11. Laney
11
LANEY
B undled up in her warm jacket and hat, Laney held Nolan’s hand as they moved through the crowd. It was all so festive, with the decorations and delighted squeals from excited children. As they settled near the front, a choir dressed in robes assembled near the pavilion.
“There’s going to be music,” Laney said to Nolan, excited.
“The choir sings every year. Although there are some new faces. The pretty woman on the end is a new teacher at the school. I think her name is Becca Hawthorne. Luke and Abby mentioned her the other day—said she’s a wonderful addition to the teaching staff.”
Laney took in the gorgeous young teacher with shiny brown hair and big blue eyes. If she’d been with Josh, she might have felt a tinge of jealousy, not with Nolan. He somehow made her feel secure and loved.
This was such fun. She hoped Nolan was all right and not too sad. Because to her, the night was perfection.
Nolan tossed their empty cups into the nearby bin and returned to wrap his arm around her shoulder, bringing her close.
“You, okay?” Laney asked, glancing up at him.
He met her gaze. “I’m good. Really good.”
“Just say the word and we can go.”
“No way. I can’t wait to share this with you,” Nolan said.
The polite crowd hushed as the choir began to sing “The First Noel.”
Laney held her breath as the music washed over her. The choir’s performance was so pure and beautiful that her eyes filled with tears. This was Christmas. The real meaning of Christmas could be found right here in the town square. How lucky she was to be part of it.
They finished singing, and the mayor stepped up to the lectern wearing a fluffy red scarf around his neck and a thick coat. “What a treat to have our choir here tonight. They’re better than anything you’d hear in a city, am I right?”
The crowd cheered and clapped and stomped their feet.
“They were very very good,” Laney whispered, wiping under her eyes with a gloved hand.
The mayor continued. “As you know, we have a tradition in Sugarville Grove to honor a member of the community who’s gone above and beyond to contribute to the well-being of others. This year we wanted to honor Luke Hayes.”
“Oh, how wonderful,” Laney murmured.
“Luke probably hates this,” Nolan whispered in her ear.
“For those of you who don’t know, Luke spends many afternoons every year delivering trees to those who can’t make it out themselves to do so. Now, I for one don’t know how that old truck keeps running, but it sure does. And Luke Hayes puts it to good use. To thank him for his generous spirit, he and his family are going to light the tree this year. Thank you, Luke, for being our Christmas Star this year.”
Luke, Abby, and all three children joined the mayor. Everyone cheered. Jack, bouncing on his toes, yelled out, “Hi, Uncle Nolan. It’s me, Jack.”
Nolan chuckled and waved back at him.
Lily, dressed in a coat with white faux fur around the collar and sleeves, waved to the crowd as if she were the beloved princess of Sugarville Grove. A princess missing her two front teeth. Sophie, in her usual modest fashion, merely stood to the side, looking elegant in a blue coat and more like thirty-five years old than her actual ten. Abby and Luke held hands, both peering out to the crowd as if embarrassed by all the attention.
“Let’s do this, shall we?” the mayor called out.
Luke and Jack knelt near the tree and picked up the plug, ready for the countdown.
The crowd stilled, and everyone seemed to hold a collective breath. Lacey felt like a kid, her heart racing with anticipation.
The crowd shouted together, “Ten…”
"Nine…” Laney found herself leaning forward and joining in.
"Eight…” Children giggled and wriggled, their mittened hands waving in anticipation.
"Seven…”
"Six..." The voices grew louder.
"Five...Four..."
"Three..." The mayor’s voice boomed over the crowd, urging the final numbers.
"Two...One!"
The tree burst to life in a cascade of dazzling white lights. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd, followed by a wave of cheers and applause. Laney found herself swept up in the magic, clapping and laughing along with everyone else, her heart alight with the wonder of the moment.
“It’s so pretty,” Laney said, gazing up at the gorgeous man beside her. “What a wonderful tradition. Thank you for being with me.”
“It is. Growing up here, I forgot how special it is.” He leaned down to peck her mouth. “You’ve brought back my Christmas spirit.”
She might float up to the sky with the pure happiness that spread through her entire being. “That’s what you’re doing for me.”
“You’re the best gift anyone could ask for.” He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet, twirling her in a circle, as she squealed and laughed.
That’s when she heard someone call her name. “Laney?”
