Page 38 of Christmas Promises

“I agree one hundred percent.”

Laney added a small box of twinkling fairy lights, envisioning them wrapped around Aunt Edna’s windows to add even more cheer.

“I think we need more ornaments,” Nolan said as he loaded their selections into the cart. “The gift shop might have some.”

After they paid for the lights, they headed out on foot to the gift store. It was a quaint little shop filled with handmade treasures and unique finds. Laney discovered another set of glass ornaments with delicate frosted patterns for Aunt Edna’s tree, while Nolan added a box of vintage-style bulbs to their haul. They picked up a miniature brass bell and a set of red velvet ribbons to tie on both trees for extra festive flair.

As they left the shop, their bags filled with treasures, Laney’s heart swelled with joy. She would not have predicted this was where she’d be or that she would feel so fulfilled and happy. This Christmas was shaping up to be one she’d never forget. Just like the summer she’d spent in Sugarville Grove. It was the place. This picturesque little town and all the warm, generous people who inhabited it drew her in like no other. And then there was Nolan. He embodied everything she loved about Sugarville Grove. Just as he had all those years ago, he touched her heart in a way that defied reason. But at this point in her life, with all that had happened, who was she to question love? Especially when it was right in your path when you least expected it?

She held out her arms and looked up at the sky, silently thanking God for bringing her to this exact moment. One that felt right in her soul.

“What’re you thinking?” Nolan asked, pulling her in for a hug.

“How much I love it here. And spending time with you.”

He kissed her right there on the sidewalk, with folks passing by, as if he didn’t care who saw them. She didn’t either. She would shout it from the gazebo if he asked her to.

She was falling in love with Nolan Hayes all over again.

They stoppedat Aunt Edna’s first. In the parking lot behind her building, Nolan quickly untied the Douglas fir from the top of his SUV and hauled it up the back stairway to the residence above the bookshop. As if it weighed nothing. Laney followed behind, clutching the bags of ornaments and lights to her chest, bursting with excitement.

When they reached the door to the apartment, Laney used her key to let them inside, thinking Aunt Edna would be working downstairs. Instead, her aunt came bustling into the front room, a cup of steaming tea in her hands.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Edna said. “You found the perfect one for my small room.”

“That’s what we thought,” Laney said, bouncing on her toes, still holding the bags of lights and ornaments. “And we have lights and a few decorations. You might need more, but we have a good start at least.”

“This is so kind of you both,” Edna said.

The employee had nailed a wooden stand onto the tree before it was loaded onto the vehicle, thus Nolan had no problem setting it upright in the corner of the living room near the window that looked out to the town square. “Aunt Edna, do you like it here?” Nolan straightened, brushing needles from his jacket and looking so adorable that Laney wanted to hug him. But she held back. This moment was for Aunt Edna. Not hugging and kissing her—she stopped herself. She had almost labeled him her boyfriend.

Why did it give her such a warm, bubbly feeling in her stomach to even think the word?

“Yes, it’s just the right spot,” Edna said.

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll get those lights strung for you.” Nolan opened the box of lights. “And I’ll try not to say any bad words.”

“You wouldn’t be the first to ever do so while hanging lights,” Laney said.

While Nolan carefully strung the lights over every branch, Laney and Aunt Edna laid the ornaments out on the coffee table. Adorably, Aunt Edna exclaimed over each one.

Before she knew it, Nolan had finished.

“They look wonderful.” Laney clasped her hands together, admiring his work. “How did you do that so fast?”

“It’s a Hayes thing. Every man knows how to string some lights.” Nolan grinned as he looked over at Aunt Edna. “What do you think?”

Eyes shining, Aunt Edna stared at the tree. “I don’t know why I’ve never done this before. I guess it always seemed so silly to have one up here when I had one in the shop, plus it wasn’t like anyone ever came to see me at Christmas. Until now.” She glanced at Laney, holding out her arms. “Come here, sweet girl.”

Laney went to her and let her aunt wrap her in a warm embrace.

“This is turning out not to be such a terrible time of year after all,” Edna said as she released Laney and hugged Nolan. “Thank you both for doing this.”

“Shall we decorate?” Laney asked.

Aunt Edna nodded. “Let’s do it.”

As they worked together hanging the ornaments, Aunt Edna’s delight grew with every addition. She marveled at the delicate frosted glass ornaments and gently touched the wooden birds. “These are precious.”

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