Now, if she could just solve the mystery of the undelivered present.
Bunny spotted Andie and Shane walking toward her. Her eyes instantly lit up, and she couldn’t wait to tell Andie that they might be on to something.
“Hey, you two. Don’t you look cozy.” Bunny was glad to see the couple so happy together.
“Thanks. We are.” Shane put his arm around Andie’s waist and squeezed. Andie beamed.
“How’s the Crosby job coming along?” Shane was retired from the Navy and now a carpenter who specialized in additions around town. He’d built quite a business for himself and was doing a kitchen renovation at one of Bunny’s friends’ houses.
“We’re making good progress. Should wrap up just in time for their family Christmas,” Shane responded, a pleased smile gracing his face.
“How’s the investigation going?” Andie asked.
“I thought you’d never ask,” Bunny teased. “Sam might be on to something. In fact, I’m heading to the library to meet him.”
“Really? Do tell!” Andie’s eyes sparkled with keen interest, reflecting her impatience to hear the details.
Bunny quickly spilled the beans about the church bulletin Sam had discovered, about the family that had “put the holidays on hold,” and their plans to delve deeper into the church archives.
“That’s amazing! It sounds like you’re getting close!” Andie said, visibly thrilled.
“As promising as that lead sounds,” Shane added, his tone tempered with a touch of caution, “don’t forget the present is really old, and there weren’t many clues in the trunk to begin with. It might still be impossible to figure out exactly where it came from.”
Bunny nodded, acknowledging the note of caution in Shane’s words. “You’re right, of course. But we’ve got to follow every lead we have, no matter how slim the chances.”
“Absolutely,” Shane agreed, his eyes meeting hers in a reassuring gaze. “But sometimes, mysteries are part of the magic, too.”
“True, but either way, it keeps Sam and me exercising our gray matter, so it’s all good.” Bunny gave them each a pat on the arm. “Well, I better be on my way—Sam’s waiting. Nice to see you both!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Maxi couldn’t believe her eyes as she looked around the gallery space. They’d loaded all of Olga’s items into her car and raced over to the gallery. In less than two hours, Olga had transformed it into a Scandinavian Christmas wonderland, brimming with handcrafted items that told stories of a culture deeply rooted in tradition and festivity. There were intricately knitted julekuler ornaments, their patterns reflecting age-old Nordic designs, soon to hang on a faux Christmas tree at the center of the room. Hand-carved dala horses and small wooden figurines of tomte, the little Swedish gnome, were laid out on a table, ready for placement on shelves.
Along the walls, Olga had spread out yards of beautifully embroidered linen and colorful woven jul runners. A delicate mobile featuring the St. Lucia procession, crafted from thin sheets of birch, was yet to be suspended from the ceiling, promising to add an ethereal quality to the space. Candleholders designed in the unique kurbits style often seen in Swedish folk art were being positioned on the counter next to an arrangement of traditional woven heart baskets.
As they moved around, placing each item with care and intention, Maxi finally broke the silence. “Olga, I can’t evenbegin to express my gratitude. This is beyond amazing. I hope it’s not too much for you, though.”
Olga waved away Maxi’s concerns with an energetic hand. “Oh, don’t you worry about me, young lady. I’m a lot spryer than people give me credit for—especially my children.” A wistful expression crossed her face. “Hopefully, this will prove to them, once and for all, that their old mother can manage just fine on her own. They don’t have to fuss so much.”
“If this doesn’t convince them, I don’t know what will,” Maxi replied, genuinely impressed. “Pulling off a one-woman art show like this is no small feat.”
Olga’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Maxi. “Well, they always say experience comes with age, and I’ve had plenty of both.”
Maxi took a step back, looking at the gallery from a variety of angles. It looked fantastic. Chandler would be impressed.
“You know, we have Bunny to thank for this incredible collaboration,” Maxi said, smiling at the thought of how Bunny had brought them together.
Olga adjusted one of the displays. “Ah, yes, Bunny. She’s such a nice lady. Quick thinker too.”
Maxi nodded. “And makes great carrot muffins.”
“Indeed.” Olga smiled.
“The moment I saw your Scandinavian pieces, I knew they’d be perfect for the gallery. They capture the essence of the holidays while offering something unique and deeply cultural.”
“Ah, you flatter me,” Olga said, beaming. “I was so thrilled when Bunny suggested the idea. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase a part of my heritage that’s so dear to me.”
Maxi couldn’t help but ask, “You’ve created so many pieces, Olga. Where does all this energy and ambition come from?”
