“There is no secret,” Lynda said finally. “Just commitment to choosing each other every single day, especially when life is difficult.”
“And remembering that marriage isn’t about completing each other,” Kathleen added. “It’s about standing beside each other while you both keep growing.”
“It’s about forgiveness,” Isabel said quietly. “Real forgiveness, over and over again, for the small hurts and the big ones. Because we’re all imperfect people trying our best.”
Susan absorbed their words, thinking about Paul and the strong connection growing between them. Maybe being willing to try was all they really needed.
The evening wound down slowly, reluctantly, as if none of them wanted to break the spell the bookstore and the fairy lights had cast. But eventually, Amy and Stephanie needed to get back to their hotel, and the rest of them had early mornings ahead.
As they gathered their things, Lynda pulled Susan aside.
“Thank you,” Lynda said simply. “For being here and reminding me that happiness is worth fighting for.”
“You did that for me,” Susan replied, meaning it. “All of you did.”
They hugged each other, and the truth of what they’d said settled deep in Susan’s chest. She wasn’t alone in her fear or her hope. She had these women, these friendships that had weathered time, distance, and change. Whatever happened with Paul, whatever the future held, she would always have this.
And somehow, that knowledge made the scary parts feel a little less terrifying.
Chapter 23
Paul looked around the barn at Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, checking his list one more time. Everything was coming together, but there were still details they needed to fix before the BioTech guests arrived.
The new barn Ben had built was impressive. Massive timber beams stretched overhead, the raw wood still carrying the scent of fresh-cut pine. White lights strung between the rafters created a canopy of stars that would glow once Montana’s short December afternoon faded.
Against the far wall stood a towering Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments and ribbons in deep reds and golds. Vintage sleds leaned against the walls, antique ice skates hung beside wreaths woven with dried oranges and cinnamon sticks, and unlit candles in glass holders waited on every table.
Ben had transformed the space into something special.
And to make it even more festive, Christmas music floated through the sound system. The jazzy version of “Silver Bells” reminded Paul of his grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays.
“Chef, where do you want the portable food warmers?” Harry called from near the serving area.
Paul turned his attention back to logistics. “Set up three stations along the back wall, near the power outlets. Leave space between them so guests can move easily.”
“Got it.” Harry began organizing with the efficiency that made him invaluable.
Paul checked his watch. Eleven-thirty. The guests would arrive at noon, and lunch service would begin at twelve-thirty. They were on schedule, but barely.
Susan emerged from the kitchen, her cheeks pink from the heat of the ovens. Her hair was pulled back, and she wore one of his restaurant’s aprons over her sweater and jeans. Just seeing her made Paul’s chest tighten.
“Is everything all right in there?” he asked.
“Better than all right,” she replied. “Maria just finished carving the ham, and it’s perfect. Julie’s arranging the dinner rolls, and Laurel’s putting together the cookie platter. We’re right where we need to be.”
Paul had hired all the women from Susan’s cooking class for the BioTech events, and it was the best decision he’d made. They worked together with an easy friendship that even his regular staff was still building, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
“How’s Maria managing?” Paul was impressed with her organizational skills and steady presence under pressure.
“She’s enjoying every moment,” Susan said. “Having this work came at the right time for her family. Her husband has a job interview next week, so hopefully that works out for them.”
Paul nodded, making a mental note to ask Maria if she’d like to continue working with his team. “And the others?”
“Thrilled. Julie keeps saying this beats any cooking show she’s watched, and Rachel’s already planning her family’s Christmas meal based on what she’s learned this week.” Susan gestured toward the barn. “This is wonderful for all of us, Paul. Thank you for giving them this opportunity.”
“I should be thanking you,” he replied. “You’ve trained everyone, and they’re making my work easier. I couldn’t handle these events without you.”
Susan’s expression softened. “We make a good team.”
