Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 1)

by Lucy McConnell

  “I did?”

  “Yes.” He took her in. “When you gave that boy hope by speaking of another little boy, born in a manger. It hit me solid, this is what we want and need, all of us, not just the store. And I’m not even religious.”

  Keira’s eyes opened wide.

  He laughed. “I should say a lazy Christian. Sunday school when I was young and all that. What I’m saying is, if this can hit me, it can hit others. And it is.”

  Keira raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean it is?”

  He paused. “I pulled in a few favors and Erik did a test run with local markets, a few bigger ones, and got good responses. Solid. But I’ve waited to hit social media until I got your approval.”

  She opened her mouth to speak but didn’t know what to say. He wanted her approval, the man in charge to whom Cecilia gave carte blanche? Who was this guy— he had told the story with class and kindness, and she could see the wisdom in it. And, was involving her in the process.

  Truth be told, she wanted to grab him and hug him right there. They sat mere inches from each other, the low Christmas lights twinkling, the gas fireplace flickering. At the same moment, she caught Tayton’s gaze resting on her, which he quickly moved to the laptop. In the close proximity, even she could feel the intensity rising.

  “So, anyway, that’s that. If you’re okay, I can get the Travis Geek Squad started on it tomorrow.”

  “Yes, that’s perfect.” Keira walked him to the door with Tucker by her side. “I appreciate all you’re doing. Let me know how I can help.”

  Tayton turned but only in profile. “You already are. But yes, keep stirring up those genius ideas.”

  “No rest for the weary.”

  He glanced at her, smiling. “You’ve got enough energy for both of us, Keira.”

  Was it the cold air or the way he said her name that sent a line of goosebumps up her back? She stepped back into the doorway as he dipped his head and waved bye. She waited until he had started his car before closing the door. At the moment he put the car in gear, he looked over at her. The tender, boyish, open look took her breath. What was happening? They needed to save a store, not start a romance.

  Back to business. Starting now.

  Keira turned out the lights and headed for her cottage-style bedroom with Tucker in tow, trying very seriously not to think about feelings and tingles and Mr. Tayton Wells.

  Keira spent the entire weekend focused on not thinking about Tayton. She visited her dad on Saturday, went to church on Sunday, and completely avoided being distracted by thoughts of what he was doing at a given moment.

  Tayton had sent a late Sunday night text suggesting they meet for breakfast to plan more marketing details for the coming week. Chips had become their neutral territory and unofficial office. It worked. Keira greeted the Monday breakfast idea with more happy anticipation than usual, and dressed with more care than she would admit. But that was okay, because she was professional and in control. A little appreciation for a fine man was normal. And that’s all it was.

  Walking into the diner, Chip gave her the same wriggle of eyebrow and she returned the same roll of eyes. Tayton waited for her at a booth with a five-foot portable wooden version of the Hope Tree standing beside it.

  “What’s this?”

  “Your idea. The whole, Where’s the Hope Tree thing. Trav had the high school wood shop teacher make this.” He grinned. “Trav is meeting me here to put it on the roof with the giant rooster. Celebrating all of Chips’s charitable food-giving, apparently. It’s perfect for big social media hits and a guaranteed increase in teen pranks.”

  Keira smiled. He sure moved fast and got things done. They both ordered All American, hers scrambled and his over-easy. She stole a piece of his bacon before realizing it was likely improper and he took one of her pancakes because she couldn’t finish it. It was too comfortable, and she should be careful and slow down and warning lights and the whole nine yards and yet, she was simply having breakfast.

  No. Worries. Just like she told Reese.

  “You should know on airing the new ad, we got lucky.” He took more bites of pancakes. “One of their ad accounts was a toy found to be defective and they pulled the remaining campaign. It cost a bit to air ours but it’s worth it. On the other hand, the great news is that social media is going crazy. They’re posting, liking, reposting, tweeting, retweeting. Trav and his buddies can fly.”

  He shook more salt over his eggs.

  “Heart disease,” she said.

