Tidings of Joy: Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie

by Nancy Naigle

  He looked over at Katie. She most certainly had had something to do with this chain of events. She wanted it as badly as he did. “What do I even say to that?”

  “Yes!” Katie gave him the of-course look. “Say yes!”

  “Yes. Thank you, Pam.”

  Katie spun around, an enormous grin on her face. “Isn’t this an amazing place, Mom?”

  “It is. You know, your brother would love it. Maybe next year, all of us could spend a few days here.”

  “A new tradition?” Katie’s mouth dropped, and she stepped closer to Ben. “I kind of like the sound of that.”

  “I love the sound of that.” He took her hand and squeezed it.

  Later that night before the midnight processional, a small group of them had gathered at the Tinker Shop. Elliott handed out candles he’d had the kids work on for the event. Each one had been hand-poured, then when they were done, the real work had begun: decorating small discs that slipped over the tapers.

  “Like little pieces of artwork. I’m totally keeping mine.” Carol lovingly admired the painted protective ring at the base of the candle. “Not only will it keep the wax from dripping, but it’s so pretty.”

  “I helped make some of them too,” David said.

  “He did, and guided the younger kids. He was a big help,” Elliott added.

  Michelle and Thomas looked on. Michelle spoke as she picked up two candles, handing one to Thomas. “We met when Thomas was helping me look for candles last year for this. Remember?”

  “I do,” he said. “Like it was yesterday. They were on the top shelf in that back storage closet in Daisy’s Country Store.”

  “Yep.” She wrapped both of her arms around his bicep. “Best day ever.”

  Elliott walked over to Hannah. “I have a little something for you.”

  “A gift? I didn’t get anything for you. We’ve never before—”

  He caught her hand. “It’s not like that. It’s something I’ve been crafting for you.”

  She pressed her hands together. “Those are the very best gifts. You know me so well.”

  “I think you’re really going to love this.” He led her over to the counter, where a beautifully wrapped box sat there with a shimmering bow on top.

  She moved toward it tentatively. “Should I open it now?”

  “Yeah. Sure. It’s Christmas Eve,” Elliott encouraged her.

  The others inched in, sensing something big about to happen.

  Hannah didn’t waste a second. She ripped through the paper and opened the box. “Elliott? You made this?” It was a perfect miniature replica of the time capsule Christmas advent calendar.

  “I did.” He tugged one of the small drawers, about the size of a ring box, open. “All the drawers open too. Next year, we can fill them with our own surprises.”

  “Next year? That sounds good.” She leaped into his arms. “I adore it. And you. You are the best.”

  Elliott spun her around. “I’m so glad you like it. I hope to make you something special every Christmas, every year, of the rest of our lives.”

  “I’m going to have to step up my game,” Hannah teased.

  “No. You just keep being you. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

  “Finally!” Katie said, followed by a playful laugh. “I thought you two would never figure it out. It was crystal clear to me the moment I saw you together.”

  Everyone in the room nodded. “About time.”

  “Now this is one Merry Christmas,” Hannah whispered. “Thanks, snow globe.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Michelle listened as the joyous sounds lifted into the air. It was kind of sad to know that the last box on the advent calendar had already been opened. Tonight, the air was crisp, but the temperature had risen enough that it was bearable with just a coat—scarf optional. In fact, it seemed like perfect snow weather, and what could top a white Christmas morning?

  She took a big sniff of the air. It even smelled like snow.

  Michelle stepped in front of the large crowd. As mayor of this town, she was proud to be part of such a wonderful group of people. She felt emotional tonight. This town. Thomas and David. Her friends. Life is good.

  Just about the whole town was gathered here. Everyone attended the midnight processional, so the timing for this one last act from the time capsule couldn’t be more perfect. People filled the streets, kids on their parents’ shoulders, and some even stood on the benches to see over the crowd.

  Michelle used a microphone tonight. “Hi everyone. Merry Christmas. I’m so proud and humbled to be your new mayor. Thank you for being a part of these wonderful festivities and annual traditions. Staying involved helps our community remain strong.”

  Everyone cheered.

  “Before we open this final gift, I’d like everyone to raise a glass of cocoa, or eggnog, or whatever you have handy, and join me in thanking Ezra Green for all his years of service as Mayor of Evergreen.”

  “To Ezra!”

  Ezra couldn’t even speak. He simply raised his hand in the air, waving as he turned in a circle. Overcome by emotion, tears ran down his cheeks, but he’d never looked happier as everyone toasted him.

  Katie and Ben leaned against each other, as they toasted him as well, yelling a big thank-you above the crowd. Michelle saw Thomas whisper something to David.

  Everyone finally quieted down, and Michelle raised the microphone again. “Since he helped us find the time capsule, we decided that the final box should be opened by David.” Michelle called him up to the podium. “Come on up here, David.” As they’d planned, she playfully put the Evergreen Hat Company top hat on his head. “Okay, there. Fit okay?”

