Jeff laughed. “Sounds like you need to replace that memory with a better one. Come on, Haley, what are you afraid of?”
“Besides making a fool of myself or breaking something when I try to do this?”
Jeff sat up but was careful not to mess up his angel outline. “It’s snow. It’s soft, and no one is watching. You just need to let go and fall back. Have some faith.”
“Ha! Easy for you to say! You obviously do this all the time.”
Jeff laughed. “I actually don’t, but that’s not the point. I’m just saying, try. Trust me. You’ll love it. I thought you were the kind of girl who was up for anything? You’re not afraid of making a little snow angel, are you?”
Haley’s mouth dropped open. There he was again with his challenge, and here she was falling for it. Again. But she couldn’t help herself. “Fine.” She threw up her hands. “I’ll try it. But I swear if I get snow down my back again . . .”
“It’s just snow.” Jeff laughed. “Come on, let’s go. Just hold out your arms and fall back into the snow. You’re making it way harder than it is. Remember research. You’re doing this for work. How much do you really want this toy account?”
That did the trick. With a look of pure determination, Haley planted her feet shoulder-width apart then raised both arms to the sky. She shut her eyes then opened them and quickly looked behind her to see where she was about to fall.
“You got this,” Jeff said. “Just fall.”
Haley squeezed her eyes shut.
“I’ll count you down,” Jeff said. “One, two . . .”
But before he could say “three,” Haley had already let herself fall back. She didn’t open her eyes until she’d landed perfectly in the snow. “I did it.” She laughed. She looked over at Jeff, and they were so close, their fingers could almost touch.
“You did!” He smiled back at her. “Now make the angel.”
Haley watched as he started moving his arms and legs again, and she did the same thing. She couldn’t stop laughing. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said.
“It’s called having fun,” Jeff said. “Maybe you forgot how?”
She laughed again. “Maybe, but not anymore. I wish Larry, my boss, could see me now, or my friend Kathy, or anyone, because no one would believe I’m doing this.”
“So, how does it feel?”
“Besides wet and cold?” Haley asked. Then she smiled. “Actually, it feels pretty good.” She moved her arms and legs as she looked up to the sky. The snow was coming down faster, so it was getting harder to see. When she tried to wipe some snowflakes out of her eyes, she just got more snow in her face from her gloves. She sputtered when some snow got in her mouth, and laughed.
“Are you getting cold? Are you ready to go in?”
Haley nodded. “I think I’m ready. But wait, how do I get up and not wreck my angel?”
“Hold on. I’ll help you.” Jeff carefully sat up and held out both hands to her. “Just sit up and take my hands, and keep your feet where they are. I’ll pull you up.”
Haley looked embarrassed. “No, it’s okay. I can do it.” But when she tried to get up, she started to slip backward.
Without saying a word, Jeff just walked over, stood in front of her, and held out both hands.
Silently, she took them, and when he pulled her up, she was standing so close to him that she could feel his breath on her cheek. When their eyes met, the spark was there, stronger than ever. Haley held her breath, because it looked like he was about to kiss her. She didn’t move. She didn’t want to move. She must have closed her eyes, because when she opened them, Jeff had stepped back and was brushing some snow off himself, not looking at her. She was so confused. She’d wanted him to kiss her, and she’d thought he’d wanted to kiss her, too. Her mind was whirling like the snow.
“Let’s get inside,” he said, snapping her back to reality. He was already heading for the door.
As she hurried to follow him, she looked back at their angels. They were perfect. They were so close together their wings were almost touching.
As soon as they stepped inside, Haley saw Laura waiting for them with her tray of hot chocolate. “I saw you outside making snow angels. I thought you might need to warm up a little.”
Jeff took one of the Santa mugs and handed it to Haley. “Laura, you read our minds. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you,” Haley said. She enjoyed a long, satisfying sip.
“This is another tradition we have,” Jeff said. “Having hot chocolate after making snow angels.”
