A Seagrove Christmas (South Carolina Sunsets #6) - Rachel Hanna Page 0,29

in a way that he doesn’t think we can do remotely.”

“But, I’ll miss you. I’m used to having both of my girls here in Seagrove.”

Colleen reached across the table and squeezed her mother’s hand. “I know. And we will miss this place too. Trust me, we’re not planning on staying in New York City for any longer than we have to. We will be right back in Seagrove as soon as possible.”

“Congratulations, you two. What an honor to be invited to do something like this, and I’m sure it’s going to be a financial success for you,” Dawson said, putting his arm around Julie as if he was trying to pull her into the same way of thinking.

“I hope you’re happy for us, Mom?” Colleen said.

Julie smiled. “I am extremely happy for both of you. And so proud. I’m sad for me, but thrilled for you. At least we can video chat every day!”

“Yes, technology is a wonderful thing,” Tucker said. “And don’t worry, Julie, I promise I’ll take good care of your daughter.”

Julie smiled at him. “I have no doubt about that, Tucker.”

Chapter Eight

One of the people that Julie was so happy that she had invited to the cookie party was Amy, the social worker who had first helped to set up the camp that led to them finding Dylan. She thought it was a perfect way to thank her and include her in their holiday festivities. Plus, Dylan was really excited to see her again.

“I’m so happy that you could come! I know everything is really busy around the holiday season,” Julie said, giving her a hug.

Amy smiled. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Dylan was always one of my favorites, and it’s been months since I’ve seen him. I know that he is doing so well with you guys, and he’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. Just look at that grin on his face!” She pointed across the room where Dylan was sitting at a table with Meg and Christian decorating his cookies. He had made the rounds already, going from table to table showing off his cookie decorating skills.

“I never thought I’d be a mother again at this age, but it has been delightful. He’s a handful, don’t get me wrong. One of the most energetic kids I think I’ve ever met, but he’s so smart and sweet and talented.”

“Of course, Julie isn’t just slightly biased,” Dawson said.

As they were speaking, Tina walked by, carrying another tray of plain cookies to one of the tables.

“Tina, come here. I’d like you to meet someone,” Julie said. For a moment, Tina looked a little hesitant, probably because she wasn’t very good at meeting new people. In fact, she was one of the shyest people that Julie had ever met.

“Hi,” Tina said, barely looking up at Amy.

Amy eyed her carefully. “Hi. I’m Amy, the social worker that put Dylan with Julie and Dawson. And you are?”

“Tina. I am just staying here during the holidays,” she said, stuttering over her words.

“You look so familiar. Have we met before?”

Tina shook her head no. “I don’t think so. I’m not really from around here. I was just coming to see some family.”

“Maybe I know your family. Who are you visiting?”

“Um… my cousins… You probably wouldn’t know them. They don’t actually live right here in Seagrove…”

Julie couldn’t understand why Tina seemed so incredibly uncomfortable. But she felt bad for putting her in that situation and wanted to do whatever she needed to get her out of it.

“Oh, Tina, can you go check with Lucy and see if she’ll make a new pot of coffee?”

Tina, seeming thrilled to get out of the situation, quickly disappeared back into the kitchen.

“She’s very shy. She didn’t really have anyone to spend the holidays with and I think she just made up a story about her family, honestly. She has a very sad history, but she doesn’t talk a lot about it.”

Amy stared at the kitchen door for a moment and then looked back at Julie. “It’s uncanny. She must look like somebody I know. But anyway, I’m glad you’re helping her at the holidays. Nobody should be alone at Christmas time.”

Julie thought the same thing. If at no other time of the year, people shouldn’t be alone at Christmas.

* * *

SuAnn sat across from Dixie, the few cookies she had decorated sitting in front of her. She knew she should work faster, especially since she worked in the bakery every day. This should’ve been exactly