Chapter Seven
Viola held her pen firmly, her phone pressed up against her ear. She was almost through her list of potential help for the catering event. So far, two of the twelve people she had called were available to work the wedding. All she needed now was at least one more person for the kitchen and a few waiters to serve. Her list included old friends from her school days in Silverwood, coworkers at The Gingerbread House, and people she knew who worked in the food service industry. The final handful of names at the bottom of her list were people who lived outside of Silverwood, and though she didn’t have high hopes that any of them would be available, she was holding out for a miracle before New Year’s Eve.
“So, yeah,” Viola said into the phone. “I know it’s last minute, James, and it’s the holiday season, but is there any chance you might be able to spare a few hours to work the event?”
“You won’t believe this,” James began, “but I actually can help out. My folks went out west to visit my sister in California, so I’m family-obligation free.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you so much, James. I can text you the details.”
“Works for me. It’ll be great to see you again. I always knew you’d make it as a chef.”
Viola winced. This must be what imposter syndrome feels like . “That’s so nice of you to say. Thanks. I’ll see you then.”
“Bye.”
She sighed as she set down the phone. Putting a checkmark next to James’s name, she forced herself to invite the good feelings in and stop panicking.
It’s working. I’m doing it. I just have to have faith in myself.
The sound of her mother’s wheelchair caused her to turn.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, honey. Were you on the phone?”
“Yeah, I had some calls to make. I’ve got three people so far to help me with the catering job.”
Evelyn intertwined her fingers and held them under her chin. “Oh, Viola, that’s wonderful.”
Viola cringed.
“What?” Evelyn leaned forward. “What’s wrong?”
Viola stood and placed her hands behind her aching neck, stretching it out. “A couple of things, I guess.”
“Honey, you can talk to me. What’s bothering you?”
“Well, for one, I feel like I’m abandoning you.”
Evelyn shook her head. “What? Viola, no. Why would you say that?”
“Because this wedding is going to take a lot of my time. I know Oliver can be here to help you out when I can’t be here, but between working at The Gingerbread House and organizing the catering, I’ll rarely be around at all. And I don’t want to do that to you.”
“Viola, come here.” Evelyn rolled nearer to the table and patted the nearest chair.
Viola pressed her lips together and took a seat.
“You are not abandoning me.” Evelyn took her hand. “If anything, I’ve kept you rooted to one spot for far too long.”
“No, you di—”
“Yes. I’m not na?ve. I know you had to put all your dreams on hold for me. I never meant to force you into that position.”
Viola squeezed her hand. “No, Mom, of course not. I don’t blame you. It’s not your fault this happened to you.”
“But it was also not your responsibility to cast everything aside to take care of me.”
“I wanted to. And these last few years? I think it brought us even closer than we were before. I wouldn’t have traded that time with you for the world.”
“I’m glad we had all this time together, too.” Evelyn sighed. “But now you’ve got an opportunity to jump into the thing you’ve been waiting to do since you were a little girl, and there’s no way I’m going to stand in your way—no pun intended.”
Though guilt and uncertainty threatened to crush her stomach, Viola felt her shoulder muscles loosen. “Thank you, Mom.”
“As for the extra time you’ll be working, don’t worry. I can manage a lot on my own. And the stuff I can’t? Well, that’s what Oliver is for, right?”
“I’m sure he won’t mind putting in extra hours if necessary.”
“See.” Evelyn tapped Viola’s hand. “It’s no problem at all.”
“I guess.”
Evelyn searched her face. “What’s the other thing?”
“What?”
“You said a couple of things were bothering you.”
“Oh. Yeah, that.” Viola rubbed the back of her neck. “I, uh, don’t know if I can really do this. I’m kind of scared that I’m in over my head.”
Evelyn chuckled.
Viola frowned. “What’s funny about that?”
“Not funny per se. I just remember the same ‘in over my head’ speech when you were in culinary school. You were so worried you couldn’t keep up with the other students. And how did that turn out?”
Viola chewed her lip, and one corner of her mouth inched upward. “I graduated at the top of my class.”
“Exactly.” Evelyn pushed a strand of Viola’s hair away from her face. “There is no limit to what you can achieve if you can believe it. I have total faith in you. Maybe you should, too.”
A sense of calm crept in, and Viola felt that her mother’s support gave her strength and resolve.
The alarm on Viola’s smartwatch beeped, and she straightened.
“I have to go.” Viola stood and scanned the room for her purse. “I have a shift at the hot chocolate stand.”
“Okay, dear.” Evelyn swiveled her wheelchair and drove it toward the front door. “Don’t forget your scarf. It’s supposed to be cold later.”
Viola threw on her coat and grabbed her scarf. “Thanks, Mom. Text me if you need anything. See you tonight.”
