Chapter 5 #2
Mabel hung back, nibbling on the pumpkin fudge—which was incredible, as always—and waited for the shop to clear out a little.
She was in no hurry, so she didn’t want to add to the pressure Imogen was clearly feeling.
She watched and chatted with Katie as Imogen made hot chocolate, boxed up candies, and gift-wrapped presents, all in between ringing up customers.
It was clear Imogen was tired, and Mabel gave her a soft smile as she approached the counter once the shop had almost emptied from the afternoon rush.
“Are you all right?” she asked sympathetically. “You look like they’re running you a little ragged.”
Imogen managed a tired smile. “That obvious, huh? I feel like I haven’t stopped moving in weeks.
Between the holiday rush and Katie’s school activities and now this magazine thing…
” she trailed off, shaking her head. “I’m burning the candle at three ends, I think, and it only has two.
I’ve lit the middle on fire.” She laughed, and Mabel smiled.
She understood very well how it could get, and Imogen had more on her plate than Mabel had in years.
“Vanessa told me about the magazine feature.” Mabel beamed at her.
“That’s got to be so exciting for you. It’s such an amazing opportunity.
Something similar happened years ago with The Toy Chest, and it really changed things.
It was a newspaper feature, not a magazine, so this could be even better!
When are they coming to talk to you, do you know? ”
Imogen let out a breath, glancing at the door to make sure no new customers had come in before leaning tiredly on her elbows.
“I honestly don’t know yet. I called them yesterday afternoon, but I haven’t heard back about scheduling.
Everything is happening so fast, and I’m too frazzled to think beyond getting through each day.
I know I should be more organized about it, but between you and me, I’m barely keeping my head above water as it is.
I’m so excited about it—I know it’s such a big opportunity and it’s a literal dream, but I don’t even have time to let myself be excited right now, honestly. ”
Mabel frowned worriedly. “Sweetheart, when was the last time you took some real time for yourself? I don’t mean an hour here and there between customers—I mean actual, honest-to-goodness relaxation time.”
Imogen laughed. “What’s relaxation time? Is that something people actually have?” She ran a hand through her hair, tugging her ponytail loose to fix it with an amused smile on her face. “Maybe sometime after Christmas.”
“It certainly is, and it’s something you need,” Mabel said firmly. “You’re going to burn yourself out if you keep going at this pace. When was the last time you went on a proper date? Had an evening that was just for you? Surely someone could watch Katie for an evening—”
Imogen smirked, shaking her head, and some of the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease.
“A date? That’s the first thing you think of?
Mabel, I can barely find time to do laundry, let alone think about dating.
And yeah, I could get Emma’s mom to watch them both for an evening, but I just don’t want Katie to miss out on anything she wants to do with me for the holidays. ”
“Well, that’s exactly my point,” Mabel said, clearly warming up as she barreled forward.
“You’re so focused on work and being a perfect mother that you’ve forgotten you’re also a beautiful, intelligent woman who deserves some romance in her life.
I bet any one of the eligible young men in Fir Tree Grove would love to—”
“I don’t know how many of those there are,” Imogen said with a laugh. “But really, Mabel, I think you’re still in the honeymoon phase with George, so you’re seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Being in love makes you think everyone else should be in love too.”
“Well, you might have a point there.” Mabel chuckled.
“Although I have to say, we’re getting a pretty good dose of reality right now with George fighting this awful flu.
We had to cancel our caroling plans because he could barely stay upright, let alone go around in the cold singing.
Although he’s being a surprisingly model patient,” she added.
“He’s hardly complaining about anything. I’m quite impressed.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Imogen gave her a sympathetic look. “Tell him I hope he gets better soon. He’s got the best nurse, though. And there will always be more caroling.”
“Exactly.” Mabel nodded. “I’m glad I can be there to take care of him.
Vanessa helping with the shop has been so wonderful.
I know I said for years I didn’t want any help, but more and more I’m appreciating being able to do something like this without worrying that it’ll hurt business. ” She gave Imogen a keen look. “Maybe—”
“Uh-uh.” Imogen shook her head. “I know where you’re going with this, and you might be right, but I can’t imagine interviewing and hiring for the first time on top of everything else right now. It would just make things harder, not better, I think.”
“Well, you might be right,” Mabel agreed.
“It’s really a bummer George is sick, though. I should pack up a treat for you to take to him. Although—” Imogen grinned at her. “Even with the disappointment of missing romantic Christmas activities, you’re still glowing. You’re so obviously in love. It’s adorable.”
Mabel felt herself blush, which, she thought, was ridiculous and a wonderful thing to have happen at her age, all at the same time.
