She gave him a hopeful look. “I was checking to see when you think we’ll have Wi-Fi. I need to send some stuff to my agent for some media that’s covering Christmas Camp, and she’s waiting for it . . .”
Luke nodded. “Got it. So you need it now.”
“That would be ideal,” Riley said. “When you have a chance.”
“Okay, then let’s go.”
When Luke held out his hand, Riley took it. They shared a smile before Riley looked back at the lake and the one lone Christmas tree in the middle of it.
“I’ve been trying to figure out how all those lights are working on that one tree. Battery operated?” Riley asked. “But I’d think in this snowy cold weather batteries would just go dead.
Luke followed her gaze to the Christmas tree.
“Actually, that’s what I was doing—making sure all the tree’s lights stay on,” he said. “You’re right about the lights being run by batteries. Only, to make it work out here we use a special battery pack that’s insulted against the cold. But I still like to check it a couple times a day to make sure it’s working.”
“I know you said you keep them on twenty-four-seven, but you didn’t say why,” Riley said.
“Because it’s our Christmas Lake Christmas tree,” Luke said with pride. “Back during World War I, some families in town had sons fighting in the war, including my family, and when Christmas came around it was hard on everyone having their loved ones in harm’s way. So, one Christmas, on December first, a Sunday, the town pastor and my great-grandfather invited everyone to come down to the lake after the service. The pastor had put up a Christmas tree right in the middle of the lake, like we have it now. Of course, back then, they didn’t have battery-operated lights so he handed out candles. Everyone circled the tree and prayed for their loved ones who were serving in the military and for their families. The pastor said the light from the candles represented everyone keeping the soldiers in their hearts at Christmas and always.”
“That’s really beautiful,” Riley said. She was genuinely touched by the story.
“There’s more,” Luke said. “After that Sunday, some people asked my great-grandfather if they could continue coming down on their own, during the day and at night, with candles to honor and pray for the soldiers. That started a tradition here at Christmas Lake that continued during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and now Iraq and Afghanistan. Eventually, with technology, we were able to use battery-powered lights to make sure the Christmas tree is always lit up, day and night, starting December first until the new year, to honor our military service members and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. So in December these lights are always on, a reminder of how we’re holding them in our hearts always, especially this time of year, at Christmas.”
When Riley looked at the Christmas Lake Christmas tree again, she now saw more than just the tree with lights. She saw a symbol of love, hope, and faith.
“That’s an amazing story,” she said softly, almost to herself. She was trying to think about how she could possibly work something like that into her Christmas book.
“Are you ready to go?” Luke asked as he started heading for the lodge. Comet was already leading the way.
“Yeah,” Riley said. She was still thinking about the Christmas tree. “You know, first the Christmas Lake Angel and now the Christmas Lake Christmas tree . . . you have some really great stories here.”
“We do,” Luke agreed. “Christmas Lake is full of Christmas stories like this. I haven’t even told you about our famous Christmas Lake Ugly Sweater Pageant.”
Riley burst out laughing. “What? Now you’re giving me a hard time.”
Luke crisscrossed his hand over his heart. “Scout’s honor. The Ugly Sweater Pageant is a real thing.”
Riley narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you even a scout?”
Luke grinned. “It’s practically required when you grow up here. If you’re nice, I’ll even let you borrow one of my mom’s sweaters for the pageant.”
They shared a laugh. Then Riley gave him a thoughtful look. “You know, I bet the Christmas Campers would love to hear these stories. Maybe you could do a Christmas Lake tour and tell them about the angel and the special Christmas tree. We could even do a ceremony down by the lake with candles the way it was originally done.”
Luke nodded, looking impressed. “I think that’s a great idea. Let’s finalize the schedule when we get back to the lodge. I’ve filled in all the blanks, and I want to make sure you’re good with everything. Maryanne also wanted to meet with us about the menu she’s planning and what she’s looking to do for tomorrow’s welcome cocktail party.”
“Sounds great.” Riley grinned at him.
Luke arched his eyebrows.
“What?” she asked.
“I just thought you’d be harder to work with,” Luke said. “Mike said you had some very specific ideas on what kind of activities you’d want to do, but so far, you’ve let me plan everything. Honestly, I’m just surprised.”
Riley laughed. “I hope in a good way.”
Luke looked into her eyes when he smiled back at her. “In a very good way.”
Riley’s pulse quickened until she remembered that Luke probably had this same effect on the pretty realtor and even Maryanne. Clearly, he could be charming when he wanted to be. This made her even more determined to stay focused on why she’d come to Christmas Camp. She couldn’t afford to let anyone distract her. She was here to save her career. Period.
Chapter Twenty-Two
As soon as they got back to the lodge, Luke, as promised, set up the new Wi-Fi router, and the internet was back up and running.
Back in her room, Riley was sitting cross-legged on her Santa sleigh bed. She couldn’t wait to get back on her computer. But when she finally got online and found hundreds of
