Harlow sat with her hands in her lap and grinned. “Just when you think you already know how great a guy is, he goes and plans a night like that.”
“I think you just said you think I’m great?” Harris joked, not wanting to be serious in the off-chance Harlow wasn’t feeling the way he was about their relationship.
“Well,” Harlow waved it off, “I mean, great if you think we can even get into Louis…”
“Reservations are at seven.”
“And he’s thought of everything.” Harlow let the swoon fall over her but only for a second before she jumped. “Seven?” she chirped, “I need to get ready!”
Harlow was off in a dash and flying up the stairs. Harris wondered how many times in their lives together he’d try and get that same reaction out of her. The passion, compassion, and frantic excitement.
He hoped more times than he could remember by the time they were old and gray together.
__
“Tell me about your work.” Harlow said as she sipped the red wine they’d ordered with dinner. They’d shared a bowl of the Cioppino and salty, crusty bread, then split a simple chocolate tart for dessert. It was the perfect way to start their night of winter walking and shopping together.
Harris mirrored her sip then sat back and shook his head. He’d never taken the time to sit back and think about his job. As he thought about it now he realized they’d accomplished so much in just a few short years, but he hadn’t paused to enjoy it.
“I love it,” he said, sounding more surprised than he intended.
Harlow smiled and asked jokingly, “You didn’t know that you loved it?”
“Ha, it seems silly doesn’t it?” Harris admitted. “For the longest time, even as a kid, I remember thinking I’m going to make something of myself and this company. We’ve done that – multiple times over. But tonight, looking back on it, it’s always been great. We are profitable. We are sustainable.”
Harris looked down searching, wondering how it was he hadn’t realized it before.
Harlow placed her hand on his and said, “I have a feeling you’ve lent a great deal to that.”
She couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. Harlow had imagined Harris as the ultimate professional. Never ceasing his progress or movement forward. Never pausing for a woman or a family. Always worried about the bottom line. Yet, here he was, realizing maybe he didn’t have to try so hard.
But just as she started to feel hopeful, Harris continued.
“Once we finish this collaboration with Pro Feed – you remember Calvin from the charity event?”
Harlow’s spirit plummeted in an instant and all she could offer was a single nod in acknowledgment. She slid her hand away from Harris’ and replaced it on the stem of her wine glass, wishing it was full to the brim.
“We just have to make one final push. One more sprint, and we’ll be there. It’ll be a lot of work. Long hours, days, weeks, months. But then,” Harris looked up, his eyes radiant with a competitive gleam, “we will have created the perfect company. We’ll never have another worry in the world.”
She knew her smile was forced, but she also knew she had no right to be disappointed. The letter, the postbox – all of it – was run by Harris’ company. He was simply the man who had been assigned to fulfill her Christmas wishes. He would do this task as he would any other – tirelessly to achieve the best results. Then he would move on to the next important venture.
So, she thought, she would accept that, enjoy this time and the wonderful Christmas party for an amazing, hopeful group of children, then move on with her own life.
“I’m happy for you and proud of what you’ve been able to accomplish.” Harlow said, offering her true feelings – because she was proud of him.
She just also happened to be in love with him. Sometimes, she supposed, the truth and love didn’t quite align. He would accept her pride in him, but he was unable to accept her love in the way she wanted him to.
“Thanks,” Harris said, noting the shift in her tone, the seriousness, so he added, “It really means a lot to me – that you’re proud.”
Harlow finished her glass of red and breathed deeply.
“Okay,” she said, “should we head to the park then embark on some holiday shopping?”
“Let’s do it,” Harris said, as he did the same and finished off the remaining droplets of his own glass.
As Harlow and Harris walked slowly down the sidewalk, taking in lamps adorned with evergreen wreaths and trees with lights wound around them, she thought it felt colder than it had on their way over. Or, perhaps a little of the optimistic warmth the feeling of love had wrapped around her earlier, had taken on a lonely chill.
They’d walked along the road until they reached the picturesque Rice Park. It looked like a glowing Currier and Ives painting.
The path leading them through the middle of the park was lined with curved black iron benches and matching old-fashioned lamp posts that had been kissed by drifts of snow. The beautifully trimmed trees that had lost their leaves for the season now had a new adornment with what seemed like millions of little twinkling star lights.
The world could have gone completely dark, she thought, but these dazzling trees could have lit it all on their own.
They passed lovers walking arm-in-arm or holding hands, groups of friends laughing on their way to dinner or a play, and people who just wanted to enjoy the beautiful evening alone or to walk their happy dogs.
How could somebody walk through a moment like this and not fall in love with the season and everything it represented? Harlow thought, grinning at a child and a puppy rolling in the snow to their right. It made something like work seem so insignificant, and she wondered, how it was possible that somebody as kind and generous as Harris didn’t see the same thing.
Just beyond the park they saw the glow of the Christmas Market and heard the sound of music and cheerful voices stretching over to them, reaching out and pulling them in. When they heard the upbeat beginning of Step Into Christmas and the crowd cheer at the sound, Harlow and Harris looked excitedly at each other and hurried their pace.