Though they had messaged each other every week and spoken on the phone a dozen or so times in the last year, Holly missed spending time with her best friend, Kim. Kim’s friendship was the only good thing Holly still had from her life in the big city.
Holly offered to pick up Kim from the airport, but Kim insisted that she “New York” it by taking an Uber. Kim had also turned down Holly’s offer to let her stay at the cabin, claiming she didn’t want to be in Holly’s way. Holly felt it had more to do with having room service and the housekeeping staff at her disposal.
The plan was for Kim, Rachel, Avery, and Lucy to meet Holly in the town square so they could venture to the Blossom Boutique for their dress fittings. It had been a month and a half since Holly had most recently tried on her wedding gown, and she was filled with a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety at the prospect of doing it again.
Marie, the seamstress and boutique owner, had Kim’s measurements to tailor her bridesmaid’s dress, having measured Rachel, Lucy, and Avery in person. Today would be the first time the entire bridal party would have their dresses on simultaneously.
In the town square, Holly shivered as an icy breeze whipped at her hair. When her phone buzzed, she pulled it out of her coat pocket.
Kim: I ’ m in the Uber now. I should be there in fifteen minutes.
Holly: I wish you would have let me pick you up.
Kim: Honey, no. You ’ ve got enough going on. I ’ ll be there soon. No big deal.
Holly: Hope your flight was okay.
Kim: OMG!! Cutest flight attendant ever. Flirting with me big time.
Holly: LOL Of course he was.
Kim: See you soon.
Holly laughed as Kim ended the conversation with a kissy face emoji.
The next thing she knew, someone was covering her eyes with fuzzy gloves and saying, “Guess who.”
Holly recognized the voice and smiled. “Hi, Mr. Mason.”
Nick’s father removed his hands and chuckled, his laugh sounding like a ho-ho-ho . He was notorious for being mistaken for Santa Claus, given his round belly and white beard. He even had a twinkle in his eye.
“Now, now. You call me Nicholas. Or Dad, if you prefer. Might as well get comfortable with it, future daughter-in-law.”
“That’s true. I think it might take some getting used to, though.”
“Rachel told me to say she and Avery will be here soon.”
“Message received.” Holly patted his shoulder. “How are you doing?”
Nicholas Mason had been managing his Wilson’s Disease with medication. Still, he tended to get fatigued easily and sometimes suffered from muscle stiffness. Thanks to the money from the tree decorating contest the year before, he could pay for his treatment for many years to come.
“I’m great,” he replied. “I always get a little extra energy this time of year. I love the holiday season.”
Holly grinned. “I can tell.”
“Where’s your mom? I still haven’t met her.”
“She’s at the cabin. She’s preparing something for later. Emily—um, Mrs. Weedleman and Mrs. Miranelli are there, too. They’re all catching up.”
“That’s nice. I guess I’ll meet her at the family dinner, then.” He leaned closer. “You’re still coming, right?”
Holly placed a hand on his arm. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Mr. Mason shifted, and the grin faded from his face. At first, Holly wasn’t sure what had changed and, for a moment, feared it was his health condition. But when Mr. Mason dug out his phone and squinted at the screen, she understood.
“I’m afraid I’m not very good at this texting thing.” He snickered. “Can you hold this for a second while I search for my reading glasses? I thought I put them in my pocket, but—”
Holly took the phone. She couldn’t help but look at the screen. “It’s from Rachel. She and Avery need help at the shop.”
Mr. Mason pulled his glasses from his inside coat pocket seconds too late. “Oh, all right. Thank you, dear.”
Holly handed him back the phone. “My pleasure.”
“I’ll head to the shop, then. See you later, Holly.”
She waved as he headed to The Gingerbread House.
“This town is the cutest.” Kim’s nasally voice floated to Holly.
Holly had to smile. Kim always sounded like she was whining, even when saying something positive. She turned to find her friend walking toward her, rolling her suitcase at her side. The faux fur hood of Kim’s coat entangled with her dark, curly hair. Her eyes were bright as she took in the festival setup.
“Hi, Kim.” Holly closed the distance between them and embraced her friend. “I missed you so much. Wait, did you get taller?”
Kim giggled as she stood back from the hug. “It’s my shoes. Platform winter boots are my new favorite thing.”
“Well, they look great on you.”
Kim grabbed Holly’s hands and stretched her arms out. “And you look fabulous. Whatever they’ve put in the water is really agreeing with you.”
Holly laughed. “I think it’s just the fresh air.”
“Or maybe love,” Kim teased. “Oh em gee! That hot chocolate stand, which is literally a standing cup of hot chocolate, is so utterly adorable.”
“You want to get one? I kind of know the owner.”