Oh no. Was that her mother’s voice? No one else could say her name the way Penelope Gray could especially when Laney was in trouble. Back on her feet, she turned slowly, dread creeping into her stomach, and there they were—her parents, standing just a few feet away, clearly in shock at the sight of her in a man’s arms.
Laney’s pulse raced. “Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?”
Her mother, dressed impeccably in a lavender cashmere coat and scarf, was the first to speak. “We came early. To surprise you. But it seems the surprise is on us.”
“We missed you, sweetheart.” Her father pulled her into his loving embrace. In his arms, just as it had been when she was a little girl, she felt safe and warm.
“I missed you too, Daddy.”
“Who have we here?” Dad asked, turning toward Nolan.
“Nolan Hayes, sir.” He stepped closer and offered his hand, which her father shook.
“Nice to see you. I’m Tucker Gray. This is my wife, Penelope.”
Nolan turned to her mother, who was staring at him as if he were either a ghost or the devil. She couldn’t be sure which. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Gray.”
“Hayes?” Mom asked. “Your mother’s Edna’s friend, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“You have brothers. Gobs of them if I recall correctly?” Mom asked.
“There’s four of us.”
“Which one are you?” Mom asked.
“I’m the youngest,” Nolan said.
“Nolan’s a college professor now,” Laney said. “But he’s the one I couldn’t stop talking about when I got home after my summer here. Remember?”
“Right. Yes. Nolan.” Mom didn’t take her eyes off of him. “I see you’ve reconnected.”
Her father took his wife’s arm. “We’re sorry to barge in on you two like this, but we just couldn’t wait to see our Laney. What a charming town you have here.”
“It is, sir,” Nolan said. “Especially at Christmas.”
Her mother’s sharp gaze darted between Laney and Nolan, her lips pursed. “I thought you were coming here to spend time with Aunt Edna, Laney. I didn’t realize you were…dating.”
Laney swallowed hard. She must be brave and not let her mother bully her. “We’ve been enjoying each other’s company. It’s as if no time has passed.” She glanced up at Nolan, who returned her tentative smile.
“Since you were fourteen?” Mom asked. “Indeed, time has passed. Quite a bit of it.”
“Where are you staying?” Laney asked.
“At the inn. We checked in this afternoon,” Dad said. “We stopped by your Aunt Edna’s but she wasn’t home, so we wandered out to see a little of the town, not realizing it was the tree lighting ceremony. And here you are.”
“Have you not been checking your messages?” Mom asked.
“Uh, no. Not since this morning. I think. I’ve been busy at the shop,” Laney said.
“We should probably head back to the inn. It’s been a long day.” Dad turned to Laney and then Nolan, offering a smile. “We’d love for you both to join us for dinner tomorrow.”
Laney nodded quickly, eager for things to go smoothly. “That sounds nice.”
“I’d love to,” Nolan said.
“Good,” Dad said. “We’ll look forward to it.
“Laney, why don’t you come back with us to the inn for a bit?” Mom asked. “We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to here in Vermont.”
Laney’s stomach twisted. She didn’t want to leave Nolan—not when the evening had been so perfect—but there was no escaping her mother’s piercing gaze. Nolan may not understand, but her mother was not someone a person said no to. Especially not her daughter.
“You should go,” Nolan said. “Catch up with your folks. Maybe give me a call when you get home so I know you’re safe? The roads are really slick tonight.”
“Yeah, okay,” Laney said. “Thanks for understanding.”
Nolan bent down to whisper in her ear. “Stay strong. You’ve got this.”
Spontaneously, Laney threw her arms around Nolan’s neck. “Thanks for tonight.”
“I hope we have a thousand more,” Nolan said.
When she stepped back, the cold sliced through her. How she wished she could just stay in Nolan’s arms. But duty called.
“We rented a car. I have it parked near the pizza shop,” Dad said.
Her parents turned and started toward the car, but she held back for a second to say one last thing to Nolan. “I’m sorry this ruined our night.”
“Not at all. Family comes first. I’m sure it was a shock to see us like that.”
“I’ll call you later when I get home, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
The look in Nolan’s eyes—a mix of worry and confusion—told her everything she needed to know about what he was feeling. She’d told him that she had trouble saying no to her mother. He must be thinking the worst.
She gave him one last smile and then headed out to catch up with her parents, who were already on the edge of the park by then.
Her mother wasted no time. The moment they got in the car, she started in on her. “Laney, honestly, what in the world are you doing? You suffered a shock and now you’re carrying on with some man you hardly know?”
