Page 100 of Take Me Home for Christmas

“Absolutely. And don’t worry. I’ve already got another dream job. It’s one where I’ll still get my name out there. But I won’t have to ever leave the people and town that I love. And neither will you.” She kissed his nose.

“What are you talking about?”

“You are looking at the new managing partner of The Chances Inlet Courier. West is starting up a new weekly newspaper.”

What had she been drinking at dinner? “But that’s not what you wanted. That wasn’t the goal.”

“Mm. Turns out goals can change. And this is what I want because it means I get to be with you. But that’s not the best part.” She bounced up and down on his lap nearly unmanning him. “I’m getting my name on the cover of a book.”

“I don’t follow.” Not that he cared much anymore. Her excitement was enough of a gift for him.

“I’m going to edit West’s late wife’s journals. The book is going to auction next week.” She let out a little squeal. “It could go in the eight figures, and West is splitting it with me!”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah.” She touched her nose to his. “We can keep doing the things we enjoy, living in the town we both love. Together.”

That ugly sense of eventually being found lacking forced him to speak up. “You won’t regret this later?”

“Silly man.” She kissed him. “You are my dream, Hayden Lovell. And I could never regret choosing us. I’ve been searching for who I am supposed to be all this time. What I could contribute to the world as a McAlister. And the answer has been right under my nose. I want to be Elle McAlisterLovell, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, publisher, and editor.”

He breathed a sigh of relief, the self-doubt vanquished by her words.

“Throw in cat mom, and you’ve got yourself a deal,” he said right before he kissed her.

Neither of them heard Simone’s whoop in the distance.

Epilogue

Patricia McAlister-Hollister stoodin the shadows of the hallway, reveling in the beautiful chaos that was Christmas morning at the Tide Me Over Inn. Her family had more than doubled in the past two years. Watching her children, their significant others, her grandchildren and her found family, laugh, and celebrate together was more satisfying than any Christmas gift she could ever receive.

She brushed her thumb over the nutcracker that was a Scottish bagpiper. The one her late husband had gifted to her when her dream of owning a B & B was just that—a dream. But one he’d made come true before he passed away.

“Thank you, Donald,” she whispered. “Thank you for bringing them all back home again.”

Deep in her heart, she believed her late husband was still looking out for her. And for his family. One by one, he’d guided his children home to Chances Inlet. It was a feat that took some divine guidance since their kids had been determined to leave their small hometown in the dust as soon as they were old enough. Yet here they all were, living their lives and building their families in the coastal hamlet she and Donald had decided to call home when they were still newlyweds.

She swiped away a stray tear of happiness just as two strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

“Don’t tell me you’ve had enough of Christmas already?” Lamar asked as he nuzzled her neck. “We haven’t even had brunch yet.”

Patricia relaxed against his broad chest. “Never. I’m savoring the moment.”

She glanced over at Miles, who was rubbing his pregnant wife’s belly, seemingly talking to their unborn child. On the floor in front of them, Ryan was helping his soon-to-be stepson, Henry, sort through some Legos. Across the room, Gavin bounced a laughing Hazel on his knee while Midas lay at his feet happily chewing on a Nylabone. Baby Max toddled around the room with his hands in the air for balance, his laughing father trailing him. Kate, Paige and Donella sat close to the huge tree helping Emily and Whitney dress their American Girl dolls.

“Mm,” Lamar replied. “I’m still pinching myself to make sure this isn’t a dream. I’d given up on knowing my daughter, and now look at Paige. She owns a bookstore in Chances Inlet. And she wants me to walk her down the aisle when she and Tanner marry next month.”

Her normally stoic husband had been at a loss for words when he’d opened that gift earlier. Leaning back, she brushed her lips against his. “That was probably the best Christmas present of the morning.”

Lamar rested his chin on her shoulder. “Are you sure? Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen your smile as bright as it was when Elle announced she was staying in town and working with West.”

She peered over toward the far corner of the salon where Elle stood with West and Kitty. The three of them were laughing at something when Elle’s face lit up. Patricia watched as the reason for her daughter’s glowing smile slipped into the room from the veranda. Still dressed in his uniform, Hayden hurried over to his best friend and pressed a long kiss to Elle’s lips.

Patricia sighed. “Finally. I was beginning to give up hope.”

Her husband chuckled. “I never doubted you and Bernice for a moment. The two of you should offer your services to the government. You are both masters at manipulation. Although, I have to admit, firing the town’s public relations firm right before the holidays was a risk. I’m glad to see it paid off.”

“That was Bernice’s idea. She remembered how much help Elle was last year when Santa’s dog ended up in town.”

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