“Yup.” He sheds a boyish grin. “You know what they say. Fourth time’s the charm.”
Macy cocks her head. “They also say you were a fool then and you’re an older fool now.”
“Mark Twain.” I shrug over at my brother.
“Don’t quote Twain to me.” He frowns over at Macy. “Where’s the family meeting up for the big day?”
“My place.” I bounce on my feet. “I figured what better way to celebrate Christmas than at my very own inn.” I bite down over a smile while I continue to bounce. I can’t help it. The fact Quinn actually left me the inn is finally beginning to set in, and I’m starting to get giddy—or slap happy, most likely an unhealthy combo of both.
Macy scoffs. “I liked you better when I thought you were knocked up. Fine, I’ll be there.” She looks at Hux. “A fight and a proposal? There’s no way I’m missing the fireworks.” She starts to take off. “Stop over at my place, Bizzy. Maybe some of that ridiculous good luck of yours will rub off on me. You get a man with the ability to cuff you nightly, and an entire inn? I’m suing,” she shouts as she drifts in the crowd.
“On what grounds?” I shout back.
“Stealing my wildest dreams and making them your own.”
Hux shrugs. “She could have a case. You never know, she could win.” He lifts his chin toward the crowd. “I’d better find something for Mackenzie. Any idea of what she might like?”
I’d point out that he was the one about to get on bended knee, he should know her best, but decided against it. If they do get hitched, it’ll probably be a good thing that he doesn’t scratch too much beneath the surface.
“Those wonky quilt dresses are a pretty hot commodity.”
Fish meows as she playfully swipes the air up at my brother. Don’t let him do it, Bizzy. Mayor Woods will chop his head off if he gifts her that thing, and I rather like his head attached to his body. Nobody takes a blade to my Uncle Hux.
Sherlock whimpers, Mayor Woods has threatened to chop my tail off one too many times. I wouldn’t trust her with a knife, Bizzy.
Hux reaches down and gives Sherlock a quick pat before picking up Rudolph.
“Maybe I’ll just give her this cute little fuzzball.”
Rudolph yelps and jerks until he wiggles his way back to the floor.
I don’t wanna get my tail cut off! Or my head! Save me, Sherlock! He nestles under Sherlock’s paws in an effort to hide from Mackenzie’s clutches.
I can’t blame him.
“I doubt Mack’s ready for a puppy,” I say. “Let’s have her get used to picking up after you first.”
“Good idea. I’ll go with the weird dress. See you tomorrow night. I’ll be at the inn with my ring at the ready—and a fight. I’ve got a way to juice her up and good. I might need gloves.”
“And a helmet.” I frown as he takes off to find the perfect gift Mackenzie will never wear.
I’m about to head over and invite Georgie, Juni, and my mother to the inn tomorrow night when I spot a barrel-chested man with a bushy beard holding up a wonky quilt and looking at it as if he were trying to make heads or tails out of it.
“Ooh, let’s go,” I whisper to Sherlock and Rudolph as I navigate them that way. “Warwick Tully,” I practically sing his name. Last night when Jasper and I did a cyber deep dive into each of the suspects, we were most impressed with Warwick. It turns out, he’s been the acting CEO of Telenational for years now and has turned a virtually unknown, and on the verge of bankruptcy, company into a corporate giant overnight. It’s remarkable what he’s been able to do.
“Bizzy.” He gives an open-mouthed smile as he looks my way and gives Fish a quick pat on the back. “Fancy meeting you here. I’m a bit deficient on gifts.” He holds up the red and green wonky quilt my way. “I’m afraid my mother would love this.”
We share a warm laugh. “I’m sure she’ll love it. And if she doesn’t, they’ve got a great return policy.”
“Good to know. I might be rolling in the green, but it doesn’t mean I like to part with it so quickly.”
“Congratulations on Telenational. You’re really incredible. What’s your secret? I’d love to make the inn sparkle and shine financially—not that it wasn’t before.” Great way to make it seem as if I was doing just enough to get by when it belonged to Quinn. I’ve poured my heart and soul into that inn. But that doesn’t mean I would turn down any advice he might have to offer.
He gives a knowing nod. “My suggestion is to give the people what they want. Raise the prices by double, and sell yourself as the biggest deal this side of Maine. Trust me, they’ll come in droves.”
“Wow, double?” I blink back. “I get the feeling the inn game is a lot different than the telecommunications game. I’m guessing it’s like juxtaposing hopscotch to major league football.”
He barks out a laugh. “That’s great. But remember this, there’s no business too small to capitalize off of a little creative branding.” He gives a wink. “Have a great night, Bizzy. And Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you,” I say as I make my way out of the melee and straight into a body. “Eve!” I stumble back after smacking right into her. “I’m so sorry.”
“No worries. It’s a zoo out tonight.” The pretty brunette blinks back with her mini me in tow, and her daughter wastes no time in picking up Rudolph.
“Here’s my baby.” She gives him an enthused snuggle before she looks my way. “You do realize that I plan on kidnapping him one day soon, right?”
Fish mewls sharply at her, Nobody touches my rambunctious little runt.
Eve shakes her head. “Excuse her, Bizzy. I promise you,
