Christmas Cookie

by Sophie Kaye

  “So how come you moved here to start a bakery? Most younger people can't wait to get away from Bellfrey.”

  She glanced at Sam. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

  “I always wanted a bakery.” She shrugged. “And I've done the big city, I don't think it's for me.”

  “You didn't have a bakery there?”

  “No, I was a teacher at an elementary school. My mom convinced me it was a better career option.”

  “What made you change your mind?”

  Hailey looked at Sam.

  “Shouldn't you be fetching some tools or something? Not questioning me.” She raised an eyebrow.

  “They're in my truck.” He didn't move. “So how come you want to open before Christmas? Wouldn't it be better to wait until after?”

  Hailey took a deep breath and smiled. “When I was little, we went to a bakery. It was just before Christmas, and the whole street smelled of spices and fresh bread. When we came in, it was warm and inviting and they played Christmas music over the speakers.” She lost herself in the memory. “We drank hot chocolate and ate gingerbread cookies and I thought it must be the happiest place in the world.” She shook her head. “It's silly, and I should get back to work.”

  Hailey took a few steps to get past Sam into the kitchen. His hand rested on her arm.

  His voice was low and deep. “It's not silly.”

  Her breath caught.

  “I'll get my tools.”

  With that, his hand was gone and cold air rushed in as he left the bakery.

  Sam

  “How's the new job? It's at the bakery, right?” Michael handed Sam a beer as they settled down in front of the tv.

  “Seems easy enough.”

  “Did you meet the woman? Hally?”

  “Hailey, and yeah I met her. She's very... organized.” Sam took a drink and placed the beer on the coffee table.

  “Mom said she's very pretty.”

  Sam snorted. “Is she playing matchmaker again?”

  “I don't think she's decided yet. But I did tell her you were working with her.” Michael ducked out of the way for the throw pillow.

  “Maybe you should mind your own business.” Sam grabbed the remote and started flicking through the channels.

  “Are you telling me it wouldn't be a good match?”

  “Nah, she's too... scholarly. She used to be a teacher. And she walks around with all these lists and clipboards.” Sam turned from the tv to his brother. “She was there to take inventory.”

  “Seems sensible.” Michael took a sip of beer.

  “Maybe I should tell mom to set her up with you.”

  “Yeah?” Micheal raised an eyebrow.

  Sam returned his attention to the tv.

  “No, you don't want that,” Michael said. “Hey,” he sat up. “This is perfect.”

  “What is?”

  “You should date her.”

  “But she's not my type.”

  “Because she doesn't shop first and ask later like the women you usually date? You don't know she's not your type until you try. Besides you need to learn to date without expecting it to end with marriage.”

  “This again.” Sam sighed and leaned back.

  “You're too serious. You need to relax and have some fun. Take her dancing or to the movies.”

  “I don't know. I'll think about it.”

  “Good. I'll tell mom.”

  This time the pillow caught Michael in the face.

  Hailey

  Hailey barely had time to close the door behind her before Sage came rushing to give her a hug.

  “Mommy home.”

  Hailey smiled and felt her shoulders relax as she hugged back.

  “Did you have fun with aunt Myra?”

  “Oh, we had a lot of fun,” Myra said from the living room.

  Hailey dropped her bags and lifted Sage up. Myra was crawling out of a pile of sofa cushions and blankets.

  “What on earth...?” Hailey studied the messy room.

  “We made a reading fort. Help me up here.”

  Hailey balanced Sage on one hip and reached out a hand to pull Myra off the floor.

  “Pwincess tale,” Sage said.

  “That's right little one.” Myra got up and brushed her hands over her hair. “We read fairy tales about princesses and dragons.”

  “I hope she wasn't too much of a handful.” Hailey let Sage return into the fort.

  “No, not at all. But I think next time I'll build the fort on the bed. I might be getting too old to crawl around on the floor.”

  “You're not old.” Hailey followed Myra to the kitchen while Sage sat with a book upside down in her lap and told the story to three stuffed bears.

