The tension that had been crackling between us all morning eases slightly.
Gladys appears at my side once more, her presence as warm and reassuring as ever. “Your tree is coming along beautifully, Bailey,” she says, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “You’ve truly captured the spirit of Christmas in your own way.”
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks at her praise. “Thank you, Gladys. I couldn’t have done it without your help earlier.”
She shakes her head. “Oh no, dear. This is all you. I just reminded you to trust in yourself and in the gifts you’ve been given.”
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself to truly believe in my abilities, to trust that my vision has value. “It’s not always easy,” I admit softly.
Gladys’s eyes are full of understanding. “Faith rarely is, Bailey. But that’s what makes it so powerful. When we choose to believe, even in the face of doubt and fear, that’s when miracles happen.”
Her words resonate deeply within me. I think about how close I came to giving up this morning, how my own self-doubt nearly sabotaged me before I’d even begun. And yet, here I am, creating something I can be proud of. I raise my arms over my head and stretch.
“Why don’t you take a little break and check out the gardens?” She points to the window that overlooks the manicured gardens. There won’t be any flowers this time of year, but I have been curious about the statues and ice sculptures since I read about them on the website.
“I think I will. Do you want to come?” I ask, surprising myself. I feel like I’ve put myself out there, walked to the edge of a cliff without knowing it.
Gladys lights up. “I would like that very much.”
Relief washes through me. I set down my supplies, take the last bite of the doughnut, and brush off my hands.
CRASH!
I whip around to see Marcus staring at the floor where pieces of glass are scattered around his feet. “Oh no!” My hands fly to my mouth. “What was it?” I ask out loud.
He drops his hands to his side. “Just some baubles. I don’t dare move, though.”
Gladys pats my back. “You go on out for that walk. I’ll get a broom.” She points at Marcus. “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right back.”
She darts off. “I guess I’m on my own,” I mumble. Although, this time, it doesn’t feel so alone. I pick up my coat and button it on my way out.
I wander along the winding garden paths, lost in thought. The events of the morning play through my mind—my initial defensiveness, the tension with Logan, Gladys’s wisdom and encouragement. For so long, I’ve held onto my hurt and anger like a shield, using it to keep others at bay. It feels good to let them down. I hadn’t realized how much energy it took to hold them in place until I relaxed.
I turn a corner and bump into a solid body. Hands grab my arms to steady me, and I look up and into Logan’s green eyes. He seems surprised to see me, hesitating for a moment before letting me go.
“Sorry,” we say at the same time, and then we both laugh.
I’m surprised at myself and the sound of laughter coming from me. Is it weird that my own laugh sounds foreign? I can’t remember the last time I felt light enough to laugh.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your walk. They asked us all to leave for a bit while they clean up the glass.” He hooks his thumb over his shoulder as he talks.
“No problem. I don’t own the garden or anything.” I wave my hand around—the feeling awkward—and hurry to tuck it back into my pocket. Words I need to say bounce around in my head and press against the back of my throat.
“Logan,” I say, my voice softer than usual. He leans in, trying to hear me better, and I can smell his cologne again. It’s good. Soooo good. “I... I wanted to apologize for how I spoke to you earlier, well, pretty much since I met you. It was uncalled for.”
Logan’s eyebrows rise in surprise, but he breaks into a wide smile. “Thank you, Bailey. I appreciate that.”
An awkward silence falls between us. A moment ago I could barely hold in the words, and now my brain decides to empty out. I shift from one foot to the other, uncertain of what to say next. Logan clears his throat. “Your tree... umm. I think the snow was a good idea. It will stand out and that’s always a good thing in this competition.”
His words catch me off guard. “Oh, um, thank you,” I stammer. “Yours is beautiful too. Very classic, but in a good way,” I’m quick to add.
Logan chuckles, the sound warm and rich. “High praise coming from you.”
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, but for once, it’s not from anger or embarrassment. “Well, don’t let it go to your head,” I tease, surprised by my own playfulness.
Logan’s smile widens, and for a moment, I see a glimpse of the man the whole town seems to adore. Kind, genuine, and with a warmth that radiates from within. It’s... disconcerting, to say the least.
Evelyn comes around the corner looking stunning in a cream-colored long wool coat.. “There you two are. They cleared it for us to go in, but they said to be careful because they had to mop the floors.”
