Christmas in Bayberry

by Jennifer Faye

  Santa’s blue eyes twinkled. “This holiday season will be extra special. You just have to keep your eyes open to the magic of the holidays and never stop believing in miracles. Ho-ho-ho.”

  A little boy, maybe five years old, came rushing up with some change in his hand for the kettle. His father hurried to keep up with him. Kate moved on. She had to admit that had been the strangest conversation she’d ever had with Santa. As she continued down the sidewalk, she glanced back at him. What had he meant by that cryptic message?

  Tara Simms was cleaning the display window of Tara’s Tasty Treats. When she saw Kate, her round face lit up, and she paused to wave. Her shoulder-length brown hair was tucked behind both ears. Kate’s smile broadened upon noticing Tara’s cheery red sweater with a reindeer on the front.

  The little shop had been formerly known as the Candy Emporium, but when Tara had taken it over, she’d wanted to offer treats that appealed to most everyone. With the name change, she was able to offer some treats that were diet-friendly and others made with a wholesome goodness. If you wanted a snack, Tara would have something to suit your craving.

  “Good morning,” Tara said. “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” She nodded toward the morning sun.

  “It is. It’s going to be a great day.” Kate’s breath made a small cloud in the crisp morning air. “I can feel it in the air.”

  Was that the truth?

  She wanted to believe Bayberry was on an upswing. She really did. After all, this was the season of hope. Her mother used to say not to trouble trouble until trouble troubled you.

  But trouble was here. The Bayberry Candle Company, after which the town was named, to honor its oldest and most popular candle, was in a bind.

  Her family’s company was more than a hundred years old, and most of the factory’s equipment hadn’t been updated in Kate’s lifetime. These days, the old machines broke down regularly, slowing production. Just last week, the big conveyor belt system had stopped. They’d gotten it working again, but barely. The grinding sound was worrisome. They needed to replace it as soon as possible.

  However, the bank had turned them down for a loan. They still owed for the new roofs on the office and the factory, as well as for some new computers.

  But Kate had a plan. She’d been working on it for a while now. And it was going to work. She refused to believe anything else.

  She continued along the cleared sidewalk, enjoying how the morning sunlight twinkled off the freshly fallen snow. It was as though the sidewalks were lined with millions of little diamonds. She remembered, as a child, walking along this same sidewalk with her parents and thinking this time of the year was magical.

  Even though Bayberry was the friendliest one-stoplight town, when the holidays rolled around, everyone smiled a little brighter and their steps were a little bouncier. Yes, it was definitely the most magical time of the year. That’s why Kate tried to believe everything would work out for her aunt’s candle company—the biggest employer in town.

  Kate glanced over at the storefronts, enjoying how every business on Main Street decorated for the holidays. The Bayberry Candle Company had kept this town going through the Great Depression, wars, and every other hurdle. Because of this, everyone incorporated candles into their displays. Even the street lamps were designed to look like huge candles. If the candle company went under, people would have to move away for work. A frown pulled at her lips. The town would die—

  She halted her pessimistic thoughts. That wouldn’t happen. Her aunt wouldn’t let that happen. And Kate was doing her part. No one knew that the local bank had turned down their loan. Her stomach knotted into a ball of tension.

  There were other banks, other loans. It would all work out. It had to.

  In the meantime, they couldn’t let the bad news get out because, well, it was the holidays. And holidays were meant for cheer and good tidings. Not for people to worry about the future of the candle company. That could wait for the new year. And by then, maybe all would be right again.

  Kate slowed as she neared the carved wooden sign with the silhouette of a coffee mug and the name Steaming Brew spelled out in bright green letters. Abby Clark owned the coffeehouse and had been one of Kate’s best friends since, well, since forever.

