Chloe sighed. She had a feeling her son’s pleas for a dog of their own would become even more regular once Liam and Trixie left Sapphire Bay.
She glanced around the room. Shelley, Pastor John’s wife, was setting up a table with lemonade and cookies. Daniella was pushing a cart of cups toward a table with a line of coffeepots on it. The atmosphere was cheerful and welcoming, and Chloe was even more excited about being part of Sapphire Bay’s holiday traditions.
Liam cleared his throat. “I spoke to Penny Terry about the letter her family found. She told me you used to work at the Smithsonian.”
Chloe’s eyes widened. She was surprised that Penny had said anything, especially since she rarely talked about the job she’d left behind. “It was my dream job,” she admitted. “I loved every minute of working with people like Penny and her sisters. Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself when I think of the historical significance of what they found.”
Liam leaned closer to her. “Tell me about your job at the Smithsonian. Penny said you organized exhibitions. It sounds fascinating.”
Most people looked dazed when she told them about the displays and conservation work her team had done. Even her ex-husband hadn’t wanted to hear about the latest discovery they’d made or the ups and down of exhibiting unique collections. But Liam seemed genuinely interested.
“I was the team leader of collections at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. I worked with the restoration, research, and exhibition teams. Each day, there was something new to see. It was the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”
Liam tilted his head to the side. “Why did you move to Sapphire Bay if you enjoyed your job so much?”
Chloe looked down at Oscar. “After I divorced my husband, I couldn’t afford to stay in Washington, D.C. I’d visited Sapphire Bay a few times to talk to Penny and her family. I’d alwaysthought it’d be a great place for a vacation but, after my marriage ended, I needed to reset my life. Sapphire Bay had everything I was looking for, so I moved here.”
She wouldn’t tell him she’d moved out of desperation. The farther she could get from Paul, the better off she was. Especially if he needed more money to feed his gambling addiction.
Pastor John and Mabel stood at the front of the room. An expectant hush fell over the crowd. As they spoke, their friend Emma stood beside them, flicking through a presentation filled with photos of last year’s events and the changes the committee would like to make.
As the meeting progressed, different people volunteered to decorate Main Street with lights and garlands, assisting at the church, and preparing for the Santa Parade and the Christmas Market. Chloe and Oscar offered to help decorate Main Street after Halloween, a task Chloe knew they’d both love.
As the list of jobs grew, Chloe was amazed at the activities the community organized. From tree lighting ceremonies to gingerbread house contests and caroling nights, it was clear everyone embraced the holiday spirit.
Liam listened intently, adding his name to a few of the activities they’d be working on in the coming weeks.
Chloe was pleased he was helping them. With the type of job he had, it’d be too easy to become isolated and not feel as though you belonged anywhere.
By the end of the meeting, Chloe had a list of meetings she needed to go to and a very excited Oscar sitting beside her. As soon as Mabel had mentioned a Christmas steam train ride around Flathead Lake, his eyes had opened in wonder.
After the meeting, Oscar took Trixie across to his friends and joined them for a snack. Seeing how happy he was made Chloe feel incredibly grateful for what she’d found here.
Liam chatted with her as they moved toward the coffee table. “The parade sounds amazing.”
Chloe nodded. “Penny said it’s a highlight of the Christmas program. It’s just as well you won’t be here.”
Liam frowned. “Why’s that?”
She looked around them to make sure there were no children within hearing distance. “Mr. Jessop was Santa Claus last year,” she whispered. “Some of the children recognized him. Mabel’s looking for someone the children won’t have seen so often. You’d be perfect with a little more padding.” She grinned when Liam patted his flat stomach.
“You wouldn’t be making a roundabout comment on the number of muffins I’ve been eating, would you?”
“You have nothing to be worried about.” Chloe tried to look serious but failed miserably. “You’re perfect the way you are.”
Chloe bit her lip when Liam’s smile disappeared. “I’m sorry,” she told him. “I shouldn’t have said how good looking you are.” She groaned. Sticking her foot in her mouth would have been better than saying the wrong thing. “I did it again, didn’t I?”
Instead of looking horrified, Liam’s smile returned. “You can tell me that as often as you like. As long as you don’t mind me complimenting you.”
Chloe’s expression turned rueful. “I’m thirty-six years old with a son who wakes up at five-thirty each morning. If I comb my hair and brush my teeth, it’s a good day.”
Liam touched her waist as they moved closer to the coffeepot. “I’d never know. You always look great.”
Despite the mischievous gleam in his eyes, Chloe blushed. It was the first time since she’d left Washington, D.C. that anyone had said she looked good. “It must be the toothpaste I’m using,” she joked.
Liam poured himself a cup of coffee and offered one to her. “Or maybe you’re an amazing person.”
She accepted the cup, their fingers brushing briefly. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she teased.
