Christmas in Angel Harbor - Jeannie Moon Page 0,48

to live with regret.

As he made his way into the auditorium, he passed Matt Hennings, who gave him a quick hug and thanked him again. Dan tried to brush off the thanks, but seeing how much the renovation meant to the kids, he was glad he’d made the gift.

It was one of those small things that made a big impact.

The crowd in the auditorium was growing, and he found the sense of community another reason to love Angel Harbor. It felt like the whole town had come out to see the high school production of A Christmas Carol. Whether the people were there to get in the holiday spirit or support someone they knew, the attendance was something to behold. This was what friends did for each other. They showed up.

He saw Jane leafing through the program, running her hand over the full-page ad for the bookstore. Dan stood for a moment, watching her; he started when she caught him staring. His heart actually skipped a beat.

“How was your tour?” she asked, moving her purse from the seat next to her so he could sit.

“Oh. Ah. Great! They’ve made a lot of changes since you were a theater rat.”

“They have. The kids and the teachers deserve this. So does the town.” Warmth seeped through him as she took his hand in hers. “You did an amazing thing.”

Her words, soft so only he could hear, sent a shockwave through him. Where did that come from? Did someone tell her? Dan had made it clear that the donation was to remain anonymous. He didn’t want accolades or anything named after him; he just wanted the money to go to the kids.

“I don’t know what you mean,” he said. That was stupid.

“Stop it.”

Jane nailed him with that all-knowing gaze, and he gave up the ruse. He couldn’t fool her. He never could. “How did you find out?”

She shrugged. “Just a feeling.” Her hand squeezed his. “I can’t wrap my head around it. It’s so incredibly generous.”

“It’s only money, Jane. The results of the investment are so much more important.”

“It was kind.”

“And the least I could do.”

She leaned into him, closing the space so their arms and shoulders touched. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but he could feel her gratitude, her respect, and her affection. Maybe there was even a little bit of forgiveness. It meant more to him than any award, or bestseller list. Her respect was all he craved. He hadn’t led an exemplary life, but with that simple gesture, Dan felt like he’d been given his second chance.

*

The show was so well done. Heartwarming and funny in spots, it had hit every note a holiday play should hit. During the curtain call the cast had the whole audience singing Christmas carols, and the after party at the diner was noisy and fun. The kids had developed such an incredible bond. He patted himself on the back for giving them a new playground where they could shine.

He’d meant what he’d said earlier—it was only money. The time and effort put in by the students and their teachers, and by their parents, was what needed to be celebrated.

The ride back to her house had been quiet, with Jane looking out the window, lost in her thoughts. He’d loved watching her at the diner, joking with the kids, and chatting with other adults. He wished he had her gift, the ability to read people even when they said almost nothing. She could make the most introverted person feel comfortable and welcome. Dan knew Jane was important to the town and all the people in it, but he was especially moved by Tara, whose pride in her mom spoke volumes.

Mother and daughter had shared an affectionate hug right after the curtain came down, and again when they were at the after party. The two of them, to use a cliché, were two sides of the same coin, with one exuding excitement at the future and the other sending out her understanding into the universe. Their vibe encircled the room, and Dan was lucky to be part of it.

“You’ll come to our house for Thanksgiving.” Her words, which were a statement, not a request, broke the thick silence in the car.

“I…uh…okay?”

Stopped at a light, he looked over and found her smiling sweetly. “Tara overheard you telling Matt Hennings your sister is going out of town to her in-laws. She…insists.”

He did tell him that, unaware that Tara had been in earshot. Those Fallon women. Always finding out