Emma tapped her pen against her chin. “Mabel and Allan Terry are happy to distribute the Christmas decorations. If we can decide what we want in the next couple of weeks, they’ll be here in plenty of time.”
Kylie ran her finger down the list of business owners who wanted to decorate their stores for the Christmas parade. “Everyone we’ve spoken to has said they want to help. Once we’ve chosen the decorations, I don’t think we’ll have a problem finding the money to pay for them.”
Neither did Emma. Noah Devlin had offered to provide the decorations at a heavily discounted price. When she’d shown Kylie the catalog of options, they’d become even more excited. The decorations they chose would last for years and make the town look incredible.
“Talking about money,” Emma leaned sideways and picked up her bag. “Pastor John was talking to a friend who lives in Bozeman. They read our Christmas Facebook posts and wanted to donate some money toward one of the wishes.”
Kylie’s eyes widened when she saw the check Emma was holding. “That would make a lot of people’s wishes come true.”
“It would if they didn’t need braces on their teeth. This money is for Suzie Miller. Her mom and dad can’t afford to pay for her orthodontic treatment. This will cover all her expenses.”
“Have you told Suzie and her family?”
Emma shook her head. “I wanted to wait until I saw you. I thought we could both tell them.”
“I’d like that. Do you think they’ll accept the money?”
“I hope so, although they won’t be getting the full amount all at once. The person who donated the money asked John to deposit the money into the church’s trust fund. Whenever a bill needs to be paid, it will come from there.”
“That sounds like a good idea. At least that way the person who donated the money knows it’s being spent on the braces.”
“Exactly. I’ll call Suzie’s parents soon. If they can see us tonight, would that work for you?”
“It would be perfect. How is Molly and Dylan’s Christmas wish coming along?”
“I’m not sure.” Emma bit her bottom lip. Even after talking to Jack and giving him all the information she had about Mark, she didn’t know if she was doing the right thing. “I took your advice. Jack is helping me find Mark.”
Kylie smiled. “That’s fantastic. Has he discovered anything you didn’t know about your ex-husband?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Jack told me it could take a long time to find him.”
“At least someone is helping. Will you tell Dylan and Molly you’re looking for their dad?”
“Definitely not. I don’t want them to get their hopes up, especially if we can’t find Mark.”
“You won’t regret asking Jack for help. He seems like a really nice person.”
Emma opened a document on her laptop. “I’m sure he is, but that won’t make ordering the Christmas decorations any easier.” She turned the screen toward her friend. Choosing the decorations was more productive than thinking about Jack. “Which style do you like?”
Kylie sighed. “It’s just as well I know how your mind works. It’s okay to admit that you like him.”
“There’s no point liking Jack. He isn’t staying in Sapphire Bay.”
“Not at the moment, but that could change. His granddad, brother, and sister-in-law have made their home here. Even if he doesn’t permanently move to Montana, he’ll come back to visit his family.”
Emma knew Kylie meant well, but she didn’t want to jump headfirst into a long-distance relationship. Apart from looking after Dylan and Molly, she owned a business that needed her undivided attention.
And talking about her business...they really needed to choose a theme for the decorations. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to design a website for the Christmas program.
She pointed to the screen. “There are a lot of options. But if you don’t like any of the decorations, let me know.”
Kylie sighed. “You’re stubborn.”
“I know. Now look at the decorations.”
With her hand on the touchpad, Kylie scrolled through the photos. “They’re all so pretty.”
Emma was just as impressed. Noah’s company had all sorts of decorations, from traditional pine wreaths with red bows to glittery white garlands filled with pink and blue ornaments. His company catered to the uber-rich and, no matter how hard Emma tried, she couldn’t find a single item under one hundred dollars.
“I like these ones.”
