13. Laney
13
LANEY
“ H ey there.” Nolan sat next to Laney’s bed. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. A little sore. My throat feels like it was scratched with sandpaper. But mostly I’m thankful to have made it out alive.”
“You scared me.”
She clucked sympathetically. “I’m sorry. It all happened so fast. One minute I’m in the back of a cab, thinking how proud I was of myself for standing up to my mom, and then next thing I know I’m here.”
“You don’t remember the accident?”
“Not really, no. Which maybe’s a good thing.” She reached for Nolan’s hand. “Thanks for being here when I woke up.”
He stroked her knuckles with his thumb in a way that made her want to close her eyes and just stay like this for as long as it took to heal.
“Can I do anything for you?” Nolan asked softly.
“I’m thirsty. The nurse said it was okay to drink water.”
He let go of her hand and took hold of the cup of ice water on the small table. It had a bendy straw, which allowed him to bring it close to her mouth. After a few sips, she lay her head back against the pillow, thanking him.
“That was bliss,” Laney said. “I felt really nauseous at first, but I’m much better now.”
“How did it go with your parents?”
She found his hand again. “It went fine. Mom came in hot, but she calmed down once she saw that I was okay. My dad was super sweet. Like he always is. I felt bad they were so scared.”
“We’re all just so thankful you’re okay.”
“My mom said your entire family showed up to wait with you?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure your mother was too impressed with that.”
“She told me a story. One I’ve never heard before. About your dad.”
“Yeah?”
“They went to high school together,” Laney said. “Which I did not know. He was in Aunt Edna’s class, and my mom was a year behind them. She said he was the most popular guy in school and that all the girls wanted to date him and all the guys wanted to be him.”
Nolan smiled, letting go of her hand to push away her hair that clung to her cheek. “I’ve heard that before. Folklore says that many hearts were broken when he returned from college with my mother by his side. But what’s the story?”
“Edna and my mother lost their mom when they were in junior high, and their dad kind of went off the deep end—drinking a lot. He lost his job and they basically had no money, other than some government assistance. She and Edna had only a few outfits, so they wore the same thing to school every day. One time, a group of mean girls cornered my mom in the hallway and started ridiculing her about her clothes and that she smelled. Walter Hayes, who happened to be walking by, heard the ruckus and went to put a stop to it. He said something about people with low characters and mean hearts and that they should be ashamed of themselves. Mom said the girls left her alone after that.”
“My dad’s a big softy.” Nolan wasn’t surprised by this story. He’d heard similar things from others.
“But that’s not all. I guess he told your grandmother and grandfather the story, and they put together a fundraiser so they could have a few presents to open. Your grandmother made a turkey and all the fixings and had Walter take it out to them on Christmas morning.”
“I did not know that.” He stared at her, clearly shocked. “How come no one ever mentioned that to us?”
“I’ve no idea. But she said a lot of memories from that time came rushing back to her when she saw your dad just now in the waiting room. She’s tried to put aside her childhood—pretend it didn’t happen. Which is why she doesn’t want me back here.”
“It makes sense.”
“I thought so too.” Laney reached up to cup his chin. “We’re connected by more than we ever knew. Our families are tied together by kindness that goes back generations. Edna and your mom have been best friends all these years. My mom left and never looked back. To her, this place represents failure and poverty. However, the good news is that she’s remembering the good parts too. Most of which are because of your family.”
“Does this mean she might grow to like me?”
“I think so. But even if she doesn’t—even if she never approves of me staying here and buying the bookstore—I’m doing it. The first thing I thought of when I woke up just now was you. I don’t know why or how, but you’ve become my whole world. I don’t want to leave you. Not ever.”
“I feel the same way about you.”
“Some kind of force we can’t truly understand brought me back here. To you. To Aunt Edna. To your family. It all ties together.”
“Kind of like a Christmas miracle, huh?” Nolan asked, his voice thick.
“Kind of.” She hesitated, hating to wreck the moment, but she wanted to always tell him the truth, no matter how ugly. “The doctor says I’ll have an exposed immune system now, with a slightly increased risk of infections. He told me I have to be extra vigilant about my health. To be honest, he scared me a little. I’ve taken my health for granted, and now I have to pay attention to what I’m eating, getting enough rest, and exercise.”
“Don’t be scared. I’ll look after you,” Nolan said. “And we have my mother around to make sure we’re eating properly and taking care of ourselves.”
