Christmas in Bayberry

“I meant, what can I do here to help you with this mess.”

“I know what you meant, but I have plenty of help.” They both glanced at the two dozen employees already setting to work. When Kate looked back at him, she said, “I really do need you to finish your report, so we can get things back to normal in the new year.”

He resisted telling her that his preliminary evaluation had already established that the business could never go back to the way it used to be. If the candle company could be saved, drastic measures would need to be taken. But for now, that information was only for his client, Penney.

“If you need me,” he said, “you know where to find me.”

Wes headed back to the office. He had a lot of work ahead of him. And he intended to work late, as he’d already lost a large chunk of the afternoon due to the accident.

Things were almost back to normal.

Kate had worked past quitting time. The warehouse had been cleaned up. The forklift had been inspected, and the accident was confirmed to have been due to operator error. Kate had hoped it would be a mechanical issue, as she knew Fred would feel absolutely horrible about causing such a mess, especially right before the big warehouse sale. Kate and Penney hadn’t cared about the mess—they were just glad Fred hadn’t been seriously hurt.

Kate was running out of time to get everything in place. She only had a few days until the warehouse was opened to eager shoppers. And with Doc Watson ordering Fred to rest for the remainder of the week, they were also out a Santa, who was a big draw for the kids. The adults enjoyed taking photos of their children with the man in red—comparing little Johnny and Suzie to how they looked in prior years’ photos. In a lot of ways, it was more like a Christmas party than a sale. But without Santa, it wouldn’t be much of a celebration.

Unless Kate could find a replacement Santa. But whoever she picked would have to be about Fred’s size. There was only one Santa suit in town. She started with the men at the candle company.

Dave? Too tall.

Ronnie? Too short.

She called her aunt to check on Fred, who, according to her aunt, was being a terrible patient. Aunt Penney said she wouldn’t be home for dinner and told Kate about the leftovers in the fridge. Kate told her not to worry. She could fend for herself.

Kate was still mulling over the Santa situation when she stopped by Mel’s Grille. When she walked in, everyone called her name. The usual crew included Mr. and Mrs. Green, Aunt Penney’s neighbors; Reverend Smith and his wife as well as their little girl; and a few others.

Then Kate’s gaze settled on her childhood friend. Carrie stood behind the counter in her waitress uniform. Kate smiled as she made her way to the counter. It had been a long day. She collapsed onto a stool with a weary sigh.

“It can’t be that bad. I saw that hottie you were having lunch with.” Carrie grinned at her from across the counter.

Kate shook her head. “That’s just Wes.”

“Is ‘Just Wes’ single?” Carrie waggled her eyebrows.

“Yes, but it’s not like you’re thinking. He’s in town for work, and I was supposed to be showing him around. But then there was the accident.”

“I heard about Fred getting hurt, but I heard it wasn’t anything serious.” Carrie brought a cup, filled it with coffee and placed it in front of Kate. Then she retrieved creamer from the little fridge behind the counter, grabbed the container of sweetener and set them next to the cup. “I hope the gossip mill didn’t get the facts wrong.”

“They’re right, as always. Fred is just a little banged up, but nothing serious. At least that’s what Aunt Penney is telling me.”

“Aunt Penney?” A definite note of interest rang out in Carrie’s voice as her eyes reflected her curiosity. “How would she

know?”

“She’s taking care of him.”

“Really?” Carrie’s voice was drawn out as a smile lit up her face. “I knew I was right about those two.”

“Slow down there, Ms. Matchmaker. I didn’t say they were dating or anything. My aunt is just helping him out since the doc has him resting for the rest of the week.”

Kate refused to start any gossip. If her aunt heard, she’d just dig in her heels even further about not getting involved with Fred.

“Bet it won’t be long now until Fred convinces her to go out,” Carrie said.

Kate muttered under her breath. “I hope so.”

“What did we miss?” Abby sat next to Kate.

Sadie Plummer sat on the other side of Kate. “If there’s gossip, I want in. I’m always the last to know.” When everyone looked at Sadie, she shoved her black-framed glasses further up on her nose. “Not for the paper.”