And then the man rushed off as though he were very busy. Wes was about to ask what he was holding, but then he got a whiff. Were those tomatoes? And oregano?
He opened the foil to find a giant meatball sandwich topped with thick slices of provolone cheese. His mouth watered. This looked absolutely perfect. He took a seat next to Kate and took a bite.
He chewed and swallowed. “This is amazing.”
“I thought you might like it.”
“Is it from the diner?”
She shook her head. “It’s from the deli. They make one specialty sandwich a day. And today’s happens to be one of my favorites.”
He took another bite of the warm, delicious sandwich. “I’m definitely going to have another before I leave town.”
She smiled, and he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Her cheeks and nose were tinged with pink from the cold. But it was her eyes that twinkled with happiness, filling him with a warmth that started in his chest and spread outward. His reasons for leaving Bayberry didn’t seem so pressing at the moment. He smiled back at her.
As they finished their lunch, a string of people made their way to the pickup. Each and every man, woman and young person greeted them with a smile. It was as though this town had inhaled the spirit of Christmas. It radiated from each of them in friendliness and warmth. If he hadn’t lived here previously, he would have written it off as the holiday spirit, but he knew it was this way year-round.
When the rush of people let up, Wes turned to Kate. “This food drive—is it for people in need?”
She shook her head. “It’s for everyone.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Years ago, long before my time, the holiday food drive was started for people in need, but this town is made up of very strong, very proud people. They refused to accept a handout. The town elders were stymied. They knew there had to be a way to help their neighbors, but it wasn’t until my great-grandmother suggested that the food drive benefit everyone in Bayberry that it took hold.”
“Sounds like your great grandmother was a very smart lady.”
“She was. I love listening to my aunt and the townsfolk tell me stories about the ‘good ol’ days’.”
“So this food is divided and handed out?”
“Yes. We make baskets. And on Christmas Eve, a group of us delivers all three hundred and nineteen baskets.”
“That’s a lot of baskets.”
“You’re telling me. And I have something extra special planned for them. If you’re still around, you can help me.”
His initial instinct was to brush off the offer. After all, this was no longer his town and these weren’t his neighbors, but the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea—both spreading goodwill and spending more time with Kate.
“Thanks. I’d like that.” He paused. “You’re so lucky.” He hadn’t meant to vocalize his thoughts, but now that they were out there, he couldn’t take them back.
“How so?” Her fine brows drew together. “I mean, I know I have a lot of blessings for which I’m grateful. I just wondered if you meant anything specific.”
He shrugged. “It’s this place and these people. They’re like one big family.”
“No. They are one big family. But just like in every family, nothing is perfect. For the most part, the town pulls together in good times and bad.” She balled up the foil from her lunch and stuffed it in her coat pocket. “I take it life in New York is a lot different?”
“It definitely has some differences. Have you ever lived in a big city?”
She shook her head. “I moved away for college, but it wasn’t a large city. And then I returned to Bayberry to help my aunt with the business.”
He didn’t get to explain about his life in Manhattan, as more people were headed toward them with their arms full of donations. Not that he had much to say. He worked. Occasionally, he went out to dinner with friends or to sporting events. But most of the time, he worked. A lot.
As the crush of people dissipated, an older man in a dark gray wool cap ambled up to them with two nondescript cardboard boxes in his hands. “I’ve got some canned goods for you.”
Wes rushed to grab the boxes from the man.
“Well, thank you.” The man smiled. He looked familiar. It took Wes a moment to place him. And then he realized it was his former employer, whom Wes had worked for as a teenager. He didn’t say anything, though. Wes was certain he’d lived in this town for such a short time that no one would remember him.
Wes placed the heavy boxes in the bed of the truck with all the other donations Kate had collected. He had to admit this town went all out.
When Wes turned back to Kate, she said, “Mr. Plummer, I’d like you to meet Wes Adams. And Wes, this is David Plummer, our newspaper editor.”
The man stuck out his hand and as they shook, he said, “Wes, as in Wesley? Wesley Adams? Is that you?”
A broad smile lit up Wes’s face. “Yes, it is. I’m surprised you remember.”
“How could I forget you? You were one of my hardest-working paper boys.”
“But I wasn’t here long.”
“While you were here, you made quite an impression. It’s good to see you again. Have you moved back to Bayberry? Any chance you want to return to the newspaper so I can retire?” Mr. Plummer joked.
Wes shook his head. “I’m afraid I’m only here until Christmas. I’m consulting at the candle company.”
“Consulting, huh?” A gray brow arched and an inquisitive look gleamed in his eyes. “Any chance you want to give this reporter a lead?”
Wes laughed. He might’ve expected something like that in New York, but he’d never expected to be questioned by the press about his job here in Bayberry. “You aren’t serious, are you?”
Mr. Plummer pulled back his shoulders and lifted his brushy brows. “Sure I am. I’m a newspaper man and I smell a story. And you wouldn’t mind helping an old friend, would you?”
