A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

by Nancy Naigle

Did you really just say that? Was it an intentional gray area just to get them to sign?

  “It’s business, Vanessa. Take care of it as we discussed. Micky doesn’t have any reason to misrepresent that account, and quite honestly even if they are not losing money, they aren’t making enough for us to not move forward with this warehouse project.”

  “But we can do both. Easily.”

  “There are only so many people in that town.”

  “I took a look at the surrounding counties. With the right compensation package, I believe we can pull plenty of good resources into the area. I can make it work.”

  “Vanessa. We have a schedule to meet. I promise we are going to treat everybody—I mean everybody—with dignity, fairness, and respect.”

  “But…”

  “We can’t take a chance on not being able to meet the workforce needs of the warehouse.”

  “You’ll have both. You’ll have the warehouse space you need in the timeline, but still maintain Porter’s. I don’t think it’s fair to them to close. It’s simply not necessary. That company is part of the fabric of this town.”

  “And if it changes, that town will survive. End of story.”

  Calling him on the holiday may have been a bad idea.

  At this moment she wasn’t getting the respect from Edward that she was used to. How could she convince complete strangers that he was in their corner … when clearly he didn’t care? She took a steadying breath, but kept her mouth shut. There was no use arguing with him now.

  “You know what,” he said. “You do whatever you have to do to hand me over the thirty-thousand-square-foot facility for Outdoor Sports Pro as outlined in that contract. I really don’t care what you do with anything else.”

  “Yes, sir.” She disconnected the call, then closed her eyes and lifted her chin to the sky. Enough gray area in that statement that she could stealthily do the right thing and ask for forgiveness later.

  I have a feeling this is going to be the worst Christmas ever. I’m just not sure if it’s going to be bad for the town, or my career. Please help me come up with the right way to handle this.

  A quiet tap at her office door broke her concentration. Expecting to see Lilene—not for anything business-related, but rather with some home-baked goodie or reminding her to “take a break!” with that big grin that was always on her face—she blinked twice before she put it all together. “Anna? What are you doing here?”

  Vanessa clambered out from behind the desk to hug her cousin.

  “I hope it’s okay,” Anna said. “I know you said you’d call, but I couldn’t wait to see you. I was so excited.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here. This is a great surprise. How did you know where to find me?”

  “I knew you’d be working. There are some things that anyone who knows you could guess. But we’ll work on that while we’re together.” Anna wiggled her brows playfully. “Isn’t this the cutest little town you’ve ever seen? How have I never heard a peep about it before?”

  Lilene walked up behind Anna. “Best-kept secret. We don’t want a bunch of city folk moving here. We saw what happened the next town over. New people built big ol’ fancy houses, and then complained about the farm animals and the farm equipment—which were there long before those city biddies moved in. It was a huge fuss.”

  “I bet,” Vanessa said.

  “We like the town the way it is,” Lilene said.

  “I can see why. It’s absolutely charming.” Giving Lilene a nod of appreciation, Anna said, “I bumped into this nice lady downstairs. I was asking the gal at the register where the offices were and she swooped right in to help me.”

  Vanessa said, “Thank you, Lilene. What were you doing down there?”

  “I had some goodies packed up for the staff that is working today. Just a friendly gesture from me, and I did do a little Black Friday shopping.”

  “You’re really thoughtful.” Vanessa admired the endless amount of energy Lilene put into her life in this small town.

  “Mike said something yesterday about Vanessa meeting up with a cousin here over the holidays, but I thought he was mistaken. Then here I bump into you. What a small world!” Lilene pointed her thumb toward Vanessa. “So, you two are cousins. I’m glad you’ve got family here with you. This is a wonderful place to spend the holidays.”

  “And who is Mike?” Anna looked way too interested in that.

  “Oh, that’s a long story, and it didn’t end happily. Don’t ask.”

  Lilene said to Anna, “You just let me know if you want to do a little sightseeing. I know everyone in this town.”

  Anna’s face lit up. “That sounds lovely.”

