Home to Chestnut Grove
Page 11
They turned to face him, waiting to see what would happen next.
He cleared his throat before he began to sing, “Putting on the Ritz with chestnut blitz, Delight in every bite, It’s the taste that never quits.”
The old jingle . . . hearing it made a wave of nostalgia wash through Faith. At once, she remembered being a little girl dressed up in Shirley Temple fashion and doing a tap dance as she sang, and ending the tune with jazz hands and a smile.
“Excuse me,” Timmy said as everyone turned toward him. Sweat glistened on his forehead. “Can I have your attention?”
Everyone waited, a quiet murmuring filling the room.
“I have a special surprise planned,” he said, his words coming out slowly. “I’d like to ask all of you to join me at the Factory. Faith, Jake, and the Whitmore family . . . I ask you be at the front of the line.”
Faith and Jake exchanged another glance. As everyone watched them, they cut through the crowd and followed behind Timmy as he led them outside and onto the sidewalk. He didn’t slow down. He kept walking, on a mission to some unknown destination.
“What’s going on, Timmy?” Jake asked, hurrying a couple steps to keep up.
“You’ll see.” Excitement laced in his voice. He walked even faster, faster. Past the Flour Girl bakery. Past the general store. Toward the industrial part of town.
What in the world had Timmy planned? Faith felt an equal mixture of excitement and nerves.
With crowds following behind them, they continued. Snowflakes fell from the sky and clung to eyelashes and noses.
Jake took Faith’s hand into his and he shrugged, obviously giving up on figuring this out. Neither said anything as they walked, listening instead to the murmur of the people behind them.
Finally, Timmy paused outside the old Blitz’s Candy Factory. He turned to face everyone, a wide grin on his face. He waited for everyone to grow quiet before he said, “I’ve been planning a special surprise. For Jenny.”
Faith’s heart pounded in her ears. He opened the door—the lock had been broken. With a glance at Jake, they stepped inside the old place. Faith prepared herself for the overwhelming memories of running around this building as a little girl.
Instead, she sucked in a breath at what she saw.
It was a winter wonderland. Christmas lights hung from the ceiling. Trees were decorated all around the perimeter. Where an old oven used to sit, it now looked like a gingerbread house.
And that was just the start.
With Jake tugging at her hand, she stepped deeper into the building and glanced around again, soaking in all of the fine details. All the decorations. All the time that must have gone into this.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she whispered.
“There’s Ms. Gingham’s train,” Jake murmured in her ear.
She followed his gaze and her breath caught. “And Lucy’s snowman.”
“And Mary Evans’s miniature Ferris wheel.”
All the missing Christmas decorations. They were here. In this old factory. Each was arranged beautifully.
“They’re all of Jenny’s favorite things.” Timmy appeared beside them. “We walked around every year, and she would show them to me.”
Jake squeezed Faith’s hand harder.
“This is . . . beautiful, Timmy,” she finally said. “It’s truly beautiful.”
“She would have loved it,” Jake added.
“I’m sorry I let the air out of your tires,” Timmy said.
Faith blinked in surprise. “You did that? Why?”
“Because I was afraid you’d leave, and I wanted you to stay.”
Faith and Jake exchanged another smile. How could she ever get mad at him after hearing his explanation?
“It’s okay, Timmy,” she said. “You’ve got a good heart.”
The town crowded in behind them, each oohing and awing over the display. Suddenly, no one seemed angry over the missing decorations or the petty thefts. The mystery had been solved . . . in the very best way possible.
This truly was a magical Christmas.
21
An hour later, everyone in town still seemed to be enjoying themselves. Between the dance and Timmy’s Christmas display, festivities were in full swing. Apple cider flowed freely, along with a multitude of chestnut treats and lots of laughter.
Faith and Jake stood on the street near the town Christmas tree and applauded as the lights came on. It was the perfect ending to the day.
“This town is great,” someone said behind them.
Faith turned and saw Cole Brockman standing there. Her heart lurched into her throat. Talking to him had been a major roadblock for her and Jake. She didn’t want any more misunderstandings.
“I’ll give you two a minute.” Jake took a step back.
She grabbed his arm. “That won’t be necessary.”
Jake paused, remaining beside her, and offered a subtle nod. “If you say so.”
