Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Later that night, Elle sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the clumsily wrapped gift West had given her, wondering what was inside. Their relationship had come a long way in the past month. Probably because West had come a long way since arriving in Chances Inlet. A happy smile twitched on her lips as she recalled the intense way he looked at Kitty while he was vowing to love and cherish her always.

As touching as the simple ceremony was, it was also a painful reminder of what Elle was leaving behind in Chances Inlet. A life with Hayden. Every day— and night —they were together, the idea of living separate lives seemed more and more daunting.

Not that he’d offered her any kind of life with him. It was hard for her to be miffed at Hayden for that, though. He, of all people, knew how important this opportunity at Vantage was for her. He loved her enough to let her go chase her dream. And she loved him even more for it.

Except that left their relationship up in the air. And Elle was beginning to feel edgy about things between them being so open-ended. They’d put off having “the talk” long enough.

Following the wedding ceremony, she’d suggested to him that they grab dinner to discuss their future. He’d cried off, however, saying he needed to finish his Christmas shopping. Adding insult to injury, she’d be alone in her bed tonight. Getting some uninterrupted sleep was a priority for him since he and Simone were pulling a twenty-four-hour shift beginning at noon tomorrow through Christmas morning. As the only two deputies without kids at home, they had drawn the short straw, so to speak.

Elle groaned in frustration. Two nights without Hayden would certainly be a test for the months to come. She looked over at the pile of clothes she still kept by her bed. During her first session with Kate’s friend, the therapist had reiterated exactly what her sister said when Elle told her about her idiosyncrasy. The therapist reaffirmed that Elle had chosen an excellent coping mechanism. That she had nothing to be ashamed of. Best of all, she told Elle that she would be more concerned about her if she didn’t have lingering stress after her ordeal.

Take that, Jeremy. I’m not a baby.

Her post-traumatic stress would ebb and flow over time, the therapist explained. Elle wasn’t necessarily worried about the nightmares tonight. She felt safe at the inn and in Chances Inlet. But she would still be lonely.

Hoping for a little distraction, she ripped at the wrapping paper to reveal the leather-bound journals belonging to West’s late wife.

“What the hell, West?”

The bundle was tied up with a red and green ribbon. An envelope was tucked beneath the stack, and she pulled it free. Her name was written on the front in West’s neat script.

She flipped through the pages of one of the journals. Keeley West’s lyrical handwriting flowed haphazardly over the pages. These were the innermost thoughts of a woman Elle had never met. Intimate writings that Elle didn’t feel comfortable reading. She slammed the journal shut.

Had the man gone crazy? Why would he give them to her? She tore open the envelope and unfolded the note within.

Elinor,

I’m sure you are asking yourself why I have given you these. Within the pages of these journals is the story of my late wife’s life. The words written there are more precious to me than my own breath. I loved Keeley dearly.

Also contained within these books are some hard truths. Truths about life and war and survival. Truths that need to be told.

I’m too close to this to do Keeley’s legacy the justice it deserves. I would only sully the dogmatic spirit of her stories with my pragmatism. And my bitterness at her loss.

It will take someone who writes like Keeley to pull a book like this off. Someone who leads with their heart. Who puts others first. Who writes with empathy.

That someone is you, Elinor. I believe that Keeley somehow worked her magic to get these journals to you. She knew you were the right person for the job even before I did.

Helen Keneally never really wanted my memoir. She only signed me because she covets these journals. As Keeley’s long-time editor, she’s probably worried about what will be revealed within their pages.

However, I am prepared to offer them to her on one condition: that she allow you complete editorial control over the book. My agent will stipulate such in the contract, as well as additional compensation beyond your salary at Vantage.

As you have no doubt discovered about your esteemed publisher, Helen does not play fair. By accepting my offer, you will be shielded from any manipulation she might try in the future. The contract will also guarantee that the promotion she promised you will be awarded to you immediately. It is long overdue.

I hope you will give this offer careful consideration. It will be life-changing. You will have your name on the masthead of the magazine as a lifestyles columnist as well as on the cover of a book as an editor. The possibilities beyond that are endless.

It’s time the world knows Elinor McAlister.

Merry Christmas,

Everett West

Elle wiped her tears with the sleeve of her pajamas. Her heart was racing. What West was proposing was an enormous challenge. One that she’d be a fool to turn down. And he was correct. The possibilities beyond this were endless. Her fingers were already twitching to begin writing.

The most rewarding gift you can give me is to accept this gift with humility. The only thing I need in return is for you to enjoy it.

“Oh, I’m going to enjoy it all right, West. And you’ve just given me the idea for a perfect gift for you in return.”

She’d return the fly-fishing vest after Christmas.

The Christmas Eve parade was more crowded than ever. It seemed everyone from the neighboring towns had descended on Chances Inlet this year. Not that Hayden could blame them. The weather was chamber of commerce perfect, and everyone seemed to be in a festive mood. Spectators were three deep along the parade route. Kids raced along the sidewalk carrying popcorn balls and candy canes the local bank was giving out.

Even his mother was feeling the holiday spirit. She’d invited him over for his favorite breakfast of French toast this morning. Apparently, all was forgiven about him not choosing Livi. He had a harder path to hoe regarding his decision to move to New York. Perhaps she wouldn’t take it as badly as he thought, though.

