Christmas in Bayberry

His suits might be fine for New York, where professional wear was expected. But here in Bayberry, his gray designer suit stood out. And he didn’t want to stand out. There was something about the way he’d witnessed everyone pulling together to help one of their own that made him want to be one of them again—even if only briefly.

For just a little while, he wanted to experience what it was like to be a part of a tight-knit community. When he’d lived here as a teenager, his family hadn’t stayed long enough for him to get over his shyness and join in. While his job had helped him overcome a lot of his shyness, now he wondered what he’d been missing all this time.

Another woman rushed up with her arms full of boxes of canned vegetables. “Sorry, Kate. I could only carry so much. I’ll have more later.”

“Thank you so much. You can always bring it to the warehouse this weekend.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” And then the woman turned to him. Her eyes widened. “You’re even more handsome than they said.” And with that she rushed off.

Kate turned back to him. “It seems you’ve made quite an impression on the town.”

“And I haven’t even done anything but stand out here and freeze.”

An older man rushed toward them with two foil-wrapped objects. Wes tried to remember him, but failed. The man handed one foil object to Kate. “Fresh-made. It should warm you up.” And then he turned to Wes. “I’m glad she has help. Thank you. Now enjoy.”

And then the man rushed off as though he were very busy. Wes was about to ask what he was holding, but then he got a whiff. Were those tomatoes? And oregano?

He opened the foil to find a giant meatball sandwich topped with thick slices of provolone cheese. His mouth watered. This looked absolutely perfect. He took a seat next to Kate and took a bite.

He chewed and swallowed. “This is amazing.”

“I thought you might like it.”

“Is it from the diner?”

She shook her head. “It’s from the deli. They make one specialty sandwich a day. And today’s happens to be one of my favorites.”

He took another bite of the warm, delicious sandwich. “I’m definitely going to have another before I leave town.”

She smiled, and he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Her cheeks and nose were tinged with pink from the cold. But it was her eyes that twinkled with happiness, filling him with a warmth that started in his chest and spread outward. His reasons for leaving Bayberry didn’t seem so pressing at the moment. He smiled back at her.

As they finished their lunch, a string of people made their way to the pickup. Each and every man, woman and young person greeted them with a smile. It was as though this town had inhaled the spirit of Christmas. It radiated from each of them in friendliness and warmth. If he hadn’t lived here previously, he would have written it off as the holiday spirit, but he knew it was this way year-round.

When the rush of people let up, Wes turned to Kate. “This food drive—is it for people in need?”

She shook her head. “It’s for everyone.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Years ago, long before my time, the holiday food drive was started for people in need, but this town is made up of very strong, very proud people. They refused to accept a handout. The town elders were stymied. They knew there had to be a way to help their neighbors, but it wasn’t until my great-grandmother suggested that the food drive benefit everyone in Bayberry that it took hold.”

“Sounds like your great grandmother was a very smart lady.”

“She was. I love listening to my aunt and the townsfolk tell me stories about the ‘good ol’ days’.”

“So this food is divided and handed out?”

“Yes. We make baskets. And on Christmas Eve, a group of us delivers all three hundred and nineteen baskets.”

“That’s a lot of baskets.”

“You’re telling me. And I have something extra special planned for them. If you’re still around, you can help me.”

His initial instinct was to brush off the offer. After all, this was no longer his town and these weren’t his neighbors, but the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea—both spreading goodwill and spending more time with Kate.

“Thanks. I’d like that.” He paused. “You’re so lucky.” He hadn’t meant to vocalize his thoughts, but now that they were out there, he couldn’t take them back.

“How so?” Her fine brows drew together. “I mean, I know I have a lot of blessings for which I’m grateful. I just wondered if you meant anything specific.”