Tuesday night Sydney set up social media accounts for The Book Bea. She friended and linked up with every name she could remember from her interactions around town and the store so far, and by morning The Book Bea had almost fifty “likes” on the brand-new Facebook page, and just as many followers on the other social media sites.
“That was fast.” Satisfaction filled her. Even just a week ago she had no idea that she could spend a little bit of time to help someone else and feel so much in return. This social media stuff was second nature to folks back home, but it was a whole new ball game in Hopewell.
She pulled her knees up on the couch and continued to post pictures she’d taken while the gang was there making Bea’s famous pretzel treats. The assembly line looked pretty impressive, and darn if her mouth wasn’t watering just a little at all that sugary sweet goodness. The colorful edible adornments looked festive, and Bea looked vibrant. Sydney opened the app and added the Christmas caroling event to the calendar page of TheBookBea.com website.
“What ya doing, Mom?” RayAnne was wearing her red pajamas with the white snowflakes on them.
“Updating the website I made for The Book Bea.”
“You really like that place. It makes you happy, doesn’t it?”
Sydney paused. “Yes. I guess it does.”
RayAnne stood quietly, then nodded slowly. “That Santa has some tricks up his sleeve I think.” RayAnne walked over and gave Sydney a hug. “I love you.”
“Are you trying to butter me up for a last-minute addition to your wish list?”
“No. I’m just happy because you’re happy.”
“Thanks, sweetie.”
“Jenny called and asked if her mom can pick me up here before you go to work. She has to go drop something off to her husband and will be right near here. I told her yes, is that okay?”
“Sure. I hope you’re helping out while you’re over there. You’re spending a lot of time together.”
“I am. Her mom likes us being around. Plus Zach plays with us. I think it helps.”
“Good.” RayAnne had always wanted a little brother, so Sydney wasn’t all that surprised that she’d taken to Zach so quickly.
“It’s like having a bigger family. It’s fun.”
“Yeah,” Sydney said. “I always thought a big family would be fun, too.”
“Thanks for letting me hang out with them. Do you think we could go shopping this week and get presents for them?”
“Sure. That’s really thoughtful of you. There were some cute shops in Santa’s Village. Maybe we go back there and take a look around first. Whatever makes you happy.”
“I am happy, Mom. This has turned out to be my best Christmas break yet. I want you to be happy, too,” RayAnne said. “I told Santa that.”
“RayAnne? Why did you tell Santa that? What makes you think I’m not happy?”
“Because I know. I’m a kid, but I know.”
“You don’t need to worry about me, kiddo. I’ve got you, and you make me happy. And Santa has plenty to worry about without you telling him about me.” How embarrassing. “That visit was supposed to be about your wish list.”
“I know,” RayAnne said. “I told Santa if Dad’s not getting me a four-wheeler he could get me one.”
Sydney was relieved to hear the car pull up in the driveway just then so she wouldn’t have to discuss that darned four-wheeler again. They’d had fun with Mac and Seth, but having one around all the time would make her a nervous wreck.
She walked out to the minivan with RayAnne. Diane rolled the window down, while RayAnne raced around to the other side to get in. “Do you want me to bring RayAnne back before the caroling tonight? I was thinking she could just stay with us today, if that’s okay with you.”
“I’m beginning to feel bad. You’re doing so much.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. You’d do the same for me. It’s how we do things around here. It takes a village and all that.” Diane leaned out the window. “Trust me, it’s been so nice to have RayAnne around to keep mine busy. I’m getting a ton done.”
Jenny poked her head between the seats. “We’re going to practice carols today.”
“See?” Diane said with delight in her eyes.
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. We’ll see you tonight.”
* * *
And if teamwork was Sydney Ragsdale’s secret weapon for making Bea’s famous chocolate-covered pretzel rods, it was just the right ingredient for Wednesday night when the caroling started, too.
She’d brought a thick warm quilt from home and a heating pad to fix up one of the rocking chairs on the porch for Bea. Traditions at The Book Bea were important, and now she was a part of that.
Bea deserved a front row seat to this show, and from there she could point folks to the music sheets, too.
By a quarter to seven Sydney had helped Bea get everything arranged for the event.
Bea sat down in the rocking chair. “This is toasty. You are spoiling me, Sydney.”
“I thought you’d be more comfortable.”
Bea rocked. “Henry would love that this is still going on. He was as big a sucker for a good tradition as I am. Are you watching from up there, Henry?”
And there it was again. Like Bea had read her mind about the importance of tradition.
Sydney paced, unsure of what the night would hold. Being a part of The Book Bea for the event tonight held its own special charm. She was making a memory that would last forever.
At seven o’clock on the dot voices rose into the air, drifting up the block. The crisp night was filled with song and something sweet in the air. Maybe it was just the huge inventory of chocolate-dipped pretzels, but somehow it seemed different than just that. Her heart tapped out a beat, kind of a little “Joy To The World,” as she anticipated their first group of carolers venturing up the walkway to The Book Bea tonight.
