Christmas in Bayberry

“I took the train. It was a lovely ride this time of year. Everyone was in such a great mood. I met a young couple from Miami on their way to Connecticut. They’re expecting their first baby.” Her eyes twinkled. He knew she hoped that one day he’d make her a grandmother. “Anyway, I can tell you more about my adventures later. You have a job to do, Mr. Claus.”

He checked the time. His break was ove

r. It was time to get back to Christmas wishes and cookie crumb hugs. And he had to admit he’d never enjoyed a job this much.

He turned to the podium but then paused and turned back. “Mom, you’ll still be here when I’m done, won’t you?”

“Of course, son.”

“Wow!” A little boy of about four or five with reddish hair and freckles stared at Wes’s mother. “You’re Santa’s mommy?”

A big smile lit up his mother’s face. “Well, yes, I guess I am.”

“I didn’t know Santa had a mommy.” The little boy’s eyes filled with wonderment.

“Aren’t I lucky? Ho ho ho,” Wes chuckled, with a grin at his mother.

And then the boy’s mother smiled and took his hand, leading him off to the sale items. Wes couldn’t stop smiling. It isn’t every day you can create such a look of awe on a child’s face. It was magical.

It’d been a long time since Wes enjoyed the holidays. But this year was turning out quite different. This year he was losing his focus on work and getting caught up in the joy of the season. And it was all thanks to Kate.

He’d been right about her all those years ago. She was something special. And she hadn’t really changed, not in the important ways. She was still kind, thoughtful and generous. And he was lucky that she considered him a friend…but was it wrong that he wanted more?

He didn’t know the man who’d let her get away, but the guy must be kicking himself. There was no one in the world quite like Kate. And he was fortunate enough to get to spend this Christmas with her. He was definitely going to have to work up the nerve to ask her to the Candlelight Dance.

He’d missed out on the chance to escort her in the past. He couldn’t let history repeat itself. Most people didn’t get second chances. He’d been given one, and he wouldn’t squander it.

The amazing evening was over.

How had the time gone by so fast?

Maybe because it had been a wildly successful and fun event.

Kate had smiled so much throughout the evening that her cheeks were a bit sore. Yet she continued to smile. She blamed most of it on Santa. He was forever glancing her way. Though he didn’t say anything, just the mere fact of their glances catching and holding a moment longer than necessary sent her heart racing.

She knew not to let herself get caught up in Wes, though. He was only here for work, and once the holidays were over, he’d be gone—back to the big city and his promotion. She’d been down a similar road and it hadn’t ended well. It saddened her to think that Wes would soon be so far away. She was getting used to having him around.

“What’s the matter?”

She turned to find Aunt Penney standing next to her. “What did you say?”

Aunt Penney studied her with that insightful gaze of hers. “It’s okay.”

“What is?”

“To like him.”

“What? Who?” Heat rushed up her neck, settling in her cheeks. “You mean Wes?”

Aunt Penney’s brow rose as she nodded. “I’ve watched you two, and he’s good for you.”

“He…he is?” She wasn’t sure she was comfortable with the direction of this conversation.

Aunt Penney continued to nod. “I watched you after Andy left. You closed off that part of your life. You didn’t make any big proclamations or anything, but anytime someone asked you out, you were always busy with this or that. But with Wes, you’ve let down your guard.”

“It’s not like that. We’re not dating. He’s just here, doing work for you. I…I was just trying to make him feel welcome.”

In the beginning that might have been true, but lately things were changing. When she thought of doing something, she immediately thought of inviting Wes. But that was just what people did for visitors, right?