“Of course.” Holly smiled, and for the first time in days, it reached her eyes again. The warmth was back, and Jack felt something in his chest loosen. “I think we’d get lynched if we cancelled it. Everyone is looking forward to it.” She shuddered playfully. “Although I’m not too sure about the ice cream and pizza for dinner, though. Gabe, Jane, Trinity, and Maddy had junk food for dinner last night.”
Jack couldn’t help but smile at how maternal Holly was. A complete contrast to Pamela, who had never shown an ounce of concern about Jane’s diet or well-being. Yes, he had been wrong to ever suspect Holly of anything underhanded.
“It’s Christmas,” Jack said, his heart lifting once again. “I’m sure we can allow it and then fix their health in the new year.”
Holly laughed at that, and the sound was like music. “Or ensure they have a good meal at least three times a week while on holiday.”
“I’m sure they’ll all take that deal,” Jack said, relieved at how they seemed to have fallen back into their camaraderie. The easy rhythm they had found before Simon’s appearance. “I’ll have the shuttle out front at five-thirty sharp.”
“I’ll have my brood here on time,” Holly assured him.
“I’ll have mine here on time too,” Jack promised. Then, not wanting the moment to end, he added, “Would you like to grab a light, healthy late lunch?”
“I was just on my way to do exactly that,” Holly told him, her smile widening. “What I thought we were going to do.”
They walked into the dining room together, and Jack felt hope bloom in his chest. Maybe they could get past this. Maybe he just needed to trust what was right in front of him instead of looking for shadows that were not there.
JULIE
Julie and William had walked into the inn just as Jack had called out to Holly. They had stood quietly off to one side, observing the interchange between the two with the careful attention ofpeople who had lived long enough to recognize something important when they saw it.
“See, I told you, William.” Julie turned to him triumphantly, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. “When one wish comes true, like the one you made as the first wish on the wishing tree, it ripples out, ensuring others are granted along the way.”
William turned to her fondly and kissed her soft cheek. “My sweet Julie, I never doubted you for a minute.” He glanced back toward the dining room door, where Jack and Holly had just disappeared, and sighed. “I just wish all the strife, hurt, and darkness didn’t have to be a part of it.”
“William, dear, you know that you can never truly be free of quicksand until you’ve completely removed the pit,” Julie told him wisely. “You cannot build a solid foundation on unstable ground. Sometimes the old wounds have to be opened and cleaned before they can finally heal properly.”
William nodded slowly, considering her words. “Well, it sure looks like all the pits are getting completely cleaned up. I just hope it’s all sorted by Christmas.”
“Have some faith, William,” Julie patted his arm affectionately. “Christmas is a magical time where miracles happen. And I have a feeling we’re going to witness a big one at the Christmas Inn this year.”
William smiled at her. “You are a remarkable woman who has brought light back into my life after years of loneliness.” His eyes shone with love and admiration. “You’re already my miracle, Julie Christmas.”
“And you’re mine, William Moore,” Julie said softly. “But I think there are several more miracles waiting to unfold before Christmas morning arrives.”
“And I can see you looking forward to each one coming true,” William observed with a gentle smile.
“Of course. That’s what the Christmas Inn is all about,” Julie said with a knowing look. “This place was built on miracles, William. James, my dear departed husband, used to say that Christmas magic is woven into the very walls of this inn. People come here broken, and they leave whole. They come here lost, and they find their way home.”
William squeezed her hand. “Then let’s make sure they have the Christmas they deserve. One filled with joy and hope and new beginnings.”
“And love,” Julie added softly. “Most importantly, love.”
They walked toward the dining room together, two people who had found their second chance at happiness, determined to help ensure that the younger generation found theirs as well.
8
GABE
Gabe sat rink-side, watching his family have fun on the ice. The entire group was there—his mother, Holly, Trinity, and Aunt Charlie all out there on the ice. The Christmas family was well represented too: Jack, Jane, and even Julie with her friend William glided past. Logan never strayed far from Charlie’s side, his attention focused on her as if she were the only person on the rink. Maddy, Isabella, and Christopher rounded out their group, their laughter carrying across the ice.
Gabe smiled, thinking about the shuttle ride to the rink earlier. The excitement in the air had been palpable, infectious. Christmas carols had blared from the speakers, and they had all sung along, even him, surprisingly. He was not usually one for singing, but something about tonight had made him let go of his usual reserve.
His eyes took in the festive lights strung around the rink, the Christmas music blending with the perfect Florida night. Thesky was putting on its own spectacular display, stars sparkling like diamonds scattered across black velvet. There was something magical about being outdoors in Florida in December, where you could enjoy winter activities without freezing.
His eyes fell on Jane, laughing as Maddy and Trinity carefully guided her along the ice. She was holding onto both girls for support, her movements cautious but joyful. His mother had told him that there had been an accident three years ago, and Jane’s husband and unborn daughter had died. Jane had suffered a bad injury and had to learn to walk again.
Gabe hadn’t asked Jane about it directly. No, he knew that if and when she wanted to share those details, Jane would tell him. But he could tell she still had pain from that injury. He had watched her move in the ballroom as she decorated over the past few days. Careful not to move in certain ways. He had seen a flinch of pain here, a careful stretch there. Anyone who didn’t know would have thought it was just a kink from working so hard and leaning in awkward positions. But Gabe knew better. He recognized an old injury warning its owner not to overdo it.
