by Sabrina York
“I hope you didn’t work too hard today,” she said as she smiled at him.
“Here, let me help you.” He walked over to where she was standing and took the painting from her.
“Thank you.” Gina stepped over to where she’d left the hammer and nails. “I was hoping for two more hands to hold the painting.” Her bright eyes danced with amusement.
“If you show me where you’d like it hung, I’ll hammer the nails for you.”
“It’s a lovely painting,” Owen said, as he stepped back to get a good look.
“I think so, too. I picked it up at an estate sale a while back.” Gina admired the painting. “The birth of a mansion that still stands today. It spoke to me.” She looked over at him and blushed when she saw him staring. “Thanks! I won’t keep you. It looked as if you were heading in for dinner.”
“I was. I would love to have your company, if you have the time.”
Gina glanced down at her watch.
“I’m sorry. If you’re busy—”
“Actually, I’m off work. I just wanted to get this up. It would be my pleasure.”
They walked into the café and sat at a table tucked away from the flow of people.
“Is your room comfortable?” Gina asked.
“It’s great. I haven’t slept so well in a very long time,” Owen said. “And thank you for the niceties.” He squinted his eyes. “How did you know what kind of brandy and wine I preferred?”
“Barb and I hit it off. We had a lovely chat and I picked up on a few things.”
“Something tells me you hit it off with everyone.”
“I do my best.”
They talked like old friends over dinner. She was easy to talk to, something he wasn’t used to with the women he usually spent time with.
“What brought you here to Glenville and Forever Christmas?” he asked her after she’d told him she was born and raised in Boston.
“My mother and siblings relocated here during my last semester of college. I was hired straight out of college to work with a marketing firm. I had a double degree in business and art appreciation. I’m not an artist, but I appreciate the beauty of art and I’d planned to work in that field. This company had an art promotional department and I was a good fit. I loved the job. I was in my third year with the company and up for a promotion when my mom called and asked me to come out here.” She stopped and took a sip of water.
“Why?” Owen asked.
“She had come down with mononucleosis and had worn herself out between work and taking care of my three sisters and brother. So, I quit my job and moved out here to take care of my family. Once here, I had to find a job. Mom was getting a little money from her employer, only it wasn’t enough.
She leaned back in her chair and looked around the room. “As you can imagine, there weren’t many jobs in Glenville. Especially three years ago when the Christmas tree farm’s owners were retiring, and the ski resort closed down. But then I heard the farm sold to some local women who were going to open it again and I came out here hoping they would hire me.”
“And they did,” Owen said. “Is your mom still sick?”
“No. She was fully recovered about a year ago.”
“What does she do?”
“She’s the town librarian. When we lived in Boston, she was the head reference librarian at the Boston Public Library. She loved her position. I thought she’d retire from there.”
“She must have taken a huge financial hit when she moved here.”
“She did. The cost of living here is less, but it was still financially stressful.”
“And then she got ill,” Owen said. “What brought her out here? Do you have family here?”
“No. No family. My dad passed away about two years before Mom moved my sisters and brothers here. I asked her why Glenville and how she even knew the place. She said she discovered it when she was researching a fresh start.”
Gina rolled her fork between her fingers. Owen could see the grief on her face and decided it was best to refocus the conversation.
“So, your mom recovered and returned to her position and yet you’re still here. What happened to your marketing and art career?”
“I’d planned to return to Boston and I explained that to Juliet when I interviewed. I was their first hire. At first, I was the only one here at the house most of the time. But we weren’t a bed and breakfast then. We had afternoon treats and a gift shop and a few of Juliet’s glass pieces as we do now.”
“Sounds like they were lucky to have you.”
“I know I am lucky to have them. This entire end of the house was remodeled, and the upstairs was completely updated. I designed most of the remodel with Juliet’s input and I oversaw the project from start to finish. And I realized that Juliet had given me the opportunity to use my love of art and my marketing in real life, instead of being stuck behind a computer most of my time.”
“And you were promoted to manager,” Owen said.
“I was managing the house last year and just recently Juliet promoted me to general manager.”
“What does that entail?”
“I manage everyone here at Mistletoe Lodge and the landscapers and arborist, which technically is the entire farm not including the shops.”
“So, I guess you’re here to stay,” Owen said as he took another sip of brandy.
“I guess I am. We recently did a complete remodel of what used to be the servant’s quarters downstairs. The plan was to rent out the suite on a long-term basis. Instead Juliet offered it to me. I have to say, I’m thrilled to have my own place again.”
“So you live here on the farm, too? Do you ever get away from work?”
“I get a day off every week, but now I take Angel everywhere I go. Oh my. I’m sorry. I need to take Angel out and feed her.” She rose from her chair and Owen stood.
“Thanks for having dinner with me, Gina.”
“Thank you for inviting me to join you. I had a lovely time.”
“Before you leave. I was wondering if you’d be willing to give me a tour of this wonderful farm?”
“It’d be my pleasure,” she said. “I like to walk over to the bakery a couple times a week for breakfast. Tomorrow would be good.”
“That sounds great. Is eight good for you?”
