Joy to the Wolves

by Terry Spear

  She laughed. The microwave dinged, and she returned to the kitchen and pulled out the cinnamon rolls. “Off to unlock the door.”

  Josh jumped up from the desk chair. “I’ll go with you.” He hoped she wouldn’t be upset that they were going to have two calves here today, but she’d had so much fun with Jingles being here, and her customers had loved him, and her business was so brisk that he thought having the two reindeer visit might lift her spirits a bit. It wasn’t that she seemed down, exactly, but disquieted. He hoped she’d appreciate the surprise.

  She sighed. “Thanks for looking out for me. I keep forgetting I might have unwelcome customers.”

  “Hazard of the business I’m in. Everyone, yourself excluded, is suspect.”

  She turned her sign from Closed to Open. “You still think I stole Jingles.”

  “Maybe so you could meet me.”

  She laughed out loud. “In your dreams.”

  Maverick finally texted Josh back about bringing the reindeer calves to the shop: Man, are you making a play for the she-wolf!

  Josh texted: Just have someone bring the calves. And bring the reindeer sign.

  Maverick texted: Will do, but you owe me.

  Josh smiled and pocketed his phone.

  When Brooke opened the shop, three people came inside, and a trickle of customers continued to come in after that.

  Adam texted Josh: The guys are over here installing the security cameras. They’ll be over there in a couple of hours.

  Josh texted back: I’ll let Brooke know. She just opened the door for her customers.

  Josh was watching everyone who turned up at the shop, smiling and greeting them as if he were part owner of the establishment. They were all women shoppers so far. He suspected the thieves wouldn’t show up when the store was open, but still, he would be vigilant, just in case.

  He was planning to go over Brooke’s inventory lists in more detail, though he wasn’t sure what to look for except high-dollar items. But while she was at the register or talking to customers, he continued to oversee things. Then he heard Maverick’s truck pull up. He headed outside to help his brother with the reindeer.

  Before Josh, his brother, and the reindeer reached the shop, Brooke was getting the door for a customer who was leaving with packages in hand. As soon as Brooke saw the two reindeer, she smiled the brightest smile, and Josh knew he’d done the right thing. He was glad she was happy to see them.

  “Ohmigosh, two reindeer calves this time? How fun. So that’s Jingles and…?” Brooke said, hurrying to pet them.

  “This is Cinnamon. They’re best friends,” Maverick said. “We figured these two could keep each other company. I’ll get the reindeer sign and put it out front.”

  “Since there are two of them, we could take them out back and have them on that section of grass in the courtyard,” Josh said. “We have the sign to put out front that says Santa’s reindeer are here, but we usually have an adult reindeer for that, so that’s what is pictured on the sign. I’ll post about it on social media.”

  “Oh, me too,” Brooke said. “This is so much fun. I’ll go get my phone.”

  The lady who was leaving with her packages deposited them in her car, then returned to take pictures before Josh could move the reindeer calves to the courtyard.

  “Thanks so much for bringing the reindeer,” Brooke said to Maverick as she brought out her phone and took some pictures of the sign and the calves in front of her shop, then posted them.

  “You’re welcome. I would like to take credit for thinking of it, but it was all Josh’s idea.”

  She smiled at Josh. “Really? Thanks so much, Josh.”

  “I hoped you wouldn’t think they were underfoot too much,” Josh said. “I should have asked, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “I love surprises like this. I’m thrilled to have them here, and it will be really nice for them to keep each other company.”

  “I agree. I’ll stick around and watch the reindeer while Josh is in the shop helping you. When he wants to swap places, I’m available.” At least Maverick was all bundled up in a parka, gloves, hat, and scarf.

  “For bathroom breaks and when you need to warm up, we can switch off,” Josh said.

  “I’ll spell you so I can pet the reindeer,” Brooke said.

  Josh and his brother laughed. “Adam said the guys were installing the security cameras at your place and they’ll be over here next.” Josh glanced at the heated birdbaths and remembered he needed to buy one. “And we want to buy one of your heated birdbaths.”

  Brooke frowned at him. “Seriously?”

  Maverick was smiling at Josh.

  “Which of you is a birder?” She sounded as though she didn’t believe either of them were.

  Maverick waited for Josh to answer her.

  “We both are,” Josh said.

  She laughed. “Sure. For all your help, pick out any you’d like and it’s yours.”

  “I meant to buy it.”

  “After all you’ve both done for me, no way.”

  Then Josh took the reindeer back to the courtyard, and Maverick hauled food back there for them while Brooke returned to the shop.

  “How long will they be here?” a lady asked Josh, following him out to the courtyard with two other ladies in tow who were waiting to hear what he had to say.

  “Until six, closing time,” Josh said.

  “Thank you. I’ll be back with my daughter and my grandkids in a little while,” the one lady said.

  “That will be great.” Josh hoped it would mean more sales for Brooke and not just more traffic. Like the customers who had been here the other day, these women were taking pictures and sharing the images, bringing even more people to the shop. Josh slapped his brother on the back. “Thanks for bringing the reindeer. I think Brooke needed a bright spot in her life today.”

