Page 32 of Christmas at Pine Ridge Inn
“Your work sounds incredibly rewarding,” Lila said, touched by the passion in Sarah’s voice.
“It is. These kids, some of them are dealing with things no child should have to face. Divorce, loss, feeling like they don’t belong anywhere.” Sarah’s expression grew tender. “When I can help even one child feel less alone in the world, then I feel less alone too.”
“How long have you been doing that kind of work?”
“Pretty much my whole career. I started in social work right after college, but I found my calling working directly with children a few years after David passed. There’s something about being able to make a difference in a young person’s life, to help them believe they’re worthy of love and care ...” Sarah trailed off, her voice thick with emotion.
Lila was struck by the intensity of Sarah’s commitment to her work with children. “It sounds like more than just a job for you.”
“It is,” Sarah said softly. “I suppose you could say it’s my way of trying to make the world a little better, one child at a time. Sometimes I think about all the children out there who need someone in their corner, and I can’t imagine walking away from that responsibility.”
They sat quietly for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts about purpose and duty and the complicated ways love shapes our choices. Lila found herself admiring Sarah’s dedication, the way she’d built her life around helping vulnerable children.
“Those kids are lucky to have you,” Lila said finally.
Sarah’s smile was warm but carried a hint of something deeper. “I hope so. I’ve made mistakes in my life, and I know I’m not perfect, but I hope my work with them has atoned for some of my shortcomings and mistakes.”
They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, their footsteps crunching softly in the snow. When they reached the last building on Main Street, Sarah paused before they turned to retrace their steps.
“You know,” Sarah said, “I’ve been thinking about what you said yesterday about losing your mother this past spring.”
Lila’s chest tightened slightly. “It’s still hard to believe she’s gone sometimes.”
“The first Christmas without someone you love is always the most difficult,” Sarah said gently. “What was she like? Your mother?”
“She was ... everything to me,” Lila said, surprised by how easily the words came. “Patient, kind, always knew exactly what to say when I was struggling. She had this way of making even ordinary moments feel special. Christmas was her absolute favorite time of year.”
Sarah’s expression grew tender. “She sounds wonderful. I bet she would have loved seeing you here, experiencing a Pine Ridge Christmas.”
“She would have,” Lila agreed, feeling tears prick her eyes. “She always said the holidays were about making memories with people you love, not about fancy decorations or expensive gifts.”
“Wise woman,” Sarah said softly. “My mother was like that too. I still find myself wanting to call her whenever something beautiful happens, like last night’s tree lighting.”
As they walked quietly, Lila thought about mothers and how they shaped children into the people they became. Sometimes it was for the better, sometimes for the worse.
And, in her case, how they also shaped their children by the decisions they made.
Back at the inn, they found Brady in the lobby talking to Tom about something involving horses and saddles.
“Perfect timing,” Brady said when he saw Lila. “We were just talking about taking some of the horses out this afternoon to see some of the countryside around Pine Ridge.”
“Horseback riding?” Lila asked, surprised.
“Nothing too adventurous,” Brady assured her. “Sarah, what do you say?”
Sarah shook her head. “Not me. I just got to the good part of my book, so I want to sit by the fire and finish it today.”
“Sophie and Miles already passed,” Tom said, “but Carol went to see if Kimberly and Kendall want to join us.”
“I haven’t been horseback riding since I was a kid,” Lila admitted. She was nervous about embarrassing herself out there, but a horseback ride through the snow did sound magical.
“We’ll put you on Thunder.” He smiled when he saw the look on Lila’s face at the horse’s name. “Despite his name, Thunder is as gentle as a lamb,” he assured her.
“Thunder will take good care of you,” Tom said with a grin. “He’s been giving gentle trail rides for years. And Brady knows those trails better than anyone.”
Carol returned without Kimberly or Kendall. “The ladies are staying in to watch Christmas movies all day. Apparently, that’s a big tradition in their household.”
“I think it’s just the four of us then,” Tom said.
