Chapter Eight #2
Tonight Hattie’s home and yard were ablaze with holiday lights.
Bailey had to admit, even though she hated the holiday vibe, that it was gorgeous.
As a child she had visited this house on several occasions, invited by Hattie along with her sisters and mother for afternoon tea.
It had been an attempt by Hattie to soothe their souls after the loss of their father.
Hattie had served afternoon tea along with little finger sandwiches and cupcakes.
As a little girl she’d been amazed by the grand staircase in her home, along with the library filled with stacks and stacks of books.
In her mind it had resembled something from a movie, and now, as she stood on the walkway of Hattie’s blue house, she still believed it was magical.
The Victorian style was very unusual for Alaska.
She had a vague memory of Hattie telling them the story about how her father had relocated from the West Coast. Maybe Oregon, she thought.
He had painted the house the color of a robin’s egg so that people could see it from a distance and consider it a unique residence.
She stood in front of Hattie’s house, just gazing at it in pure admiration.
From inside, she could hear music playing and the chatter of voices.
Suddenly she felt a little nervous bubble in the pit of her stomach.
It was strange, considering she was an extrovert, but she knew that all eyes would be on her and Landon.
You can do this, she told herself, for Hattie.
Bailey walked up the steps as more guests began to arrive.
She paused before opening the door, waiting for the others to catch up so that they could all enter the house together.
Bailey exchanged a few pleasantries before going inside.
Immediately she felt as if she’d walked into an enchanted place.
The house was brimming with guests, all of them decked out in their finest holiday outfits.
Everywhere she looked, she saw someone she knew.
Suddenly Landon was there at her side, grinning at her.
“You made it,” he said. “I was beginning to wonder if you changed your mind.”
“There wasn’t a chance of that happening. I gave you my word. I was just running a little late,” she explained.
“Let me take your coat,” he said, reaching out to help her take off her long black faux fur jacket. Once he’d taken her coat off, Landon said, “By the way, you look amazing, Bailey.”
“Why, thank you,” Bailey said. Receiving a sweet compliment from Landon made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Her stomach was doing somersaults.
“Let me go put this in the study on the coatrack. I’ll be right back. In the meantime, help yourself to some hors d’oeuvres,” Landon said, before walking away.
Waiters swirled around the room, carrying trays of appetizers and flutes of champagne.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Bailey said as a waiter offered her a glass of bubbly.
Seconds later, she was tempted by scallops wrapped in bacon and shrimp cocktail.
Mmm, she thought. I could get used to this.
She took a small plate from the server and placed a few apps down before moving toward a small table to set her goodies on.
Before she knew it, Landon was back. “I was about to ask you if you wanted a glass of champagne, but I see that you already have one.”
“I don’t drink very often, but I never turn down champagne.” She took a sip, and the bubbles tickled her nose.
“Now that’s a good life philosophy that I can get behind.” His eyes roamed over her, causing a warmth to spread through her. “You look lovely tonight. Gold is definitely your color.”
Her cheeks felt flushed, and she wondered if she was blushing. People complimented her all the time, and she never felt like this. What was it about Landon that made her go all weak in the knees?
“Thank you,” she said. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Talk about an understatement. He was wearing a black cashmere sweater with a pair of gray slacks that fit him perfectly. Instead of leaning in to the holiday dress code, he had chosen a classic outfit that really looked good on him. Purr.
“I love Christmas, but I’m not really into dressing up in red and green and wearing Rudolph antlers.”
Bailey giggled. She couldn’t imagine him walking around in reindeer antlers, although she conceded he would look adorable. “I get it. Truly I do.”
Little did he know that she was the most anti-Christmas person in the universe.
She’d mentioned not being a huge fan of the holidays, but Landon had no idea how deep it was for her.
She wasn’t going to bring it up, though, especially since he seemed to really enjoy the season, along with Hattie.
Nope, she wasn’t going to be a Debbie Downer tonight.
She would just put on a bright smile and absorb all the holiday vibes coming her way.
“Someone is very excited to see you tonight. Is it all right if I bring you over to Hattie?”