Emma looked at the collection Kylie was studying and smiled. “I like those, too.” The decorations were part of the traditional range. In one photo, a heavy pine wreath with gold ribbon was wrapped majestically around a wrought-iron balustrade. In another, a tree taller than anything Emma could fit in her home was filled with cream and gold sparkly decorations. It was so lifelike that she could have sworn she was looking at a real pine tree.
“Look at the miniature Christmas trees,” Kylie said excitedly. “With their red ribbons, they’d be perfect for outside each store. We could give each owner some fairy lights and have a prize for the best window display.”
“And snow,” Emma murmured. “I can see the sidewalk covered in fluffy flakes of snow with bells jingling as people walk into each store.”
“It would be incredible.” Kylie sighed. “But look at the prices. We’ll need at least fifty small trees, plus decorations.”
“Noah knows we don’t have a lot of money.”
“We should look at something else. Even with a big discount, I don’t think we’ll be able to decorate the whole street.”
“Noah wouldn’t have told me to choose from his online collections if he thought they were too expensive. I’ll show him a list of what we’d like and see what he says.”
Kylie frowned. “We could find other sponsors for anything that’s beyond Noah’s donation. But it won’t be easy asking businesses for money, especially for a Christmas program that starts in September.”
“Don’t worry. If anyone can make this happen, we can.”
“You’re right.” Kylie picked up the list they’d made of local businesses. “When everyone sees what we’re doing, they’ll want to help. We’re going to organize the best Christmas events anyone has ever seen.”
Emma smiled. They had a lot of work ahead of them but, with some careful planning and more than a good dose of luck, no one would forget this year’s Christmas in Sapphire Bay.
Jack opened the door to The Welcome Center. When he’d first visited Sapphire Bay, his brother had introduced him to Pastor John and showed him around the tiny home village.
Not long afterward, John had given him a tour of The Welcome Center and, after meeting the volunteers, Jack realized it wasn’t a shelter or a drop-in center. It was a home away from home, a soft place to fall when no one else seemed to care.
Pastor John had created a place where people could eat a home-cooked meal, find a warm, safe bed for the night, and enjoy some great company. The center gave people a sense of hope and a way forward.
Now that he’d been here a few times, he couldn’t imagine Sapphire Bay without this incredible service.
John walked out of the dining room and smiled. “I wondered when you’d make it back. It’s good to see you.” He shook Jack’s hand. “Have you been to the tiny home village yet?”
“That’s on tomorrow’s list of things to do. Granddad needs a hand with some drywall.”
John’s smile widened. “That sounds like Patrick. Make sure he gives you a lunch break. When he starts drywalling, there’s no stopping him.”
“He said another two houses are almost finished.”
“The tenants are looking forward to moving in. If you’ve come to see Cassie or Noah, they aren’t working tonight.”
“I came to see Emma. I wanted to talk to her before I head back to Acorn Cottage.”
“In that case, I’ll leave you to it. She’s in the office designing a new website for the Christmas program.”
“I won’t take too much of her time.”
“I’m sure she won’t mind seeing you.” John glanced at his cell phone. “I have to go. A family of six needs somewhere to stay and I’m not sure if we have that many spare beds. If I don’t see you again tonight, I might see you tomorrow.”
“Has Granddad volunteered your services again?”
John laughed. “How did you guess?”
“He might have mentioned something about your painting skills.”
“They’re better than they were. Take care.”
As John made his way down the corridor, Jack headed toward the administration area. Knocking on the office door, he poked his head around the doorframe. Emma sat behind a large wooden desk, her blond hair falling around her shoulders.
“I hope it’s okay to interrupt what you’re doing.”
Emma’s surprised smile made Jack’s heart skip a beat.
“I was just thinking about you,” she said with a grin.
“I hope they were good thoughts.”
“Very good. I’ve been talking to Noah. We’ve finalized the Christmas decorations for Main Street.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks. Your brother thinks you’d make a great Santa for our parade.”
Jack’s eyes widened. “He does?”
Emma nodded. “He’s found a costume for you and he knows where he can hire an authentic sleigh.”