  Kate eased open the glass door, causing the brass bell above her head to jingle. The coffeehouse was small, but what it lacked in space, it made up for in decorations. Abby had painted the off-white walls with mugs, to-go cups, teacups and saucers. Attention to detail really set them off, from the tiny pink flowers on the teacups to the tendrils of rising steam. Amongst the paintings, the word “coffee” was printed in various languages.

  Her petite friend, with her trendy short spiked dark brown hair, was dressed in a purple tee shirt and black apron. She’d just finished filling a coffee mug. Abby handed it off to one of the residents of Bayberry, then smiled in Kate’s direction and waved her over.

  “Your usual? Or would you like to try something more festive?”

  Kate inspected the chalkboard menu. She noticed that it had been rewritten with colored chalk: red, green and white. Holiday flavors had been added to the usual suspects. At the top, it said Merry Christmas. And in the corner of the board, Abby had drawn holly berries and leaves.

  Though all of the seasonal flavors were tempting, Kate said, “I’m in the mood for the usual.”

  “One of these days you might break out of your rut and want to liven things up with, say, a chai latte or maybe a hot chocolate.”

  Kate wrinkled her nose. “For breakfast?”

  “Okay. I was just checking. Go grab a table and I’ll join you. There’s a lull in business today. Maybe everyone’s decorating for the holidays.”

  “Or figuring out what to get me for Christmas.” Kate sent her friend a teasing smile.

  “Don’t you wish.” Abby grinned and shook her head.

  Kate moved to their usual table. She wasn’t sure when it had become “their” table for their work day chit-chat, but it had become a routine. It was something she looked forward to each morning.

  Abby made her way out from behind the counter and placed a purple coffee mug in front of Kate, who breathed in the aroma and exhaled a contented sigh.

  “Go ahead,” Abby said. “I put an ice cube in it just the way you like.” She looked at Kate expectantly.

  Kate narrowed her gaze. “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing. I just know you don’t talk much until you’ve had a dose of caffeine.”

  “And? What is it you want to know?”

  Abby’s gaze moved to Kate’s untouched coffee as though she wasn’t going to say more until Kate had her first sip. Kate didn’t need much coaxing. She’d been anticipating this cup of coffee since she’d hit the shower.

  She picked up the cup and took a sip, letting it roll over her tongue before she swallowed. She did have a coffee maker at home and one at the office, but neither made coffee that tasted this good.

  “Okay. What’s going on?”

  Abby worried her bottom lip. “You’d better take another drink.”

  “That serious, huh?” She sent her friend a teasing smile, but when Abby didn’t return the smile, Kate’s heart sank. She hurriedly gulped coffee. “Okay, tell me.”

  “There’s a rumor going around Bayberry that…” Abby trailed off.

  Kate couldn’t take Abby’s dragging this out any longer. If something was wrong, they all needed to pull together. It was the Bayberry way. And then she wondered if somehow news had leaked about the candle company’s financial woes.

  “Abby, just say it. What’s wrong?”

  “It’s been said the white candles for the Candlelight Dance are going to be red this year.”

  “What?” It took Kate a second to compute what her friend was saying. There was nothing wrong?

  Abby wore a mischievous grin.
“That’s the gossip. You know how Bayberry loves its traditions. So, is it true? Are we going red this year?”

  Kate’s gaze narrowed. “Are you serious?”

  “Very serious. I heard it from Ester Holmes, who heard it from Mary Thompson, who heard it from—”

  “Stop.” Kate held up a hand in defense. She knew just how long the gossip chain was in Bayberry. “I get the idea. And the answer is no.”

  Abby made a big deal of sighing and leaning back in the wooden chair as if she’d been seriously worried. “The whole town will be so relieved to hear the news.”

  Kate smiled and shook her head. It was always amazing what could get this small town of nine hundred and six residents excited. And then Kate mentally corrected herself. With the addition of Tucker and Jane Johnson’s son, born last night, the population was now nine hundred and seven.

