Page 15 of A Bright Winter Season

“Oh, that’s a fantastic idea,” Alexis said, feeling her excitement growing. “That way families will want to come back for the event to see their children’s art on the walls.”

“Exactly! And I think it’s a cute way of decorating the space too. And it’s a way of telling everyone about the event in a memorable way, rather than just having a poster in the window.”

“Speaking of posters, I do have some designs sketched out for one. You can take a look at them later and let me know what you think.”

“Sounds perfect. Red and green?”

“Well, of course!” Alexis grinned. “It’s a dark green background, but there’s enough white and red font on it to be really eye-catching. And I sketched up some Christmas berries and a little picture of the pub in the snow to put at the bottom. I think once I refine it a little it’s going to be really nice.”

“That sounds fantastic. Let’s pause me talking about my ideas. I want to see your poster design.”

“Well, it’s just a rough draft right now?—”

“Oh, tut. I can use my imagination.”

“Okay.” Alexis chuckled and clicked a few times on her computer. Once she had the image of her poster design pulled up, she turned her laptop around so that Julia could see it.

“Yes!” Julia leaned forward eagerly. “Oh, I love that. It looks so Christmassy—and it’s bright and eye catching while stilllooking nostalgic and classic. And that sketch of the pub looks just darling. You should print out a large one and frame it for Mom.”

“Oh! It’s not that good.” Alexis felt herself blushing a little under Julia’s praise.

“I think it is. I think Mom is going to love it.”

“What am I going to love?”

Alexis and Julia turned in surprise to see their mother walking up to them. Vivian was wearing a violet hat with a matching scarf and mittens, and her cheeks were flushed from the cold. She was beaming at her daughters, looking as surprised to see them as they were to see her.

“Benefits of living in a small town,” Julia said, laughing and standing up to hug Vivian. “Hey, Mom!”

“Hey!” Vivian smiled as she hugged Alexis next. “Are you girls working on the Christmas party?”

“We sure are.” Alexis nodded. “You want to sit down for a minute and join us?”

“I’d love to. Let me just go ahead and get myself some coffee first.”

“I’ll get it for you,” Julia said, kissing Vivian on the cheek. “Black with a splash of cream, right? And how about a cheese Danish? It’s a crime to not buy bakery while you’re here.”

“All right.” Vivian laughed. “Thank you, sweetheart. That’s very nice of you.”

“Hey, I owe you.” Julia smiled. “I live in your house and you keep feeding me for free.”

Julia made her way over to the ordering counter and Vivian sat down next to Alexis.

“How are you doing, honey?” Vivian asked, gently placing her hand on Alexis’s forehead. “You look tired. Are you getting enough rest?”

Alexis chuckled, feeling grateful for her mother’s kindness. “I can’t escape the Mom radar. I’m feeling okay. Just a little more tired than usual.” She decided not to mention the nausea, since she knew it was often a symptom of fatigue and she didn’t want her mother to worry.

Julia returned a few moments later, and the three of them spent some time looking over Alexis’s poster.

“I love it,” Vivian said. “It’s so cheerful, and it looks professional. All the text lines up nicely. The whole thing is very spatially pleasing.”

Encouraged by her mother’s praise, Alexis volunteered to show them her final designs for the redecorating of the pub.

“Yes please!” Julia leaned in as she took a bite of her gingerbread cookie. “I’m excited to see what you’ve come up with.”

Alexis showed them the images she’d made, and Vivian teared up a little bit.

“It looks just wonderful, sweetheart,” she said, squeezing Alexis’s shoulder. “I know your father would love it as much as I do.”

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