Tidings of Joy: Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie

by Nancy Naigle

  She now had a true appreciation for small-town community, and an understanding too about how the same problems in city life still happened in those little towns. There were different ways to handle problems, and at the end of it all, each person was on their own special journey.

  The people still loved, lost and fought for what they believed in. They told stories of triumph over tragedy. Second chances. New love found its way into old friends’ hearts. The simplest things all around us every day went unnoticed, then rediscovered at just the right time. Those things would inspire others.

  She felt armed with the experience to write such stories now.

  She’d tucked a copy of the article she’d turned in for the magazine into a file folder. It had a purpose. A single step on her journey, and every single one, even the ones that felt like stumbles, held importance. The folder sat right next to the inch-thick stack of rejections she’d received on her first book when she’d sent it out on submission. She’d printed every single one of those heartbreaking emails to remind her. Humbling, yes. But a necessary step in the process.

  Mom had been an engaged listener as Katie had shared every detail about her trip. They’d had afternoon breakfast at their favorite restaurant, the one with the pancakes, and while shopping, Mom had purchased an advent calendar for her as a joke.

  Katie poked the cardboard perforated edge of the window number twenty and withdrew the tiny chocolate. There was no way for Mom to have known how perfect the snowman theme was after her stay in Evergreen. This little cardboard advent calendar might be my favorite present of the year. A new tradition.

  Mom had meant it to be a substitute for missing the rest of the advent calendar in Evergreen, and the thought had landed sweetly on Katie’s heart.

  She tucked the piece of overpriced chocolate into her mouth, letting it melt on her tongue. Suddenly, she wished that chocolate was between two graham crackers with an ooey-gooey overheated marshmallow around the fire pit at Barbara’s Country Inn with someone special. Ben.

  As had become her writing ritual since she’d come back, she lit the candle at the corner of her desk. She’d had to sniff about a dozen holiday-scented candles before she’d finally found the one that smelled just like the trees at Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm. It smelled so close. If it snowed in her apartment from the terpenes, she wouldn’t even mind.

  She settled in at her keyboard, opening the file to her as-yet-untitled Christmas novel and began typing, and she didn’t stop, not even for a sip of her now-lukewarm coffee, until her phone chirped, pulling her out of her zone.

  She picked up her phone and swiped the screen. She took in a quick breath at the words on the screen. Ben will be in town tomorrow. Excitement raced through her, but at the same time the goodbyes were so hard. As perfect as he seemed for her, she just couldn’t picture herself in Evergreen year-round. She looked out the window at the traffic below. This city inspired her. She wished they’d met in New York, instead.

  But they hadn’t, and even if they couldn’t be a couple, she wouldn’t trade the chance to catch up and spend time with him for anything. Away from Evergreen, things would probably feel more real. Just relax and enjoy it. No pressure.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Ben watched the New York City traffic out the window. The incessant honking and people pushing past one another on the sidewalk in the snow made him a little anxious. But in all fairness, it’d been a hectic day between the train ride, the interview and now this.

  He sat at the table in the restaurant, waiting for Katie, sipping on his second glass of ice water to keep himself from sweating in his navy suit. This, meeting Katie here today, was much more stressful than the job interview.

  When she walked through the restaurant door, she took his breath away.

  The maître d’ took her coat, and her smile could’ve lit up the room. She wore a pretty green dress with a short jacket over it, and Ben couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

  His heart stammered as she weaved through the tables in his direction, her eyes dancing when she finally laid eyes on him. Her steps quickened as she got closer. “Wow. Look at you.”

  Her surprise threw him for a moment, but then, she’d never really seen him dressed up. He stood up to pull out her chair, but she hugged him first. “Hi, Ben. It’s really good to see you.”

  She felt so good in his arms. “You look beautiful,” he said, stepping back to get a good look at her. It was hard to believe he was really here. With her. “The city suits you.”

  “Well, you too.” She sat down and placed her napkin in her lap.

  He’d worn his nicest suit for the interview, but also for her. He’d meant to impress her, but the comment still made him flush a bit. “So this is it.” Ben leaned back in his chair, spreading his arms out. “The famous ramping-up-for-the-Christmas-holiday restaurant that serves blueberry pancakes all day long.”

  “Yes, and I highly recommend you try them.”

  Was it just his nerves, or was she acting a little too reserved? He’d counted on her being as excited as he was about tonight. “Well, I might be one step ahead of you.”

  As if on cue, the waitress carried two plates of pancakes out and set them in front of the two of them. Perfect golden blueberry pancakes, garnished with fresh, plump blueberries and whipped cream with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

  Katie lit up. “Aww. You didn’t.”

  That was the excitement he’d wanted to see. “I did, and would you look at that?” He put his napkin in his lap and took his fork in his hand. “This looks amazing.”

  “That’s what I’m saying.” She seemed nervous, a little giddy. “So. How was your interview?”

  “I think it went pretty great.”

  “Of course it did,” she said.

