Page 26 of Take Me Home for Christmas

“Now, ladies, she’s a lovely young woman,” Elle’s mother scolded. “And it’s about time Hayden had someone interested in him. Isn’t that right, Elle?”

The turkey sandwich was as dry as dust in Elle’s mouth. She took a long sip of water. “Um, yeah, of course. Mom, is it okay if I take your laptop up to my room and work on this?”

“Have at it, my love.”

Elle scooped up the computer and limped toward the backstairs. Tatum quickly stepped in front of her.

“You’re going tomorrow night,” the other woman announced, her tone brooking no argument.

Elle tossed out the only excuse she could think of. “I don’t have an ugly Christmas sweater.”

Tatum blinked. “No worries. I have three you can choose from.”

“I have a couple she can try,” Lois offered.

“No!” Elle’s mom and Tatum shouted at the same time.

Elle looked from Tatum to her mother.

“Lois’ sweaters are NSFW,” her mother explained.

“They aren’t that bad,” the older woman argued.

Tatum groaned. “Really? Last year’s had Santa’s anatomically correct jingle balls.”

“Like you’ve seen Santa’s good parts to know if they were anatomically correct.” Lois slammed a lid onto one of the urns.

Elle had to laugh. It was either that or cry. She loved these people and this town so much. One person more than everyone else. Too bad that one person only thought of her as a friend. At least, she hoped he still did.

“Bring the sweaters when you come for the breakfast tomorrow,” she told Tatum. “I’ll look over your social media then, too.”

“Atta girl,” her mother said.

ChapterSeven

A storm settledin over Chances Inlet in the early afternoon the following day. Hayden was already waterlogged after a busy shift when he climbed the steps of the inn’s veranda to pick up Livi for the ugly sweater party. Their date the night before went better than he anticipated. He more than held his own with the investors Livi was designing for. In fact, it was nice to interact with people who weren’t from Chances Inlet. Folks who didn’t know his backstory. People who saw him as a sheriff’s deputy and a promising woodworker. Not the guy who’d screwed up his life in high school and had to pivot.

Hayden wasn’t proud of the idiot he’d been at seventeen. But he was proud of the way he’d overcome the obstacles put in his path. He was satisfied with the life he’d built in Chances Inlet. Yet lately he felt like he was standing still.

Of course, the feeling could be traced to his mom’s constant nagging about finding a wife. In order to accomplish that, though, he needed to do what his friends suggested: forget about anything more than friendship with Elle.

It wasn’t like there weren’t plenty of other available women to choose from. Livi had dropped multiple hints this week, letting him know she was interested. From what he’d seen so far, she was kindhearted, hardworking, and very easy on the eyes.

Even Elle had given Livi a ringing endorsement. She seemed to think they’d be perfect together. He ought to be grateful his best friend was looking out for him. Especially since, unlike Elle, Livi made no secret of the fact that she didn’t have any strong ties keeping her in New York City.

Tonight, he’d give the decorator his undivided attention. He was sure he’d feel some attraction if he focused on her. He’d just been tuning it out up until now, that was all. His plan made, he stepped into the foyer of the inn.

It was like entering a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminated every corner of the two-story entryway, making it appear welcoming and magical. Handmade magnolia wreaths and garland wrapped with red tartan bows lined the grand staircase, as well as every door in view. He breathed in the scent of fresh pine and cinnamon while taking a long moment to enjoy his surroundings.

“Oh, Hayden, there you are.” Elle’s mom appeared, the nose on her reindeer sweater lighting up with every step she took. “I was just about to text you.”

“Everything okay?”

Did Elle hurt herself again?

“This storm has knocked out the power on Bald Head Island,” she said. “The ferry is running a couple of hours behind. Livi isn’t sure she’ll get back to the inn any time soon, if at all tonight. Lamar just went down to the ferry dock to see what can be done on our side of the channel.”

He felt the tension in his shoulders relax, knowing Elle was fine. “Wow. Poor Livi. She was really looking forward to the party tonight.” He waved his hand. “Don’t worry about her, though. She’s traveling with a good group of people. They’ll keep her safe.”

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