Christmas Camp Wedding

by Karen Schaler

  Haley parked the car. “Looks like we beat Jeff here.”

  When they both got out of the car, Kathy looked around in awe.

  “I love it here,” Kathy said, linking arms with Haley.

  “Me, too,” Haley said as they both stood and admired the quaint and charming inn. It was tucked away in the woods and outlined with white twinkling Christmas lights. All the surrounding trees were also glowing. They were covered with red, green, silver, and gold Christmas lights. The inn was a pristine white with black shutters, and on every window there was a beautiful wreath made out of fresh fir tree branches, holly, and pinecones. The largest wreath was on the front door.

  The whole setting was dreamlike.

  Before Haley could even get their bags out of the trunk, she was greeted with a loud bark, as Max, Ben’s adorable golden retriever, came racing toward them.

  “Max!” Haley got down onto one knee, so she could give him a hug. He was the first friend she’d made at Christmas Camp, and she loved him dearly.

  Max looked just as excited to see her. He was wagging his tail and licking her face.

  Kathy laughed. “Does Jeff know about this relationship? Because clearly this is your first love.”

  “Oh, he knows,” Haley said. “Doesn’t he, Max. He knows you’re my favorite.”

  “Hey, I heard that!” Ben said. He was laughing and looked excited to see them.

  “Ben!” Haley rushed over to him and gave him a heartfelt hug. “I’ve missed you!”

  He smiled, as he hugged her back. “We talk almost every day.”

  “Email and calls aren’t the same, and that’s all about work . . .”

  Ben nodded and looked into her eyes. “And for the next few days, no work. You know my rules at Christmas Camp. To be in the moment and enjoy what’s around you, and of course, get you married to my son!”

  They all shared a laugh.

  “Ben, this is my best friend, and coworker, Kathy. She’s actually worked on the Christmas Camp franchise. She’s the best graphic designer in Boston.”

  Kathy came over and took Ben’s hand. “And now you see why we’re friends. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from both Haley and Jeff.”

  Ben took her hand and pulled Kathy in for a hug. “And I’ve heard so much about you. Welcome.”

  Max barked.

  Haley laughed. “Max welcomes you, too.”

  Kathy leaned down to pet him, and Max loved every minute of it.

  Haley looked around at all the decorations. “The place looks great. It looks like you put up some new things.”

  Ben’s eyes twinkled. “You have to keep things fresh. Isn’t that what you say?”

  Haley laughed and put her arm around Ben. “Actually, it is. If I’m not careful you’re going to be taking my job.” They both laughed, as Haley continued to look around. “And I see you have Jeff’s favorite reindeer ready to go.” Haley motioned over to a group of life-sized LED wired reindeer set up like they were about to pull Santa’s sleigh.

  “Of course,” Ben said. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without the reindeer.”

  Kathy walked over so she could get a closer look. “These are great. What’s the story with the reindeer? You said they’re Jeff’s favorite?”

  Ben and Haley shared a knowing smile.

  “Ben’s mom got them when he was little,” Ben said. “He was so excited when he saw them all set up, waiting for Santa, until he couldn’t find one with a red nose.”

  “And he was convinced Rudolph had gotten lost,” Haley said.

  “Oh no, poor, Jeff,” Kathy said.

  “But his mom came to the rescue,” Ben said. “That night when Jeff was sleeping, she made a red nose and put it on one of the reindeer. She then moved it so it was a little bit away from the rest of the group, like it maybe had gotten lost, and when she took Jeff out the next morning, and he saw it, he was over the moon happy. He was convinced that Rudolph had used his nose to find his way home.”

  “Of course,” Haley said.

  Kathy laughed. “That’s too cute.”

  “The kids still love it, and so do we,” Ben said. “We have a lot of wonderful memories here. Every year, we try to make more, and now look at the one we’ll be making this year!”

  “I can’t wait to be part of it,” Kathy said.

  Haley took Ben’s hand and looked into his eyes. “Thank you so much for doing all of this last minute for the wedding. Don’t worry—we’re not planning anything fancy. We can just do a little ceremony on Christmas Eve. My dad is the officiate. He got his license, figuring it could come in handy at the B&B, so we’ll just keep things really simple.”

