Before Paul could reply, Ben came into the barn.
“This looks great,” he said, shaking Paul’s hand with a firm grip. “How’s everything going?”
“We’re almost ready,” Paul told him. “Thanks for making sure the decorations were in place. It made an enormous difference to the amount of time we needed to set everything up.”
Ben’s relaxed smile made working with him a pleasure. “You’re welcome. It’s amazing what a few dozen fairy lights can do to brighten up a space.” He turned to Susan and his smile widened. “I’m glad you’re here. My wife keeps telling me about your cooking classes. Will you be teaching more students next year?”
Susan nodded. “Tell Bailey to call Shelley at the church. She’s taking bookings already.”
“I’ll do that. If you need anything, I’ll be in the gift shop. Good luck with the lunch.”
As Ben walked through the triple-height doors, Paul sighed. “There’s something nostalgic about today,” he said to Susan. “I don’t know whether it’s the scent of pine and cinnamon, the twinkling lights, or having everyone working together so well. It reminds me of Christmases in France with my grandma. She used to cover her home in decorations and bake the most amazing cookies.”
Susan wrapped her hand around his arm. “I know what you mean. Nothing’s better than being surrounded by Christmas decorations and happy people. Olivia will love what you’ve done.”
Paul kissed her cheek. “What we’ve done. Thanks for all your help.”
Jenny appeared at his elbow, clipboard in hand. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Chef, but I need to confirm the seating arrangements. Did Olivia send the final count of guests?”
“Eighty-five,” Paul confirmed. “We’re using the round tables for ten, with one table for five. The research and development head will be at the table nearest the Christmas tree with Peter Bennett and the senior staff.”
“Perfect. I’ve got the place cards ready.” Jenny made a note. “And the dietary needs are all flagged in the kitchen. Two vegetarians, one gluten-free, and three dairy restrictions.”
Paul nodded. This was why he valued Jenny so highly. She never missed any details. “Thank you. You’re doing an amazing job.”
The kitchen door opened, and laughter filled the room. Paul turned to see Maria’s teenage daughter helping carry in serving platters. Behind her came Julie and Beth, both talking excitedly.
“We’re done!” Julie announced. “The entire buffet is ready, and it looks beautiful. All we need to do is bring everything in here. Susan, you should see the cookies. They’re incredible.”
Susan caught Paul’s eye, and he nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll manage things out here.”
He turned his attention back to the dining area. The tables were set with simple cream linens and evergreen centerpieces, each with a small candle that would be lit just before the guests arrived. The effect was elegant without being complicated—exactly what he’d hoped for.
Harry came out of the kitchen and placed a tray of food in one of the warming trays. On his way back to the kitchen, he stopped beside Paul. “This will be one of our best Christmas events, Chef.”
“I think so, too,” Paul agreed. “But we’re not done yet. Can you check the temperature of the portable warmers? I want everything at the right heat throughout the service.”
As Harry made his way across the barn, Paul knew that this was what he’d come to Montana for—not the pressure and competition of Los Angeles restaurants, not the exhausting pace of high-end dining in San Francisco, but this. Creating memorable experiences in a community that valued real experiences and connection.
Within a few minutes, the buffet lunch was on the tables, and everyone was ready for the arrival of the first guests.
The food was rustic and generous—exactly what Paul had imagined for a Montana Christmas lunch. A large honey-glazed ham sat on a carved wooden board, the surface glistening and studded with cloves. Beside it, sliced beef tenderloin was arranged on a platter with fresh herbs. Maria stood nearby, clearly proud of her work.
Julie had organized baskets of golden-brown dinner rolls, each one brushed with butter and sprinkled with sea salt. A cast-iron pot held creamy mashed potatoes, another contained green beans, and a third was filled with glazed carrots and pearl onions.
For people who liked a lighter lunch, Beth and Jenny had put together a selection of salads and gluten-free dressings. Harry had created a delicious lentil loaf with a crispy crust, and butternut squash halves stuffed with roasted vegetables and goat’s cheese.
Laurel had assembled the dessert table. There were platters of assorted cookies—gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies decorated with royal icing. And a rustic apple galette sat beside individual servings of peppermint bark.
“This is perfect,” Paul said. “It’s exactly what the lunch needed.”
“Everyone worked hard,” Susan said. “Maria practiced her carving technique three times before today. Julie tested the rolls until she got them just right. And Laurel and Beth stayed up late making the cookies.”
The sound of vehicles approaching made everyone look up. Through the windows, Paul saw the first chartered bus pulling into Ben’s parking area.
“They’re early,” Jenny observed.
“Only by a few minutes,” Paul said calmly, though his pulse quickened. “Susan, make sure the kitchen team is ready. Harry, light the candles. Jenny, positions for welcoming.”