  “Yes.” He nodded and stepped away from her, but before he read the last gift, he stopped. “Oh, Michelle?”

  “Yes?”

  “We forgot to ask you…”

  “Ask me what?” They’d already rehearsed all this earlier. This was not part of the plan. Had she forgotten something?

  “Turn around.” David pointed into the crowd.

  Michelle turned around. So tall, Thomas stood out easily in the crowd, and even more so when he went down on one knee, with a wedding ring box in his hand. A scream escaped from her as the crowd slid back, leaving Thomas front and center.

  With a smile as wide as a crescent moon, he said, “To ask you to marry me, Michelle.”

  “Oh, wow!” She covered her mouth. David beamed from across the way. He was such a good boy. She loved them both.

  “You are, without a doubt, the most special and beautiful woman I have ever met. I knew you were the one the first day I laid eyes on you.”

  “Yes!” she squealed.

  “I haven’t asked you anything yet.”

  “I know. But yes.”

  “Michelle, will you marry me?”

  “I really will, yes!” She ran into his arms.

  Cheers rose from all around them. Whoops, hoorays and applause veiled the Christmas song the choir had begun singing.

  Tears in her eyes, they kissed, and David patted his dad on the shoulder in a gesture showing how much he approved of Thomas and Michelle together. That touched Michelle to the core.

  “Wait.” She tried to pull herself together. “David. Finish the—”

  David reached into the last envelope tied to the time capsule and pulled out the letter.

  “What does it say?”

  “It says, ‘Now refill the boxes, seal up the wall and send a Merry Christmas to Evergreen in fifty more years.’ Which means we have a lot of work to do this year.”

  “We’re going to seal up the wall?” someone asked.

  There were mixed feelings about that among the crowd.

  “I’ll be like Nick and Nan in fifty years. One of the old people in town dropping hints so they know t
o open it,” David sang out. “That is really cool.”

  “It is,” Thomas said.

  In the gazebo, Elliott kissed Hannah on the cheek. She skipped as if on wings to her spot. She lifted her hands gracefully in the air to lead the choir, Elliott included, in a quiet and appreciative carol.

  Everyone sang along.

  A little distance away, Lisa sang from the sidewalk with her two foster dogs on leashes, each wearing a brightly colored Christmas bandana from the store. She turned to look across the way and saw her boyfriend Kevin step from the crowd. She and the dogs ran to meet him halfway.

  There was a noticeable spark between Nan and Nick walking closely behind Michelle and Thomas to lead the people of Evergreen through town square toward the church in their candlelight processional.

  Katie and Ben held their candles, but more than just candles lit their way tonight.

  Ben looked over at Katie. “I’m so glad you’re here to share this tradition with me.”

  “Traditions.” Her smile spoke volumes more. A promise there’d be more traditions between them.

  A few days later, the Evergreen Express sounded the horn for passengers to board to return to the city. Those who’d been visiting for the holidays hugged teary goodbyes and well wishes. Others were bound for new adventures.

  Nan and Nick stood with Ben near the train. Nan had tears in her eyes.

  “It’s only an interview,” Ben said.

  “I know.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I want you to do the very best job that you can.”

  “Of course. I’ll make you proud.”

  “You always have, Ben.” She straightened his scarf around the collar of his jacket.

  “Nick.” Ben shook the man’s hand, knowing Nan had someone new to watch her back and help out these days.

  Katie’s voice carried from the platform. “I’ll see you on the train in a minute, Mom.” She raced over to join Ben as her mom boarded. Breathless, she took Nan’s hands. “Bye. Oh?” She wrapped her arms around Nan. “I miss you already. Who will help me with all my research?”

  “You always have a spot in my office in the library. Come anytime.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You have an enjoyable train ride,” Nan said.

  Katie walked over to Nick. As much as she’d resisted the notion, she was almost convinced he was the true-to-life Santa Claus. “Bye, Nick.” She leaned in and whispered, “I’m beginning to think you are behind all the magic in this town. The snow globe. All of it.” She stepped away, and Nick didn’t deny it. “Thank you all. Bye.” Katie walked over and boarded the Evergreen Express with Ben right behind her.

  Ezra stepped up on the train and waved.

  Michelle clung to Thomas’s hand. Ezra had been a wonderful mentor. Katie had no doubt that Michelle would be just fine without him there as a safety net.

  Across the way, Nick and Nan stood along with other locals, all saying goodbyes to holiday guests. Hands lifted in the air, waving to the smiling faces in the windows as the train readied for departure. A blend of goodbyes, thank-yous and Christmas salutations filled the air. Michelle knew Evergreen would always be a special place where memories were made. She couldn’t wait to help spread that joy throughout everything the town did all year long.