There was something about the mischievous gleam in Emma’s eyes that made Jack wonder if she was joking. He hoped so. Pretending to be the big man in red wasn’t something he’d considered. Noah, on the other hand, would make an awesome Santa.
“I wouldn’t want to spoil Noah’s fun. My brother would enjoy sitting on the sleigh more than I would, especially if Cassie was Mrs. Claus.”
Emma typed something on her keyboard, then turned the screen toward him. “He said he would be too busy judging the window display competition. What do you think?”
Oh, man. She wasn’t joking.
He peered at the computer, hoping the red velvet costume was only available in extra, extra, large sizes.
As if reading his mind, Emma pointed to the images. “Don’t worry. We can add some pillows to puff out your chest.”
Jack felt mildly insulted. “Santa doesn’t need a bulging chest or stomach. Maybe he’s more health conscious and is looking after his weight.”
“Does that mean you’ll do it?”
“No, definitely not. I really don’t want to be Santa.”
Instead of looking disappointed, Emma grinned.
Jack groaned. “You have a warped sense of humor.”
“I saw the costume this afternoon. Noah flat-out refused to wear it, but he thought your granddad might be willing to step out of his comfort zone.”
Jack breathed a sigh of relief. “Granddad will enjoy riding on the sleigh, especially if there’s a Mrs. Claus.”
“That’s a great idea. And I know just the person.” Emma scribbled someone’s name on a sheet of paper and added it to a folder. “I’m guessing you didn’t come here to talk about the Christmas sleigh. How can I help?”
Jack sat in the chair opposite Emma’s desk. “I want to ask you some questions about Mark.”
“I’ve told you everything.”
The last thing Jack wanted was to give her false hope, but he needed to know if Mark had mentioned anything about his camping trips. “I was speaking to someone who worked with your ex-husband. Mark used to talk about a resort in Colorado. Did he ever mention a place called Evergreen Lodge?”
Emma frowned. “His uncle used to take him fishing, but he never mentioned where they went. I assumed it was somewhere near Boulder. Do you think he’s living in one of the cabins?”
Telling Emma what he thought wouldn’t be helpful, especially when he couldn’t verify what Mark’s co-worker had said. The only way he would know whether her ex-husband was using the cabins was to visit them. “The information could lead me on a wild goose chase. But I won’t know until I see the cabins.”
“You’re going to Colorado?”
“It isn’t that far away. I’ll fly out of Polson and be there in a few hours.”
Emma’s cheeks turned red. “I thought you had to ask your team about looking for Mark.”
“If I start now, it will give everyone a head start when I return to the office.”
“But you’re on vacation.”
“This is more important than hiking and fishing.”
Emma frowned. “Why are you doing this?”
Jack looked down at his hands. It was never easy talking about his mom and dad. Their death had affected him in ways he never thought possible. “I would give everything I own to spend more time with my parents. Dylan and Molly want to know where their dad has gone. The least I can do is answer their question.”
For a few seconds, Emma sat silently in her chair. “You’re a good man, but do you need to fly to Colorado? Someone must look after the campground. You could call them and ask if they’ve seen Mark.”
Jack had already discounted that idea. “If your ex-husband is living in one of the cabins, there’s a chance he isn’t using his real name. If someone starts asking questions, he might leave. It’s better if I look for him.”
Emma sighed. “Is there anything I can do for you while you’re away?”
“Convincing Granddad he would make a great Santa is all the help I need.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Jack looked into her big blue eyes and smiled. “I know you will.”
The following afternoon, Mabel knocked on Emma’s front door. “I hope I’m not intruding, but I had to come and see you.”
Emma looked up from the card game she was playing with Dylan and Molly. “Don’t be silly. You’re welcome here anytime. Would you like a glass of cold lemonade?”
“That sounds delicious.” Mabel smiled at the twins. “How are my two favorite children?”
