Christmas in Bayberry

Wes smiled. “Goodnight.”

Kate stood rooted in place until he was down the steps and around the corner. Once he was out of sight, she realized she was cold—very cold. She ran back inside and danced around trying to warm up.

All the while, she couldn’t stop smiling. She refused to let the unknown future steal away her giddy happiness right now.

This night had been perfect. And the dance was coming up very soon. She imagined how amazing that night would be, whirling around the dance floor in Wes’s arms.

Maybe she couldn’t have forever with him, but they had the here and now. That had to be enough. Didn’t it?

Chapter Twenty-Three

He couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss.

The stirring, life-altering kiss.

The next morning, Wes was at the work early. The office was quiet and empty. The company had fulfilled all of its last-minute holiday orders and was now closed until after the New Year.

After speaking with Penney the day before, Wes had to hurry to implement their plan. His gut was tied up in knots. Would it all work out?

If the candle company went under, there wouldn’t be a town for his mother to move to. Without work, people would move away. Businesses would close. And Kate would be forced to leave her beloved Bayberry.

He had to do something to give Kate the most special Christmas present ever—her home. This place was more than a town—it was a home, with heart—a place that welcomed strays like him—a place where neighbors helped neighbors.

He didn’t know how it had become his responsibility to save Bayberry, but he couldn’t just turn his back and walk away. He didn’t believe in Santa, but someone—or something—had had a hand in bringing him back here. He had the know-how to develop a plan to save this community. And that’s exactly what he was working on—

Buzz. Buzz.

He glanced down at his phone, hoping it was a business contact returning his early morning call. It wasn’t. In fact, it was the last person he wanted to speak to at this point—the big boss. Wes groaned inwardly.

He thought of letting the call go to voicemail, but he knew that sooner or later he’d have to deal with Mr. Summers. And this call might have something to do with the pending promotion.

He grabbed his phone. “Mr. Summers, good morning.”

“I need you back in the office.” The older man’s tone was brusque.

Wes wasn’t sure what to make of his boss’s request. “I have airline reservations for New Year’s Eve.”

“That’s not soon enough. Reschedule your flight.”

Wes’s jaw tightened. His molars ground together. They’d previously agreed on this schedule. He didn’t like being jerked around. “I haven’t completed my work.” Mr. Summers didn’t need to know that his work now included saving the company. “I just need a little more time.” Wes’s gaze searched the desk for another convincing excuse. “I don’t have the report completed.”

“By now, you should have pulled all of the relevant data. You can finish analyzing it here. I expect you in my office with what you have at eight a.m. Wednesday.”

“Christmas Eve?” Then, realizing it probably wasn’t the best response, Wes added, “I just thought you might have other plans that day.”

“I don’t. And I know you don’t, not if you’re still interested in that promotion.”

Of course he was. He’d sacrificed a lot over the years in order to meet unrealistic deadlines. How could his boss question his dedication?

“Yes, sir,” he said firmly. “I am.”

They wrapped up the conversation. Wes leaned back in his chair, knowing that his plan would have to go into overdrive. He had today and tomorrow to lay the groundwork. Luckily, he had Penney’s support. She was busy making phone calls. She’d also been willing to keep his plan in confidence. He wasn’t going to mention it to Kate and get her hopes up—not until it was a sure thing.

And when his plan worked out, he wanted to give her the most special Christmas ever.

As the candle company was closed from now until the New Year, Kate had thrown herself into her last-minute holiday details—like shopping. She’d invited Aunt Penney to join her, but her aunt had said that she had some business obligations to attend to. Kate had offered to help, but her aunt wouldn’t hear of it.

And so Kate set out on the snowy morning alone. She’d put off shopping until the last minute, but it also provided her with an excuse not to rush to Wes. She didn’t want to appear too eager after that spine-tingling kiss.