  “Well, to be fair, this friend of mine had a pretty good freelancing career going. I might have been a little inspired by her.” He meant to flatter her, but the banter felt a little forced, or maybe it was just his nerves.

  Katie blushed and changed the subject. “How’s the Christmas calendar? What have I missed?”

  He felt her distancing again, keeping him at arm’s length, and he wasn’t sure how to fix it. He tried to stay focused on the conversation. “It’s good. I’ve actually kept a list of every day.”

  “We’re so much alike.”

  “I’ll have to share it with you. There’ve been so many neat things, and facts about the town none of us knew or remembered.”

  She set down her fork and raised her hands. “I just love that whole concept.” Her eyes brightened, and she leaned in.

  He was drawn by her interest. “One day there were cards with receipts from each of the merchants in town at that time. Each receipt had the price of something on it. They handed them all out and challenged everyone to donate the price difference between then and now to the food bank. I thought that was a pretty good idea.”

  “It was.”

  “There’s three days left, and people are still pretty pumped. Oh yeah, you met the Cooper twins. They performed a duet and have started giving free piano lessons.”

  “Wow.” She looked like she really missed Evergreen, but had she missed him? He wanted to know.

  “How about you?” he asked. “Is Christmas in the city everything you wanted it to be?”

  Katie hesitated, and he gave her the time to answer even though the silence hung. “I don’t know,” she finally admitted. “Something about this Christmas feels…different.”

  “Anything I can do?”

  She took a bite of her pancake and looked up with a sly grin. “Actually, there might be. What time is your train?”

  “Right after this. I wanted to see you.”

  “Could you take a later one? Come to a thing with me?”

  He leaned in. “What kind of a thing?” She sparkled, just as he’d reme
mbered.

  “Just say yes. You’ll see.”

  He sat back in his chair. She’d taken a later train for him before. The least he could do was the same. “Okay. Yes.”

  They finished their pancakes, then headed to the thing, which she was still keeping close to the chest.

  The streets of New York bustled. People moved with purpose, balancing glossy shopping bags and gift-wrapped boxes. As in Chicago, there was that hum of life in the streets. He’d forgotten how much he loved that. The store windows were decorated for the season, and there was a line for Santa that wrapped around the street corner in front of the famous toy store.

  At the next corner, Katie stopped in front of a glass door. “We’re here,” she announced.

  He looked up at the tall office building. We’re not in Evergreen anymore.

  A doorman opened the door for them, and Ben placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked inside. Katie led the way and signed in with the guard, who checked in their coats, then led them to a private elevator that took them straight to the top floor.

  When they stepped out of the elevator, live music played loudly, and well-dressed people mingled in the large space. In a corner, a few people dressed like Santa’s elves filled big red bags with toys and canned goods, that were then stacked in bigger boxes near the freight elevator.

  Ben looked out the window. “Would you look at this view? Amazing.”

  “Wow. It is.”

  “You’ve never been up here at night?”

  “Never been up here at all. Mom’s office is on the eleventh floor. That’s as far as I’ve been. This is the first time I’ve ever come to the Christmas party.”

  “Well, thanks for bringing me.”

  “Thank you for coming.”

  Inside, long tables made up an assembly line; some people wore Santa hats as they boxed food donations. Next to that, others wrapped presents.

  Across the room, a buffet stretched for what had to be thirty or forty feet. Troughs of seafood were iced down, and shiny silver trays held warm dishes. A photographer made the rounds, capturing memories.

  “So, office Christmas party?” Ben followed closely. “A big one.” There had to be a couple hundred people here.

  “Yes. Not mine. My mom’s. For the magazine. First, we do some good by helping with the gift and food donations, then we have eggnog and eat—”

  “After all those pancakes?” Ben shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Or dance if you’re up to it.”

  “This is definitely a thing.”

  “It is.” She squeezed his hand. “Thanks for coming with me.”

  Her hand fit right into his hand, small and delicate. He wouldn’t want to be anywhere else tonight. “You’re welcome. I’m glad we got to spend a little m—”

  “There she is.” A red-headed woman ran over to Katie. “You’re here. You did make it.”

  “Hi, Mom. Ben, this is my mother, Pam.”

  “Hello.” He extended his hand. “Very nice to meet you.”

  She nodded, kind of giving him the once-over. “Ben? Hi, nice to meet you too. It’s Ben from Vermont, right? I have heard a lot about you.”

  “Okay. Wait. Not a lot. I mean, I mentioned you, but…” With a blush, Katie tried to soften the statement, but it made him happy to know she’d missed him enough to at least mention him to her mom.

  “Your office party is also a charity event? That’s some real Christmas spirit,” he said.

  “Yes. It’s evolved over the years.”

  “It really is amazing, Mom.” Pride poured from Katie in a way that made him want to make her proud of him, too.

  “I told you it would be fun.” Pam sailed off to help someone with something.

  Katie turned and shrugged. “She’s always busy.”