“Is it Nick?”
Holly waggled her brows. “Yep.”
“Sweet lord. He really is a catch, isn’t he?” Kim hooked her arm through Holly’s. “Yes. Let’s indulge.”
Holly led her to the hot chocolate mug-shaped stand and waited behind the customer at the counter.
“How’s the hotel?” Holly asked.
“So quaint.”
“Uh oh. That’s Kim-speak for small.”
“No. It’s fine.” Kim raised a dismissive hand. “It’s dripping in Christmas decorations, and the staff is super nice.”
“It’s still two weeks until the wedding. Were you able to take off the whole time? Or do you have to go back in between?”
“I managed to take off between now and New Year’s Day, and then I have to head back to New York. Since the promotion, I have been working my butt off, including some overtime on the weekends. And I was sure to remind them of that.”
Holly playfully rolled her eyes. “Of course you did.”
“So, you know, they couldn’t say no.”
Holly patted her on the back. “Well, I’m just glad you made it.”
Kim giggled. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll meet myself a gorgeous, rugged mountain man and never go back. Just like you.”
Holly tiptoed in front of the window when it was their turn to order. “Hi, Viola. We’ll have two double luscious hot chocolates, please.”
“Sure,” Viola said. “Coming right up. How are you doing?”
“Fine, thanks,” Holly replied. “How are things going with you?”
Viola nodded. “They’re coming along. No worries.”
Holly smiled at her, relieved.
Viola turned around to prepare their drinks and reappeared moments later with the order. “Here you go.”
Kim took her mug and sipped the chocolate drink.
Holly handed Viola some cash. “Viola, this is my friend Kim from New York. Kim, this is Viola. She’s catering the wedding.”
Kim took another sip. “Mmm. Cool. Hey, if you’re serving these at the reception, I’m all for it.”
Their attention was drawn to the sound of a crane in the middle of the town’s square raising the peak end of a twenty-foot fir tree from a flatbed truck. Wearing a yellow construction helmet, Nick stood overlooking the task, his arms gesturing as he called out instructions.
Holly sidled up closer to Kim and pointed. “That’s Nick.”
Kim gasped dramatically and then whistled her approval. Always over the top, just like Holly remembered.
“He seems to know what he’s doing,” Kim said.
Holly laughed. “That he does.” She gazed at him fondly as he removed the helmet and ruffled his hair. “He’s a good guy.”
Nick happened to look their way, and Holly waved. Nick returned the gesture with a coy smile. Holly stuck her thumb out at Kim, and Nick gave her a bow.
“Aw, he’s so sweet,” Kim said, her voice whiny again.
Holly felt her heart warm. “He really is.”
“Oh.” Kim nearly choked on her hot chocolate. “Speaking of good guys and bad guys, remember I texted you that I had something to tell you?”
“Honestly, I forgot about it, what with all the wedding planning going on.”
“Yeah, well, I also didn’t want to bother you with it. Especially if it amounts to nothing.”
Holly braced herself. “Now you’ve got me intrigued. What’s this about?”
“It wasn’t me who leaked the news, but somehow Grayson got wind of your engagement.”
Holly shrugged. “That’s fine. I don’t really care about Grayson or his opinions anymore.”
“Which is totally mature of you and super smart. But the problem is he’s really peeved with the whole thing and said—and I’m quoting him here—he’ll be damned if you marry that ‘small-town nobody.’”
“What?” Holly scoffed. “What a jerk. First of all, he doesn’t even know Nick. And second, who does he think he is? What I do and whom I marry is none of his concern.”
“I know. I just thought I should tell you.”
“He said this to you?”
“Yeah.” Kim arched a brow. “The moron had the nerve to come to my office demanding I tell him where you are. He must have heard about the engagement from mutual friends or something, and now he’s hellbent on stopping the wedding. As if. He wouldn’t stop going on about how you were going to regret leaving him. Delusional! But don’t worry. I didn’t tell him where you are.”
“Thank you.” Though she was relieved to know Kim had kept her location a secret, she couldn’t help but grasp her stomach as it tightened with unease. Could Grayson be a threat? But there’s no way he could find me. Right? She clutched her mug and told herself to stop worrying about someone who was miles away.
“So where is the other bridesmaid and your maid of honor?” Kim asked.
Holly was glad to change the subject. “Actually, Nick’s sister would be matron of honor since she’s married.”
“Look at you, Ms. Wedding Facts Expert.” She raised her hot chocolate. “Cheers to that.”
Holly took a swig of her drink, hoping the warm liquid would help ease the churning in her belly. “They should be here soon. Rachel’s at the eatery taking care of something, so I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Knowing Lucy, we just have to keep an eye on the churro stand to see when she arrives.”