  Maverick was setting out bowls for fresh water for the reindeer. “In all seriousness, I’m glad you’re here for her. She needs to feel safe, and it doesn’t hurt for you to enjoy the time with her while you’re getting over your last ordeal.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “It’s not the same thing as last time. Brooke is staying here. And she’s not mated. And she’s not going to get you shot like the other one did.”

  Josh raised his brows.

  Maverick shook his head. “You could be in the line of fire in this case, too, but not for the same reason. Not because she’s foolhardy. She’s just a victim of circumstances.”

  “Right. I’m going inside to help and watch over her. Come inside to warm up whenever you need to.”

  “I will.”

  Josh returned to the shop and saw Brooke smiling and greeting her customers with enthusiasm and directing them outside to see the calves. He was glad she seemed cheered to have the reindeer here today.

  It took about an hour for word to reach people and the crowds to show up. A lot of them were interested in seeing the reindeer calves. Josh took charge of making another pot of hot chocolate and grabbing some blueberry scones and set them out. He glanced out the kitchen window and saw his brother having a ball talking it up with a bunch of kids about the reindeer.

  This was what made it fun for them to raise the reindeer on the ranch: seeing how everyone loved them and educating people about them.

  Brooke joined him in the kitchen, ran her hand over his arm, and peered out the window at the reindeer. “Maverick’s having fun, isn’t he?”

  “He is. So is everyone else. I’m glad you’re okay with having them here.”

  “I’m really thrilled. They’re drawing a crowd.”

  “How are sales going?”

  “Well, you know I said I wouldn’t have any more merchandise if we had big crowds today. I really didn’t believe that.”

  “But?” He
hadn’t checked the shelves to see how sales had been doing.

  “I need some more ornaments on the tree and some more merchandise on the shelves.” She glanced back to see a customer at her checkout counter. “Oh, I’ve got to help another customer.”

  “I’ll get the stuff.”

  “Thanks! In the room down the hall, there are boxes of new vintage-like merchandise.” She hurried off to check out the customer.

  In the supply room, Josh started digging through boxes that Ivy had purchased through wholesalers, then realized nothing had price tags. He started setting merchandise out on a table and then headed for the checkout counter.

  “Hey, why don’t we swap places, and you can put price tags on the merchandise.” Josh moved behind the counter.

  “Oh sure, thanks. I didn’t think of that. Can you manage the cash register?” Brooke asked.

  “I work at the gift shop sometimes at the White Wolf Sanctuary and sometimes at the reindeer ranch. I’ve got this. If you’ll bring me the price tags, I can get them ready when I’m not busy.”

  “Sure thing.” She brought a box of Christmas tree ornaments and set them on the counter. “Two fifty on each of these. They came in really late, so that price is the sale price.”

  “Gotcha.” He rang up the customer while she looked over the Christmas decorations, then added ten to her order.

  “These will make perfect stocking stuffers,” the woman said.

  The lady behind her agreed and picked out another six. Heck, he didn’t need to put price tags on them. Once the ladies had their purchases in hand and were leaving the store, he made up a sign: SALE—BRAND NEW! 50% OFF! $2.50 EACH.

  Then he set them in a box so customers could rummage through them.

  Brooke was busy setting out more items on the shelves so they didn’t look so bare.

  Maverick came to the door and poked his head in. “Can someone watch the reindeer while I take a restroom break?”

  “I’ll do it.” Brooke grabbed her hat and coat, headed outdoors, and closed the door behind her.

  “Looks like she loves the reindeer,” Maverick said, walking to the bathroom.

  “She does.” Which was a good sign. Not everyone loved them. Josh was eager to show her the rest of reindeer at the ranch when her shop was closed. The sign on the door said she was closed on Sunday and Monday, so he’d have to take her then—when he had off—if she’d like to do that. He also still meant to run with her as a wolf after hours.

  When Maverick came out of the bathroom, Josh said, “Why don’t you stay here and warm up, and I’ll go out and watch the reindeer.”

  “That’s a deal. What do I need to do?”

  Josh handed him another box of ornaments. “When the box is empty, fill it up again.”

  * * *

  Brooke wished they could bring the reindeer inside the shop so no one had to stay outside with them, but there wasn’t enough room for the two calves. She loved having them here, and like before, they really brought in the business. Some of her customers who had come in yesterday came again just to see the two calves. And take pictures. And buy some new things she’d brought out to sell. She could see having this set up next year with a Santa Claus, the reindeer, picture taking, and red-and-white lighted candy canes lining the way to her courtyard.

  Even a school had gone through all kinds of hoops to get permission to bring a group of five- to seven-year-olds to her shop, but thankfully the teachers took the kids out to the courtyard through one of the gates and not through the shop. Brooke carried a tray of hot chocolate and cookies out to them. A little goodwill never hurt anyone.

  She thought the world of Josh for having his brother bring the reindeer. Her phone rang, and the call was from Adam. “Are you having trouble?” she asked, though he probably would have called Josh, not her, if he was.

  “Nope, everything’s quiet here. What kind of toppings do you want on your pizza? I saw Maverick brought a couple of calves to showcase.”

