Christmas in Pine Island: A small town holiday romance

lifestyle, I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to find out.

Chloe Price
After showing each of our new guests to their suites, I practically fly back down the stairs. I’m so grateful the entire top floor of the lodge was available. I think it’ll give our special guests the privacy they deserve, but man am I winded!
Still catching my breath, I go in search of my sister. As expected, Margot is waiting impatiently for me. The moment she sees me she hops off the barstool she’s occupying and hurries over. Ava is busy playing with Darcy, and Owen and Ethan are both still chatting softly about something. Right now, I’ll let them have their boy talk—I need some solid girl time with my sister so we can gush over our superstar guests.
I grab her hand, dragging her through the lobby toward the sprawling staff kitchen. Once we’re safely tucked far from sight, Margot let go of my hands. And it’s only to clap her own hands to her cheeks in excitement. “We’ve got celebrities!” Margot shrieks. “Real celebrities! Talk about a Christmas miracle!”
She leaps around the kitchen until she’s out of breath and her pale cheeks are bright red from her exuberance. She takes a moment to recoup and snatch a gingersnap cookie off a plate nearby. “Okay, I’m better now. Sorry. I just had to get that out.”
I laugh and stretch out my hand as she passes me one of the cookies. I made them for the guests, but I’m starving. I haven’t had a moment to stop and eat all day. Even if I had, I’m much too nervous to sit down for a meal. But I always have room for cookies. Especially Christmas cookies.
“Right?” I mumble around a mouthful. “When Eric’s agent called, I thought for sure I was dreaming!”
Margot’s bright hazel eyes narrow on me. “Eric!” she wheezes, cookie crumbs falling from her lips. “Eric? Co-Co, listen to yourself! You’re on a first-name basis with a rockstar!”
All at once, we’re both squealing again. I know that we have to be professional and polite with our guests, but how could Margot and I not fangirl for a little bit? We both love his band so much! We practically grew up listening to them! It’s so surreal having him here.
Strangely though, if I hadn't known who Eric and his friends were, I never would’ve guessed they were famous. They all seem so down-to-earth and friendly. They’re the kind of people who you would want to have a wine and board games night with. Spending the holidays with them is going to be a blast.
I still have to make sure that I give them the very best Christmas ever though. These are the kind of people who could jet away to Europe for the holidays. Is my family-owned lodge really enough to keep them entertained?
Suddenly overwhelmed with nerves, I stop jumping around and lean back against the counter. Margot offers me another cookie, but I shake my head. “What if they get bored with whatever activities I plan?” I ask, looking up at my older sister. “What if they’re expecting something really, really amazing?”
“Like what?” Margot asks, doubtfully. She’s already on her third cookie. I have no idea how she stays as slim as she does when she can eat like that.
“I don’t know . . . like bungee jumping from our tallest tree or something!”
Margot heaves a deep sigh. “Co-Co, I love you. But you need to chill.” Margot eyes me and folds her arms over her chest. “They just want to relax and be normal people for a bit.”
I sigh and nod, slowly smiling at my sister. It’s so wonderful to have her around when my parents aren’t here to guide me. “You’re right,” I murmur, earning a satisfied smirk from Margot. “Besides . . . I think I have a really fun idea for them.”
“Good. Whatever you’re planning is going to be perfect.” Margot pushes away from the counter and grabs my hands in hers again. “We’re finally doing it.”
“Finally doing what?”
“Taking charge.” She nods to the space around us. “Without Mom and Dad here, it feels like we’re really grownups. And you’re running the lodge this year! We’re doing this all on our own!”
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “You’re a mom, Go-Go! I think you’ve been a grownup for a while.”
This time, it’s my sister who rolls her eyes as she drops my hands. Then she abruptly pauses, edging closer and nudging me in the ribs. “Yeah and when are you going to join me in motherhood?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows.
I just laugh and gently push her away from me. “Are you joking? I'm way too busy for a wedding—let alone babies!”
“If you say so,” Margot sighs. “I just know Ava is dying for a cousin to play with . . . Plus, don’t think I’ve forgotten we said we’d raise our kids together.”
“Go-Go, I’m nowhere near ready for kids. I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water as it is.”
“Then maybe something needs to change.” Margot shrugs. “I’m just saying. The clock is ticking, sis.”
She slinks away, shaking her head as she sets some of the cookies on a tray for the guests. I watch her, chewing my bottom lip. I’d laughed off her question, but my stomach is suddenly twisting and turning. Is she right?
How will Ethan and I ever start a family if we can’t even find time to set a wedding date?
If I could, I’d marry him tomorrow . . . I’d marry him right now! But my perfect man deserves the perfect wedding. I just don’t know how to find the time to give that to him.


Owen Hall
Though the girls think they’re being coy, I can hear my wife and Chloe giggling wildly together in the depths of the lodge’s kitchen.
Ethan and I look at one another, shake our heads and grin.
“At least they’re trying to show some restraint,” Ethan says