Page 2 of A South Hill Christmas Keepsake
Despite her earlier mumbles and second thoughts, a flicker of joy swept through Hannah Leigh. And deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. South Hill still had plenty of Christmas magic waiting to sweep her off her feet.
Lundy Layne Boutique’s door stood wide open despite the freezing temperature. Signs boasting holiday dreams on clearance flanked the doors. She was dying to whip into the lot and shop at her favorite boutique, but that would have to wait. Aunt Winnie was expecting her, and she couldn’t keep her waiting.
“I’ll be back to buy some presents,” she said through the window, fluttering her fingertips into a wave to Bria, the store’s owner and queen of bringing chic uptown things into this sleepy little town.
And right now, Hannah Leigh had to admit to herself, with a little hope rising inside, that she needed every bit of sparkle South Hill offered.
Thousands of white Christmas lights peppered Main Street, glowing bright as darkness fell over the town. In another week or two, it would be completely dark by this time of day.
Her SUV rattled over a pothole in front of Bringleton’s, the coffee shop famous for selling the best dang coffee in the state. The proof was right in front of her. The line stretched out the door, bundled-up customers stamping their boots in the cold, their breath rising in clouds while the sound of laughter spilled out on the street.
Beside it, a hand-painted sign about the 100thanniversary of the Colonial Theater promised holiday movie marathons all year long.
Hannah Leigh shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. Leave it to South Hill’s Chamber of Commerce to turn a Christmas celebration into the shindig of the decade.
“Home sweet holiday circus.” She steered her vehicle off the main drag and onto the quieter neighborhood street that led to Aunt Winnie’s. Home looked the same, even if she didn’t.
CHAPTER TWO
Hannah Leigh’s heart beat a nervous two-step as she slowed near Aunt Winnie’s house. Things hadn’t changed since the last time she’d been here, and it had been a while.
This isn’t a permanent arrangement, simply a holiday pit stop, and a chance to breathe.
Still, she knew one thing about coming home. Aunt Winnie would make sure this visit would be memorable.
Sure enough, as Hannah Leigh eased around the big curve to her aunt’s street, the familiar white-clapboard house came into view. Pine roping draped the porch in lush loops, every post crowned with a showy red bow.
And there, on the wraparound porch, stood Aunt Winnie herself, waiting as if she’d been tracking Hannah Leigh on Santa’s radar. She wore a Christmas sweater lit up like runway lights and balanced a tub the size of a punch bowl in her arms.
A smile broke across Hannah Leigh’s face, and the heaviness in her shoulders lifted as she pulled up to the curb.
Oh, Aunt Winnie, you are the show.She climbed out of her car, dusted cookie crumbs from her hoodie, and raced to the porch to wrap her arms around the woman who’d raised her almost as much as her parents.
They hugged until Aunt Winnie pulled back. “Let me take a look at you.” Her eyes narrowed. “Just as I suspected. You look skinny.” Aunt Winnie juggled the plastic tub against her chest. “But don’t worry, I’ve got cookies, cocoa, and good southern cooking on tap!”
Of course, she did.
“Please tell me that tub you’re cradling isn’t full of cocoa.” Hannah Leigh reached hesitantly. “I remember you telling me Bringleton’s is now serving it in quart-sized deli containers.”
Aunt Winnie glanced down and smirked, tucking the container under her arm. “No, it isnot. The cocoa is inside. This,” she said, giving the tub a little shake, “is full of teensy styrofoam glitter stars. I’m decorating the porch. Every sparkle counts. You can help me later.”
“Here we go,” Hannah Leigh said in the sing-song way she and Aunt Winnie had always done when they were teasing.
Aunt Winnie’s eyes crinkled, and a soft laugh bubbled up, touched with the comfort of old memories.
She eyed her aunt more closely, blinking back a surge of emotion. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since my last visit.”
“Don’t apologize. I know you miss your folks. It must be hard to come back.”
She swallowed back the threat of tears.
“Time flies. Give me a hug.” Aunt Winnie set down the tub and flipped her cuffed fingers in her direction. “Bring it in here, kiddo.”
Hannah Leigh stepped into another welcoming embrace.Home.Aunt Winnie’s house was always welcoming.
“And you look like you’ve been living on caffeine and broken dreams,” said Aunt Winnie. “Come on inside. We’ve got decorating to do, and the mayor’s already in a mood.”
“Isn’t he always in a mood?”
