Diana put another decoration back in its box. “We don’t need anything else. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s beautiful.”
Katie was amazed at how good the tree looked. With its shiny baubles and fluffy balls of spray-on snow, it looked wonderful. “Our guests will love it.”
“Talking about our guests,” Penny said. “Are the Donaldsons back from town yet?”
“They’re still shopping.” Diana picked up an empty box. “I’m meeting them at Cassie’s jewelry store in an hour.”
When the doorbell rang, Charlie ran across the room, his tail wagging happily.
“I’ll get it,” Katie told her sisters. She followed Charlie into the entryway, wondering who it could be. She just hoped it wasn’t a history buff wanting to see the replica dresser in their living room. With everything turned topsy-turvy while they were decorating the tree, it wasn’t the best time to ask about the letter they’d found.
When she opened the door, she smiled at their unexpected visitor. “Hi, Peter.”
“Hi. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I saw the sign for the inn and thought I’d come and say hello.” He bent down and gave Charlie’s back a rub. “Who’s this?”
“That’s Charlie.” Katie laughed when their big, cuddly, canine buddy leaned into Peter’s legs. “He’ll never be a guard dog, but we don’t mind. Would you like to come inside? I was just about to make everyone a cup of coffee.”
“Thanks. That would be great.” He wiped his feet on the doormat and followed her inside. “Are many people staying here at the moment?”
“We have a full house.” Katie stopped in the middle of the living room. “You’ll have to excuse the mess. While our guests are sightseeing, we thought we’d decorate the tree.”
Diana and Penny looked up from what they were doing.
If Penny’s raised eyebrows were anything to go by, she was as surprised as Katie to see their visitor.
“Peter, I’d like you to meet my sisters. Diana’s on the left and Penny’s on the right-hand side of the tree.”
He nodded at the two women. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Peter Bennett. I met Katie in the general store.”
“And then he followed me to The Christmas Tree Farm.” Katie hurried across the room and rescued another decoration from Charlie.
When Penny’s eyebrows rose again, Peter grinned. “I followed your sister for all the right reasons. I was looking for some gifts for my family and your mom suggested the Christmas shop.”
Penny smiled. “That makes more sense. Are you staying in Sapphire Bay for long?”
“Not as long as I’d like. I’m going home in January.”
“Well, at least you can enjoy Sapphire Bay until then.”
Katie picked up the old tinsel that was destined for the trash. “Who wants coffee?”
Penny shook her head. “Not for me. I have a meeting in town.”
“I’ll have one,” Diana said as she picked up three boxes. “I just need to take the decorations we aren’t using to the garage.”
Peter held out his hands. “I’ll help.”
“Thanks. That would be great.”
With a woof, Charlie joined Diana and Peter as they headed toward the front door.
“I’ll have fresh coffee ready for you when you get back,” Katie said.
Peter looked over his shoulder and smiled. “Sounds good.”
And with his smile lingering in her mind, Katie walked toward the kitchen. She didn’t know what it was about him but, for someone she’d only just met, being around Peter was easy. If she didn’t know better, she would have sworn she’d known him forever.
* * *