Kate stepped forward. “Mr. Plummer, I don’t think Wes has anything interesting to share with you.”
The man’s sharp gaze moved between the two of them. “Something’s going on here. I know it as sure as I’m standing here.” He eyed Kate. Then he turned and needled Wes with his inquisitive stare. “Which one of you is going to tell me what’s going on? Or do I have to go digging for the story? Because I’m not too old to do it. And the paper could use an eye-catching headline.”
Wes cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Plummer, but there is no story.”
The man sighed. “I’m not giving up. Probably why I’m still running a newspaper at my age, instead of sitting at home and putting my feet up.”
And with that he ambled off. Wes guessed the man wasn’t as old as he was letting on, but he did look concerned about something.
Wes waited until his former boss was out of earshot before he said, “Can you believe that?”
Kate nodded. “I can. Nothing gets this town stirred up more than some lively gossip. And I know Mr. Plummer is dying to be the first to the punch.” Then she turned her gaze to Wes. “But there isn’t a story, right?”
His eyes widened and then he lifted his hands. “I don’t have a story. I’m just doing my job.”
“A job you refuse to discuss with me.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to discuss it with you, it’s that I can’t. It’s not just you. I can’t discuss my job with anyone who isn’t my client. The stuff is confidential. It’s why businesses are willing to open up their books to me. They can trust me. Without that trust, I wouldn’t have any clients. Without clients, I wouldn’t have a job.”
Kate settled back on the tailgate. “When you explain it that way, it makes some sense.” Then she turned her face to him. “But it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Understood. But does that mea
n we have to be enemies?”
“Enemies? Hey, I don’t invite people I don’t like to share my hot chocolate and a meatball sub on my tailgate.”
“What about the freezing cold part?” He gave her a teasing smile.
“And here I was going to take you on that tour of the town that I promised you, but it looks like we’ll have to do it another time.”
Wes nodded. “Maybe when it warms up. Say, maybe July.”
Kate laughed. “Or we get you some warmer clothes. In fact, I think it’s something we need to do right away. Otherwise, you might be an ice cube by Christmas.”
“After work will be soon enough.”
They stayed at the town square until one o’clock to collect food items from Bayberry’s residents. By the time they headed back to the candle factory, the bed of the pickup was overflowing with large cardboard boxes. And Kate promised there would be plenty more come the weekend sale.
He snuck a glance at her as she drove back to the candle company. She really hadn’t changed much from how he remembered her. She was still outgoing and friendly.
And once again, he was starting to feel something more than friendship toward her. He refused to name these emotions because as soon as his work was finished, he was leaving Bayberry. His home was now in the city. And soon he hoped to have that promotion.
Chapter Ten
It had been a really nice lunch.
And the food hadn’t been bad, either.
Kate smiled, thinking of Wes wearing her Santa gloves. All in all, he’d been a really good sport about the rather unusual lunch. And he’d been helpful.
Thanks to Wes, Kate had gotten the supplies unloaded into the warehouse in no time. It gave her time to make a follow-up phone call regarding her Christmas surprise for the town. She smiled with satisfaction. No one knew about it. Not even her aunt. And that’s the way it was going to stay until the Christmas baskets were handed out.
Once her phone call was placed and the date of delivery was confirmed, she had one more errand to run before she went back to work. She needed to check in on her aunt and Fred. It wasn’t like her aunt to be away from the business for such an extended period. Kate worried that Fred’s injuries were more serious than they’d originally thought.
She headed to Fred’s bungalow, which was situated just off Main Street near the candle company. She didn’t even get a chance to knock on the door before it swung open. There stood her aunt, looking casual in blue jeans and a red-and-white Christmas sweater.
“Come in. Hurry. It’s so cold out there.” Aunt Penney moved to the side and made an exaggerated imitation of shivering.
Kate stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her gaze moved to the crackling fire in the fireplace. And that’s when she noticed Fred on the couch. “Hi. How are you doing?”
“Much better. Your aunt is the best nurse.”
Aunt Penney blushed. “Oh hush, Fred. I feel really bad that you got hurt. If I hadn’t asked you—”
“It’s not your fault,” he said firmly. “It was my fault for getting distracted.”
As the two argued, Kate could tell there was something brewing between them. When her aunt and Fred looked at each other, there was more going on than the banter of casual friends. Did that mean her aunt finally saw Fred in a new light? Hope bloomed in Kate’s heart.
Then Penney turned to her niece with concern. “Kate, what’s the matter?”
“Why would you think something is wrong?” Kate asked.
“Because you’re supposed to be working. I figured if you’re here that something must be wrong.”
“Relax. Everything is fine. I just unloaded a bunch of food in the warehouse for the Christmas baskets.”
“Oh.” A smile replaced the worried look on Aunt Penney’s face. “That’s good. How did it go?”
“Really well. Wes helped me and it went quickly.”
“Wes?” Aunt Penney’s brows rose.
“Yes, Wes.” Why did talking about Wes make her so uncomfortable? They were friends, nothing more. “What did you think I was going to do? Let him sit alone in the office for lunch while you’re out?”
