A Seagrove Christmas (South Carolina Sunsets #6) - Rachel Hanna Page 0,37
like I remembered her.”
Julie had to giggle inside about that. There weren’t many men in the world who could handle her mother, so if this one loved her just how she was, he was good in her book.
* * *
“So explain to me again how this works? They just walk in a circle and then the music stops? Like musical chairs?” William asked.
“Kind of. Except when the music stops, we don’t kick that person out of the game. We draw a number from this hat and we call it out. Whoever is standing on that number gets to pick one cake as a prize.”
He nodded. “ And people enjoy this?”
Janine elbowed him. “Yes, they do. Don’t be a sourpuss.”
“I’m just really looking forward to the tree lighting later tonight.”
“Oh yeah? Why is that?”
“I don’t know. I guess it brings back memories from when I was a kid. I used to love watching them light the tree. Back in those days, we did it just after Thanksgiving, but I guess it’s okay that we do it at the Christmas festival now. When I was a kid, my dad would hoist me up on his shoulders so I could get the best view in town.”
“That’s a sweet memory.”
“It is. He always made holidays special. Not that my mom doesn’t. I guess I’m just missing my dad lately.”
“Your dad would be so proud of the man you’ve become, William. I have no doubt about that.”
“Thanks.”
“I guess I need to get a tree for the yoga studio soon. Maybe you could help me pick one out?”
“Of course. Now that the boat parade is behind us, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands,” he said with a laugh.
“Did you meet Mom’s boyfriend?” Julie asked as she walked up, frazzled as usual.
“I did. He’s the perfect Santa Claus! He seems like a really nice guy.”
“He basically told me that Mom is his dream woman. Can you imagine that?” Julie said, giggling.
“They say there’s a lid for every pot,” William said. The women looked at him. “What? My mom says that all the time.”
“Still, it’s funny to hear it come out of your mouth,” Janine said, laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Dixie asked as she walked up with Harry following closely behind her.
“Your son is turning into you,” Janine said, putting her arm around his waist.
Dixie reached up and pinched his cheek. “Good! I happen to think I’m wonderful!”
“And modest.” William said, rolling his eyes.
“So, how can we help?”
“Well, if you and Harry don’t mind doing a little organizing of the cakes over on the table, that would be great. And William and I are going to start putting the numbers on the ground,” Janine said.
Dixie did as she was told and started re-organizing the cakes and pies that were lining the long folding tables on the edge of the grassy area.
Janine looked around at all the families enjoying the festival so far. Things hadn’t even gotten into full swing yet, and they would certainly get more festive when the sun went down. It was good to see so many cheerful people, laughing and smiling, and children running all over the place.
Off in the distance, she could see Nick playing the part of Santa Claus, each little kid sitting on his lap and whispering in his ear what they wanted for Christmas. The photographer was steadily taking photos, and parents were happily paying to get their prints at the other end of the line. The money would go into the town coffers, probably to fix up some roads or buy school supplies.
The great thing about Seagrove was that everybody did their part. People were so nice here that it was sometimes hard to believe, and Janine had traveled all over the world. To find a place like this to call home was special, which was why she never planned to leave.
* * *
Meg stood there, going over the words in her mind. It wasn’t like she was going to be singing a solo or anything, but she certainly didn’t want to be the person to yell out the wrong word during any of her songs.
Christian, with his thick French accent, sounded like he should be a singer on the radio. She sounded like she should sing down in the sewers.
“We go on in just a few minutes,” Christian said as he walked over. The men and women would sing separately and then coming together for a couple of songs at the end. The school had donated a platform