Finding Christmas (Blue Harbor Book 7)

by Olivia Miles

He gave her a consolatory grin. “That must have been hard.”

  She nodded. “It was.” Hard enough to make her not play the piano again for six months, for her to feel shaky and sweaty every time she sat down at the bench and held her fingers over the once familiar keys for a month after that. Hard enough to make her stay in this town, and eventually find a purpose in teaching others, hoping that for some of them, their fate would be better than hers.

  “I guess you could say that was the point when I gave up my dreams.”

  He nodded slowly and picked up his beer. “Or maybe just reshaped them.”

  She sipped her cider, considering this. “I never thought of staying in my hometown as a different sort of dream, but I’ve made the most of it, and…I’m happy.”

  He peered at her. “Are you?”

  No one had ever asked her this before, and it had been so long since she’d given up the aspiration to perform in concerts in big cities, or in the orchestra pit, that most of her friends and family had stopped mentioning it. At first, because it was such a sore subject, but later, because she’d never complained or brought up what might have been.

  “It wasn’t meant to be,” she said.

  “Oh now, I think anything is possible if we set our mind to it. Look at what this town is doing for the library,” Travis pointed out. “When you want something enough, you find a way. It doesn’t mean that it will turn out exactly as you hoped, but sometimes the new version is even better.”

  Jenna let those words soak in for a bit, thinking of how it might relate to her children’s choir. Three songs weren’t much, but if they were really special… Then there might be hope yet.

  Chapter Ten

  The Conway Orchard and Winery covered many acres of land on the edge of town, but the red barn at its center was its defining feature. It was here that Gabby had chosen to host this year’s wreath-making event, on a quiet, snowy Monday night, when most people would be free of other plans.

  Britt and Robbie had joined forces, offering cider and mulled wine to the crafters. Britt stopped Jenna as soon as she neared the table, still tired from her after-school lessons. Try as she might, not every child loved piano, and one of the young boys she taught on Mondays was more interested in playing soccer than practicing a musical instrument, despite his mother’s insistence.

  “Keira enjoyed last week’s choir rehearsal,” Britt said. “You must be disappointed about the pageant, though.”

  Jenna pulled in a breath. Somehow, she’d gotten through the day without thinking too much about what she had lost. Working on the Winter Carnival plans had helped—the old-fashioned theme was fun to think about, and with a bit of research, she’d compiled a list of games that were fitting with the Victorian period. So far all of the vendors she’d contacted had agreed to alter their menu slightly, or even just their presentation, to go along with the theme. It didn’t hurt that she was related to so many of them, Britt included.

  “I had you on my list to call today, but I ran out of time,” Jenna said, dodging the sensitive topic. “Our theme for this year’s carnival is a throwback, if you will, a Dickens-style Christmas.”

  “That’s a brilliant idea!” Britt grinned. “It will certainly bring in the tourists.”

  “That, and hopefully remind people that what draws people to this town is the old-fashioned charm, the library included. It wouldn’t be the same if we went and changed it all.” She leaned in to whisper, “Believe it or not, it was Candy’s idea.”

  “No!” Britt laughed. Of all her sisters, Britt had taken the longest to warm up to their father’s girlfriend at first, but by the time Candy marched down the aisle and said “I do,” she was possibly Candy’s biggest fan. “People have a way of surprising you, don’t they?”

  You could say that again. Jenna glanced around the room, hoping that she was subtle in her search for Travis or his grandmother, only partially relieved when she didn’t see either of them. Really, it would be for the best if they didn’t show up—some distance would help her keep a clear head, focus on her new holiday mission, remember that her priority, as always, was with her music.

  But was her heart?

  She didn’t have to consider that question for long because the barn doors opened, and, along with a cold gust of wind, came Travis and his grandmother.

  “Who’s that with Mabel Gibney?” Britt asked.

  Jenna was grateful for an excuse to turn back to her cousin. “Oh, that’s her grandson. And the temporary principal at the school.”

