Tidings of Joy: Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie Page 4

  Since the battery on her phone was now at least charging, she made a quick call to her mom, but it went straight to her voice mail. Because living out of a suitcase was too distracting, she unpacked her clothes and hung most of her things in the pretty mahogany glass front armoire on the padded silk hangers provided, then slid the empty suitcase into the closet. She liked being settled in for the long haul, even if it was only for a week. That was certainly long enough to come up with some good ideas for the next book, and even get some plotting done.

  Excited to check out the rest of the B&B, Katie took her charger, phone and laptop downstairs. A few people chatted in the living room, but the den was empty except for the warm fire blazing an inviting orange. She closed her eyes and wrote whatever came to her mind, and the ideas were flowing. She’d never even considered writing a story set at Christmas, but it was beginning to feel like there was something to be told here.

  She was in the zone, her fingers hitting the keys as fast as she could to keep up with the thoughts rolling through her mind. Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. Mom? She took the call. “Hi, Mom. Sorry. My phone ran out of battery.”

  “I figured. I don’t mean to rush you, but I’ve reached out to just about everyone I normally rely on and—”

  “You know,” Katie cut her off, glancing down at her scribbles in her notebook, “I was thinking there might actually be a story here.”

  “In Vermont?”

  “Well, it’s this town. You should see this place. This inn is gorgeous. I’m feeling very spoiled at the moment, and kind of liking it, I’ll admit. Every business here in Evergreen has some kind of Christmas theme. There’s even this Christmas time capsule—”

  “You’re hired!” Mom’s voice was as certain as if an auctioneer had just banged a gavel to punctuate the sale.

  “Okay, Mom? Slow down.” Katie paused, allowing herself to absorb it, too. “At least let me send you a pitch or something. We’ll see if you like it.”

  “I already like it,” her mom said. “Christmas town turns Christmas profit.”

  Not what I had in mind…at all! But the assignment was for a business magazine, so of course, that’s what would pop into Mom’s head. “I don’t know if that’s the angle entirely, but I can try to—”

  “Honey, just send me something as soon as you can. And oh, Katie, thank you. You really are helping me out of a bind.”

  A touch of longing filled her. Mom had always been there to help her no matter what came up, but this was different. This time Katie could help her, and maybe writing this article might be a little consolation prize for Mom at the holidays, even though Katie had no intention of working at the magazine long-term. Could it possibly be a win for them all? “You’re welcome, Mom,” she answered softly.

  “Just do your best.”

  “Okay, bye.” She lowered her phone and scrolled through the comments already piling up about her trip to Evergreen. And that was just in response to the pictures she’d posted from the train.

  Wait until folks saw all of this.

  Huge letters spelling JOY had been hung from the staircase, and the fact that the letters rose up, left to right, wasn’t lost on her. The reason for the season. Joy to the World!

  She stepped to the middle of the den, squatted to get the fireplace right behind her, and took a smiling selfie to post too. Then one with the Christmas tree, this one adorned head to toe in an assortment of little red truck ornaments made of glass, resin, painted, origami, popsicle sticks and even carved ones. She’d never seen so many different red-truck-themed ornaments in one place, and it was all tied together with a playful buffalo-plaid garland ribbon. How fun was that?

  She uploaded the rest of her pictures from her phone to her laptop, then pulled her feet crossed beneath her on the couch, recalling the people she’d met throughout the day.

  Ben from the train. Handsome, witty.

  The mayor. A woman, at that. Along with Ezra and Joe, short and tall, who were helping with the sign. Ezra had mentioned a historical society meeting. What would they be discussing? Was there some kind of history here that would make a good story?

  And the three gals at Daisy’s, which Lisa owned. There had to be a story to that. Allie, the veterinarian, and Hannah, whom she’d instantly felt a connection with. Allie hadn’t been kidding when she’d said people were nicer than she could even imagine.

  If she were writing a romance, she was quite certain there’d be a winner in the story of Hannah and Elliott. She could almost see the hearts dancing above their heads, popping into smaller heart confetti with each bashful glance between the two.

  She glanced down at her notebook. She’d doodled hearts, Christmas trees, a red truck and snowflakes. It wasn’t an idea, or a story, but it sure was pretty. Her first novel had been more of a family saga, but everything her muse was sending her way since she’d arrived was romantic and magical. Totally different from what she’d anticipated writing.

  She sat back. There were no rules. No expectations. She wasn’t under contract, so she could absolutely write whatever moved her. That freedom tempted her to at least consider a different kind of story this time. Romantic, even. The thought made her heart race a little.

  Her first impression of Evergreen was almost too good to be true. How had these people kept this town such a secret? Maybe that had to do with the Evergreen Historical Society she’d overheard Ezra mention yesterday.

  She connected to the WiFi and typed Evergreen Historical Society in the search bar.

