Christmas in Bayberry

And as much as she admired her aunt’s brave and optimistic attitude, she couldn’t help but worry. Kate looked around the room. So many people worked at the candle company. Would the buyer spare their jobs?

“You look like you lost your best friend.” Worry reflected in Carrie’s eyes.

That’s how she felt. Still, Kate forced a smile. “I’m fine. Go ahead in. I’ll be right there.”

As she hung up her coat and slipped on her silver heels, she sighed. She had to do better than this. She’d told Aunt Penney she would trust her. After all, Aunt Penney cared about these people as much as she did. Her aunt would do what was best for Bayberry.

With an effort, Kate shoved her worries to the back of her mind. If tonight was to be Bayberry’s final dance, she wanted to make it the best. And so she decided to concentrate on the here and now. Not the past and not the future, but this dance, and all the wonderful people who’d made it possible.

As she moved further into the great hall, she automatically starting searching the crowd for Wes’s face. It took her a moment to realize what she was doing. She gave herself a mental shake. He had done his job and returned to New York City.

The hall was full of townspeople, young and old alike. Compliments abounded over Kate’s new dress. And she gave full credit to her aunt and Martha. They were so talented, they could actually go into business together.

The dinner went smoothly, and everything tasted amazing. The covered dish idea had worked out after all. Everyone had brought their favorites, and there were smiles on every face.

Aunt Penney’s gaze caught hers from across the room. Her aunt smiled, and then winked. It was the reassurance Kate needed.

Still, her thoughts turned to Wes. He should be here. He’d helped create this special evening. The ache in her heart was still so fresh, so raw. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. She blinked them away.

Just then “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” finished playing and the DJ took a break. Aunt Penney, in a festive red dress, and Fred, in a dark suit, red tie and Santa hat, moved to the podium. As they stood side by side, Kate thought fondly that they looked awfully cute together.

Kate was happy to see Fred moving without a limp, though she suspected he hadn’t been as injured as her aunt had let on. Aunt Penney had been doing some matchmaking with her niece and Wes. But even with her best efforts, it hadn’t worked out for them.

Fred took the mic. “Welcome to this year’s Candlelight Dance. I know it’s a bit different than it’s been in the past, but I think this year is the best. What do you think?”

There was a round of applause.

Fred cupped his ear. “I can’t hear you.”

The applause grew louder, and there was some cheering. Kate couldn’t help but smile. Wes’s idea to take the dance back to the community and let them participate in the preparations had worked out so well. She wished he were here to see it. He would have been proud.

“Thank you for coming,” Fred continued. “This is a very special year, as the whole town came together to make this tradition a reality, and you all did a mighty fine job. Give yourselves a round of applause.” Thunderous applause reverberated off the walls. Once the clapping died down, Fred said, “And now Penney would like to say a few words.”

Aunt Penney stepped up to the podium. “Merry Christmas. I’m so glad you all could make it. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without everyone in Bayberry coming together. My family, well, they started this town. And I’m so grateful they did. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere

else. You all are the best.” Aunt Penney swiped at her eyes and took a deep breath. “Look at me, getting all weepy. Anyway, I know there’s been a rumor going around town about the candle company being in financial trouble.” She paused. “It’s true.” A gasp went over the crowd, then Aunt Penney continued. “But I want to assure you all that we are not closing. I think the man who saved Bayberry should tell you more.” Aunt Penney pointed toward the back of the room. “Could you make room for him?”

Kate, standing near the podium, turned as the crowd parted, and there at the back of the room stood Wes. Her heart launched into her throat. He’s back. He’s back. It was all she could think. But what did this mean?

Wes immediately sought out Kate in the crowd.

She looked absolutely stunning. Her long red-brown hair was curled and hung around her slim shoulders. Around her neck hung a silver locket that glinted beneath the lights. The white bodice of her dress fit her curves and connected to a knee-length skirt showing off her legs. And on her feet were delicate silver heels.

Wow. She took his breath away.

Kate was all he wanted for Christmas—if she would forgive him for slipping away to New York without speaking to her face to face. He had a good excuse. But would she hear him out?

When his eyes met hers once more, his heart beat erratically. She stared back at him with confusion.

Just seeing her, he knew he’d made the right decision. He’d never been more certain of anything in his life. The next thing would be to convince Kate that they belonged together.

He started for the podium, but he couldn’t resist stopping beside Kate. Their eyes met again and held. “I was right,” he murmured.

“Right about what?”

“You are the most beautiful woman in the room.” He loved how the color rushed to her cheeks.

“Wes—”