His mother’s smile faded and worry reflected in her eyes. “Your father used to always say the same thing—after this job, he’d settle down—or after this promotion, he’d be able to stay put. I know he believed those words when he said them, but circumstances always changed and we were forever moving around, never settling down and putting down roots. And I know how hard it was on you. But I just hope you’re not staying with your current company because you don’t want to be like your father.”
“That’s not it.” He said the words too quickly, too vehemently. His mother arched a brow. He sighed. “Okay. Maybe that’s part of it.”
“Are you really happy at your job?” Her gaze searched his.
“I am. I might even get a promotion.”
“Another one?” When he nodded, his mother smiled brightly. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks.” His mother’s happiness meant the world to him. He’d always strived to make her proud of him. And he had something to tell her that he hoped would make her extremely happy. “Mom, it means so much that we’re together for Christmas.”
His mother reached out, placing her hand over his. “I feel the same way. It’s why I cancelled my travel plans. I couldn’t think of any other place I wanted to be.”
“If I get this promotion, we’ll be able to see each other as much as we want.”
His mother’s brows drew together. “I don’t understand.”
“This promotion means you’ll be able to move to New York. We’ll find you the perfect apartment—”
“Wesley.” The way she said his name let him know she wasn’t pleased. “What makes you think I want to live in New York City?”
He opened his mouth and then closed it without saying a word.
“Oh Wes, I wish you’d said something sooner. I would have told you that I want something quieter, a slower pace of life.”
He searched
her face. “Are you saying you don’t want to be near me?”
“Not at all. But I’d rather it be someplace like Bayberry.”
He rubbed his jaw as he considered what she’d just told him. And then his eyes met hers. “Are you sure? I mean, we can find something outside of Manhattan.”
His mother shook her head. “I’ve decided where I’m moving. It’s going to be my last move. I want to put down roots. It’s time.”
“Where?” He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer.
“Right here in Bayberry. I should have done it years ago.”
His mother was moving here? When his report would most likely recommend closing the town’s primary employer? His jaw tightened. This assignment was getting more complicated with each passing day.
“Wes, what’s wrong? I thought you’d like the idea. I’ll be closer to you.”
Obviously, his thoughts were transparent on his face. He swallowed hard and did his best to relax his facial features. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m happy to have you close by. We’ll be able to spend holidays together.”
His mother smiled. “I can’t wait. This is going to be such a special Christmas.”
Unless the Bayberry Candle Company was forced to close its doors. He shoved aside the troublesome thought.
Not sure what to say, he checked his watch. “It’s getting late. I’ve got to get to the office.”
The frown returned to his mother’s features. “It’s the weekend.”
He reached out, giving her hand a squeeze. “Don’t worry. Kate asked me if I could stop by and help her with something.”
His mother’s eyes widened. “Well, in that case, don’t let me hold you up.” She shooed him away. “Go. Enjoy your afternoon.”
He headed out the door to find the sun shining brightly, but with the freezing temperature, the snow wasn’t going anywhere. He pulled a pair of sunglasses from his jacket pocket to help with the glare.