Endless Love (Santa’s Secret Helpers #5) - Leeanna Morgan Page 0,37
to dance with me.”
“I’m not worried. Someone told me your dance teacher is amazing.”
Shelley stepped into her husband’s arms and smiled. “He’s also kind, thoughtful, handsome, and one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever met.”
“Wow. Brains and beauty. He’s definitely a keeper.”
“That’s why I married him.”
John pulled her close and sighed. “He’s a lucky man.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Shelley said softly as they moved across the dance floor. “I still can’t believe I met you in Sapphire Bay.”
“What’s wrong with Sapphire Bay?”
The smile in John’s voice made her grin. “Nothing, but it’s a small town. There are probably only thirty single men in the entire area and one of them is Mr. Jessop.” Shelley didn’t think the seventy-year-old gardener at The Welcome Center would mind her using him as an example.
“Despite that, we still found each other.”
“We did. It’s almost like a modern-day miracle.”
“Or a match made in heaven,” he said half-jokingly. “I love you, Shelley.”
“I love you, too.” As she held her husband close, Shelley couldn’t imagine waking up each morning without John beside her. He was the beginning, middle, and end of her life, and she loved him dearly.
After working in many big cities, she never imagined that living in a small town could bring her such joy. Everyone worked hard to make a better life for themselves and for their neighbors. It didn’t matter if you arrived in town with nothing or had a million dollars in your bank account. You were treated with respect and kindness, and with the unflinching knowledge that everyone deserved to live in a safe and caring community.
Shelley rested her head against John’s. Ten weeks after arriving in Sapphire Bay, she’d married the most amazing man in the world and she couldn’t be happier.
An hour later, while Shelley was dancing with Mila, Bailey tapped her on the shoulder. “Have you seen Mom?”
Shelley shook her head. “Not recently. The last time I saw her was when she was talking to Aunt Rosa. They were standing beside the chocolate fountain.”
“When was that?”
“About twenty minutes ago. Why?”
“Dad’s worried about her.”
Shelley frowned. “Is there something she hasn’t told us?”
“Mom’s been more tired than usual. She was supposed to go to the doctor to check her iron levels, but she canceled her appointment. She told Dad she was feeling better, but you know what she’s like. Mom hates going anywhere near a health clinic.”
Shelley looked around the dance floor. “Are you sure she isn’t here? Mom isn’t that tall. She could easily get lost in the crowd.”
“Dad and I couldn’t see her.”
The worry on her sister’s face was enough reason for Shelley to take her concern seriously. She knelt beside Mila. “Let’s find your dad. Bailey and I have to find our mom.”
“Can I come, too?”
Shelley looked up at Bailey.
“It’s okay with me,” Bailey said. “Mom’s probably talking with one of our cousins. It shouldn’t take too long to find her.”
Shelley held onto Mila’s hand and followed Bailey across the room. When they reached the foyer, Shelley looked around the cavernous space. “There aren’t that many places Mom could have gone. Apart from the kitchen and the bathrooms, there’s only this area, Daniella’s office, and a smaller activity room.”
Bailey pointed to another door. “And the storage area for coats and bags. I’ve already checked that and the bathrooms. Dad looked in the kitchen.”
“Let’s try the office.” Shelley was sure Daniella would have locked her office door before she left work, but it was worth a try.
The lights in the office were turned off, but Shelley tried opening the door, anyway. “It’s locked. Let’s look in the other event room.”
“I know where it is.” Mila ran ahead of them and stopped outside a smaller set of doors. “My friend Stacey had her birthday party here. It was so awesome. A giraffe came to visit us because giraffes are Stacey’s favorite animal in the whole world.”
Bailey grinned at her step-daughter. “That sounds like it was an amazing party. Hopefully, Grandma’s enjoying a little peace and quiet in this room.” She turned the door handle and frowned. “It’s locked, too.”
“Grandma could have gone outside,” Mila said. “Uncle Caleb said it’s a real pretty afternoon.”
“What was Caleb doing outside?” Bailey asked.
Mila lifted her hands to her mouth. “Oops. I wasn’t supposed to tell you where he went.”
Shelley started walking toward the front doors. She had a fairly good idea of what Caleb had been doing—and it involved John and Steven’s trucks and a tradition that was as old as time