“I know why you did.” Her father stepped over to her. “You did it to prove you can cope on your own, didn’t you?”
Dakota swallowed. “Yes, but you knew that’s why I moved here.” She glanced at her family in turn. “I know you all meant well but it was important to me and so is earning the respect of the town. That won’t happen if you go and buy my tree, Dad.”
“She’s right, honey.” Her mother spoke up, a wistful gleam in her eyes. “As much as it will have us all on tenderhooks, Dakota has the right to prove to us all that she is more than capable of running her own future.” She walked over and kissed her daughter, squeezed her hands. “I’ll do my best to control your father, but that hasn’t always worked so well in the past.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She stared at her elder sister. “That means you too. Do not bid on my tree or I’ll be very cross with you.”
“But I wanted it for the hotel. If I don’t bid on yours, that means I’ll have to make my own and I don’t have the time.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
Mari stood staring, waiting for Dakota to give in and tell her she could buy it but she refused.
“Right, this isn’t getting things moving. Let’s go down and see who’s arrived.” Mari brushed past them, held open the door to the flat and ushered them all out.
The large ballroom was a hive of activity with people milling around, chattering excitedly and trying to peek past the roped off Christmas tree section.
As soon as they descended the stairs, the questions started.
“When will we get to see the trees?”
“Who is doing the auction?”
“Can I get a sneak peek at the trees?”
Mari clapped her hands for attention. “Welcome to the Cherry Lake Christmas Tree Auction and Gala Ball. Just so everyone knows, here is a quick rundown on the evening.”
Dakota stood to one side with her parents and marveled at how well Mari had everything organized.
“We start with drinks and greetings. When our esteemed mayor arrives, she will have a few words to say before we display the trees. Dinner will commence at 8:30 with dancing to follow until 10:30 when the winner of the competition will be announced.” She paused as a cheer rolled round the room. “Then we will have the auction. Be warned, people of Cherry Lake. The trees are stunning and you will have to fight to own one.” Mari smiled and waited for a hush to descend on the room.
“Right now I want you all to enjoy yourselves and remember that this is for the Grange, for our children’s future and for the Cherry Lake community. Have a great time and make the most of what’s promising to be a fabulous night.”
Applause greeted the end of her speech. Her father moved to stand beside her. “You know, Mari, your talent is right here. Organizing people and events, that takes skill. I’m proud of you, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She blushed and reached for his hand. “I’m glad you and Noelene are here.”
“Me too.”
Noelene reached for her other hand. “Go and do what you have to and leave Noah to me and your father.”
Mari looked into her stepmother’s eyes and for a moment Dakota thought she saw a shimmer of tears. “Thanks.” Then she hurried away through the crowd toward the bar where she set about organizing staff and any little problems that might have cropped up.
“I’m so proud of how she’s coping. Taking on this hotel was a huge task for her, along with raising this young man.” Noelene dabbed at her eyes.
“You could always spend more time down here, you know.” Dakota surprised herself as the words popped out of her mouth but found she really did mean it. Now it felt like she had found her footing in Cherry Lake, she no longer feared the thought of her parents wrapping her in cotton wool. She could deal with whatever they threw at her.
Her father coughed and shared a glance with her mother. “We might just do that.”
“Can you, Grandad, really?” Noah clapped his hands. “It’d be cool if you stayed here often. Mom said you might if I asked you using my best manners.”
Dakota smiled at the shock on her parents’ faces. They’d been so worried for far too long that Mari would blame them for the way her childhood had turned out. She already knew the true story but it seemed like the parents worried for nothing.
“Um, you know what, Noah? I don’t see any good reason not to spend more time here. We’re retired, we can do what we like.” He tucked his arm around his grandson’s shoulders. “Let’s go and get a drink of punch. This calls for a celebration.”
Dakota scanned the crowd looking for Adam. “You guys go ahead. I have to say hello to a few people and give my tree one final check.”
“Don’t stress over it, Dakota. I’m sure it looks beautiful, besides the judges have already made their decision.” Her mom buzzed her cheek and followed her father and Noah.
“Oh my goodness. Look at you.” Dakota turned as Cory, Jake and Woodsie walked into the ballroom, dressed in their finery. “Our own Christmas angel.” Cory bumped fists with her and she accepted a hug from his grandfather. Jake stood watching her, a look in his eyes she couldn’t decipher.
“Thanks. It was Noah’s idea and I thought, why not?” She smiled with Jake, then looked over his shoulder when more people walked in.
“Adam back yet?” Jake looked concerned and she brushed it off, not willing to give into her deepest fears yet.
“No. He said he might be late depending on flights.” Dakota pushed down the anxiety clawing up her throat. “It’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
Jake took her arm, gave her a