  “I am over fifty. But enough about age. How's the bakery?”

  “Good. Most of the things I need are there. So I won't have to buy as much as I thought, which is good.”

  Myra opened the oven and the scent of baked vegetables and chicken made Hailey's stomach growl. She had forgotten to eat lunch.

  “Did you meet Sam?” Myra stirred the vegetables.

  “The handyman?” Hailey sat down on a stool by the counter. “Yes, he came by. He says he'll have it ready by Christmas.”

  “And what did you think about him?”

  “He seems handy enough. Capable.” She squinted at Myra.

  “He's single, you know.” Myra closed the oven.

  “Myra, I'm not looking to date.”

  “You need to get back out there. It's been almost two years since Conrad died. And I know you loved him, but you barely knew him.”

  “Myra.”

  “No, listen to me. You met, you fell in love, and within seven months you were married. There's nothing wrong with that, but then you got pregnant and he died.”

  Hailey closed her eyes.

  “It all happened so fast. You're still young and Sage needs you to be happy.”

  Hailey rubbed her temples..

  “Mommy, stoly.”

  Hailey watched her daughter hold out the book. “I'll be right there.” She looked at Myra. “There's so much going on now, with the move and getting the bakery up and running. I just don't think I have time for dating.”

  Myra leaned forward and tucked a lock of Hailey's hair behind her ear. “Just be open to being happy. I'm not asking you to rush into anything. But a date can be just for fun.”

  “I'll think about it, OK?”

  “Just so you know, Sam is a good guy. I've known him since he was delivering newspapers. He's a bit spontaneous, but stable.” Myra glanced at Sage. “Dependable. He helped me out when I had that leak a year ago.”

  “Alright.” Hailey smiled. “Enough matchmaking for now. I have to read Sage a story.”

  Chapter three

  Hailey

  The door to the kitchen swung open and Hailey looked up. Working alongside Sam for the last couple of days had been pleasant. She had come to enjoy the sounds from the front room as she cleaned the kitchen.

  Despite her aversion to dating while Sage was so small she had even looked forward to the few times he needed her help.

  Yesterday, he came into the kitchen, glanced at her lists with a quiet smile and asked her to help steady a board. Hailey held it in place and his hand brushed against her fingers as he adjusted the position. He stood close enough that the fragrance of his soap surrounded her while he made sure it was level. With quick, skillful movements he attached it to the other side before he came around and pout his fingers over hers as he secured it. Hailey couldn’t help swallowing as he smiled at her and thanked her for her help.

  Back in the kitchen, she tried to ignore her raised heartbeat as she continued organizing and planning.

  Her cheeks flushed as she remembered the scent of his soap when the door to the kitchen opened.

  “It's my mom's birthday, so I need to leave early today.” Sam came in and stood by the workbench where she was scrubbing the shelves.

  �
��OK.” Hailey looked up at him. His forehead glistened and a bead of sweat was slowly making its way towards his brow.

  “Did you decide on the paint yet? I was thinking I'd go to Langford tomorrow and pick up some things.”

  “Oh, not yet.” Hailey grimaced. She had completely forgotten about the paint. It was on her list, but she hadn't thought he needed to know so soon.

  “Do you want to come with? You probably have a few things you need, and I have a truck.”

  “I...” Hailey opened her mouth. Myra had said to be open. Besides, it was just a trip to get supplies. “Sure.”

  “Great. I'll pick you up at eight.” Sam gave her a smile and raised a hand has he left the kitchen.

  With a sigh, she sank down onto the floor. The sound of a bell told her Sam had opened the door to the store. Langford was about an hour away. That meant two hours in a car with Sam.

  Hailey pulled off her gloves and got up. It was just business. She paced the kitchen. Not a date. She was going to get things for the bakery. That was it. With a determined nod she left the kitchen and went into the little office. It was barely big enough for a desk against the wall. But it was all she needed.

