Christian hadn’t given any indication that he would join us, yet I found myself hoping to catch a glimpse of him making his way out.The man was a puzzle, and puzzles were meant to be solved.
I shook my head, trying to focus on something else.The inn needed tidying, but my heart wasn’t in it.My grandmother’s absence weighed on me more than I cared to admit.She never missed the tree lighting; it was one of her favorite traditions.
The grandfather clock in the corner ticked steadily, its sound filling the silence left by the departing guests.My thoughts kept wandering back to Christian and my grandmother.One was a mystery, the other a comfort.Both seemed out of reach tonight.
With a sigh, I pushed away from the counter and walked down the hall toward my grandmother’s room.Maybe she had dozed off and lost track of time.
“Gran?”I called softly as I knocked on her door.
No answer.I opened the door gently and peeked inside.The room was empty, bed neatly made, her favorite shawl draped over the chair by the window.It wasn’t like her to be this late.
I headed back to the lobby, trying not to let worry creep in.The town square was just a short walk away; she might have gone ahead without telling me.
I slipped my gloves on and stepped outside into the crisp evening air.Snowflakes began to fall softly, adding a layer of magic to the night.The path to the town square was lit by lanterns, casting a warm glow on the snow-covered ground.
As I walked, my thoughts returned to Christian.Was he really going to stay cooped up in his room all night?The town’s curiosity about him mirrored my own; there was something about his guarded demeanor that drew me in.
Reaching the square, I saw families gathered around the enormous tree, laughter and chatter filling the air.Children ran around with rosy cheeks, their excitement palpable.
But still no sign of either Christian or Gran.
I mingled with familiar faces, exchanging holiday greetings and small talk while keeping an eye out for them both.
This year’s tree looked more beautiful than ever with its twinkling lights and carefully placed ornaments.A sense of pride swelled in me; our little town always did Christmas right.
I couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at my gut, so I decided to head back to the inn.The tree-lighting ceremony could wait; finding Gran was more important.The path seemed longer on the way back, each step weighed down by growing concern.
Snow crunched under my boots as I walked briskly, the festive sounds from the town square fading into the distance.
Pushing through the front door, I scanned the lobby again.No sign of Gran.My mind raced through possible places she might be.I started with the kitchen, hoping maybe she had been preparing one of her famous hot chocolates and lost track of time.
The kitchen was empty, save for the lingering scent of cinnamon and nutmeg from earlier preparations.Pots and pans sat neatly in their places, untouched since morning.I moved on, my heart rate picking up a notch.
The lobby remained quiet and still.No one had returned from the ceremony yet, leaving an eerie calm that made my footsteps sound louder than usual.I checked behind the front desk, peering into every nook and cranny.Nothing.
Next was the dining room.The tables were set for breakfast tomorrow morning, each place meticulously arranged.It was a habit Gran never broke; she always believed in being prepared well in advance… when she remembered.But I didn't want to think about that.There was no sign of her here either.
I felt a pang of frustration as I headed toward my office.It wasn’t a place she frequented often, but at this point, I needed to cover all bases.Pushing open the door, I scanned the small room quickly.
My desk sat cluttered with papers and invoices, a reminder of work still waiting for me.The chair in front of it remained empty, untouched.No Gran here either.
I stood in the doorway for a moment, trying to think of where else she might have gone.The housekeeper’s closet?Unlikely but worth checking next.
Each step echoed in the quiet inn as I made my way down the hall again.My mind raced through memories of past Christmases when Gran’s laughter filled every corner of this place.
Where could she be?
By the time I finished searching every nook and cranny of the inn, there were tears in my eyes.My breath hitched as I tried to hold back the flood of emotions.Worry twisted my stomach into knots, and my mind raced with a thousand awful scenarios.
“Ms.Bennett?”a familiar voice drawled, cutting through my spiraling thoughts.
I turned, and my eyes widened at the sight of Christian standing there with my grandmother.Relief washed over me, and I pulled Gran into a tight hug, feeling her frail frame against mine.
“I searched everywhere…” My voice trailed off as I looked over at Christian.
“He has no business being in your grandfather's room,” Gran said, her tone stern.“Your grandfather doesn't like surprises, and he'll be home soon.I wanted to prepare the room with a fire, just how he likes it.”
I gently placed my hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes.“Gran… Papa died,” I said softly.“Years ago.Complications from pneumonia, remember?”