  “I’ll let you two catch up,” Lilene said, “but we have lots of holiday fun going on over the next couple of weeks. I’ll make a list of the things you two won’t want to miss.”

  “Thank you, Lilene.”

  Lilene walked out of the room.

  “She’s so nice, Vanessa,” Anna said. “I can’t believe how cute this town is. We’re going to have so much fun.”

  “I’m glad you’re here, but I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

  Anna didn’t seem to understand the significance. “Nothing you can’t handle. I know you.”

  “I hope so. I’ll fill you in over dinner.” She reached for her sweater. “It’s freezing in this place. Come on. There’s a great little diner here.”

  They walked down the street, stopping to enjoy the holiday décor in the shop windows. It was as if elves had spent all night, while the town was in a turkey coma, working to spruce up the place.

  “It’ll be so pretty at nighttime. I love those big artsy Christmas trees on the poles,” Anna remarked.

  When they got to the Blue Bicycle Bistro, the bicycle on the rooftop sign now had a Santa standing next to it.

  “Seat yourself,” Lisa called out.

  “Thank you.” Vanessa was happy to see that her usual booth was empty.

  As they slid into the booth, Anna told Vanessa about her drive from Atlanta.

  Lisa walked up to the table.

  “We’re going to both have the special,” Vanessa announced. “And water?”

  “Yes, with lemon please,” Anna said, then leaned her elbows on the table and continued her story. “It was a beautiful day for a ride through the mountains. Next week’s forecast looks a little iffy.” She pressed her hands together, and grinned. “We might even see some snow here.”

  Vanessa had tired of snow a long time ago. Chicago promised white winters, and if you trudged through enough icy and snowy days you learned quickly how to dress in enough layers to stay warm, and still be stylish. Not that the latter made much difference around here. She forgot some folks pined for a peek of the white fluffy stuff over the holidays.

  They ate over casual conversation, picking up right where they’d left off.

  Vanessa placed her napkin on the table. “There hasn’t been one meal that I haven’t enjoyed here yet.”

  “Let’s splurge on some dessert. Did you see those cakes in the case when we came in? That one looked like a banana cake with the vanilla wafers on the side.”

  “Works for me. Want to split a piece?”

  “No, I do not. What I can’t eat I’ll take back for breakfast with my coffee in the morning.” Anna slapped the menu closed again. “I’ll have decaf tonight.” She grabbed her purse and dug for her phone. “I’d better call the inn and let them know I’ll be later than I’d planned, and get some directions. I tried to find it on my GPS, but it didn’t come up.”

  Lisa came over and took the order while Anna spoke on the phone.

  “Right now,” Anna said, “I’m having dessert with my cousin on Main Street at the Blue Bicycle Bistro.” She pulled an ink pen from the front pocket in her purse. “Route 29?” She shrugged toward Vanessa. “I don’t think I came in on 29. I came in from the south. From Atlanta, up 85 and then west on 321.”

  Vanessa could only hear Anna’s side
of the conversation, but something seemed wrong.

  “Yes, Georgia.” She pulled her hand to her mouth. “No. North Carolina. Really? I’m so disappointed.”

  Vanessa tried to get Anna’s attention to ask what was wrong, but Anna wasn’t making eye contact.

  Lisa brought the two pieces of cake and coffee over to the table.

  “This looks amazing,” Vanessa said to Lisa.

  “Wait until you taste it. Let me warn you, once you try my cakes, you will crave them forever. You’ve been forewarned. I can’t be held responsible.”

  “Oh great. I’ll be two sizes bigger before I leave town if I’m not careful.” Vanessa was still laughing with Lisa when Anna hung up the phone.

  “All set?” she asked Anna.

  “You won’t believe this.” Anna started doctoring her coffee. “I made an Airbnb reservation in this cute house that even had a Christmas tree set up already.”

  “How lucky was that?”

