“It just seemed more natural to have two hearts overlapping one another than the single itty-bitty one. Makes it much more romantic, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Agreed. Show me how you mixed it. The king must have the same creation for them to bond as a couple.”
“I was wondering where you came up with the magical heart idea?” Sandra asked.
“I received a similar ornament as a gift not so long ago,” Jolene said hoping to end that conversation before it started. No such luck.
“From a friend?”
“You will laugh if I tell you but she is a universal friend.”
“Oh, sounds intriguing. A universal figure looked down from her perch thought you needed an ornament?”
“Appears so,” Jolene said as she reached for the bowl of plaster mixture Sandra offered. “You are so much farther along than me. Guess I can’t chat and work nearly as well as you.”
“Well, dear, you work and let me tell you a bit of Heritage Inn’s recent history.” As they worked, Sandra told of her son and Angie, the owner of the resort, receiving the mystical envelope in the mail with the owl ornaments. She had Jolene staring at her with her mouth open by the time she finished the tale. Sandra nodded toward the unfinished crown. “Work dear. I am the one chatting, not you.” And then she proceeded to tell of the gift of the bulb she received that brought her peace from her past and gave her a new future with the owner of the Christmas store inside the bulb.
Jolene dropped onto the chair. “That’s incredible.”
“At this point in the conversation, most people label me as the resident woman with a few loose marbles rolling around upstairs. But they are not open to the magic and it makes me sad,” Sandra said.
“I don’t think you’re crazy but only because of the North Pole return address on the envelope I received. But I have a hard time believing that through the gift that brought me here, I will find my happily-ever-after,” Jolene said as she grabbed her project and got back to work.
“Don’t underestimate love, my dear, and the success of God’s right-hand workers in matters of the heart.”
The old-fashioned grandfather clock chimed. “Time is ticking, Sandra. Let’s focus on getting these crowns done.”
Jolene chanced a glance in Craig’s direction but could not see their creation as both heads bent low over the project. Her eye skimmed over her father and Barbie’s table where parts were scattered everywhere and the frustrated couple looked ready to give up. Crafts had never interested her father in the past and although he entered the contest to support his wife, she too looked just as lost. But back at her table, Jolene was encouraged. Both crowns were thirty minutes from completion and she was thrilled at the pending results she imagined fully in her mind.
The remainder of the allotted time flew by and when Travis blew the whistle to end the event, everyone dropped their tools and sighed heavily.
“Thank you all for participating. I want to assure you I have three unbiased judges lined up in the kitchen who have no idea who worked on which project. They are well acquainted with the history of the competition and its goals for the two graduating students who have proven themselves capable to reign in our community for the next thirty days. A coveted position in our town hall, I assure you. And one team here today will have the honor of providing the crowns. The winner will be announced in the dining hall at supper. And before you go, don’t forget about the Christmas tree event tonight. Heritage Inn cannot celebrate a month of jolly ho-ho-ho without decorations. You being the first guests of the month have the privilege of helping the staff to bring the Inn to life tonight at eight o’clock in the main sitting room.” He opened the door and waved his arm. “Have a good afternoon, folks.”
Jolene spent a few minutes assuring Barbie that her contribution wasn’t a total write-off but in the end the woman shrugged her shoulders. “Doesn’t really matter. I was not expecting to win, I just wanted to spend this time working on a project with my husband. He needs no help in his office work and it appears he will not be asking me to decorate our new home any time soon.” Everyone laughed and the newlyweds moved toward the door.
Jolene turned to Sandra. “Thank you for your help. I am satisfied with our efforts. May the best team win.”
“Which, of course will be ours,” came a voice from behind.
Jolene and Sandra spun around and, in the parting, displayed their masterpieces on the table to a shocked Selene. The woman gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
Accusing eyes turned on Craig who came up behind her. “You! Did you show her your heart?”
Craig stammered for an answer, but when he looked at the crowns his gaze slowly lifted toward Jolene. In his confusion he said, “why would I do that? Besides Jolene does not need anyone to feed her mind. She is imagination on two feet.”
“But it’s just like yours,” Selene pouted.
“It could have been yours, if you hadn’t thrown the ornament in my face.”
Jolene stepped closer. “You received an ornament, in the mail—a heart?” Her voice trembled and after hearing the stories from Sandra, her mind overflowed with questions.
“It came in both our names,” Selene said, ignorant of the magic associated with the gifts from the North Pole. “So that means you stole our idea.”
“No, it means she received a similar package,” interrupted Sandra. “Isn’t it amazing how magic is swirling around the Inn ready to fall on
