Josie sits with a sigh and rests her head on the back of the couch. “This house—”
“It’s amazing,” I tell her. “The pool, or rather the oasis, is beyond words. As soon as Jimmy and Eden left this morning, I floated around that thing for over an hour. I think the best part is the glass ceiling. Watching the snowfall is magical.”
“How did you find this place?” Katelyn asks.
“Internet,” Josie says. “I just started searching for houses to fit our family size. I found a bunch, and then I narrowed it down to where I thought we’d like to visit. Vermont seemed like a fun wintery getaway. Plus, the questionable cell service is nice. I want everyone to unplug and relax while we’re here.”
“I, for one, am happy Eden put her phone away. I think this is good for her and Jimmy. It’s something different. She focuses so much on surfing, which I know it's too late to do anything about it. I read this article the other day about kids who specialize in one sport, which got me thinking. She never really tried anything other than surfing.”
“No thanks to Quinn,” Katelyn says with a laugh. “Does she still have a crush on him?”
I nod. “I think she was rather put off that Nola came. I think Eden looked forward to monopolizing his time.”
“Quinn will still spend time with her. Nola is not a fan of the snow or the wintry weather. She’ll likely stay inside with us,” Katelyn tells us. “In fact, I think this might be the first time she’s spent any considerable amount of time in it.”
“And me,” Peyton says as she comes into the room. Elle and Nola follow her. The three of them are carrying a glass of wine.
“Who stocked the liquor?” Elle asks.
“I did,” Josie says. “Is there enough? Do I need to order more?”
Elle shakes her head and holds up her glass. “I’m curious about this wine. It’s delicious.”
There’s a look of relief on Josie’s face. “Oh, thank god. For a minute, I thought you were going to tell me it sucked or something.”
“Not at all,” Elle replies. “I’d like to visit the winery before we leave. Do you think they’re open?”
“Yes, I looked at their websites before we came and wrote everything down. They have tastings and are open through the holidays. I’d love to go with you if you want the company.”
“I’d love that, Aunt Josie.”
“I’m in,” adds Nola. “That’s if I’m invited.”
Elle looks at her oddly. “As if we’d leave you behind.” She turns and looks at her sister. “You?”
Peyton shrugs. It makes me wonder if it’s because Noah will be here soon or if she’s still suffering some PTSD from her accident.
Elle groans. “Seriously? Because of Noah?”
Peyton looks sharply at her sister. “He can’t ski when he’s here, so if we all take off for a girl’s day, he’s left alone unless one of the guys stays behind. So, excuse me if I decide to stay back with my husband.”
Just then, the door opens, and all heads turn toward whoever walked in. The chattering voices of Betty Paige and an unfamiliar voice fill the air. I glance at Josie, who shrugs. “I forgot to mention we have a visitor.”
“Mack!” Peyton exclaims as she stands and goes to him. She pulls Mack into her arms. “What are you doing here?”
Mack glances at Josie, who says, “I’ll fill them in. Why don’t you and Paige get ready? We’ll go into town and pick up some pizzas.” Mack nods and heads down one of the hallways. Once he’s out of sight, Josie takes a long sip of her wine and starts talking. “Nick and Aubrey are getting a divorce. She’s taking Amelia back to South Africa, and Mack is staying in Beaumont. We originally invited Mack to come after Christmas, but Nick asked Liam if we could bring Mack with us now.”
“Does Noah know?” Peyton asks.
Josie shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I doubt Nick confided in Noah that his marriage is falling apart.”
“No, but we would’ve taken Mack,” Peyton adds.
Josie smiles. “That’s very sweet of you, but we both know that’s not feasible. Mack’s doing very well in school and excelling in his sports. Nick doesn’t want Mack to give that up. As long as Mack is in Beaumont, Liam and I will make sure he’s taken care of.”
“Wait, can you go back to the Liam part?” Katelyn asks.
Josie laughs and rolls her eyes. “It seems Nick found Liam at the water tower a few nights back and told him everything. He asked for our help, and Liam agreed.”
“Whoa,” Katelyn says.
“I know,” Josie adds. “I don’t think they’re besties just yet, but maybe.” She laughs. We all know Liam and Nick Ashford will never be best friends. Cordial, yes. But anything else is pushing it.