  “Shall we do our part wrapping a few presents?” he suggested. “I’m pretty good at it.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” She pulled her hands to her hips. “I’m pretty good at wrapping myself.”

  “May the best one win.” He put his hand out, and she shook it.

  “You’re on.”

  He followed Katie to chairs at the very end of a long table. They wrapped games meant to be family gifts and topped them off with shiny bows. They each wrapped three, which turned into a bit of a contest, then they moved on.

  As they walked around, skipping the buffet, he guided her to where it was a little quieter. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  He’d been waiting all night for just the right time to share his article with her, but if he didn’t do it soon, it’d be time to go. “You know, all that time you spent writing that article, I never got to read it. I was hoping you’d sneak me an early copy.”

  She slowed down and faced him.

  “When does it come out?”

  “It’s not coming out,” she said wistfully. “Turned out it wasn’t right after all, but I’m working on something else now.”

  “I’d love to read it,” he said. “Um. Maybe we swap?”

  Her questioning eyes told him she hadn’t picked up on the hint. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an extra copy of the front page of the Evergreen Mirror.

  She looked a little confused at first, and then stammered, echoing the headline. “Evergreen’s Magic: The Women Behind the Town.” She looked up, her mouth open. “You did it.”

  His insides swirled, and nervous laughter came out with his words. “I figured, what the heck, give it a try. I did some interviews, talked with some people. Wrote this.”

  She took the newsprint from him, then punched him playfully in the arm. “This is such a great angle.”

  “Yeah. It worked.” He was happy with the article. It’d turned out better than he’d even hoped, lifting his confidence. Just a little proof he hadn’t entirely lost his writing chops.

  “Totally works. It’s an entire town run by female business owners. I’m sort of bummed I didn’t think of it myself.” She stopped and silently read through the article.

  He stood there, watching for her response. He’d looked up her articles. She was talented, and that made him a little nervous. He wanted her to enjoy the story, and hopefully he’d tickle a few of her awesome Evergreen memories. It was hard to stand there as she read it right in front of him. His jaw pulsed as he waited for her response.

  “This is great,” she said. “Really well-written. You know, you should run this at your new job.”

  He kind of wished he hadn’t told her he’d been in town for the interview now. “Actually, they emailed me. I saw it on my phone about a half hour ago. I didn’t get the job.” He shook his head. There’d be another opportunity. He was sure of it. He wondered if she’d been imagining them together in the city like he had. Was another opportunity going to open the possibility of more for him and Katie? Or was this fate telling him to move on?

  “I’m sorry.” Her expression lost its zeal. “Oh, Ben. I’m sorry. But there’re more jobs out there. Probably even better ones. This town is full of opportunity.”

  “Yeah. I’ll try again. After the new year.” That felt so far off, though. That little voice in his head was chanting at him, Tell her you want a chance.

  Katie’s smile had faded too.

  He’d let her down. He could see her disappointment. He just wanted to get back home to Evergreen. “I should probably get going. The train.”

  “Yeah. I’ll walk you.” She slid her hand under his arm. “We can swing by my favorite enormous Christmas tree. It’s right on the way.” Her hand was wrapped tightly around his arm, her chin grazing the arm of his jacket as they walked.

  “Sounds good.”

  They stopped on the sidewalk directly across the street from the giant Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

  “Ok
ay. You win. This tree is bigger than the one at the library.”

  “But I hear you have a certain flair with the lights. In fact, I was quite impressed by your work.”

  “I am the light guy.”

  “I know.” She pressed her face into his jacket.

  He ran his hand through her hair. “You were right. That tree has a lot of lights.” He was happy to be standing here in front of this tree with her. It was a greeting-card moment of beauty.

  “I hear it’s decorated with, like, five miles of lights,” she said.

  He let out a long whistle. “Glad I’m not the light guy for this one.”

  “That would be a job. It’s one of my favorite parts of living here.” Katie smiled. Neither of them said anything else.

  I could imagine living here. With Katie. He rubbed his hand on her back. There was that little voice again. Tell her. He wished the night didn’t have to end. “Well, here we are again, about to say goodbye, outside a train station.”

  “Yeah. Should we say some confusing things about our feelings before we walk away again?”

  Ben closed his eyes. That last goodbye had been so awkward. “Sorry about that. I was caught up in enjoying my time with you.”

  “It’s okay. Me too. I guess, in a lot of ways, no matter where you are, some people just feel like—”

  “Home.” He moved just as she did.

  She reached up and kissed him.

  Her lips were soft and warm against the chill of the night. Her hair silky in his hands. In that moment the noise of the city fell away, and it was as if it was just the two of them kissing in front of a huge Christmas tree with a ten-foot star. He’d never felt so off balance. So in love. He looked into her eyes, wishing this night could continue. “Are you sure you won’t come back with me?”

  “I can’t leave my mom for Christmas.” But the tone was apologetic. She was feeling it too. Besides, he knew how much she loved the city. She’d made no secret of that. Her words softly tickled his cheek. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”