  Ben chuckled. “I’m thrilled that you’re here and that we can have the wedding here. I know Jeff’s mom would be so pleased,” Ben said. “We haven’t had a wedding here before, and I can’t think of a better wedding to start with. And don’t worry, we have a wedding planner, so she can help with everything. You can just relax and enjoy this moment. So let’s get inside, so you can meet her. We don’t have any time to waste.”

  Kathy turned to Haley and gave her a confident smile. “See, this is all going to work out great.”

  Haley nodded, as they followed Ben and Max to the inn.

  “It is,” Ben agreed. He sounded upbeat and chipper. “You don’t worry about a thing. You’re here now. We’ve got everything under control. Laura’s already putting together some menu options for you, and Gail’s coming back up tomorrow, and she can’t wait to help out, too. We’re all very excited about this.”

  Haley gave Ben a knowing look. “So, how’s everything going with you and Gail? She’s been spending a lot of time up here.”

  Ben smiled like a man in love and blushed a little. It was endearing. “I’m one lucky guy for sure,” he said. “Gail’s wonderful. She loves helping out with the Christmas Camps, and the guests love her, too. She has some really great ideas that we’ve added and some new decorating ideas. I can’t wait to show you.”

  “And?” Haley waited. She gave Ben a teasing look. She wasn’t about to let him off the hook. She wanted to hear him say it.

  Ben laughed. “And she has been great company. Gail is a very special person.”

  “Yes, she is,” Haley agreed. She loved seeing Ben look so happy. “And she says the same about you.”

  Kathy looked intrigued. “So, wait, Haley, you met Jeff here at Christmas Camp, and Ben, you met Gail. This sounds more like a Matchmaker Christmas Camp to me, and if that’s the case, sign me up. I’m still waiting to meet my Prince Charming.”

  Ben and Haley laughed.

  When they got to the front door, Haley smiled at the adorable life-sized elf figurine. “Looking good, little guy,” she said as she patted his head.

  Kathy cheerfully patted the elf’s head, too. “Does this bring you good luck?”

  Haley laughed. “I don’t know about that.”

  “Well you met Jeff here so I’m going to do whatever you do,” Kathy said. She looked completely serious.

  When Ben opened the door for them Haley’s face lit up. Laura was waiting with an adorable reindeer tray that was holding colorful Santa mugs that all had huge swirls of whipped cream on top and candy canes for stir sticks.

  “Laura! It’s so good to see you,” Haley said.

  “Merry Christmas,” Laura said. Her smile was genuine and warm. “I thought you might want some Christmas Camp hot chocolate to help warm you up.”

  Haley laughed as she took a Santa mug. “Laura, you know me so well. Thank you.” Haley handed the mug to Kathy. “You’re going to love this.”

  Kathy gave Laura an excited look. “Oh, I’ve heard all about this hot chocolate.” She took a quick sip and blissfully shut her eyes. “Yup, it’s just as good as Haley promised. Amazing. Thank you.”

  Haley took the other mug and gave Laura a heartfelt smile. “I’m so glad you’re here and not just because of this hot chocolate.”

  “Yo
u know I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” Laura said.

  Haley looked grateful. “And you’ve probably already guessed but this is my best friend, Kathy.”

  Laura smiled at Kathy. “It’s so good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.

  “Not as much as I’ve heard about you,” Kathy smiled back at her. “And if I’m not mistaken you’re also responsible for the famous cookies Haley hasn’t stopped talking about.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “That would be me,” Laura said. “And I have a batch in the oven right now.”

  Haley gave Kathy a look. “Watch out. They’re addicting.”

  Haley took Laura’s hand. “Thank you for doing all this for me. Are you sure it’s okay? I don’t want to take you away from your family at Christmas.”

  Laura laughed. “Are you kidding? My husband is thrilled to get to watch football all day, and we’re seeing our kids next week when we go to my daughter’s house in Florida, so this worked out great.”

  “If you’re sure . . .” Haley said.