Molly grinned. “We’re good. Did Mr. Terry come with you?”
“Not today. He’s looking after the store while I’m here.”
“Do you want to play snap?”
“I’d love to, but I need to speak to your mom first.”
“Come with me,” Emma said to their friend. “You can tell me your news while I make everyone a drink.”
“I’m pleased it’s okay to talk to you,” Mabel said as they walked into the kitchen. “Kylie said you were here, but I thought you might be working.”
Emma opened the refrigerator. “I usually get up early and do most of my work before Molly and Dylan are out of bed. It makes the days long, but it’s better than being grouchy when I can’t finish my work.”
“I used to do the same thing when my boys were little.” Mabel pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. “I wanted to show you something important. Pastor John forwarded this email to me. It looks as though we have a good Samaritan in Sapphire Bay.”
As she read the message, Emma’s heart pounded. “Are you sure?”
Mabel’s face glowed with excitement. “Positive. We ordered the washing machines and refrigerators an hour ago. Five families will be very happy.”
Emma couldn’t believe someone had made so many Christmas wishes come true. “How did the donor know the people live in Sapphire Bay?”
“Those Christmas wishes weren’t left on the Facebook page. They were part of the messages collected by the church. Kylie added them to the page later.”
“Did John tell you who donated the appliances?”
“He promised he would keep their identity a secret.” Mabel took the glass of lemonade Emma handed her. “Isn’t it exciting! We have a real-life Santa Claus in Sapphire Bay.”
“They might live somewhere else.”
Mabel waved away Emma’s logic. “They must live close to Sapphire Bay. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have seen the messages displayed at the church.”
“It could be more than one person,” Emma mumbled. “Or an organization could have donated the appliances.” She reread the email. “Do you know the people who are getting the washing machines and refrigerators?”
Mabel sat on a kitchen stool and smiled. “I do. They’re super nice folk who don’t have an unkind word to say about anyone. My heart is fit to burst with pride. Helping a family in need is such a wonderful thing to do.”
“I hope the person who made the donation knows how much their gifts will be appreciated.”
“Don’t worry. John has let them know. Do you want me to take some photos when the appliances are delivered? It would make a great article in the local paper. We could even add the images to our community Facebook page.”
Although she wanted to share the good news, Emma was worried the extra publicity would inspire more people to write to them. They already had enough wishes for ten Christmases.
“I think it’s better to wait until the New Year. That way, there’s less chance someone will find the person who donated the appliances.”
Mabel gave a resigned sigh. She loved keeping the community Facebook page up to date and this would have made a great story. “If you think that’s for the best, we’ll leave it until after Christmas. I saw Suzie’s mom yesterday. They have an appointment with an orthodontist in two weeks. Suzie can’t wait to get braces.”
“I’m happy for them.” Emma sipped her glass of lemonade. When they told Suzie someone was paying for her braces, she burst into tears. It was one of the most humbling moments Emma had experienced. “Have you seen our Christmas program?”
“John showed me what you’ve planned. Just let me know what you need. Allan and I will be happy to help.”
“That’s really sweet. I’ll definitely come and see you.” Emma placed half a dozen cookies on a plate for Mabel’s husband, then filled another plate for Molly and Dylan. “Let’s go into the living room and have some cookies with the twins. They love it when you visit.”
Mabel grinned. “It’s the stories I tell them. They love a good mystery.”
“You should write a book.”
Mabel’s cheeks filled with color. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
Emma took a pen and notebook off the kitchen counter. “It starts with a great story and you’ve got plenty of those. I’ll write down what you say, then give you the notebook to take home. When you’re happy with the story, come back and see me. We can add illustrations and format it into a book.”
“But you’re so busy. Do you have time to help me?”
“A little birdie told me you’ve always wanted to write a children’s book. We might be able to make your wish come true, too.” Emma gave Mabel a hug. “You help a lot of people. This will be something special for you.”
Mabel dabbed the tears from her eyes. “I’ll be a real author.”
