"I am." Riley felt a flutter of nerves. "Just getting everything set up now."
"Well, I'd love to talk to you about working together." Mrs. Patterson's eyes were warm. "My bakery could use some help with social media and maybe a website refresh. I know I'm not some big city client, but?—"
"Are you kidding?" Riley interrupted. "I'd love to work with you. Your bakery is an institution in Pine Valley."
Mrs. Patterson beamed. "Really?"
"Really. Can we set up a time next week to talk specifics?"
"That would be wonderful. How about Tuesday afternoon?"
"Tuesday's perfect."
They exchanged information, and as Mrs. Patterson walked away, Riley felt something settle in her chest. Her first real client. A local business owner who wanted to work with her. This was actually happening.
Grant reappeared with drinks, handing her a glass of champagne. "You look happy."
"Mrs. Patterson just hired me," Riley said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. "Well, wants to hire me. We're meeting Tuesday."
"That's amazing." Grant kissed her temple. "See? I told you people here need what you do."
"You did." Riley leaned into him. "Thank you. For believing in me."
"Always."
The crowd started to shift toward the stage, and Riley looked up to see Thomas making his way up the steps. He had a microphone in hand and was waving for everyone's attention.
"Is this the announcement?" Riley asked.
"I think so." Grant's hand tightened on hers.
The music cut off, and Thomas cleared his throat. "Evening, everyone. Thanks for coming out tonight."
A chorus of cheers went up from the crowd.
"I won't keep you long—I know you want to get back to celebrating." Thomas smiled. "But I wanted to share some news with you all. News I've been planning for a while now."
Riley felt Grant tense beside her.
"As most of you know, I've been running Lawson Family Christmas Tree Farm for over thirty years. It's been my life's work, and I've loved every minute of it." Thomas's voice was warm. "But it's time for me to step back a bit. Time to let the next generation take over."
The crowd murmured with interest.
"So effective January first—well, immediately—I'm transitioning full ownership and all operations of the farm to my son, Grant."
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Riley looked at Grant, whose face had gone pale with shock.
"Dad—" he started, but Thomas wasn't done.
"Grant's been ready for this for years. He's got a good head for business, a love for this land, and now he's found the right woman to build a life with." Thomas's eyes found Riley in the crowd, and he smiled. "My son is settled. He's happy. And I can't think of a better time to officially hand over the reins of a staple in this community."
More applause. Riley's eyes were stinging with tears.
"I'll still be around, of course," Thomas continued. "Can't stay away completely. But I'm planning to do some traveling in the off-season. See some places I've been putting off. Maybe finally take that trip to Ireland I've been talking about for twenty years."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
"So please join me in congratulating Grant and wishing him well as he takes over the farm." Thomas raised his glass. "To new beginnings."