Laney’s stomach warmed, thinking of Grace Hayes and how good it felt to be part of the fold. “I’m grateful to your whole family. Please tell everyone thank you for coming to stay with you while I was in surgery.” Tears pricked at her eyes. “I’m so touched. Truly. Like I’m part of something, which is a pretty wonderful feeling. As I’m sure you know.”
“I do know. But seeing them through your eyes has made me appreciate them all the more. I want to marry you, Laney Gray. I’ve wanted that since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
Her heart fluttered with utter joy. “I want to marry you. I think since before I ever met you. I knew you were out here, and then I found you and lost you again.”
“Never again.” He kissed her hand, careful of the tubes poking into her arm. “I won’t lose you again.”
“You won’t. I know exactly where I’m supposed to be. With you.”
The next two weeks were full of holiday activities in combination with healing. Because her surgery had been laparoscopic, she recovered remarkably fast. They sent her home to Aunt Edna’s after only two days in the hospital and encouraged her to walk short distances to prevent blood clots and keep her strength intact.
Nolan took it upon himself to show up every morning and escort her on a walk, a habit that stuck even after she felt perfectly fine. They enjoyed strolling through the quiet town square in the early morning, taking in the lights before they dimmed in deference to daylight.
After a week, Aunt Edna agreed that she could come back to work, but made her promise to tell her if it became too much.
But the store energized her. Anyway, Laney’s heart was so full that it felt as if she were walking on air. The more hours she spent at the shop, the more she knew it was exactly where she wanted to spend her time and energy. She convinced Aunt Edna that they should do more events to get more people into the store. Her first idea was to host a cookie and story time for children aged two to eight. Laney read The Night Before Christmas to a room full of wide-eyed kids. Just as she closed the last page, Santa made a surprise visit—ho-ho-hoing right into the bookstore. The kids were so innocently delighted that it brought tears to Laney’s eyes.
There were several family dinners at Grace and Walter’s, which included her parents and Aunt Edna. They attended church all together on Sundays. The last Sunday before Christmas, Sophie, Jack, and Lily lit the Advent candles, and then the whole family went ice-skating. Laney had to watch only since she was still healing, but she had a wonderful time anyway. Even her mother was out on the ice, surprising everyone with her skills.
Several days later, Laney and Nolan arrived at Max’s annual Ugly Sweater Party after everyone else, having gotten diverted by a few kisses before they headed out into the frigid weather.
When they walked in, Max sauntered up to say hello wearing not only an ugly sweater but a pair of reindeer antlers. His sweater was a riot of mismatched patterns—one sleeve featured a garish Christmas plaid, while the other showcased neon-green polka dots. Across the front, a 3D Santa dangled precariously from a chimney, complete with cotton balls that represented puffs of smoke.
“Welcome to your first Ugly Sweater Party,” Max said to Laney. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad to be here.” She smiled back at him. “Thanks for including my parents, too.”
“We’re family now. Lucky you,” Max said facetiously.
“We are lucky,” Laney said.
“I’ll put our jackets in the bedroom and get us something to drink.” Nolan shrugged out of his coat and helped her take off hers before giving them to Max to hang in the closet.
She hadn’t been in Max’s apartment above his store before and was amazed to find it decorated with such care. In hindsight, she shouldn’t have been surprised. It reflected Max’s character very well, in that it felt lived-in and layered with stories from his travels. Oversize armchairs with soft throws and a plush beige sofa surrounded a hand-hewn wooden coffee table stacked with books on travel and photography. Beneath it, a handwoven rug from Turkey added an intricate burst of pattern and color. Exposed wooden beams stretched across the vaulted ceiling. On the mantel of a stone fireplace, fresh pine garlands intertwined with eucalyptus and soft linen ribbons. Had he done that himself or was there a woman in his life?
“Max, your home’s beautiful,” Laney said.
“It’s a bit of a mishmash, influenced by my travels. Forgive me, as I describe them all.” Max laughed. “I’m just kidding.”
“No, I want to know,” Laney said.
“Okay, just a few.” Max pointed out a carved wooden elephant from India, a smooth obsidian stone from Iceland, and a small, weathered compass from Germany. Above the fireplace hung a large framed photograph of a snow-dusted mountain range, which Max explained was taken during a hike in Switzerland. On another wall hung a vibrant tapestry from Peru. Built-in wooden shelves displayed vases from Greece, a small painted bowl from Japan, and a set of antique keys Max had found in a Parisian flea market. Nestled among these treasures were subtle holiday accents: a small Nativity scene from Italy, a string of twinkling fairy lights draped over the shelves, and a wreath of dried lavender and juniper tied with a simple ribbon.
