St. Helena Holiday
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“Our Nona Chi Chi has been involved in planning St. Helena’s holiday events for decades now, and she knows that Randolph is a beloved treasure of our town.” Regan walked over and held the mic down so Chi Chi could remain seated.
Chi Chi’s voice was tinny with age, but clear and strong. “I sent Randolph off to San Francisco for a little spa treatment, so he could be restored by the nice folks at the California Christmas Display Company, the historic company that has made “Randolph’s” for towns just like ours across the country since the 1920’s. They were thrilled to help us restore Randolph to his original glory, and they also took of Santa and the rest of the reindeers on our sleigh, too.”
Regan hugged Chi Chi then, and they shared the mike as they both announced, “for Chiara, Ben, and all our dear friends in St. Helena, we wish you all holiday magic.”
A drum roll started, and Battalion Chief Adam Baudouin and Ben’s co-workers from Fire Station #1 entered the room, each carrying a restored holiday figure. The sled had been set up behind Randolph, and the firefighters each placed a statue until the familiar tableau was complete.
“So there has been a little trickery in St. Helena this holiday season,” said Regan.
“And a little hanky-panky,” added Chi Chi.
“But we all wish you the magic and love of the season.”
Ben and Chiara looked into one another’s eyes, and he drew her in for a long kiss, each knowing that they’d have many years of Christmas kisses together to look forward to in the future.
In between kisses and the cheering of the crowd, Chiara and Ben caught a look at the newly-restored Randolph. They couldn’t be sure – it might have been a trick of the eye – but for a moment, it looked like his nose really lit up.
For Ben Archer and Chiara DeLuca, the magic of their first Christmas season in St. Helena was everywhere.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Conley lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her engineer husband, two darling daughters, and three feisty-yet-adorable Scottish terriers. Grace writes both Young Adult and Contemporary Fiction. When she's not behind her computer, you can find Grace hiking through National Parks, obsessively reading the books of Nora Roberts and Kristan Higgins, and enjoying the quirks of living in a small town at the edge of Silicon Valley.
Find Grace at:
Website: www.graceconley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceConleyAuthor