Christmas at Evergreen Inn (Jewell Cove 4)

He kissed the tip of her nose. “I gotta run. I’ll see you after my shift.”

He left her there at the doors, and once he drove away in the cruiser she went back inside. The congregation was at the point in the service where they all lit candles as they sang “Silent Night.” But Lainey hung up the coat and stayed in the vestibule, simply watching, and feeling a contentment she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

She was going to be all right.

And she had to redo Christmas. In three hours.

Chapter Eight

Lainey thought she’d never escape the church.

First off, she met Ian Martin, the lawyer working on the Aquteg Island project. He said that Mr. Sewell had sung the inn’s praises and that it looked like the island was destined to become a historic site, which they both knew would please the majority of people in the town. The artifacts, too, were being restored thanks to Edward Jewell’s descendant, and the hope was that there’d be a visitor center on the island where the documents and bits of treasure would be securely showcased.

Ian squeezed her arm and to her surprise said, “This might sound odd, Lainey, but I think your great-great-grandparents would be proud of you. I think it’s wonderful how you’ve made the Evergreen Inn such a key part of the town.”

“Thanks, Ian,” she replied, flushing a little. “That’s high praise.”

“You earned it,” he said. “I’ll see you at the next chamber of commerce breakfast?”

She nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Once Ian had gone, she met up with her parents, who noted her rosy cheeks and bright eyes.

“I don’t know what had you so glum earlier, or why you skipped out on most of the service, but you look much better.” Her mom searched Lainey’s face as if looking for clues.

“If I tell you it’s a guy, will you let it go or grill me for hours?” she asked.

Her mom’s face lit up. “A man? Really?”

“Yes, really. But it’s early yet. We’re just taking it day by day.”

“Who?”

Lainey’s chest tightened. This would be the first time saying it out loud.

“Todd Ricker.”

Her mom’s expression turned knowing. “Girl. It’s about time! I always knew you had good taste.”

Lainey raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”

“Well, everyone makes mistakes.”

Lainey knew she was referring to Jason and she laughed. “Just don’t make a big deal of it, okay?”

“Whatever you say. If you want to bring him along tomorrow, he’s welcome, but no pressure.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Lainey leaned in and hugged her mom, loving the feel of the warm arms around her.

“We just want to see you happy.”

Lainey turned to her father. “Merry Christmas, Dad.”

“You too, honey. Good to see you smile again.” He gave her a warm hug and Lainey realized something else. No matter how old you got, there was something about a father’s hug that you never outgrew.

Honestly, she was starting to feel as if she might burst from all the happiness.

“I’ll see you both tomorrow, yeah?”