People were ordering beers and ciders, gazing at homemade trinkets and gifts, and many of them were there to do nothing but enjoy the magnetic energy.
“This is amazing.” Harlow said, spinning to take in all of the little shops and food stands.
There were glass ornaments, ceramics, and clay pottery. Hand-carved bowls and trays, and cute little wooden toys she couldn’t keep herself from wandering toward.
By the time they had circled the market once they had bags filled with knitted hats and gloves, adorable jackets, cozy indoor slippers, and a toy or two for each child who would be at the Christmas party. They’d even purchased an ornament for every person that would be in attendance – including the staff.
Harlow decided it would be a new tradition. Every magical Christmas party going forward would have its own ornament, and it would be given away as a gift. Something special for everyone to remember the time together.
When they thought they were finished, Harlow and Harris began to make their way out, but slowed as they started past a European pancake stand.
They had, only two hours ago, eaten a delectable meal. But something about the potato pancakes and German pretzels called to them. And without speaking they turned and stepped into the line, unable to resist.
CHAPTER 23
The next day, The Hill was energized and swarming with movement and chaos as teams moved in and out, preparing for the weekend event.
Christmas Eve was exactly one week away, Harlow grinned at the thought as she looked around, so she didn’t feel even the slightest bit of guilt when she told her staff to hold off on the removal of the decorations until after the New Year. After all, there wasn’t any sense in removing it before then. She might as well enjoy the spectacular display straight through the holiday.
Lisa walked up behind Harlow, who stood on the second floor overlooking
the frenzy below.
“How are you feeling today?” Lisa asked, wondering if a new day had given her friend a little more optimism than she’d had the day before. Lisa had been tired, but when the call came in late last night she knew she had to answer. So she’d sat and listened to Harlow rationalize why she couldn’t tell Harris how she felt about him.
Harlow didn’t make eye contact and continued staring below with a face of resolve.
“I’m feeling…” Harlow stood a bit straighter, “I’m feeling determined.”
She turned to face Lisa and her face softened. “I have to be determined. If not, I’ll remember that I’m in love with Harris. I know what you’re going to say. But if I tell him, I’ll be forcing him to choose. If he chooses to embark on a romance with me, he’ll resent me for pulling him away from work.” Harlow lifted her hands at the possibilities, then let them fall with the inevitable consequences. “Or worse, I resent him for working too much. Either way we’ll be better off without the heartbreak we could have avoided.”
Harlow turned and looked out again resting her hands on the wooden railing. “I know what it’s like to love people who want to be somewhere else.”
Lisa’s heart broke a little bit for her friend. If only her family knew how much she missed them.
Lisa turned and stood next to Harlow, looking out over the same mess of preparation. Harlow wanted people present in this house so badly. To fill the emptiness, she had literally invited more than one hundred strangers into it. Strangers who, by the end of the Christmas party, would feel like a part of the family, Lisa thought. Her mission would be accomplished.
Harlow felt the bump of Lisa’s shoulder. “Come on,” Lisa said. “Let’s test the hot chocolate and wander the most magnificent Christmas wonderland I’ve ever seen.”
As they walked the grounds with the rich scent of chocolate billowing from their cups, they took it in.
A small tractor was pressing a path of snow around the house and through the awning of the carriage house – a house that looked like a cute miniature version of the mansion sitting off to the left. And, they noted, the carriage house was being prepped with white twinkling lights of its own.
More evergreen trees were being carried in by workers who volunteered to make the delivery from the nursery. They’d donated all of the remaining trees that hadn’t sold for the season to the party. It was so close to Christmas they’d kept only a few behind on their lot for last-minute shoppers or Christmas emergencies.
Harlow and Lisa followed the trees in, walking on the brown paper they’d laid on the floor in an attempt to keep it clean from the tracks of snow and needles that were left behind.
The great room was filled with wooden nutcrackers, airplanes, and train sets that would be linked together to form a track that would allow the train to chug around the room in an endless loop.
Glittery red, gold, and silver presents were being wrapped and bowed, and little tags were being adorned with kids and family names, then signed from Santa.
As they wandered to the kitchen they saw silver and wooden dessert trays and tiers meticulously placed along the length of the island. Punch bowls and drink trays were prepped in the butler’s kitchen through the two-way swinging door, and small, delicate wreaths hung from each cabinet door.
Harlow tried to focus on the planning and decorating, but as they walked through the kitchen she felt the warmth of the kiss Harris had placed on her cheek just feet away when they had made dinner together. A kiss that felt so tender, so filled with emotion.
She’d wanted to wrap her arms around him and simply hold him. The kind of embrace that made you feel safe. The kind that made you want to hold tighter, because if you did, you might push the love you had for that person right into them. Then you hoped with everything inside of you they could feel it.
When Harlow stopped her movement forward, she looked at Lisa. “I have to tell him.”
