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Savannah studied him intently. His surprise seemed genuine. Was it possible he wasn’t behind this? Or at least not all of it? Curious to find out for sure, she acquiesced to Hannah’s pleas and followed her into the living room.
“Big box first,” Hannah said, rushing over to it. “Okay?”
“Your call,” Savannah agreed.
The big box turned out to contain skis and ski boots. Hannah immediately had to try them on. “These are so totally awesome,” she said, then wailed, “but I don’t know how to ski.”
“Maybe Santa thought of that,” Trace suggested, his expression innocent.
Hannah’s expression brightened at once. She began ripping open her remaining presents in a frenzy,oohingandaahingover each toy, over a new ski jacket and finally over the certificate for ski lessons that came in a deceptively large box.
Though a part of Savannah wanted to protest the degree of excess, she couldn’t bring herself to spoil the moment.
“Your turn now, Mom,” Hannah said, bringing her a comparatively small box that seemed to weigh a ton.
“What on earth?” Savannah said when she tried to lift it. She began carefully removing the wrapping paper until Hannah impatiently ripped the rest away, then tugged at the tape on the box. Inside, nestled in packing chips and tissue paper, was a tool kit, painted a ladylike pink but filled with every conceivable practical tool she could ever possibly need.
Her gaze shot to Trace. How had he guessed that she would prefer a gift like this to something totally impractical?
“It’s perfect,” she said, her gaze locked with his.
“Santa must know you pretty well,” he agreed.
“Mom, there’s a huge box here for you, too,” Hannah said, shoving it across the floor.
This time she discovered a floor polisher, precisely the kind she would need if she was to keep the inn’s floors gleaming. For most women, an appliance on Christmas morning would have been cause for weeping, but Savannah’s heart swelled with gratitude.
“Wait, Mom. There’s something little tucked inside with a note,” Hannah said, her expression puzzled as she handed it to Savannah.
At the sight of the jewelry-size package, Savannah’s breath caught in her throat. Her gaze shot to Trace, but he looked as puzzled as Hannah had. Then she caught sight of the handwriting on the envelope. It was Aunt Mae’s.
Tears stung Savannah’s eyes as she opened the note.
My darling girl,
I hope you are happily settled in by now and that you will love your new home as much as I have over the years. I’ve done what I could to be sure you find joy here.
Here’s something else I hope will bring you happiness. It belonged to your great-great-grandmother.
With all my love to you and Hannah. I wish I could be there with you this morning, but please know that wherever I am, I will always be looking out for you.
Mae
Savannah sighed and blinked back tears. Finding Mae’s present tucked amid all the others made her question everything. She’d been so sure that Trace had sent them, but now? Recalling Santa’s resemblance to Nate made her wonder if Mae hadn’t been behind this whole magical morning.
“Aren’t you going to open it?” Hannah asked, leaning against her and regarding the box with evident fascination.
Savannah slipped off the wrapping paper, then lifted the lid of the velvet box. Inside, on a delicate gold chain, was an antique gold cross. The workmanship was exquisite. The gold seemed to glow with a soft light of its own. She could remember Mae wearing this cross every day of her life. She had always said it symbolized faith itself—so fragile yet enduring.
She opened the delicate clasp, slipped on the necklace, then fastened it. The gold felt warm against her skin, as if it still held some of Aunt Mae’s body heat. Once more, her eyes turned misty. She felt Trace take her hand and give it a squeeze.
“Merry Christmas,” he said quietly.
“Wait!” Hannah said. “There’s another box. It’s for you, Trace.”
Once more, he looked completely disconcerted. Hannah gave him the present. He handled it gingerly, studying the large, flat box with suspicion.
“What does it say on the tag?” Savannah asked, curious herself.