The air was nippy. If it were just a little bit colder they may have seen a few flurries, but so far the temperature was hovering closer to forty.
The Book Bea was the fifth caroling stop. From here she could hear the groups singing each song. That wouldn’t be the case once carolers started showing up on their doorstep. Then she’d hear “O Christmas Tree” over and over again, which was just fine by her, too.
Hopewell held a gentle spirit and she was so thankful she’d been brave enough to try to start over here. Her heart felt light and peaceful.
A group of carolers chatted as they walked up the pathway toward her. The leader of the group wore a long black coat, a top hat, and a striped scarf like he’d time-travelled right out of A Christmas Carol.
He stepped up to the porch. “Madam?”
“Here you go.” Bea passed him a stack of song sheets.
He promptly passed them out to everyone in the group. Bea reached for Sydney’s hand and squeezed it. The man in the top hat gave Bea a nod, and she pressed the button on the old CD player. A boom box really. Could you even buy those things anymore? The town of Hopewell probably had a monopoly on the last of them.
The music began and he led his group in the prettiest rendition of “O Christmas Tree” Sydney had ever heard. Young voices, old voices, some totally off-key and some mixing up the words even though they were reading them off the sheet, but together it was nothing short of heavenly.
Afterward, Sydney carried the large basket of treats to the base of the stairs and handed out the goodies, wishing each caroler a Merry Christmas.
“Awesome,” A young boy said as he high-fived another kid. “Told you they’d have them.”
A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair who had to be at least forty took his and saluted Bea. “You’re still the love of my life,” he said.
“You go on,” Bea said with a laugh.
It was obvious from the comments and from the delight in the face of each caroler that they really had been waiting all year for Miss Bea’s famous chocolate-covered pretzel rods.
It had been so much fun making them, but Sydney was even more proud to be a part of the special holiday memory now.
She carried the basket back up the stairs and sat on the porch rail across from Bea. “Wow. That was so pretty.” She ran a hand up her arm. “Gave me chills.”
“And with no practice. Just joyful hearts.”
“Christmas joy. I guess it’s like fairy dust.”
“You need to see the whole thing. Experience it. I’ll be fine right here. Trust me, those folks will climb those steps to get my treats.” Bea let out a hearty laugh. “If we hadn’t made them they might have done a sit-in until we did.”
“I think you’re right.”
“We have plenty. This thing runs on its own. Why don’t you catch up with the next group?”
“I don’t want to leave you here alone. This is our memory.”
“And we’ve had it, dear. Now, don’t be silly. I can handle it. And this town has taken care of me my whole life. I’ll be fine. Always have been.”
“Thank you, but no. I’m enjoying staying with you right here on this porch,” Sydney said.
Bea grumbled, but didn’t push.
The groups moved through quickly. In five minutes they were there and gone and the next group passed them on the walkway up. Bea got up and went inside, bringing a cup of hot cocoa for herself and Sydney when she came back out.
“Perfect,” Sydney said taking a mug from her. “Thank you.”
It wasn’t until about the tenth group, close to an hour into the evening, that she spotted RayAnne.
“Hi, Mom!” RayAnne yelled as she walked up the sidewalk flanked by her new BFF Jenny. Right beside them Seth hung close. She found herself hoping Mac was there, and her heart squeezed when she saw him walking toward her. He was near the back, talking with the mayor.
The leader of this group did exactly the same thing as all the others had done. Not even one switch up. Sydney stood on the porch next to Bea, and just when she expected the leader to give Bea the signal, something else happened.
The mayor walked up on the porch. “As mayor of this town I’m mandating…” And he turned to Sydney, “that you join this group and enjoy the rest of the route. I’ll be filling in here.” He took the basket from her and then shushed her toward the stairs.
Sydney looked at Bea, who was smiling with that one eyebrow arched like a black cat on Halloween. “You did this?”
Bea shrugged. “He’s the mayor.”
The entire group of carolers cheered.
Sydney couldn’t argue with that, and it did sound fun. She went down and stepped next to RayAnne, who had a small penlight lit over the song sheet.
Mac handed Sydney her own pen light. “Got one of these for you.”
“Was this your doing?” She turned and looked up at him, but he twisted her shoulders forward and the music started. They sang, and as beautiful as that music sounded from the front porch of that old mansion, it felt even bigger and more pure from right here in the middle of it. Their words seem to lift straight up, filling the sky and the heavens. Her nose tickled and eyes teared as she sang with all her heart. Those pretty blue lights in the window display that she and RayAnne had worked on together were like tiny blue stars, lights on a runway leading them home.
With the last note of the song, Bea stood, walked to the rail, and blew her a kiss. RayAnne nudged her and pointed at Bea. Sydney blew her a kiss back, and Mac placed his hand on Sydney’s shoulder.
The mayor walked down the steps with the basket of treats and everyone swarmed in to get theirs.