  “Josh suggested it. They’ve been a lot of fun.” She paused. “On the pizza? Anything but pineapple is good for me. Do you want me to ask the brothers what they’d like?”

  “No. I already know what they like. I’ll order a couple of large pizzas. With the four of us here, everyone can take turns eating. Oh, and the guys are headed over to install your security cameras at the shop.”

  “That sounds great.” She would feel a lot more secure with that done.

  It wasn’t long before Maverick was watching the store and Brooke and Josh were eating at the house while Adam stayed with the reindeer. Maverick called Brooke and said, “The guys are here at the shop installing your security cameras.”

  “Oh good. Tell them thanks.”

  Then Josh took over reindeer watch while Brooke returned to the shop and Adam and Maverick ate at her house.

  It was a whirlwind of sales after that.

  “The Christmas party is Sunday. That’s when your shop is closed, right? I could take you,” Josh said.

  She planned to get her shop ready for the next open day during her days off, but she would need a break and would love to meet the pack. “Sure. I’d like that. What’s the dress code?”

  “Anything you feel like wearing. It’s casual. A lot of people wear something red or green or both, but it’s not necessary. They have a big barn at the pack’s ranch for dances, parties, celebrations, dinners. Anything they need the building for, especially in inclement weather. Maverick and the ranch hands will be bringing some reindeer, and someone will be Santa and hand out presents to the kids.”

  “Oh, how fun. Sure. What time?”

  “It starts about four. I’ll pick you up about three.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled. So he was going to take her to the party! She was glad. Even though she felt comfortable around Josh and his brother and Adam, she’d prefer going with Josh rather than just showing up to a pack event where she didn’t know anyone else. “Oh, except for one thing… No one will be at the shop or at the house to watch the security videos.”

  “You can watch them anywhere, and we can turn on music, lights, and whatever else we can come up with to make it sound as though someone is at the shop and the house. We’ll leave a vehicle out front of each place too. Maybe a couple of people can carpool. We have some who live close by.”

  “That’s good.”

  Business was slowing down, the last customer leaving the shop, while others were outside getting last-minute pictures with the reindeer calves.

  Josh said, “I was thinking we could put some more merchandise out, and then after the shop closes, we can start going through some boxes of merchandise from estate sales.”

  “Sure.” She was amused at how much Josh was taking over the restocking of her shelves. He had a good head for merchandising, and he seemed to enjoy it. “We could carry some boxes from the shop to the house tonight and start going through them. I wanted to start checking the prices on the items we found in the attic, too, so I can get some of this stuff out to sell.”

  “We can do that. Don’t you need some extra help? You have to work in the shop all day and then have to do all this other work afterward,” Josh said.

  “I’ve thought of it, and I’d love to hire one of our kind to work here. It would be fun to have another woman working with me.” Sure, having the extra muscle of a male wolf would be welcome, and if she had trouble with theft, a male might be more of a deterrent, but she’d rather work with a woman to avoid the hassle of a bachelor male wanting to work for her just with the intention of dating her.

  “You can mention it to Leidolf or Cassie, and they’ll spread the word. Just be sure to tell them you’re interested in a female employee, or you’ll have a ton of bachelor males signing up to do the job.”

  She laughed. “Are there that many bachelor males with the pack?” Since she only knew of Josh, h
is brother, and Adam—oh, and the DEA special agent, Ethan—and no other wolves had shown up to check her out, she thought Josh might be pulling her leg.

  “Oh yeah. Guaranteed.”

  “You know, I’d hire you in a heartbeat since you’ve done a great job as my assistant all day. The problem is you already have a job.”

  He sighed. “I do.”

  “Too bad. You’d be a shoo-in. I’m going to tag some more merchandise.” She glanced at the box that had the Christmas ornaments in it. “They’re all gone. Did you price them and hang the rest on the tree?”

  “No. I kept telling everyone they were on sale, to add them to Christmas stockings, brand-new merchandise showed up too late, and they all sold.”

  “See? You’d be perfect for the job. Having the reindeer here, sales pitches at the counter, helping me with the merchandise, and serving as store security? Perfect.”

  He smiled at her. “Do you have anything else you want me to sell while I’m waiting on last-minute customers?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be right back.” She rushed to get another box for him. Free labor was much appreciated. She figured she’d fix him a steak for dinner for all the help he’d been. She returned with a box filled with more decorations. “Sell them for the same price. I’d like to get rid of them all so I can buy new Christmas decorations next year.”

  “Speaking of Christmas, what are you doing for it this year?”

  “Um, cleaning out the shop, getting ready for the new year, crying while I watch It’s a Wonderful Life, eating a turkey. I get one of those small-breasted turkeys so it doesn’t take me long to finish up.”

  “Why don’t you come and have Christmas lunch with Maverick and me? We can play games, watch your movie, and cry with you—”

  She laughed.

  “Just have some fun.”

  “I’d love that.” Though she figured she’d feel guilty about all the work she had to do if she goofed off all day at their ranch.

  “I thought you might like to come out and see all the reindeer at the ranch on your day off.”