As Haley entered the all-white angel bedroom, the same room she had when she first came to Christmas Camp, she shut the door behind her and leaned against it. She impatiently brushed away her tears. She was mad at herself for getting so emotional. That wasn’t like her. She wasn’t usually the type to cry. The tears had just come out of nowhere. Okay, she thought, maybe not nowhere. In the last few hours, she had gone from planning a beautiful wedding that was also going to help launch her parents’ new B&B business to having everything underwater at the B&B, moving the wedding at the last minute to Christmas Camp, and having Jeff’s ex be the wedding planner.
She shut her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. When she opened them again, the first thing she saw was all the angel figurines staring back at her. The angel room was decorated with dozens of different kinds of angels, from the angel figurines on the dresser and nightstands to the pictures on the wall and the pillows on the bed.
She smiled a little, remembering how they used to freak her out and how she’d hidden them all away the first time she’d stayed. But now as she looked at them, they felt like old friends and brought her comfort.
She had meant what she’d said to Jeff about the most important thing to her was marrying him, not the who, what, why, and where. She loved him. More than she had ever loved anyone before. But loving someone that much scared her. She couldn’t imagine the pain of losing him. Hearing about Trisha and how they’d dated for five years had her feeling insecure for the first time about the relationship they’d built.
“This is crazy, right?” Haley said out loud. She was talking to the angels, as she started pacing around the room. “I know how much Jeff loves me. Trisha is his past. I’m just stressed and tired and overreacting.” Haley stopped and looked at one of the pictures of an angel. “Good, you’re not talking back, because if you were then I’d know I was really losing it.”
Haley fell back onto the bed and closed her eyes. She told herself she just needed some rest, and then she’d feel better. But after a few minutes, when her mind refused to turn off, she opened her eyes, frustrated, and stared at the ceiling. She knew there was no way she could rest.
She got up and grabbed her laptop out of her bag and sat back down on her bed. Work was the one thing that always made her feel better. The one place she always felt safe and in control. She opened up a file that had photos of her parents’ B&B and started scanning through them. When she looked up and saw the angels were staring at her, she gave them a look.
“What? I know I told Jeff I would take a break and not work while I’m here, but his old girlfriend also wasn’t supposed to be my wedding planner, so it is what it is. I get a pass.”
An hour later, Haley was still working when she heard a knock on her door.
“Come in,” Haley said.
Kathy opened the door. “Ah, now I see why you’re hiding out. You’re working.”
Haley closed her laptop. “I’m not hiding.”
“But you are working? I thought you promised Jeff . . .”
Haley held up her hand to stop her. “Don’t even say it. There were some things I needed to do.”
Kathy sat down on the bed next to her. “Needed to do, or are you just working because that’s what you do when you’re upset and don’t want to deal with something.”
“You make it sound like working is a bad thing. It’s what has made me so successful.”
“And I thought you learned your lesson here last year at Christmas Camp that sometimes you just need to take a break and concentrate on what really matters most, and right now, that would be your wedding, Jeff, your friends, me, and your family. You know, the important stuff. With me being at the top of the list, of course.”
Haley couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course.”
Kathy shut Haley’s laptop, stood up, and grabbed Haley’s hand and pulled her up, too. “Jeff and Ben sent me to come get you. Ben made a fresh batch of hot chocolate. He said it’s your favorite.”
Haley couldn’t help but smile. “Everything they do up here is my favorite.”
Kathy linked arms with her. “I’m beginning to see why.”
As they walked out, arm in arm, Haley dropped her head to Kathy’s shoulder. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For being a good friend.”
“Always.”
When they came down the stairs, Jeff was waiting for them. He looked into Haley’s eyes.
“All good?” he asked. He still looked concerned.
She smiled back at him and took his hand. “All good.” When she said it, she really wanted to mean it more than anything in the world, but she was still worried, and what she hated most was that she wasn’t sure what she could do about it.
As they walked into the kitchen, Jeff smiled at her, but when he looked up, his smile faded.
“What happened in here?” Jeff asked as he looked around. “What are all these new decorations? And why do we have a Christmas tree in the kitchen?”
Ben grinned back at him. “Isn’t it great? It was all Gail’s idea. She brought some of her decorations from home and gave the kitchen a whole new look.”
Jeff gave his dad an incredulous look. “But the kitchen didn’t need a whole new look. Mom always had her special way to decorate in here, and where are all of Mom’s poinsettias? I didn’t see them when I came in. They’re usually everywhere, in the living room, dining room, in here. They were her favorite. Where are they?”
Jeff, Haley, and Kathy all looked at Ben.
He smiled as he handed each of them hot chocolate.
When Jeff got his mug, he looked even more upset. “And what are these?” Jeff held up his mug. It was an adorable snowman mug. Jeff shook his head. “Where are the Santa mugs we always use?”