“Here, Mom.” RayAnne handed Sydney a plastic handled bag, already partially filled with stuff.
“What’s this?”
“They gave them to everyone. We got you one, too.”
“We?”
RayAnne grinned. “Mac told us you’d be joining us. We got you one so you’d have something to carry your treats and song sheets in.”
Sydney turned and looked at Mac. “I feel like there’s been a conspiracy going on behind my back.”
The mayor handed Sydney a chocolate-covered pretzel rod. “The merchants that don’t have a singing stop sponsor those bags. Gives everyone a chance to participate.”
“Great idea. Are you sure you’re not just trying to put me out of my job so you can get more pretzels?”
He stomped his foot. “You found me out.”
“Got my eye on you, Mayor.” She reached up and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”
“Don’t get all mushy. Your group’s going to leave you.”
Sydney turned to see most of the group heading down the sidewalk toward the street. Except for Mac, who was waiting just a few steps away.
She skipped to his side, and he took her hand in his.
They caught up with the group. Sydney hadn’t held hands with anyone in years, but it felt right tonight with Mac. He didn’t let go of her hand until they began to sing and he pulled her from his side to the front of him. Her holding the music and him shining the penlight over her shoulder as they sang “Joy To The World.” His voice was deep. Powerful. Together they sounded good.
The next stop was in front of the day care center, and Sydney could hardly sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” from laughing as the kids, and Mac, all did hand gestures and the silly add-on lyric version of the song.
When they got to the end of the route, Sydney wasn’t ready for the night to end.
“I’m so glad you got to come, Mom.” RayAnne wrapped her arms around Sydney’s waist. “So much fun. I love this town.”
“Can’t believe I almost missed it,” Sydney said.
“We wouldn’t let that happen,” Mac said.
Seth hung close by. “Dad is like the most Christmas guy in the world. But this night is really cool. I told you, Ray. Didn’t I?” He tugged on her ponytail.
“Hey, don’t start something.” But RayAnne was laughing, and although the nickname Ray had been one that Jon had always called her, Sydney found it endearing that she and Seth had formed such a great friendship so quickly.
Jenny’s mom walked over. “You don’t mind if RayAnne and Seth go with us over to Santa’s Village afterward for the light walk, do you?”
“How can I say no?” Sydney said.
Jenny and RayAnne bounced, clearly eavesdropping on the whole conversation.
“Thanks, Mom!” RayAnne said.
“We have the best moms ever,” Jenny said.
“Seth’s supposed to spend the night with Jeff Masterson tonight,” Mac told Diane.
“I can drop him off over there for you when we’re done.”
“And Sydney,” Diane said with a twinkle in her eye, “Let RayAnne stay over with Jenny. I’ll bring her by the bookstore tomorrow afternoon once everyone gets up and going.”
“Did you two plan this?” Sydney accused, only half-joking.
Diane shook her head. “No, but I’m liking what I see.”
Sydney wagged a finger toward their kids. “After being up late tonight, they’ll both be too tuckered out to watch the meteor showers tomorrow tonight.”
“Now, would that really be so bad?” He squeezed her hand. “Don’t think I’d mind starwatching with you alone.”
She couldn’t argue with him on that. Tonight had already been pretty fantastic. She wasn’t sure how much better things could get.
“I’ll walk you back to The Book Bea.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She felt small and warm in his embrace. They didn’t say a word, just strolled back to the store in silence.
When they turned up the walkway to the bookstore, the mayor was coming toward them. “Just locked up,” he said.
“Thank you. Sorry, I should have come right back.”
“No, don’t be silly. It was my pleasure. I pulled everything just inside the door so Bea could head on home.”
“You really made my evening. Thank you, Mayor, for insisting I participate.”
“I knew you’d love it, and it’s my duty as mayor of this town to be sure the good ones fall in love with Hopewell and stick around.” He clicked his teeth and winked. “Merry Christmas, Sydney. Welcome to Hopewell.”
Welcome to Hopewell. That sure sounded good. She leaned closer to Mac. “This is a pretty special place.”
“The Book Bea?” He wrapped his arm more tightly across her shoulder.
“That too. I meant Hopewell.” She stepped out from under his arm and climbed the stairs, stopping on the top step.
He climbed one more and pulled her close to him. Nose to nose. “Right now, I’m pretty sure you’re the most special part of this town.”
“I’m scared,” she whispered.
“Don’t be. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.” He kissed her. Just a sweet dab on the lips, and then he tilted his head forward, keeping her close.
His breath warmed her skin as she relaxed into his embrace. He lifted his hand and tipped her chin, then covered her mouth with his, gently but without falter, and she knew right then that she didn’t need to be afraid.
“I had a great time with you tonight. Last night. The other day.” He swept a hand through his hair. “I didn’t expect this. Wasn’t looking for it, but Sydney, this feels real to me. I know you’re going through some rough stuff, but is it just me or…”
“I feel it too,” she whispered.