“Has she graduated from cooking school yet?” Addie inquired, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Jane felt a bittersweet emotion wash over her. “No, Mom. Claire runs her own café now, remember? She’s been out of school for quite some time.”
Addie looked slightly confused, as if trying to fit together pieces of a puzzle. “Ah, yes, I must’ve forgotten. Time flies, doesn’t it?”
Jane nodded, her heart aching a little but also filled with love. “Yes, it does. Speaking of which, do you remember four women that used to come to the inn every fall? Susan, Margie, Betty, and Carol?”
Addie nodded even though the confused look in her eye told Jane she didn’t really remember them.
“They wanted me to give you this.” Jane pulled the little figurine out of her bag.
Addie’s eyes lit up. “It looks like Tides!” Addie took the figurine from Jane and admired it for a few minutes before giving it a prominent place on her bookshelf. “I’ll keep it right here where I can see it all the time. Will you thank them for me?”
“I will.”
Addie took another bite of her muffin and then glanced around her room. “They’ve started decorating for the Winter Prelude. Would you like to take a walk and see the decorations in the common rooms?”
“I’d love to. Mike is supposed to meet me here to take Cooper back to his place. Why don’t we wait for him?”
“Sure. I can finish my muffin.”
Hearing a soft knock on the door, they turned to see Mike standing there. Jane and Mike had been dating for a few months now, and the sight of him still made her heart flip. Cooper rushed over to Mike, and the man bent down to lavish the dog with attention.
“Hey, boy! I missed you.” Mike rubbed Cooper’s fur then stood and gave Jane a soft kiss on the cheek. “And you too.”
“And me?” Addie asked innocently.
Mike laughed. “Especially you.” He walked over and kissed Addie on top of the head.
“I was just telling Jane that they’ve started putting up the decorations for the Winter Prelude,” Addie chimed in. “Maybe we can all go take a look?”
Jane, Mike, and Addie wandered through the common areas of Tall Pines Assisted Living. The soft glow of twinkling white lights washed over them, lending a magical touch to the surroundings. From the art room to the library, each space seemed transformed into a cozy winter wonderland.
When they reached the puzzle room, they heard a voice tinged with concern say, “Now, Mom, this is too much. You should take it easy.”
An unmistakable Norwegian accent shot back, “Hush up. I’m perfectly fine and full of energy!”
Rounding the corner, they came upon Olga Svenson and another woman standing among a flurry of festive decorations. Olga was arranging an intricate ornament on a shelf.
“Ah, Jane! So good to see you!” Olga beamed. “I hope you are enjoying the decorations I gave Liz for the Inn. Meet my daughter, Kristina.”
“Nice to meet you, Kristina,” Jane said warmly then turned to Olga. “Thank you so much for sending of the decorations. They look fantastic, and my guests love them.”
“You’re very welcome, dear. I have more. It gets lonely just sitting around all day, so I’ve been getting into the holiday spirit early.” Olga’s sapphire eyes twinkled.
Kristina sighed. “Mom, really, you’re doing too much for your age. The decorating, the baking, managing the house—it’s a lot. Maybe it’s time to consider a nice room here at Tall Pines.”
Olga’s eyes narrowed, her gaze full of defiance. “Not a chance, young lady. I have more energy than people half my age and love to keep busy!”
Addie, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. “Oh, let Olga be. As long as she’s able, she should do what makes her happy. You never know when you might not be able to do things or even take care of your own home anymore.”
Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight that seemed to hit home for everyone in the room. Kristina looked at her mother, perhaps seeing her in a new light, while Olga nodded appreciatively at Addie’s insight.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
In the warm, cozy ambiance of Andie’s antique store, Sam and Bunny were seated in front of the old trunk in which Andie had found the unopened gift. Antique furniture and vintage collectibles surrounded them, each with a story of its own. Dooley sat obediently nearby, his keen eyes watching the proceedings.
Sam carefully lifted the lid of the trunk, revealing a mishmash of items—a true time capsule. Bunny, her eyes shining with curiosity, was the first to reach inside. She pulled out an old Raggedy Ann doll and some doilies.
