Page 40 of Take Me Home for Christmas

“Just imagine what the turnout would be if the weather had cooperated. Brrr.” Bernice shivered.

Paige laughed. “This is spring in Chicago.”

Elle barely noticed the cold. She was basking in the glory of a job well done. Her “interview” with a dog might not be the weighty journalism she hoped to write in the future, but it did the trick of driving traffic to Chances Inlet’s website. The businesses in town were happy. And that made Elle happy.

She doubted tonight’s crowd was a direct result—the vlog had only appeared online two days ago. Still, the inn received three last minute reservations this afternoon, all for the upcoming weekend. That had to mean something.

“I was in Chicago last year when the story about Ryan rescuing Kringle hit. The video of that sweet pup jumping onto Santa’s lap during the parade is so precious. And then Santa gave him to Henry for Christmas.” Paige placed her gloved hand to her chest. “I don’t know how someone hasn’t made it into a movie.”

“Hmm,” Bernice mumbled.

Elle groaned. “Donotgive this woman any more ideas, Paige.”

“You’re forgetting we don’t have any way of promoting the businesses in this town. We need to pursue every avenue we can find.” Bernice pulled her arm free. “Speaking of which, I see the perfect person to write Kringle’s biography.”

Bernice marched toward the table Elle’s mother had set up. It was ladened with hot toddies, popcorn balls and Lori’s famous cupcakes. West stood beside the buffet, chatting with Hayden’s aunt.

“Don’t hold your breath, Bernice,” Elle murmured. “The man can’t even finish his own autobiography.”

Paige shot her a funny look.

“You didn’t hear that.”

“I hope not,” Paige said. “Because I’ve already ordered a case of his books. I’m hoping he’ll come back and do a signing when it gets released.”

“It’s the least he should do since he’s writing it in your store.”

“Um, I don’t know about that. He has barely been in the shop all week.”

Elle closed her eyes. She would have stomped her foot, but she’d just regained full use of her ankle. “Of course he hasn’t.”

Tanner Gillette, Paige’s fiancé, chose that moment to join them.

“Evening, ladies.”

The pro golfer’s Australian accent never failed to make Elle’s stomach flutter. He handed them each a hot toddy. Paige snuggled beneath his arm while Elle took a hearty sip of the drink.

“You look a little frazzled, Elle. Anythin’ we can do to help?” Tanner asked.

She sighed. “Not unless you have an opening for a caddy. I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be out of a job soon.”

“Don’t say that.” Paige squeezed Elle’s hand. “You’re so talented. Look at the impact your piece on Kringle has had.Vantageis lucky to have you. And if they don’t want you, well, I’ll take up a collection among the businesses in town, and we’ll hire you.” She glanced behind Elle. “Speaking of which, here is the dog of the hour now.”

The rest of Elle’s family descended, and suddenly, barking dogs, strollers and kids chasing one another filled the area around the table. Paige and Tanner wandered off to get a better spot closer to the tree. West and Kitty had disappeared. Hiding from Bernice, no doubt. The high school chorus was just beginning its rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” when a hand landed on Elle’s shoulder.

“There you are.” Livi arrived in a swirl of cashmere and another pair of amazing boots. “We were looking for you.”

Elle didn’t have to look too far to see who the other half of Livi’s “we” was. Hayden stood on Livi’s other side, scrolling through his phone.

“Isn’t this sweet,” Livi gushed. “It’s so folksy and intimate. You don’t get this vibe in New York City.”

Elle was about to agree when Livi began to cough. Not a polite cough, either. Violent spasms wracked her whole body. Elle grabbed the other woman’s elbow to keep her from tumbling over.

Hayden handed her a bottle of water. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Livi waved her hand. “Just allergies. I always seem to trigger them when I’m on a plane.”

“Should you be out in this cold?” he asked, his concern palpable.

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