“That’s true. The poor guy would be bored.” Her aunt studied her for a moment. “Is that the only reason?”
“That I asked him to lunch?”
She knew what her aunt was asking. She wanted to know if Kate was interested in Wes. But she wasn’t. She’d already dated someone who couldn’t be happy in a small town. And she knew she wouldn’t be happy living anywhere else.
Aunt Penney nodded. “After all, he’s your age, really cute, and single. I checked with his mother—”
“Aunt Penney, you didn’t!” Heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Of course, I did. You can’t remain single forever.”
Kate raised her eyebrows. “You never married. Maybe I’ll be like you.”
Aunt Penney’s smile morphed into a frown, but she didn’t say anything.
“We’re friends,” Kate insisted. “Nothing more.” It was time to turn the tables on her aunt. “But don’t you think it’s time you told me exactly why Wes is in Bayberry?”
Her aunt moved toward the kitchen, just off the living room. Fred sat on the couch and kept his nose buried in the local newspaper, acting as though he didn’t hear a word. Smart man. But Kate knew he was listening. He didn’t take part in the gossip mill that extended from one end of town to the other, but the man always knew more than he let on.
“Have you had lunch?” Aunt Penney asked.
“Yes, Joe made us subs.”
“Oh, that’s good. Can I get you a drink?” Aunt Penney opened the fridge as though to check and see what there was to offer.
“No, thank you. Aunt Penney, please talk to me. I really need to know what’s going on.”
Aunt Penney closed the fridge and turned to her. “Now isn’t the time to get into it.”
Kate sighed. This wasn’t like her aunt. They had few secrets between them. “Aunt Penney, please. If it’s about the company, I should know. I’m part of the family.”
There was the sound of crinkling paper as Fred folded his newspaper. “Penney, you really should tell her. She has a right to know.”
Kate’s mouth gaped. He knew? And she didn’t? She turned back to her aunt with an accusing look. What was going on? And why was her aunt keeping things from her?
The kitchen island stood between them. It was suddenly as if there were a divide between them. Kate didn’t like the feeling. After her parents died, her aunt had become her family. It took Kate time to let the citizens of Bayberry in too, but her aunt was her rock—her anchor.
It was Aunt Penney who’d always been there through the good and bad. Through the tears of joy and the tears of sadness. She’d thought they could talk to each other about anything, but now she was wondering what had happened to that easy rapport.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Aunt Penney said. “I’ve just been trying to give you a good Christmas before I had to share the news with you.”
“What news?”
Aunt Penney sighed. “That’s the thing, I don’t really know. Wes is here to evaluate the business and let me know if it can be salvaged—”
“Of course, it can be.”
“Kate, I know that’s what you want to believe, but you know as well as I do that without money to replace our old machines, we can’t keep up with the orders. And the bank turned us down for another loan—”
“We’ll try another bank. As many as it takes.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“We’ll get through this.” Kate would be optimistic for both of them. “I’ve been working on our social media and the big sale this weekend—”
Aunt Penney’s face reflected her sorrow. “I know you have. And I’m so proud of you. But I think it’s going to t
ake something bigger to turn things around. I’ve tried other banks and they all said no.”
The backs of Kate’s eyes stung. She blinked repeatedly. “Without the candle company, there won’t be a town.”
Aunt Penney’s shoulders sagged. “I know.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “That’s why I’m doing everything I can to see that there’s a future for the company. I’m hoping Wes comes up with something we haven’t thought of to save it.”
Fred limped up. “Penney’s been trying her best, speaking with the bank and other lenders. If there’s a way, I’m sure she’ll find it.”
Kate’s gaze moved to her aunt. “Is that right?”
“Of course it is. How could you doubt it? That company and this town are as important to me as they are to you.” Her aunt moved around the counter toward her. “Kate, I’m sorry.”
Kate shook her head. “It’s not your fault.”
She moved into Penney’s open arms and they hugged. Her aunt’s hugs were always warm, tight and reassuring. That much hadn’t changed since she was a kid. But she had changed. She was no longer a child.
Kate pulled back. “Aunt Penney, you don’t have to protect me. I’m an adult now. I want to be here for you, to help in any way I can.”
“You’re right.” Her aunt looked flustered. “Sometimes I still think of you as my little girl. And I didn’t want to ruin your holiday. I know it’s your favorite time of the year.”
She had that much right. Christmas was always magical, with the lights and the holiday spirit that came over everyone. “It is, but I can still help you with this problem.”
Fred stood in the kitchen and rubbed his white beard. His blue eyes twinkled as he smiled, as though he knew it would all work out in the end. When Kate was little and had visited her aunt, she’d always thought that he was Santa—from his deep laugh to the twinkle in his eyes. But now that she was grown up, she realized the reason she’d believed that was because he’d always dressed up like Santa for the holiday parties. Except for this year—
Oh no. She still didn’t have a Santa for the party. She checked the time. She hated to leave, but she had a meeting this afternoon.
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