Sleigh Bells in the Snow (O'Neil Brothers 1)

“You—” Braced for a different conversation, Jackson stopped in midsentence. “You did what?”

“I sent him on his way, of course.” Walter took the ax from Kayla. “I told him to grow a backbone, get himself right back in the kitchen and do the job we employed him to do.” He took a swing. The ax landed with a thud, leaving another two logs to add to the growing pile.

Kayla nodded approval. “Nice one, Walter.”

Jackson wasn’t sure whether she was referring to Darren or the split log. “I’m assuming he refused.”

“He did. Said he already had a better job lined up. Need a turn, Kayla?”

“Yes.” She took the ax back while Jackson watched the two of them, noticing the way his grandfather gently adjusted Kayla’s grip and then positioned the next log for her.

She hit him with her smile and Walter stepped back, dazzled.

Having been on the receiving end of that smile, Jackson felt sympathy for his grandfather.

He watched as she lifted the ax. Watched as that blond hair swung and a look of determination spread across her face.

Apart from that first glance, she hadn’t looked at him.

“I’m going to find a way to chop logs in my office. That way every time a client with no story whatsoever tells me he wants to be on the front page of the New York Times, I can chop a log instead of banging my head against a wall.” She split the log and her eyes sparkled. “You do this whenever you’re stressed?”

“Every damn day.” Walter glanced at his grandson. “Never any shortage of firewood around here. Isn’t that right, Jackson?”

“Gramps—”

Walter grunted. “You did the right thing. People need to pull their weight. Élise cooks like an angel. She was a find, that’s for sure.”

It was the first word of praise his grandfather had given him. The first time he’d shown any indication that any of the changes Jackson had made were making a difference.

“I didn’t expect Darren to leave.”

“Things happen. You dealt with it. That’s all you can do in life. Things are changing around here. If people can’t change along with us, they’d be happier somewhere else. It’s important to keep these logs dry.” He spoke to Kayla. “We deliver dry logs to the cabins every day. Sure, only a couple of them are occupied right now, but I’m sure that’ll change now you’re here. Think you can get us on the front page of the New York Times?” His eyes twinkled and Kayla grinned back at him.

“Doubtful. You’re hot, Walter, but even you’re not hot enough for the front page. But I can get you in other places. If I arrange for a journalist to interview you, do you promise not to eat him in one mouthful?”

Walter rested his foot on the log. “I’m not allowed to be myself?”

“I want you to be yourself. I’m relying on it.”

He put the ax down. “Just tell me who you want me to talk to.”

“I’ll make some calls.”

Jackson frowned. “This close to Christmas?”

“There are people still working, and some of them are looking for stories that don’t include suggestions for cooking turkey or tips on dieting. I’ll get right onto it.” She zipped up her jacket, still not looking at him.

“I’m taking you skiing this morning. We’re meeting up with Tyler and Jess. Your gear is in the back of my car.”

“These are two people whose idea of fun is to bomb down a sheer vertical cliff. I’m sure they’re just dying to spend time on a flat slope with someone who can’t stay upright for more than five seconds.” Her voice was falsely bright. “I’m glad they’re bonding, but I need to get back to the cabin and work. I’m starting to get a clear picture of how we can sell Snow Crystal to the press and the public.”

He was starting to get a clear picture of the reason she blocked people out of her life. “You can tell me about it as we drive.” He took her arm. “Car’s parked just over there. See you later, Gramps.”

“I guess you will.” Walter gave them both a long look but Jackson kept walking. Fortunately Kayla did, too, presumably because she didn’t want a scene.

“I had a frank discussion with your grandfather.”

“Good. A frank discussion is definitely needed. And not just between you and my grandfather.” He heard her sharp intake of breath.