"No one checking in today, Emma?" I asked, making conversation.
"There was just one, but they were running late," she told me. "I left the key under the mat on the porch for them and told them to come sign in first thing in the morning. Shouldn't be a problem, they already paid. I wouldn't do that for just anyone either, but I knew they had a few kids with them. I'm sure that's the reason they're late," she said, making us all chuckle. "Plus, it's Christmas time."
"My favorite time of the year," I blurted, smiling.
"Why'd that sound half sarcastic?" Dale asked, amused. Emma hit his arm and gave him a look. "Ow, geez, what?" He complained.
"That's kind of rude, don't you think?" She scolded him.
"It's okay," I cut in. "I probably did sound sarcastic. I do love Christmas, but it's also
