Katie waited patiently while he felled the tree and helped his staff load it into their truck. With other staff doing the same thing, the whole process of getting the trees from the farm to the store was seamless and efficient.
When Ben was ready to leave, Katie pulled on her motorcycle helmet. “Thanks for coming here with me. I know how busy you are.”
“It was no problem. Besides, Kylie wanted me to help you. You and your sisters buy a lot of flowers for the inn from her store.”
“That’s because she’s an amazing florist. I can’t wait to show my sisters the tree.”
Ben smiled. “On that happy note, let’s head back to the parking lot. Will someone be at the inn to help you get it inside?”
“There should be but, if not, I’ll call Ethan and Wyatt. They’ll help.” Katie climbed onto the back of the four-wheeler and breathed a sigh of relief. With the tree organized, all she had to do was cover it in lights, tinsel, and decorations to make it look even more amazing than it was.
* * *
After spending moretime at The Christmas Tree Farm than he should have, Peter drove back into town. As he climbed out of his truck, he looked across the parking lot at the tiny home village. Twenty homes, built as permanent accommodation for people who used to be homeless, filled a large lot opposite The Connect Church.
From conception to the grand opening, the village had taken more than two years to complete. It was only through hard work and perseverance that Pastor John and the community had managed to build something that was making a huge difference in many people’s lives.
If it hadn’t been for Richard, one of the residents, joining the clinical trial for the prosthetic limbs, he might never have appreciated just how special it was.
“Hi, Mr. Bennett.”
He turned and smiled at Richard’s seven-year-old son. “How are you, Jack?”
“I’m doing great. So is Dad.”
Picking up his laptop and a box, he joined Jack on the sidewalk. “I like your sled.”
The grin that lit his face made Peter smile, too. “Thanks. Pastor John found it for me. Do you want to come for a ride?”
“Not on this visit, but I’ll keep it in mind for next time. Is your dad home?”
“He’s at the church helping Pastor John get ready for a meeting. I’m going to see him, too.”
“I’ll follow you, then.”
Jack nodded solemnly. “Dad’s leg is good. He said it’s better than a real one, but I like my legs.”
Peter’s lips twitched. “I’m glad. How’s school?”
“It’s okay. We’re making things for the Christmas market. My teacher said it’s an opportunity to show people how talented we are.”
Peter smiled at the pride in the boy’s voice. “That sounds like a fun thing to do.”
“It is, except my friend Nora wants to bake Christmas muffins and my teacher said we can’t. I hope she changes her mind because Nora’s aunt makes the best cake ever.” Jack dropped his sled on the ground and opened the back door. “Dad’s in here.” After stomping his feet on the doormat, he hurried down the hallway.
The church and The Welcome Center were like a home away from home for Jack and his dad. From what Richard had told him, they’d arrived in Sapphire Bay with nothing except the clothes on their backs and Pastor John’s name.
John had found them beds in The Welcome Center, given them a hot meal, and started the slow process of helping them emerge from the tragic situation they’d found themselves in.
Jack walked into one of the meetings rooms and ran up to his dad. “I found Mr. Bennett in the parking lot.”
Richard looked over his son’s head and smiled. “Hi, Peter. It’s good to see you.”
He shook Richard’s hand. “It’s good to see you, too.”
Jack looked at his dad. “Are you going to do your exercises for Mr. Bennett?”
“That’s the plan.” Richard looked around the room. “All I have to do is add another six chairs to the back row and we can leave.”
