Small Town Christmas (Blue Harbor Book 4)

by Olivia Miles

  Phil grinned, but there was a spark in his eyes that she registered as hope. “Tonight?”

  Cora shrugged. “Unless you have other plans.”

  “There’s nothing more I’d like to do.”

  Cora felt as warm as if she were curled up with her favorite chenille blanket in front of the fireplace right now.

  “Me either.”

  *

  It didn’t take long to set the bags of ornaments inside the store and make a quick call to her father, who then called Mr. Healy (also in his poker group), who was delighted to put the old sleigh to use.

  “I nearly forgot that we used to do that,” Cora told her father.

  He was quiet for a moment. “I didn’t.”

  Cora felt the tears begin to threaten, prickling the backs of her eyes. She swallowed hard and said thickly, “Thanks, Dad. I love you.”

  She hung up the phone feeling better than she had in weeks, and not just because she had the promise of a sleigh ride with Phil and Georgie to look forward to. A lot had changed in her family over the years, and certainly recently, but the old times, the ones she tried to protect and keep alive, were still with them.

  They piled into Phil’s car and Cora directed him to the farm, seeing that old Mr. Healy was already waiting for them inside the warmly barn. The horses were magnificent, with rich chestnut brown coats that contrasted against the white snow, and a heavy plaid blanket was ready for them in the back of the sleigh.

  “You get many rides this weekend?” Cora asked Mr. Healy as she settled onto the red velvet seat.

  “No, this weekend most people are busy with the carnival. When you were little, your family used to make a point of stopping by afterward—I had the blankets washed and ready. Four little girls, always so delighted by the ponies, but especially you. Brings back good memories to see you here tonight, Cora.” There was a twinkle in his eye as he grabbed the reins, and just like that, they were off.

  “We’re dashing through the snow!” Georgie cried out. “Just like in the song!”

  Phil, who was seated in the middle, so Georgie could have an unobstructed view of the scenery, shifted a little closer to Cora. “This was a wonderful idea. Thank you.”

  It was a wonderful idea, but Cora was beginning to feel like she should be thanking him as much as he was thanking her. He’d inspired her to resurrect an old tradition, reminding her that there were other traditions than the ones she’d been clinging to—the ones her family was forgoing this year. So the angel wasn’t on the top of their family tree. It was now on hers. And so Christmas Eve was abandoned. She had this.

  She still had her traditions. Just not per se with her own family.

  The trail led them all through the farm, until the orchard next door was visible. Cora perked up in her seat and pointed, “See that big red barn over there? That’s my family’s orchard.”

  “I do recognize it,” Phil said, leaning forward for a better look through the dark. “I remember my grandmother taking me when I visited in the summer. There was a shop in there, right?”

  “The Sunday market.” Cora nodded. “It closes for the winter months, but every Sunday we all had to help out, selling my mother’s pies and jams, and of course whatever fruit was in season. My sister Maddie still makes pies each week, to carry on the tradition.”

  “There you go again with traditions,” he said. “Makes me wish I had a few of my own.”

  An almost untraceable note of sadness crept into his tone, and Cora couldn’t resist the opportunity to circle back to their conversation yesterday.

  “What about with your grandparents? They had plenty. Didn’t they pass down a few to your father?”

  Phil shook his head. “My father wasn’t interested in that sort of thing. He always felt restless here.”

  “And you?”

  He waited a beat. “I loved it here. Just hating going back. But each trip to Blue Harbor was like a vacation, a fantasy world. Eventually it was easier to just accept real life than to wish for a different one.”

  “This is real life to a lot of people,” Cora told him. “Myself included.”

  Phil didn’t look convinced. He didn’t argue with her either.

  “It’s not too late, Phil. I mean, look at Georgie. These are memories she will always hold onto, you know?”

  They turned to look at Georgie, who was now drowsy with sleep, a smile still resting on her face as evidence of a day well spent a night. The snow continued to fall softly all around them, glistening in the moonlight, and they fell silent taking it all in until they were once again parked in front of the old barn.

  Phil stepped down first, then extended a hand to Cora. By now, Georgie was snoring softly, bundled up in the blankets for warmth.

  Mr. Healy excused himself to get something from the main house, leaving them alone. Face to face. With the snow coming down around them, dusting Phil’s dark hair.

  Cora looked up into Phil’s eyes, knowing that this was her cue. She should really thank him for the night, help rouse Georgie, and go back to her empty apartment for a mug of something warm. Only the way he was looking at her made her think that he didn’t want that any more than she did.

  He leaned in, and her heart began to thump. In the hushed night, she was nearly certain he could hear it. She closed her eyes as his mouth met hers, warm, slow, and soft. A perfect kiss for a perfect night.

  They were interrupted by the sudden rustle of one of the horses, and Cora pulled back, seeing the desire in Phil’s eyes and smiling to cover up her own feelings as Mr. Healy returned from the barn, holding a basket of cookies.

  “Still warm from the oven,” he said, handing them over to her. “My wife would have come out herself but she’s on the phone with her sister in Chicago. Those two could talk for hours.”

  Cora laughed. “I understand completely. Thank you.”

  The moment was lost. Phil stirred Georgie from her sleep and together they all walked back to the car. It was late, it was time for Phil to get Georgie back to bed, and Cora knew that she’d have an early start at the shop.

  They drove back into town in silence, listening to the carols playing on the radio. Cora handed Phil the basket of cookies. “Georgie will enjoy these more than me,” she said.

  He didn’t argue with her there. “It’s nearly Christmas.”

  She sighed. “Yes. It is.” Normally this thought would thrill her, lift her with the same sense of joy and anticipation it always had, since she was a child, but this year, it felt different, for a lot of reasons.

  “I had a nice time tonight,” Phil said, his voice low, as Georgie was slowly starting to drift back to sleep in the backseat. “I’ve, uh, had a nice time these past few weeks, actually.”

  “This town has a way of growing on people,” Cora said with a little smile.

  “I’m beginning to see that,” Phil said.

  Cora did her best to hide how much this pleased her. The more time he spent here, the less he’d want to go abroad, surely? And not just because of Georgie, but maybe, because of her, too.

  Cora gave him one last smile and pushed the door open. Downtown Blue Harbor was quiet, the storefronts dark, making the lights and decorations all the more prominent.

  Most people were either tucked into their warm beds or still at the town square, huddled around the bonfire, soaking in what remained of the season.

  She knew that her family would still be there, and that she could and maybe should carry on the newer tradition they had formed in recent years of joining them. But tonight, she didn’t want to. She wanted to be alone, to think about what had transpired these past few days with Phil.

  To think about the new traditions she’d started, and the ones that she still hoped to have. That was—if she could convince Phil that his daughter wanted him to stay.

  That she wanted him to stay.

  She went through the front door, seeing as it was late and the store was closed, and looked up at the mistletoe ball hanging over her hea
d. She’d had her Christmas kiss tonight, and she had newfound hope too. Not just for this being the best Christmas ever, or for new traditions, but for something she hadn’t even planned on: love.

  13

  Cora tended to divide her loyalty between the Firefly Café and Buttercream Bakery, even if Amelia had told her to give Maddie a boost during her opening weeks. Still, on Tuesday morning, Cora decided to stop by the café for a much needed cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich—something that Amelia had perfected over the years with the best blend of sharp cheddar cheese, roasted seasonal vegetables, and perfectly scrambled eggs. Not the typical holiday fare, maybe, but with Christmas Eve already being tomorrow, she didn’t want to tire too quickly of all the spices and flavors of the holiday.

  She nearly laughed at herself. As if she would ever grow old of all the pleasures of Christmas!

  Still, an egg sandwich was what she craved, and maybe a little sisterly bonding too. Sure, Candy would be there, but she was becoming a fixture in their lives, and not just on the home front. Besides, she likely did send the tree to Cora, and didn’t even look for credit, making it sort of impossible to stay annoyed for too long.

  It was the last big shopping day before Christmas, and even though most people in town had already purchased their decorations, there was always a big uptick in sales. People with out-of-town guests would be in need of some holiday-themed sheets or towels, and of course last-minute gifts were always in demand. Cora was all too happy to guide her customers. A holiday apron for a sister who liked to bake? She was an expert by now.

  In years past, she always closed the shop for the twenty-fourth, but now, with her sisters bailing on Christmas Eve, she wondered if she should rethink that. She supposed she’d see how the day went, and not just with sales.

  Phil was still in town, and she didn’t like to think that the days were closing in, but that rather, the chances of him staying a bit longer, or at least returning frequently, were growing by the hour.

  She hadn’t seen him since their kiss, and with her hectic schedule she wasn’t so sure she’d be able to break away either, no matter what Natalie said.

  Was Phil really going to leave the day after Christmas after fulfilling his promise to Georgie—a day that was sure to guarantee even more sales, when she marked down the items that she didn’t plan to resell next year, and everyone stopped in for a good discount? It was both an exciting day and a disappointing one, too. Decorating for Valentine’s Day just didn’t hold quite the same appeal….

  Although, when she thought of that moonlit kiss, she had to consider that maybe this year she’d have more to celebrate than just a good excuse to eat too much chocolate.

  Amelia was at the counter when Cora arrived, happy for the warmth and the smell of fresh coffee.

  “You look happy today,” her sister said as she approached.

  Cora gave a little shrug. “It’s Christmas week.”

  Amelia arched an eyebrow and reached for a to-go cup. She didn’t need to ask Cora her order. “Is that all? Here I thought it might have something to do with you spending time with the Keatons’ grandson. We all saw you two canoodling at the carnival, you know.”

  “Canoodling?” Cora lifted an eyebrow.

  “I know! I know!” Amelia could only shake her head. “I’ve been spending way too much time with Candy.”

  Cora glanced to the left and then the right, careful that they wouldn’t be overheard by the woman who had an ear for anything involving romance or gossip. She leaned across the counter and whispered, “He kissed me.”

  Amelia’s eyes went so huge with surprise that Cora was almost afraid she might spill the coffee pot she was holding. Instead, she smiled broadly and said, “About time, Cora!”

  “There you again. You sound as bad as Candy!” Cora teased, but she was pleased, and Amelia was right. It was about time. She’d just almost given up thinking that her time would ever come. She’d accepted her life for what it was. She had her shop. And it had been enough.

  Until now.

  “What can I say? I spend more time with Candy than my boyfriend.” Amelia gave a weary shake of the head and they shared a laugh. “Speaking of which, I should go make sure she isn’t burning that quiche. I’ll be right back with your egg sandwich.”

  “You know me too well,” Cora remarked.

  “And for that reason, I won’t be telling Candy that you and Phil are an item. Yet.” Amelia winked and then disappeared through the swing door.

  “Cora!” Cora turned to see Lanie Thompson coming toward her, smiling broadly. They’d always gotten along well.

  “Lanie! Merry Christmas!”

  Lanie extended a large breath and set a leather-gloved hand to her chest. “I’m happy to see you in such good spirits, Cora.”

  Cora blinked at her. She assumed by now that it was common knowledge in Blue Harbor that Christmas was her absolute favorite time of the year. “Of course!” She looked at Lanie quizzically. “I do run a holiday shop, after all.” She laughed.

  “So you’re staying open? Good.” Lanie fished into her pocket and retrieved a card that she thrust in her direction. “You know that I can help you find another space, just call me. Anytime.”

  Cora blinked down at the creamy white slip of cardstock that was being handed to her, unable to take it, much less understand what Lanie was saying.

  “Another space?” she asked. “I’m pretty happy where I am.”

  Lanie winced. “I know, and I thought about that, too. Why not just rent from the new owner? Or buy it yourself, if you have the funds, right? But with the interest I’ve already received with investors looking to open an inn…”

  Cora’s heart was beginning to pound and she wasn’t finding any of this funny anymore. She’d lost her polite smile somewhere through Lanie’s speech and now she held up her hands, stopping her.

  “Wait. An inn? Where my shop is? Where…my home is?”

  Now it was Lanie’s turn to pale. “You didn’t know? Oh, Cora, I assumed you knew. That’s why Phil Keaton came to town. He’s handling his grandparents’ estate. He’s unloading their properties and cutting ties with this town.”

  Cora could feel the blood rushing in her ears, drowning out everything Lanie was still saying, now with clear concern in her eyes and a hand on Cora’s wrist.

  “I thought you knew. You and Phil have been spending so much time together and all…”

  Of course that hadn’t gone unnoticed. By anyone, it would seem.

  Cora shook her head, feeling like a fool. “No. I had no idea. I thought…I guess I thought…”

  She’d thought that he was spending time with her because despite all glaring evidence to the contrary, that he might just be falling in love with Blue Harbor.

  And maybe, with her.

  Only now, it made sense, didn’t it? He never came back here. Blue Harbor wasn’t his home. The man didn’t even like Christmas. He was giving it one last go for Georgie’s sake before he closed the door on his past for good.

  Only she wasn’t ready to say the same. Not without a fight. That store represented everything that was good about her life. Her fondest memories. The fact that hope and happiness could still shine through, lighting up even the darkest of times.

  “We’ll find you another storefront, honey,” Lanie was saying, still thrusting the card at her.

  Cora took the card and held it in her hands, even though she had no intention of using it. She didn’t want another storefront. It wouldn’t be the same. There would be no winding rooms for customers to meander through, and no themed spaces, either. There would be no tree lot next door come Thanksgiving. And there would probably be no upstairs apartment for her to live in, either.

  Lanie’s phone buzzed; she checked it with a dramatic roll of her eyes. “I completely forgot this appointment. I’d better run. But, you’ll be okay, Cora,” she insisted. She smiled her beatific smile, and for a moment, Cora almost dared to believe her. She squeezed Cora’s hand befor
e slipping away. “Call me. We’ll find you something else!”

  Only Cora didn’t want something else. That shop was her second chance. Her fresh start. And her happy ending.

  At least, that’s what she’d thought…until Phil Keaton came to town.

  She turned, leaving the café, forgetting her egg sandwich and knowing that if Amelia were to see her face right now that she’d instantly know that something was wrong. Very wrong. And that she’d want an explanation.

  Only Cora couldn’t give an explanation, because she didn’t even have one for herself.

  If Phil wanted to make her vacate, he’d had ample time to tell her, yet he hadn’t.

  This called for a visit. And not a cheerful one.

  *

  Cora knew she should go to the shop—with the activity she expected today, it seemed impossible not to be there bright and early. But it felt more impossible to think that come next week, she might not have a store at all.

  Almost as impossible as the thought that Phil Keaton would be the one to take it away from her.

  She hurried off a quick text to Natalie that she had important business to tend to and would be in as soon as possible, and hopped in her car, wasting no time in following the curving roads to the Keaton cottage.

  In the morning light it looked small and sweet, the front path had been cleared of snow and there was the evidence of a Christmas tree in the front window. But the candles that Mrs. Keaton used to put at the base of each window ledge were gone, along with the wreath that always hung from their front door. Back when they’d lived in town, Cora had personally delivered each month’s rent check. She knew that Mrs. Keaton loved to have company for a cup of tea and some conversation.

  Today’s visit wouldn’t be so cozy. Or personal. This was strictly business.

  If Phil was surprised to see her standing outside his front door, he did a good job of showing it. But then, Cora thought with dismay, he was turning out to be quite the actor, wasn’t he?

  Still, her heart flip-flopped at the sight of that slow grin and the way his eyes crinkled at the corner as he held the door wider.