The Meaning in Mistletoe - Rachael Bloome Page 0,63
everyone at Hope Hideaway. And for Fern, she’d included a special edition of A Christmas Carol, complete with the most exquisite illustrations.
To Fern’s delight, Kat and Jack promised to visit the following weekend, and Kat couldn’t wait for the two of them to meet in person. Although Jack never revealed that he’d been the one to save the shelter, Kat knew the truth in her heart. And she loved him all the more for his quiet, selfless act of generosity.
They’d also made plans for Fern to visit Poppy Creek in the new year, and the mere thought of her two worlds melding together had stirred tears of joy.
Penny squeezed her hand, her own eyes glistening. “It really has been magical, hasn’t it?”
“And surreal. My whole life has changed. And to think, it all started with the search for Helena’s brooch.”
Releasing her grasp, Penny reached beneath her veil on the dressing table. With a wistful smile, she asked, “You mean this brooch?”
Kat sucked in a breath as the late afternoon sunlight filtered through the gossamer curtains, causing the imitation gems to sparkle. She’d almost forgotten how beautiful it was. “It’s so lovely, it’s hard to believe it isn’t real.”
“It’s real,” Penny said with a slight catch in her voice. “Just not in the way we expected.” She stepped forward, unclipping the pin on the back. “And I think Helena would be glad you found it.”
“We found it,” Kat corrected, her throat tightening.
“Without you, I wouldn’t have even known it was missing.” Misty-eyed, Penny secured the sprig of mistletoe to the front of Kat’s dress. “It belongs with you.”
Too overwhelmed to speak, Kat caressed the smooth stones, blinking back tears.
“You know, I used to wish Helena had never left us,” Penny admitted in a shaky whisper. “But then, I wouldn’t have you.” She traced a fingertip beneath her lashes, careful not to smudge her mascara. “It’s one of life’s many mysteries, isn’t it? How God can take something broken and make it beautiful.”
“You know what they call that?” Kat asked with a soft smile.
“What?”
“A miracle.”
Jack hopped out of his truck and straightened his plaid tie.
Normally, he didn’t believe weddings should be held on holidays because they interfered with family time. But in this case, Penny and Colt were his family. And as he strode toward the chapel at the top of the hill, he didn’t think they could have chosen a more perfect day or venue.
The tall steeple covered in snow glittered in the sunlight like a beacon announcing the celebration. And the fragrant evergreen wreath with a red satin bow popped against the backdrop of white. Simple and tasteful, just like he imagined his and Kat’s wedding would be one day.
The thought made him grin.
“You look pretty happy for a man without a date.”
Startled, Jack nearly slipped on a patch of ice.
Lucy stood by the front steps wearing a smirk.
“Luce? What are you doing here?” Jack wobbled, regaining his footing.
“Merry Christmas to you, too,” she laughed. “Kat invited me. She said you needed a plus-one since she’s in the bridal party.”
Jack smiled. Of course Kat had invited her, knowing how special it would be to have his sister visit on Christmas. He already knew she was the kindest, most loving woman alive, yet she continued to amaze him with her generous heart.
Refocusing on Lucy, he asked, “What about Mom’s shindig?”
She shrugged. “We’ve already done all the planning. She doesn’t need me there. Besides, I told her this was more important.”
He swallowed, too stunned to speak.
“You’re not going to turn me down, are you? I bought a new dress for the occasion.” She swished the hem of her burgundy gown, which was partially hidden by her wool cloak.
“Any excuse to go shopping, huh?” he teased, lightening the mood before his emotions turned him into a blubbering mess.
Offering his arm, he escorted his sister up the stone steps.
“You should have seen your face,” Lucy giggled. “For a second, I thought you might fall and break your neck.”
“So did I,” he chuckled.
“Well, you might want to grab the railing, because I have another surprise.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Kat told me about the inn.”
Jack paused at the top of the stairs. “She did?”
“Yep. And that’s not all.” Lucy’s grin widened. “She offered me a job.”
“A job?” Apparently, the shock had reduced his vocabulary to one-syllable words.
“She said the inn probably won’t be ready until the fall, but when it is, she’d like me to decorate it.”
Whenever Jack didn’t think he could possibly love Kat more, she proved him