“Well, I feel very lucky. This whole romance has done me a world of good, I have to admit. I’d forgotten how wonderful it could feel to have someone to care for and worry about. ”
“It’s loosened up George a lot too,” Imogen pointed out. “He danced with you at the Christmas party last year. I never thought I’d see George Lowery dancing.”
“I know what you mean. He always was a bit of a curmudgeon before this, wasn’t he?”
“It’s cute,” Imogen insisted. “It’s adorable how much he’s softened up with you. Love has been good for you both. And romance at any age is wonderful.”
“Exactly,” Mabel insisted. “You should make time for it, yourself. You deserve happiness too.”
“I know. Maybe one day I’ll get around to it. Now, what did you come in for? I know that look, you’ve got a Sweet Confections.” Imogen grinned at her own joke, and Mabel chuckled.
“I’ll take some peppermint bark.”
“Coming right up—” Imogen paused as she reached for a box, as the bell over the door chimed again.
Mabel saw her eyes widen slightly, and turned around to see Lincoln Blackwell walking into the shop.
A small smile curved Mabel’s lips instantly.
By the time she turned back to the counter, Imogen’s expression had smoothed over, but Mabel knew what she’d seen.
Just like she knew exactly how much history there was between the two of them.
“Lincoln!” Mabel called out cheerfully. “What brings you away from the rink in the middle of the day? It must be difficult to sneak away when things are so busy with all the holiday events, and skating lessons.”
Lincoln chuckled as he approached the counter, pausing to lean against one corner as he looked at Imogen briefly, then back at Mabel.
“Well, picking up the chocolates I’m buying in bulk from Imogen is just as important as anything else I have going on.
Can’t keep the customers happy at the rink without the best hot chocolate supplies in town…
and the new chocolates that I’ve got everyone so excited I’m selling now. ”
“I—well, that’s very generous,” Imogen said quickly, and Mabel saw a blush starting to creep up her neck. “You’re just doing it to make things easier on me, I don’t want to make anything harder on you. I could easily drop them off at the rink along with the hot chocolate mix.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Lincoln said firmly. “Besides, it gives me an excuse to sneak samples in the middle of the day.” He held up a bit of maple fudge he’d snagged on the way in, grinning. “Where else am I going to get this?”
Imogen’s cheeks turned pink, and Mabel’s mind instantly started to race, her imagination going wild.
She could envision a romance between them as easily as she could picture a display for her toy shop, and this was only making it even more evident.
The two of them were perfect for each other, and she knew it.
Lincoln had always been a polite, generous guy, but this went beyond that, even if she knew Imogen wouldn’t admit it.
She remembered seeing them around town when they were in high school, young and adorably in love.
No one could fault them for going their separate ways back then, they had been young, and needed to follow what they’d each wanted for their lives, which Mabel knew had been very different.
But they were different now. And she thought that now, as adults, they’d be as perfect for each other in new ways as they had been as teenagers back them.
She couldn’t help the urge to nudge the two of them toward their happy ending.
Lincoln was steady and reliable and kind, and he loved the small town that Imogen had put roots down in.
He’d wanted to leave Fir Tree Grove when he was younger, but he’d come home, and Mabel didn’t think he had any intention of leaving again.
And Imogen was warm and creative and devoted.
They had history together, but they were older now, more mature and settled and ready to find that spark again with the new foundation of being able to withstand life’s challenges.
Mabel was sure she was on to something.
“I’ll let you know how these do at the rink,” Lincoln said, jarring Mabel out of her thoughts.
He smiled at Imogen, hefting the large box filled with trays of chocolates.
“People have been wild about the fact that I’m going to be selling them there.
A little sophisticated, grown-up treat for the adults, I thought, but honestly the kids are crazy about them too. Everyone loves your chocolate.”
Mabel didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on Imogen’s face for just a moment longer than strictly necessary. Or the way she blushed, waving a hand at him.
“You’re exaggerating,” Imogen said with a small, bashful laugh. “But I hope they do well.”
“They will,” Lincoln said confidently. “See you around.”
“Take care, Lincoln,” Imogen called after him, and Mabel couldn’t help but think that her tone was just a touch warmer than a friend’s would be.
As Mabel paid for her box of peppermint bark and headed back out to her car, her mind was already racing with possibilities.
If Lincoln and Imogen needed a little nudge toward romance, she was more than willing to figure out how to provide it.
After all, she had firsthand experience now with how wonderful unexpected love could be, and she wanted that same joy for her friends.
She couldn’t wait to mull it over with Vanessa, and though George would pass the gossip off as silly, she was sure, he’d be amused by her attempts at matchmaking.
Love was in the air in Fir Tree Grove, and Mabel intended to make sure it found its way to everyone who deserved it.