Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Royal didn’t need to be a financial expert to know what this would mean for Windeville. Without the festival, the town would face a big loss.
The vendors would have to be reimbursed, the bed and breakfast would remain empty, and the small family-run shops would lose their busiest time of the year.
Royal’s mind spun with numbers, projections and the depths of the town’s financial hole widening.
He glanced over to find Stone frozen in place. His eyes were hard, but beneath the surface, Royal could feel the sharp pang of helplessness. This was Stone’s home, his responsibility. He probably believed he had a commitment to fix all of this himself.
Royal knew that feeling well.
But there was no way to get all the mess cleaned up in a few hours or even days.
As Stone drove robotically past the power technicians struggling to restore electricity, Royal caught glimpses of people, some were clearing their driveways, while some were using shovels on the sidewalks, each of them with an expression of frustration and disappointment. There were more plows attached to personal trucks working the road. The shops were closed, shutters drawn and their windows covered with a thick frost mirroring the chill in Royal’s chest.
The kids, however, were out playing—laughing, throwing snowballs, and building massive snowmen, oblivious to the damage surrounding them. They had no idea their town was reeling or even that the festival was canceled.
Royal’s heart ached for the people who had made him feel welcome and loved. He’d only been there a short time, but it already felt like home. And, Stone while he’d only had a few intense moments, a couple of dates, and one night with him—one perfect, magical night with him—their connection was real and undeniable. Royal wanted to help. He cared for Stone and he cared for the people in Windeville.
Stone’s crew were already in the main square working with quiet urgency, digging through the snow, and hauling lumber.
As Stone pulled the truck into the parking lot of the bed and breakfast, he didn’t turn off the engine, instead he hesitated, his face grim as he stared straight ahead.
“Bo,” Royal whispered.
“I’m not sure I’ll make it back tonight,” Stone rumbled. “There’s so much I have to do.”
Royal gave a somber nod.
Stone turned to him, the resolve in his glare lessening for the briefest moment before he leaned over and pressed his lips to Royal’s in a tender kiss. It was a small moment of heat amidst the cold, but it was enough.
Royal got out of the truck and watched Stone back away and get across the street to his crew. His heart was heavy with worry for the man he was starting to care for more than he’d expected.
He stood in the cold, his mind whirring with ideas. Stone and this town were not alone. No matter what it took, Royal would find a way to help. This town had given him so much in a short time, and he was ready to give back.
This storm had broken Stone’s heart. Royal would think of something.
Royal
Royal walked inside the bed and breakfast and was taken aback by how quiet it was.
Mrs. Pearl was at the desk with her face buried in her hands.
Royal’s heart twisted. Mrs. Pearl was never upset. She was always smiling, always greeting him with a warm word or gentle laugh. But right now she was a shell of herself. The strong woman who’d been so welcoming to him was crumpled in grief, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.
Myra, Brissy and Jojo hovered near her, trying to console her. But, even Jojo’s bright demeanor seemed dimmed.
Royal hurried towards them, almost panicked. He’d just crossed the threshold when Myra noticed him, her face red and splotchy from crying.
“Royal,” Jojo said, her voice heavy with emotion, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Mrs. Pearl. What’s wrong?”
Jojo swallowed hard. “The storm…none of her guests were able to make it down the mountain, and the ones set to arrive later this week have already cancelled their reservations. We um, we might have to do some layoffs if…”
Royal’s stomach hit the floor.
“Hey, hey,” he said softly, moving around the desk and wrapped his arms around Mrs. Pearl.
She stiffened at first but then she clung to him, her tears soaking into his coat.
He kissed the top of her forehead, then cupped her face, lifting it to meet his eyes. “It’s okay, I will figure something out, don’t worry.”
Myra and Brissy nodded. Even in their sadness they were determined.
“I’ll work for free,” Myra said.
“I will too,” Brissy added.
Mrs. Pearl shook her head so hard her bun came loose. “Absolutely not. Myra you have a son in college you support, and Brissy, you have two toddlers. You both need your wages and you know it. I appreciate it, girls. I do. But, I won’t have it. I’ll just shut down for a few months. I’m a darn good seamstress, you both know that. I’ll go back to work at Sew I Can in Kirfair. I’ll make do.”