“We got some new mugs,” Ben said. “Gail thought they’d go great with our Santa mugs. All the guests love them.”
“They’re adorable,” Kathy said, but when Jeff gave her a look, she quickly stopped talking.
Jeff put down his mug without drinking anything. “I just don’t understand why we need all these changes. Christmas Camp has always been about celebrating tradition, and we always do our traditional decorations. That’s what the guests love and count on.”
“But now we’re adding some of Gail’s traditions. It means a lot to her, and the guests really do love it, too. It’s always nice to start some new traditions, don’t you think?”
But the look on Jeff’s face said he didn’t agree at all.
Haley took his hand. “I think it looks great. Sharing traditions is what Christmas Camp is all about, right?”
Trisha walked into the kitchen and looked around. “But it does look a lot different than what your mom always did.”
Jeff let go of Haley’s hand and pointed at Trisha. “Exactly.”
When Haley saw Ben’s disappointed look, she went and stood next to him. “I think there’s always room for new traditions.”
“I agree,” Ben said.
Jeff clearly didn’t. “So, where are the poinsettias? That’s one of our oldest traditions.”
“The thing about the poinsettias is they can be poisonous for cats, so we’ve been using Christmas lilies this year instead,” Ben said. “Gail’s going to bring some when she comes up tomorrow. Now that we’ll be spending Christmas here.”
Jeff gave his dad an incredulous look. “What are you talking about? We don’t have a cat, and we always do Mom’s poinsettias.”
As if on cue, an adorable white fur ball of a cat with huge emerald-green eyes strutted into the kitchen and straight over to Jeff and rubbed up against Jeff’s leg and meowed, Jeff gave his dad a stunned look.
“What is this?”
Ben chuckled as he picked up the pretty kitty and snuggled her. “This is Snowball. She’s the newest addition to our family. I got her for Gail last month for her birthday. We found her at the same shelter we found Max.” Ben held Snowball up to Jeff. “Do you want to hold her?”
“No.” Jeff backed away. He looked overwhelmed. “I need some air.” When he turned to leave, Trisha went to follow him.
Haley stopped her. “No, I’ll go.”
Ben looked worried. “I think he’s really upset.”
“It’ll be okay. I’ll give him a second and then go talk to him.”
Ben nodded and cuddled Snowball. Haley petted Snowball, too.
Max came over and sat down at Ben’s feet.
“So, how is Max with Snowball?” Haley asked.
Ben put Snowball down, and Max nuzzled her. “He loves her. I think he likes having a friend, and Snowball pretty much does her own thing. You know how cats are. So, she’s usually hiding somewhere and doesn’t take any of the attention away from Max. That’s probably why he’s okay with it.”
Haley smiled and watched Max and Snowball sniff each other. “Well, I think she’s a wonderful addition.”
“Now I just need my son to think so,” Ben said.
Haley nodded. “I’ll go talk to him.” She gave Ben a hug. “Don’t worry—everything will be okay.”
By the time Haley caught up with Jeff outside, he had one of the LED reindeer decorations upside down. He was adjusting its leg so it would stand up straighter. Haley knew when Jeff was upset he always had to fix something. Remembering the story of Jeff and his mom and the reindeer, Haley wasn’t surprised to see Jeff working on the reindeer that had the makeshift red nose. She knew why he was so upset, and her heart ached for him.
“You okay?” she asked quietly.
“Yeah, just fixing this reindeer.”
When Jeff didn’t look up at her, she kneeled down next to him. When he finally looked at her, she could see the pain in his eyes.
“I know how much you miss her,” Haley said.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he could only nod.
As they both stood up together, she gave him a hug and held on tight.
“It’s going to be okay.”
Jeff pulled back slowly. He looked up into the sky. “I know she’s gone. It’s been three years, and we all have to move on but . . .”
Haley took his hand. “But it’s hard.”
Jeff nodded. “You know I think Gail’s great. I’m so glad my dad has someone to keep him company. It just seems like everything is happening so fast, so many changes. Did you see the cat? We have a cat!”
“It was a cute cat.” Haley tried to lighten the mood.
“It was a cat!” Jeff said as he shook his head in disbelief. “I’m not a cat person.”
“Maybe she’ll grow on you.”
“And who names a cat Snowball?” Jeff rolled his eyes.
“Someone who owns a Christmas Camp.”
When Jeff couldn’t help but laugh, Haley looked relieved. “Just talk to your dad. Tell him how you feel. He’ll understand.”
“That’s hard to do when I don’t even know how I feel. Does that make sense?”
Haley nodded. She understood only too well. That’s how she felt about the Trisha situation. Christmas Camp had never felt so complicated.
As they walked back to the inn together, Haley kissed Jeff. “I love you.”
