Christmas With Carlie. Julianna Morris

the first to admit her brother wasn’t always the most sensitive guy and he liked having things his way.

      “I don’t cook, but that sounds wonderful,” she replied brightly. “And I’m sure there are restaurants in town.”

      “Yes. A hot breakfast is also delivered each morning from a local caterer. The food is freshly prepared, with a different central dish every day.”

      Nicole had stayed at bed-and-breakfast inns where breakfast was little more than Danish and coffee, so she’d wait and see what Poppy Gold actually provided. In the meantime, the tension in the polite conversation was uncomfortable.

      “I don’t want to take any more of your time,” she said. “But thank you for the information.”

      “Of course, Ms. Forrester. Have a safe trip. Happy holidays.”

      “Happy holidays to you, too.” She gratefully hung up the phone.

      Anyhow, her questions had been answered, so Nicole packed a supply of laundry soap. She turned around, looking for something else to do, and her gaze lit on the space in front of the window. She’d always put a Christmas tree there the day after Thanksgiving and now she thought the condo was lonely without it.

      Even knowing she was being silly, she took her tree out from the storage area under the stairs and assembled it, stringing lights and hanging ornaments. At least she could enjoy the cheerful lights and tinsel until she left.

      * * *

      THE BEST VANTAGE point for the official “lighting” of Poppy Gold was at the city square park. Carlie had noted the information on the activities sheet for everyone, though most of the regulars already knew. The townspeople of Glimmer Creek knew, as well, and were all welcome to participate.

      Of course, not everything was controlled by the master switches. The electric candles in the windows operated by sensors, so they’d turned on when the sun set. The same was true of the lights on the wreaths and assorted other decorations. But lights on the houses, trees and buses would go on when the switches were thrown.

      Between the singing and eating and general bonhomie, the park resembled a block party. People were tired and it had been a long day, but the payoff was at 6:00 p.m. when Poppy Gold would go “live” for Christmas.

      “Is it soon, Carlie?” asked Beth, hopping from one foot to the other in excitement. She looked bright and lively, probably because she and her sister had taken naps that afternoon. Luke had insisted over their protests, saying they needed rest to enjoy the evening events.

      Carlie checked her cell phone. “Twenty-five more minutes.

      “Did you know your new tutor taught me in first grade?” she asked Beth, hoping to distract her. While the girls were napping, Luke had interviewed Luisa Cabrera and hired her as their tutor.

      “Honest?”

      “Honest. Mrs. Cabrera was one of my favorite teachers.”

      From what Carlie could see of Beth’s expression, she seemed content with the comment, while Annie was harder to read. But they were obviously accustomed to employees in their lives. Their artless chatter throughout the day had included numerous references to their nanny and assorted other household staff.

      Erika Forrester hadn’t been mentioned, though that wasn’t necessarily strange since according to what Tessa had said, they were still having trouble dealing with their mother’s death. Carlie hadn’t lost a parent, but she’d come close when her dad was injured. She didn’t know how she would have handled losing him and she was much older than the twins.

      “Um, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said, her stomach rumbling. She walked over to one of the treat kiosks.

      “Hey, Sarah,” she said, seeing her cousin put out a fresh platter of cookies. “You look bushed.”

      Sarah chuckled. “That’s the catering business. Sixteen-hour days and never enough sleep.”

      “I’m glad it isn’t me—I’m devoted to sleep.” Carlie grabbed an empty cup and stuffed it full of apple wedges and cheese.

      “Hey, you’re still here, too,” Sarah pointed out. “And I’m guessing you haven’t eaten all day.”

      Carlie grinned. “I had a bagel this morning.” She crunched down a bite of apple, followed by a cheese cube. “Besides, my job is to help people have fun. What could be better than that? Today I was just too busy enjoying myself to eat.”

      “We can’t have you passing out from hunger or dehydration.” Sarah held out a cup of warm cider.

      Carlie glanced toward the Forresters as she drank thirstily. It wasn’t unusual for certain guests to gobble up a lot of time. Tessa liked the personal touch at Poppy Gold and had given her a staff, so if some guests were more demanding, the others weren’t neglected. Of course, they’d never had a guest stay for six weeks, either.

      But Luke had mentioned his sister would be arriving Monday, which meant Annie and Beth should be better occupied. It was just as well. The twins were sweet, but surely they needed family, not a stranger.

      After gulping the rest of her apple slices and cheese, Carlie circulated through the crowd of people, chatting and offering reminders about the living nativity that was starting in another forty-five minutes. But she quickly held up her hand when the reporter-photographer from the Glimmer Creek Gazette raised his camera.

      “Please, Perry, I don’t want to be in the newspaper. Surely you’d prefer a photo of Uncle Liam or Tessa.”

      “I didn’t say anything about putting it in the Gazette.” He winked and took a quick shot. “You were always my dream girl. If I can’t have you, at least I can put your picture under my pillow.”

      Carlie laughed. They’d gone to high school together and had even dated as juniors, but she’d never been his dream girl; Perry Fisher enjoyed playing the field too much. Still, he was a fun guy and a volunteer fireman with a reputation for going beyond the call.

      “Keep talking, Perry. You’re good for my ego.”

      “Does that mean you’ll finally go out with me? How many times have I asked since you came back to Glimmer Creek?”

      “I’m just so busy,” she said, wishing she hadn’t brought it up. “You know, with everything...”

      Perry’s face sobered. “I know. We miss Mike down at the fire department. How is he?”

      “About the same.” Her dad had been forced to resign as a volunteer firefighter after his accident. “Why don’t you take pictures of the carolers in their costumes for your article?” she suggested, eager to change the subject. “I’d also love a plug for the living nativity. Remember, every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas, six thirty to nine.”

      “Anything for you, sweetheart.”

      A few minutes later, she circled around to Annie and Beth and smiled at them. “We’re getting close.”

      “I don’t think they believe you,” Luke murmured.

      “When you’re six, minutes can seem like hours. By the way, I want to ask you something later.”

      He instantly looked suspicious. “I don’t do interviews and the girls are off-limits at all times.”

      Carlie blinked, confused. “What makes you think I’d want you to do an interview?”

      * * *

      LUKE WAS ANNOYED that he’d said the first thing to pop into his mind. “I’ve been watching that photographer, the one with the press badge, and saw you talking to him.”

      Carlie’s lips tightened. “I asked him to do extra promotion for the living nativity. It’s a new event and I want it to be a success. An interview was my last thought. For your information, Poppy Gold frequently has high-profile guests. We have an agreement with the Gazette