Christmas in Bayberry

by Jennifer Faye

  And with that, Aunt Penney made her way to the warehouse, leaving Kate alone with Wes. She fidgeted with the elf hat, avoiding his gaze. “You seem to be in much better spirits today.”

  “I do?”

  “Yes, you do.” She needed to keep their conversation focused on anything but how he made her feel. She couldn’t explain it to herself, so how could she explain it to him? “After that phone call last night with your boss, you seemed to have lost your holiday spirit.”

  “I was just tired. It’s been a long week.”

  Kate arched a disbelieving brow at him. She had a feeling it was something more, but she didn’t have anything concrete to go on.

  “Does your boss always call you after hours and expect you to still be working?” That didn’t seem right to her.

  Wes shrugged. “Honestly, he’s never called me after hours before this particular account.”

  “Wow.” She could tell that it worried him, but she had a different take on it. “Must mean you’re doing a good job—no, a great job.”

  His eyes met hers. “You think so?”

  She nodded. “Would someone at the top of management take time out for someone who wasn’t performing well?”

  He paused to consider her words. And then a smile lit up his face. “Have I ever told you that I love the way you think?”

  “No. But I’ll be reminding you of that tonight when the little ones are pulling on your beard or spilling their drinks on you.”

  The smiled slipped from his face. “They wouldn’t.”

  Kate’s smile brightened. He was so much fun to tease. “Let’s get you out there.”

  And without waiting for him to agree, she led the way. This evening was going to be great. It was just what the company needed to get itself back on track—no matter what Wes said. Everyone would remember what they loved about the Bayberry Candle Company, from great-smelling candles to glassware, and everything in between. The orders would keep coming in long after the holiday was over.

  The place was crowded.

  As in, it was hard to move for all the adults and children crowded into the cordoned-off section of the warehouse. The din of voices and the Christmas carols on the speaker system carried throughout the warehouse, reverberating off the walls. The sale was definitely more like a great big holiday party.

  Wes hadn’t been here since Fred’s accident. He’d been holed up in Kate’s office, sorting through report after report. He’d never appreciated digitization so much until he came to Bayberry. Some things were best done the old-fashioned way, like hot cocoa and pastries, but not numbered reports. But he pushed aside his frustrations for the evening. Tonight was about cookies, offered to him by many of the children; Christmas wishes, among which there were some heart-jerkers; and holiday greetings, extended by everyone.

  As Wes sat atop Santa’s big red chair on a platform, he could see around the warehouse. Kate and Penney had outdone themselves. Twinkle lights were woven above the crowd. Just a few of the light strands blinked. Not enough to be annoying, but enough that it gave the area an extra bit of bling.

  There were giant plastic candles throughout the designated sale area, along with red and white poinsettias, as well as large boxes wrapped in colorful metallic paper, from silver and blue to pink and yellow. There were illuminated snowmen and reindeer decorations.

  He saw a long banquet table laden with Christmas cookies, punch and coffee. And beside him were boxes of Christmas gifts for the little ones, of which he’d handed out approximately half so far.

  But now it was time for his break. Wes was looking forward to it. Who knew listening to Christmas wishes and smiling for the camera could be such exhausting work?

  He made his way over to Kate, who was speaking with an older couple. She was putting them at ease and making them laugh. She really loved the residents of Bayberry, and they obviously felt the same way about her. And he could see why. Kate was warm and bubbly. She truly cared about people—even an outsider like him.

  She had drawn him into the community despite his complaints, and reminded him that there really was more to life than trying to impress Mr. Summers. If only his boss could see him now, he’d be appalled. Wes started to laugh at the thought of the man’s horrified look.

  “And what has you so amused?” Kate made her excuses to the older couple and approached him.

  “I was just thinking about the people at my office seeing me all dressed up.”

  Kate gave him a quick once-over. “I think they’d be impressed. You make a pretty good Santa.”

  He frowned at her. “Pretty good?”

  She sent him a teasing smile and nodded.

  He dug down deep and then he said, “Ho, ho, ho. And have you been naughty or nice?”

  Kate turned to him with a smile that made his insides feel as if a swarm of butterflies had just been released in his chest. “Very nice.”

  “Hm…” He eyed her through the gold-rimmed glasses that were part of his costume. “I guess Santa will have to get you a special present this year.”

  “Well, there is one thing…”

  He was intrigued, as he’d been considering getting her a gift to thank her for all she’d done to make his stay in Bayberry not just nice, but really nice. “And what would this one thing be?”

  She leaned close to his ear, so close that he caught a whiff of her lavender perfume. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the subtle floral scent. He was certain that for the rest of his life when he smelled lavender, he would always think of Kate.

  And then softly she whispered, “I’d like Santa to save Bayberry.”

  His heart stilled in his chest. He should have expected that response, but he’d been hoping for something easier. Right now, he had no hope of giving her her heart’s wish. Because so far, the numbers weren’t panning out in Kate’s favor. How did he prepare her for something like that?

  She pulled back, still smiling. “What do you think, Santa? Can you make my wish come true?”

