"I'd love to." I set my phone aside and folded my hands together. "Now how can I alleviate your concerns about the parade?"
"Where will everyone park?"
I smiled because I'd already drawn a diagram to share. I pulled it up on my screen and tilted it toward him. "I was going to email this to everyone, but here it is. We've added parking in a nearby field, and we've hired ten parking attendants to direct traffic. We'll keep in touch via cell phone so that we can handle any issues that might arise."
"What about the parade participants? Will they be blocking access to the shops?"
"I thought long and hard about that issue, Bill, and this is what I came up with." I pointed at the diagram to the left of the lot. "This is where the parade participants will line up, but we'll direct them to the grass area here, so that everyone else can easily access the sidewalks and Candy Cane Lane on foot."
Bill nodded. "What about during the parade? Will you want the shops closed?"
"I was hoping you'd have someone who could man your counters, because some people will want to leave the parade early to shop."
His eyes widened in surprise.
I wanted to head off any concerns, so I'd brainstormed with Natasha every possible scenario. "The parade is our way of reminding people that we're still in business. We want them to have a good time and come back again."
Bill nodded. "You've thought of everything."
I smiled. "Do you have any other worries? I'd love to know them so we can come up with a solution."
"I'll call you when I do."
I stood and walked around my desk. "I'd love that. Feel free to stop me on the street or even in the coffee shop when you see me. I like to think of myself as accessible to everyone at any time."
"That's nice of you," Bill said.
I'd connected with him through puzzles and, hopefully, made him feel confident that any issues would be addressed.
"This town is my number one priority." I wasn't dating anyone. I didn't have kids. There was nothing to distract me from making it the best it could be. There was the little issue of Maddox, but the party would be over before I knew it, and everything would go back to normal.
"As it should be," he said gruffly.
I sighed, knowing that winning over Bill would be a long process. "Thank you for coming by, and please feel free to do so whenever you have a concern."
He nodded and then stepped outside.
I moved toward the window to watch him walk down the sidewalk to his shop. The town hall sat on the square, defined by the Christmas tree and Santa's workshop.
I could see everyone coming and going. It felt good to know that this was all mine, but at the same time, it was a lot of pressure. I leaned my forehead against the cool glass.
I met with Natasha to plan the parade and other events, but I didn't tell her how many times a shop or restaurant owner stopped in to discuss their concerns. I didn't want her to worry or be stressed out. She was busy enough with the inn and renovations.
This was supposed to be my job, and I prided myself on being successful in everything I did, whether that was good grades in college or stellar job performance. I wanted everything to run smoothly, even if my chest was tight more often than not and I had trouble sleeping.
Everyone's issues and concerns ran through my head on repeat. But that was part of the job. This was what I'd always wanted. A town to run. I might not be an official mayor or event coordinator in a real town, but this was close enough for now.
This job was important, and I wouldn't let my sister down, or any of the owners who relied on us to keep this place running.
It might have been a lot of pressure for one person to handle, but I could do it. Everyone was counting on me.
I briefly closed my eyes. I'd handle this thing with Maddox and get back to what really mattered: the town and Mistletoe Inn.
We'd gotten everything we'd ever wanted. The only thing was we had to lose our parents to have the capital to make our wishes come true.
Sometimes, I felt guilty for having what I did. But then I refocused on what mattered, ensuring everything ran perfectly. I wouldn't let anyone down.
CHAPTER 4
