Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bailey
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I loved the bonfire tradition. The one in Algiers Point was my favorite because I could make back to the French Quarter in time for the Christmas caroling event after, and that was something I never wanted to miss.
I kept the bag of pralines close to my chest as I stepped off the ferry. It was very crowded, and I was afraid someone would bump into me and knock everything from my hands.
Even though my heart was heavy, I was determined to enjoy this evening and focus on all the good things I had going on. My life was amazing. I was completely healthy, and so was my family. Avery and I had a strong bond, and our online business was thriving. Since the confectionery was going to close down, we’d had to double our efforts on it. The videos we already had made and listed in the course library were generating good money, but if it became our sole source of income, we’d have to upload new content much more often.
Xander had called a few times, but I didn’t pick up. I honestly didn’t know what to say to him. I was still shocked that he’d found a buyer and didn’t even give me a heads-up.
He’d always said that he’d decide after Christmas. I took that to mean that he’d only start searching for a seller in January. Maybe that was my fault, and I should’ve asked him to be more specific.
Then again, I knew Xander’s business motto. He got things done, and thoughts and feelings had no bearing. Ruthless for a good cause... right? The confectionery wasn’t making a profit, so why not sell it? Sigh.
But right now, I truly didn’t want to think about it anymore. Instead, I focused on the structure of the bonfire and smiled, heading that way.
The structure hanging over the fire changed every year. This year, there were circles floating over the mass of wood that they’d light up. Sometimes I could easily tell what it was and sometimes I couldn’t at all. But I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The market was already bustling with life. There were a lot of food options. Most were traditional offerings like gumbo or jambalaya, but there were plenty who had burgers and fries. Someone was making beignets too; I could smell them no matter where I was, but I couldn’t see them yet. My favorite section was the one where art vendors displayed their work. I wanted to check it out, but first I needed to drop off some of the pralines.
I went over to Andrea Scott. She was serving baked potatoes with all sorts of toppings as usual. My favorite combo was cheese, bacon, and cranberry. It sounded weird, but it was delicious.
“Hey,” she greeted, me, “you brought pralines.”
“Of course. I couldn’t come to the bonfire without them.”
“You’re such a doll.”
Her whole family was working the cart. She had twelve-year-old twin boys milling around. Her husband, John, was currently chopping at mad speed, and I didn’t want to interrupt him.
There was a line, too, so I just told her, “I’ll be around here later.”
“Of course.”
I went by the art section right away, moving faster now that my basket was half empty. I knew the paintings were farther down the line, but I took my time glancing at all sorts of trinkets and handmade Christmas decorations. They were lovely.
Everyone had decorated their tables with twinkle lights and small Santa Claus figurines. I could feel my entire body relaxing as I spent more time here. I guess I shouldn’t be so upset, as I had a lot to be thankful for. And I reminded myself again that our online business was a great plan for our future. But it was still difficult not to feel disappointed.
“You’re a tough customer,” Xander’s voice said as I moved on to another cart without purchasing anything.
I jumped, turning around. “What are you doing here?” My heart rate accelerated so fast that my ears buzzed for a few seconds. I took in deep breaths to calm myself down.
“I spoke to Avery,” he said softly. “She told me you would be here.”
“When did you arrive?”
“The ferry before you. I waited to catch you in a good moment. We need to talk.”
I looked down at my feet. “Sure. I’m sorry I didn’t take your calls.”
“You don’t have to apologize. If I were you, I wouldn’t have taken them either.”
I looked back up at him. My heart was thundering.
“Want us to move a bit to the side?” he asked, and I nodded. I didn’t want to be in anyone’s way. And I also didn’t want the vendor overhearing our conversation.
“Sure, let’s go over there.” I pointed to a darker space where there were no tables set up and we wouldn’t be bothering anyone.
I shivered as we stepped into the darkness. Xander didn’t miss it. “Are you cold? I can give you my coat.”
“No, I’m just... well, I’m stressed out.”
He frowned. “Bailey, please don’t be.”
“Xander, I really don’t want to fight on Christmas Eve, but why didn’t you tell me anything?”
He looked straight at me. “First of all, I didn’t know he was going to stop by the confectionery today.”
“Ron said he informed you.”
“I saw his email when we were watching Harry Potter with Bella, but I didn’t open it. I figured I’d deal with it on Monday, and then I completely forgot about it.”
This was already making things just a bit better, but still. “When did you start talking to him?” I asked, fiddling with my fingers behind my back.
“When I decided that I wanted to revamp the confectionery business, I put out feelers. I went to a business lunch with a few people in the industry and told them about my plan. I encouraged them to spread the word and tell anyone who was interested to get in touch with my company.”
“But that means you never gave the confectionery a chance.” I was getting upset now. “I thought you weren’t going to decide until after Christmas?”
“And I was, but putting out feelers means I’d know if there was any interest at all. It’s efficient,” he explained, and I actually started to laugh.
“Of course! I forgot.”
“I wasn’t going to make any definitive move before Christmas, though, no matter what.”
“Oh, Xander. Why didn’t you tell me there was even any interest? I know I always shut down business talk, but this is major.”
Xander tilted closer, touching my cheek. “I never wanted to spoil our moments together by bringing this up. I knew it would sour the mood. I was too hungry for every moment I could spend with you to ruin it. I was completely selfish, and I’m sorry.”
“Then please be honest with me right now. When is it going to happen?”
“What?”
“The sale.”
He shook his head. “It’s not going to happen.”
“What?” My heart was now truly out of control. Not only because he was touching me, but also because I was starting to feel hopeful for the first time since this morning.
“We’re not going to sell the confectionery.”
“Are you serious? But why? What made you change your mind?”
“Well, I will be making some changes. But we can discuss them with Avery in the new year. I want to grow the business, but in a way that stays personal. You convinced me, Bailey, showing me all the passion you put into it.”