“Perfect. See you tomorrow at eight. I’ll meet you out front. Make sure you dress warmly. Good night, Owen.”
He sat back and finished off the last of his brandy. The more time he spent with Gina, the more enchanting he found her.
Owen walked out of Mistletoe Lodge the next morning and found Gina and Angel out playing in the yard. Angel was off lead and chasing a rubber toy that Gina tossed through the snow. Angel would pounce on the toy, causing snow to fly in all directions as she tried to catch it. Then she’d retrieve the toy and bring it back to Gina, who would toss it out again. Angel was the first to see Owen. She stopped mid-run, toy in her mouth, her ears and tail erect and eyes focused on him. Gina looked in his direction.
“Good morning,” Gina greeted him. “That’s enough for now, Angel. Come.” Angel obeyed and trotted over to Gina. Gina snapped her leash on her harness, and they walked over to Owen, Angel was still holding her prized toy.
“Good morning,” Owen said. “That’s quite the coat she’s wearing.” Angel had on a flannel jacket in a snowman themed print.
Gina laughed at his comment. “This girl has more coats than I’ve had in my entire life. Every time I spot a new design online I order it for her. I can’t wait to dress her in all the wonderful Christmas prints I’ve gathered. And she has a red and a green set of booties, along with the black ones she’s currently wearing.”
They started walking into the center of the farm. Eight to fifteen-foot-tall evergreen trees framed both sides of the dirt road.
“Speaking of the holidays, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Christmas theme as beautifully carried out as here at Mistletoe Lodge. Everywhere you look the farm is deco
rated magnificently.”
“We decorate for every holiday. But Christmas at Forever Christmas is our time to shine.”
They approached a ‘Y’ in the road and turned off to the right, down a path lined with trees. They came to a clearing with a two-story house painted bright white with light purple trim. There was a large parking area in front that was already full of vehicles and an eye-catching sign that read Sugar and Spice Bakery.
“This is a surprise. I would have never guessed there was a bakery tucked away back here. But by the look of the parking area, everyone in town knows,” Owen said.
“In town and throughout the county. Many of the guests from the ski resort come over for breakfast or lunch. The Bakery does a pretty steady business,” Gina said.
As the three of them entered the bakery the aroma of fresh baked breads and pastries made Owen’s stomach growl. They ordered at the counter and found a table. Angel laid down under the table, right beside Gina’s chair. Owen was surprised when Angel didn’t move or make a sound.
“That was delicious,” Owen said as he held the door open for Gina and Angel to exit. “I understand the draw. Between the bakery and the café at Mistletoe Lodge, you must have the best food around.”
“We try,” Gina said.
They continued their walk further down the road.
“How many acres does Forever Christmas have?”
“One hundred,” Gina responded. “It’s one of the many things I love about this place. You can always enjoy a walk through the trees.”
As they walked, they passed several people.
“This many people can’t possibly all be staying at Mistletoe Lodge,” Owen said.
“Heavens, no. Some are guests. The rest are either from the Ski Resort or from town.”
“Surely people are only allowed to freely walk here during your hours of operation.”
“We never close.” Gina glanced up at him.
“That doesn’t seem a wise thing to do.”
“Forever Christmas isn’t just for the guests and visitors. We are the heart of Glenville. We host weddings, anniversaries, parties for the town’s people, and this year we’ve booked some weddings for couples in other states. We have a huge party on every Christmas Eve and people come from all over the county.”
“And you’ve had no problems? No destruction of property, break-ins, robberies, or assaults?”
“None.”
“Huh.”
Gina showed Owen their flower shop called A Flower for Every Holiday, and the gift shop, Under the Christmas Tree. The gift shop sold ornaments from all over the world. They also stocked a wide variety of exclusive, handmade items from artists worldwide.
“When you said we were going into a gift shop, I thought you meant the kinda place you find at every airport or tourist site. You know, a five-and-dime kind of place. The quality of your stock is superb.”
“We are continuously searching for original and unique pieces for the shop.”
They turned onto another side road and walked into another clearing. There he saw a stunning two-story Victorian house painted in shades of lavender and trimmed with chocolate brown. A wraparound porch surrounded the house. There was a large parking area to the side of the house and at the front of the lot, and in the same theme as all the other signs was a large silver and purple sign that read: Christmas Reflections. Gina followed the walkway to the back side of the building.
A stunning leaded-glass window filled the top half of the deep purple door. Flanking the door were bay windows bursting with every imaginable color.
Gina had Angel sit and opened the door only a few inches.
“Hi, Juliet. I’ve brought a guest and we have Angel with us,” Gina said.
“Wonderful. I’ll send Holly out and the girls can play in the snow.”
A red streak flew by them. Angel broke her sit but sat back down when Gina repeated her sit command and gave her a gentle correction. The trio watched as Holly ran huge circles in the yard.
“Poor girl. She acts like I never let her out,” Juliet said with a giggle.
“Juliet Swanson Weatherly, I’d like you to meet Owen Brown. Owen is our long-term guest that I mentioned. He’s booked through Christmas.”