“Is he making this up?” Haley asked Laura.
Laura shook her head and smiled back at her. “No, it’s true. Snow angels and hot chocolate always go together.”
“See,” Jeff said as he held up his Santa mug for a toast. “Cheers to snow angels.”
When Haley looked into his eyes, she saw something that had her wondering if he was talking about the snow angels they had just made or if he was calling her a snow angel. “Cheers,” she said as she clinked her Santa mug to his.
AFTER SHE TOOK a long hot bath, Haley snuggled up in her robe and walked to her bedroom window. The snow was still coming down fast, making it hard to see. So she got closer and pressed her nose against the cold glass. She wanted to see if the snow angels were still there, but all she could make out was a faint outline. Disappointed, she turned back, picked up her laptop, and got comfortable in bed. She was ready to work but was having a hard time concentrating.
Her mind kept going back to making the snow angels with Jeff and that moment when it seemed like he was about to kiss her. Remembering, she picked up the angel pillow and hugged it to her heart. She didn’t know how she should feel about it. Relieved that it hadn’t happened? Disappointed that it hadn’t happened? She was getting more confused by the second.
“Stop it!” she scolded herself out loud. “You need to focus on work!”
With a look of determination, she brought up her work emails and started catching up on them. She was making some progress until she read an email from Kathy, who had some updated intel on Tom’s Tyler Toys campaign and how much Larry was loving what he was seeing. That email was followed by one from Larry checking in on her, asking how she was enjoying Christmas Camp and saying how he was looking forward to seeing her pitch for Tyler Toys in a few days, and that he was expecting great things.
“Great things?” She groaned. “Great things? All I have are a few ideas, and I don’t even know what to do with them.” She took a deep breath. She knew she’d never be able to come up with anything creative if she was in panic mode. Forcing herself to feel more positive, she sat up straighter and started writing down a few words.
Wishing Tree / Angels / Presents for Kids / Snow Angels???
She stared at the screen for several more seconds, but when nothing came to her, she dropped her head into her hands and rubbed her throbbing temples. She was a bundle of nerves and stress, and she couldn’t sit still any longer. She jumped out of bed and started pacing around the room.
“Okay, so far I have an angel tree, angels, dolls, toys, more angels, what else? What else do I have?” She looked around the room and locked eyes with the angel in the picture above the dresser. She hurried over, yanked open the top drawer, and saw all the angels she had hidden away. She took one out and smoothed her wrinkled dress.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have hidden you all away,” she said to the angel. “Maybe that was bad Christmas karma or something. So, I’m officially saying I’m sorry.” She started putting all the angels back where she had found them. She knew she was being a little crazy, but so far nothing else had worked, and at this point she was willing to try anything and everything. When she was finally done, she stood back and surveyed her work. All the angels were staring back at her. Only this time they didn’t freak her out. This time they actually gave her some hope.
She then walked over to the stack of Christmas books next to her bed. She hadn’t touched any of them ye
t—she hadn’t had the time, but she quickly found the one she was looking for, An Angel’s Christmas, the one Jeff had given to her. She opened it up to the first page and started reading.
“Okay, angels, let’s see what you got. Bring on the inspiration.”
Chapter 21
A brilliant sunrise cast a warm golden glow across the entire mountainside and Holly Peak Inn. It looked like the start of a picture-perfect day.
Haley was in bed sleeping peacefully when all of a sudden she heard a bark. She turned over and tried to go back to sleep, but there was another bark. This time she knew exactly what was happening, covered her head with her pillow, and whispered, “Please go away, please go away . . .” but when she heard Max bark again, even louder this time, she threw off her covers and sat up. “Seriously, Max?”
For an answer, Max barked twice.
As she climbed out of bed, she looked over at the angels on her dresser. “Okay, angels, to be clear, this was not the kind of inspiration I was looking for.”