  “Not quite as lucky as I’d hoped.” She stabbed the banana cake like it was an unwelcome guest. “Apparently, it’s in Fraser Hills, Vermont, not North Carolina. I can’t believe I did that. I was so proud of myself for figuring that website out. It was a great deal too.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “They’ve been really nice about it. Refunded me and everything. I’m really sorry. I thought it looked like the perfect place for some fun and relaxation, and I know you already said there’s no space for me at the little apartment they put you up in. Now look what a mess I’ve made.”

  “Don’t be silly. Surely there’s somewhere else in town.”

  Lisa grimaced. “Not really.”

  Anna shoveled a bite of cake into her mouth and moaned.

  “Didn’t I tell you? That cake is the best, isn’t it? My great granny’s old recipe. It’s addictive,” Lisa said.

  Vanessa took a bite too. “I may eat this every day.”

  Lisa laughed and turned to Anna. “I already warned your friend here.”

  “We’re cousins,” Anna explained. “We’re spending the holidays together for the first time in years, only my reservation got messed up. Do you know of any place to stay around here?”

  “We’re always booked up from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. As far as I know, there’s no room anywhere.”

  “I’m so sorry, Vanessa. I’ll look for something in the next town.”

  “Don’t be silly. We’ll make it work.” From over Vanessa’s shoulder she heard, “I couldn’t help but overhear you ladies.”

  It was Buck. Again. She turned around in the booth. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “I’m stealthy like that.” He smiled toward Anna and flipped his hand up in a wave. “Hi, ma’am.”

  “Oh, Buck. This is my cousin, Anna. She lives down in Georgia.”

  “Hello, Anna.” Buck tilted his head, his gray hair brushing the top of his collar. “I’ve got a guesthouse no one is using. Your cousin is welcome to stay there.”

  “Nice to meet you.” She thrust her hand in the air, giggling as she waved, then leapt from the table and practically skipped to his. “Oh gosh, Buck, thank you—”

  By golly, she’s flirting.

  “Very nice to make your acquaintance, Anna. Where in Georgia you from? Beach, city, or mountains?”

  “Outskirts of Atlanta.”

  “Ahh. Best of all worlds, I guess. Although I’m fond of the slower pace of smaller towns like this myself. The guesthouse is spacious. Two bedrooms, and room for a Christmas tree too. You could both stay there. It’s just around the corner. You can even walk from Main Street when it’s not too cold.”

  “I love this place already,” Anna said.

  “It’s a good place to live.” Buck’s smile wiggled his mustache.

  “It suits you,” Anna said softly. “You look very happy.”

  In all Vanessa’s years she’d never seen her cousin even talk about flirting. Before Vanessa had been born, Anna’s fiancé had been killed in a car accident. She’d always said he’d been her first and only true love. Not once had she been known to go out on a date.

  Vanessa turned around in her seat again, facing Buck. He was good-looking. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind letting Anna use the guesthouse? It would be fun to have a Christmas tree. I don’t think we could very easily drag one up in the apartment they’ve put me in.”

  Buck’s mustache poofed, a grin forming below it. “I heard they had you in the warehouse apartment.”

  “Nothing’s a secret around here.”

  “Except that you have a beautiful cousin. Welcome to town, Anna.”

  Anna flushed, then cleared her throat, looking as if she was struggling to keep her cool. “Thank you.”

  “If you like, you two can follow me over once you get finished eating dinner.”

  “Well, then please join us, and let me at least spring for your dessert,” said Anna.

  “I never turn down dessert.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Anna and Vanessa followed Buck over to his house to check out the guesthouse.

  Vanessa worried that it might be hard to graciously back out of the invitation if the place turned out to be less than desirable. She didn’t need any more blemishes in this town while she was still working on the project.

  Buck’s blinker lit up, and then he turned down a tree-lined driveway that seemed to go on for about half a mile.

  When the house finally came into view, Vanessa said, “Holy cow. I did not expect him to live in a house like this in this little town.” Vanessa wondered how many bedrooms were in the sprawling home.

  “This is a very nice home.” Anna leaned forward over the steering wheel, taking it all in. “I can’t wait to see the guesthouse.”

  Landscape up-lighting gave the house a warm glow against the darkening evening sky. Through the double glass-front doors, hundreds of colored lights twinkled from a tall Christmas tree.

