Christmas in Bayberry

When a murmur of agreement passed through the room, Jason nodded. So, Regina Charm liked to spring surprises on her hosts, huh? Well, she wouldn’t catch him napping. He’d post one of the house staff on the widow’s walk bright and early Friday morning. They’d sound the alarm the moment a car turned onto the long, curving driveway that led to the Captain’s Cottage.

Greg cleared his throat. “Everyone should have Ms. Charm’s agenda.” From a list that included practically every business in town, the editor had selected the places she’d like to see, as well as events she wanted to attend. It was more than enough to fill a crowded schedule. “Like I told Jason, Regina is prone to surprises. If your shop isn’t on her list, she still might pop in for a quick visit. Stay on your toes.”

One by one, the mayor called for brief reports on the plans to entertain the editor. From Something Old, Something New on Bridal Carriage Way to the bed and breakfast on Union Street, owners had arranged for tours of their businesses. Restaurants in the area had signed up to host Ms. Charm and her party at so many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that the woman was in danger of needing an entire new wardrobe before she headed back to the city. Invitations to several weddings had been issued by brides who were eager for the opportunity to have their special day mentioned in Weddings Today. Plus, plenty of leisure activities had been planned in case the editor wanted to take advantage of the warmth of early summer. Last, but certainly not least, Regina would be the guest of honor at a special presentation of the Heart’s Landing pageant. Usually performed in the fall, the play portrayed the time Captain Thaddeus had braved a hurricane in order to make port in time for his wife’s birthday.

“I guess that sums it up.” Mayor Thomas rubbed his hands together. “I’ll be on call to serve as Ms. Charm’s escort and answer any questions she might have throughout her visit here. One final word. I don’t have to tell you how important this competition is for our town. With ceremonies taking place 365 days a year here in Heart’s Landing, we pride ourselves on delivering the perfect wedding to every bride. But hard times lay ahead if we lose the designation of America’s Top Wedding Destination. If anything goes awry, and I mean even the smallest hiccup, I’ll expect to hear from you right away.”

Greg scanned the room, his blue eyes meeting and registering agreement everywhere. Satisfied that his team knew what to do, he grinned. “All right now, we’ve got this. Let me hear that good old Heart’s Landing spirit. What do you say?”

Jason, along with everyone else in the room, lifted an imaginary glass of champagne. He chimed in with the rest in the familiar toast. “The best is yet to be!”

“Yes, it will.” Greg ran a hand over his bald pate. “Okay, folks. Time to head home now and get some rest.”

Jason couldn’t agree more. If Regina Charm was half as difficult to deal with as Mildred and Cheri said she was, everyone in town would need to keep their wits about them during her visit.