“Yes, please. The coffeepot should be hot.” Chloe sat on a stool in front of the stainless steel counter. “Will you be around later?”
Liam took a mug off an open shelf. “I have a few errands to run, but I’ll be free this evening.”
“Great. Maybe we can start planning for Sacha’s visit.”
“Sounds good.” He placed a cup of coffee in front of Chloe and kissed her. “I’d better leave you to your lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.”
“I will.” After Liam had gone, Chloe finished her sandwich and returned to work. The pieces of Eleanor’s puzzle were finally coming together, and she couldn’t wait to talk to Sacha and her mom.
The following week,Liam stood on Main Street watching a massive Christmas tree being carefully lowered into place. The towering tree swayed slightly as the crane operator made minute adjustments, guiding it toward the heavy stand waiting at the end of the street.
Around him, the town buzzed with excitement. People were standing on the sidewalk, pointing at what was happening. Just seeing the tree made Christmas feel that much closer.
“Look, Liam! It’s almost there!” Oscar’s cheeks were flushed pink beneath his woolen hat. He tugged at Liam’s sleeve, pointing upward as the tree settled into position.
“Sure is, buddy,” Liam replied with a grin. “That’s one impressive tree.”
Chloe took another photo with her cell phone. “I heard it’s the biggest one yet,” she said. “It came from the Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town.”
As the crane released its hold, a cheer erupted from the gathered crowd. The tree stood tall and proud, its branches stretching out as if embracing the town. Liam didn’t know what decorations the Christmas Committee planned to use, but there would have to be lots of them to fill such an enormous tree.
Mabel stepped forward, her voice amplified by a portable speaker. “Good morning everyone! The Sapphire Bay Christmas tree has arrived. Let’s give a round of applause to everyone who made this possible, especially Ben, who donated the tree and Patrick Devlin for organizing the crane. The Christmas Committee would like to welcome everyone to the Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow night. Bring your family and friends to the most anticipated event of the season!”
Applause rippled through the crowd. As Mabel stepped off the makeshift stage, volunteers began unpacking boxes filled with Christmas lights.
“Can we help decorate the tree?” Oscar asked eagerly, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Not today. We have to leave the big decorations to the committee,” Chloe answered, adjusting his scarf. “But when all the lights and big decorations are in place, we can add the decorations you made at school. Mrs. Thompson said your class is doing that tomorrow morning.”
Oscar looked a little disappointed until Trixie nudged his legs. With her tail wagging and little excited pants coming from her mouth, she was enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Liam placed his hand on Oscar’s shoulder. “How about we enjoy some mugs of hot chocolate from The Lakeview Café, then come back to see the tree?”
“Can we go to Sweet Treats, too?” Oscar asked. “They have yummy marshmallow bars, don’t they, Mom?”
Chloe grinned. “They do, and they just happen to be my favorite.”
Liam held Oscar’s hand. “In that case, first stop Sweet Treats.”
As they were waiting in line at the most popular candy store in Sapphire Bay, Liam’s cell phone beeped. It was a text from Mark, his agent.
“Is everything okay?” Chloe asked.
He read the text again and frowned. “My agent just received an email from Wanderlust Publishing. They want me to meet them in San Francisco next Friday to discuss the travel series.”
“That’s fantastic.” Chloe smiled, but Liam noticed the flicker of disappointment that crossed her face.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I told them it isn’t the right time for me to leave the country.”
Chloe’s eyes searched his. “Why would you say that?”
He sighed. “Sacha and her mom are visiting soon. If they can fill in more of the details about Eleanor’s life, I’ll be able to write a book about her. But even with their help, it’ll take me at least six months to write the first draft, maybe longer.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to talk to the publisher. They might have some ideas about how you could do both projects.”
Liam was torn. “If I go, I’m not sure if I’ll be back in time for Owen and Harper’s wedding. Flights are hard to get at this time of year.”
Chloe looked into his eyes. “If you can’t get back in time, it doesn’t matter. The company must want you to write for them. Otherwise, they wouldn’t want to see you. If you want to work with them, go to the meeting.”