Jeff gave her a look that was filled with love. “Love you, too.” He looked up into the sky. It was just starting to get dark, and the first stars were showing up. “I wish you’d been able to meet my mom . . .”
Haley put her arm around him. “Me, too. But I really love what your dad always says, that the stars in the sky are the people we’ve loved and lost watching over us. I like to think your mom is doing that . . .”
They both looked up together at the sky.
Jeff nodded. “I’d like to think that, too.”
A few hours later, as everyone—Ben, Jeff, Haley, Trisha, Steve, Kathy, and Laura—all gathered around the beautifully set dinner table, the mood was much lighter. There was laughter and joy, and looking around, Haley felt grateful. At that moment, she didn’t even mind that Trisha was part of the group or that she had snagged the seat on the other side of Jeff. What was getting all of Haley’s attention now was watching Kathy’s and Steve’s reaction to the remarkable meal Laura had prepared. Beyond her always-popular pot roast, Laura had also served roasted cauliflower with melted white cheddar cheese, Brussels sprouts with bacon, roasted baby potatoes, and tomato salad with feta.
“This meal is amazing,” Kathy said. “I can’t believe you put this all together so quickly not knowing any of us were going to be here.”
Laura smiled as she passed the Brussels sprouts to Ben. “I’d already planned the pot roast for my family. It’s always a dish we have this time of year, because it’s easy to make and you have lots of leftovers.”
“Except for tonight,” Jeff said as he took a big slice of roast and put an equally big slice on Haley’s plate for her. “You know your pot roast is one of my favorites.”
Laura nodded. “And that’s why I knew it was perfect for tonight. A pot roast is great comfort food. It’s like serving a big, warm hug, and I thought you and Haley might be needing that tonight with everything that’s happened today.”
Kathy looked at Laura. “That is so sweet. That settles it. I’m never leaving here.”
Everyone laughed.
“Thank you, Laura. I know we all appreciate this,” Haley said and gave her a grateful look, “but what about your family? If we’re eating your pot roast, what are they eating?”
“A pizza,” Laura said. “I never let them order pizza. They’re loving it.”
Everyone laughed again.
When Haley tried to pass the potatoes to Trisha, Trisha shook her head. “No, thank you. I don’t do carbs.”
Instead, Trisha helped herself to some salad and smiled at Laura. “Thank you for making my favorite salad. I always look forward to it.”
Haley fought to keep her smile on her face.
Kathy, seeing Haley struggling, held up her plate. “I’ll take some potatoes. They look delicious, just like everything else. It’s a good thing I’m only staying a few days here, or I’d be in trouble. I’ve already packed on a few pounds from overindulging at all the Christmas parties.”
Steve gave Kathy an admiring look. “Well, whatever you’re doing, it looks great on you.”
Kathy, flattered, smiled back at him. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
Steve laughed and held up his wineglass. “That’s what I’m hoping.”
Haley watched as Kathy laughed and clinked her wineglass to Steve’s. She knew that look on her best friend’s face. Kathy was falling for Steve. She needed to find out Steve’s story. She only knew what Jeff had told her about how he always traveled for work and never stayed in one place long enough to have a long-term relationship. She didn’t want Kathy getting hurt, falling for someone who was unattainable.
Ben stood up and held up his wineglass. “Before we enjoy this lovely meal, I want to make a quick toast.”
Jeff looked into Haley’s eyes, and they shared a special smile, as they picked up their wineglasses together.
“First I want to thank you all for being here and everyone coming together at the last minute to make this wedding special for my son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law,” Ben said. When Ben looked over at Jeff and Haley, Jeff gave Haley a quick kiss on the cheek. Haley looked over and saw Trisha was the only one not smiling. Ben continued, “We have a traditional toast we do at our Christmas Camp, and I thought it would be perfect for this occasion, as well. Son, will you help me?”
“Of course,” Jeff said. He got up and went to stand over by his dad.
Both Jeff and Ben held up their glasses.
“To our family, friends, and community . . .” Ben looked at Jeff to continue the toast.
“To the people we’ve lost but will never forget . . .” Jeff looked back at his dad to finish.
“To love everlasting. Merry Christmas!” Ben said.
Everyone joined in the toast. “Merry Christmas.”
As everyone toasted, Haley watched as Ben turned to Jeff. “We have so many wonderful traditions that we will always honor, like this one, and the ones we had with your mom. But I believe as we bring new people into our lives”—Ben looked over at Haley—“that we can also bring in new traditions.”
Haley smiled back at them both. The two men she had come to love so much.
Jeff nodded and put his arm around his dad. “I think you’re right, and I’m sorry for overreacting earlier. It just caught me off guard. You know I love Gail.”
“And I do, too,” Ben said. “We can talk more later, but I just wanted you to know how much I love you and the life we’ve built here and all our traditions that we’ll always honor.”
