Christmas in Bayberry

Kate stepped forward. “Tara, we’re going to try something different for the Candlelight Dance this year.” Rushing on before Tara could ask a long string of questions like the last person had, Kate added, “We’re trying to make the dance more of a community affair. And we’re asking residents and businesses what they can volunteer or donate.”

The woman’s brows rose, but to her credit, she didn’t ask for an explanation. “That sounds like a lovely idea. What sort of things do you need?”

Kate read off the lengthy list, and Tara volunteered to make favors for the dinner before the dance. They both thanked her and headed out the door. Kate texted Carrie so she could cross favors off her list too.

They continued knocking on house doors and businesses alike. By the time they reached the town square, the temperature had dropped as the sun sank lower in the sky. When they spoke, their breath came out in little white puffs. Fortunately, there were only a handful of items left on the list.

When they met up with Carrie in Bayberry Square, Kate said, “We can provide these last few items.” She sent Wes a questioning look. “Don’t you think?”

If it meant they could get in out of the cold, he’d agree to anything. He stuffed his hands in his coat pockets. Considering that Bayberry Candles had gone from supplying everything for the dance to fewer than five items, he said, “I think that will work just fine. And everyone seemed excited to chip in.”

“They did,” Carrie agreed.

“It’s wonderful,” Kate said. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this a long time ago.”

Long shadows stretched over the park. And just then the Christmas lights flickered on. People passing through the square on their way home from work or to admire the Christmas tree greeted the three with a warm smile, a wave or a kind word.

Wes used to think he liked the hustle and bustle of the city. Perhaps it was what he needed when he was fresh out of college, but now that he was a bit older, he was seeing the benefits of both worlds. It would be so easy to settle here in Bayberry. The thought teased and tempted him.

But his life was in New York. He had his job. A potential promotion. A chance to move further up the corporate ladder. And…

His thoughts stuttered. Surely, he had to have more than that. Right? He did have his friends—to whom he still needed to send Christmas presents. Perhaps a gift card to a trendy restaurant in the city for Jan. And then there was Joe in the mail room. They chatted about sports every Monday morning like clockwork. All before hours, of course. Well, most of the time. Some conversations leading up to the Super Bowl took a little more time.

The thing that struck him the most was that he had nothing to go home to. Not a person, especially now that his mother had made it clear she didn’t want to move there. Not even a pet. His thoughts turned to Rascal. The thought of adopting the little guy wouldn’t leave him. But then there were the long hours Wes put in at the office, plus the travelling. Someday he’d like to get a dog. And he couldn’t help thinking how Bayberry was the ideal place for a dog—

“Wes, did you hear me?” Kate asked, giving him a strange look.

“What did you say?”

“We were talking about the toboggan race this weekend. You’re coming, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Carrie said, “you can’t miss it.”

“I don’t know,” he said. “I might be too old for sled riding.”

“It’s not sled riding,” Carrie said. “And you’re never too old.”

“It’s toboggan racing,” Kate said. “Totally different.”

He shrugged. “If you say so. I’ll watch.”

“The thing is,” Carrie pouted, “I have to back out.” Her eyes met Kate’s. “I’m so sorry. I have to work. The diner is shorthanded and you know how everyone piles in after the race wanting something hot to drink and eat.” Carrie turned a hopeful look in his direction. “You’ll help her out, won’t you?”

Kate shook her head. “It’s okay. I don’t have to race. I can just cheer from the sidelines.”

Carrie gently elbowed her. “You can’t. You promised Sam you’d race. That’s the only reason he agreed to do it with his son.”

“Stop.” Kate’s nose and cheeks, already pink from the cold, took on a deeper hue as she shot her friend a dirty look. Then Kate turned to him. “Don’t mind her. I’m fine.”

Carrie’s eyes were twinkling with mischief. “The rules say you can’t enter without a partner.”

Wes wondered if that was the truth. Or was Carrie trying to set them up? He quickly dismissed the idea. If somebody had matchmaking in mind, surely they’d plan something more romantic than racing down a freezing hill.

But with both of the women looking eagerly at him, he didn’t have the heart to let them down. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

They both cheered.

Between now and the weekend, he had a lot of work to do. Numbers to pull. Spreadsheets to complete. And figures to crunch.