  She took a long drink of her cooling coffee. “Now that we’ve brought peace back to Bayberry, it’s time to move on to important matters.” She reached in her purse, pulled out a stack of coupons wrapped with a rubber band, and slid them across the table. “Here are the coupons for this weekend’s holiday warehouse sale. Would you mind putting them next to the register?”

  “Like you have to ask.” Abby scooped them up. “You know I would do anything for you.” She looked them over. “Wow! Forty percent off this year.”

  “Yeah. It’s going to be our biggest and best sale.”

  “With that much of a discount, I can see folks flocking to it. I know I’ll be there. I’m out of votive candles and I could use some jar candles.”

  “You know you don’t have to buy all of that just because we’re friends—”

  “I’m not. Trust me. I love candles in the evening, especially when I kick back with some popcorn to watch Hallmark movies.”

  “You’re right. You’re going to need a lot.” Kate took a long drink, finishing her coffee. She gathered her things. “I should be going. There’s a lot to do before the annual sale.” She got to her feet before turning to her friend. “Do you mind if I hang an announcement in the window?”

  “Go for it. But I would suggest putting it on the door so everyone who comes in will see it.”

  “Thanks. I will.”

  Kate moved to the door to hang a poster on the inside of the door, set her purse down, and withdrew a flyer and a roll of tape. Even though she was an accountant, she considered herself more of a jack-of-all-trades—pitching in where needed.

  She tore off two pieces of tape and turned to the door. Just as she reached up to tape the flyer on the glass, the door swung open. Kate jerked back so quickly she lost her balance. She landed on her backside with an “Oompff.”

  Heat swirled in her chest and rushed to her cheeks. Her gaze took in polished black dress shoes. Then navy dress pants, a black wool overcoat and then a strong jawline, straight nose and piercing blue eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.

  She knew all the residents of this small town, and the handsome man staring down at her definitely wasn’t a local. “Welcome to Bayberry,” she managed.

  “Uh…thanks.” There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t place the face. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. “Sorry. I didn’t see you down there when I opened the door.”

  She placed her hand in his warm embrace. Kate couldn’t help noticing the strength and ease with which he helped her to her feet.

  As she brushed off her backside, she took a closer look at the attractive stranger. He was tall, over six feet. And he had blondish-brown hair, cropped short on the sides with longer strands on top. The cut said he was serious most of the time, but there was a little room for fun—or at least she hoped so.

  Who was this mystery man? Had they met before? And why hadn’t anyone mentioned such a handsome stranger?

  The rattle of coffee mugs jarred her out of her trance. Embarrassed, she averted her gaze to the paper in her hand.

  Remembering the stack of coupons in her jacket pocket, she pulled one out and held it out to him. “If you’re staying in town this weekend, we’re having a huge sale.”

  “Okay.” He didn’t even look at the coupon before stuffing it in his pocket. “Thanks. Excuse me.”

  She frowned as she moved aside, letting him make his way to the counter. What had him in such a rush? Her gaze followed him. There was definitely something familiar about him. But she didn’t know him, did she?

  As she continued to stare at his back, “All I Want for Christmas is You” came on the local radio station. Maybe he’d attended one of their guided tours at the candle shop. Or maybe he’d attended one of their annual candle sales. That had to be it—

  Jingle. Jingle.

  Kate turned around in time to see three of Bayberry’s firefighters enter the shop. They each tipped their ball caps at her and exchanged greetings as they made their way to the counter.

  She’d been so distracted by the handsome stranger that she’d forgotten to hand each of them a coupon. She resisted the urge to go after them. After all, there was a large stack of coupons on the counter and she was certain Abby would hand them out.

  Kate taped the flyer to the door, grabbed her purse and exited the coffee shop. This promotion was sure to be a success and generate the income her family’s company needed for repairs. And come the New Year, Bayberry Candles would be in good shape. She had a good feeling about this.

  He’d been away a long time.

  And it appeared little had changed.

  Bayberry was still the same friendly small town he remembered.

