Holiday in Holly Oaks

Chapter 1

The windows of Grace Church shined so bright, they cast large pockets of light into the main square of Holly Oaks. Tallie's boots clicked against the old stone ground as she crossed the square, pulling her coat tighter. The large wooden doors to the church were closed, but they couldn't stop the music and jolly voices from seeping out into the cold night air. The view the windows offered showed a large crowd had already gathered with children dashing around.

Tallie was almost to the wooden doors when a delicate white flake floated down in front of her. She looked up hopeful, but there were only a few flurries. The first snow of the year hadn't arrived yet and the anticipation was growing throughout the town.

It had been a white Christmas for the last eighty years, and everyone expected it to be the same this year. But with no hint of snow in the forecast only six days before Christmas, the town was preparing for the worst. She stood for a moment, watching the few, teasing flakes fall to the ground and instantly disappear. She took in a deep breath and smiled, snow or no snow, she loved Christmas time.

As she pushed opened the large wooden door to the church, the outdoor chill was replaced with the inviting warmth and sweet smell of the room. Christmas music danced through the air, barely audible above the warm ring of voices.

Tallie shrugged out of her coat as she looked around at the transformed room. When she had left it less than an hour ago, the large tables running along the wall had been empty and despite the cheery red table-clothes and poinsettias and holly, the room had felt staged. But now it was alive with people filling every space and the tables were covered with every type of cookie imaginable.

Tallie moved towards the coat rack but she was stopped when someone stepped into her path. "I'll take care of that," an older gentleman said, gently taking her coat from her hands. His smile was kind and his eyes sparkled like the lights on the main square. "You've done enough today. Enjoy yourself"

"Thanks, Ben," Tallie said, giving his arm an affectionate squeeze. As Ben moved away a middle-aged woman took his place.

"There you are Natalie," she said, her light brown hair a cloud around her round face. "We were wondering where you had disappeared to. You did a wonderful job." The woman was a part of a larger group and they pulled Tallie in to join them.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hollis," Tallie said.

"The room is beautiful darling," another member of the group said.

"We have always been so spoiled having your mama direct the church's annual Christmas Cookie Exchange, but I think you have even outdone her," Mrs. Hollis continued.

Tallie smiled graciously. "Don't let my mama hear you say that." She jokingly looked around to make sure her mother wasn't within earshot.

"Are they here tonight?" Mrs. Hollis asked.

Tallie's smiled dropped the slightest as she shook her head. "They couldn't make it tonight. But I promised to bring them home cookies."

The whole group collectively nodded in sympathy. "Well, you tell your parents they were missed tonight," Mrs. Hollis said.

"I will," Tallie assured her. "And speaking of bringing them cookies, I should get to the tables before all the good ones disappear." She turned to a woman across the way with long dark hair. "Where did you put your cookies, Mrs. Joseph? If I don't bring them home, I might as well not go home at all."

Everyone in the group laughed as Mrs. Joseph pointed towards the far table.

"Better be quick," Mrs. Hollis said. "Ann Joseph outdid herself this year and they are going quick."