“You’ve been everywhere,” Laney murmured.
“Not everywhere, but a lot of places,” Max said.
“Do you miss traveling?”
“A little. But I like being home with my family. It was time to settle down.”
The Christmas tree stood in the corner by the window, its soft, glowing fairy lights illuminating ornaments she suspected Max had brought home from his travels—hand-painted glass baubles, miniature ceramic bells, and tiny woven animals. Sprigs of dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks tucked into the branches added a fragrant, natural touch, while a delicate paper star from Sweden topped the tree.
“Max, you’re nothing if not surprising,” Laney said.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Don’t be flirting with my girl,” Nolan said, arriving with mugs of hot cider.
“It’s hard not to,” Max said. “I mean, look at her sweater.”
Laney smiled, posing as if on the red carpet. “Do you like it?”
“You are officially invited next year,” Max said. “If you’d shown up in something cashmere paired with a pearl necklace, you would have been struck from the invite list.”
“God forbid,” Laney said.
It had been such fun to pick out sweaters for the occasion. Nolan’s sweater was a solid navy blue with a single enormous snowflake on the front and two fluffy snowmen perched on each shoulder. Laney had chosen a hideous lime-green knit monstrosity featuring a grinning reindeer with a red sequined nose that actually lit up when you pressed it.
Max asked Nolan if he’d help with something in the kitchen, and they wandered off together. Laney spotted Aunt Edna standing near an impressive table of treats, holding a massive charcuterie board featuring a stunning selection of Vermont cheeses: sharp aged cheddar, creamy Brie, maple-smoked Gouda, and a tangy blue cheese. Next to it were piles of artisanal crackers, rustic sourdough bread, and various deli meats.
A slow cooker of spiced apple cider sat in the middle, its warm cinnamon scent filling the room. Beside it was a platter of meatballs glazed with Hayes maple syrup. She knew because someone had labeled it such. A heaping dish of roasted root vegetables with rosemary and thyme looked absolutely delectable. Another table held a spread of sweet treats: maple sugar cookies, homemade fudge, peppermint bark, and Santa hat cookies.
Laney rushed over to hug her aunt, admiring her sweater as she did so. “Aunt Edna, you look amazing.” Edna had gone all out. Her sweater was an electric blue number adorned with fluffy white pompoms, meant to look like snowballs, and a battery-powered village scene across the chest, complete with tiny LED-lit houses and a miniature train that circled when she turned it on. To top it off, she wore a headband with wiggling snowflakes.
“How’s it going with Drew?” Laney asked. “Is he coming tonight?” She’d been so wrapped up in her own romance that she’d neglected hounding Aunt Edna for details. The woman was maddeningly discreet.
“It’s going well. Kind of like you and Nolan—the bond we had when we were young never faded. But he’s with his children for most of the holiday. He’s coming to be with me for New Year’s Eve. He said he wants to kiss me like they do in the movies.”
“How romantic,” Laney said. “Maybe it’s good I’ll be moving out once Nolan and I marry?”
Edna giggled and waved her hand dismissively. “We’ll see about that.”
“Hi, Aunt Laney.” She looked over to see Jack running toward her, then throwing his arms around her legs. “Do you like my sweater? This is the first year I was invited and it’s totally awesome, right?”
Laney laughed as she took in his sweater, a roaring green dinosaur in a Santa hat with “Merry Rexmas!” emblazoned across the front.
“You are awesome,” Laney said.
Sophie and Lily approached hand in hand, lighting up when they saw Laney’s sweater.
“You look pretty,” Lily said to Laney.
“You look pretty too,” Laney said. “I love the pink.”
In response, Lily twirled in her fuzzy pink sweater decorated with a penguin wearing earmuffs.
Sophie’s sweater had a grumpy-looking cat tangled in Christmas lights.
“What’s the story with yours?” Laney asked Sophie.
“I thought it was funny,” Sophie said. “Even though we have a dog, not a cat.”
“Oh, yes, the famous Rufus,” Laney said. “I’ve heard all about him.”
“He’s kind of naughty, but we love him anyway,” Lily said.
