“Okay.” With his book tucked under his arm, Oscar hurried to the bathroom.
Chloe picked up Oscar’s bowl and cup. “Are you looking forward to hearing more about what we’re doing on Main Street, Liam?”
“I am,” he said with an easy grin. “Especially when I looked on the Internet and saw photos from last year. Sapphire Bay looked incredible.”
“And now you’ll be part of the magic,” she said with a smile.
Liam’s eyes filled with mischief. “As long as Mabel isn’t looking for a replacement Santa, I’ll happily be part of the magic.”
“I’m ready!” Oscar yelled as he rushed into the kitchen.
Chloe rinsed their dishes, picked up the keys to the cottage, and held out her hand for Oscar’s. “In that case, let’s go.”
The café was buzzingwith activity as the volunteers gathered to discuss the Christmas decorations on Main Street. Liam looked around the colorful room. A few familiar faces were having breakfast, and a book club was meeting on the far side of the café. With the animated conversation going on, they must be discussing an interesting book.
He sat beside Chloe as she spoke to Mr. Jessop, the head gardener at the church, and the person who was in charge of the Santa float. Oscar was nearby, helping Shelley, Pastor John’s wife, hand out clipboards and pens.
“Thank you all for coming,” Mabel began, her voice carrying over the chatter. “Would everyone find a seat, please?”
By the time each of the volunteers found a seat, Mabel had handed out an agenda for the meeting and copies of the plan for Main Street. In a quieter voice she said, “This year, we’re aiming to make Main Street more festive than ever. We have new decorations and lots of ideas, but we need all the help we can get.”
After they’d ordered drinks and something to eat, Mabel gave everyone different tasks. Chloe was coordinating the storefront displays, and Liam offered to help her.
“The first thing you need to do is visit each store,” Mabel told them. “The committee provides a Christmas tree for the sidewalk in front of each business and fairy lights for the front of the stores. But we need to know how each business owner is decorating the interior of their store and if they’re happy to be part of other promotional activities.”
Liam nodded, then looked down at the next item on the agenda. Mabel had thought of everything, right down to where people could park their vehicles when they were decorating the stores.
“It looks as though everyone will be busy,” Liam whispered to Chloe.
“Mabel is a great organizer. I don’t envy the committee, though. I spoke to Shelley last night. Families are already calling the church to book seats on The Santa Express. Between that and the other events, the committee is super busy.”
Mabel had spoken about the steam train ride around Flathead Lake at their last meeting. With Santa’s elves handingout special treats, and Christmas music and stories galore, it was no wonder parents wanted to be part of the festivities.
He listened to Mabel talk about involving as many people as possible with their events. With that in mind, they broke into pairs, discussing different ideas for bringing visitors into the stores on Main Street.
Liam and Chloe worked side by side, discussing ideas for the displays. Chloe’s easy-going nature and creativity made the time fly by.
“Maybe we could incorporate some historical elements,” she suggested. “Highlight the town’s heritage along with the holiday spirit.”
“That’s a great idea,” Liam agreed. “We could use old photographs in the window displays, paired with vintage decorations.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Exactly. It would make the displays different from previous years’ decorations.”
“What about the children from Oscar’s school? Would they want to be involved?”
Chloe tapped her pen against her chin. “We could ask the principal. The children could make ornaments to display inside each store. That way, we’re involving the entire community.”
“That’s a fantastic idea,” Liam agreed enthusiastically. “It’ll also bring families into the stores to see their children’s artwork.”
Chloe’s phone beeped on the table between them. She glanced at the screen, and Liam noticed a subtle shift in her expression—a flicker of tension that hadn’t been there before.
“Is everything okay?” he asked gently.
She hesitated before placing her phone face down. “It’s nothing urgent,” she said with a faint smile. “Just a message I’ll deal with later.”
“Okay.” Whatever it was had upset her more than she wanted to show anyone.
Chloe took a deep breath. “Maybe we can organize a small event to unveil the children’s decorations? It would make it a special occasion.”
