Oscar looked at them and frowned. “Why do you look sad?”
Chloe quickly masked her emotions and smiled at her son. “We’re just talking about a meeting Liam could go to.”
“Oh. Is it about The Santa Express? Jack’s dad was telling me about it. There’s going to be elves and fairies and all kinds of Christmas treats.”
Liam shook his head. “It’s about something that’s not quite as exciting as The Santa Express.” The people in front of them moved to the sales counter, giving them an uninterrupted view of the candy. “Do you still want a marshmallow bar?”
Oscar’s eyes widened when he saw all the Christmas treats inside the glass display cabinet. “Can I have a marshmallow bar with sprinkles on the top?”
Chloe smiled and nodded. As they talked about the other candy, Liam sighed.
He wished deciding whether to meet Wanderlust Publishing was as easy as choosing candy. It could be a waste of everyone’s time or they might want to come up with an option that works for everyone.
Regardless of what might happen at the meeting, he’d still have to book a return ticket—and last-minute flights out of Kalispell at this time of the year might be impossible to find.
CHAPTER 19
Last year,Chloe hadn’t been here for all the Christmas activities in Sapphire Bay. This year was different.
Excitement filled the crisp night air as families gathered around the towering Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. Bright red and gold baubles the size of dinner plates filled its branches, and the scent of pine mingled with the aroma of hot cocoa from nearby booths. Oscar stood between Liam and Chloe, his eyes reflecting the wonder of being here.
Pastor John stepped onto the small platform beside the tree, his warm voice carrying over the murmuring crowd. “Good evening, everyone. As we come together for this cherished tradition, let’s remember the joy and hope that this season brings.”
Chloe glanced at Liam. As he smiled back, his breath formed a soft cloud in the chilly air.
Emma from the Christmas Committee took the microphone next. “Thank you, Pastor John. And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s light up our beautiful tree. Help me count down!”
“Five... four... three... two... one!” The crowd joined in, voices rising.
With a flip of a switch, the tree burst into a symphony of lights. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as the angel at the top shimmered against the night sky.
“Look, Mom! There’s an angel!” Oscar pointed excitedly.
Chloe followed his gaze to the glowing figure perched on the very top branches of the tree. “It’s beautiful.” For a moment, she closed her eyes and made a silent wish for a happy and healthy year ahead.
“Come and see my decoration!” Oscar tugged at their hands, pulling them closer to the tree. They wove through the crowd until they reached a lower branch where his glitter-covered ornament hung proudly.
“You did a great job,” Liam said. That earned him a huge smile from Oscar.
“Would you like me to take a picture of you standing in front of your decoration?” Chloe asked her son.
“We could send it to Dad,” Oscar said excitedly as he stood next to his decoration.
Chloe took the photo, capturing his smile against the backdrop of the twinkling tree. Before she changed her mind, she sent the picture to Paul, then wrote a brief message to explain what was happening.
Hi Paul. We’re at the tree lighting ceremony in Sapphire Bay. Oscar wanted you to see a picture of the Christmas decoration he made at school. He’s very proud of it.
She hesitated briefly before hitting send, but reminded herself that life was too short for being angry. Whatever Paul’s intentions, she wanted Oscar to feel connected to his dad.
“Did you send it?” Oscar asked.
Chloe nodded. “I did. He’s going to love it as much as we do.” She just hoped Paul replied to the message before they left town.
As they moved away from the tree, the soft strains of Christmas carols filled the air. A group of local singers had gathered nearby, their harmonies adding magic to the evening.
“Would anyone like a cup of hot chocolate?” Liam asked, nodding toward a booth decorated with large candy canes and thick, green Christmas garlands.
“Yes, please!” Oscar exclaimed.