Abby and Luke stood near the fireplace, talking quietly with Logan. Luke’s sweater featured a 3D Rudolph nose that jutted out comically, while Abby’s sweater was adorned with an overly cheerful gingerbread man and the phrase “Oh Snap!” written across the top. Logan wore a bright red sweater with a giant glittery candy cane stitched diagonally across the front.
Walter and Grace stood nearby with Laney’s parents, who appeared to be catching up on the decades since they’d all lived in Sugarville Grove. Walter’s sweater was forest green, with a vintage-style Santa face and a puff of faux fur on the hat. Grace wore a bright red sweater, covered in an explosion of embroidered poinsettias and jingling bells that rang whenever she moved. Laney’s dad’s sweater was a patchwork of holiday mayhem, complete with blinking lights, a sewn-on Santa hat, and a fake stuffed squirrel clinging to the hem.
Even her mother got into the spirit, wearing a pea-green sweater with the Grinch on the front.
Laney went over to say hello. “You all look great.”
“Welcome to the Hayes family,” Walter said. “Where over-the-top has new meaning.”
“I love every bit of it,” Laney said. “And every one of you. Thank you for including us.”
“We’re thrilled to have all three of you join our family.” Grace smiled one of her warm, dazzling smiles that touched Laney’s heart.
Grace and Walter were called over to the treats table by their grandchildren and excused themselves, leaving Laney alone with her parents.
Laney turned to her mother. “I never thought I’d see you at a party like this. But the Grinch is a nice touch.”
“I thought it was appropriate, but I promise not to be a Grinch tonight.” Mom hugged her tightly for a moment. “I’m just grateful to be here and to see you looking so well.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Mom,” Laney whispered, hugging her back. “I wish you didn’t have to go at the end of the month.”
“Well, guess what? We’re not. Your father and I have decided to buy a vacation home here. We want to be close to our daughter,” Mom said.
“And future grandchildren,” her dad said.
“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, Dad,” Laney said laughing. “Nolan and I aren’t officially engaged.”
“I have a feeling it’s coming soon,” Dad said.
“Regardless, nothing would make me happier than to have you here,” Laney said. “Mom, are you sure, though? I know this place has a lot of sad memories for you.”
“All the more reason to replace them with happy ones.” Her mother paused for a moment, a myriad of emotions passing over her pretty face. “I’ve realized since I’ve been here how I dwell on the negative instead being thankful for all the blessings I have. Thinking we could lose you—it opened my heart. I didn’t realize how hard I’ve been working to forget where I come from instead of celebrating all of the ways Sugarville Grove helped me to become who I am now. I’m aiming to change that. I want to be more like you.”
“Oh, Mom, that’s so sweet of you to say.” Laney swallowed the lump in her throat.
“Also, I wanted to reiterate—we want to be the ones to lend you the money to buy out your aunt,” Dad said.
“A loan you don’t have to repay. Consider it your inheritance, only it comes to you long before we die,” Mom said.
Laney fought tears. “Thank you. It means the world that you’re supportive of my new life.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nolan standing in front of the Christmas tree, clinking a small fork against his wine glass. She turned, catching his eye. He smiled and winked.
“Everyone, I’d like to ask for quiet, just for a moment.” Nolan reached out his hand, and Laney stumbled over to him on wobbly legs. She knew what was coming. And she couldn’t wait.
The room had gone silent. Even Lily and Jack were silent, staring at their Uncle Nolan with wide eyes.
Nolan dropped to one knee in front of her. “Laney, since the first moment I saw you sitting in the corner of your aunt’s bookstore reading, I’ve loved you. I can remember the exact moment—how the sun from the window shone on your hair and made kind of a halo around your head. You looked up at me with those eyes, sweet and curious and unspoiled, and my heart felt like it might explode. That summer was the best time of my life. Until you came back to me, to everyone else, it might feel fast, but to you and me? We know exactly what this is.”
“We do,” Laney whispered.
“Soulmates, separated too long, but back together now.”
“For good,” Laney said.
Nolan took a ring from his pocket, a diamond solitaire sparkling right along with the lights of the tree. “Laney Gray, will you be my wife? Create beautiful memories together? Make a family? Grow old with me?”
“Oh, yes, I will. The sooner the better.” She held out her hand, and he slipped the ring onto her finger.
The room erupted into applause. As it died down, Max stepped forward. “Mom, don’t freak out but I have become an ordained official, via the internet, to marry people. And I propose we do it right now.”
Laney and Nolan stared at him.
