Page 6 of A Holly Jolly Mix Up (Sweet Christmas Kisses #12)

Jane

The vibrations coming from the bedside table cut into my sleep.

I roll over, searching for the source of the noise.

I squint and blow out a breath, trying to bring the world into focus around me.

It’s still pitch-black outside the window.

The vibration sounds off again, my phone dancing around on the nightstand.

I thought I turned it off yesterday, despite the service being restored. I wasn’t ready to hear from my mom or from work, or anyone for that matter. As I pull the phone close to my face, I see my mother’s name on the screen.

“Mom?” I ask as I put the device to my ear. “Why are you calling at four in the morning?”

“I’ve been trying to reach you for the last few days. You need to come here, today,” she demands.

“Mom, I’m nearly four hours from you, in Silver Valley, remember?” I tell her, coming more fully to consciousness from the dire tone of her voice. “Has something happened? Is Dad okay?”

My father’s been struggling with knee issues for the last few months. The doctors are thinking it may lead to a replacement. It has to be Dad, why else would she be calling?

“He’s great. Jane, Timeless Tales went up for sale. Regina says she’s willing to hold off if you’re interested, but she wants to have the deal done soon,” she says, as my heart hiccups in my chest.

Timeless Tales is this quaint, old bookstore in my hometown of Oakridge Hollow.

It sparked my love of reading as a child, and I visit anytime I go home.

The old building and tree fort in the children’s area hold a special place in my memories.

I’d long talked about my desire to leave the fast-paced life of journalism and no, not to become a dog whisperer.

Ideally, I’d love to move back to my small hometown to run Timeless Tales, and in passing, I mentioned it to Regina previously.

The thought of this opportunity landing in my lap at this very moment is exciting and nerve-wracking.

“Mom, I don’t know—” I start to question if this is really what I want.

“Sweetie, this is the chance we have all been hoping for,” she pleads with me over the line.

“You could trade all that travel for being back home with us for our golden years. Nonna would love having you here too. It’s something you’ve dreamed of for years now.

This could be the answer to all your deepest hopes and desires. ”

She whispers my exact thoughts aloud.

“Does Regina have other offers?”

“One from a big box book retailer that she fears would just shut down the store to eliminate competition,” my mother admits. “She’s giving us forty-eight hours until she gives in to the deal.”

Clarity dawns hard and fast. “I can be on the road within the hour. I’ll see you later this morning.”

“I love you. Drive safe,” she says, happier than mere moments before.

I am unsteady on my feet as I put them on the cold hardwood floor.

Timeless Tales has been that little whisper of hope in the back of my mind for years.

I can’t believe it’s even possible that I would own the hundred-plus-year-old staple in the middle of my hometown.

Just when I thought I had my five-year plan figured out, my whole life is pivoting.

No more future with Daniel and now, a potential career change and I’d move back home.

I quickly gather up everything and get dressed for my trip. I’m not excited about traveling the treacherous roads, but hopefully, an early start will mean less traffic. As I walk into the open area, I find my eyes going to the hallway leading to Andrew’s room.

Should I wake him? Will he miss me when I’m gone, or just be grateful for the respite from entertaining me for the rest of his weekend trip?

No, I should let him rest. Why would I get him up this early just for an awkward goodbye? What would I even say to him? It was amazing meeting you. I hope our paths cross again. See ya!

I wish I could say goodbye to Angus too, even though he cheated me from winning Scrabble.

My head is spinning as I take out a notepad from my travel bag. I’m a woman who prides herself on being decisive and resilient. This morning, I’m feeling the exact opposite of that—a bit emotional, not certain how to proceed, and conflicted in a way I can’t remember being in a very long time.

I should be able to leave a note, at least. I poise a pen over the paper to jot something quickly down.

Nothing.

My brain, which has never failed to string words into Pulitzer Prize-contending prose, can’t find a single sentence to say that doesn’t sound overly sappy and slightly deranged. I’ve known this man for three days; how can it be this hard to tell him goodbye ?

