“Yes. And the floors are pine planks.”

Holly finally lifted her head from Zac’s shoulder. “Do you have a dog?”

Robyn nodded. “Two. Nova and Suka. Both huskies. You’ll meet them tomorrow.” She glanced at Alix. “She’s fine with dogs? No fur allergy or anything like that?”

Fur allergy?

Alix looked at her blankly, and it was Zac who responded.

“To the best of our knowledge, she is fine with animals. Why?”

“It’s something we like to check.” Without elaborating, Robyn turned back to Holly. “Do you have a dog at home?”

Holly shook her head.

“I think you’ll love my dogs, and my dogs will love you.” Robyn walked through to the kitchen. “I’m sure you’re tired, so I’ll leave you to settle in, and I’ll come over tomorrow morning and we can figure out how you’d like to spend your first day. You have a fully stocked fridge and freezer.” She opened the door to prove it. “There’s wine chilling. Reindeer stew for tonight and a loganberry dessert. Cooking instructions in the file on the counter and a list of other meals that you can order. There is plenty of good coffee, and we deliver a basket of fresh pastries every morning. If you need anything, you can call me over at the lodge. I’m taking a small group of guests on a snowshoe walk in an hour to see the aurora, but after that I’ll be in all evening. If you take a look in the ski room, you’ll see plenty of outdoor clothing. I suggest you wear that over your own, but I don’t suppose you’ll be going out tonight. You probably want to get Holly fed and to bed.” She smiled at the child. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Do you like hot chocolate?”

Holly brightened. “Yes!”

“Good, because it’s the perfect way to warm up when we’re out in the snow. Tomorrow we’re going to find the perfect Christmas tree and maybe see some reindeer.”

Holly almost bounced out of Zac’s arms.

Alix felt something tug in her chest. She could see him as a father. He’d be fun, engaged, interested. He’d mastermind the best outdoor adventures. He’d never close his study door with his child on the other side.

Unsettled in a way she didn’t fully understand, she turned away and walked to the window.

Against her will, her mind drifted to her own father. She’d had a text from her mother, but nothing from him. Which wasn’t unusual. He rarely remembered specific events like birthdays or Christmas, and her mother didn’t consider it her job to remind him. Occasionally she’d receive a random card from him, but all that did was rip open a part of herself she preferred to keep safely sealed away. It was easier to hear nothing. She went weeks, months sometimes, without thinking about him, and then boom, he’d get in touch, and she was reminded how low down she was on his list of priorities.

Why was she thinking about her father? Maybe it had something to do with her changing relationship with Christy. She felt more vulnerable than usual. More alone.