“Even before she was born,” he answers when I remain bewildered. “It was once a horse boarding facility. Her parents always decorated extensively for the holidays. Over the years, they started opening it up for visitors to come look at the lights, eventually adding a market, ice skating rink, and other activities.”
“It’s fabulous. Exactly the kind of thing my viewers love. When did you open the inn?”
“About five years ago,” I answer, finally able to overcome my shock and confusion enough to respond. “I restored the barn first. My mother always dreamed of hosting weddings here. Thought the lake with the mountains in the distance would make a beautiful backdrop.”
“It’s stunning,” Eloise remarks.
“Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of hotels around here, so it wasn’t too convenient for those coming from out of town. After a year, I began construction on the inn.” I gesture behind us to the main building. “It started with just twenty rooms, but as need increased, I added two additional wings, each with ten rooms.” My expression falls. “That was around the same time the world shut down. Both the tourism and wedding industries were hit particularly hard. Just my luck, those are my two sources of income.”
Eloise offers me a sympathetic look. “It’s my understanding you took out an additional mortgage in order to pay your employees during the shutdown. Correct?”
I snap my head toward Callum, eyes wide, mouth agape.
He had to have shared this with her. But how did he know? I never told him about that. Sure, I shared that I’d used my inheritance to restore the barn, then took out a mortgage to build the inn. Those were smart business decisions, ones that would allow me to recoup the expenses in order to pay back the loans.
This mortgage wasn’t.
“I did,” I admit. “We may have been forced to shut down, but I couldn’t let my staff struggle. They have families to provide for.”
“That’s remarkable.”
“That’s Parker,” Callum interjects, placing his hand on the small of my back. “She’s quite remarkable. And caring. Always giving back to the community. Every year, she holds a carnival for foster kids. Even goes out of her way to make sure at least one gift off their wish list is waiting underneath the tree Christmas morning.” Affection swirls in his dark eyes. “She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”
Warmth spreads through my chest, my heart swelling with emotion.
I wish it didn’t. Wish his words of praise didn’t hit me any differently than when anyone else says something similar about everything I do to give back to this community.
“After all you’ve given others, I’d love to be able to help give back to you,” Eloise says, pulling my attention back to her.
“I’m not looking for a handout or for people to view me as a charity case. Like I tell everyone, if you want to help, just come to Holley Ridge. Have dinner. Go ice skating. Get something in exchange for your hard-earned dollars.”
“Callum told me that. Which is why I’m here. To help spread the word.” She holds up a DSLR camera on a handheld tripod. “Do you mind if I do some exploring? My viewers will love a place like this. They’re always looking for ways to celebrate the season, and this is perfect.”
“Of course. Thank you. Truly.” I shift my gaze to Callum. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“No. Thank you.” She looks into the distance, drawing in a slow breath. “These days, Christmas spirit is hard to come by. This place reminds me of what it was like being a kid during this time of year.”
“I hope you enjoy yourself. If you need anything and can’t find me, you can ask any of my staff members. They know how to reach me.”
“Will do.”
I watch as she takes off toward the Christmas market, a renewed hope filling me that maybe it will all work out in the end. That maybe this is the miracle I’ve been praying for.
Facing Callum, I tilt my head back, meeting his eyes. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because you deserve a miracle, Parker.” He runs his hands down my arms. “After Haley told me about—”
“Of course,” I exhale.
I should have known Haley would let the truth slip. It’s not like I specifically told her not to tell him how I ended up in over my head in debt. I just never thought it would come up. Didn’t think he’d hang around long enough to learn. Didn’t think he cared enough, either.
It’s obvious he does care.
Quite a bit.
“I’m sorry. I just…” He tightens his hold on me and peers at me with an emotion I can’t quite label. An emotion I don’twantto label. “I couldn’t stand by and not do something, especially when Haley told me how you’ve refused donations.”
“There are people out there starving and living on the streets. They need it more than I do.”