“Hello, Andrew,” I write, then immediately tear the page out. That sounds a bit too casual, maybe?

I start a second note, attempting humor. “Thank you for not kicking me out into the storm.”

That one gets crumpled as well, as it sounds too…something.

“If you’re ever in—” I tear that one up before I can even complete the sentence.

This is madness. We aren’t going to see each other again, and we don’t need to put off the inevitable.

I toss the notes in the trash and glance around.

My heart is heavy as I truly will miss Andrew and Angus.

This time has been a revelation of just how wonderful people can be to spend time with.

If things had been different maybe Andrew and I could even have forged something beyond a simple friendship and crush, at least on my end.

The last few days’ events flicker through my mind like a movie reel.

Ignoring the pain that hits my heart, I sling the bag onto my shoulder and slide gently through the entrance.

I’m sure he will be grateful for his final day to be filled with silence and hikes with Angus.

I know that while I miss him, he probably won’t think of me again—other than as a funny anecdote about one crazy weekend spent in a cabin with a crazy journalist who pepper sprayed him.

As for me, the next stage of my life is calling .

I make my way down the frosty path, leaving the sanctuary of the Silver Valley house.

My breath hangs in the chilly air as I look back one last time.

The warm glow from the cabin windows reflects off the layer of fresh snow, creating a soft halo of serenity.

The loneliness sets in immediately, but I shake it off and head toward my car, each step crunching underfoot.

I arrive back in Oakridge Hollow a few hours later, my mind swirling with thoughts of Andrew intermingled with my excitement for Timeless Tales. My mother is waiting at our old house, anxiously craning her neck to catch a glimpse of me through the window.

“Jane!” she exclaims as I walk through the door, and she wraps me in a hug.

I chuckle as I return her embrace, caught by surprise by her enthusiasm. Even my dad with his gimp knee makes it out of his armchair, coming over to envelop me in a bear hug.

“Hey, kiddo,” he says gruffly, ruffling my hair like I’m still that eight-year-old kid who used to sit on his lap and read stories from the Timeless Tales bookstore.

My throat tightens at the memory, and I push it away. “Hey, Dad,” I reply, peeling off my winter jacket and draping it over the coatrack .

“Janie!” Nonna’s face lights up as she sees me. She pats the chair next to her, and I rush over, dropping into it and hugging her tight. Her hair smells like lilac shampoo, and there is an underlying scent of baked apple pie lingering in the room.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, her voice quivering with emotion. “I want to hear all about your trip after we talk about Timeless Tales.”

The mention of the bookstore brings a flutter of excitement and nerves to my stomach. Despite everything, I can’t help but smile at the idea of running my childhood sanctuary. But then thoughts of Andrew pop into my mind, softening my smile.

“We’ve been beside ourselves with excitement since Regina called, kiddo,” Dad says, the corners of his eyes crinkling in delight.

“It’s what you’ve always wanted,” Nonna pipes in, her frail voice full of conviction.

“Regina wants someone who loves that place as much as she does,” my mother adds, her blue eyes twinkling with unshed tears. “And that’s you, Janie. She’s ready if you are.”

I can’t believe it. I’m really going to be the owner of Timeless Tales. It feels…surreal .

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This is the moment everything changes, and I can’t help but glance back at the path that led me here—a failed engagement, a detour in Silver Valley, and a serendipitous meeting with Andrew.

It’s all brought me to this very moment, where my dream is within arm’s reach. It’s time to move forward.

“Alright, then,” I say, my voice steady even with my heart pounding in my chest. “It’s time to start a new chapter.”

There’s a moment of silence that hangs in the air, then the room bursts into cheers. My mother is quick to pull me into her arms, tears welling in her eyes.

“Oh, Jane,” she whispers. “I’m so proud of you.”

I give her a watery smile as Dad claps me on the back, his grin broad.

Nonna just grips my hand tightly, her gaze warm and knowing. Her words are soft but hit me like a punch to the gut.

“Chase after your dreams, Janie,” she says. “And your heart will follow.”