trying something new. That’s so exciting. I’ll read anything you write.”
“That’s good to know. I’m a little worried that not everyone will react like you do.”
“Some won’t like it, but you’ll reach other readers who haven’t read your thrillers. There’s no downside to it. You just have to give it your best.”
“You sound like a mom.”
“Three kids, all grown up. I consider the fact that they survived to adulthood a major accomplishment.”
Danny laughed. “I’m staying with my sister and her family while I’m in town. That is a huge accomplishment.”
“Damn right!” she exclaimed. “Well, it was awesome chatting, but I’m going inside before I freeze my buns off. Let me know if you need anything.” Tracy folded her arms across her body to ward off a stiff breeze that bit into them. “Ack, it’s cold. Lately it’s like I have no blood. But I mean it, just ask. Anything you need.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “Thanks, Tracy. I appreciate it.”
She smiled, and it was as welcoming as every day he’d spent in Angel Harbor. People were just nice here. It wasn’t perfect, not by any stretch—the town had its issues. There was some petty bickering going on between town officials. One of the longtime store owners didn’t like all the changes being implemented around the holidays, and he stopped into the bookstore almost daily to grumble at Jane. But overall, it was a peaceful place, and he’d acclimated far more easily than he thought he would.
He’d scribbled pages and pages of dialog over the past few days and now that he’d fleshed out a plan, he was ready to start building his early chapters. His process was convoluted, but for the first time in a while, Dan felt comfortable with it. Over the years he’d been tweaking and changing how he wrote based on his publisher’s needs, his editor’s advice, or his agent’s prodding. From plotting every little twist and turn, dictating, using different methods to build characters—he listened to all the outside voices, and each time his books got further away from who he was.
It was like he told Tara the night he found her agonizing over her story; it was about the passion the writer brought to the work. An author owed the reader his truth.
His new book was going to do just that, and he was more certain than ever that Jane was going to help him find his way there.
*
The bookstore always put up two Christmas trees. One in the main area of the store, near the café and one in the children’s room. The tree in the children’s room was traditionally decorated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when any child visiting the store was invited to make an ornament to hang on the tree. They served hot chocolate, cider, and cookies, and the space would be buzzing all day. It was one of her favorite days of the year, not because they sold a lot of books, but because the good will and holiday cheer permeated the shop. It all led up to the Harbor Lights festival that night. She was at her desk, ordering the supplies she would need for the ornament stations when a small knock made her look up. It was Tracy.
“Is everything okay?” Jane asked.
“Running like clockwork. I checked all the lights for the big tree—we’re good there—and I grabbed the outdoor lights while I was in the basement and brought them up. We can get going on that project as soon as your uncle and the guy you hired get here.”
Uncle Joe was going to put up the lights a week ago, but it had been too cold, so Jane finally hired a landscaper who was doing decorating during the off-season to do the actual light installation. Her uncle could supervise from the ground. “Thanks. I just ordered a gross of markers, stick-on stars, and glitter glue. The pinecones were ordered last week.”
“It’s going to be so much fun. I love watching the kids work. Will we have enough help?”
“Yes. The English Honor Society from the high school will be here. They’re doing shifts to help the kids who come in. They’re also doing a wrapping table. Free gift wrap on all in-store purchases, but people can donate what they want for the service.”
“Awesome. I think we’re ahead of schedule.”
“We’re getting there. Oh, can you help me set up the mailbox tomorrow? I expect we’ll be seeing some Santa letters very soon.” She knew there would be at least three coming