  The next time she looked up, there was laughter coming from the living room, and the sky out the window had turned to dusk. She closed the top on her computer. Suddenly hungry, she got up to join the other guests for a cup of tea and a few hors d’oeuvres before calling it an early night. Only, time slipped away as she met and mingled with the other guests and was introduced to a few of the locals who’d dropped in. People hadn’t solely come from the north, like she had on the Evergreen Express. There were guests from Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas too. From all walks of life, from farmers to financial advisors, they all found common ground here at the inn. Conversation was easy, and she even learned about a club for people who wanted to travel across the country and stay in inns like this one.

  “I’m writing the names of those two places in my notebook right now,” Katie said to the other guest. “Those sound amazing.” Maybe she should consider nonfiction. She could see herself flitting from inn to inn across the country and comparing them to the nicest big-city hotels.

  When she finally called it a night and climbed into bed that night, she had so many ideas floating through her head she could barely sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Katie had finally fallen asleep while reading about the long line of Greens who’d been mayors of this town, the most recent being Ezra, whom she’d just met yesterday. It was an even bigger deal than she’d realized for someone new to step into that role, not just because she was the first woman. Good for Michelle.

  When she woke up, she realized she’d dreamt she was the mayor of Evergreen herself. That made her laugh. The last thing she wanted was to be mayor. And crazier than that was the thought of living in a small town like this one. Maybe the dream had been more of a call to action to settle on an idea for this book now, or else! Hopefully the day would hold something equally as exciting that screamed for a book of its own. She bounded out of bed, ready to explore.

  Intrigued by the amount of tradition here, she was eager to see what else she could learn about Evergreen. She quickly showered, got dressed and raced down the stairs toward the aroma of fresh coffee and bacon.

  Megan greeted her with a pot of coffee. This time she was wearing a cheerful apron with snowmen on each pocket. “I hope you got a good night’s rest.”

  “I did.” Katie sat down at the dining table with another couple. “I’d love some of that c
offee.” Katie turned the generous-sized mug in front of her upright.

  Megan filled it, saying, “This morning I’m serving a puffy apple omelet. I know you marked the pastry and fruit on your menu, but if you’ve changed your mind, I’ve got plenty.”

  The lady to her left placed her hand on top of Katie’s. “You’ve got to try it.” She raised her hands to the heavens. “Absolutely the best breakfast I’ve ever had. And I’m no spring chicken.”

  “How can I say no to that?”

  “I’ll be right back then. It’s really popular around here. Some people say it’s the reason they come back to stay here.” Megan gave her an appreciative nod and turned toward the kitchen.

  “Do I smell bacon?” Katie asked, hopeful.

  “Is it breakfast without it?”

  “I like the way you think.” Katie sipped her coffee.

  Megan came out with three plates lined up her arm. Without even a wiggle, she moved the plates from her arm to the table.

  Katie lifted her fork and dove right in. The puffy apple omelet was not only beautiful, with the red skin of the apples peeking out from the omelet, but it was tasty. “Is it rude for me to beg for this recipe?” she asked.

  “Not at all. I’m happy to share.”

  The woman seated across from Katie raised her hand. “Don’t you dare share that recipe with me, else he”—she thumbed toward her husband, who was already munching—“will expect me to make this. I prefer to come back and let you make it for us. What a treat. Plus, it gives my dear husband a way to give me something he knows I’ll love.”

  “Good plan.” Megan patted the man on the shoulder as she fussed with the empty cups and plates and then disappeared back into the kitchen.

  Katie and the couple shared pleasantries, and it was hard not to break out a pen and paper as the couple went on and on about their previous visits to Evergreen and all their favorite memories.

  “Well, we are off to the general store, and to the Christmas tree farm for a wreath-making class.” Her husband stood and held his wife’s chair for her to get up, then the two of them grabbed their coats and left.

  “Can I freshen up your coffee?” Megan asked.

  “No. Thank you, I think I’m ready to start my day too.” Katie handed Megan her plate. “I was wondering, is the library walking distance from here?”

  “It sure is. I have a map of the town. You can walk just about anywhere. The Christmas tree farms are all a little further out on the edge of town, but if you need a ride, just let me know. I’d be happy to give you a quick lift.”

  “I’m a city girl. I don’t mind a walk.”

  Megan pointed her in the right direction to the library and then showed her the path from town square back to the B&B on the map.

  It’d been a brief truck ride from Daisy’s Country Store to the B&B, but that shortcut made it practically in the backyard.

  With the map tucked into her back pocket, off Katie went, and it wasn’t long before she was strolling down Main Street. The decorations that had been a work in progress yesterday now filled the streets with the sounds and excitement of Christmas. Everyone she passed said good morning or waved from across the way, leaving her feeling more at home here than she did in her own apartment building.

  Two blocks up and one turn ahead, Katie recognized the building Megan had described as the library.

  She walked up the walkway to the green turn-of-the-century house with the blue-green trim. The covered porch stretched across the front of the house. Stars cut from old stamped due date cards hung from lengths of silver-and-gold cord from fresh garland from end-to-end. The idea of all the hands those well-loved books had passed through made her tingle.

  An Evergreen Historical Society marker consisting of a bronzed plaque was posted next to the door to show the significance of this building. Originally the home of Nan’s family, later it had been donated to the town as its first library.