  Christmas music played in the background. The Steaming Brew appeared to be a new establishment. The inside was decked out for the holidays, from multi-colored twinkle lights to the miniature Christmas trees on each table. Maybe it was the fact he’d been working too long at Watson & Summers with its ban on all things holiday, but he could’ve done without all the decorations. The whole season was a big marketing scheme.

  Even the coffeehouse’s chalkboard menu was decorated with holly and listed holiday flavors. He opted for his usual tall black coffee. As he waited, he glanced toward the door, hoping to catch another glimpse of the woman who had been his junior high crush.

  Kate hadn’t recognized him, just as she hadn’t noticed him back in school. It hadn’t been her fault. Back then, he’d been too shy to say more than a word or two to her. Any time she’d been in his vicinity, his tongue had become stuck and his brain had refused to string two words together, much less a whole sentence.

  With the passage of time, she’d only become more beautiful. He wondered if she was married. He could easily imagine that she’d had her pick of the men in Bayberry. For all he knew, she could have little ones waiting for her at home.

  He wanted a family someday, but not while he was still climbing the corporate ladder. He needed to focus all of his attention on his career.

  After all, Mr. Summers had practically promised him the promotion if he came to Bayberry and took on this new account. Wes had suspected there was something fishy when the business just happened to be the one owned by his mother’s friend—the one she’d called him about. He still wasn’t certain about Mr. Summers’ angle, but it would become clear soon enough.

  “Here you go.” The young woman behind the counter smiled brightly as she handed over a green to-go cup. Her name tag read Abby. “Can I get you anything else? We have some fresh donuts.”

  “This is good. Thank you. How much do I owe you?”

  Wes paid for his coffee and Abby handed him yet another coupon for the Bayberry Candle sale. He had to wonder about the reason behind the sale and the huge discount. He wouldn’t have recommended such a generous drop in price.

  He headed out through the coffee shop door and down the sidewalk. Because he’d forgotten to pack his toothbrush, he decided a stop at the Feel Better Pharmacy was in order. He vaguely r
emembered going there as a kid on his mother’s Saturday morning shopping trips. Sure enough, there was the big red neon sign, still hanging in the window.

  He opened the door and came to an abrupt halt. There stood Kate.

  “Oops. Sorry.” She smiled at him. Not just any smile, but a big beautiful one that warmed everything around her, including him. “It looks like we keep running into each other.” She held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Kate.”

  His pulse picked up its pace as his mouth suddenly grew dry. Just treat her like she’s a client. Be professional. Junior high was a long, long time ago.

  He took her hand as his gaze met hers. He cleared his throat. “Nice to meet you. I’m Wesley. Wesley Adams. But only my mother calls me that.” Stop rambling. “My friends call me Wes.”

  Her eyes twinkled when she smiled at him. “May I call you Wes, then?”

  It took him a second to realize she’d asked him a question. After all these years, this woman still had the ability to turn his usually analytical mind into a jumbled mess.

  Wes shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Yes. Yes, you can.”

  “Are you visiting someone in town?”

  He shook his head. “I’m here for work.”

  “Oh. Okay.” She reached in her jacket pocket and pulled out a small slip of paper. “If you’re still in town this weekend, we’re having a big sale—the biggest of the year. Maybe you could stop by and pick up a Christmas present…or two.”

  He decided not to point out that she’d already given him one. It was simpler to just take it.

  “Well, it was nice to meet you.” She bestowed another dazzling smile on him. “Maybe we’ll meet again soon.”

  “It was nice to meet you, too.” But there was nowhere for him to go because she was once again blocking the doorway. “I, um, just need to grab a toothbrush.”

  “Oh.” Her cheeks bloomed a delicate shade of pink. “Sorry. I’m in the way.”

  She moved to the side, but the entrance to the store was a tight squeeze. He made it past her, but not before catching the softest whiff of lavender. He couldn’t resist inhaling deeply as she moved away.