  Before he had a chance to answer, he heard a woman’s voice call out, “Santa! Santa Claus!” It was hard to make out where it was coming from over the din of voices. He turned around. And then he blinked, to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. But she was really there. His mother was headed straight for him.

  “Mom! What are you doing here?”

  Her smile faltered. “Is that any way to greet your mother?”

  He stepped forward and swept her up into a big hug. He’d forgotten about his belly of pillows, making the hug awkward and a bit funny. He’d been thinking of her since he’d arrived in town and now, she’d just magically appeared. Maybe there was something to that Christmas tree wish thing.

  Not that he really believed in that sort of thing. But no matter what had drawn his mother to Bayberry, he was happy. It might not have been the Christmas he’d imagined, with his mother situated close by in New York, but something told him this was going to be better.

  He pulled back and smiled at his mother. She’d never looked happier. They’d been apart way too long, what with his crazy work schedule and her unwillingness to fly.

  “But what about your cruise?” Wes asked. “Why aren’t you on it?”

  She smiled and patted his arm. “I had a much better offer. I can go on a cruise any time, but to spend the holidays with dear friends and my son—well, that’s something very special.”

  His brain was rushing to catch up with everything. “How did you get here?”

  “I took the train. It was a lovely ride this time of year. Everyone was in such a great mood. I met a young couple from Miami on their way to Connecticut. They’re expecting their first baby.” Her eyes twinkled. He knew she hoped that one day he’d make her a grandmother. “Anyway, I can tell you more about my adventures later. You have a job to do, Mr. Claus.”

  He checked the time. His break was ove
r. It was time to get back to Christmas wishes and cookie crumb hugs. And he had to admit he’d never enjoyed a job this much.

  He turned to the podium but then paused and turned back. “Mom, you’ll still be here when I’m done, won’t you?”

  “Of course, son.”

  “Wow!” A little boy of about four or five with reddish hair and freckles stared at Wes’s mother. “You’re Santa’s mommy?”

  A big smile lit up his mother’s face. “Well, yes, I guess I am.”

  “I didn’t know Santa had a mommy.” The little boy’s eyes filled with wonderment.

  “Aren’t I lucky? Ho ho ho,” Wes chuckled, with a grin at his mother.

  And then the boy’s mother smiled and took his hand, leading him off to the sale items. Wes couldn’t stop smiling. It isn’t every day you can create such a look of awe on a child’s face. It was magical.

  It’d been a long time since Wes enjoyed the holidays. But this year was turning out quite different. This year he was losing his focus on work and getting caught up in the joy of the season. And it was all thanks to Kate.

  He’d been right about her all those years ago. She was something special. And she hadn’t really changed, not in the important ways. She was still kind, thoughtful and generous. And he was lucky that she considered him a friend…but was it wrong that he wanted more?

  He didn’t know the man who’d let her get away, but the guy must be kicking himself. There was no one in the world quite like Kate. And he was fortunate enough to get to spend this Christmas with her. He was definitely going to have to work up the nerve to ask her to the Candlelight Dance.

  He’d missed out on the chance to escort her in the past. He couldn’t let history repeat itself. Most people didn’t get second chances. He’d been given one, and he wouldn’t squander it.

  The amazing evening was over.

  How had the time gone by so fast?

  Maybe because it had been a wildly successful and fun event.

  Kate had smiled so much throughout the evening that her cheeks were a bit sore. Yet she continued to smile. She blamed most of it on Santa. He was forever glancing her way. Though he didn’t say anything, just the mere fact of their glances catching and holding a moment longer than necessary sent her heart racing.

  She knew not to let herself get caught up in Wes, though. He was only here for work, and once the holidays were over, he’d be gone—back to the big city and his promotion. She’d been down a similar road and it hadn’t ended well. It saddened her to think that Wes would soon be so far away. She was getting used to having him around.

  “What’s the matter?”

  She turned to find Aunt Penney standing next to her. “What did you say?”

  Aunt Penney studied her with that insightful gaze of hers. “It’s okay.”

  “What is?”

  “To like him.”

  “What? Who?” Heat rushed up her neck, settling in her cheeks. “You mean Wes?”

  Aunt Penney’s brow rose as she nodded. “I’ve watched you two, and he’s good for you.”

  “He…he is?” She wasn’t sure she was comfortable with the direction of this conversation.

  Aunt Penney continued to nod. “I watched you after Andy left. You closed off that part of your life. You didn’t make any big proclamations or anything, but anytime someone asked you out, you were always busy with this or that. But with Wes, you’ve let down your guard.”

  “It’s not like that. We’re not dating. He’s just here, doing work for you. I…I was just trying to make him feel welcome.”

  In the beginning that might have been true, but lately things were changing. When she thought of doing something, she immediately thought of inviting Wes. But that was just what people did for visitors, right?

  She was able to distinguish between romantic feelings and friendly vibes. And this thing with Wes was nothing but a good friendship, nothing more. Because she’d already had her heart broken. She didn’t want to go through that again. And there was no way she’d be happy in the big city. After all, New York City was even bigger than Chicago.