  Laura took Haley’s hand and gave it a little squeeze. “I’m sure that nothing would make me happier than being a part of your special day. When are your parents coming up?”

  “Tomorrow morning, so they can get everything settled at the B&B.”

  Ben smiled at Haley. “I talked to them and promised them you were in good hands and that we had everything under control here.”

  Haley looked touched. “Thank you so much for coming to the rescue. I can’t tell you what this all means to me.”

  Ben put his arm around her. “We’re family. This is what family does, and we all love you very much. We can’t wait to officially make you part of the family.”

  When Max barked and wagged his tail, everyone laughed.

  “We’re all looking forward to it,” Ben said. “Especially Max.”

  As they all followed Ben into the sitting room, Haley smiled when she saw all the stockings hanging from the fireplace. There was one with her name on it that also had a pretty angel on it. It was the same stocking Ben had first given her when she had arrived at Christmas Camp a year ago.

  Kathy looked mesmerized by the room full of Christmas decorations. She turned around slowly, taking everything in, from Ben’s impressive Santa figurine collection, to a variety of beautiful snow globes, to all the colorful nutcrackers lined up by the fireplace. “This really is like a Christmas dream.” Her look of wonder grew when she spotted the giant Christmas tree in the corner. She walked over and looked at all the unique handmade ornaments. “And this tree. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like it.”

  Ben joined her at the tree. “No, you haven’t. This is our special Christmas Camp tree. Every guest who comes to the camp has to make an ornament to hang on the tree using things that inspire them from nature or things they find around the inn. This was Haley’s.”

  Haley laughed and covered her face, embarrassed, when Ben held up the dog biscuit ornament she had made. “I can’t believe you kept it, or that Max didn’t eat it.”

  “Oh, he sure tried,” Ben said. “But I wouldn’t let him. Your ornament and all the rest here are part of our Christmas Camp tradition. It’s one of my favorite things, decorating with these ornaments every year and remembering everyone who made them. We all have to make one this year, too. After the wedding, when we have more time.”

  “I love that,” Kathy said.

  Haley smiled at Ben. “Me, too.”

  Laura picked up the tray Ben had put down. “Excuse me, everyone, but I need to get back in the kitchen and check on those cookies. Haley, as soon as you finalize the menu with Trisha for the wedding reception and dinner, just let us know and I’ll start getting everything ready.”

  “Trisha?” Haley asked.

  Ben’s eyes lit up. “Your wedding planner. You’re going to love her. She’s in her room right now making a few calls, wedding planning stuff I think, but she’ll be down soon. And don’t worry, we saved the angel room for you.”

  Haley laughed. “Of course you did.”

  “And if it’s okay, I’d love to go up to my room and get settled,” Kathy said.

  Ben grabbed Kathy’s bags. “I’ll be happy to show you your room. I put you in the star room—it’s Gail’s favorite.”

  Kathy looked excited. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

  As Ben led Kathy up the stairs, he turned back around and smiled at Haley. “Welcome home, Haley.”

  Haley gave him a grateful look. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

  After everyone was gone, Haley walked over to the fireplace where Max was curled up. He was watching her. “So, it looks like it’s just you and me, Max.”

  “And me, if that’s okay.”

  Haley looked up to see a very pretty girl walk into the room. She was in her early thirties, designer chic and perfectly put together from head to toe. She had a confidence about her that was impressive. She looked very much in control and at home at the inn.

  “I’m Trisha, your wedding planner.” Trisha held out her hand. “And you must be Haley, Jeff’s girlfriend . . .”

  Haley smiled, as she took her hand. “And now fiancée, bride-to-be. That’s me.”

  Trisha was all business. She was already swiping through some pages on the computer tablet she was holding. “We should really get started. We don’t have a lot of time.”

  Haley looked a little surprised by Trisha’s intensity. “I don’t know what Ben told you, and I’m so appreciative that you’re here, but we’re just going to do a really small, simple ceremony. We don’t have time to do anything else.”

