Christmas in Bayberry

“I know you have questions, and I promise to answer all of them. Just let me do this one thing first.”

She hesitated, then nodded.

No one said a word as he stepped up to the mic. In fact, the room was so quiet you could hear a candle drop. He had a feeling there were going to be a lot of candles and references to candles in his future. And he couldn’t think of anything he’d like more.

He cleared his throat. On the flight back to Vermont, he’d thought about what to say, but now all of those carefully planned words deserted him. He would have to go with what was in his heart.

“First off, Merry Christmas. It’s a very special one, and my first, of what I hope to be many, in Bayberry.” He knew he had to get to the point, as curious faces were watching him and waiting for the news. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “With Penney Taylor’s permission, I have worked this past week to put together an offer to buy the Bayberry Candle Company. I think it’s going to be a good thing for everyone—”

“Stop stalling,” called out Mr. Plummer, the newspaper editor. “Who bought it?”

Fred, who was usually quiet, spoke up. “Let Wes speak. This is important.”

Silence once again fell over the room.

Wes continued. “As I’ve already discussed with many of you, I believe the candle company can be updated and competitive once more. We have identified many cost-cutting opportunities and have already had some discussions regarding ways to expand revenues. In addition, Penney has agreed to sell a portion of the company and roll the proceeds back into the business to replace machinery and update other areas. In return, she’ll be paid back with a portion of the sales. And to answer Mr. Plummer’s question, the buyer is you. The employees of the historic Bayberry Candle Company.”

A cheer went up in the crowd. Everyone started talking at once, making it impossible for Wes to finish what he was going to say.

His gaze zeroed in on Kate, whose mouth fell open.

Wes motioned unsuccessfully for people to quiet down. He turned to Kate and motioned for her to join him at the podium. She hesitated at first but then stepped up next to him.

As the crowd continued to cheer, Kate leaned toward Wes. “How is this possible?”

“After learning how important the candle company is to you and to the town, I started to think of ways to save it. I approached your aunt about selling a portion of the company to the employees. In turn, your aunt can take the proceeds and reinvest it in the company, making the necessary repairs and upgrades.” Kate’s beautiful eyes widened as he continued to explain. “Your aunt liked the idea enough to propose it to the employees. Everyone’s agreed to invest a little in the company. We’ll work out the details and sign the papers after the New Year.”

Kate’s mouth gaped. “Thank you. It’s an amazing idea.” A smile lifted her glossy lips as tears of joy shimmered in her eyes. “I can’t believe it’s all going to work out.”

“Kate, all of these people,” he gestured toward the excited crowd, “they believe in Bayberry—and they believe in you. And so do I.” He turned back to the mic. “There’s one employee with whom I haven’t discussed this idea—and that person is Kate.” He turned back to her. “Will you join the employees in the new candle company?”

She didn’t even hesitate. “I will.” That dazzling smile spread across her face.

Another cheer filled the room.

Wes was thrilled to be the bearer of good news. But the truth was, he couldn’t have done any of this alone. He’d had the idea, but it was the people of Bayberry who were going to save their town. And he was happy about it, because he was planning to grow old here—with Kate, if she’d have him. But he was getting ahead of himself.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Was this really happening?

Had the company and its town really been saved?

Kate watched as Wes spoke to Aunt Penney and his mother. He was back. He was really here.

Kate’s heart swelled with love. Love for this town, which had pulled together to save the Bayberry Candle Company. And love for Wes, the man she’d been waiting for all her life.

Aunt Penney had been right. This was the best Christmas ever. Relief washed over Kate. Her lips lifted into a huge smile as her happiness—the love she felt for everyone in the room—radiated from the inside out.

She realized that instead of trying to save the town single-handedly, it was going to take an entire village. And Bayberry was the best village ever.

Wes turned from Penney and Martha and came over to Kate. His eyes met and held hers. Her heart started to pound. Without evaluating her actions, she reached forward and hugged him.

When his arms wrapped around her waist, she relaxed against him. This was like coming home. She was still smiling. She couldn’t stop. Not that she wanted to. Things were going to work out. She was sure of it now.

And then she whispered in his ear, “You are the best Santa ever.”

His voice was deep and full of emotion. “I had a lot of help.”