“Of course,” she said, feeling energized. “I would love to see her. It’s been a while.”
Landon’s jaw clenched. “She hasn’t been feeling the best lately, so she hasn’t been at work for a bit. She’s pretty prideful, so she didn’t want everyone at the company to know.”
“Oh no, I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m a bit surprised that she decided to hold the party since she’s not feeling her best.” Talk about being plucky. Bailey knew no one would hold it against her if she canceled the event.
“As we know, Hattie is always going to do what Hattie’s going to do.”
Bailey vigorously shook her head. “You’re absolutely right. She’s always been the queen of Christmas, so why stop now? If it gives her joy, then I’m all for it.”
Landon reached out his hand and gripped hers. “Hope it’s all right to hold your hand,” he said, his eyes questioning.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. His hand felt good in hers. Strong. Reassuring. Solid.
“Of course,” she murmured as he began leading her across the room.
Seconds later she was standing by a burgundy-colored velvet love seat, where Hattie was perched. For all intents and purposes, the woman looked downright regal. All she was missing was a crown. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw Bailey.
“My goodness, you look lovely, Bailey. I’ve been waiting to see you. And you haven’t disappointed me decked out in that lovely gold color.” She winked at her. “And with this handsome young man by your side, no less.”
“Hattie, it’s been way too long.” Bailey bent over and pressed a kiss on Hattie’s cheek.
She was trying her best not to react to the sight of her precious friend.
She’d aged quite considerably in the past few weeks, maybe even months.
Her cheeks had hollowed out a little, and she looked as if she had lost a bit of weight.
But her eyes still glittered with the same curiosity and vivaciousness that had always been so much a part of her personality.
Despite her physical appearance, she still exuded raw dynamism and spirit.
“Come, sit down next to me, my dear. I want to pick your brain.” She glanced over at Landon. “Is my grandson treating you well?”
Landon’s brothers let out groans. Landon looked as if he wanted to cover his face and hide.
“Landon, you might want to take your girl and run,” Xavier said, “she’s about to start grilling her.”
“Pish posh,” Hattie said, waving her hand at Xavier. “Pay no mind to them. They’re trying to start some drama.”
Once Bailey sat down, Hattie reached for her hand. “Mere words cannot describe how happy I am that you and my beautiful grandson have ended up together. It’s like kismet.”
Bailey smiled at her. Seeing Hattie so over the moon made her want to cheer. The fact that she’d contributed even a little bit to making her so happy made her feel proud. “He’s a good man,” Bailey said. “It’s all very new, but I’m happy.”
“And that’s what matters most. I can honestly tell you that most of my life has been filled with joy, and I’ll be leaving this earth soon with no regrets. Everything works out the way it’s supposed to and, in the end, there’s nothing more important than being surrounded by the people we love.”
“Cheers to that,” Landon said, holding up his champagne flute and raising it in the air to the partygoers.
Everyone joined in, including Hattie. Jacques quickly moved to her side when her hand trembled, causing champagne to slosh over the sides of her flute.
Bailey turned to Landon and they locked eyes.
There was a clear understanding between them that Hattie was in decline.
There was no sugarcoating it. Tonight would probably be one of the last times that she saw some of the people in this room. It was her way of saying goodbye.
Bailey was torn between the beauty of the moment and the bittersweet nature of having to say goodbye to someone you loved.
These words packed an emotional punch, and she knew that if she was feeling this way, Landon was probably feeling it one thousand times more.
She made a mental note to check in on him in a little bit and see how he was dealing with everything.
More than most people, she knew that grief was a journey no one wanted to take.
Watching his grandmother interact with Bailey made Landon feel ten feet tall. The fact that Bailey had told him about the personal connection she shared with Hattie only served to heighten the moment. He could tell how much they adored each other and how Hattie had perked up in Bailey’s presence.
“You two seem great together,” Xavier said in a low voice, leaning over toward him.
“Thanks,” Landon said, feeling proud for some unknown reason. It wasn’t as if he’d done anything. Bailey was the real star of the show with her outgoing personality and charm.
Even though Landon knew it was all make-believe, it felt nice to have a partner by his side.