Julie’s mom, with her vibrant personality and bright clothing, pulled Julie out of the corner and into the hall, where she was able to get some breathing room. It was clear the bulk of the partygoers still wanted to tender their congratulations at the news, but they held off as Julie’s parents closed ranks around her.
“Did I hear Gram right? Are you staying in Pinecone Falls?”
At this point, it sounded almost surreal, like a dream. But every time she repeated it, it became more and more real. “I think so. If Gram can get out of selling the inn, I will.”
Dad looked relieved. “Good. I’ve been worried about Gram. It will be better for her health if she keeps active, and I know that she hasn’t been enjoying retirement.”
That was definitely one point in favor of the decision Julie had made. It would make Gram happy. And despite what she’d thought when she’d arrived here ten days ago, it would make Julie happy too. Boston didn’t hold as much appeal to her anymore.
Mom said, “I never liked you being in Boston, anyway.”
The sound Julie made was one of half disbelief and half laughter. “Mom! You’re always off to big cities all over the world.”
“Yes, but I don’t settle down in them for a reason. You’ve always thrived in Pinecone Falls. It used to be your favorite place in the world.”
With a smile, Julie said, “Maybe it can still be that.”
* * *
Nolan feltlike he was balancing on a tightwire. The difference between Julie staying, where they could get to know each other and see where their relationship led from there, rested with how stubborn Gramps was going to be about this sale. Two weeks ago, Nolan would never have imagined that Gramps would let the Cozy Holly Inn and surrounding property go without an ugly fight. But the Gramps of two weeks ago was not the man who had offered up his kitchen to save the Christmas Eve party.
What had Ida Green said to him when they’d spoken privately? Nolan might never know. Nor would he know the magic that old woman had wrought in just fifteen minutes. It boggled the mind. Nolan stood on the threshold of the kitchen, agog at what he saw. He had to find Julie.
She was surrounded by people when he found her, but he had no compunction about wading in between, making his excuses, and tugging Julie out by the hand. It earned him some knowing looks, but so what? If all went well, they would be dating soon, and the entire town would know about it anyway.
The click of her heels followed him as he led her closer to the kitchen. As the crowd thinned and they found a moment of privacy, he turned to face her. Julie looked bewildered, paler than usual. Had she changed her mind? Stuffing away his excitement at the possibilities ahead, Nolan dropped her hand.
“You were so excited for your interview only a couple of hours ago. What changed?”
Her eyelashes fluttered in front of her eyes as she blinked slowly, processing the question. As much as he wanted her to answer that he was the reason, that she wanted to explore this thing between them as much as he did, he was simultaneously afraid of the answer. Her smile chased away his lingering fears, and he found himself answering her in kind.
“Honestly, I think it was Pinecone Falls. I think it’s been sneaking up on me this entire time. I feel happy, grounded. Like I used to when I visited over the summers.”
He smirked and leaned closer. “A little differently, I hope.”
She blushed furiously enough to match her dress.
As much as he wanted to kiss her in that moment, instead, he caught her by the hand and tugged her toward the kitchen. “You won’t believe what our grandparents are doing.”
When he and Julie stopped in the threshold to the kitchen, they found Ida and Gramps in the same scene as he’d left them. The pair were sitting at the small kitchen table, heads bent together as they toasted each other with what looked like the whiskey Gramps kept for special occasions. Outside, the jingle of sleigh bells as the sleigh passed with partygoers gave a clue as to how the whiskey had likely arrived.
Julie giggled and leaned against Nolan. He slipped his arm around her waist, but the private moment didn’t last long. The sound caught the attention of their grandparents.
Ida announced, “It’s all settled.”
Nolan was afraid to celebrate. He looked at Gramps for confirmation.
The old man was smiling. “We’ve decided to do things a bit different. Instead of a buyout, we’ve decided to partner and coordinate to give our clientele the best experience we can.”
“After all,” Ida added, “the two inns have very different experiences. There’s only one thing left to settle.”
“What’s that?” Julie asked. She sounded breathless. If he hadn’t been touching her, he might not have been able to notice the tension vibrating through her. Excitement or apprehension?
Ida said, “After we pass, the businesses will be going to you and Nolan. Do you think you two will be able to work together?”
Nolan exchanged a glance with Julie. She was smiling. “Yeah,” he said dryly. “I think we can manage that.”
“Good,” Gramps said with none of his usual curmudgeonly grumbles. In fact, he looked downright mischievous with the twinkle in his eye. “Then why don’t you two make it official with a kiss? You’re standing underneath the mistletoe.”