  She watched Ezra take a seat in a row at the front of the train, ready for his new life in Boston. As excited as Michelle knew Ezra was, he looked a little nervous.

  Katie’s mom was busy typing on her computer, and Katie took an empty seat a couple of rows in front of her. She leaned toward the window, waving. Michelle waved back.

  Ben boarded the train. Michelle had a pretty good idea they wouldn’t be seeing as much of him from now on. She saw him pause at the seat where Katie was. Katie slipped over, allowing Ben to slide in close next to her. She laid her head against his shoulder.

  Michelle pulled her hands to her heart. Friends, old and new, as they left Evergreen. But they’d all be back, if only for a visit.

  Thomas wrapped his arm around her. His love warmed her to the core. She placed a loving hand on David’s shoulder. Her ring caught the sunlight, sparkling, lighting her way. With her family. She pulled David and Thomas closer.

  She had no idea how the three of them would ever top her first Christmas as mayor of Evergreen, but she had no doubt that next year would be even more magical.

  The people of Evergreen busied themselves all winter and well into the spring, planning the next time capsule for another exciting adventure on the one hundredth annual Christmas Festival. Each day of the advent had been assigned to the person who’d opened that box. Those who’d left Evergreen weren’t forgotten. They were still part of the elaborate project. In true Evergreen style, it’d become a bit of a competition, raising the stakes to make the two hundredth year anniversary even more spectacular. Ezra, Katie and Ben would manage their teams through the wonderful tools in this age of technology, and Katie had already decided to make her box, the fifteenth day of December, a snowman-building challenge.

  That spring, Ben officially moved to the city and began his job at the magazine. His fresh writing style engaged the readers, and although he missed the library and Nan, he found new inspiration in the bustling city with Katie and new friends.

  Katie wrote a heartwarming novel of hope and second chances set in the town of Evergreen that involved a set of twins, a mystery and a couple planning a wedding in the small church the following summer. There were already whispers of a sequel.

  No one could really say for certain that the snow globe had anything to do with Katie’s success…or the love she felt for Ben, which grew stronger every day, and which he returned in full. But Katie mentioned to Ben the need for a visit back to Evergreen soon to make one more wish on the snow globe at the Kringle Kitchen, just in case.

  The End

  Cranberry Crostini

  In Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy, the Meet and Mingle at Barbara’s County Inn is a chance for the Evergreen community to share friendly conversation and holiday cheer over tasty hors d’oeuvres. Katie has two of the Cranberry Crostini before Ben arrives…and for Katie, his presence makes a great party even better. These delicious and pretty Cranberry Crostini are perfect for any holiday mingling.

  Prep Time: 25 minutes

  Cook Time: 15 minutes

  Serves: 10

  Ingredients

  1 baguette, cut on the bias into 1-inch slices

  Olive oil, as needed

  Kosher salt, to taste

  Black pepper, to taste

  12 oz. fresh cranberries (can substitute frozen)

  1 orange, zested and juiced

  1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  1 teaspoon thyme, fresh, chopped

  1 to 2 tablespoons prepared orange marmalade

  8 oz. goat cheese, softened

  Preparation

  Preheat oven to 350°F.

  Place baguette slices on a baking sheet, generously brush with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake until lightly brown and crisp, about 15 minutes.

  In a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, vinegar, red pepper flakes, thyme, marmalade and a pinch of salt.

  Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

  Reduce heat and continue cooking another 10 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken.

  Let cool.

  To assemble crostini: top each crostini with a smear of goat cheese and a dollop of cranberry marmalade.

  Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and orange zest, if desired.

  Thanks so much for reading

  Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy. We hope you enjoyed it!

  You might like these other books

  from Hallmark Publishing:

  Christmas
in Evergreen

  Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

  The Secret Ingredient

  Wrapped Up in Christmas

  Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

  Christmas in Bayberry

  Christmas Charms

  A Timeless Christmas

  An Unforgettable Christmas

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  About The Author

  USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series Adams Grove while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Along with the Christmas in Evergreen books, she is the author of The Secret Ingredient, Christmas Joy, and Hope at Christmas, all made into Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. She’s also the author of the Boot Creek Novels and the G Team Mysteries. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, horseback riding, and enjoying the occasional spa day. A Virginia girl at heart, Nancy now calls North Carolina home.

  Sneak Peek of Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy

  Turn the page for a sneak peek of

  Chapter One

  “I’ll pay somebody fifty bucks to take my place,” Cole Aaron offered his fellow firefighters at the Pine Hill Fire Department.

  What were the odds that he would be the one to pull the “winning” green candy cane from the fuzzy red stocking he and the guys had passed around? Not that he felt like he’d won anything. If anything, getting stuck in the role of Santa felt like a huge mistake. Did they really think it was a good fit for a former tough-guy Marine turned firefighter to dress up as Santa in the Pine Hill Christmas parade?