  “Oh, yes! I remember now. I saw him at the tree lighting.” Britt nodded her understanding. “Keira speaks very highly of him. He’s very popular with the kids.”

  Jenna wasn’t sure why this surprised her, other than the part of her that still harbored her original opinion of him. The man she’d grown to know over the past week was quite different, though: warm, friendly, even a little thoughtful.

  But still a Scrooge. Yes, still a Scrooge, even as he positioned his grandmother at the head of a craft table and set to work gathering greenery and pinecones for a holiday wreath.

  “Well, I should go say hello to my sister and let you get back to it. I wanted to be sure to get some cider before it’s gone.” Before Jenna could forget, she dropped some cash in the donation jar. “All for a good cause!”

  “But what about your good cause?” Britt poured handed her a mug.

  Jenna swallowed back the emotions that threatened to show in her face and spoil her otherwise good spirits. “I have the Christmas choir, and the children are a part of it this year. But Christmas only comes once a year and I’m worried about what this means. What will happen next year if the kids don’t have a music program at the school?”

  Britt raised her eyebrows. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, then more of them will hopefully start taking piano lessons with you!”

  Jenna wished it could be so simple, or that she could offer them all the wisdom and passion that Mr. Pritchard had installed in her to the students who did come to her, but not every child had that opportunity, and music was meant to be shared.

  “Well, for now, let’s focus on saving the library. Is that Helena?” Jenna spotted the librarian at one of the more crowded tables and waved, but Helena was too focused on tying a ribbon to look up and notice.

  “You can be sure that her presence will keep Candy away tonight,” Britt said knowingly. “Amelia has stopped paying Candy’s late fines, and you know what a stickler Helena is about returning books. The last time I was at my dad’s house, I saw at least three romance novels in the living room, and some of them were due back in October!”

  Jenna laughed, but she didn’t admit that she was relieved Candy wouldn’t be present tonight. She didn’t need anyone trying to insinuate that she and Travis would be a good match.

  She looked at him across the room as he stood to gather more supplies. His thick brown hair was a complement to his camel-colored sweater that revealed broad shoulders and a washboard stomach, but it was the smile he gave her when he caught her eye that made her almost drop her beverage.

  She held the copper mug a little tighter. Really, this was getting ridiculous. About as ridiculous as the fact that she’d put on her best jeans, dressy boots despite the six inches of snow that was expected to fall tonight, and a blouse that Brooke had passed down to her from her New York days, making it the fanciest item of clothing in Jenna’s closet.

  “You seem to be making a habit of frequenting my family’s places of business,” she said as she approached the supply table, which was set out of earshot from the tables where people were busy talking and assembling, bow-tying, and hot-gluing.

  “You’re pretty hard to avoid,” Travis said with a slow smile. “Not that I’m avoiding you.”

  She licked her bottom lip, realizing from the cock of his eyebrow that he was waiting for her response. “Are you implying that I’m avoiding you? Between the small size of this town and the abundance of community spirit,
I probably couldn’t do that even if I wished!”

  “And is that what you wish? To avoid me?”

  His eyes flickered with amusement as they held her gaze and a ripple of excitement tore through her stomach. He was flirting with her.

  “Oh, I can’t tell you that. Only Santa hears my Christmas wish.” Her cheeks flamed as his mouth quirked with interest, and Jenna rushed to say, “It’s hot in here, isn’t it?”

  It was indeed warm in the barn, which had been converted to a proper storefront years back for their Sunday market, fully equipped with heat, central air, and plumbing.

  “We could step outside for a bit?” Travis suggested, surprising her. “The moon’s bright enough that I might be able to see a bit of the property.”

  “Trying to take a break from the festivities?” she chided.

  His grin was rueful. “That obvious?”

  Jenna could never resist an opportunity to show off the land that had been in her family for generations. “All right then, but only because the smell of pine is a bit strong.”

