by Jill Downey
A loud laugh caught her attention and she glanced over at Tyler and Jesse, who were already making themselves at home. They were planted at the island bar, eating from the tray of cheese and crackers. Faye stood contentedly leaning against Jesse, arms crossed, her expression soft as she listened to their banter.
Now that Ella was here, she felt calmer. She was a good one to have on her side, not only because she was a friend, but also because she had Griffin’s parents wrapped around her little finger. Penelope knew that she’d always have her as backup. She blew out a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. Let the festivities begin.
9
Faye
Faye sauntered over to sit on Jesse’s knee. He was playing in a hot game of poker with most of the gang and had a pile of change sitting in front of him. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Are you winning lots of money for me?”
“You know it babe. I’m working on that new boat I promised you.” Jesse rubbed her back until he needed both hands again for his cards. She, Penelope and Giselle had opted out of playing, instead volunteering to watch the kids and help out with dinner preparations.
Ella’s eyes sparkled as she squealed in delight at the hand she’d just been dealt. “Goodbye suckers! You’re all going down!”
“Not so fast, I’ve got a pretty good hand myself,” Griffin chimed in.
“We’ll see.”
Faye glanced up curiously as Penelope entered the room with a gorgeous young woman following close behind her. “Hey everyone, this is Malena. You met Josie earlier. This is her niece. She lives here with Josie and works part time for us while she’s studying to become a nurse. I don’t know what we’d do without her.”
Faye glanced over at Tyler whose mouth hung open. She saw him suddenly sit up straighter in his chair. Faye smiled inwardly. This was a nice little turn of events for Ty.
Malena smiled shyly at the group and said hello. Her Spanish accent unmistakable. Tyler was going to have a heart attack.
Ty stood up and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Tyler.”
Her cheeks flushed as she shook his hand. In typical Tyler fashion he bulldozed his way ahead, “Maybe you can show me around while I’m here.”
She flashed a gorgeous white smile, displaying her dimples and tiny gap between her two front teeth. She nodded yes and Tyler swallow hard. Lord have mercy on her nephew. He was already a goner. Faye’s smile widened.
“I should get back to the kitchen. I hope you are all enjoying your stay,” Malena said.
“Yes, and I’ll have a cup of hot tea,” James ordered.
“Dad! She isn’t here to serve you. She just came out to meet everyone,” Faye said, embarrassed.
“Oh, pardon me. I thought she worked here,” James said, sardonically.
“It’s no problem Mr. Bennett. I’d be happy to get your tea. How would you like it?”
He looked at Faye, lips turned down. “I’d like cream and sugar please.”
“I’ll be right back with that.”
Tyler looked at his grandfather and shook his head. “Dude.”
James glared at Ty. “Don’t call me dude. Its disrespectful.”
“Oh, and I see how much respect you have for others. Man, you’re oblivious.”
Faye shook her head at Ty. He shrugged and blew out his breath. “Who’s turn is it anyway?”
“You’ll watch your tone with me young man.”
“Or…what?”
James Bennett’s nostrils flared. “I…”
“Please Father, could we just get on with the game?” Griffin interjected. “Ty, just shut up. Are we all good then?” He looked first at his father then at Tyler. “Let’s play.”
Faye was still bristling over her father’s barely veiled disapproval of Tyler. Every time he looked at him, he practically sneered. She had to make sure that he and Tyler didn’t have any major blow-outs before Ty’s birthday.
Faye sighed softly and leaned back against Jesse. Warm, solid, sexy. He wrapped an arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck. She looked at her father and felt a moment of compassion. He was truly clueless. And he didn’t know how to relax. He looked so stiff and uncomfortable. She wished he’d learn to let loose once in a while. The closest he came to that was with the kids. He loved his grandchildren, that was obvious.
She was a nervous wreck that the tension between him and Tyler was going to come to a head. She had to prevent that. It was more than just a desire for harmony; the senior Bennett had set up a trust fund for Tyler, to be transferred into his name on his twenty-first birthday…which happened to be Christmas eve.
