Chapter 5 Holly #2
He was good with kids. And that made something warm and unfamiliar stir in Holly's chest.
They climbed the steps to the front porch, their footsteps echoing softly on the weathered wood. The door was open, and as they entered the foyer, a young woman stepped out from behind the front desk.
She was tall, with auburn hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and the same striking blue eyes as Jack. Her smile was warm, but there was something haunted in her gaze, a shadow that lingered even as she greeted them.
"You must be the Bennetts," she said. "I'm Jane Christmas. Welcome."
"Thank you," Holly said, returning the smile.
“I see you’ve already met my father,” Jane said, her eyes moving to take in Jack carrying their luggage.
Trinity moved closer to the desk, her eyes wide as she took in the lobby.
It was stunning. The wooden floors gleamed in the soft light, and the walls were lined with vintage photographs and framed holiday cards from decades past. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, its mantel draped in garland and candles that flickered gently.
Through the wide windows at the back, the ocean stretched out into the darkness, its surface glinting with reflected moonlight.
"I hear some new guests have arrived," a new voice called from the hallway.
Holly turned to see an older woman emerging from a doorway marked Office. She was petite, with silver-white hair styled in soft waves and eyes that sparkled with warmth. A shawl was draped over her shoulders, and she moved with a grace that spoke of years spent welcoming guests into her home.
"I'm Julie Christmas," the woman said, her smile radiant. "We're so glad you're here."
“Hello, I’m Holly, and this is my granddaughter, Trinity,” Holly greeted Julie, already feeling the warmth of this friendly family starting to seep through the cold that had formed inside her over these past six months.
Before anyone could say more, a massive dog bounded into the lobby, his tail wagging so hard his entire back end swayed. He was a Great Dane, his coat a rich, chocolate-brown, and he made a beeline straight for Trinity.
"Duke! Manners!" Jane called, but there was laughter in her voice.
Trinity squealed with delight, dropping to her knees as the dog licked her face enthusiastically. "He's so big! And so cute!"
"He's still a puppy," Julie said apologetically but with a fond smile. "He’s only eleven months old and hasn't quite figured out how big he is yet."
Holly watched as Trinity wrapped her arms around Duke's neck, her laughter filling the space. And then she glanced at Jane.
The young woman was watching them too, but her smile had faltered. Her eyes had gone distant, filled with a pain so raw it made Holly's chest ache. For just a moment, Jane's hand moved to her stomach, her fingers pressing there as if holding something precious.
Maybe Jane’s pregnant? The thought flashed through Holly's mind like lightning, but the raw grief in Jane's eyes struck her with such force she nearly gasped aloud. No—this was the hollow, haunted look of a mother with empty arms.
Jane's hand trembled slightly against her stomach, as if cradling a ghost. Then she blinked, and the professional smile snapped back into place like a mask, polite and warm but dead behind the eyes.
Holly looked away, her throat tight. She recognized that look. She'd seen it in her own mirror often enough after miscarrying her second child almost thirty years ago.
"Alright," Jack said, breaking the moment. He held up a key attached to a wooden fob carved in the shape of a lighthouse. "Let me show you to your suite."
They followed him up a wide staircase, the wood creaking softly beneath their feet.
The walls were lined with more photographs, images of the inn through the decades.
Holly caught glimpses of smiling families, festive gatherings, and a younger version of Julie standing beside a man who must have been her husband, as Jack bore a striking resemblance to the man. They were a very handsome family.
They climbed to the third floor, and Jack led them down a hallway adorned with wreaths and ribbon. He stopped at the last door on the left and unlocked it with a flourish.
"Your home away from home," Jack said, pushing the door open.
Holly stepped inside and stopped, her breath catching.
The suite was beautiful.
The main living area was spacious and filled with light, even at this hour.
A plush sofa and armchairs were arranged around a low coffee table, and a small Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches hung with handmade ornaments and twinkling lights.
The walls were painted a soft cream, and the floors were polished wood covered with thick rugs that muffled their footsteps.
To the left was a mini kitchen, complete with a small stove, a refrigerator, and a farmhouse sink. A basket sat on the counter, overflowing with fresh fruit, homemade cookies, and a bottle of sparkling cider.
Straight ahead, French doors opened onto a balcony that overlooked the ocean. The sound of the waves was louder here, a constant, soothing rhythm that seemed to fill the entire space.
"There are four bedrooms," Jack said, setting their luggage just inside the door. He pointed down a short hallway. "Two on the left, two on the right. Each has its own bathroom. The master suite is the one at the end. It has the best view."
Trinity was already racing toward the balcony, her excitement impossible to contain.
Holly followed more slowly, taking it all in.
The suite wasn't perfect. The paint was slightly chipped in places, and the furniture had the worn, comfortable look of pieces that had been loved for years.
But it was decorated with care, every surface adorned with holiday cheer.
Garland draped the mantel of a small fireplace, and stockings hung from hooks shaped like seashells.
"It's lovely," Holly said, turning to Jack. "Thank you."
He smiled, and there was something in his eyes that made her pulse quicken. "I'm glad you think so. Dinner is ready anytime you are. Just head down to the dining room when you're settled. Jane will show you where it is."
He moved toward the door, then paused, glancing back at her. "Welcome to the Christmas Inn, Holly. I hope your stay is everything you're hoping for."
And then he was gone, the door clicking softly shut behind him.
Holly stood there for a moment, her hand pressed to her chest, feeling the wild flutter of her heart.
What was she hoping for?
She wasn't sure. But standing here, in this place that glowed with light and warmth and the promise of something she couldn't name, she thought maybe she was ready to find out.
"Gran!" Trinity's voice called from the balcony. "Come look! You can see forever!"
Holly smiled and went to join her granddaughter, leaving the question unanswered for the time being.