  “Taste buds,” he said. And winked. Keira laughed, despite her self-promise not to. He continued. “Trav is updating the website for ease in online shopping. Media posts are getting about 200% traction. I swear, that Trav kid is a mini Steve Jobs.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing. It’s crazy how fast things can go.” Keira had no idea social media could be so far-reaching.

  “Good thing, because although numbers are inching up, we have a long way to go. And it’s Week Two, as Cecilia called to remind me, on her way out to yet another meeting in Parley’s Way.”

  Keira frowned. Come to think of it, she rarely saw Cecilia anymore. Lots of so-called important meetings with big-time people.

  Tayton shrugged. “I think she’s talking up investors. Meanwhile, we need to keep this momentum. The Hope Tree has started interest, a bit of notoriety to the city and the cause. Now we need shoppers here. To shop at Kenworth’s versus anywhere else.”

  Keira groaned. “I’m eating, don’t remind me. Because even though we’ve started a social media campaign— cue the music— now we need the Next Big Thing. Any ideas?”

  “Me? You’re the idea muse. Give me something to go on.”

  “Nothing. I’ve got scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, with fluffy blueberry pancakes on the side. All rational thought has left the building.”

  “Sounds right out of the Andy Griffith show.”

  She paused, her fork in mid-air. “You know, the longer I live the more I realize how much my childhood was like that. And I’m not the only one who feels that way, or misses it, even if someone didn’t have that kind of childhood. You know, sitting at the soda fountain sneaking extra whip cream, dangling your feet and spinning on the red bar stools. We had a big jukebox playing in the corner. It’s still in storage. Dad would hum the tunes while he did a walk-through of the store to check departments.”

  Tayton nodded, in between chewing. “Those were the days. Now it’s overrun by video gaming and fried food at the Snack Shack.”

  Keira’s eyes widened. “That’s it. We could bring back the old soda fountain. We could make it like it was— with the silver counter and blue and white tile. Make it a…a…fundraising dance. Do it right there at the store. The main circle area in the store— we can push things back and use that space for overflow.”

  He paused. “At the store? What about the video games and the snack shack?”

  Keira leaned forward excitedly. “Get rid of them. Oh, I’ve wanted to for three years. Put them on the second floor storage. Cecilia’s gone so much now she likely wouldn’t notice. If she did, we can honestly say we’re upgrading the area. And I bet Drew can find an investor to help us with the minimal financial cost, at least until we recoup it. What do you think?”

  Tayton sat back, hands on the edge of the table, thinking. “This could work. But I’d say a good two weeks to get it into shape. We’d need to start right now. I could talk to Carlos, the guy who built the shelves in the Children’s Department. I think you know him, he does good work.”

  Keira nodded. She pulled her notebook from her purse and began jotting ideas. “If we add an auction, for a good cause, we could get some high-ticket items from donors in Parley’s Way. Or add nostalgic collector’s items from the upstairs storage— just a few— antique collectors would go crazy. Something like, the purchase of a Hope Tree tag enters you to win the big stuff.”

  Tayton’s familiar grin started at the corner of his mouth.

  “What?” She fal
tered. “Is there whipped cream on my face?”

  “No, not at all.” He leaned forward, meeting her halfway, and the thought came unbidden to her— kiss me. She sat up quickly, as if stung by a bee.

  Tayton smiled. “It’s great to see you revved up about this. It shows.”

  “Ha.” Keira went back to scribbling, ignoring the blush that swept over her face, and highly aware that he took her in. “Okay, enough eating and chatting. I’m jumpstarting this auction right now, starting with Shennedy.”

  “Who?”

  “Shennedy Layton. She’s great, a rising hometown designer with big dreams and a fabulous knack for all things decorative. And she works wonders on a budget.” Keira stuffed the notepad in her purse. “With her design experience and a few store personnel to head up the dance, we should be okay. You’ll get the construction side rolling and stay focused on all things promotional.”

  “Slave driver.”

  “Among other talents.” She reached for the check but he snatched it first. He shook his head with a patronizing no-no-no look and she rolled her eyes. Turning to go, he gave her a wink.