  The porch had a gentle slope to the right, but comfy chairs lined the porch for comfortable reading, and she could picture herself in one of them with a copy of one of the old classics—preferably in hardcover.

  The invigorating scent from the pine garland that hung along the eaves seemed to clarify her mind, instantly giving her a lift, or maybe that was just the caffeine finally kicking in. Either way, she could barely contain her happiness today. She twisted the old brass knob on the door and let herself in the nine-window-paned door.

  Someone had done a wonderful job transforming the big three-story house into a tastefully decorated library. Just inside the door, a beautiful desk was stacked with books someone had just dropped off. The smell of old books teased her senses, drawing her further inside.

  Katie wandered past bookcases overflowing with titles, lined up by genre. Different niche books were set up on tabletops and dressers. Knitting and quilting books here. Architecture and design books over there. It was well appointed and well-stocked. Voices from the adjacent room caught her attention.

  Light shone through the large double windows. At least a dozen children sat on the floor, enthralled by the storyteller sitting on the stool in the middle of the room. His convincing character voices and appropriate inflection held the children’s attention. She used to love story hour at the library when she was a kid.

  She let herself fall into the story. When she noticed the narrator, she did a double take. The man wearing glasses was Ben, whom she’d met on the train. She hadn’t recognized him at first, but it was most definitely the same guy. She looked on, enjoying his authentic connection with the children and the way he imitated all the voices. He was very animated, emphasizing each part of the story. The kids hung from his every word. And she couldn’t take her eyes off him as he read on.

  “‘A Merry Christmas, Bob,’ said Ebenezer Scrooge with an earnestness that could not be mistaken as he clapped him on the back.’” Ben did a good Ebenezer. He then read in another voice, “‘And a merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow. Now Ebenezer Scrooge…’”

  A hand on her shoulder startled Katie. Her hand flew to her chest as she turned to see a tiny older woman smiling up at her. She wore a white blouse and a steel-blue sweater that matched her eyes, looking every bit the part of small-town librarian.

  “Story hour.” She spoke in a low whisper, and Katie leaned in. “Not my favorite Christmas story,” the woman continued. “But it’s a crowd-pleaser. Louisa May Alcott’s is better. Can I help you find anything in particular?”

  Embarrassed for being caught seemingly peeping at the handsome storyteller, Katie tore herself away from watching Ben. “Yes, actually. I’m looking for some local history.”

  “Oh, yes. Come here.” She led the way to the front room away from the story hour. “I’m Nan. I’m the librarian here. We have a whole section of Vermonters. From Rudy Vallee to Allison Bechdel. Robert Frost—”

  “Ben and Jerry,” Katie joked.

  Nan laughed politely. “Them too.”

  “What about Evergreen, specifically?”

  “Oh, well, we do have a lot of newspapers.” She opened the front of a glass case and handed Katie a pile of yellowed papers tied with a ribbon. “These are some of the most historically significant papers in Evergreen’s history containing information about the people who started this town. Look at that. So old and beautiful.”

  Katie took the delicate bundle into her hands. The size was small, so unlike the papers of today, and the paper brittle with age. She cradled them in her palms, afraid to damage them.

  “The local paper has never been digitized, but we’ve got everything on microfiche. You could go through those archives if you don’t find what you’re looking for.”

  “Okay.”

  “And then we have things like this.” Nan pulled a black top hat from the curio cabinet. It had to be at least fourteen inches tall, decorated with holly along the band,
and on top, a bright red cardinal rose from a snowy branch. “A hat from the very famous Evergreen Hat Factory.” She gently placed the hat upon her head and posed. “It was our first industry. Which changed, of course.” She lifted the hat as if a hundred memories flooded her mind. With a sigh she placed it back into the case.

  The thrill of story angles filled Katie’s head. “You know, I think there might be a good article here.”

  “You are a reporter.” The voice came from the doorway. Ben stood with his arms folded. Story hour had ended, and by the way the vein in his neck was pulsing, he didn’t look particularly pleased.

  “Oh, well, um—” She handed the papers back to Nan and went over to him. “It’s sort of hard to say.”

  He shook his head. “Except for on the train, you said you weren’t writing about Evergreen. So?”

  “Because on the train, I wasn’t.”

  His expression didn’t soften, and that big sigh he just let out could’ve blown out thirty candles in a heartbeat.

  Is he mad? Do I really need to defend myself on this? He’s got to be teasing. “But with all the Christmas goings-on, and this rumored time capsule—”

  “You should see our choir,” Nan said with excitement.

  Ben flashed Nan a bit of a glower, and proceeded slowly. “It’s just that these reporters, they show up in town and then they write these articles that make us all look like we’re—”

  “Here we go again.” Nan placed a hand on Katie’s arm. “My grandson is very protective of Evergreen. And I keep telling him, Evergreen is a town that takes pride in what it is.”

  Ben dropped his chin to his chest, shaking his head. Just as he took in a breath to speak, the front door flung open.

  A teenage boy rushed inside. “Hi, Ben! Hi, Mrs. Baxter!”

  “David. You’re early.”