Harlequin Special Edition December 2020--Box Set 1 of 2 by Brenda Harlen

Author:Brenda Harlen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

If ever Brynn needed a reminder that her life had turned out exactly how it was meant to, the holiday concert served that purpose.

Not only had she been surrounded by friends the moment she and Remi walked back into the throng of people, but Mara and Kaitlin had stayed at her side the entire night. They were like two sentry guards, ready to attack if anyone dared come forward to give her grief for wanting to take in the baby her late husband had fathered with one of his mistresses.

Tyler had bounced up to her before the start of the concert, seemingly unaware people might have a reason to frown on her decision to keep Remi. He’d proudly introduced his two best friends to his new sister.

To Brynn’s surprise, several parents she knew from the elementary school also approached to coo and fuss over the baby. Remi preened under the attention, offering charming baby smiles, then tucking her head against Brynn’s shoulder when she felt shy. By the time the music started with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” she felt far more relaxed than she had in a long time.

She purposely didn’t look around to make eye contact with anyone who might not approve of her decision. Instead, the knowledge that she had a core group of people to support her bolstered her confidence. In addition to Mara and Kaitlin, Parker and Finn stayed close. She could feel Nick behind her even though she didn’t turn around.

As the popular holiday songs and carols continued, she could sense the audience was totally enamored with the performance. Although the show was free, they were accepting donations to go toward a spring break trip for the honor choir. After three songs, Martin paused to introduce the soloists and give background on the choir, including a plug for donations.

Then Josh took the makeshift stage to thank everyone for coming and for the support of Dennison Mill. As Brynn had worked out with the business owners, he announced a calendar of daily discounts for the different shops and explained that the mill would be donating to various local charities as a thank-you to each group performing throughout the holiday season, including five-hundred dollars toward the choir’s spring break trip.

Brynn smiled as the students on stage cheered and the crowd applauded. This was exactly the reaction she’d wanted. Part of her plan to make the Dennison Mill project a success was positioning them as a community partner.

“I’d also like to give a special shout-out to the person whose tireless work has made all of this holiday hoopla possible.”

“Oh, no,” Brynn whispered, starting to take a step away.

“You can’t run away,” Nick said, his breath warm against her ear. He placed a steadying hand on her lower back. “You’ve earned this.”

Blood pounded in her head as Brynn listened to Josh’s praise. She knew she was doing a good job, or at least trying her best. But Brynn wasn’t used to being singled out in this manner.

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