Christmas in Bayberry

“He’s invited too. Those two have been practically inseparable since the accident. Aunt Penney would say it’s because she doesn’t want to leave him alone in case he needs anything.”

“And you would say?”

“Between you and me, I’d say my aunt has never seemed happier. If only I could prove to her that the company is safe with me, she might retire and relax.”

Wes moved to stand in front of her. “Your aunt knows what she’s doing.”

Kate knew he was trying to make her feel better, but it wasn’t working. Deep inside, where no one could see, her doubts and worries weighed on her. “I don’t know if she’ll ever trust me to run Bayberry Candles.”

“From what I can tell, she trusts you implicitly.”

Kate’s gaze searched his. “You really believe that?”

“I do.” Sincerity shone in his eyes—as well as something else. But in a blink, it was gone. “When that accident happened with Fred, you were the person she turned to. Relax,” he urged. “You’re doing all the right things to help the company.”

She smiled at him. “Then let’s get out of here. I have to pay you back for all your help.”

He arched a brow. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“Oh, you’ll see.”

“Should I be worried?”

She grinned. “Not at all. Just trust me.”

“That’s what worries me.”

Kate laughed as she turned off the lights and headed for the door. What was it about this man that made her worries seem less significant? When she was with him, it felt as if everything was going to work out for the best. She hoped that meant that Bayberry Candles would survive.

The pickup truck bounced down the snow-covered road.

At least Wes hoped this was a road. All he could see in front of him was a break in the trees and snow. Lots of snow. It was everywhere, and they were headed into the wilderness. What exactly did Kate have in mind?

The truck slowed down, and the next thing he knew, the tires were spinning and snow was flying. They were stuck. He glanced all around, but there wasn’t any sign of civilization. The thought of hiking back down the mountain to Bayberry did not appeal to him in the least.

“Don’t worry,” Kate said, as though she’d read his thoughts. “I’ve got this.”

She downshifted and they started to move again. Kate looked totally in control and in her element. She was definitely not a city girl. The thought dampened his mood.

He was growing accustomed to having Kate around. She reminded him that there was more to life than just work. She got him to laugh—to enjoy himself as he hadn’t done since he was a kid. And she reminded him how special Christmas could be, if you let it into your life.

“Thank you,” he said.

She never took her attention off the path in front of them. “For what? Taking you into the snowy forest?”

“No, for helping me to remember how Christmas used to be. When I was little, my mother would create the best Christmases. We didn’t always have a lot, but she made them fun.”

“I’ve just met your mother, but she seems l

ike a really special lady.”

“She is. Very special. When I’d ask her how Santa would find us, since we never spent Christmas in the same town, she told me that Christmas was always in my heart, and as long as I had the spirit, Santa would find me.”

“Aww…that’s so sweet.”

“Yeah, my mother is great, but the problem is, somewhere along the way I lost the spirit.”

“Are you getting it back?” She slowed to a stop and turned to him.