Holly’s stomach had clenched at the reminder. Jack was meeting with Abe Tanner in a few minutes. Their entire future hung in the balance.
But Jane had been insistent. “We can’t just sit around here worrying. We’ll go crazy. Let’s go into town, finish ourChristmas shopping, and get the decorations for the lamp decorating tonight.”
So now Holly found herself in the shuttle with a group of exhausted but determined people. Jane was driving, with Gabe in the passenger seat, managing his crutches. In the back were Holly, Charlie, Trinity, Maddy, Isabella, and Christopher.
“I still need a dress for the ball,” Holly said, realizing she’d been so focused on getting the inn ready that she’d completely forgotten about what she was going to wear.
“Me too,” Charlie admitted. “I have nothing fancy enough for a Winter Ball.”
“I need one as well,” Isabella added. “I’ve been so busy with the kitchen menus and the ball, I forgot a dress.”
“Perfect,” Jane said, glancing at them in the rearview mirror. “We’ll hit the dress shops first, then do the rest of our shopping.”
When they arrived in St. Augustine, the historic downtown was already bustling with last-minute Christmas shoppers. Strings of lights crisscrossed the streets, and every storefront was decorated with wreaths and garland.
“Alright,” Christopher said as they all piled out of the shuttle. “Logan, Gabe, and I are going to William’s shop to pick up the lanterns. We’ll meet you all back here in, what, two hours?”
“Make it three,” Jane suggested. “We have a lot to accomplish.”
“Three hours it is,” Christopher agreed. “Have fun, ladies.”
The men headed off in one direction, and the women turned toward the row of boutiques Jane had scoped out earlier in the week.
“This is kind of exciting,” Maddy said, bouncing on her toes. “All of us out on the town.”
“Yes, and we can help Isabella, Gran, and Aunt Charlie pick out beautiful dresses,” Trinity admitted. “I love shopping for clothes.”
“I know you do, sweetheart,” Holly ruffled her granddaughter’s hair, not remembering when last she’d gone shopping for such a grand affair as a winter ball.
The shop Jane took them to was filled with beautiful gowns in every color imaginable. Holly felt slightly overwhelmed as she looked at the racks of dresses.
“What kind of dress are you looking for?” the sales associate asked, approaching Holly with a friendly smile.
“I’m not sure,” Holly admitted. “Something elegant but not too flashy. Something appropriate for a historic inn’s Winter Ball.”
“I have just the thing,” the woman said, leading Holly to a section of the store. “These are our classic evening gowns. Timeless, sophisticated, perfect for a formal event.”
Holly began browsing through the options while Charlie and Isabella did the same nearby. Trinity and Maddy had found a section of cocktail dresses and were excitedly pulling out optionsto show Jane.
“What about this one?” the sales associate asked, holding up a deep burgundy gown with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt.
Holly’s breath caught. It was beautiful. “Can I try it on?”
“Of course!”
Twenty minutes later, Holly stood in front of the dressing room mirror, hardly recognizing herself. The burgundy gown fit perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right places before falling in elegant folds to the floor. The neckline was modest but flattering, and the color made her skin glow.
“Holly?” Charlie called from outside the dressing room. “Let us see!”
Holly stepped out, and there was a collective gasp.
“Oh, Holly,” Charlie breathed. “You look stunning.”
“You look like a princess, Grandma,” Trinity said, her eyes wide.
“That’s the one,” Jane said definitively. “You have to get that dress.”
Holly looked at herself in the three-way mirror and felt a flutter of excitement. When was the last time she’d dressed up like this? When was the last time she’d felt beautiful?