Ty still didn’t know about it. She had been given the task of informing him over a year ago, but she’d chickened out. In her own defense, it had never felt like the right time. She’d wanted him to mature before finding out he’d become a millionaire when he turned twenty-one. The family would tell him together on his birthday.
They were flying his mom in to surprise him. She already knew about the trust fund and would be added support for Tyler. Faye wasn’t sure how he’d react to the news. You never knew with him. He had a lot of pride and resented her father. He might not be all warm and fuzzy about it.
Her fingers were crossed that Tyler and her dad could behave themselves until then. It was rocky between them at best. Her father wouldn’t hesitate to cancel the money transfer if he felt like it. She just had to get them through a few more days.
“Here’s your tea Mr. Bennett,” Malena said.
He nodded his head. “Thank you. I apologize if I was out of line with my request,” he said stiffly.
She smiled and her whole face lit up. “No, please! There is no need to apologize. It’s the least I can do. I’m so grateful to Griffin and Penelope. They’ve done so much for me I’m happy to serve their family.” She bowed slightly and left.
James had the grace to look slightly sheepish. Now that was progress…maybe it would rub off on his attitude toward Ty. She wouldn’t hold her breath though; her father could make a preacher cuss. He was about as stubborn as one could get. Faye looked heavenward, please let us get through this week without a catastrophe.
Glancing at Ty, she caught his eye and his lips twisted as his jaw jutted forward. Oh my, he most definitely had the Bennett blood coursing through his veins. She’d have to have a little talk with him later. Prevention was worth a pound of cure, as the old saying went. She knew that worrying never solved anything but she couldn’t help it. The best she could do was run interference, but she wouldn’t always be around to monitor every encounter between Ty and her dad.
She glanced at Jesse, his mop of copper brown hair tempting her to rake her fingers through it. She could hardly wait until bedtime. Just the thought of being snuggled up in bed with him soothed her soul.
Penelope reappeared and called them all to the dining room. “Dinner is ready.”
Griffin grinned as he raked in the pot of change. “Great timing honey! So sorry Ella. Better luck next time.”
She glared at him playfully. “Don’t be so smug. I’ve got an entire week to win it back.”
He winked at her. “Dreams are good.”
“Watch it Mister. You’re going down. If I can’t beat you in cards, we’ll have to try it on the slopes. Maybe Kyle hasn’t warned you but I’m a tad bit competitive.”
Kyle rolled his eyes. “That’s an understatement. I’ll just go ahead and place my bet right now. All in with Ella.”
“Hey Bro! Where’s the loyalty?”
Kyle stood and slung his arm across his wife’s shoulders. “Right here with this firecracker I married. Sorry Griff.”
“I love how smart my husband is,” Ella said, smirking at Griffin.
“We’ll see. You’re on. It’s the battle of the Bennetts.”
Faye laughed. “I’ll take bets and we’ll keep them a secret. Everyone write down your choice and I’ll tally them up on the last day. Should we make it an overall bet or individually for each challenge?”
“Okay, hand in your ballots by tomorrow noon, losing team has to buy everyone a case of wine a piece…or beer… winner’s choice,” Faye said.
Griffin held out his hand to Ella and she shook it sealing the deal.
“Jesse?”
“Hm?
“I’m really worried about Dad and Tyler holding it together until his birthday.” The hot tub jets were relaxing her neck muscles, but it had yet to convey the message to her brain. It was pitch black except for the dim spa lights. The stars were bright in the sky, seemingly close enough to touch. She sighed. You could always count on the Big Dipper. That was somehow comforting to her. Good Ole Big Dipper…always dependable.
Jesse’s eyes were closed, and the mist from the steamy water swirled ethereally around his head. “Babe, you can only do so much. You have to let them work it out.”
“Easy for you to say. What if Ty blows it?”
