Page 38 of A Christmas Duet

A loud knock came from the front door. Even before Hailey could answer, the door flew open.

“Surprise!” her sister cried. Daisy dropped her satchel onto the floor and hugged Hailey.

Chapter Thirteen

“Daisy?” Hailey’s sister wore black rubber boots and a full-length orange skirt with a turquoise sweater, and had a long red scarf draped around her neck.

“I knew I’d eventually find you,” Daisy said as she squeezed the breath out of Hailey. She paused when she noticed the tree. “And, look, you’ve got a Charlie Brown Christmas tree just like the one we had as kids.”

“Yes…We put it up today.”

For the first time, she seemed to notice Jay. “Hello,” she said, turning her attention away from Hailey. “You’re a surprise.”

Jay’s eyes clashed with Hailey’s.

“Jay, my sister, Daisy. Daisy, this is my friend, Jay Cantor.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Daisy’s eyes zeroed in on Hailey as she arched her brows. In a stage whisper, she leaned toward Hailey and said, “Just wait until Mom hears about this.”

“I should be getting back to town,” Jay announced.

Hailey hated to see him go. Actually, though, it was for the best, so she could have a heart-to-heart with her sister and send her on her way.

“I’ll be back soon,” he said, and then, glancing toward Daisy, he leaned forward and kissed Hailey. “Promise,” he whispered, and was gone.

As soon as the door closed, Hailey whirled around to face her sister. “What are you doing here?” she cried, and then instantly felt guilty for her complete lack of welcome.

Daisy blinked several times, disappointed and hurt. She seemed to think Hailey would be eager for visitors and throw open her arms, grateful for the company.

It took her sister a moment to answer. “You’re alone. At Christmas. I came to cheer you up.”

“I don’t need cheering up,” Hailey protested. She could only imagine what Jay must be thinking. She’d been looking forward to sharing the song she’d started working on that morning, and now with her sister’s unexpected arrival that time had been taken away from her. Feeling the need to do something, Hailey rushed out the door to catch Jay before he could drive away.

He was in the process of loading up the snowmobile when she caught him.

“Jay…I’m so sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for,” he said. He appeared more amused than frustrated, which made her feel even worse.

Hailey hadn’t bothered to grab a coat, and the chilly wind cut right through her sweater. Not that it mattered; she had to get the situation straight between them before he left. “I should never have mentioned the Podunk Winter Festival to Daisy…I had no idea she’d be able to find me.”

“It wasn’t all that hard,” Daisy said from behind her.

Hailey spun around, nearly tripping over her sister as Daisy continued down the steps.

“There’s no need to leave on my account,” Daisy told him.

“It’s not a problem,” Jay assured her. “I should get back. Mom could use my help at the store.”

Hailey wanted to weep. She should have known better. Should have realized the minute she mentioned Podunk to Daisy, her sister would consider it an open invitation. As much as she loved Daisy, having her sister stay in the cabin would ruin everything. Hailey knew that Daisy, being Daisy, wouldn’t give her a moment’s peace. As for composing music, it was a foregone conclusion that it would be impossible with her sister around.

Turning to face Daisy, Hailey demanded, “How did you ever find me? This cabin is practically off the grid.”

“Finding you wasn’t hard, but locating the cabin was,” Daisy told her, as if she was proud of herself. Her sister had never been good with puzzles or directions. That she had gotten through the maze of turns leading to the cabin was nothing short of a wonder.

Jay finished securing the snowmobile on the trailer and added, “I introduced you at the festival, remember?” he said, looking up at Hailey. “Your song created a buzz, and afterward people in town were asking about you. It makes sense that word got out about you staying at the Stockton place. All Daisy had to do was ask.”

“He’s right,” Daisy said. “As soon as I said your name at Lucille’s Diner, a lot of folks were helpful, especially when they learned I was your sister.”

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