Chapter 23
Paul looked around the barn at Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, checking his list one more time. Everything was coming together, but there were still details they needed to fix before the BioTech guests arrived.
The new barn Ben had built was impressive. Massive timber beams stretched overhead, the raw wood still carrying the scent of fresh-cut pine. White lights strung between the rafters created a canopy of stars that would glow once Montana’s short December afternoon faded.
Against the far wall stood a towering Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments and ribbons in deep reds and golds.
Vintage sleds leaned against the walls, antique ice skates hung beside wreaths woven with dried oranges and cinnamon sticks, and unlit candles in glass holders waited on every table.
Ben had transformed the space into something special.
And to make it even more festive, Christmas music floated through the sound system. The jazzy version of “Silver Bells” reminded Paul of his grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays.
“Chef, where do you want the portable food warmers?” Harry called from near the serving area.
Paul turned his attention back to logistics. “Set up three stations along the back wall, near the power outlets. Leave space between them so guests can move easily.”
“Got it.” Harry began organizing with the efficiency that made him invaluable.
Paul checked his watch. Eleven-thirty. The guests would arrive at noon, and lunch service would begin at twelve-thirty. They were on schedule, but barely.
Susan emerged from the kitchen, her cheeks pink from the heat of the ovens. Her hair was pulled back, and she wore one of his restaurant’s aprons over her sweater and jeans. Just seeing her made Paul’s chest tighten.
“Is everything all right in there?” he asked.
“Better than all right,” she replied. “Maria just finished carving the ham, and it’s perfect. Julie’s arranging the dinner rolls, and Laurel’s putting together the cookie platter. We’re right where we need to be.”
Paul had hired all the women from Susan’s cooking class for the BioTech events, and it was the best decision he’d made. They worked together with an easy friendship that even his regular staff was still building, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
“How’s Maria managing?” Paul was impressed with her organizational skills and steady presence under pressure.
“She’s enjoying every moment,” Susan said. “Having this work came at the right time for her family. Her husband has a job interview next week, so hopefully that works out for them.”
Paul nodded, making a mental note to ask Maria if she’d like to continue working with his team. “And the others?”
“Thrilled. Julie keeps saying this beats any cooking show she’s watched, and Rachel’s already planning her family’s Christmas meal based on what she’s learned this week.” Susan gestured toward the barn. “This is wonderful for all of us, Paul. Thank you for giving them this opportunity.”
“I should be thanking you,” he replied. “You’ve trained everyone, and they’re making my work easier. I couldn’t handle these events without you.”
Susan’s expression softened. “We make a good team.”
Before Paul could reply, Ben came into the barn.
“This looks great,” he said, shaking Paul’s hand with a firm grip. “How’s everything going?”
“We’re almost ready,” Paul told him. “Thanks for making sure the decorations were in place. It made an enormous difference to the amount of time we needed to set everything up.”
Ben’s relaxed smile made working with him a pleasure.
“You’re welcome. It’s amazing what a few dozen fairy lights can do to brighten up a space.
” He turned to Susan and his smile widened.
“I’m glad you’re here. My wife keeps telling me about your cooking classes.
Will you be teaching more students next year? ”
Susan nodded. “Tell Bailey to call Shelley at the church. She’s taking bookings already.”
“I’ll do that. If you need anything, I’ll be in the gift shop. Good luck with the lunch.”
As Ben walked through the triple-height doors, Paul sighed.
“There’s something nostalgic about today,” he said to Susan.
“I don’t know whether it’s the scent of pine and cinnamon, the twinkling lights, or having everyone working together so well.
It reminds me of Christmases in France with my grandma.
She used to cover her home in decorations and bake the most amazing cookies. ”
Susan wrapped her hand around his arm. “I know what you mean. Nothing’s better than being surrounded by Christmas decorations and happy people. Olivia will love what you’ve done.”
Paul kissed her cheek. “What we’ve done. Thanks for all your help.”
Jenny appeared at his elbow, clipboard in hand. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Chef, but I need to confirm the seating arrangements. Did Olivia send the final count of guests?”
“Eighty-five,” Paul confirmed. “We’re using the round tables for ten, with one table for five. The research and development head will be at the table nearest the Christmas tree with Peter Bennett and the senior staff.”
“Perfect. I’ve got the place cards ready.” Jenny made a note. “And the dietary needs are all flagged in the kitchen. Two vegetarians, one gluten-free, and three dairy restrictions.”
Paul nodded. This was why he valued Jenny so highly. She never missed any details. “Thank you. You’re doing an amazing job.”
