Page 35 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
“Thanks, big sis,” Charlie scoffed, sipping the coffee.
“I meant about what Martha said.” Holly glanced to where Trinity was, indulging in a big, brightly iced Christmas cookie.
"I think that place needs help," Charlie said, keeping her voice low. "Real help."
Holly nodded slowly. "I was thinking the same thing."
They collected their dried ornaments and thanked Martha, who waved them off with promises to see them around the island. Outside, the day had grown warmer, and Charlie shed her light jacket as they walked back to the car.
"Where to next?" Trinity asked, carefully placing her ornament in a small box Holly had brought.
Holly consulted the brochure again. "There's a gingerbread house competition in the park near the beach. It starts at noon. We could head that way, maybe explore some of the shops on the way?"
"Sounds perfect," Charlie said, sliding back behind the wheel.
They drove slowly through the island, stopping at a few shops that caught their eye. A bookstore with a cat sleeping in the window. A surf shop advertising holiday sales on wetsuits. A small gallery showcasing local artists. Trinity dragged them into a candy shop where they emerged with bags of saltwater taffy and chocolate seashells.
By the time they reached the park, it was almost noon. The gingerbread competition was set up under a large pavilionstrung with lights and garland. Artificial snow had been spread around the area, and several stations were set up with tables and signs indicating where participants should register.
"Can we enter?" Trinity asked, practically vibrating with excitement. "Please?"
Holly laughed. "Of course. That's why we're here."
They headed toward the registration table, but Charlie's attention was caught by something else. A supply store across the street, its windows full of baking supplies and holiday decorations. And standing near the entrance, loading bags into her arms, was a woman with long dark hair and an easy smile.
Isabella. The chef from the inn.
"Hold on," Charlie said, touching Holly's arm. "Isn't that Isabella?"
Holly looked up and smiled. "It is. Should we say hello?"
They crossed the street, Trinity leading the way. As they got closer, Charlie could see Isabella was with a young girl about Trinity's age. Beautiful, with the same dark hair and olive complexion as her mother.
"Isabella!" Trinity called out, waving.
Isabella turned, her face lighting up with recognition. "Holly! Charlie! And Trinity!" She shifted the bags in her arms, waving as they walked toward each other. "What are you all doing here?"
"We’re entering the gingerbread house competition," Trinity said, pointing back toward the park. "Are you entering?"
"Not this year." Isabella glanced at the bags in her arms. "I'm just getting supplies for the inn. We're hosting a private dinnerparty tonight, and I need a few specialty items." She turned to the girl beside her. "Everyone, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Maddy."
"Hi," Maddy said shyly, but her eyes were bright with curiosity as she looked at Trinity.
"Hi," Trinity echoed, and Charlie watched something click between the two girls. That instant recognition kids sometimes had, like they'd known each other in another life and were just remembering now.
"How old are you?" Maddy asked.
"Twelve. You?"
"Twelve too." Maddy's shyness evaporated. "Are you staying at the inn?"
"Yeah, for three weeks! It's so cool. Have you been inside? There's this huge ballroom on the third floor and?—"
"I know!" Maddy bounced slightly. "My mom works there, so I'm there all the time. The ballroom is amazing. Did you see the chandelier?"
The girls stepped off to one side, chattering like old friends, and Charlie felt herself relax even more. This was good for Trinity. She needed friends, needed normalcy, needed something other than worrying about her father and navigating the aftermath of her grandparents' divorce.
"Kids seem to click so fast," Isabella said, smiling as she watched the girls.