“Then he blows it. You know money can be a curse anyhow. He’ll make it with or without the trust. Have a little faith.”
“You always know what to say, which is one of the many reasons why I love you.” She slid her foot up his inner thigh, the water making his skin feel silky and soft against her sole. What could be more romantic than this? A starlit sky, naked in a hot tub with her man. Faye surrendered to the moment leaving all thought behind as they made love under the vast Montana sky.
10
Penelope
Penelope handed Savannah to Josie. “Are you sure you don’t mind watching her? I’ve got several bottles of breast milk ready in the fridge.”
“Don’t worry. Go have fun!”
Griffin poked his head in from outside. “About ready Pen?”
“Yeah, I’m coming.” The dogs shimmied excitedly with the commotion of everyone leaving. “Sorry guys, you don’t get to go this time. We’ll play with you when we get back.”
The wagging tails slowed as their ears drooped, realizing that they’d be left behind this time. Archie, still his exuberant self, jumped up at Lucy trying to engage her in play.
“Call me if anything comes up,” Penelope said.
“I will.”
“Bye peanut,” Penelope said, kissing her daughter’s soft cheek. “Mama loves you.”
“Da da da da.” Penelope rolled her eyes at Josie, who giggled.
“Funny girl. Bye.”
Penelope ran out to the waiting van piled full of passengers. Griffin sat behind the wheel, looking like he should be a model on the cover of an outdoor magazine. He was prepped for the cold bundled up in his parka, knit hat, gloves and boots. They were all dressed similarly.
“A little change from North Carolina, huh?” Penelope said laughing, as she turned to look in the back seat at her swaddled guests.
“Y’all should have warned me,” Faye drawled.
“We did,” Griffin said. “Don’t be such a baby.”
Jesse ruffled Faye’s hair, “She’ll adjust. I’ve been doing my part in keeping her warm.”
“Here we go again,” Tyler said.
“At least you have your own cabin,” Faye retorted.
“Thank God!”
“You’re not fooling any of us, you love it!” Jesse teased.
“About as much as a dog loves his fleas,” he said, grinning.
Kyle, Ella, Finn and the twins, along with her in-laws, were following in another vehicle so Griffin kept checking his rear-view mirror to make sure they stayed close behind. Penelope was beyond relieved that Giselle and James were in the other SUV. Happy dance.
Things were still on the cool side between her and Giselle. She wasn’t really sure what to make of it. Was it because Griffin was her baby? Or was it simply that she didn’t like her? Penelope tried to not let it get to her, but easier said than done. Griffin kept reassuring her that it wasn’t personal, but it sure felt like it. Maybe things would warm up today. Griffin pulled into the free parking lot on the corner and Kyle parked right next to them.
“It looks like a Christmas bomb exploded all over town y’all,” Faye said. “Sort of like your house.” She grinned mischievously. Penelope had confided in her about Giselle’s snarky comments. Penelope couldn’t help but laugh.
“Please don’t bring that up, sis. I’ll never hear the end of it as it is,” Griffin complained.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
“What’d I miss?” Tyler asked.
“Nothing,” they all chorused together.
“Whatever. I have bigger fish to fry. I’m hoping that maybe I’ll run into Malena. Josie said she was here with friends,” Tyler said.
“That would be nice,” Faye said.
They all piled out of their vehicles and Giselle immediately slipped her hand through Griffin’s arm holding on tight. “Mon beau fils, I’m not used to all this snow and ice. I’m afraid I’ll fall.”
“Don’t worry Maman, I’ve got you.”
She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Penelope and her lips turned up at the corners. Not quite a smile exactly… but she’d take it.
Kyle and Ella had their hands full with the twins and Finn was glued to his hero Tyler’s side.
“Hey Tyler, do you think we could go off by ourselves and meet up with everyone later?” Finn said.
“Sure. You can help me look for Malena. Is that okay with everyone else?”
“As long as we pick a meet up time,” Faye said.
