zipping up his coat, and take his hand. Together, we lead our little group out into the crisp afternoon air. It’s a nice day for a walk, the snow fresh and crunchy under our feet. The air is cold but not bitter, and the sky is clear and pale blue.

I breathe in deeply and from the corner of my eye, I catch Morgan watching me.

“What?” I ask curiously.

“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “I just—there are moments when I can just see how much you love this place.”

“I do.” I smile and nod. “It’s been home for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, but it’s more than that. The whole estate is so beautiful and full of secrets and history. Whether it’s in the house or on the grounds, there’s always something to see.”

“Like baby badgers?”