  “How would you know how things could turn out if you won’t even give Wes a chance?” her aunt asked. “After all, it’s the season of miracles.”

  Not giving Kate a chance to respond, Aunt Penney strolled away. Kate stood there holding a stack of orders, pondering her aunt’s words. She hadn’t planned to be alone forever, but that didn’t mean she should jump for a man who obviously had priorities that took him away from Bayberry—

  “Kate? Yo! Kate?” Wes waved at her, trying to gain her attention.

  She blinked. When her gaze landed on him in his Santa costume, a flush once again engulfed her face. She hoped he hadn’t overheard them. “Sorry. I…I was just, well—” There was no way she was admitting she’d been thinking about him. “I guess I’m just tired.”

  “You had a huge turnout. I think everyone in town, and then some, showed up. Is it always like this?”

  She shook her head. “This was our biggest Christmas sale ever.”

  “Very impressive. Looks like your online campaign and coupon did the magic trick.”

  “Thanks. I think they certainly helped.”

  He glanced down at what she was holding. “Are those tonight’s receipts?”

  She glanced down. “Oh. No. These are the special orders.”

  “Special orders? That sounds impressive. Do they have to be done in time for Christmas?”

  “Most of them. And some of them are quite large, such as shipments for churches and community events.”

  “Do you think you’ll be able to get them out in time?”

  She nodded. “Everyone here knows how important these orders are, and they’ll make sure everything gets turned around in time.” Then she paused and worried her bottom lip.

  “Kate, what is it?”

  “I don’t know if the conveyor belt will hold up. If we can’t get these orders out, we’ll never be able to raise the money for the necessary repairs.” Tears of frustration stung her eyes. Why was everything so hard lately?

  “Kate, everything is going to be okay.” Wes stopped and pressed his lips together, as though he realized he couldn’t promise such things.

  “How can you say that? You know the bind we’re in.”

  When he spoke, it was in a soothing tone. “And I know the employees have kept the machines running one way or another until now. I believe they can keep things going until the New Year.”

  She felt bad for taking her frustrations out on him. “Sorry.” She took a deep breath, trying to calm her rising emotions. “I think working all these late nights is catching up to me.”

  However, she noticed that he’d said they’d keep things going until the New Year, but nothing about after it. The three cups of coffee she’d had that evening churned in her stomach.

  She couldn’t give up on the company. She couldn’t let her aunt and the town down. Maybe the sale alone wasn’t enough to revitalize the place, but she’d find another way.

  But for now, she needed to change the subject to something less worrisome.

  “You were amazing as Santa. If Fred isn’t available next year, I’ll know who to call.”

  A smile eased the frown lines on Wes’s face. “When you first asked me to be Santa, I didn’t want to do it. No way. No how.”

  “And now?”

  “And now, I can’t remember when I had such a good time. Those kids are amazing. They’re so full of hope and love for others. If I had the power to bring their Christmas wishes to life, I would do it.”

  “So what you’re saying is that you want to be a real-life Santa?”

  He made a funny face. “We all know there’s no real-life Santa.”

  “Do we?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “You’re probably goin
g to tell me you know him.”

  She was saved from answering when Aunt Penney and Wes’s mother, Martha, joined them. Both women were smiling. It appeared everyone had had a great night.

  “That was a wonderful event.” Aunt Penney turned to Kate. “Thank you for taking over for me. I’m starting to think you don’t need me hanging around this place.”

  “It was a record-breaking evening,” Kate said. “And I will always need you.”

  “Everyone I saw had their baskets and carts overflowing as they headed to the checkout,” Martha said.

  “I was just looking around. Most of the shelves have been emptied,” Wes added.

  “And that’s after we restocked throughout the evening. The new hurricane lamps were a huge hit.” Kate glanced around, appreciating the empty shelves.

  “The bayberry-scented candles are all gone,” Aunt Penney said. “That’s no surprise. They sell out every Christmas. But we can talk about the sale later. I’m sure everyone is tired and anxious to get off their feet.”

  Wes turned to his mother. “Where are you staying? There’s no room at the B&B, but I’ll give you my room.”

  His mother frowned. “But where would you stay?”

  He shrugged. “I can sleep on the couch in the office.”

  “Nonsense,” Aunt Penney said. She turned to Martha. “No one is sleeping on a couch or giving up a room. I have a lovely guest room and it’s just waiting for you. Would you like it?”

  “I’d love it.” Martha beamed. “Thank you.”

  “It’ll give us plenty of time to catch up,” Aunt Penney said.

  Martha nodded. “We have a lot of that to do.”

  Kate noticed that her aunt seemed so much happier than she had for a while. It was only then that Kate realized just how much the business had been weighing on her aunt. Now that Penney had shared the true state of affairs with her niece, Kate was determined to turn the company around.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kate was up bright and early the next morning.

  Her first thought was of Wes in that Santa suit. He’d looked adorable. Who’d have thought he’d take to the role so well? And the kids had loved him.