Christmas in Bayberry

“Wes thinks that instead of the company solely sponsoring the dance, we should ask the town to participate. He says it will make the dance a truly community event. And it will take some of the financial pressure off of us.”

Aunt Penney didn’t say anything at first. Kate’s palms grew moist. Martha remained quiet, as though sensing the seriousness of the subject. Traditions weren’t easily broken or modified.

Worried that her aunt was upset, Kate said, “Don’t worry. I won’t change—”

“No. Stop. This is perhaps what we need. And Wes is right about making it more of a community event.” Aunt Penney’s gaze met hers. “You go right ahead and do what you feel is best. I’m right behind you. Is there anything you want me to do?”

Kate shook her head. “I’ve got this.”

Just then Fred entered the kitchen, walking just fine, until he spotted her. Then he took on an exaggerated limp. Kate struggled not to roll her eyes. Who did he and her aunt think they were kidding?

“I thought I heard someone else.” He smiled at Kate. “Can you stay and have some dinner with us?”

“I would love to, but I have to go. I need to talk to Carrie, Abby and Sadie about some changes to the Candlelight Dance.” Kate got up from the stool and put on her coat.

Fred’s bushy brows drew together. “I hope there’s still going to be a dance.”

“I’m pretty certain there will be one,” Kate said. “As long as I get to work on it.”

“Then you’d better get moving. I have plans for the dance this year.” His gaze moved to Aunt Penney.

Her aunt’s face took on a rosy hue. “Oh Fred, you know the doctor said you have to be careful with your ankle.”

“By Christmas Eve, it’ll be good as new. And I’ll be ready to dance with my favorite gal.”

The color in her aunt’s face increased. Martha smiled as she returned to peeling carrots for the salad. Kate quietly headed for the door. Fred didn’t need any help. He was doing fine winning Penney over all on his own.

Chapter Nineteen

Had he done the right thing?

The thought had been plaguing Wes ever since he’d given Kate advice that morning. Sure, it was part of his job to hand out recommendations, but those should be based on cold, hard facts.

This morning, his advice had been based on his gut. None of it had been part of his job. And he knew that with each bit of advice, his hope was growing that somehow the candle company could be saved. And if he was holding out for a miracle, he knew Kate was even more invested in the outcome. He just hoped all these changes would bring the miracle they needed.

Jingle. Jingle.

He glanced over at the front door of Mel’s Grille, where a young guy was holding the door for an older woman using a walker. The young man paid the woman a compliment that made her smile. It was such a friendly town.

Wes took the last bite of a hot turkey sandwich smothered in gravy, and then a bite of mashed potatoes. There was no way they were anything but homemade. He finished every last bit of the delicious meal.

But as good as the food had been, he couldn’t stop thinking about Kate. He sure hoped she wasn’t upset with him or the advice—

Crash!

The sound came from across the diner. He spotted what looked like a broken coffee cup on the floor. Before he could get to his feet to lend a hand, three people rushed over to help the waitress clean up the mess.

This small town was full of heart. People helping people. And that’s why he thought his suggestion about the town chipping in with the dance would work. The only thing he didn’t know was if the cost-cutting measures would be enough, or come soon enough, to save the candle company.

Without drastic cha

nges, the company was sure to be sold. But if Kate and her aunt were willing to make the changes, he would take them into account when he completed his evaluation. He never got this involved with his clients or their businesses. But Bayberry was different—the small family-run company was different, and the owners were different. He wanted this story to have a happy ending. But would it?

Carrie stopped by his table. “Can I get you more coffee?”

He nodded. “Thanks, that would be great. Hey, is everything okay?” He gestured to the area where they were still cleaning up the mess.

Carrie leaned down and lowered her voice. “It’s a new girl and she’s nervous. She’ll be fine once she gets the hang of things. The dishes, on the other hand, might not fare so well.”