“I know you do, sweetie.”
“Not telling him will be worse than never knowing. What will come of it? – I have no idea,” Harlow shrugged and shook her head, “but I have to try.”
Harlow looked around at everything that still had to be done.
“I have everything here under control. You go,” Lisa said, offering a comforting hand on Harlow’s arm.
“Thank you.” Sincerity poured out with the words. “Lisa, I’m so grateful for you.”
Lisa smiled and said her thank you in the only way she knew how: “Me too. Love you, Harlow. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
The two friends hugged, then Harlow spun around, taking one last look at the holiday transformation, and skipped out of the room.
Harris would be at work, but something was telling her love couldn’t wait.
CHAPTER 24
Harris was on a mission. He had work to do and it wasn’t going to be easy. The timeline was tight – almost impossible – but he was going to get it done, whatever the cost.
When he saw Brandon in his office, head down, he knew he was going to be the cause of serious disruption. But he’d get Brandon on board. And, he thought, he’d better get his dad in the room, too. His dad had made a lot of promises on Harris’ behalf, so he’d have to do some explaining to people who had a lot of influence, and who would be much more impacted.
Harris knocked on Brandon’s door and received a blank stare at the interruption. Harris nearly laughed at Brandon's face, that was clearly still lost in whatever he was working on.
“Brandon,” he started, “do you have time for a quick meeting?” Harris asked and continued as he saw Brandon was about to tell him he was really busy – and Harris knew he was. “It won’t take long, and it’s important.”
Brandon’s blank look of confusion turned to intrigue with the lift of a single brow and he pushed away from his desk. Usually when Harris used ‘It’s important,’ it was.
Harris led Brandon away from their own offices toward his dad’s. It was Harris’ turn to be confused as they found the door closed rather than open in welcome. He knocked twice on the clouded glass pane that had Charles Porter etched in the middle.
The two men stared at each other from the outside and couldn’t hide their boyish grins as they heard the unmistakable sound of Santa’s laughter mixed with the booming sound of Charles’ baritone howl. They shook their heads at the grown men sharing a youthful bout of cheerfulness, and pushed in when they heard two voices invite them in.
Santa and Charles were perched on chairs facing each other with faces so red they looked like cinnamon Lollipops. Their grins were wide and their eyes bright. They looked like a couple of kids who’d been caught causing mischief and having a little too much fun. Harris didn’t know if he should feel bad for breaking it up or that he wasn’t invited to join in.
“Dad, Santa. How are both of you today?” Harris asked as he and Brandon walked in and took their places next to the two men.
“Well,” Santa perked, “I sure can’t complain. I’ve heard about the Christmas party you and Harlow are throwing and I couldn’t be more overjoyed.” Santa looked to each of the men enthusiastically bouncing his head up and down in agreement. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to make an appearance. Maybe bring a special gift or two for the youngsters?”
“Yes,” Harris said, not realizing Santa’s excitement had bewitched him, taking him along as if on a joyful sleighride. “That would be great. The kids would love it. And Harlow, well, she’d be thrilled.”
Charles and Santa eyed each other in a shared secret at Harris’ tone when he mentioned the name of the woman who’d stolen his heart.
Harris didn’t seem to notice and thought, it's now or never. He might as well let them in on the mission and the hit the company would take by forcing a delay. Maybe if Santa was here his excitement would soften the blow.
“Actually, I’m glad you’re all here.” He looked to Brandon, “And thanks for taking the time to stop what you were working on – I know you’re b
usy.”
The men leaned in, wondering what it could be that would make them even more pressed for time than they already were with the collaboration. Though Santa didn’t seem worried, Harris noted, when he stole a look in his direction after taking in the faces of his dad and Brandon.
“I’d like to delay the collaboration.”
Harris waited as faces processed and registered. His dad showed surprise – the happy kind. Brandon showed the same, but with a little more defeat lining the edges of his eyes.
“It will still happen,” Harris said, assuring Brandon the work he’d done so far wouldn’t be lost. But he needed Brandon because he was the best. His planning, organization, and brilliancy with logistics were exactly the skillsets needed for something that was more important.
“Well, son, what are you thinking?”
The men looked from Charles back to Harris.
“I’d like to use some resources to fulfill one of our Christmas wishes from a postbox letter,” Harris said, happy it didn’t sound as ridiculous as he thought it might when he said it out loud. Though, he thought, they might disagree seeing as the request came from him. It wasn’t like him to slow business progress for…anything.
Charles nodded for Harris to go on when nobody made a sound.
Harris pulled Harlow’s Christmas letter out of his pocket and unfolded it to reveal the pictures inside. He eyed the worn edges and the ragged look of them from his need to pull it out throughout his day just to see her face. Harris filed through the familiar pictures once more until he found the picture of the entire family wearing ugly Christmas sweaters with their names printed on the front. Then handed it to Brandon.
Brandon accepted the picture and looked down, unable to suppress the grin caused by the terrible sweaters they were wearing. Then looked to Harris once more.
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