“I think Lynn’s going to need a moment to get over thisheartbreak.” Bailey made a face. “In the long run, she’ll be better off without Kai. She just hasn’t realized it yet. She’s mourning all of the things she thought she was going to be sharing with him.” Gemma nodded and made a tutting sound.
“Do you want me to do your hair and makeup?” Gemma asked. She was an artist by trade, but she loved playing around with colors and different makeup brands.
“Of course I do,” Bailey said, chuckling. “You’re the best makeup artist. Plus, you’re free.” In response, Gemma swatted her with a pillow, instructing her to sit down so she could work on her. Forty minutes later, Bailey had been transformed by her sister’s magic wand and was ready to head to Hattie’s home. She was wearing the shimmery gold sweater with slim-fitting black velvet pants, gold hoop earrings, and a pair of black kitten heels. Chic and festive.
The scenic route she took provided spectacular views of the mountains. Even though she hadn’t lived anywhere else but Moose Falls, she never got tired of the Alaskan landscape.
Hattie’s home was nothing short of spectacular. The old Victorian-style house was large and grand. The residence was three stories high with a pitched roof and cylindrical turrets. It had always reminded Bailey of something out of a fairy-tale book. The wraparound porch lent it a classic vibe. A bunch of cherry red Adirondack chairs sat in front, decorated with festive lights.
Tonight Hattie’s home and yard were ablaze with holiday lights. Bailey had to admit, even though she hated the holiday vibe, that it was gorgeous. As a child she had visited this house on several occasions, invited by Hattie along with her sisters and mother for afternoon tea. It had been an attemptby Hattie to soothe their souls after the loss of their father. Hattie had served afternoon tea along with little finger sandwiches and cupcakes. As a little girl she’d been amazed by the grand staircase in her home, along with the library filled with stacks and stacks of books. In her mind it had resembled something from a movie, and now, as she stood on the walkway of Hattie’s blue house, she still believed it was magical.
The Victorian style was very unusual for Alaska. She had a vague memory of Hattie telling them the story about how her father had relocated from the West Coast.Maybe Oregon, she thought. He had painted the house the color of a robin’s egg so that people could see it from a distance and consider it a unique residence.
She stood in front of Hattie’s house, just gazing at it in pure admiration. From inside, she could hear music playing and the chatter of voices. Suddenly she felt a little nervous bubble in the pit of her stomach. It was strange, considering she was an extrovert, but she knew that all eyes would be on her and Landon.
You can do this, she told herself,for Hattie.
Bailey walked up the steps as more guests began to arrive. She paused before opening the door, waiting for the others to catch up so that they could all enter the house together. Bailey exchanged a few pleasantries before going inside. Immediately she felt as if she’d walked into an enchanted place. The house was brimming with guests, all of them decked out in their finest holiday outfits. Everywhere she looked, she saw someone she knew. Suddenly Landon was there at her side, grinning at her.
“You made it,” he said. “I was beginning to wonder if you changed your mind.”
“There wasn’t a chance of that happening. I gave you my word. I was just running a little late,” she explained.
“Let me take your coat,” he said, reaching out to help her take off her long black faux fur jacket. Once he’d taken her coat off, Landon said, “By the way, you look amazing, Bailey.”
“Why, thank you,” Bailey said. Receiving a sweet compliment from Landon made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Her stomach was doing somersaults.
“Let me go put this in the study on the coatrack. I’ll be right back. In the meantime, help yourself to some hors d’oeuvres,” Landon said, before walking away.
Waiters swirled around the room, carrying trays of appetizers and flutes of champagne. “Don’t mind if I do,” Bailey said as a waiter offered her a glass of bubbly. Seconds later, she was tempted by scallops wrapped in bacon and shrimp cocktail.Mmm, she thought.I could get used to this.She took a small plate from the server and placed a few apps down before moving toward a small table to set her goodies on.
Before she knew it, Landon was back. “I was about to ask you if you wanted a glass of champagne, but I see that you already have one.”
“I don’t drink very often, but I never turn down champagne.” She took a sip, and the bubbles tickled her nose.
“Now that’s a good life philosophy that I can get behind.” His eyes roamed over her, causing a warmth to spread through her. “You look lovely tonight. Gold is definitely your color.”
Her cheeks felt flushed, and she wondered if she was blushing. People complimented her all the time, and shenever felt like this. What was it about Landon that made her go all weak in the knees?
“Thank you,” she said. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Talk about an understatement. He was wearing a black cashmere sweater with a pair of gray slacks that fit him perfectly. Instead of leaning in to the holiday dress code, he had chosen a classic outfit that really looked good on him.Purr.
“I love Christmas, but I’m not really into dressing up in red and green and wearing Rudolph antlers.”
Bailey giggled. She couldn’t imagine him walking around in reindeer antlers, although she conceded he would look adorable. “I get it. Truly I do.”
Little did he know that she was the most anti-Christmas person in the universe. She’d mentioned not being a huge fan of the holidays, but Landon had no idea how deep it was for her. She wasn’t going to bring it up, though, especially since he seemed to really enjoy the season, along with Hattie. Nope, she wasn’t going to be a Debbie Downer tonight. She would just put on a bright smile and absorb all the holiday vibes coming her way.
“Someone is very excited to see you tonight. Is it all right if I bring you over to Hattie?”
“Of course,” she said, feeling energized. “I would love to see her. It’s been a while.”
Landon’s jaw clenched. “She hasn’t been feeling the best lately, so she hasn’t been at work for a bit. She’s pretty prideful, so she didn’t want everyone at the company to know.”
“Oh no, I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m a bit surprised that she decided to hold the party since she’s not feeling her best.” Talk about being plucky. Bailey knew no one would hold it against her if she canceled the event.
“As we know, Hattie is always going to do what Hattie’s going to do.”