Cole didn’t seem to notice any tension crackling in the air. Instead, he looked all business in his heavy wool jacket and brimmed hat. “I really think there’s a treasure to be found here, Faith,” Cole said. “Hipsters love this stuff. The right advertising, this place could be a real destination location. I can see weddings and family reunions and all kinds of celebrations.”
“Me too,” Faith said. “I’m hoping tonight’s event might be the launching point for all of that.”
“I’d say it is.” Cole’s eyes narrowed as he addressed her. “Have you thought anymore about my offer?”
“I have,” Faith said, feeling confident in her response. “And I’m afraid I can’t take it.”
“Faith—” Jake started.
She squeezed his hand to let him know it was okay. “This isn’t about anyone else but me. I’m making this decision because I think it’s the right thing, not because I feel pressure or obligation to do something else.”
Cole didn’t even flinch. He remained undeterred. “I can make you a star,” he said. “You know I can. You’ve got everything it takes to make it happen. You just need the right play.”
She’d be lying if she said his words didn’t bring her pleasure. It felt good to hear that she had the chops, in his opinion, to make it. But she’d already decided on a different direction for her life.
“You know, I used to think success was about doing the things that gained you attention and money,” she said. “But I’ve realized that success is about doing what you love and being around people who make you happy.”
“Musical theater doesn’t make you happy?” Wrinkles formed at the corners of Cole’s eyes.
“It does. But I can do theater other places. It doesn’t have to be on Broadway. It could be . . . right here in a place like Chestnut Grove.”
“With a talent like yours . . . it would be wasted.”
“Life is about more than talent for the biggest audience. It’s about using your gifts around the people you love. What good is it to have everything in the world but to be alone and miserable?”
“I think you’re making a big mistake,” Cole warned, his brow creasing with disagreement.
“I don’t think I am. I want to stay here. In Chestnut Grove.”
“You do?” Jake sounded nearly breathless with surprise.
Faith turned toward him and nodded, warmth filling her heart. “I do. I’m hoping there might even be a few people left here who want me to stay.”
“I know one person who does.” A grin spread across his face.
“Who’s that?”
“Me.” His lips met hers again, the moment seeming to promise that everything was going to be okay after all.
22
One Year Later
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister said. “You may kiss the bride!”
With snowflakes cascading around them and the mountains standing as a witness, Jake leaned forward and planted a firm yet gentle kiss on Faith’s lips.
As they
stepped back from each other, the town cheered and applauded. A huge grin spread across Faith’s face, a grin that was mirrored by Jake.
A lot of things could change in a year, and Jake and Faith were prime examples.
Faith had moved back to Chestnut Grove and into the inn with Ms. Gingham. Jake was helping her fix the place up and make it more of a four-season getaway.
Faith’s dad had given permission for her to convert the old factory into a small theater. It would add to the area’s charm. They’d do small musical theater numbers there once it was ready.
The whole town was taking part in re-creating the area, all the way from the bakery to Franny’s restaurant. It would take time—a lot of time and hard work. But things were finally looking up.
There had been a rise in tourism this year—only 10 percent, but 10 percent was a great starting point. In fact, the Christmas performance this year had sold out so quickly that they’d had to schedule two separate times to accommodate everyone. Another new bed and breakfast had opened in town. Lucy and her husband hadn’t moved after all. And Mr. Foggerty? He and Ms. Gingham were now dating.
In fact, Faith’s dad had even returned to town for the wedding, and the community had graciously welcomed him with open arms. Sometimes, just like the dying plant in Jake’s office, all something needed was a little tender love and care to bring it back to life.
“I love you, Faith Winters,” Jake whispered.
“It’s Faith Whitmore now.”
He grinned. “I really like the sound of that.”
“So do I.”
“By the way, there’s something I need to show you,” Jake said.
Her pulse quickened with anticipation. “What’s that?”
He raised his pant leg and revealed his socks. They were the ones Faith had given him right before she left for New York . . . the goofy ones with her face floating on the red background.
Her hands went over her mouth. “I figured you’d burned those.”
His eyes twinkled. “You figured wrong.”
“I love the fact that you’re wearing them right now.” Faith took his hand and squeezed it, grateful for restoration and second chances. “I know Jenny isn’t here with us physically, but it’s almost like I can feel her here in spirit with us.”
