CHAPTER9
Jackie flicked crumbs off the front of her sweater as she walked toward the front door. Someone had rung the doorbell and she assumed it was Aidan. Before they’d gone their separate ways after the wedding, they’d agreed to meet today to discuss the Christmas gala she was organizing.
Most people wouldn’t have discussed business on a Sunday but, with everything else that was happening, she didn’t have a choice. With only about nine weeks left until Christmas, she had a small window of opportunity to open her knitting store before the busiest time of the year. And that meant organizing the gala as quickly as possible.
She opened the door, and an enormous yawn almost locked her jaw in place. “Sorry,” she said to Aidan from behind her hand.
“Still tired from last night?” he asked with a gentle smile.
“I’m exhausted,” Jackie admitted, “but it was worth it. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.” She ushered him inside and led him into the living room, where they both took a seat on the worn but comfortable couch. “Did you go for a run this morning?”
“I slept through two alarms. When I woke up, I decided to give it a miss.”
“You must’ve been tired, too. Have you heard how Mike’s doing?”
Aidan placed his laptop on the coffee table. “David texted me this morning. Mike’s second surgery went well and he’s recovering in the hospital. He’s lucky he wasn’t killed.”
Jackie nodded. There was a fine line between having a car accident with major injuries and one with hardly any. “I hope he recovers soon. I’ve only met him once, but he seemed like a nice person. Would you like a cup of coffee or do you want to talk about the gala? Everyone Daniella and I have spoken to is interested in being part of the event.”
“Let’s talk about the gala and have a drink later. I’ll make notes on my laptop.”
“Don’t worry about writing anything down. I’ve already put a document together with all the details.” Jackie handed him a folder. “Here’s a copy I printed off for you.”
Aidan looked at the first page. “You’ve been busy.”
“I wanted to contact the people who could help us as quickly as I could. Early November is close to when everyone plans their Christmas events. I didn’t want you to miss out on having some great options.”
Jackie hoped Aidan liked what he was reading. Between her and Daniella, they’d spent a lot of time organizing this part of the gala. “I’ve incorporated what you had in your project plan and added more options. We have a fantastic line-up of local groups and people who’ll donate their time and talents for the event.”
Aidan nodded when he saw the details about the first group who’d volunteered. “David suggested contacting Mabel about the Christmas Carol Choir. He said they’ve won the regional competition.”
Jackie nodded. “They sound amazing. I heard them last year and couldn’t believe the choir’s made up of people from Sapphire Bay. Mabel said she’d love them to sing at the gala. They’ll use it as practice for this year’s competition, but they’ll sing different songs. She’s worried another choir might discover what they’re singing and copy them.”
Aidan grinned. “Espionage in a small town?”
“Believe me,” Jackie sighed. “It’s a real thing. Mabel’s paranoid about not letting anyone know what the choir’s singing. Even the Christmas baking we’re giving the audience has been classified as top secret.”
Aidan looked back at the list. “We should be grateful they’re willing to sing, then. Who’s Willow?”
“Willow’s married to Zac, our local doctor. She used to tour around the world with a band, but she gave it up to live here. As well as being a talented musician, she’s an incredible photographer. She’s happy to sing and provide a framed print for the auction.”
As they went through the list of entertainment options, Jackie didn’t know which artists Aidan preferred. “What do you think of Mr. Jessop making balloon animals for the children?”
“They’ll love it. Where did he learn to make them?”
“I didn’t ask, but he’s really good.”
Aidan nodded. “I like the idea of having a range of activities for everyone to enjoy before dinner. That way, the guests can mix and mingle, and look at the auction items before they go under the hammer.”
Jackie grinned. “As far as the auction goes, we’ve got painters, photographers, and sculptors happy to donate auction items. Ben’s even donating a Christmas tree. Brooke’s putting together a huge Sweet Treats hamper filled with her fudge and candy, Megan’s donating a voucher for a decorated cake, Cassie’s contributing some jewelry, and we’ve got meals at restaurants, steamboat rides in Polson, fishing and tramping adventures, and even an all-expenses paid weekend in Las Vegas.”
Aidan’s eyebrows rose. “I should’ve asked you to organize this sooner.”
“I couldn’t have done it without Daniella,” she admitted. “She’s been an enormous help.”
“So, what’s next?” Aidan asked.
“After you’ve had a chance to go through my suggestions, I’ll make any changes, then contact the people who’ve said they can help. As soon as they confirm they’ll be at the gala, I’ll book any other equipment we’ll need. The biggest costs will be the audio-visual items and the drinks and food.”
