9. Laney
9
LANEY
L aney woke the morning after their date at Mia’s with a text from Nolan asking if she’d like to go with him to get his very first Christmas tree for his first Christmas in his newly remodeled home. She replied that she would love to but had to work until three. He suggested he pick her up at the bookstore, and they could head out when she was done with her shift.
She spent the morning helping customers and unpacking books for holiday displays. She’d yet to mention to her aunt that her parents wanted to come visit for Christmas. During her lunch hour, she stopped by the back office where Aunt Edna was doing paperwork.
“Do you have a minute?” Laney asked.
“For you, always.” Edna set aside her pen and gave Laney her full attention.
Laney sat in the guest chair, splaying her hands over her knees. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a red-and-white-striped sweater that looked like Christmas candy. “Mom texted the other day. She wants to visit for Christmas.”
“Here?” Edna’s eyes widened.
“Yes, that’s what she said. I told her I’d talk to you about it to make sure you were all right with the idea. They would stay at the inn.”
Aunt Edna looked down at her desk for a second before answering. “I don’t know how much your mother’s told you about our upbringing.”
“Not that much.”
“We were very poor, especially after our mom died. Your mother and I basically raised ourselves. He wasn’t much of a parent.”
“She’s mentioned that but never elaborates.”
“She told me once she didn’t want our bad childhood to rub off on you. Christmas was especially bleak. Our dad had a bad habit of spending his money on drink, so we never had enough to eat.”
Laney felt sad thinking of the two little girls at Christmas without presents or warmth, not to mention food. “Mom always gave me the best Christmases when I was little.”
“That’s one of the magical things about children and Christmas. No matter what the adults might feel about the holidays, children make us want to make it special for them.”
Where was her aunt going with this?
As if she asked the question out loud, her aunt said, “The reason I bring this up—I haven’t celebrated Christmas in years. Usually, I just spend the day in my pajamas watching movies and eating food, which is bad for me. Grace always asks if I want to join them, but it’s too hard to be around a happy family on Christmas Day.”
“Is that what you want to do this year? Stay at home?”
“No, as a matter of fact, it isn’t. I’d like to celebrate with you and your parents. Especially since they’re willing to come here.”
“I’m so glad. Because I would love to have them here too, but only if you do.”
“I might invite my friend Drew too. He’s alone this year. His children are with their in-laws, so he decided to stay here for the rest of the month.”
“Interesting.”
“I don’t think it’s because of me,” Edna said hastily.
“I’m not sure about that.”
“Anyway, I have no idea how to plan for a Christmas celebration, so you’ll have to help me.”
“I’m on it, Aunt Edna.” She told her that Nolan wanted to get a tree today and that she would get one for the apartment as well.
“I have no ornaments.”
“I’ll take care of that too,” Laney said, feeling excited. “I adore Christmas.”
“I’m in good hands then.”
“Yes, you are.”
Laney couldn’t remember the last time she’d visited a Christmas tree farm. Her parents had two trees, both artificial, one for the big living room and one for the family room, but never a live one. Mom hated the mess. She was practically bouncing in the passenger seat as she told Nolan about her conversation with her aunt.
“She never gets a tree for the apartment. Isn’t that the saddest thing you’ve ever heard?”
“So, we’re looking for two trees,” Nolan said.
“That’s right. They have to be perfect.”
“Perfection nearly impossible, but we’ll do our best.”
Soon, they were upon a sprawling farm, with a big red barn visible from the main road, its roof lined with twinkling lights. Nolan pulled his truck into the gravel parking lot of Martin’s Trees and Holiday Farm. She sat up straight, a flurry of excitement stirring in her chest at the sight of the old farmhouse with its wide porch decorated with garlands of pine and red bows. A wreath hung on the front door, and lanterns flickered along the steps. Rows upon rows of perfectly shaped trees stretched into the distance, their branches dusted with a light coating of snow.