  She kept that wink in mind all morning.

  OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, Keira took stock of the marketing ventures. Tayton had spearheaded the soda fountain remodel with Carlos and was actually helping with the tear out. That impressed Keira. Mr. Downtown didn’t seem to mind the physical labor. Meanwhile, the Hope Tree campaign was doing increasingly well, though nothing stellar yet.

  Keira frowned. Good things were happening, sure, but not jazzy enough to jump numbers in a way that Kenworth’s needed. But what could they do in a short time that would yield a big result?

  Shaking off the concern, Keira entered the Ladies League Community Center and its high-ceilinged main room. The busy women prepared for the annual Christmas bazaar. She paused to revel in a moment of nostalgia in the beautiful place. One of the former mansions on High Street just before Parley’s Way, this two-story beauty with the wrap-around porch had always been her favorite. The add-on building had been a servants’ quarters with a small carriage house. It was painted in the same sky blue with white trim. Now both functioned as a local and successful consignment store.

  Keira headed to a table stacked with gorgeous sweaters.

  “Find something you like, again?” Brandy Atwater walked to her and gave her a side hug.

  “I know.” Keira pulled a face. “It costs me more money to supervise the Christmas Bazaar than I can afford.” They shared a laugh. “Truly, these sweaters are better than what I’ve seen at any Ice Money boutique on Parley’s Way. And believe me, I’ve scoped it out.”

  “That’s Shennedy’s touch.” Brandy hand-tied another price tag on a rich blue sweater. “She did the same thing with Minnie’s jewelry. She did a different take on Trollbeads, very middle eastern and exotic, but for everyday use.”

  “How many booths do we have this year?”

  Brandy counted in her head. “Sixteen booths, from three counties. People have signed up all the way from Harward, Duschene, and even Wenderbey. And keeper stuff. You should see the leather goods, better than anything you’ll see on Amazon.”

  Keira nodded. “Fantastic. Let me know what else we can do from Kenworth’s. The Gates’ family will bring handmade chocolates, and the women’s department has their booth, right?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  She glanced to the old servants’ quarters house. “How are you going to fit that many?”

  Brandy shook her head and shrugged. “We’ll make it work. We always do.” They shared a knowing laugh and Keira said goodbye.

  Driving back to the store, Keira anticipated seeing the soda fountain remodel progress. A smile escaped and she pressed her lips together to fight it down. She couldn’t deny that Tayton had been great to work with so far. His positive responses to her ideas, without any pride or one-upping, had been a far cry from her official stilted meetings with Cecilia.

  Where was Cecilia, for that matter? She hadn’t been physically seen for a week. Jokes had begun about Cecilia sightings. And with a supposed trip to downtown New York in the works, Keira worried about the lack of involvement and the effect on the store.

  Shaking off the train of thought, Keira passed the shop fronts. For now, the bright holiday decorations could hide the worn out facades. But come January, downtown would be looking like it’s faded self again— like a gray old woman who had missed her hair coloring appointment. She and Tayton had to find a way to make Kenworth’s sparkle again. Nothing like the Ice Money kind of bling, but still, something to make Echo Ridge proud.

  Keira blinked. Then blinked again. Wait a minute.

  An idea sparked in her head— could it work? Could they make it work that fast?

  Quickly, she pulled into the parking lot and headed for the soda fountain area. Nearing it she saw Tayton surveying the wall section he was prepping for a mirror. The video machines had already been removed as well as the other furniture.

  He turned when he heard her heels. “Keira, I didn’t expect to— hey, I think someone’s got news.”

  Keira could feel the flush spots on her cheeks. “I think I’ve got it. The big idea that will bring in money.” She took a breath. “The Christmas Bazaar.”

  “At the community center? Yeah, I scouted that place. I don’t think it’s—”

  “Exactly. Not the caliber we’re looking for. It’s about location, location, location. And yet, the goods are actually fantastic. Handmade everything and they’re more trendy with Shennedy’s touch this year.” Keira gestured outside. “What if we moved it to a new location and promoted the guts out of it?”