  She was still wearing her coat, and Travis quickly found his on the hook near the door. Outside, the moon was bright, just as Travis had said it would be, and the snow fell gently, the flakes large enough to rest in her palm.

  Jenna caught one, admiring the lacey details until it melted. “I love winter.”

  “It doesn’t wear on you after a while?” he remarked. “I have to admit, Florida weather has been pretty nice.”

  She tried to keep her tone neutral when she said, “Think you’ll go back soon then?”

  “Florida?” He shook his head. “Nah. No reason for me to go back.”

  But did that mean he had a reason to stay here?

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love spring and summer, too. And fall.” Jenna laughed. “Hey, I grew up on this orchard. Over there—” She pointed to the orchards that were dark now, impossible to see, even though Travis leaned in, trying to follow her direction. He was so close that she could feel the heat of his skin against the cold wind, and she didn’t pull back, didn’t want to.

  “Rows and rows of apple trees,” she said. “And back behind that other barn is the vineyard. My sisters and cousins and I used to play hide and seek for hours. And there—” Even though the cherry trees were on the other side of the barn where they stood, she wasn’t ready to pull back just yet, instead saying, “Behind us are the cherry trees. We have something for every season.”

  “But not winter.” He tipped his head. “So why would it be your favorite? And don’t even think about saying Christmas,” he added, flashing her a smile that made her stomach roll over a little.

  She shrugged and took a sip of her warm beverage. “I’m a homebody, you could say. Winter is a good excuse to stay inside.”

  Her cousins and sisters would be sure to reprimand her if they heard her admitting this, but really, what was so wrong with loving to be home?

  “Is that why you never auditioned again?” He tipped his head. “That story you told me last night, about the music college. Have you ever thought about giving it another try?”

  Jenna swallowed hard. Staying in Blue Harbor hadn’t been by choice, but somehow it had turned out for the better. “No, I never did. At first, I guess it was because of the rejection. If I’m being honest, maybe there’s still a part of me that fears that.”

  “Doesn’t everyone?”

  She stared up at him, realizing that he had his own disappointments and maybe even insecurities, things in life that he had let hold him back, or maybe, kept him from moving forward. Because just moving wasn’t the same at all, was it?

  “I meant what I said about being happy here. Blue Harbor is my home. My family is all here, and it’s nice to be around people who love and support you, no matter what.” She pulled in a breath and stared up at the sky. “I don’t think I could find that anywhere else.”

  “I can’t imagine having an anchor like this,” Travis said, his voice a little sad when he looked around at the many buildings and snow-covered fields.

  “You have your grandmother’s house,” Jenna pointed out, but she knew it wasn’t the same and that she was lucky, having ties to such a landmark in this community, something that was passed down through the generations, traditions that were honored.

  She realized that Travis hadn’t been given those opportunities and maybe this was why he didn’t cherish things like she did.

  “I didn’t visit my grandmother much,” he explained. “She and my mom, well, they had a tense relationship. I think my grandmother wanted her to stay in town, and my mom wanted to get out, explore.”

  “Your mom sounded adventurous,” Jenna said, smiling.

  A strange look passed over Travis’s eyes. “I think she was restless. Maybe even unhappy. She didn’t want to be tied down, not to a small town, but sometimes not even to a big city. But it was more than that. She couldn’t stick with a job or a relationship.” He frowned, looking down at the ground.

  Jenna set a hand on his elbow, leaving it there. “She stuck with you.”

  His smile was sad when he looked up at her. “Yeah. She did. And she loved her mother. She just couldn’t stay here. This town wasn’t enough for her, even though it’s everything to my grandmother.”

  “Your grandmother has lost a lot, but the people of this town have kept her smiling.” Jenna thought about that for a moment. In many ways, the same could be said for herself.

  “She has a good community here,” Travis agreed. Then, with a little grin, he said, “And I’m beginning to think that she might be finding more than just a friend in Mr. Pritchard.”