“Lucy sounds like my kind of gal. And where’s your mom?”
“She’s at the cabin making lumpia for after the dress fitting.”
Kim did a little hop. “Are those the eggrolls?”
Holly laughed at Kim’s excitement. “Yes.”
“Yum! I can’t wait. I haven’t seen your mom since—” Kim’s smile faltered. “Well, since your dad’s funeral.”
Holly nodded. She controlled her breathing, not wanting to feel sad on a day that was supposed to be fun. Kim sensed her dismay and reached out to squeeze her hand.
“Holly!”
Holly turned at the sound of Avery’s voice. The young girl hurried to greet Holly, her wavy brunette hair and the pompom of her winter hat bouncing as she ran. Avery’s dimples deepened as she giggled. Not too far behind her came Mr. Mason, his grin emphasized by his rosy cheeks. He was accompanied by Dasher, Avery’s dog and Cupid’s sibling, who donned a red and white bandana around his neck.
“Avery, hi.” Holly welcomed her with a hug. “This is my friend Kim.”
Avery looked up at Kim with wide eyes. “The one from New York?”
“That’s me.” Kim nodded. “Nice to meet you, Avery.”
Dasher was the next to reach them. He sniffed Holly’s boots first before moving on to inspect Kim.
“You weren’t kidding about the cute dogs.” Kim crouched down and scratched Dasher near his ear.
“I see I’m late to the party.” Mr. Mason let out his signature ho-ho-ho chuckle.
Kim stood upright and gasped. “No. Way. Did anyone ever tell you you’re the spitting image of Santa Claus?”
“Once or twice.” Mr. Mason winked and stuck out his hand. “Nicholas Mason. Nicky’s father and Avery’s grandfather.”
“‘Nicky’?” Kim slipped back into her whiny tone. “Oh my God, I love that.”
“I like your purse,” Avery said, running her fingers along the rhinestones bedazzled along the leather.
“Thank you.” Kim beamed.
“I have a backpack with these stones on it. It’s my favorite.”
“Awesome. Sparkle power!” Kim raised her hand for a high five.
Avery hit her hand, and almost immediately, Dasher lifted his paw as if wanting to join in.
“Coolest dog ever ,” Kim exclaimed, crouching down to high-five.
Holly started when a figure rushed toward her. She knew it was foolish to think that Grayson would be there to pounce on her, but it was the first thought that popped into her head. She placed a hand on her chest and blew out a silent breath when she realized it was Lucy. Her blonde hair was neatly coiffed into a French braid, and her gentle gray eyes were filled with excitement.
“They have a new flavor of churro.” Lucy said it as if it were the news of the century. “This is the happiest day of my life.”
Kim turned to her with a smile.
“Kim, Lucy,” Holly said. “Lucy, Kim.”
Kim hugged Lucy. “Hi. So you’re Holly’s childhood friend whom she had a falling out with when she left to be a big-time artist.”
Lucy let out a small laugh. “Yes, because she basically cut me out of her life for a while. But she returned and begged for my forgiveness, so now it’s all water under the bridge.”
“We gals are so dramatic, aren’t we?” Kim joked.
Lucy shrugged. “Pretty much.”
Kim settled a hand on Lucy’s arm. “And you’re excited about a new flavor of churro?”
“Absolutely, I am.”
Kim rested her hands on her sides. “We’re going to get along just fine. What’s the new flavor?”
“Strawberry cheesecake.”
“Oh my goodness.” Kim held up a finger. “Holly, I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll help,” Lucy exclaimed.
“Grandpa?” Avery looked up at him with doe eyes.
Mr. Mason chuckled. “Say no more. Churros it is.”
Just as they walked off, Rachel appeared, looking flushed. “Hey, Holly.”
“Rachel, are you okay?”
“It’s nothing.” She shook her head. “I was just unloading a delivery before with my dad, and I think I overdid it with the carrying.”
“Oh, no. I could have helped,” Holly said. “Or I could have gotten Nick.”
“No, no. I just need to catch my breath.”
“Well, you didn’t have to rush.”
“Yes, I did,” Rachel insisted. You don’t know how much I need some girl time for a change. I’m so ready to try on our dresses and talk about wedding details.”
“Well, I can make that happen.” Holly pointed to the churro stand. “We’re just waiting for the rest of the gang to get their much-needed snacks.”
Rachel nodded. “Looks like they’re hitting it off.”
“It does.”
When the rest of the gang returned, Mr. Mason gave them a nod. “You gals enjoy the dress fitting. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, Mr. Mason,” Holly called.
“Later, Grandpa.” Avery waved.
“See ya, Santa,” Kim added.
“Okay,” Holly said to them. “Let’s get you into some dresses.”