  She sat down and brought out the clipboard with the list of things she needed to buy. It was a long list of small items and one category that was empty. Decor. She grabbed a pen and took the clipboard to the front. Well, she'd need tables. And chairs. But what kind?

  With another sigh, she found her jacket and pulled it on. Locking the door behind her she hurried to the diner. Jessica had offered to help. Hopefully she knew more about decorating than Hailey.

  ∞∞∞

  “Of course, I'll help.” Jessica put the coffee pot down. “Jenna,” she called to the back. “I'm taking the rest of the afternoon off.”

  A pretty redhead peeked out at the diner. Only one table was occupied by a young woman and her laptop.

  “OK. It's seems pretty quiet.”

  “Jenna, this is Hailey.”

  “Nice to meet you.” She pulled her head back into the kitchen.

  “You too,” Hailey said hesitantly.

  “Don't mind her, she's not a people person.” Jessica removed her apron and disappeared behind a curtain.

  “So, what exactly is the situation?” Jessica asked when she appeared wearing a bright pink jacket.

  “Maybe I better show you. I know nothing about interior design. I do the baking. I just know we need tables and chairs.”

  The two women left the diner.

  “Oh, we're rehearsing the pageant tonight. I told Myra. I hope Sage can come.”

  “We'll be there. Sage is very much looking forward to it. She says she's going to be a sheep.”

  “Yup, one of the main parts.” Jessica winked.

  “Well, she thinks so. She's been practicing.” Hailey smiled. Sage had been walking around the house baahing everytime they asked her a question.

  “Oh, look. There's Amanda. She's the one we want to help with this. She redid some rooms at the Inn. Amanda”

  A woman in an oversized coat turned around when Jessica called her name.

  “Jessica. I found the most adorable fabric for the angel wings.” Amanda put a hand on Jessica's arm and smiled.

  “Awsome, this is Hailey. Her daughter Sage is one of the sheep.”

  “Of course. Myra said you'd be moving here. It's so nice to meet you.”

  “You too.” Hailey smiled back at the woman. There was something serene about her, calming.

  “How are you feeling?” Jessica asked with a look at Amanda's coat.

  “Oh, I'm fine.” Amanda put her hands on the bump. “Still almost two months or so to go.”

  “Good, because we need the help of a professional interior designer.”

  Hailey's eyes went wide. “Oh, Jessica no. I can't afford-”

  Jessica waved her hand, dismissing Hailey's protest.

  Amanda laughed. “I'd be happy to help. I swear ever since I got pregnant David won't let me do anything. It's exhausting arguing with him.” She smiled and winked.

  “Great. Let's go.”

  Jessica dragged them along to the bakery.

  “You know, I always loved this place,” Amanda said. “My dad would take me every Saturday for their fresh donuts. It was always so cozy.”

  Hailey unlocked the door. “It doesn't look so cozy now, I'm afraid. But that's what I was hoping to get some help with.”

  She opened the door and let the two women enter.

  “Oh, my.” Amanda stopped and stared when Hailey hit the lightswitch.

  “Well. I think it can only get better,” Jessica said and took a cautious step inside.

  “Careful of the floor. There are still some places that need to be replaced.” Hailey noticed the tears in Amanda's eyes. “Are you alright?”

  “Oh, yes.” Amanda blinked and waved her hand in front of her face. “It's the hormones. Everything makes me emotional.” She smiled a crooked smile. “I'm just glad you came to restore the bakery.” Amanda took a quick step forward and Hailey found herself in a tight but slightly awkward hug.

  “She's going to need some decorating first.” Jessica said.

  “Yes.” Amanda let go and wiped her tears. “So, what were you thinking?”

  “Tables and chairs.” Hailey said carefully.

  The two women stared at her, waiting for more. Hailey gave a slow shrug.

  “I can see why you needed help,” Amanda said.

  “This is going to be fun,” Jessica smiled at them.

  Despite Hailey's apprehension it was fun. The three women laughed and planned. Amanda made most of the decisions, but Hailey never felt left out of the process. By late afternoon she had a comprehensive list of things to buy in Langford. Amanda had even told her the name of the paints she needed and where to get them.