  Buck’s brake lights brightened as he stopped. He got out of his pickup and walked back to their car.

  Anna lowered her window.

  “The guesthouse is around back. Just follow me. I’ll pull over to the right side, y’all can pull up around me and park in the spot right in front of the door. I’m going to turn on the back driveway lights over on that pole. I’ll leave them on while you’re staying. It’s easier to see where you’re going with them on.”

  “Thank you,” Anna said.

  Buck crossed the driveway to a pole with a birdhouse on it. With one quick touch, the asphalt driveway lit up like a runway. He gave them a thumbs-up as he walked back to his truck and led the way.

  The driveway split in two directions.

  When Buck pulled off to the right, Anna swung her car around him and parked in front of an adorable white house. She hopped out of the car. “This is the guesthouse? I love how it looks like a real carriage house.”

  “Used to be.” He waved them to follow. “Come on. I’ll give you the nickel tour.”

  Vanessa noted the old light fixtures, and the trendy barn-style doors.

  “Welcome. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so we’ll have to uncover a few things, but I think you’ll be comfortable here.” Buck pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. The rooms lit up and the gas fireplace came on as he walked around flipping switches.

  “You two can make yourselves at home. Vanessa, there’s a second bedroom. You’re more than welcome to stay here instead of over at the warehouse.”

  “We’re going to have so much fun. Buck, this is perfect. It’s so homey, and look at this kitchen.”

  Shimmering granite countertops, a Viking range with bright red knobs and double ovens, and an old farmhouse sink—this kitchen was big enough for a group of cooks to cook in at the same time. If this was the guesthouse kitchen, she couldn’t imagine what the one in the house looked like.

  Buck pulled sheets from the furniture revealing comfortably worn fine leather in rich deep reds, forest greens, and golds.

 
; “There’s a storage area at the back of the garage with Christmas decorations in it,” Buck said. “Use whatever you’d like. Really, treat this place like your own while you’re in town.”

  “We can’t stay here for free. We’ll pay you, and we’ll hire a cleaning service when we leave to be sure it’s back shipshape,” Vanessa said.

  “Oh yes, I insist,” Anna said. “I’d planned to pay for that little place I’d rented anyway. You’re doing us a huge favor. You saved the day.”

  His smile was humble, his cheeks reddening. “Well, I’m glad I could help out. I haven’t saved any damsels in distress in way too long.” He shuffled his feet, obviously a little uncomfortable. “This is on the house. Really. It’ll be nice to know that it’s being used.”

  Vanessa and Anna looked at each other, not arguing but knowing they’d make it right.

  “The panel box is in the garage, but I don’t expect you’ll have any problems,” he went on. “The fireplace switch is here next to the mantel. The heat is controlled there in the hall. I think that’s all you need to get you through the night. Oh, let me make sure…” He walked into the kitchen and pulled out a drawer. “Yep, a whole bunch of those coffee pods.”

  “You’re the best,” Anna said. “Thank you so very much.”

  “Nah, just in the right place at the right time. I’ve been eavesdropping on your cousin all week. I’m glad I could do something to help rather than only dish out unsolicited advice, which by the way I’m kind of known for.”

  All three of them laughed at that.

  “Can I help you with your luggage?” Buck asked.

  Vanessa stepped between them. “No, I can help her. You’ve already been kind enough to get us all settled in. Thank you.”

  “Okay.” He walked toward the door with Vanessa and Anna following him. “I guess I should mention there’s pretty much nothing but coffee and condiments in here. I gave up grocery shopping when it became only me. I can eat down at the Blue Bicycle for just as cheap anyway, plus no cleanup and none of the waste. You’ll have to stock the kitchen here, or maybe I’ll see you over at the diner.”

  “No problem, we can do some shopping,” Vanessa said, “but that does explain why I kept bumping into you down there. It’s great food. I travel so much that I’ve learned to find a place with a nice varied menu and stick to it for the duration. So, I know how hard it is to cook for one.”