Page 47 of Christmas Promises

Still, her mother’s harsh words cut her deeply. Doing as she pleased instead of pleasing her mother would be difficult, but she was stronger than she’d been before her whole life exploded into bits of betrayal.

“Mom, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Laney said. “And you’re going to have to trust me.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Laney had not yet visitedthe Pinecone Inn. Under other circumstances she would have enjoyed seeing the stately colonial revival mansion that had been transformed into an inn. However, her heart felt as if she’d had too many cups of coffee as she followed her parents up the steps of the covered porch, adorned with garlands of evergreen and white lights. When they entered the lobby, they were greeted by a staff member who promised to bring drink menus if they’d like to take a seat by the fire.

Laney sank into one of the chairs. Despite her nervousness, she enjoyed seeing the inn decorated for the holidays. Cozy holiday-themed throw pillows in rich shades of red, green, and gold were paired with knit blankets draped casually over the backs of the chairs. The wooden coffee table displayed a charming centerpiece—a collection of red and gold ornaments nestled in a bowl, surrounded by sprigs of holly. Above the fireplace, a lush garland of evergreens, dotted with red berries, pinecones, and white lights, decorated the mantel. A matching wreath hung above, tied with a deep red velvet bow.

In the corner of the room, near the large windows, stood a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, its branches glittering with strands of white lights and ornaments in a classic palette of gold, red, and silver. Swags of evergreen garland, accented with the same red velvet bows, framed the vintage windows.

Soft instrumental Christmas carols played in the background. Thank goodness. Because otherwise, they would have sat in complete silence. Fortunately, one of the staff came by and they ordered drinks. While they waited, they sat awkwardly, gazing at anything but one another.

“This place reminds me of a dollhouse I used to look at through the window of the toy store when I was a kid,” Mom said finally. “Apparently every room in the inn has its own type of wallpaper, just like the dollhouse. So quaint.”

Laney couldn’t tell if her mother was being truthful or passive aggressive. Had she caught a whiff of sadness in her mother’s tone? For a second, she imagined her mother as a child, pressing her nose against the glass to peer at the toy store’s front window display.

“I love it here,” Laney said. “Every single thing about it.” Should she jump right in and tell them she wanted to buy Aunt Edna out? Her mother would not think it was a good idea. And the fact was—she probably needed her father’s help financially if she were to make it work.

“Have you been in touch with any of your former clients?” Mom asked. “I was thinking you might reach out to them and see if they’d want to hire you back.”

“I haven’t, no.” Laney took a sip of her drink. “Actually, I’m not going back. I’m going to stay here.”

Her mother went perfectly still, other than a muscle in her right cheek that twitched.

“What do you mean, stay here?” Dad asked gently. “As in, move here?”

“Yes.” Laney swallowed. She was a grown woman. She could stand up to her parents. “Aunt Edna wants to sell me the bookstore. She’s hoping to retire.”

“What a preposterous idea,” Mom said. “A bookstore? You may as well just throw your career away.”

“Actually, the bookstore does very well here. I’ve gone over the finances, and they’re strong. The citizens of Sugarville Grove buy locally if they can, and that includes books.” Laney drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly in an attempt to settle her nerves. “We’ve worked it out that I would buy the store from her, giving her more of a nest egg for her retirement, but she would remain in her apartment and still own the building. With the understanding that upon her death, she would leave me the building. Which is worth a lot. Not that I would sell, of course. And she’s going to be around for many, many years, so that’s not really a matter of concern at the moment.”

“Do you have the savings for a down payment?” Dad asked.

“I have some but not enough. I’d need a loan.”

“How much are we talking?” Dad asked.

Her mother sent him a withering look. “Tucker, you can’t be serious. We can’t lend her the money for a bookstore. For God’s sake, have either of you noticed the giant company that’s also in the book business? There’s no way to compete.”

Hadn’t she just heard what Laney said? Her mother could be so stubborn.

“I’ve consulted to small businesses for years, Mom. It’s perfect for me. And we have the community’s support.”

Mom wrapped both hands around the tumbler holding her old-fashioned. “Honey, you’ve had a shock. Feeling a little off-kilter is normal. But you can’t make such a big decision during a time of crisis.”

“I’m not in crisis. In fact, this is the best I’ve felt in my life. I belong here. I’ve met a wonderful man. And the work at the bookstore fills me with joy, not to mention I’ve been feeling like drawing and painting again. I might take a class or two. Just for fun. I’ve been cooking again too. And I had the most amazing afternoon decorating cookies with the Hayes family. They’re a hoot, Mom. You’re going to fall in love with all of them.”

Her mother simply stared at her as if she’d just admitted to running a crime organization.

Dad cleared his throat softly. “He seems like a good guy, Laney. Polite, down-to-earth. But it does seem fast. That’s all your mother’s saying.”

Laney shot her father a grateful look, but Mom wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “You just got out of an engagement, Laney. Shouldn’t you be taking time to figure things out before jumping into something new? I’m your mother. I know you.”

Laney’s grip on her glass tightened. “I’m not jumping into anything, Mom. Nolan and I knew each other when we were young. We have a kind of shorthand between us. It’s hard to explain, but I feel a connection with him that I’ve never felt with anyone else, before or since.”

Mom’s perfectly shaped brows arched. “That’s sweet. Really it is. But you hardly know the man.”

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