“This is the best place in the world.” Laney jumped out of the truck, bouncing on her toes as she breathed in the scent of pine and sap. “Can we get hot cocoa?”
“We can do whatever you wish.” Nolan wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.
This man had a way of making her feel so cherished.
Cheerful strains of Christmas music floated from a set of speakers mounted near the gift shop. Families strolled through the aisles of trees, bundled in scarves and mittens. A small firepit crackled near the shop, surrounded by rustic benches where kids were roasting marshmallows on sticks.
“This is pretty big for me too,” Nolan said. “I haven’t enjoyed the holidays as much since I lost Dylan. They make me feel kind of guilty and depressed. You know, like why am I here when he’s not, and how dare I celebrate without him. I know, it’s ridiculous. But this feels big to me.”
Laney put her hand into his. “That’s totally understandable. However, it’s your first Christmas in your new house. You’re starting new traditions. And your friend wouldn’t want you to be a scrooge forever, would he?”
“No, he wouldn’t. He loved Christmas.”
“Change is hard. Even when it’s good,” Laney said.
“You seem to be rolling with it pretty well.”
“How can I not when I get to spend time with you?” Laney asked. “And here?”
“Are you for real, or an angel that fell from the sky?”
“I’m for real. And I’m no angel, but I’m glad you think so.”
He grinned, pulling her in for a quick peck on the mouth. “Okay, let’s do this. According to Luke, picking out a tree is serious business.”
“Lucky for you, I’m an expert.” Laney looped her arm through his.
“I’m in your capable hands,” Nolan said.
They wandered through the rows of trees, debating as they inspected each one. Nolan tested the fullness of the branches, while Laney evaluated the height and shape. They debated briefly over a tall, thin fir and a shorter but denser spruce before finally agreeing on a Fraser fir that struck the perfect balance for Nolan’s house. For Aunt Edna, they chose a smaller but beautifully shaped Douglas fir that would fit well in her cozy apartment.
“This is the one,” Nolan declared, giving the trunk of his tree an approving nod. “Plump but not too tall and smells like Christmas.”
Laney laughed. “What more could you ask for?”
As they waited for an employee to wrap the trees and fasten them to the top of the SUV, Nolan gestured toward the gift shop. “I don’t have any ornaments. Should we check out what they have?”
Laney’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely. We can’t let these trees go naked on their first Christmas.”
They made their way to the shop, which was just as charming inside as it was outside. Shelves were lined with ornaments of every kind—delicate glass balls, whimsical wooden animals, and hand-painted snowflakes. Nolan picked up a ceramic cardinal and held it up for Laney to see.
“This one reminds me of my mother. She loves cardinals.”
“Then we have to get it.”
Laney selected a small rustic star made of twigs and twine. “Aunt Edna will love this for her tree topper.”
In addition, they chose for Aunt Edna a collection of vintage-style ornaments, including a glass angel and a set of tiny wooden birds that reminded Laney of her aunt’s love for nature. Laney also found a charming ornament shaped like a tiny open book with gilded pages, which they both agreed was a must for Aunt Edna’s bookstore. They added a sparkling snowflake ornament, a cheerful red sleigh, and a quaint little lantern that looked as if it could light the way on a snowy evening.
For Nolan’s tree, they picked out a carved wooden reindeer and a pair of mitten-shaped ornaments, both of which had a cozy, handcrafted feel. Laney found a delicate glass fox ornament that instantly reminded her of Clever Fox Books. “This one has to go on your tree,” she said, holding it up with a smile. “So, you think of me and Aunt Edna when you look at it.”
They added a set of wooden snowflakes, a brass bell that chimed softly when shaken, and a small snowy cabin ornament that reminded them of Sugarville Grove. Nolan said he couldn’t resist a vintage-style Santa, its faded colors evoking memories of Christmases long past.
As they browsed, Laney chose several boxes of bulbs in silver, blue, and gold to fill in any empty spaces on both trees. She also grabbed a set of shimmering glass ornaments with frosted patterns for Aunt Edna’s tree, adding a touch of elegance to their collection.
