Chapter Twenty-One Laney
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LANEY
The warm glow of the town’s Christmas lights reflected off the ice as Connor and I strolled hand-in-hand, still buzzing from the Zamboni chaos.
I thought we were heading back to my parents’ house, but before we could turn the corner, a woman dressed as an elf stepped in front of us, holding a clipboard and grinning ear to ear.
She seemed familiar but wasn’t someone I went to high school with.
“Ah! You two are perfect!” she exclaimed. “We need more participants for the Holiday Scavenger Hunt. You’re officially drafted.”
Connor raised an eyebrow. “Laney, this is all you.”
“Don’t you ‘this is all you’ me,” I said, poking him in the side. “You’re doing this with me. We can’t let the elf down.”
“No, you can’t. Plus, Laney, your mom told me you’ve been taking photos of all the events the last few weeks and haven’t participated in them.” The woman winked. “She may or may not have told my mom to find you.”
“And your mom is…” I asked, trying to see why she seemed so familiar.
“Becky.”
“Ah yes. You’re Katie!” I beamed. “You just had twin girls. Congrats!”
“Thank you.” Katie blushed as a radio crackled. She held up a finger and responded. “I found two more, so we have at least twenty now.”
“Ten-four, Buddy.”
Katie rolled her eyes. “They called me Buddy because of the yellow tights, which is my fault. I chose this outfit.” She paused and smiled again. “Thank you both for doing this.”
“Did we have a choice?” Connor asked, his tone playful.
“Nope.” Katie laughed, then her gaze filled with warmth. “Speaking of babies, you look like you’re glowing, Laney.”
“What? No. I’m not… glowing?” I barked out an awkward laugh and pulled at my scarf. “Not glowing.”
Shit. There was no way she could know. No way she could tell! Did Connor notice? Did he think something was different? My heart raced and my palms sweat, and did the temperature rise somehow?
“You’re happy.” Connor pulled me under his arm, kissing my temple again. “That’s what she means.”
Katie nodded. “He’s right. You look happy. Have fun tonight. I’m gonna be running around all night playing emcee, host, and trash pickup.”
“Wait, why are you doing all three? Shouldn’t you be home with your babies?
” Usually there was an entire crew helping with these events.
Now that she mentioned it, there were significantly fewer people out in the town center than normal.
With Christmas nearing, there should be hundreds of people here.
Katie shrugged. “Short-staffed. Can’t afford to pay people as much. Every year the events get smaller.”
“That’s… so sad,” I said, the weight of Katie’s words settling heavily in my chest. “Cherrywood without the festivals wouldn’t be the same. So the town is losing money?”
Katie nodded, her expression tight. “Small businesses are really struggling. My uncle had to pick up another job because the shop wasn’t bringing in enough. And he’s not the only one.”
I frowned, glancing at Connor. He stood beside me, his hand resting lightly on my back, and I could see the gears turning in his head. The CEO in him never switched off—not that I wanted it to right now. This was the kind of thing he could actually help with, wasn’t it?
Connor’s voice broke through my thoughts. “What’s the biggest challenge for the businesses?” he asked Katie, his tone calm but probing. “Is it competition, fewer visitors, or something else?”
Katie let out a sigh, crossing her arms against the chilly evening air. “It’s everything. The big stores out on the highway make it hard to compete on price. And after the holidays, we just don’t see enough people coming through town. Summer tourists help, but the other seasons are tough.”
“That makes sense,” Connor said, his brow furrowing. “Have you thought about ways to draw people here outside of the holidays? Cherrywood has so much charm—it feels like the kind of place people would love if they knew about it.”
I couldn’t help but smile a little at how natural he sounded, like he’d been part of Cherrywood for years instead of just a couple of weeks.
“We’ve tried a few things,” Katie said, her voice hesitant. “Like promotions and sales. But most of us don’t have the time or money to do much more. I know for me, the gardening shop takes everything I’ve got to keep it running.”
Connor nodded, his gaze sharpening. “You wouldn’t have to do it alone. If the businesses worked together—shared costs and responsibilities—you could make it work. A little collaboration could go a long way.”
Katie looked at me and then back at Connor, her lips quirking into a small smile. “You sound like you’ve thought about this before.”
“He’s full of ideas,” I said, unable to keep the pride out of my voice.
