“Mom, I know you.What is on your mind?”
There was a distinct pause.“It’s just that Carol...You know my neighbor, Carol Knight.She used to bake you chocolate chip cookies when you mowed her grass.”
“Yes, Mom.I know your neighbor.”
“Well, her husband is putting up her Christmas decorations, and I thought we could put up some.”
He knew this was his mother’s favorite time of the year.And he knew how much she loved to decorate.
As far back as he could remember, it had always been just him and his mother.His father had died when he was eight years old.His mother had worked two, and sometimes three, jobs at a time to keep a roof over their heads and put food in his belly.She’d scrimped and scraped so he could have the basics, and now there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her.If only he could get her to move closer to him, then he could see her more often.
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.“How about next weekend?”
The disappointment in her voice had been replaced with a hopeful note.“Are you sure it won’t be a problem?”
“It’s a date.”Just then he noticed Reed waving him over again.“Mom, I have to go.”
“Okay.Tell Reed I said hello.And tell him to come visit soon.”
“I will.”
After he got off the phone, he walked over to Reed.Even though he had mixed feelings about his best friend getting engaged, it didn’t stop him from smiling.It was really good to see him.
“Congratulations.”Brad held his hand out to him.
The smile on Reed’s face broadened as he shook his hand.“Thanks.”
Brad pulled on Reed’s arm until they were doing a one-armed hug and a slap on the back.When Brad pulled back, he said, “I knew you were thinking about getting engaged, but I didn’t think it would be so soon.”
“Yeah.Well, I knew it was right for us.Besides, it was a good excuse to finally get you out here.”
Brad shrugged.“I’ve been busy.”
“Yeah.I know.But there’s more to life than work.But at least you’re here now.”Reed sent him a reassuring smile.“Listen, I know you aren’t wild about small towns, but I’m telling you this place is different.”
Brad arched a brow.“How much are you willing to wager?”
Reed sighed.“I’m serious.Just wait until you get to know everyone.”
He shook his head.“That’s not going to happen.Besides, I have a plane to catch on Sunday.”
“You know you could work remotely and stay longer.”
Why was his friend trying to sell him on this town?It wasn’t like Reed to be this pushy.Maybe he was feeling guilty for spending so much time here instead of back in Chicago.That must be it.
“Let me introduce you to Sadie.”Reed glanced around.“She was just here a second ago.Oh, there she is with one of her friends.Wait until you meet Abby.You’re going to like her.”
Brad inwardly groaned.If he wasn’t careful, Reed would be setting him up with his girlfriend’s—correction, his fiancée’s—friends.And that wasn’t going to happen.He was quite content with his bachelor status.
As the big snowflakes continued to slowly fall, the tree lights gave the town square a merry vibe.Abby couldn’t help but think this was a magical night.A smile lifted the corners of her lips.
She looked around, finding all three of her closest friends: Kate Taylor, who was part owner of the Bayberry Candle Co., Carrie Byers, who owned Totally Chocolate, and Sadie Plummer, whose family owned theBayberry Gazette.They’d been best friends since elementary school.Even though they may have drifted apart periodically, they always came back together.
She still didn’t have a chance to congratulate Sadie, who was currently speaking with her parents.Abby didn’t want to interrupt them.This was a special moment for all of them.
While she waited, she moved over to the stand where they were handing out the hot chocolate.The line was long but moved quickly.She smiled and greeted neighbors and friends.
After taking a sip of the cocoa, she lifted her head and looked around.It took a second, but then she noticed Sadie’s parents had walked away.Abby didn’t waste any time.She rushed over to her friend.