His aunt texted him last night, telling him not to worry about his mother any longer. Maybe Christmas miracles did come true. Across the street, his mom waved to him from the steps of Knotical. Hayden and Simone waved back.

“Check it out.” He elbowed Simone and pointed toward the television truck parked in front of the diner. “The media showed up.”

Simone shook her head. “They’re probably hoping for another spectacle like last year. Like it’s our shtick to have Santa find his long-lost dog every Christmas during our parade.”

“Who knows? Maybe his cat is missing this year.”

“You’re awfully perky today,” Simone grumbled.

“It’s Christmas Eve. What’s not to be perky about?”

“I take it you’ve finalized your plans?”

He’d spoken with Uncle Theo’s brother Cam this morning. Cam had agreed to allow Hayden to continue with his commissioned work while he was also creating pieces for his store. The profit share he was offering was decent. Living in New York would be tight, but Elle lived rent free in one of Gavin’s lofts, which meant a cost savings to start. Hayden didn’t feel right about that long-term, though. Once they got on their feet, they’d find another option.

“All systems are go,” he told Simone.

“Have you told the sheriff?”

“Not yet. I’ll tell him tomorrow. My mom and dad are going to my sister’s house in Lumberton tonight. I’m having Christmas dinner with the McAlisters.”

Simone snorted. “That’s fortuitous. You can delay the inevitable for a few more days. She’s not going to take it well.”

His palms began to sweat just thinking about that conversation. “My aunt insists my mom will be okay with it.”

“Ha! Your aunt is riding high with newlywed bliss, Hayden. I’m not sure I’d trust anything coming out of her mouth these days.”

“One step at a time. I need your help tonight, though.”

Simone shot him a side-eye. “I am not helping you down Elle McAlister’s chimney, Dirty Santa. No way. No how.”

“For crying out loud, Simone.” Hayden shook his head. “Could you be serious?”

“What am I saying? You’re Captain America. You don’t need my help,” she joked.

The high school marching band played “White Christmas” as they marched by. Hayden and Simone paused to let them pass before crossing the street.

“That’s the closest this town is going to get to a white Christmas,” she remarked with a laugh. She linked her arm through his as they walked toward the gazebo. “What’s the favor you need from me?”

“I’m taking my dinner break at midnight. I’m going to meet Elle here.” He gestured to the gazebo. “I want to tell her my plan. It’s her Christmas gift from me.”

“And you want me to stand guard in case she’s really grateful?” She held up her hands when he growled. “Kidding! You want me to keep the area clear in case someone else has the same romantic idea?”

“Exactly. Thank you.”

“Oh, don’t thank me yet. I didn’t agree not to listen in.”

A little boy lost his grip on his balloon. Simone raced ahead and snagged it for him. She turned toward Hayden and executed a perfect curtsy.

“Admit it. You’re going to miss all this fabulousness.” She waved her hand from her head to her toes. “They don’t make ’em like me in New York.”

He was going to miss her. “Thank goodness,” he quipped.

She nudged his shoulder. “I’m proud of you for listening to your heart. You and Elle are going to be so happy.”

Hayden hoped so.

“Hey, you two!” Tatum called from the bakery. “I have some eggnog cake here with your names on it.”

“Now I know you’ll miss that when you go. Because I love you, I’ll be sure to mail you some next Christmas,” Simone said as she strolled in the direction of the Queen of Hearts Bakery.

“How about you bring me some when you and Gabby visit?”

She smiled up at him. “It’s a deal.”

Elle was running on adrenaline. She’d been up most of the night formulating a plan. Now it was time to execute it. She schlepped the heavy box into the study. With the exception of Kitty and West, the inn’s guest suites were occupied by the McAlister family for Christmas Eve. It was a tradition Elle’s mom intended to continue until there was no more room at the inn. Given how they kept adding family members, she’d need to build a stable in the backyard to house some of them.

West appeared in the doorway. “You wanted a word?”

“I did. You didn’t think you could just gift me your wife’s journals and I wouldn’t have thoughts, did you?”

He laughed as he closed the door behind him and sat down in one of the chairs. “Gidget has thoughts?” He pressed his hand to his chest. “Say it isn’t so.”

“I need to know you are one hundred percent serious with this offer.”

West sobered up. “You should know by now that I’m serious about everything I do.”

Elle nodded. She nudged the box in his direction.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Your Christmas present.”

“I told you?—”

“I know what you said,” she interrupted. “Just open the box, West.”

He gave her a dirty look before he stood and pulled the top off. He stared at its contents for a long moment. “How—how?” He looked bewildered.

She took pity on him and lifted the old typewriter from its box. “It took a lot of hard bargaining with Garth. You might have to dedicate a few editions of your paper to him.” She put it down on the desk. “But I thought if you’re starting a newspaper, you need a mascot. And what better than the one that hung around the newsroom of Chances Inlet’s last newspaper?”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything. Just accept this gift with humility,” she told him, echoing his words to her.

He laughed again. “Thank you, Elinor. I will treasure this. And thank you for accepting my gift. I appreciate you taking on my wife’s story.”

“Yeah, about that . . .”

West’s smile faded.

“I have a counteroffer to propose.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”