A FEW MINUTES later, as Max walked Haley around the inn, it was clear who was in charge. And it wasn’t Haley. She practically had to run to keep up with Max, who was having way too much fun in all the fresh snow. As they rounded a corner, she saw Susie and Ian walking her way.
“Good morning!” Susie called out, and waved cheerfully.
“Good morning,” Haley answered as she joined them.
“Looks like Max has found a friend,” Ian said, bending down to pet Max.
“I don’t know about that.” Haley laughed. “But for some reason, he thinks I’m the one that’s supposed to walk him in the morning.”
“So, he’s basically training you?” Ian asked.
Haley laughed. “Apparently.”
“Have you been in the kitchen to see the word of the day yet?” Susie asked, looking excited. “‘Sharing.’ We think it has something to do with cooking, because we saw Laura getting out all kinds of things in the kitchen.”
Haley’s smile faded. “Oh, I hope not. My cooking skills are limited to using a microwave. I better go find out what’s going on. I’ll see you guys inside.” Max had already taken off for the kitchen, dragging Haley behind him.
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Haley saw Laura taking a fresh batch of cookies out of the oven. She inhaled deeply. “I knew I smelled cookies! Susie said the word for the day is ‘sharing,’ so I hope you’ll be sharing those cookies with us.”
“I’ll go one better than that,” Laura said. “I plan to teach you how to make these cookies for yourself.”
Haley’s smile faded a bit.
“It’s our first Christmas Camp activity today. Do you want to be first up?” Laura asked.
Haley took a deep breath. “Sure, if it means I get to mark something else off our list. But I’m warning you, I don’t cook.”
“Good to know,” Laura said.
Haley looked relieved.
“Because we’re not cooking, we’re baking . . .”
Haley’s smile was now gone.
“And here, you’re going to need this,” Laura said. She tossed Haley a red apron that said CHRISTMAS CAMP on the front.
Haley laughed as she slipped the apron over her head and struggled with the strings, trying to figure out how to put it on correctly. “We’re going to need a Christmas miracle if you’re expecting me to make anything edible. I burn toast. I’m just saying.”
“I have complete faith in you, Haley.”
“I’m glad someone does.” Haley looked down at her apron and realized she’d put it on backward. “See!” She pointed at her apron. “This is what I’m talking about.”
Laura laughed as she walked over to help her. “Well, lucky for you I’m pretty good at all of this, including getting an apron on right.” She took off Haley’s apron and put it back on correctly, tying the ties for her. “See, now you’re all set. Are you ready?”
Haley gave her a teasing look. “The question is, are you ready for Hurricane Haley?”
Laura laughed loudly. “Hurricane Haley?”
“Yeah, just something my mom called me once when I was little and tried to make a milk shake and forgot to put the lid on the blender . . .”
Laura laughed. “Okay, we’ll keep you far away from the blender.”
AN HOUR LATER, covered in flour, Haley was proudly taking her own batch of sugar cookies out of the oven. She was grinning from ear to ear because they looked perfect.
“I can’t believe I did it!” she said. “Finally, a batch I didn’t burn!”
Laura clapped her hands. “I told you you could do it! How does it feel?”
“Actually, pretty good! I have to admit this was a lot more fun than I thought it would be, but that’s only because I had your help. But the real test is how do they taste?”
“Let’s try one,” Laura said. “Just be careful; they’re still really hot, but that’s when I like them the best.” She got a spatula out, carefully scooped up one of Haley’s cookies, put it on a little reindeer Christmas napkin, and handed it to her.
Haley tested the cookie’s temperature with her finger. “It doesn’t seem too hot.”
“Then let’s try it.” Laura scooped up another cookie for herself.
They both took a careful bite at the same time. Haley’s face lit up. She was getting more excited as she chewed. “These are really good!”
Laura nodded her agreement. “You did an excellent job!”
“I’ll be the judge of that . . .”
Both of them turned to see Jeff walk into the room. He was sniffing, and his eyes went straight to Haley’s cookies. He looked impressed and surprised. “You made these, Haley?”