Connor shrugged, his focus still on Katie. “It’s about finding ways to make Cherrywood’s charm work for you. This town has so much heart—people just need to see it.”
Katie let out a thoughtful hum, her gaze distant as if she were already imagining what that might look like. “It’s a nice idea, I’ll admit.”
My stomach twisted at her words. It was subtle, but I could see the flicker of something in Connor’s expression.
He didn’t respond right away, his eyes drifting over the festive lights and the town square.
For a moment, I wondered if he was picturing it too—a life here, building something for Cherrywood.
I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. He looked down at me, his gray eyes softening, and for the first time that night, I let myself hope. As Katie excused herself to check on her booth, I leaned into him, my cheek brushing his shoulder.
“You really think something like that could work?” I asked quietly, my heart pounding just a little harder than I expected.
“It makes sense. Transitioning to more modern marketing techniques is what makes or breaks towns like this. The tourism is going to keep it going but how to show it off? There could be a whole rental business here, the whole Airbnb thing. This is the perfect getaway for those who live in the city and want to escape.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze continuing to move up and down the street.
“Anyway, if they focused on the future, they could turn this town into a destination spot.”
I shivered. I loved hearing him talk about saving Cherrywood. He frowned and rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “Are you cold? Do you want to head back?”
“And not do the scavenger hunt?” I arched a brow. “That would put us on the front of the town paper.”
“Honey”—he laughed and tugged one of my curls—“we’re already gonna be on it. We almost destroyed the rink, or have you already forgotten?”
Snorting, I stared at the list Katie handed us. “Wow.”
“What is it?” He leaned over, his breath hitting my cheek and making me warm head to toe. His hand still rested on my back as he laughed. “This list is something else.”
Guess the Weight of the Gingerbread Baby—Head to the local bakery and guess the weight of the giant gingerbread baby on display. Bonus points for taking a silly photo pretending to cradle it.
Snap a Photo with a Baby Reindeer—Find the baby reindeer (it’s probably a dog or goat in a reindeer costume) and take a creative selfie with it.
Find the Elf on the Shelf—A cheeky elf doll is hidden near the Santa sleigh. You must locate it and re-create its pose for a photo.
Create a Christmas Fashion Statement—Assemble the most over-the-top holiday outfit using props from local vendors. You must wear it for the rest of the hunt—or at least until the next task.
Perform a Dramatic Reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”—Find a public spot (preferably a gazebo or fountain) and read the poem out loud with your partner. Bonus points for exaggerated gestures and voices.
Reindeer Ring Toss—Locate the game booth and land three rings on the inflatable antlers of a volunteer “reindeer” (probably another participant or a town local wearing antlers).
Decorate a Snowman in 90 Seconds—Using a kit provided at the town square, dress up a small snowman with three ridiculous accessories.
Find Santa’s Missing Mitten—Santa “lost” his mitten somewhere in the fountain. Bonus points for returning it directly to Santa and convincing him to give you a candy cane.
Sing a Carol to a Stranger—Pick a holiday tune and serenade an unsuspecting shopper in the square. Bonus points if the stranger joins in.
Balance the Christmas Package—Stack 5 wrapped gifts on your head and walk 10 steps without dropping them. Bonus points for an epic balancing photo.
“Should we go hold a gingerbread baby?” Connor asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face as he pointed at the scavenger hunt list.
“Wait, what?” I barely managed to get the words out, my breath catching in my throat.
Connor’s grin only widened as he tugged me closer. “You know I’ve got to start at the top. I can’t go out of numeric order. So let’s head to the bakery.”
He reached for my hand, but paused, his eyes softening. “We can head back if you’re not up for it. I just like spending time with you.”
I swallowed hard, trying not to panic. “No, yeah,” I said, my voice cracking. “Let’s… start from the beginning.”
His smile returned, and he laced his fingers through mine, guiding me toward the bakery, where the gingerbread baby guessing booth was set up just outside.
The scent of gingerbread and frosting hit me like a sugar-filled cloud as we approached the booth.
Front and center, a giant gingerbread baby lay cradled in a display cradle, complete with icing eyes, a gumdrop nose, and a frosting bow on its head.
A sign overhead read, GUESS THE WEIGHT OF CHERRYWOOD’S SWEETEST BABY!
Connor let out a low whistle. “That is… both impressive and terrifying.”