“Mom, please,” Laney said, her voice tight. “He’s special. Not like anyone else. The moment we saw each other again, it was as if no time has passed. I’d thought about him so much over the years, but never thought I’d have the chance to see him again.” She sighed, dreamily, forgetting for a moment that her mother was not at all pleased with her.
Her mother’s sharp laugh brought her back to reality. “Laney, have you ever heard of the rebound guy? I hope you realize that’s what this is. In addition, you can’t tell me that some boy you knew when you were fourteen has any relevance to your life right now.”
“He does, actually.” Laney’s chest tightened. Stupid doubts crept in. Maybe she was merely reacting to the humiliation she’d felt when she learned the truth about Josh and Dahlia? Was he just a rebound guy? Someone to feed her ego while she got herself together? She was so sure of Nolan, yet her mother’s criticism was hard to maneuver through.
No. She knew Nolan. She knew they were meant to be together. God had opened the door for them, and there was no way she was slamming it shut. Not when she had the chance for such happiness. Anyway, if she’d learned anything over the last few weeks, it was to follow her instincts.
Still, her mother’s harsh words cut her deeply. Doing as she pleased instead of pleasing her mother would be difficult, but she was stronger than she’d been before her whole life exploded into bits of betrayal.
“Mom, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Laney said. “And you’re going to have to trust me.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Laney had not yet visited the Pinecone Inn. Under other circumstances she would have enjoyed seeing the stately colonial revival mansion that had been transformed into an inn. However, her heart felt as if she’d had too many cups of coffee as she followed her parents up the steps of the covered porch, adorned with garlands of evergreen and white lights. When they entered the lobby, they were greeted by a staff member who promised to bring drink menus if they’d like to take a seat by the fire.
Laney sank into one of the chairs. Despite her nervousness, she enjoyed seeing the inn decorated for the holidays. Cozy holiday-themed throw pillows in rich shades of red, green, and gold were paired with knit blankets draped casually over the backs of the chairs. The wooden coffee table displayed a charming centerpiece—a collection of red and gold ornaments nestled in a bowl, surrounded by sprigs of holly. Above the fireplace, a lush garland of evergreens, dotted with red berries, pinecones, and white lights, decorated the mantel. A matching wreath hung above, tied with a deep red velvet bow.
In the corner of the room, near the large windows, stood a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, its branches glittering with strands of white lights and ornaments in a classic palette of gold, red, and silver. Swags of evergreen garland, accented with the same red velvet bows, framed the vintage windows.
Soft instrumental Christmas carols played in the background. Thank goodness. Because otherwise, they would have sat in complete silence. Fortunately, one of the staff came by and they ordered drinks. While they waited, they sat awkwardly, gazing at anything but one another.
“This place reminds me of a dollhouse I used to look at through the window of the toy store when I was a kid,” Mom said finally. “Apparently every room in the inn has its own type of wallpaper, just like the dollhouse. So quaint.”
Laney couldn’t tell if her mother was being truthful or passive aggressive. Had she caught a whiff of sadness in her mother’s tone? For a second, she imagined her mother as a child, pressing her nose against the glass to peer at the toy store’s front window display.
“I love it here,” Laney said. “Every single thing about it.” Should she jump right in and tell them she wanted to buy Aunt Edna out? Her mother would not think it was a good idea. And the fact was—she probably needed her father’s help financially if she were to make it work.
“Have you been in touch with any of your former clients?” Mom asked. “I was thinking you might reach out to them and see if they’d want to hire you back.”
“I haven’t, no.” Laney took a sip of her drink. “Actually, I’m not going back. I’m going to stay here.”
Her mother went perfectly still, other than a muscle in her right cheek that twitched.
“What do you mean, stay here?” Dad asked gently. “As in, move here?”
“Yes.” Laney swallowed. She was a grown woman. She could stand up to her parents. “Aunt Edna wants to sell me the bookstore. She’s hoping to retire.”
“What a preposterous idea,” Mom said. “A bookstore? You may as well just throw your career away.”
“Actually, the bookstore does very well here. I’ve gone over the finances, and they’re strong. The citizens of Sugarville Grove buy locally if they can, and that includes books.” Laney drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly in an attempt to settle her nerves. “We’ve worked it out that I would buy the store from her, giving her more of a nest egg for her retirement, but she would remain in her apartment and still own the building. With the understanding that upon her death, she would leave me the building. Which is worth a lot. Not that I would sell, of course. And she’s going to be around for many, many years, so that’s not really a matter of concern at the moment.”