“I’ve got a feeling you’ll live happily ever after, too.”
“I already am,” Mabel whispered as they walked into the hallway.
Jack had learned a long time ago not to assume anything. But, for some reason, he’d expected the cabins at Evergreen Lodge to be rustic, budget-friendly hideaways for fishermen and tourists. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
In the mid-afternoon sunshine, the log cabins looked warm and inviting. The path to each cabin was lined with flowers. A wide porch, complete with tables and deck chairs, gave each vacation home an uninterrupted view of the lake.
When he saw half a dozen fishermen sitting on the boardwalk, he stopped to see what they were catching. Large bass, catfish, and bluegill ran freely in the clear water. By anyone’s standards, the fishing here was great.
But that wasn’t why he’d come to Colorado.
As he walked to his truck, Jack checked his phone. A picture of Emma’s ex-husband stared back at him. With his red hair, blue eyes, and dimpled cheek, he could have been looking at a photo of Dylan in another thirty years.
Yesterday, one of his staff had looked through a database Jack didn’t have access to in Sapphire Bay. What he’d learned made him even more determined to find Emma’s ex-husband.
Behind Mark’s carefree smile was a man who lived a complicated life. From the moment he was born, his life had led him down a path of self-destruction.
“Are you lookin’ for someone?”
Jack turned around. The weathered face of a man who must have been close to eighty stared back at him. “Hi. A friend told me about these cabins. I thought I’d drive out here while I’m in the area.”
“You a fisherman?”
“A long time ago. Mark Lewis told me this is the place to come if you want to catch the biggest bass this side of The Rockies.”
Some of the weariness in the man’s gaze disappeared. “You know Mark?”
“We went to school together. I’m Jack.” He held out his hand, hoping the gesture made the conversation easier. “I haven’t heard from Mark for a few months. I was hoping he was still here.”
“Comes and goes. What did you say your last name was?”
“Devlin. Jack Devlin.”
The man shuffled sideways, pointing down the dirt track. “You want to head that way. Last cabin on the left. Mark was there this morning, but he could be anywhere by now.”
Jack peered into the distance. There must be at least a dozen cabins between Jack’s truck and the end of the road. “Do you live here permanently?”
The man spat on the ground. “Most people round here come and go as they please. Don’t need no one telling them when it’s time to move on. You might want to keep that in mind when you’re speaking to Mark.”
Jack had no idea what he meant, but at least Emma’s ex-husband was here. “Thanks for your help.”
The man grunted, threw his backpack over his shoulder, and ambled toward the lake.
Jack returned to his truck. Parking his vehicle outside Mark’s cabin seemed like a good idea. Especially when he didn’t know what Mark would do when he saw him.
As he slowly drove by the other homes, Jack’s gaze sharpened. The resort reminded him of the houses around his parents’ cottage on Shelter Island. There was an understated elegance to the cabins. It was a place you went to relax and unwind. Or hide from your past.
Jack stopped his truck outside the last cabin. Apart from the wooden sculptures sitting either side of the front door, this cabin looked exactly like the other houses.
Picking up a folder, Jack opened his door and let his gaze travel around the property.
Tall pine trees rose from behind the cabin. An empty clothesline swung in the breeze. It would take only a few minutes to escape onto the lake; even less time to disappear into the forest.
He walked up to the front door, knocked, and waited.
When no one answered, he peered through the front window. Two overstuffed chairs sat in front of a stone fireplace. A few magazines and books had been left on top of a wooden coffee table. The only piece of technology Jack could see was a laptop sitting on a desk on the far side of the room.
Mark Lewis was tidy, methodical, and valued his privacy. But not enough to completely let go of the twenty-first century.
“I never went to school with anyone called Jack Devlin.”
Jack slowly turned around. Mark stood halfway between Jack’s truck and the front door.
“Do you want to tell me why you’re here or do I need to call the sheriff?”