“And Mr. Thatcher worked off-off-Broadway for three years. We were so lucky to have him come to direct the Christmas pageant this year. But now, you won’t believe it, they are refusing to let them have real sheep on stage. They were going to be in a cute pen, and they promised to clean up, but no. Now Mr. Thatcher is threatening to cancel the whole production.”
“That is terrible. After the children have practiced. Why can’t they just have some of the kids wear woolly sheep outfits,” Sheila said.
Orene shot her a look. “Why? Because that ruins the authenticity.”
Sheila shrank back. She clearly did not understand the importance of this play to the community.
Thankfully, Sheila’s phone vibrated right then. She snatched her phone off the table. “It’s Doris. They are getting ready to take the family to the chapel house.”
Natalie called Paul to let him know. “Would you like to come with us to welcome them?” she asked, raising her hand in the air and crossing her fingers. “Wonderful. We’ll see you shortly.” She hung up with a pleased look. “I can’t believe how excited he is.”
“That’s wonderful,” Orene said. “He needs the joy of others around him. You’ve been so good for him. Now, Chestnut Ridge will do the rest.”
“It’s one of the best things about living here.”
Sheila didn’t have to worry about Natalie anymore. It was clear this place was bringing out the best in her.
“You belong here,” Orene said to Natalie. “You were born to be a part of this town.”
“I believe that.”
“You too, Sheila.”
Sheila laughed. “You’re sweet, but you know I’m a city girl.”
“That’s what they all say. At first.” Orene’s grin curled up at the edges.
“Are you coming with us?” Sheila asked her.
“No, thank you. I’m expected at the stadium to help with the final setup of the Christmas Tree Stroll. There’s so much to do before teams start checking in. Y’all have everything under control. I’ll pay the Jacobs a visit later in the week when they get settled in.”
“We’ll see you tonight at the stadium then. We’ve got to lock in our theme early.” Natalie gave Orene a wink. “I heard that from someone with years of experience.”
“Oh yes. Two trees with the same theme doesn’t work. They’llmake you go back and tweak it a little if it sounds too much like another, and trust me, there is a list of others who want to enter.”
“Why is that? I mean, it’s just bragging rights, isn’t it?”
“Pretty much,” said Orene with a shrug, “but there are some side benefits to winning, like your picture on the front page of the newspaper, free tickets to the Ruritan Club Valentine’s Day dinner, and seats at the county fair concert, to name just a few.”
“Natalie has been keeping the best part of this stroll from me. I might have to renegotiate. You know, Tuckerwastrying to woo me over to his team.”
“See what you’ve done now, Orene. I’ll never get her to concentrate on the project with her head full of possible stardom.”
“A girl can dream,” said Sheila.
“Are you coming with me or not?” Natalie teased.
“I’m coming, and I’m bringing my coffee.”
Orene swooshed them out the door. “Fine. Just bring back my cup.”
“Yes ma’am. You know where I’m living.” Sheila raced out the door. Staying with Orene was like being back in college, and she was the Sorority House Mom.
Sheila hopped into the passenger seat of Natalie’s truck. “I can’t wait to see it again this morning. I want to take some more pictures in the daylight before everyone gets there.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
Natalie drove over to Paul’s. “It’s going to take some getting used to, this gate being opened. My heart kind of jumps every time I see that it’s not closed.”