“Do you have the savings for a down payment?” Dad asked.
“I have some but not enough. I’d need a loan.”
“How much are we talking?” Dad asked.
Her mother sent him a withering look. “Tucker, you can’t be serious. We can’t lend her the money for a bookstore. For God’s sake, have either of you noticed the giant company that’s also in the book business? There’s no way to compete.”
Hadn’t she just heard what Laney said? Her mother could be so stubborn.
“I’ve consulted to small businesses for years, Mom. It’s perfect for me. And we have the community’s support.”
Mom wrapped both hands around the tumbler holding her old-fashioned. “Honey, you’ve had a shock. Feeling a little off-kilter is normal. But you can’t make such a big decision during a time of crisis.”
“I’m not in crisis. In fact, this is the best I’ve felt in my life. I belong here. I’ve met a wonderful man. And the work at the bookstore fills me with joy, not to mention I’ve been feeling like drawing and painting again. I might take a class or two. Just for fun. I’ve been cooking again too. And I had the most amazing afternoon decorating cookies with the Hayes family. They’re a hoot, Mom. You’re going to fall in love with all of them.”
Her mother simply stared at her as if she’d just admitted to running a crime organization.
Dad cleared his throat softly. “He seems like a good guy, Laney. Polite, down-to-earth. But it does seem fast. That’s all your mother’s saying.”
Laney shot her father a grateful look, but Mom wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “You just got out of an engagement, Laney. Shouldn’t you be taking time to figure things out before jumping into something new? I’m your mother. I know you.”
Laney’s grip on her glass tightened. “I’m not jumping into anything, Mom. Nolan and I knew each other when we were young. We have a kind of shorthand between us. It’s hard to explain, but I feel a connection with him that I’ve never felt with anyone else, before or since.”
Mom’s perfectly shaped brows arched. “That’s sweet. Really it is. But you hardly know the man.”
“But I do. That’s the point,” Laney said, her voice rising slightly before she caught herself. “Anyway, it’s my life. You don’t get to decide who I love.”
“Who you love?” Mom’s eyebrows rose, and she made one of her little sniffs of disapproval. “You can’t possibly love this man.”
Dad placed a hand on his wife’s arm. “Penelope, Laney’s an adult. She can make her own choices.”
Mom let out a soft, exasperated sigh, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she took a measured sip from her drink before returning her gaze back to Laney. “While it is true that you’re an adult, I worry that you’re being impulsive because you’re brokenhearted about Josh and Dahlia.”
Laney almost laughed at the way her mother said their names, kind of as if she was spitting them out of her mouth because they were sour. “I understand your worry, but I can assure you, I’m fine.”
“You want to throw your life away in this hick town?” Mom asked, her voice rising an octave.
“Now, honey, don’t say that,” Dad said. “It’s not a hick town. And if Laney likes it here, then she should stay. Life’s short. People should do what they love.”
“Is this only about Nolan?” Mom asked. “Is that why you’re so keen to stay?”
Laney bristled at the implication, even though it was partially true. “Yes, he’s part of why I want to stay. But it’s also everything else. This town is a place where I can build a life that matters. I’m part of something here. I mean, you saw the tree lighting. The whole town comes out for that kind of thing. It’s special.”
“They have a lot of twinkly lights, I’ll give them that.” Mom said. “However, it’s not something to take into consideration when planning a future.”
“Why not?” Laney asked. “Why not move to a place because it’s beautiful and cozy? Did you know I saw a moose? An actual moose, and he was magnificent.”
“You’ve clearly lost your senses,” Mom said, sounding genuinely concerned.
“Listen, please, Mom. I’m staying here. I’m buying the bookstore, whether I get the loan from you guys or the bank. And you better get used to the idea of Nolan Hayes being by my side, because that’s what’s going to happen. I love you both very much, but this is my life.”
“Bravo,” Dad said. “Good for you, kid. It takes a lot of courage to make a new life after what happened to you. I’ll give you a loan. And I’ll help however I can.”
Her mother’s face reddened. “So now I’m the bad guy? As usual.”
“You’re not the bad guy, honey.” Dad turned toward his wife. “But sometimes you can be a little overbearing, especially when it comes to Laney. If this is what she wants, we have to back off.”
