Everyone moved with practiced efficiency. When the barn door opened, Olivia entered first, her professional smile widening as she took in the transformed space. “Paul, this is remarkable.”
Peter Bennett followed her, and Paul was gratified to see genuine appreciation on his face. “Olivia’s right. This is amazing, Paul. It’s exactly the Montana experience I wanted my team to have.”
Behind them, the BioTech employees began filing in, their conversations quieting as they absorbed the festive atmosphere. Paul heard murmurs of delight and saw phones coming out to capture the decorations.
Susan appeared at his side, her hand briefly touching his back in a gesture of support only he would notice. “Ready?” she whispered.
Paul looked around the barn one more time as his team and the meal they’d worked hard to create. “I’m ready,” he replied.
As the guests settled in and service began, Paul felt that familiar rush of satisfaction that came from executing a solid plan. But underneath was something deeper. It was gratitude for this community that had welcomed him, pride in the team he’d assembled, and a growing sense that he’d finally found where he belonged.
The music shifted to “The Christmas Song,” and Nat King Cole’s voice was smooth and nostalgic. Around him, people laughed and talked, and the barn was filled with warmth and light despite the winter cold outside.
This, Paul thought as he moved through the crowd ensuring everything ran smoothly, was what the holidays were supposed to feel like. Not the frenetic pressure of commercial dining, but the simple pleasure of generous food, genuine company, and a community celebrating together.
He caught Susan’s gaze across the room. She was talking with Julie, both of them watching the guests help themselves to the buffet they’d prepared.
When she smiled at him, Paul felt something shift in his chest. It was a recognition that this moment, this life they were building together, was exactly what he’d been searching for.
What he didn’t know was what he’d do about it.
Chapter 24
At midnight, Susan sank into the cushioned chair in Paul’s living room, wrapping both hands around her mug. The coffee warmed her palms while outside the windows, a full moon glowed over Flathead Lake.
“I can’t remember when I’ve been this tired,” she admitted. “I’ve gotten used to being in bed by ten o’clock.”
Paul settled into the chair beside her, stretching out his legs. “Tonight was late for me, too. Most of our private functions are finished by ten-thirty.”
They sat in companionable silence, letting the exhaustion seep away. The living room wrapped around them with quiet comfort—soft lamplight, familiar furniture, and the faint scent of pine from the wreath hanging above the fireplace.
“I’m relieved that today’s events went so well,” Paul said finally. “I talked to Peter before he left. He wants to make the Lakeside Grill BioTech’s preferred caterer for their Montana operations.”
“That’s wonderful,” Susan said as she took a sip of coffee, savoring the richness. “You’ve built something special. People recognize quality and appreciate what you’re doing.”
“We built these Christmas events together.” His correction was gentle but firm. “The women in your cooking class have been phenomenal, and you made sure every plate and food platter that left the kitchen looked perfect.”
Susan felt warmth that had nothing to do with the coffee. “It’s all part of being a good team.”
Paul leaned back, studying the darkness through the windows. “I’ve been thinking about what that could mean. I’ll need to hire more staff. Harry’s already at capacity, and I can’t keep asking Jenny to cover extra shifts.” Paul paused. “I was hoping the women from your cooking class might be interested in regular positions. Maria especially. She doesn’t need to be asked to do something. Sometimes, she knew what needed to be done before I did.”
Susan nodded. She’d watched Maria work with the kind of calm efficiency that couldn’t be taught. “I’m sure she’d appreciate the extra work.”
They drifted into quiet again. Through the window, an owl called from somewhere in the woods behind Paul’s property. Susan thought about the evening event. The BioTech staff had enjoyed another wonderful dinner, but more than that, they’d enjoyed each other’s company.
“Did you hear what Peter said about the resort at Finley Point?” Paul asked.
Susan shook her head. “Not really. I was focused on getting the coffee service organized when he was discussing it.”
“The county has introduced a new fast-track process for projects that will make a significant economic impact on a community. The resort fell into that category, so they’re breaking ground in spring instead of waiting until summer.” Paul turned his mug between his palms. “Have you thought about whether you want to work there?”
The question landed between them like a stone dropped into still water. “I told Cole I’d consider talking to him about it. I haven’t decided whether to actually do it.”
“Why not?”
“Because I moved to Montana to create a better work/life balance. Running a resort restaurant means returning to everything I left behind.” Susan shook her head. “I’ve already lived that life, Paul. I’m not sure I want to revisit it.”
“Fair enough.” Paul’s response held no judgment, only acceptance. “Although it seems like there’s more behind what’s happening than coincidence. Maybe the universe is trying to tell you something.”