The kitchen door opened, and laughter filled the room. Paul turned to see Maria’s teenage daughter helping carry in serving platters. Behind her came Julie and Beth, both talking excitedly.
“We’re done!” Julie announced. “The entire buffet is ready, and it looks beautiful. All we need to do is bring everything in here. Susan, you should see the cookies. They’re incredible.”
Susan caught Paul’s eye, and he nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll manage things out here.”
He turned his attention back to the dining area. The tables were set with simple cream linens and evergreen centerpieces, each with a small candle that would be lit just before the guests arrived. The effect was elegant without being complicated—exactly what he’d hoped for.
Harry came out of the kitchen and placed a tray of food in one of the warming trays. On his way back to the kitchen, he stopped beside Paul. “This will be one of our best Christmas events, Chef.”
“I think so, too,” Paul agreed. “But we’re not done yet. Can you check the temperature of the portable warmers? I want everything at the right heat throughout the service.”
As Harry made his way across the barn, Paul knew that this was what he’d come to Montana for—not the pressure and competition of Los Angeles restaurants, not the exhausting pace of high-end dining in San Francisco, but this.
Creating memorable experiences in a community that valued real experiences and connection.
Within a few minutes, the buffet lunch was on the tables, and everyone was ready for the arrival of the first guests.
The food was rustic and generous—exactly what Paul had imagined for a Montana Christmas lunch.
A large honey-glazed ham sat on a carved wooden board, the surface glistening and studded with cloves.
Beside it, sliced beef tenderloin was arranged on a platter with fresh herbs.
Maria stood nearby, clearly proud of her work.
Julie had organized baskets of golden-brown dinner rolls, each one brushed with butter and sprinkled with sea salt. A cast-iron pot held creamy mashed potatoes, another contained green beans, and a third was filled with glazed carrots and pearl onions.
For people who liked a lighter lunch, Beth and Jenny had put together a selection of salads and gluten-free dressings. Harry had created a delicious lentil loaf with a crispy crust, and butternut squash halves stuffed with roasted vegetables and goat’s cheese.
Laurel had assembled the dessert table. There were platters of assorted cookies—gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies decorated with royal icing. And a rustic apple galette sat beside individual servings of peppermint bark.
“This is perfect,” Paul said. “It’s exactly what the lunch needed.”
“Everyone worked hard,” Susan said. “Maria practiced her carving technique three times before today. Julie tested the rolls until she got them just right. And Laurel and Beth stayed up late making the cookies.”
The sound of vehicles approaching made everyone look up. Through the windows, Paul saw the first chartered bus pulling into Ben’s parking area.
“They’re early,” Jenny observed.
“Only by a few minutes,” Paul said calmly, though his pulse quickened. “Susan, make sure the kitchen team is ready. Harry, light the candles. Jenny, positions for welcoming.”
Everyone moved with practiced efficiency. When the barn door opened, Olivia entered first, her professional smile widening as she took in the transformed space. “Paul, this is remarkable.”
Peter Bennett followed her, and Paul was gratified to see genuine appreciation on his face. “Olivia’s right. This is amazing, Paul. It’s exactly the Montana experience I wanted my team to have.”
Behind them, the BioTech employees began filing in, their conversations quieting as they absorbed the festive atmosphere. Paul heard murmurs of delight and saw phones coming out to capture the decorations.
Susan appeared at his side, her hand briefly touching his back in a gesture of support only he would notice. “Ready?” she whispered.
Paul looked around the barn one more time as his team and the meal they’d worked hard to create. “I’m ready,” he replied.
As the guests settled in and service began, Paul felt that familiar rush of satisfaction that came from executing a solid plan.
But underneath was something deeper. It was gratitude for this community that had welcomed him, pride in the team he’d assembled, and a growing sense that he’d finally found where he belonged.
The music shifted to “The Christmas Song,” and Nat King Cole’s voice was smooth and nostalgic. Around him, people laughed and talked, and the barn was filled with warmth and light despite the winter cold outside.
This, Paul thought as he moved through the crowd ensuring everything ran smoothly, was what the holidays were supposed to feel like. Not the frenetic pressure of commercial dining, but the simple pleasure of generous food, genuine company, and a community celebrating together.
He caught Susan’s gaze across the room. She was talking with Julie, both of them watching the guests help themselves to the buffet they’d prepared.
When she smiled at him, Paul felt something shift in his chest. It was a recognition that this moment, this life they were building together, was exactly what he’d been searching for.
What he didn’t know was what he’d do about it.