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“Ah nothing.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “We should probably get that room cleaned.”
She laughed, raising her hands off the cart handle. “That’s the plan, but you need to move out of the way.”
“Oh! Right.” He walked out into the hallway and let her pass by before closing the door.
As they made their way to the east wing, Brit looked at him, with a grin. “You do know how to clean right?”
“Of course! How hard can it be?”
––––––––
LUKE FOUND OUT EXACTLYhow hard it could be, he never thought he would have to climb in the shower and scrub every inch of the stall until it was gleaming. And the bed! His back was still protesting about that one.
“I don’t know how you can do this day in and day out,” he said, shaking his head as they walked along the snow-covered road towards Ava's house.
Brit laughed, the sound light and carefree in the crisp evening air. “It's all about practice and a bit of elbow grease,” she joked, nudging him with her shoulder. “Plus, you get used to it after a while.”
The snow underfoot crunched satisfyingly with each step as they walked in silence for a few moments, their breath forming little clouds in the cold.
As they approached Mark and Ava's house, they could see the windows aglow with the twinkling of Christmas lights, and the scent of something cooking filled the air.
“You're in for a treat,” he said, steering her into the yard.
“What? We can't just show up unannounced!”
“We aren't, they are expecting us, I just didn't tell you. Ava's cooking is phenomenal. I hope you brought an appetite.”
Brit shot him an impish grin, her eyes sparkling as she playfully punched him on the arm. “Hey, I thought mine was and yes after a day of cleaning and waiting on tables? I could eat a horse."
He leaned into her and kissed her on the lips as they reached the doorstep. Ringing the doorbell, he murmured close to her ear, “Your everything is phenomenal.”
The door flung open, and Mark stood there. “I see you two are getting along fabulously.” Holding the door wide, he yelled over his shoulder. “Ava! Luke and Brit are here!”
They stepped inside and Luke helped Brit out of her coat then hung it on the coat rack as Ava came squealing into the room.
“I’m so glad you guys came; I’m making a new dish! You’re my guinea pigs,” she said, leading them further into the house. “Mark, can you get them something to drink?”
Mark looked at them with a raised brow. “Do you want a beer or something fancier?”
“A beer sounds good to me,” Luke said, as he held the stool at the island for her to hop onto. “Brit? What would you like?”
“Hmm.” She settled onto the stool and looked at Mark. “Can you make anything with peppermint in it? Your home is so beautifully decorated I feel the need to drink something to match it,” she chuckled.
Mark nodded. “Candy Cane Cocktail it is! Ava, do you want one too?” he asked, as he headed towards the living room and the bar.
“Please!” she smiled, then ducked down to behind the counter, looking through the glass of the oven. She popped up and looked at her brother and Brit. “So, I heard now that the ball at the inn is a costume ball?”
Brit nodded. “Costume slash masquerade ball. Basically, come as you want just hide your face kinda deal.”
“Well, between you guys and us, Mom is coming over shortly because she has a gift for you Brit. But don’t tell her I said anything!!”
“What?! A gift for me?”
“Please don’t tell her I told you!” Ava looked at Mark as he came back holding a drink out to each of them. “Thanks,” she took a sip as if to give her courage. “Mom found something for you when they went to Springbank last week and she had to buy it. Said it would be perfect for you.”
“What is it?” Luke asked, taking a swig from his bottle.
Ava shook her head. “I ain’t saying. I’ve said enough!”