“She sure did!” Laura said proudly.
“With a lot of help,” Haley added quickly.
“May I try one?” Jeff asked.
“Of course,” Laura said. “Let us know what you think.”
Jeff took his time taking a bite and tasting the cookie. He looked at Haley then back at Laura.
“Well?” Haley asked, anxious to get his feedback. “Do they pass the Christmas Camp test?”
When he frowned, her smile disappeared. “What’s wrong? I just tried one. I thought it was good . . .”
“You know, I’m not sure,” Jeff said. “I better try another one so I can figure it out.”
When he went to grab another cookie, Laura swatted his hand away. “Nice try.” She looked over at Haley. “You have to watch this one. He has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve when it comes to getting more cookies.”
Haley, hands on her hips, looked at Jeff. “I can see that.”
Jeff shrugged and gave her an innocent look. “Did Laura tell you the secret behind our secret Christmas Camp cookies?”
Haley looked from Jeff to Laura. “No . . .”
“Jeff, you go ahead and tell her. It’s your family secret,” Laura told him.
“Okay,” he said. Even though he had a very serious look on his face, his eyes were smiling. “You already know that the recipe for our Christmas Camp sugar cookies has been in our family for generations.”
Haley nodded, eager to hear more.
“It’s a secret recipe. So, the rule is that anyone we share the recipe with, like our Christmas Camp guests, has to agree that they will only share it with people they love, keeping our Christmas tradition alive. So, can you do that?”
“I can.” Haley laughed a little, even though Jeff was still looking very serious. “And since I never bake, your secret recipe is very safe with me, trust me.” She started taking off her apron. “This was a really cool activity, Laura, thank you for having so much patience with me.” When she tried to hand her the apron, Laura just smiled and shook her head.
“Oh, you don’t think you’re done yet, do you?” she asked.
Haley looked confused. “I made the cookies . . .”
“But now you need to decorate them,” Laura said as she picked up one of the cookies. “We can’t leave them like this.
” She pointed at Haley’s apron. “And I think you’re going to want to put that back on. I’ve set up a lot of decorating supplies in the dining room. Follow me.”
“Decorating supplies?” Haley looked curious as she followed Laura into the dining room. When she saw everything, her jaw dropped. Laura wasn’t kidding. The entire dining room table was covered with bowls of colored frosting. There were also small glass containers filled with red, green, silver, and gold sprinkles, and a large muffin tin where each cup was filled with a different kind of candy. There were M&M’s, Red Hots, gumdrops, Froot Loops, red and green minimints, Hershey’s Kisses, and dark, white, and milk chocolate shavings and sprinkles. There was also a big bowl of tiny marshmallows and one filled with tiny crushed pieces of candy canes, and a pile of even more candy canes on the table.
When Jeff took some M&M’s, Laura playfully swatted away his hand. “Hey, you know the rules, no eating the decorations.”
“Unless you’re doing the decorating,” Jeff finished for her, grinning like a little kid.
“Exactly.” Laura smiled back at him. “So, that means you can help Haley decorate her cookies.”
“Wait, what?” both Haley and Jeff said at the same time, and then laughed.
Haley looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I just meant, I’m sure Jeff has more important things to do than help me decorate cookies.”
But Jeff was already sitting down. This time he was popping marshmallows into his mouth. “Actually, I don’t. And if I may say so myself, I’m a pretty good decorator.”
Haley sat down next to him. “Really?” she asked in an unbelieving voice. “Does that come with your restoration work?”
“It does.” He grabbed some gumdrops and popped them into his mouth. “I have a great eye for detail.”
“Oh, really?” Haley locked eyes with him.
“Really,” he said, his mouth full of gumdrops.
Haley couldn’t help but laugh.
“Okay, you two, time to get serious. We have a lot of cookies to decorate,” Laura said. “I’m going to get the cookies so you two can get started, and Haley, keep an eye on this one for me and make sure he doesn’t eat all the decorations.”
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