  Tayton turned his head slightly, thinking. “If we found the right place, maybe. Where could we get a place like that, and fast— it’s next weekend, right?”

  Keira nodded energetically. “The Big Barn. It was a home improvement store, but folded when the Home Depot came in. The outside of the barn is a brown cabin-like rustic thing but nice; inside is a big space. The Kruger’s took it over a few years ago and made it a place for wedding receptions and big gatherings.”

  Tayton nodded. “Where is it?”

  “Close to the highway, and has turn-offs for two other counties.” Keira tried to sound rational and practical. But even as she spoke, more ideas came. “We could invite the Ice Money to do a few booths of their own, give them premiere spaces. Maybe we could call it the Big Barn Boutique. And possibly hold it on Saturday, like the Farmer’s Market, so we can tap into weekend crowds without the weekly overhead. We make it an extension of Kenworth’s. The Christmas Bazaar proceeds are always heavily donated to a specific cause.”

  “So they would get behind the Hope Tree publicly, and help Kenworth’s privately as their yearly charity focus.”

  “Exactly. We’ve worked with the Ladies League for years, I know they’d support us.”

  “That could work. Meanwhile, we do the promotion and get the customers there for the vendors. We can use booth rent money and partial proceeds from sales for Kenworth’s.” He nodded slowly. “I could contact the resorts and shops up Parley’s Way and feel out possible interest. This weekend is fast, though.”

  Keira nodded. “Yes it is, but listen— we could do a specialty deal, free booth space, whatever. It’s a can’t-miss. We can bring in our marketing contacts, the local ad places, and —”

  “Use our social media presence.”

  “You got it.” Keira could feel her face flush with the excitement. “I think this could work, Tayton. I can do the phones and coordination if you can do the promo.”

  He was looking at her again in that way, a small grin at the corner of his mouth. “Keira, I don’t doubt it for a second.”

  That same thrill shot through her. “Okay, well, I’ll get calling… and…”

  “And I’ll get Trav working the magic.” Tayton had straightened, returning to a more professional tone. “Nice work.”

  She raised her hand for a high-five. He clasped it
and added a wink. A shyness stole over her momentarily before remembering she was twenty-five. And confident. And definitely not falling for some downtown guy.

  Dressed in slim jeans, a white long-sleeved jersey T-shirt, and her hair in a quick updo, Keira helped move the last of the decorative bookcases to the needed booth area. It had been a busy few days. Both she and Tayton had worked in separate circles to make the barn boutique fly, which was no small feat. The soda fountain remodel with Carlos’s skills was moving along well.

  Cecilia had been seen occasionally but appeared more frazzled and less enthusiastic about the store’s success. With her frequent no-showing, Keira felt unofficial pressure to lead the troops. The writing was on the wall. Either Cecilia was truly drumming up money or had something else up her sleeve, something that didn’t involve helping Kenworth’s turn around. A gurgling sourness formed in her stomach. That made Tayton and Keira’s marketing ideas a must-work.

  And in a small way, it was working. Last night the youth had shown up, though not as helpful as hoped. However, Friday morning had dawned and Shennedy ran the place like a well-rehearsed square dance. She pointed people to booth space, concessions to the back, older men to the outside lighting, and the hardware and garden people to make a stone path through the snow-crunchy ground.

  Keira surveyed the scene with a happiness borne of people coming together for a common cause. The colors, laughter, banter, all of it was a Christmas symphony. Tayton had texted that promo ads, fliers, and signage were in place for the Saturday event.

  Tayton. She’d hardly seen him. He’d only sent texts and emails on how it was going and asking her status, etc. Although definitely professional, a light banter and genuine connection filled the words. Keira smiled thinking about them. But maybe they felt that way only to her. Each time her phone buzzed, her heart did the same. Why, she could not fathom. Except that he was kind. And rugged in a both city-man but not too primitive way. And yes, okay, he was downright fan-your-face good looking.