Page 52 of A Christmas Duet

Her mother released an elongated sigh. “Our group met yesterday, and out of the blue, Shelly mentioned she saw your performance on YouTube. She recognized youfrom the family photo over the fireplace when I hosted the club meeting, and of course she recognized you by name.

“When I found the video she mentioned, I was astonished to learn you had over a hundred thousand hits after only a couple days. Shelly said you and your song are all over the internet. Your dad and I viewed the video several times. At first, we couldn’t understand why your song, which is fun and catchy, would cause such a sensation.”

Hailey had wondered that herself.

“Then it was obvious,” her mother continued. “It reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas and family. In the rustic setting of a small town with the audience joining in. Fathers with their children sitting on their shoulders. Couples with their arms around each other. Snow softly drifting down outside the bright strings of lights on the gazebo. It was everyone’s picture of the perfect Christmas.”

“We’re so proud,” her father inserted. “We always knew you had talent.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“I remember when you were in grade school you were constantly making up songs,” her father continued. “Your mother and I had no idea your childish ditties would one day make you famous.”

“I’m far from famous.” As she remembered it, hersinging and made-up songs had often been an irritation to her parents. More than once, Hailey recalled both her parents asking her for a few minutes of peace and quiet so they could think.

“It won’t be long before your name is a household word,” her father piped in proudly. “And I, for one, couldn’t be more pleased.”

Hearing the love and pride in his voice was more validation than learning about the success of her song. Hailey had always had a close relationship with her dad. She noticed as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, and she felt one form in her own.

“I don’t understand how any of this relates to you finding me,” Hailey said, drawing the conversation back to how her parents had located her.

“Well,” her mother said, as if it should have been obvious. “When I saw the video, the banner above your head said you were at the Podunk Winter Festival. It made sense that this town was where you’d hidden yourself away.”

“That’s when your mother decided we should come join you for the holidays,” her father added. “And that nice lady from the hair salon was happy to tell us you were staying at the Stockton cabin and give us directions.”

“I meant to tell you how pleased and happy we are for you when you arrived, but I got distracted by that Jay fellow,” her mother said.

Only now did Hailey realize how much that one performance had the power to impact her life. She was overwhelmed and shaken. She needed Jay to explain everything to her, and he was gone. Her lips trembled as she made her way into the kitchen.

She leaned against the sink while she attempted to absorb what all this instant celebrity status might mean.

“Hailey?” Daisy joined her. “Are you all right?”

“No,” she admitted, not anywhere close to being calm and controlled. “I feel as if my entire world has been turned upside down and I have no idea what will happen next.”

Daisy squeezed her arm. “You don’t need to do anything now. Take one day at a time.”

“I wish Jay didn’t have to leave.”

“He’ll be back soon and will advise you. He’s someone you can trust, right?”

Hailey nodded. “Yes. Definitely.”

“Then wait until he returns and the two of you can sort this out together.” What Daisy said made sense.

Their mother joined them in the kitchen. “What are you girls chatting about?” she asked.

“We’re talking about Christmas,” Hailey said quickly, before Daisy had a chance to speak.

“Yes, our first real family Christmas in ages.” Her mother’s voice rose with happiness. “I can’t remember the last time we were all together like this.”

“It’s wonderful that we’re all here,” Daisy agreed. She gave Hailey’s arm a comfortable, reassuring squeeze.

“I couldn’t be happier.” Her mother sighed as if their being together was a dream come true. “The only thing that would make it better is if you and Zach—”

“Mom!” Both Hailey and Daisy cried in unison.

“Sorry. Sorry,” her mother said, and raised both hands as if surrendering.

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