Mom shrugged. “Fine. When it all blows up, we’ll be here for you.”
Laney laughed under her breath. “Thanks, Mom. Your support means so much.”
“Don’t you be sarcastic with me, young lady. I’m still your mother.”
“I know that. And I adore you,” Laney said, her voice thick with emotion. “But I’ve let you influence me too much in the past. Being here, on my own, I’ve realized how many times I acquiesce just to please other people. Especially you. I can’t do it any longer, not after what happened with Josh. I was blind to what was going on right in front of me because I was so busy pleasing everyone. I know what I want and who I am. You’re going to have to accept me as I am. I’m staying here. That’s all there is to it.”
“We support you,” Dad said. “Right?”
“It’s obvious I have no choice.” Her mother sighed a long-suffering sigh.
“What is it really, Mom? Why don’t you want me here?”
Her mother played with the necklace around her neck, looking persecuted. “If you want to know the truth, I’m afraid to lose you. Like I did my sister.”
Laney blinked, shocked by such an honest answer. “You won’t lose me. No matter where I live.”
“When you were here that summer I could feel you slipping away. Just like I do now.” Mom gazed into her drink, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. “Everyone prefers Edna. My dad. Now you.”
Laney reached across the table, taking her mother’s cold hand in her own. “I don’t prefer her to you. Not at all. You’re my mom, and that will never change.”
“We can visit whenever we wish to,” Dad said. “You’re not going to lose her.”
“And I’ll come to you too,” Laney aid. “I think we should make a pact to always spend Christmas together.”
“Really?” Mom lifted her gaze, brushing away a tear. “What about Nolan and his family?”
“It’s going to be fine, Mom. You’re not losing me just because I’ve fallen in love with Nolan.”
Mom gasped. “You’re in love with him?”
“I’ve never felt like this about anyone else. Now that I’m with him, I can understand what was missing with Josh. He did too but didn’t have the courage to tell me the truth. I’m glad I found out before it was too late.”
“They’ve had the nerve to post photos of their vacation. ” Mom spit out the last word. “It’s in very poor taste. I want to add a hashtag that says ‘not your honeymoon’ and ‘cheater cheater pumpkin eater.’”
All three of them started laughing and couldn’t stop. Finally, wiping their eyes, they managed to get themselves together. Her mother might be strong-willed and difficult, but Laney could aways count on her even when things went horribly wrong.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“For what?”
“For being you,” Laney said. “For always having my back.”
“Well, that’s my job, isn’t it?” Mom’s cheeks flushed, and her mouth twitched into a smile. “And you’re welcome.”
“We’ll have dinner tomorrow with you and Nolan and get to know him a little,” Dad said. “I’m sure that will alleviate your mother’s worries.”
“It will, Mom. He’s just—oh, he’s just—I don’t know how to say it without sounding trite. He’s smart, loyal, and kind, and he makes me laugh. I’m utterly smitten.”
“You sure never lit up like that when you talked about Josh,” Dad said. “It’s good to see you like this, sweetheart. You deserve to have the kind of mad love your mother and I have.”
“Oh, Tucker, you’re a sentimental old fool,” Mom said, but she continued to smile.
“Let’s call you a cab and get you back to Aunt Edna’s,” Dad said. “We’ll come by and visit you at the shop tomorrow, if that’s okay?”
“I’d love it, and I’m sure Aunt Edna would too.”
As Laney stood to leave, her mother hugged her, lingering for a few seconds, holding Laney tight. Laney closed her eyes, enjoying her mother’s familiar scent.
“I’m proud of you,” Mom said. “I always have been.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m proud of you too.”
She bade them good night and walked out of the front entrance of the warm inn and headed toward a waiting cab. She’d done it. She’d stood up to her mother. She’d advocated for herself. And as a result, her mother had opened up about her own insecurities.
This month had been full of lessons. Laney hardly felt like the same broken woman she’d been when she’d arrived in Sugarville Grove.
Was it possible that she’d finally grown up? The idea put a spring in her step as she slipped into the back seat of the cab.
“Where to, miss?”
“Take me home, please. I live above the bookstore.”
“You got it.”
Yes, she was going home with Aunt Edna for now. Someday, it would be with Nolan. She felt quite certain about that even though her parents worried she was making impulsive decisions. Sometimes one had to trust their gut. Maybe all the time?
Again, so many lessons.
Merry Christmas to me.