“Nice to meet you, Owen,” Juliet said as she reached out to shake his hand. “That’s quite enough, Holly.” Juliet informed her red Doberman. “You have a guest and I expect you to act like a lady.” Holly walked over and sat next to Juliet.
“Are all Dobermans this well trained?” Owen asked in amazement.
“Any dog can be this well trained; it only takes time, consistence, patience, and lots and lots of cookies.” Juliet laughed.
Gina unclipped Angel’s lead and the two dogs headed off to play in the yard.
“Come on in and I’ll show you around.” Juliet waved him in. “Let’s leave the door open. When those two girls tire themselves out, they’ll come inside.”
Owen stepped inside and his mouth dropped open. The room was flooded with endless, vivid color, as though he stepped through the looking glass into a magical land. Colors flashed and sparkled around him and rainbows danced on the shop walls. Christmas ornaments made from dozens of tiny pieces of glass, jewelry boxes, and glass table lamps were displayed on the cherry shelves. Oversized A-frame cherry wood stands held additional framed glass windows, stunning angels with milky white wings, and holly wreaths. The Christmas tree in the corner shimmered with glass holly, Santas, and snowmen.
“This is simply…magical,” Owen said with awe. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“It’s candy for your eyes,” Gina said.
“Thank you both. I should have you stick around to inspire me,” said Juliet with a grin.
“Doesn’t look to me like you need any help in that department,” Owen said. “I’d love to commission you down the road for a few pieces. Gina mentioned you were busy for the season. Would you mind if I contact you after January?”
“Of course. Here’s my card,” Juliet said as she dug through a stack of papers to locate it.
“You’ve truly built something special here at Forever Christmas. And I must give kudos to your choice of a manager. Gina is far and away the most impressive manager I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. She’s helpful, friendly, pays attention to what her guests like, and to her credit, all her employees are just as friendly and helpful.”
A flush crept up Gina’s cheeks and she fought her desire to fidget with something.
“Gina is one in a million and we’re lucky she chose us,” Juliet said as she laid her hand over Gina’s.
They talked over cups of hot cocoa as they toured the studio with Juliet.
“We’ve kept you long enough,” Gina said. She carried their cups back to the sink and washed them out.
“Gina’s correct,” Owen said. “You’ve been very kind and it was nice to meet you, Juliet.”
“It was my pleasure. I’m sure we’ll be seeing one another. Gina tells me you’re here on business. I’d like to extend you an invitation to the Christmas Eve party.”
“I’d be honored,” Owen said.
Their last stop was the buildings and area where the arborists and landscapers worked. This was the heart of the Christmas tree farm. Gina introduced him to the manager of the department. Suddenly Owen remembered he’d registered under an alias. It hadn’t even dawned on him when Gina had introduced him to Juliet as Owen Brown, he’d been so infatuated with the glass studio. What if someone here knew him? A pit formed in his stomach. He’d nearly handed Juliet one of his cards. How could he have been so reckless? He needed to tell Gina his real name…soon.
8
“Good morning, Della,” Gina said as she and Angel walked into Mistletoe Lodge.
“Morning to the two of you,” Della replied. “Oh, goodie. I get to have some Angel time.”
“Yes, you do. Angel did so well yesterday when we took Owen through the farm that I’ve decided she might be ready to spen
d the day with us.” She told Angel to lay down on her bed and Della gave her a few head rubs. “Eventually I’ll be able to leave her here and go into another room confident that she will remain where I leave her. However for now, I’d like you to be my reinforcement command if I need to leave. Is that all right with you?”
“I’d love to be involved.” Della came to attention and threw a mock salute at Gina. “Consider me your reinforcement.”
Gina would never have asked her if she thought it would be an imposition. Except Della had been bugging her to bring Angel to work since the first day she had her. Also, Della had raised and trained many dogs throughout her life. While she was currently dog-less, she wanted a new dog and Gina hoped this would inspire Della to move forward.
“By the way,” Della began as she picked up a sealed envelope, ran it between her fingers, and turned back to Gina. Gina saw her name written on the envelope. “Owen left earlier this morning and asked me to give you this.” She handed it to Gina. “I detected a spark of Christmas chemistry in his eyes.”
“I have no idea what you’re suggesting,” Gina insisted.
“Don’t play coy with me, boss. The two of you must have hit it off yesterday if the man is leaving you notes.” Della winked and handed Gina the envelope. “Christmas chemistry,” she repeated, the corner of her mouth quirking.
“This has nothing to do with Christmas or chemistry. I’m the manager; it’s my job to keep our guests happy. I just gave a guest a tour. That’s it.”
“Uh huh. Whatever you say boss.”
“Are both of the cleaning crew here?” Gina asked.
“No. Only one came to work today. You need to think about hiring someone new. Possibly two, especially this time of the year. I’m going to need to go up and help clean the rooms again today. The girl who came in today is good, she is slower, then again at least she comes to work.”
Gina winced as it dawned on her that she was now the one who would have to fire slowpokes and absentees. Juliet was spot on, firing someone wasn’t fun. However this skipping work had gone on for way too long. All the employees knew what was going on and if she didn’t defuse the situation now, the repercussions could be huge.