Warmth invaded my heart all of a sudden. I put a hand on my chest. “Xander, are you serious?”
“Yes. Why is that so hard to believe?”
“Because you’re so stubborn. I didn’t think you’d change your mind.”
“I don’t think anyone ever changed my mind until you.” I smiled at him, and though I tried to make it small and delicate, of course I couldn’t. I could feel it taking over my entire face.
“You’ve shown me how important other things are besides efficiency and numbers.”
“Now you’re trying to talk your way into my pants,” I teased.
“Of course I am, but I also mean every word. Bailey, you’ve enriched my life in ways I can’t even put into words. You mean everything to me. Please believe that I’d never blindside you with something like that. I love you far too much to hurt you.”
I closed my eyes, putting my hands on my chest. “I want to take a moment to savor these words and keep them right here.”
“Fuck, I love you more with every passing second, I swear.”
“Not more than I love you, Xander. Today, after that guy left, I realized that I was mad, but I also loved you far too much. So that’s why I didn’t answer the phone. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t want to fight.”
“Because it’s Christmas.”
I opened one eye. “And because I love you.”
He grinned. “Glad we got that settled.”
Xander glanced around. “You know, I’ve never been to a bonfire celebration.”
I just gasped, unable to comprehend how he’d never been to one after living in the city his whole life.
“It’s festive,” he said. “Will we catch the actual bonfire being lit up?”
I hesitated. “Well, not really. That’s the part I usually miss because the caroling starts roughly around that time.”
“Then what do you usually do when you’re here?”
“I just soak it all up.” I clapped my hands excitedly.
“Then I’ll soak it up with you. Actually, I’m just going to enjoy you.”
“You sweet talker.”
“I try my best.”
He draped his whole body around mine somehow, keeping an arm around my shoulder but also walking slightly behind me. I realized he was trying to shield me from the cold. Oh yeah, a true Southern gentleman.
A band had started to play carols. I looked up at him with a grin. “Carols are allowed on Christmas Eve, right? Even for the Grinch?”
“Bailey,” he growled in my ear.
“Well, I have to be certain.”
“You did get me quite used to the carols.”
“Really? So you listen to them at the office?” I asked as we ventured toward stands with more trinkets.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“My bad. Oh, the air smells like sweetcorn,” I said, catching a whiff on the wind.
“Think you know who’s boiling it?”
“I’m pretty sure. Let’s go hunt it down.”
We moved through the crowds to the tune of “Jingle Bells” being sung with a very cute interpretation. It had far more drums, and the rhythm was more alert.
“Want to dance?” he asked me. I swear, my entire body always lit up when he whispered in my ear.
I looked around and said, “Mm, too crowded.”
“Then I’m going to hold that thought for later tonight.”
Was this man planning sexy shenanigans and carols? Because I was totally up for it.
I had to ask him because it was niggling in my mind. “Xander?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Did you pay that girl’s bill at the children’s hospital?” I mean, it was really his business, but I had to know. The hospital mentioned something when I last spoke to them, but they were vague. It was confidential information, of course, but I had my ways of finding out.
“Maybe.”
“Xander!”
“Okay, yes. And a few more on that floor. After speaking with the nurses, I realized how a few of the families were in need, and I wanted to help them out.”
I melted on the spot. To think this man, this thoughtful, caring man, did something like that made my heart soar.
We found the vendor selling sweetcorn quickly enough.
“Two pieces, please,” Xander said.
“This is so cool. I’ve never seen it here before,” I told the vendor.
He grinned. “It’s my first year. I can’t believe I nabbed a spot. Everyone told me that no one wants corn on Christmas, but my nan always cooked it when I was a kid. Figured there might be other people who’d enjoy it. I think I’ll run out before the evening’s over.”
“Good for you. Merry Christmas,” I said as he handed us each a piece of corn. After Xander paid him, we put salt on it and then quickly moved on.
“Mm, sweetcorn for me always tastes like summer,” I exclaimed as we ate quickly. The band had changed tunes, now singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” I truly liked their spin on it.
It wasn’t even sinking in yet that the confectionery would still go on. I couldn’t wait for Xander to tell me the changes he had in mind, but not tonight. It was Christmas Eve, and I wanted to enjoy the festivities.
When I looked up, I realized he was watching me with a grin. “When did you finish yours?”
“A few minutes ago, but you were so focused that you didn’t even notice.”
“I wanted to be thorough. Something you appreciate, right?” I teased.
“Very, very much.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
He put his hand on my face, cupping my cheek. “Fucking hell, woman. You don’t know how afraid I’ve been today of losing you.” His raw honesty caught me by complete surprise. “Ron called me after he left the confectionery, and when I realized what was going on, I went insane from fear, and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve never been afraid of anything in my life. I’m usually able to think through logically, lay out options, and not panic. But in that moment, all I could think was ‘I can’t lose this woman. I love her. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.’”
I smiled from ear to ear, then tossed the corn cob in the trash can and walked right into his arms, wrapping mine around his torso. “I love everything you’re saying. And I can’t believe I’m getting this super heartfelt confession on Christmas Eve here at the bonfire, of all places.”
He put one palm on my lower back and the other one on my nape. “I want to be open with you, Bailey, always. There’s another thing you taught me: how to wear your heart on your sleeve.”
I straightened up, looking at him. “You know, I’m so proud of that.”
Xander drew his head back, laughing. The sound reverberated all around me. It felt like a physical hug. “Woman, you’re something else, and I’m so damn proud to be your man.”
“Music to my ears.” Grinning, I looked down at the half-empty basket I was carrying.
“I’ll just drop these off by the small gift station they’ve set up so they can distribute everything to kids in need.”
“Sure, let’s go.”