  Jenna laughed. “You think? It’s sweet, isn’t it? There’s no better time to fall in love than at Christmastime.”

  Immediately, Jenna was grateful for the darkness that hopefully made it impossible for Travis to see the blush rise up in her cheeks. He looked at her strangely, his gaze lingering for long enough to cause her breath to slow and her heart to speed up.

  “Is that so?” he said, his mouth twitching.

  “Well, sure, I mean…” Oh, brother. “Christmas is the time for magic, as they say.”

  “That it is,” he said, nodding.

  A car door slammed and Jenna looked over to see her sister Gabby approaching, carrying an oversized boxed filled with greenery.

  “Gabby?” She glanced at Travis and explained. “My sister.”

  “Ah yes, from the tree lighting.” He nodded, and she could have sworn his eyes twinkled in the moonlight.

  The heat in Jenna’s face notched higher and she stepped toward her sister. “You need help?”

  Gabby craned her neck around the box. “You came!” she exclaimed, then, doing a double-take at Travis, she said bluntly. “You!”

  Oh, dear.

  Travis grinned, game for whatever came next. Jenna, however, was inwardly cringing. Now that Gabby was happily settled into a relationship of her own, any eligible man was by default someone she thought Jenna should get to know.

  Travis held open the door and the women filed into the barn. Jenna half wished Travis wouldn’t join them, but there he was, right behind her.

  “I didn’t realize that you two were here together,” Gabby’s eyes widened on Jenna as she set the box down on the supply table and dusted her hands off on her coat.

  “We’re on the planning committee so it makes sense to attend these events and help where needed,” Jenna said at the same time that Travis said, “I’m here with my grandmother.”

  Jenna glanced at him, sharing a little smile. So they were both on the spot. Something in common then.

  “Well, I should probably make sure that everyone has enough supplies, but Travis, we could use a strong guy like you to help carry the boxes of the finished wreaths out to the loading dock. I’m going to stop by tomorrow to collect everything. I have a feeling that I’ll be too tired tonight by the time we’re finished.”

  “At your service.” Travis nodded.

  “I
’ll see you Wednesday night?” Gabby asked Jenna.

  The cookie swap! It had almost slipped her mind. Thinking quickly of all the commitments she already had for the week, Jenna nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it! It’s only one of the best nights of the year!”

  “What’s Wednesday night?” Travis asked once Gabby had walked away, looking back only twice to give Jenna less than subtle expressions.

  “The cookie swap party I’d told you about.” Jenna started sorting pine sprigs from boxwood. “I guess that means I’ll have to find some time to bake cookies between now and then.”

  “You don’t want to just pick up a box at the store?”

  Jenna laughed. “I can’t do that!”

  “Why not?” Travis shrugged. “If they taste good, what would it matter?”

  “It would matter because baking cookies is something you do this time of year. It’s fun and festive and, well, everyone associates Christmas with cookies!” She shook her head, sensing that she’d lost him. “Oh, but that’s right. You’re not into all the fun activities that make Christmas so special.”

  “I happen to have nothing against cookies,” he said.

  “Oh, no. My cookies are for the party. Besides, I can’t take any cookies from the swap unless I bring some. Those are the rules.”

  “What if I offered up some cookies of my own? Would you let me have a taste then?”

  Now he had her full attention. “You mean to tell me that you’re willing to tie on an apron and roll out some dough just to get a few samples of what I take home from the party?”

  “I’d rather try the ones you make, but…yes.” He grinned. “If you’ll let me be a part of your tradition, that is.”

  She was hesitant to show just how willing she would be to alter her plans. “I only have tomorrow night to bake them—”

  “I’m free any time after four.” He grinned broadly as if knowing he’d gotten his way.

  She glanced at him, wondering how she could even say no and if she wanted to. “Your grandmother would probably like some Christmas cookies, considering that she did happen to win a beautiful platter from Harbor Holidays last year in the carnival raffle.”