The baker behind the booth beamed at us, clearly enjoying our reaction. “Careful now,” she said, wagging a spatula at Connor. “This is my pride and joy. Don’t let her hear you calling her terrifying.”
“She’s perfect,” I said quickly, desperate to avoid drawing more attention to us.
“You have to hold her to really get a feel for the weight,” the baker said, gesturing toward Connor. “Go ahead.”
Connor didn’t hesitate. He stepped up, carefully cradling the gingerbread baby in his arms like it was a real newborn. “Wow,” he said, rocking it gently. “She’s heavier than she looks.”
“You’re holding her like you’ve done this before,” the baker said with a wink. “Practicing for the real thing?”
I choked on my own breath. “Nope! Definitely not! No babies here!” My voice shot up an octave, and I cleared my throat.
Connor raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t say anything. Instead, he turned back to the gingerbread baby, frowning in concentration. “I’d say… twelve pounds.”
“Twelve pounds?” I hissed. “That’s absurd! No gingerbread baby weighs that much!”
“Okay, Ms. Expert,” he said, grinning. “What’s your guess?”
I glanced at the gingerbread baby, my palms sweating. “Uh… seven. Seven pounds.”
The baker laughed. “Well, one of you is closer, but you’ll have to wait until the end of the night to find out who wins. Don’t forget to take a photo with her before you go!”
Connor handed the gingerbread baby back to the baker, but not before holding it up to my face like Simba in The Lion King. “Should we name her?”
I shoved him, laughing nervously. “Let’s move on.”
The baby boutique was set up with string lights and holiday décor, and the window display featured tiny reindeer onesies, elf hats, and miniature mittens.
Connor stopped in his tracks, pointing to a pair of fuzzy baby booties.
“Look at those. Tell me those aren’t the cutest things you’ve ever seen. ”
I was pretty sure my face was about to catch fire. “They’re… fine.”
“Fine?” He turned to me, incredulous. “Laney, they’re tiny boots. For tiny feet.”
Before I could stop him, he stepped inside, pulling me along. The boutique owner greeted us with a cheerful smile, holding up a holiday-themed diaper bag. “We just got these in! Perfect for new parents.”
Connor slung the bag over his shoulder, striking a pose. “Do I look like a cool dad?”
I grabbed his arm, yanking him toward the door. “Connor, we don’t need a diaper bag.”
“But it’s on sale,” he said, grinning. “And it’s practical.”
“For… o-other p-people,” I stammered. “We don’t have a baby!”
The boutique owner tilted her head, clearly confused. “Well, you don’t need a baby to shop here. Plenty of people buy gifts for friends and family.”
Connor smirked, grabbing a pair of the fuzzy booties. “Great idea. These will be perfect for… the future.”
I snatched the booties out of his hand, practically throwing them back on the shelf. “Nope. We’re not doing this. Next scavenger hunt item, let’s go!”
He laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. No baby boots. But you’re acting a little weird, Laney. Everything okay?”
“Perfect!” I said, my voice a little too chipper. “Let’s go find the reindeer.”
I could feel Connor’s eyes on me, his curiosity growing. I looped my arm through his. The sooner we got to the next task, the better.
As we stepped back out into the bustling street, the lights twinkled overhead like tiny stars, and laughter from the square filled the chilly air. Connor reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine, and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“You’re quiet,” he said, glancing down at me. His gray eyes softened, searching my face. “Are you sure you’re okay? We can head back. Just say the word.”
I smiled, this time more genuinely. “I’m good. Just… taking it all in.” That much was true. I was internally sweating about him nearly finding out the truth, but other than that, I was swell. Great, even.
He nodded, his gaze sweeping across the square, the warmth of his hand steadying me. “It’s a good night. I can see why you love this place so much.”
My chest tightened—not in panic this time but in a sweet ache that made me want to laugh and cry all at once.
This man, my husband, who had once thrived on skyscrapers and high-stakes deals, was falling in love with Cherrywood.
And, whether he knew it or not, with the life we could build here. If he would try it.
I glanced up at the clock tower in the square, its face glowing faintly in the night.
Just ten more days until New Year’s. Until the moment I could tell him everything—about the baby, about how I wanted this town to be part of our future, about how I could see us raising a family here.
He had to get through the board meeting though.
That was step one. Then… we could figure it out.
For now, I’d hold on to this perfect moment, to Connor’s hand in mine.