Penelope said, “Let’s meet at the town square, the roundabout we passed as we entered town. We’ll meet by the Christmas tree in an hour.”
“Sweet!” Finn said.
“Let’s go,” Ty said, already striding away.
“Don’t lose my kid!” Kyle called after him.
Finn turned back to his dad and gave him a thumbs up, a huge smile plastered across his face.
Ella smiled, “He adores Ty.”
“Ty feels the same,” Faye said.
“I just hope he isn’t a bad influence on my grandson. Finn is young and impressionable”
“They are both your grandsons, need I remind you,” Kyle said sharply.
“Chéri, quit taking everything so seriously. Your father didn’t mean anything by it.”
Penelope anxious to change the subject said, “Let’s take a carriage ride around the square, then stop for some hot chocolate. You have to see the inside of the Emporium. Giselle if you think our house is over the top with decorations, just you wait.”
Giselle’s lips tightened at the mention of her overheard comments. They crossed the street.
“I think if I remember correctly the parade starts at five, so we’ll want to find our spot along the route ahead of time,” Griffin said.
“Mama, dat twain,” Quinn said, pointing to the toy train circling around its tracks in the festively decorated shop window. They all stopped to watch, Everly squealed with delight.
“Mom just let us know if you need to stop and rest,” Griffin said.
“I will, Coeur.”
Oh brother…spare me. It was all Penelope could do not to roll her eyes. Geesh, Giselle wasn’t that old. She had friends at least a decade older who were still downhill skiing, for God’s sake. Her mother-in-law was playing it up big time and Griffin was swallowing it hook line and sinker. Penny, try to be charitable. She never gets to see her son and she is his mother. Maybe you’re the one with the problem.
Kyle had sprinted ahead to get tickets for their carriage ride. When they caught up to him, they only had a five-minute wait before they were seated and being pulled along the streets by four beautiful Belgian draft horses… a holiday winter wonderland. The twins’ cheeks were rosy and their eyes were aglow with excitement. Their mittened hands pointed at everything they saw. Ella looked over at Kyle and their eyes met, acknowledging the preciousness of this moment.
Faye and Jesse held hands, equally enthralled with all of the decorations. Penelope snuck a glance at her in-laws, and they appear
ed to be relaxed and enjoying themselves. James had his arm draped around his wife’s shoulders and she was snuggled against him. She elbowed Griffin and nodded towards his parents. He smiled at her and winked. Then he kissed the tip of her nose.
As they turned a corner, they heard a familiar voice call out, “Mom, Dad! Over here!” Finn was waving at them from the sidewalk. Sure enough, they had found Malena and her friends. Tyler was engrossed in a conversation with Malena as their horses’ clip-clopped by. He managed a distracted wave before returning his full attention back to his current muse.
“He didn’t waste any time,” James said, derisively.
“Chéri, leave the boy alone.”
Penelope gave her mother-in-law a point or two for sticking up for Ty for a change. Maybe there was hope after all.
Their carriage ride wound through the small town, passing shops and street vendors, as well as several food trucks. When they disembarked, a small group of teenagers stared at Griffin and her as they waited for everyone. One of them approached boldly and asked for their autograph. Penelope smiled graciously and pulled off her mitten to sign the girl’s paper coffee cup. She passed it to Griffin, and he scrawled his signature below hers.
“I hate to ask but could I have one selfie with my friends over there?” She pointed and they all stood wide-eyed and expectant.
She and Griffin exchanged a look and he shrugged. “Why not,” he said, grabbing Penelope’s hand. They walked over to the group and posed for several photographs from various cameras.
“Thank you! I can’t believe we actually got to see you. We drove from the ski resort hoping for a Benters sighting,” the leader of the teenage pack said. One of the girls in a pink ski parka couldn’t stop staring at Griffin, her rosy cheeks complimenting her jacket.
“Are you here on vacation?” Penelope asked.
“Yes, we’re staying at the ski lodge.”