On their way out, they nearly collided with Luke, who was loading several trees onto the back of his vintage red truck.
“Hey there, you two,” Luke called out with a grin. “Did you pick out a tree?”
“For me and for Aunt Edna,” Nolan said, gesturing toward the wrapped firs now tied to the top of his vehicle. “What about you? Are you playing Santa today?”
Luke chuckled. “Just helping out some of the older folks in town.”
“That’s kind of you,” Laney said. This family. They were too much. Too good.
“He does it every year,” Nolan said, sounding proud.
Luke shrugged. “Just doing my part. I have so much and some have so little. This time of year, really makes you think, doesn’t it?”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways. As they drove out of the farm and onto the road, Laney warmed her hands in front of the heater vent.
“We need lights,” she said.
“Yeah, I guess we do. I guess that means we’re stopping by the hardware store.”
She smiled. “I guess it does. I love today.”
“You make everything fun.”
The hardware store was bustling with holiday shoppers, and they wandered the aisles together, debating between multicolored strands and classic white lights. Ultimately, they settled on a warm white glow for Nolan’s tree and colorful bulbs for Aunt Edna’s to brighten her apartment.
“She seems like the colored light kind of person, don’t you think?” Laney asked Nolan.
“I agree one hundred percent.”
Laney added a small box of twinkling fairy lights, envisioning them wrapped around Aunt Edna’s windows to add even more cheer.
“I think we need more ornaments,” Nolan said as he loaded their selections into the cart. “The gift shop might have some.”
After they paid for the lights, they headed out on foot to the gift store. It was a quaint little shop filled with handmade treasures and unique finds. Laney discovered another set of glass ornaments with delicate frosted patterns for Aunt Edna’s tree, while Nolan added a box of vintage-style bulbs to their haul. They picked up a miniature brass bell and a set of red velvet ribbons to tie on both trees for extra festive flair.
As they left the shop, their bags filled with treasures, Laney’s heart swelled with joy. She would not have predicted this was where she’d be or that she would feel so fulfilled and happy. This Christmas was shaping up to be one she’d never forget. Just like the summer she’d spent in Sugarville Grove. It was the place. This picturesque little town and all the warm, generous people who inhabited it drew her in like no other. And then there was Nolan. He embodied everything she loved about Sugarville Grove. Just as he had all those years ago, he touched her heart in a way that defied reason. But at this point in her life, with all that had happened, who was she to question love? Especially when it was right in your path when you least expected it?
She held out her arms and looked up at the sky, silently thanking God for bringing her to this exact moment. One that felt right in her soul.
“What’re you thinking?” Nolan asked, pulling her in for a hug.
“How much I love it here. And spending time with you.”
He kissed her right there on the sidewalk, with folks passing by, as if he didn’t care who saw them. She didn’t either. She would shout it from the gazebo if he asked her to.
She was falling in love with Nolan Hayes all over again.
They stopped at Aunt Edna’s first. In the parking lot behind her building, Nolan quickly untied the Douglas fir from the top of his SUV and hauled it up the back stairway to the residence above the bookshop. As if it weighed nothing. Laney followed behind, clutching the bags of ornaments and lights to her chest, bursting with excitement.
When they reached the door to the apartment, Laney used her key to let them inside, thinking Aunt Edna would be working downstairs. Instead, her aunt came bustling into the front room, a cup of steaming tea in her hands.
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Edna said. “You found the perfect one for my small room.”
“That’s what we thought,” Laney said, bouncing on her toes, still holding the bags of lights and ornaments. “And we have lights and a few decorations. You might need more, but we have a good start at least.”
“This is so kind of you both,” Edna said.
The employee had nailed a wooden stand onto the tree before it was loaded onto the vehicle, thus Nolan had no problem setting it upright in the corner of the living room near the window that looked out to the town square. “Aunt Edna, do you like it here?” Nolan straightened, brushing needles from his jacket and looking so adorable that Laney wanted to hug him. But she held back. This moment was for Aunt Edna. Not hugging and kissing her—she stopped herself. She had almost labeled him her boyfriend.
