Chapter 23
“What I regret,” Daniel said, taking a deep breath, “and this is the hard part for me, the humbling part, the growth-inducing part, is that, until I spent time here in Heartsprings Valley, I didn’t appreciate that my essay, which I thought was right, was also wrong.”
A murmur went through the crowd. What in the world did he mean by that?
“I can see from your expressions that you want me to do a better job of explaining this obvious contradiction.
“I’ll begin by stating what I believe is right about the essay.
The facts — the numbers, the data — in the essay are, as far as I can tell, accurate.
Also, the essay’s argument against the holiday’s over-commercialization is, in my view, valid.
I continue to believe that Christmas costs too much and that spending less on the holiday would benefit most people. ”
He took a deep breath. “But here’s what wrong with the essay.
I made several characterizations about the holiday — that its traditions are ‘tedious’ and ’hollow,’ for example — that are unfair and wrong.
I apologize without reservation for those characterizations.
Over the past few days here in Heartsprings Valley, I’ve been given the opportunity to take part in a variety of holiday activities, and I’m pleased to report that I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
I got to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh pulled by a beautiful horse named Bessie, sipped homemade hot cider at a Wassail celebration at Northland Orchard, chopped down a tree — a Balsam fir — at Abner’s Christmas Tree Farm, shopped for Christmas ornaments at Cane Hardware, decorated a Christmas tree at Heartsprings Valley Cafe, and helped book-lovers find perfect gifts for their loved ones here at The Tattered Page.
I was able to do all of this thanks to the kindness and generosity of the people of Heartsprings Valley.
To everyone I’ve met here, thank you for making my trip so memorable and important. ”
He took a deep breath. “I say ‘important’ because the folks I’ve met here have shown me what my essay is missing.
” His gaze found Penny. “As a wise woman recently pointed out, I’ve been so focused on one particular aspect of Christmas — its commercialization — that I lost sight of everything else that makes the holiday special.
“Christmas,” he continued, turning back to address the crowded room, “is the sum of many wonderful things. It’s the joy of kids opening presents under the Christmas tree.
It’s folks traveling from afar to share the holiday with their loved ones.
It’s Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, holiday sweaters, colorful lights, and snowmen galore.
It’s reaching out to help those less fortunate.
It’s belting out songs we learned as kids and still know by heart.
It’s celebrating life’s blessings with our friends, neighbors, families, and communities. ”
Penny felt a rush of emotion. The power of his words was undeniable. His sincerity was shining through.
“I stand here today a changed man. When I arrived in Heartsprings Valley, five short days ago, I was — I realize this now — a full-on Christmas grouch.
“My advice to the other grouches out there is this: Learn from my mistakes. Don’t be me. Open your heart. Allow yourself to enter a Christmas state of mind. The holiday is what you make of it. I urge all of you to make it wonderful and great.”
He stood there for a long moment, then said, “Thank you for being here today. I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. I’ll be happy to take your questions.”
The room exploded as reporters shouted out questions. One by one, Daniel provided answers that were clear and genuine. Many reporters asked about things he’d already shared in his statement, but throughout he remained patient and courteous.
As she watched him handle the room, Penny felt a mixture of relief and pride. He looked so calm, so confident, behind the podium.
Because he’s speaking his truth, she realized. He’s opened his heart to Christmas and it shows.
Eventually, the questions died down. After looking around the room, a reporter raised his hand. “If you could go back in time and change what you did, would you?”
Daniel glanced at Penny before turning back to the reporter.
“No, I wouldn’t. If I hadn’t written the essay, if the entire world hadn’t gotten upset with me, if I hadn’t been persuaded to travel to Heartsprings Valley, then I wouldn’t have figured out what I was missing about Christmas and, more importantly, I wouldn’t have met the inspiration for my next novel. ”
Penny froze. The inspiration for his next novel? He’d told her his next book was about a bookstore. Did that mean…?
The reporter asked, “What’s your next book about?”
Daniel turned toward Penny. “My next book is about a stubborn author, way too sure of himself, who meets a wonderful woman — a smart, compassionate, insightful, beautiful bookstore owner — who opens his eyes to everything he’s missing in life.”
It took a second for Penny to absorb what he’d just said. Her heart started thumping. Murmurs swept through the crowd as everyone realized who he was talking about. Cameras swung toward her.
In the front row, Donald and Hettie Mae exchanged a triumphant glance.
“Mr. Bedford!” Eva yelled out, her hand shooting up into the air. “A question! An important question!”
“Yes, Eva?” Daniel said, his eyes still firmly fixed on Penny.
“Will your next book be an epic romance?”
“I very much hope so, Eva. I very much hope so.” He turned to the crowd. “Everyone, thank you for being here today. The press conference is over.”
And just like that, he stepped away from the podium and walked right to Penny, as serious and intense and handsome as ever.
Penny flushed, extremely aware that the entire room was now focused on them. “Daniel,” she whispered. “What are you doing?”
“Penny,” he said, his eyes full of emotion, “I’m done being professional with you.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He took hold of her hands. “I’m ready to share how I really feel about you. No more holding back.”
Emotion rushed through her. “Daniel….”
“I’m sticking around,” he said, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. “I’m not going anywhere.”
She gasped. “You’re not leaving?”
“Heartsprings Valley has captured my imagination. You have captured my imagination. Leaving this town — leaving you — is something I don’t want to do.” He slipped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you, Penny Quinn.”
The strength of his arms around her felt wonderful. His dark brown eyes were alive with feeling. The room faded away.
“Tell me,” he whispered, leaning closer. “I have to know. How does this story end? Does the guy have a shot at getting the girl?”
With a trembling smile, Penny reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss me and find out.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers — and her world soared. Oh, my, everything about this man and this moment felt so right. His arms felt so good wrapped around her. Everything about him breathed sincerity and tenderness.
His lips moved to her ear. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured.
Faintly, she became aware of folks in the audience applauding and even cheering. With a small laugh, she pulled back. “Oh, gosh.”
“Ignore ’em,” he whispered, his eyes alive with feeling. “That’s my advice.”
She smiled. “Ignoring the media is terrible advice. But maybe, just this once, I can go along with that.”
“I am so grateful I met you,” he whispered. “Merry Christmas, Penny.”
“Merry Christmas, Daniel.”
Then she pulled him for another kiss, reveling in the knowledge that the two of them were ready to move forward in life — together.
The End