“Mom, I’m an adult.” Hailey walked back into the kitchen, tired of overheard conversations. “I want this, I’d like to be part of the conversation please. “I’ve done my research. I’ve got a degree in business. There isn’t a single reason why the expansion won’t work. If we get on it, we can be open in time to catch at least half of the Christmas rush.”
They argued long into the night. Tempers flared. Tears flowed. Eventually, Hailey’s father laid down the law.
“Elizabeth Kate Masters, I love you more than life itself, but if you don’t agree to this, I’m moving out. You don’t have to retire, but give your daughter her shot to save your dream. She deserves it.”
Hailey and her mother gasped in unison. Her father never made ultimatums. Sure, he threatened dire actions, they all did now and then. This was different. Hailey had no doubt he was all business and wasn’t bluffing.
“My darling wife, you’ve worked long and hard in our store, but it’s time to let go, to pass the reins on. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished. But we aren’t young anymore. Let’s travel, enjoy life before Hailey gets married and has children of her own. She’ll need us to watch the wee ones. We can visit Kiera in the city and hug her babies. We don’t see them enough. Life is short, too short to hold onto old dreams when new ones call. The plan gives us the chance to live a new dream while Hailey rebuilds our old one. We can have it all.”
He kneeled before her, taking her hands in his. “Remember, before we married, we vowed to visit every province, territory and state? Let’s do it. Together. It’ll be the honeymoon we never had. Come with me, be my bride again. Let’s grow old together.” Tears streaked down his face as he begged for his wife back.
Hailey’s heart ached. Her breath stuck in her throat. She’d had no idea her father was such a romantic. She wiped away a tear and crossed her fingers. This wasn’t just about a store, or her dream. This was about saving a marriage.
Her mom frowned. Hailey’s heart sank.
Don’t say no. don’t say no.
A wobbly smile crossed her mother’s face. “Yes, Carl Masters, I will retire with you. God help me, I love you more than that store.”
Relief flooded through Hailey. Her parents weren’t splitting up. They’d stay together, they’d keep the store and she could follow her renewed dream. The one she’d forgotten in the bright lights of the city.
“Sweet!” She jumped and fist pumped the air. Energized with enthusiasm, she rushed to her parent’s side and embraced them both before helping her father rise to his feet. “Christmas Central, here we come!”
Chapter Seven
Coffee in hand, Hailey skip-stepped out of Beth’s Beans. She had set her plan in motion by talking to the landlord to confirm their expansion and sign a lease. She had an appointment to view some used shelving and displays; she was giddy with excitement and couldn’t stop smiling.
This morning, her parents had stayed in bed late. Her mother giggled as they made travel plans. Hailey couldn’t remember the last time her mother had been so carefree. Just the sound made Hailey quiver with happiness; she’d helped save a marriage she hadn’t even known was on rocky ground until a couple days ago.
It was early, the sun wasn’t even up yet. The air was biting cold. The sky was clear and there was no wind. It was the perfect day to watch the sunrise in the park at the top of the hill. She tightened the scarf at her throat, straightened her hat and set out to walk the half mile to the park.
As a teenager, she’d been an early riser and loved making the trek to view winter sunrises. She hadn’t been back since she was engaged to Evan. Her pace quickened. She didn’t want to miss the sun peeking over the trees in the distance. She crested the hill, headed for her favorite spot and froze. Someone was sitting there.
Dang. She recognized that tattered canvas coat. Jesse Phillips. He sat atop the table; a Siberian husky sat on the bench at his feet. She wasn’t going to let him ruin her morning. She’d find another spot to sit.
She walked past him without speaking. There was a bench just ahead. She’d sit there and make the best of her day. Despite him.
“Good morning, Hailey.” His tone was soft and cautious.
She paused to look at him. “Good morning, Mr. Phillips.”
“Don’t do that.” He frowned.
“Do what?” She squeezed her cup tightly enough that the paper bent.
“Go all formal. We’ve shared coffee, moving and lunch. Aren’t we friends?”
“I suppose.” She thrust her hand inside her pocket, wishing she had a place to set her coffee so she could do the same with her other hand.
“Come, sit with me. I’ll share my blanket.” He stood and spread out the denim quilt he’d been sitting on, making room for her. “This is the best spot to watch the sunrise.”
He was right. It was the best spot. She pursed her lips. She loved this spot, but his mother had been so rude to her. Her last encounter with Jesse had left a bad taste in her mouth. Did she even want to socialize with him?
“Don’t frown, you’ll get wrinkles,” he teased. “For what it’s worth, I apologize for my mother’s abhorrent behavior. She has a drinking problem and it’s keeping her from moving past the shame of her actions. That’s not an excuse, it’s an explanation.” He patted the blanket beside him. “Come on, there’s enough blanket to wrap your legs up. You’ll need it when the wind comes up with the sun.”
His mother did have a drinking problem. It must make his life difficult sometimes.
“You’ve talked me into it. Apology accepted. Can you hold this?” She thrust her coffee into his hand. She patted the dog, hopped up and covered her legs. “Thanks. This is nice. What’s his name?”