  When Trisha looked up from her tablet, she looked determined. “No matter how little time you have, we can still plan a proper wedding,” Trisha said. “Don’t you worry. This is what I do for a living, and I’m very good at it. That’s why Ben asked for my help. I’ve already put some ideas together for you. Let’s get started.”

  Without waiting for Haley’s answer, Trisha headed for the couch. Haley quickly followed and sat down next to her. When Max came running over, Haley waited to pet him, but when he instead sat down at Trisha’s feet, Haley looked surprised. “It looks like you’ve already made a friend with Max.”

  Trisha laughed as she leaned down to pet Max. “Oh, Max and I go way back. Don’t we, boy?” When he happily tried to lick her face, she pulled back and gave him a stern look. “Max, you know the rule. No licking the face.”

  Haley looked confused. “So, you’ve been here before?”

  Trisha smiled her perfect smile. “Yes, many times.”

  “But I didn’t think they’d ever done a wedding here before?”

  Trisha continued to pet Max. “Oh, they haven’t. This will be a first. That’s for sure.”

  Haley was feeling more confused by the second.

  Trisha held up her tablet. “Here, let me show you my first idea.”

  Before Haley could ask any more questions, the front door opened, and Max took off running toward it. When Haley saw Jeff, she jumped up excitedly and went to the door.

  “You made it,” she said. “I was starting to worry.”

  Jeff kissed her quickly just as Steve came inside.

  “Sorry, that was my fault,” Steve said. “My plane was late.”

  Haley smiled at Steve. She had seen pictures of Jeff’s college best friend, but they didn’t do him justice. He was handsome, the same age as Jeff, in his midthirties, with a smile that could melt any girl’s heart. Haley instantly liked him. “It’s so good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many stories.”

  Steve laughed. He pretended to look nervous. He patted Jeff on the back. “Don’t believe anything this guy tells you, unless it’s all good, then believe it all.”

  They all three laughed.

  Steve stood back and smiled at Haley. “And you must be the beautiful bride, Haley.” Steve gave her a hug. “You’re obviously too good for this guy,” he said, teasing. “Are you sure yo
u don’t want to rethink this whole wedding thing . . .”

  Jeff playfully pushed Steve away from Haley. “Watch it, Romeo, she’s all mine.” When Jeff kissed Haley, she was still laughing.

  She grabbed Jeff’s hand. “Come in. You’re just in time to meet our wedding planner.”

  “Great.” As Jeff and Steve entered the sitting room with Haley, Trisha slowly stood up. She was smiling.

  Steve looked surprised. “Trisha?”

  Trisha came over and gave Steve a kiss on the cheek. “Steve, Merry Christmas.”

  Haley looked from Trisha to Steve. “You two know each other?”

  When Steve whipped around to face Jeff, it was the first time she saw the look on Jeff’s face. He looked surprised, and there was something else Haley couldn’t quite define.

  “What is it?” she asked Jeff.

  But before Jeff could answer, Trisha walked up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, too, only this kiss lingered a little longer.

  Trisha looked into Jeff’s eyes. “Merry Christmas, Jeff.”

  Jeff finally found his voice. “Trisha, what are you doing here?”

  Trisha smiled. “I’m your wedding planner.”

  Steve coughed, but it sounded more like he was choking.

  Now Haley was totally confused. She looked at all three of them. “How do you all know each other?”

  Jeff opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Trisha jumped in.

  “I met Steve through Jeff.”

  Haley looked at Trisha. She was still smiling at Jeff. But it wasn’t just any ordinary smile, it was a flirty smile. Haley didn’t know what was going on, except that she didn’t like it. She turned to Jeff. “And how do you know Trisha?”

  “I’ve been coming up here for years,” Trisha answered for Jeff, never taking her eyes off him.

  “As a guest?” Haley asked.

  “No.” Trisha laughed, as she continued looking at Jeff. “As his girlfriend.”

  Chapter Four

  Haley gave Jeff an incredulous look and waited for him to say something. When she noted how uncomfortable he looked, that made her even more concerned. When she looked over at Trisha, Trisha was smiling like she was as happy as could be. Haley, not liking how this was looking, turned back to Jeff.