“I can too. I’m so glad you came back, Faith.”
“Me too. Because the only place I’ve ever felt truly at home was here in Chestnut Grove with you.”
Bonus Recipes
Chestnut Vanilla Latte
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. Torani Caramel Sauce
1/2 oz. Torani Marron (Chestnut) Syrup
1/2 oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup
8 oz. milk
2 shots espresso
Directions:
Mix ingredients together.
If desired, garnish with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Chestnut Soup
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, divided
4 (7 ounce) cans whole chestnuts, drained
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1 potato, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 pinch ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup sour cream, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Saute the chestnuts in butter until heated through; set aside.
Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in a large pot, and stir in the carrot, potato, and celery. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and chestnuts.
Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and fresh parsley.
Puree the soup in a food processor or blender or use an immersion blender.
Garnish each serving with sour cream.
Complete Book List
Squeaky Clean Mysteries:
#1 Hazardous Duty
#2 Suspicious Minds
#2.5 It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (novella)
#3 Organized Grime
#4 Dirty Deeds
#5 The Scum of All Fears
#6 To Love, Honor and Perish
#7 Mucky Streak
#8 Foul Play
#9 Broom & Gloom
#10 Dust and Obey
#11 Thrill Squeaker
#11.5 Swept Away (novella)
#12 Cunning Attractions
#13 Cold Case: Clean Getaway
#14 Cold Case: Clean Sweep
While You Were Sweeping, A Riley Thomas Spinoff
The Sierra Files:
#1 Pounced
#2 Hunted
#3 Pranced
#4 Rattled
#5 Caged (coming soon)
The Gabby St. Claire Diaries (a Tween Mystery series):
The Curtain Call Caper
The Disappearing Dog Dilemma
The Bungled Bike Burglaries
The Worst Detective Ever
#1 Ready to Fumble
#2 Reign of Error
#3 Safety in Blunders
#4 Join the Flub
#5 Blooper Freak
#6 Flaw Abiding Citizen
#7 Gaffe Out Loud
#8 Joke and Dagger (coming soon)
Raven Remington
Relentless 1
Relentless 2 (coming soon)
Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries:
#1 Random Acts of Murder
#2 Random Acts of Deceit
#2.5 Random Acts of Scrooge
#3 Random Acts of Malice
#4 Random Acts of Greed
#5 Random Acts of Fraud
#6 Random Acts of Outrage
#7 Random Acts of Iniquity
Lantern Beach Mysteries
#1 Hidden Currents
#2 Flood Watch
#3 Storm Surge
#4 Dangerous Waters
#5 Perilous Riptide
#6 Deadly Undertow
Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense
Tides of Deception
Shadow of Intrigue
Storm of Doubt
Lantern Beach P.D.
On the Lookout
Attempt to Locate
First Degree Murder
Dead on Arrival
Plan of Action (coming in May)
Carolina Moon Series
Home Before Dark
Gone By Dark
Wait Until Dark
Light the Dark
Taken By Dark
Suburban Sleuth Mysteries:
Death of the Couch Potato’s Wife
Fog Lake Suspense:
Edge of Peril
Margin of Error
Cape Thomas Series:
Dubiosity
Disillusioned
Distorted
Standalone Romantic Mystery:
The Good Girl
Suspense:
Imperfect
The Wrecking
Standalone Romantic-Suspense:
Keeping Guard
The Last Target
Race Against Time
Ricochet
Key Witness
Lifeline
High-Stakes Holiday Reunion
Desperate Measures
Hidden Agenda
Mountain Hideaway
Dark Harbor
Shadow of Suspicion
The Baby Assignment
The Cradle Conspiracy
Nonfiction:
Characters in the Kitchen
Changed: True Stories of Finding God through Christian Music (out of print)
The Novel in Me: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing and Publishing a Novel (out of print)
About the Author
USA Today has called Christy Barritt's books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
Christy wr
ites both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
She is married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she's not trying to be. Christy is a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.
When she's not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident-prone she is.
Find Christy online at:
www.christybarritt.com
www.facebook.com/christybarritt
www.twitter.com/cbarritt
Sign up for Christy’s newsletter to get information on all of her latest releases here: www.christybarritt.com/newsletter-sign-up/
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