A Snowed-in Christmas
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 7
Bethany and Karen arrived late at the bed-and-breakfast. Bethany’s spirits were high—she had thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Lighting and the festival. Karen, on the other hand, was deep in thought. She was still getting out of the car when someone suddenly rushed toward her. Arms wrapped around Karen before she could even see the person’s face.
“Karen! Oh, my word, you are a sight for sore eyes!” Molly Harding exclaimed, hugging her tightly. “When my niece told me you were back in town, I couldn’t believe it.”
“Molly Carter! You’re as beautiful as ever,” Karen said, taking a good look at her friend.
The two women hugged again.
“Listen to you, you sweet-talking liar! It’s Molly Harding now. I finally married John.”
“It’s about time! It broke my heart how your father kept the two of you apart.”
“Well, you knew my father. He always had to control everything. It was his way or the highway, and I chose the highway,” Molly said with a chuckle.
“But your love story had a happy ending. You married John.”
“Yes, I did. We live on his farm now. Can you believe it? I became a farm girl—and I love it!”
Both women giggled.
“Molly, this is my daughter, Bethany.”
Bethany extended her hand, but Molly pulled her into a hug, kissing her cheek. “So nice to meet you, Bethany.”
“Nice to meet you too, Molly.”
“Your mother and I were such good friends in high school. Oh, Karen, you bring back so many happy memories! So, how long have you been married?”
“I was married for twenty-six years, and I’ve been a widow for the last three.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss,” Molly said, reaching over to take Karen’s hands in hers.
“Thank you,” Karen replied softly.
“Mom, I’m going to freshen up and head to bed,” Bethany said with a yawn. “We’ve been traveling all day.”
“Of course, sweetie,” Karen smiled at her. “You must be exhausted.”
“I’ll let you two catch up. Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Molly,” Bethany said before walking away.
“Let’s go inside. It’s chilly out here.” Karen linked her arm with Molly’s, and they walked into the bed-and-breakfast.
“I’ll make some hot chocolate,” Molly said once both women were seated in the kitchen. “Did you see Bert?”
“Yes, I did,” Karen replied, trying to smile casually. “He made a great Santa. The kids loved him.”
“Everybody loves Bert,” Molly said, placing a steaming cup and a plate of decorated gingerbread cookies in front of Karen. Sitting down next to her, Molly asked, “You two were very much in love back then.”
“Oh, that’s ancient history,” Karen said, blushing.
Molly ignored her friend’s words and insisted, “Did you get a chance to talk with him?”
“Just a little. Bert was busy playing Santa. He was kinder than I expected,” Karen admitted. “I’m sure he found love after I left.”
“You’re wrong,” Molly said. “He’ll never admit it, but Bert’s been holding a candle for you all these years.”
Karen’s heart skipped a beat.
“That was almost thirty years ago. Are you saying he’s put his love life on hold because of me?”
Molly took a sip of her cup and said, “Yeah, pretty much.”
It was a guess, but it was a good one.
“Oh, my God! What have I done? No wonder he doesn’t want to go out with me.”
“Did you ask him out?” Molly asked, her mouth full of cookies.
“I certainly did,” Karen replied, taking a cookie and biting into it. “Just to catch up,” she quickly added.
“And what did he say?”
“He said maybe. I think he was just being polite. Bert didn’t seem all that interested in rekindling any kind of relationship with me.”
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