Christmas in Bayberry

“I’m fine. We were a little late putting up the remaining decorations for the dance, but a lot of people showed up and we got it done in no time.”

“Good. This town is known for pulling together.” Aunt Penney sat down in the chair opposite the couch. “But that’s not what’s bothering you, is

it?”

Kate knew that eventually her aunt would get it out of her. Her aunt always had a way of reading her.

Kate shook her head.

“Is it Wes?”

Kate swallowed hard. “In a way.”

“Do you want to talk about it? It might help.”

“Not really.” But maybe it was best if her aunt heard the bad news from her.

“I kissed him,” Kate began. She told her aunt about the romantic moment she’d shared with Wes, and how she’d imagined it was the start of something real. And then she told Aunt Penney about the special bookmark she’d made for Wes. “When I went to give it to him at the office, I accidentally saw his report about the company. I didn’t mean to read it, but now I can’t unsee it.” Her eyes met her aunt’s. “And I think you should know, it isn’t good. His recommendation is to sell.”

Her aunt didn’t say anything for a moment. Maybe she was in shock too. It was a lot to take in. After all, Bayberry Candles had been around for generations. It was part of their past, but it would no longer be part of their future.

“I know,” Aunt Penney said.

“You know?” Kate wasn’t sure she’d heard her correctly.

Her aunt nodded. “He came to me already and shared the results of his analysis.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me? What are you going to do? Maybe we don’t have to sell. He could be wrong.” But Kate didn’t really believe it. This was Wes’s area of expertise. Her gut told her that he’d provided a completely honest and unbiased recommendation.

“It’s the right thing to do.” Aunt Penney’s voice was calm. “I know it’s going to take some adjusting—”

“How can you say this?” Pain ripped Kate inside. “It doesn’t matter who buys it, it’ll never be the same.”

“Aren’t you the one who tells me that sometimes change is for the best?”

She couldn’t believe her aunt was using her own words against her. “But they’ll automate things, outsource other things and lay off our employees.”

“Stop. Nothing like that is going to happen, or I wouldn’t have agreed to the sale.” Aunt Penney reached out and took Kate’s hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I need you to trust me. You do trust me, don’t you?”

Kate trusted her aunt more than anyone in the world. She considered her aunt’s words and calm demeanor. If Aunt Penney believed this was going to work out, she must have something really special planned.

“Of course I trust you.” Kate squeezed her hand. “But what’s the plan?”

“All will be revealed tomorrow.” Aunt Penney smiled—not a little smile. but one that lit up her whole face and made her eyes twinkle. “And I have a sneaking suspicion this will be the very best Christmas ever.”

Kate wished it were possible, but she didn’t believe it. Wes’s image flashed in her mind. And then she thought of going to the dance alone. This felt like the worst Christmas ever.

After her aunt left, Kate glanced at her phone and found a voicemail from Wes. She was torn between hearing what he had to say and just ignoring it. At last, her willpower failed and she played the message.

“Kate, I tried catching up with you, but you must be out running errands. I wish I was with you. Right now, I’m on my way to the airport. I have a mandatory meeting in the morning, so I had to return to New York. I’m really sorry to skip out on you…”

There was some static on the line. He said something else that she couldn’t make out before the line went dead.

This evening required ice cream. Lots of ice cream.

Kate grabbed the rocky road from the freezer and a large spoon. Not bothering with a bowl, she moved to the couch. She sank down, threw a blanket over her legs and turned on the television. It’s A Wonderful Life was just starting. Somehow that seemed fitting. She just wished there was an angel in her life.

Chapter Twenty-Five