“Now?” Nolan asked. “In our ugly sweaters?”
“Think of the stories you’ll have to tell your children.” Max grinned, clearly delighted with himself. “Not everyone has the chance to get married at an Ugly Sweater Party.”
Laney thought about the elaborate wedding she’d planned for her and Josh. All the details and choices to make it a wedding her mother had wanted for her but at the end had been hollow and soulless. This moment? It was full of goodwill and laughter, and everyone she loved in the world was standing right there.
“Mom?” Laney asked, glancing at her mother.
“Whatever you want,” Mom said, “is what I want.”
Laney looked up at Nolan, whose shining eyes told her everything she needed to know. “Let’s do it.”
“Excellent.” Max adjusted his antlers. “You two—stand in front of the fire.”
“Wait,” Sophie said in her high-pitched voice. “Uncle Nolan needs a ring.”
“Not to worry.” Max leaned down to loosen a piece of rustic twine from around a package. He used his pocket knife to cut it, then tied it into a circle. “This can do for now.” He handed it to Jack. “You’re the ring bearer, buddy. Are you up for it?”
Jack nodded, knowing what do to since he’d done it not long ago for Abby and Luke. “I’m on it, Uncle Max.”
Laney’s father raised his hand. “I would like to escort my daughter down the aisle.”
“Oh, Dad, that would be nice, but I don’t know that we have an aisle,” Laney said.
“That can be fixed right away,” Luke said. “Come on, Hayes family, let’s make this happen.”
The room seemed to come alive after a long slumber. Suddenly, everyone was hustling about, moving furniture around to make an aisle and seating. Aunt Edna made a makeshift bouquet for Laney out of poinsettia blossoms, twigs, and a touch of garland, tying it with a red ribbon. Sophie ran out of the room, coming back seconds later with a tuft of tulle.
“She needs a veil,” Sophie said to Abby.
“Yes. She must have a veil, at least.” Abby nodded, taking it from her daughter. “Does anyone have bobby pins?”
Grace, of course, happened to have some in her purse. Before Laney knew what was happening, Abby had secured the piece of white tulle to her hair. “I’m glad to have another Mrs. Hayes join the family,” Abby said, hugging her.
“I’m glad too,” Laney said, hugging her back.
Then Abby had her and her father stand at the beginning of the hastily put together aisle. The rest of the party sat wherever they could find a seat.
Someone, somehow, started Canon in D over the speakers.
“Places, everyone!” Max called out. “Let’s get my little brother married.”
“You look beautiful. Just right,” Dad said, his voice gruff but full of love.
Laney squeezed his arm. “Thanks, Daddy.”
Both Grace and Laney’s mother were crying as her father walked her down the makeshift aisle. When they reached Nolan, her dad kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, baby girl.”
“You take care of her, young man,” he said to Nolan, his voice thick.
“Yes sir,” Nolan said.
He stepped back, and Laney reached for Nolan’s hands.
“Hi,” Nolan whispered.
“Hi,” she whispered back.
Max cleared his throat and spoke with mock gravity. “Ladies and gentlemen and adorable little people, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Nolan Hayes and Laney Gray. Since I’ve no idea what I’m doing, I shall ask them to exchange spontaneous vows. Nolan, you may go first.”
Nolan smiled, looking into Laney’s eyes. “I’ve already said it, but I’ll say it again. You’ve always been the one. I’ve known it since that innocent summer we spent together. When we parted at the end of August, we promised we would find a way to be together someday. That someday is now. I promise to care for you, respect you, support your dreams, and love you for the rest of my days.”
Laney’s voice shook, but she managed to speak. “Nolan, you have been the biggest surprise. The best surprise. I don’t know how I went all these years without you by my side, but now that you are, I have no intention of letting you go. I promise to be your best friend, your confidante, chief cook, reading-in-bed partner, and loving wife for the rest of my days.”
Max grinned. “With the power vested in me by the state of Vermont and the internet, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The room cheered as she and Nolan kissed. When they parted, the Rudolph nose on Laney’s sweater spontaneously glowed as if to express approval. Thus, it was to a room full of laughter that their married life began.
“It’s going to be hard to beat this next year,” Max said. “This has been epic. Now let’s party. I’m going to bring up the good bubbly from the store.”
More cheers. The music changed to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and everyone started to dance.
Laney and Nolan, despite the peppy tune, held each other close, swaying to the music as their family danced around them.