  “Thank you guys so much,” Hailey said when they were sitting on the salvageable chairs in the kitchen. “I don't know how I would have done this without you.”

  “Just bring back the donuts.” Amanda winked. “Of course, then I won't have a reason to send David off to Langford once a week so I can get some peace and quiet.”

  Hailey laughed with the others. It had been so long since she had friends to sit around and laugh with. When she moved to Thurmont she'd stayed in touch with her friends, but the distance had been too much. Then Conrad had died and Sage had come along and there had been no time to make friends. The other women in the mommy-groups didn't know how to talk to her, all they saw was a poor widow with a baby.

  “When are you getting the supplies?” Jessica asked.

  “Tomorrow. Sam offered to drive me to Langford, he needed to pick up some things.”

  Amanda and Jessica locked eyes and raised an eyebrow.

  “Did he now?” Jessica said.

  “It's not like that.” Hailey felt her cheeks flush and looked down at the clipboard, pretending to mark something down. “It's just business. He needed to pick up some things and offered me a ride.”

  “If you say so,” Amanda said and winked at Jessica.

  “He is rather handsome,” Jessica said. “If you like that type.”

  “Muscular and dashing?” Amada asked.

  Jessica shrugged.

  “I better get home to Sage and make sure she has something to eat before the rehearsal.”

  Jessica jumped up. “Oh, it's that late already? I have to go set things up.”

  “I guess I should go too.” Amanda smiled at her phone. “David's texted me three times already.”

  “Let us know if you need more help,” Jessica said as she put her jacket on.

  “Yes, please do. It's been so long since I had a project to work on. I forgot how much fun it is.” Amanda hugged Hailey.

  “And let us know how the shopping trip with mister handyman goes.” Jessica grabbed Amanda's arm and the two women disappeared before Hailey could think of a clever response.

  Sam

  Right before eight o
'clock Sam pulled his truck up outside of Myra's house. He glanced in the mirror, using his fingers to adjust a lock of hair. With a deep breath he got out of the truck. It was silly of him to be nervous. It was just business. He wiped his palms on his pants as he turned to walk up to the front door. Hailey probably hadn't given him a second thought.

  “Good morning.” Hailey was closing the door behind her. “Looks like good weather for the drive.”

  “Umm...” Her hair was tucked under a red and black hat and she was bundled up with mittens and a matching scarf. There was something alluring about the way she looked so cozy in her winter garb. “Good morning. Are you all set?”

  “Yup. I have my list.” She patted her large purse. “I even know exactly what paint I want.” She smiled at him as she walked past him to the truck.

  He hurried to open the door for her. “Good.”

  She smiled and settled in. Sam walked slowly around the truck, letting the cold air cool his cheeks.

  “So what made you decide on a color?” He asked as he got in and started the car.

  “I got some help.” Hailey fastened her seatbelt and made sure it was tight. “Jessica and Amanda stopped by. Do you know them?” She got the cutest wrinkle between her eyebrows when she asked.

  “Jessica works at the diner, right?” He glanced at her. “I know Amanda pretty well, we've worked together on some projects. She's good at her job, I'm glad she helped you out. You seemed to have some trouble.”

  He swallowed when she didn't reply immediately. Had he insulted her?

  “I'm not exactly the decorating type.” She spoke slowly.

  “I'm sure you'll do a fine job.” He paused. “So what stores do you want to hit today? I have the whole day free so I was thinking we could grab some lunch there too.”

  “Sounds good. And Amanda gave me a list of stores to check out.”

  Sam couldn't help smiling when Hailey rifled through her bag for another list.

  Chapter four

  Hailey

  “I hope I got most of what I need.” Hailey brought out her clipboard once again. There were neat checkmarks next to almost all the items.

  “There can't be much you forgot,” Sam said and turned down the main street of Bellfrey. “Good thing they agreed to deliver the furniture. I had no idea a bakery needed this much stuff.”