Why did it give her such a warm, bubbly feeling in her stomach to even think the word?
“Yes, it’s just the right spot,” Edna said.
“Give me a few minutes and I’ll get those lights strung for you.” Nolan opened the box of lights. “And I’ll try not to say any bad words.”
“You wouldn’t be the first to ever do so while hanging lights,” Laney said.
While Nolan carefully strung the lights over every branch, Laney and Aunt Edna laid the ornaments out on the coffee table. Adorably, Aunt Edna exclaimed over each one.
Before she knew it, Nolan had finished.
“They look wonderful.” Laney clasped her hands together, admiring his work. “How did you do that so fast?”
“It’s a Hayes thing. Every man knows how to string some lights.” Nolan grinned as he looked over at Aunt Edna. “What do you think?”
Eyes shining, Aunt Edna stared at the tree. “I don’t know why I’ve never done this before. I guess it always seemed so silly to have one up here when I had one in the shop, plus it wasn’t like anyone ever came to see me at Christmas. Until now.” She glanced at Laney, holding out her arms. “Come here, sweet girl.”
Laney went to her and let her aunt wrap her in a warm embrace.
“This is turning out not to be such a terrible time of year after all,” Edna said as she released Laney and hugged Nolan. “Thank you both for doing this.”
“Shall we decorate?” Laney asked.
Aunt Edna nodded. “Let’s do it.”
As they worked together hanging the ornaments, Aunt Edna’s delight grew with every addition. She marveled at the delicate frosted glass ornaments and gently touched the wooden birds. “These are precious.”
“We know how much you love birds,” Laney said.
“I do.” Edna hung a bird on a lower branch, stepping back to admire how it looked nestled among the greenery.
Nolan joined in, carefully unwrapping the vintage-style Santa. “This guy’s a beauty. Where should he go?”
“Anywhere. He’s so cute,” Aunt Edna said.
Laney held up a sparkling snowflake ornament. “Isn’t this one festive?” She hooked it onto a branch near the center, where it glimmered under the warm glow of the fairy lights.
Next, they added the bulbs, which filled in a lot of the blank spots.
When they unwrapped, the rustic star made of twigs and twine, Aunt Edna pressed a hand to her chest. “This is the perfect topper. Rustic and simple. Just like me.”
“Laney thought you would like it,” Nolan said. “If you have a footstool I can put it in place.”
Aunt Edna nodded. “I have one in the kitchen. Two seconds.”
While she was out of the room, Nolan grabbed Laney, pulling her against him for a kiss.
Aunt Edna returned with a footstool. They separated, but it was too late. They’d been caught.
“I see how it is,” Edna said, grinning. “And I don’t even have any mistletoe.”
Nolan stepped onto the footstool and carefully placed the star atop the tree. He jumped down to admire his work. “Now it’s complete.”
The three of them stood for a moment, taking in the fully decorated tree. It glimmered with warmth and charm, although the branches could use a few more decorations.
“It’s all so lovely,” Aunt Edna whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you both. I never would have done this on my own.”
“Maybe you can invite Drew over for dinner?” Laney said, cheekily. “I’m going to Nolan’s for the evening, so you’ll have the place to yourself.”
Aunt Edna flushed the shade of a raspberry. “I don’t know about that. He might not want to come.”
“Doesn’t hurt to ask,” Nolan said. “Take it from me. Sometimes they say yes.”
Laney wrapped her arms around her aunt. “You should do it. Enjoy yourself. You’ve got me here to help with the store. Maybe it’s time to do a few things for yourself.”
“Yes, well, maybe I will ask. I don’t have time to shop and cook though,” Edna said, looking worried.
“Borrow one from my mother’s playbook and order takeout,” Laney said. “And just have fun without thinking too much.”
That was certainly her own plan.