When Ben and Jeff hugged, Haley felt so relieved. She smiled at Jeff when he looked over and nodded her approval.
Once Jeff and Ben sat back down everyone started enjoying their dinner. After the meal was done, Laura got up and started clearing away the dishes until Ben and Jeff stopped her. Jeff took a plate from her. “You know the rules, Laura. You cook. You don’t clean. We got this, don’t we, Dad?”
Ben smiled at Laura. “We sure do, and thank you for another wonderful dinner.”
“It really was fantastic,” Kathy said.
Laura smiled. You could tell the compliments meant a lot to her. “Thank you, and
there’s dessert in the kitchen when you’re ready. Fresh berry pie.”
When Jeff quickly headed for the kitchen, Haley grabbed his arm. “You can’t seriously have room for that right now?”
“What?” Jeff tried to look innocent. “I’m putting the dishes away.”
“Uh-huh.” Haley laughed. “I know you, and I know you love berry pie.”
“Not as much as I love you.” Jeff gave her a quick kiss.
Kathy laughed. “Oh, he’s good.”
“Right?” Haley shook her head. “His sweet tooth is incredible.”
Ben looked around the room. “You know what it’s time for?”
Haley shook her head. “What?”
“Christmas Camp Charades!” Ben said, sounding excited. “Let me just finish cleaning up, and we can play.”
Jeff laughed. “I think everyone’s too tired tonight.”
Ben looked disappointed.
“We should wait until everyone gets here,” Haley said. “Then we can really have a great game.”
“That’s true. The more the merrier, and Gail does love the game. Okay, then tomorrow night.”
Steve stood up from the table. “I’d love some dessert, but first I think I need to walk off some of this amazing meal.” Steve patted his perfectly flat six-pack of a stomach. “Anyone want to join me?” Steve looked right at Kathy.
Kathy grinned back at him and stood up. “That sounds like a great idea.”
“Anyone else?” Steve asked.
Haley was about to say something, but when Kathy gave her a look, she shut her mouth.
Kathy turned back to Steve. “Looks like it’s just us.”
“And I should be getting back to my family before they order a second pizza,” Laura said.
Haley gave her a heartfelt hug. “Thank you so much for dinner tonight, and all you’re doing for the wedding. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“Well, you could. You’d just be eating a lot of pizza,” Laura said.
Haley laughed.
“And we really do need to decide the menu for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding first thing tomorrow morning, so we have a chance to shop for everything,” Trisha said.
Laura smiled back at Trisha. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning, and we’ll figure it all out. But I agree, the sooner the better. Our little grocery store has a limited selection, and I’m sure right now a lot is probably sold out.”
“I can always have my mom pick up whatever we need before they come up from Boston,” Haley said.
Laura nodded. “That’s an excellent idea. That will really help. Okay, sounds like we’re all set. I’ll see everyone in the morning.”
“How far away do you live, Laura?” Kathy asked.
“I’m just a few miles away, right before the turnoff to the inn,” Laura answered. “Very convenient. Just another reason why I love working here.”
Trisha stood up. “I think I’m going to turn in,” Trisha said. “We have a lot to do tomorrow. Good night, everyone.”
Everyone answered, “Good night.”
When Haley started helping to pick up dishes, Ben stopped her. “It is going to be a big day tomorrow. Why don’t you turn in, too? Jeff and I have this.”
“Are you sure?” Haley asked.
Jeff came into the dining room, holding a plate, eating a piece of Laura’s pie. “We’re sure.”
Haley couldn’t help but laugh. She went over and kissed Jeff’s cheek. “Behave yourself. Save some pie for the rest of us.”
“Of course,” Jeff said, feigning innocence. When Jeff held out a piece of pie for Haley to eat, she smiled and took the bite, and then laughing, she headed out of the room.
Several hours later, Haley was cozy in bed with her laptop, working on her parents’ B&B website. Kathy was right. The website was looking really strong and even though the wedding pictures would have been a great addition, they weren’t needed. The B&B impressed on its own.
She smiled at the picture of her parents, arm in arm, in front of the B&B. Their smiles were so welcoming and sincere. Haley knew that picture alone would draw people in. She couldn’t wait to see them and everyone else tomorrow.
This wedding was really happening, but before it did, she still wanted and needed to talk to Jeff one more time about Trisha and make sure he really had moved on and was really ready to marry her. She knew she was being paranoid. He’d already explained everything to her, but for her own peace of mind, she had a few more questions she wanted to ask him before she could truly stop worrying. She knew it was going to be a big day tomorrow and the thing she needed the most right now was to get some sleep. She was exhausted.
After turning off the light and snuggling deeper under the covers, she smiled at one of the angel figurines that was glowing in the moonlight, before drifting off to sleep.