Page 12 of Christmas Cove

“It was a thought. I just wish I had more answers,” Leo said. “This place means so much to me, you know? I wanted to become mayor so I could make a difference here, but there’s not much I can do when we can barely afford basic city functions.”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it. You only won by ten votes.”

“I was the only person on the ballot.” Leo downed the remainder of his beer and licked his lips, wanting another. “Carol got three votes, and she wasn’t even running.”

“Even if your idea could work, there’s no money in the town budget, or the resources to support an influx of people here,” Edwin said and refilled Leo’s stein.

“Thanks for this.” Leo raised his mug to Edwin. “Cheers.” The mugs crashed together, and beer spilled on the wood counter. “You know what would help? I need the woman to stay and write her article. It would be free advertising.”

“And what happens when word gets out? Where will the people stay? Your cabin is the only respectable structure in town that can support guests. And how many can you fit in there? Six?”

“Five, actually.”

Leo didn’t mind Edwin’s direct and somewhat wise line of thinking. And the truth of it was, no matter what Leo did, there would always be challenges. He needed to do something, or the town was doomed.

“You know what my father taught me when I would face something hard? He would say, ‘Take the first right step and let tomorrow’s problems worry about themselves’,” Leo said, and let a sip of beer cool his mind. “Getting her to stay is the first problem, and one I’m guessing won’t be easy. But what if I get her to stay and write about the Cove? Some publicity might help this town get back on track.”

Edwin downed the rest of his drink and walked around to the sink. While washing his mug, he stayed quiet. Leo could tell by the way the old man’s eyes shifted back and forth that he was weighing things in his head. Edwin’s vast life experience was something that Leo had come to lean upon often since moving to Christmas Cove, and he didn’t take their special relationship lightly.

As counselor and friend, Edwin had stood beside Leo every step of the way as he navigated his role in the beleaguered town. He wasn’t likely to mislead him now. So, he waited patiently for the man’s thoughts. Luckily, Leo needn’t wait long.

“What would make her stay?”

Leo already knew. “Christmas. She seemed put off by the fact that there wasn’t any here. And who could blame her? All the stuff online shows this place like it used to be. A Christmas wonderland.”

“This is Christmas Cove. I told you we should have put some decorations in the cabin, but you didn’t listen,” Edwin said and took Leo’s mug to wash it. “Give her what she wants, but make her think it’s her idea or it won’t be genuine.”

“Isn’t that a little sneaky?”

“Think of yourself as a Secret Santa, giving her exactly the thing that she wants for Christmas. And who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy having something to do.”

“You always know how to walk that fine line between friend and enabler,” Leo said. “I have an idea. A peace offering, if you will.”

“You mean, bait?” Edwin laughed. “How can I help? Anything you need, I’m your man.”

CHAPTER9

America hearda knock at the door and sat up in bed, removing her white satin sleeping mask. She scrambled for her watch and looked at the time. The day had well arrived, and the knocks continued.

“Drat!” she said. “I’m coming.”

She pulled on her robe and flopped the messed covers up over the mattress, reminding herself to make it properly later.

“It’s me, Leo,” the voice sounded from the other side of the door, with a knuckle tap on the sidelight window.

Lucky for her, she had pulled the sheer drapes before settling into the most comfortable bed she ever had the chance to sleep in. It was no wonder she had fallen so fast and deep into a restful slumber.

The brass knob was cold to the touch, and she hesitated before unlocking the bolt.What does he want, she thought? Perhaps he was ready for her to get out of there.

She opened the door.

“Morning,” he said with a bright smile.

“I’m sure you’re ready to turn this place over,” America said and rubbed sleep from her eyes. “I overslept.”

“I see that,” he said. “But that’s not why I’m here.”

“I was about to call my office and make my travel arrangements, but it’ll take at least five hours for a driver to get up here,” America said. “That’s if they can even book a driver for me today.”

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