Page 19 of Carpenter's Christmas Bride

Kenzie had honestly never seen her grandmother sit down at the theatre unless there was a performance. Grandma Lee was always moving, it was likely part of why she always seemed so young.

Knowing that she had probably only taken a seat in deference to Kenzie’s injury made her almost tear up.

“You’re home,” her grandmother said warmly, her blue eyes twinkling. “I’m so glad to see you.”

“Me too,” Kenzie said. “But I know you’re probably busy. What’s on the docket here today?”

“Oh, it’s The Nutcracker, like every December,” Grandma said happily. “The sets are getting touch-ups now, and the high school has an in-service today, so some of the dancers will be coming in for final costume fittings in a little while.”

“I didn’t bring enough treats for the kids,” Kenzie said worriedly. “Should we take these out now for the crew?”

“Oh, that’s good thinking,” Grandma said, leaping out of her seat like there was a spring under her soft form.

Kenzie followed her, a smile plastered to her face. It was impossible to be in Lee Forrest’s presence without feeling happy.

Grandma’s office was just off the theatre. Stepping back into it gave Kenzie a happy shiver, as it always had. And the dark space felt just as large and chilly as she remembered.

Volunteers were busy setting up chairs on the risers that were built and struck along with every performance. Others were painting set pieces, or sitting in the chairs sewing costumes. Tanner Williams, a local electrician, was making adjustments on what looked like a very new light board.

“Oh, wow,” Kenzie said, gazing up at the new system in the ceiling.

“They’re all LED lights now,” Grandma Lee said proudly. “We did a fundraiser over the summer and Tanner volunteered his time to help with the installation. Now we don’t have to be on ladders swapping out gels. Each light can be any color we want.”

“Amazing,” Kenzie said quietly, not wanting to distract anyone from what they were doing.

The crew was made up of dozens of volunteers, many of whom had children who danced with Mrs. Forrest, or who had danced with her themselves as kids. Kenzie couldn’t help noticing that everyone was smiling and excited. The energy in the room was palpable.

She had missed this so much. In New York, the tech crew was incredible, almost machine-like in efficiency. But the main emotion in the air was always stress. As many different productions as they set, and as quickly as things had to come together, it was completely understandable.

She hadn’t realized how much she loved the joyful energy of the ballet theatre here at home until she stood in the center of the space, soaking it in as people began glancing in her direction and whispering to one another.

“Hello, everyone,” Grandma said in her clear, bright voice. “You might have noticed my granddaughter is here today. She brought some treats, so be sure to come say hi.”

Grandma turned and placed the box of confections on a table beside the risers.

Now that they had permission, the crew all came up to grab a doughnut and tell Kenzie they were glad to see her. It was thrilling to see so many familiar faces and know they were all here to help her grandmother make the magic happen. She smiled until her cheeks hurt and was grateful that no one asked her anything about her injury.

Once everyone was back at work, she and Grandma Lee slipped back into the little office again.

“Everyone loves you here, Kenzie,” Grandma said with a smile.

“This is a very special place,” Kenzie told her. “You built something so beautiful here.”

“I did,” Grandma said with twinkling eyes. “I’m getting older, though. I love this place, but running it alone is wearing me out, and you know your grandfather still wants to travel.”

Grandpa Ralph was the kindest man—modest and reserved where his wife was a shining star, yet his silent strength made him absolutely her equal. He had always wanted to travel, but of course the ballet consumed both their lives.

“You aren’t thinking of closing it,” Kenzie said worriedly.

“Never,” Grandma Lee said firmly. “I’ll teach until I die. But… I’d love some help. If your injury means you can’t dance professionally anymore, or if you’re okay but decide to hang it up anyway, I wanted to propose something.”

If you’re okay, but decide to hang it up anyway… The words echoed in her head for a moment. It was incredible to hear Grandma Lee voice that idea without judgement—an idea that had been tickling at Kenzie’s mind since the night she got home and realized how much she had missed it.

“Of course I can help out with classes as soon as I’m on my feet,” Kenzie said quickly. “You don’t even have to ask. I’d love to do that. I’ll be here during my physical therapy once the boot is off, no matter what.”

“I’d like you to be my partner,” Grandma Lee said quietly.

Kenzie opened her mouth and closed it again, truly stunned.

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