He scoffed. “Hardly.”

  “Lilly Wilson.”

  “No, stop. You don’t know her.”

  “Another lie.” She waved her index finger at him. “Come on, own up and tell me who she is.”

  “Stop it,” he snapped. “All right, if you insist on knowing, it was Kate Mulligan.”

  “Kate?” Now, that was a shock. Kate had been a friend of Hailey’s. Zach had adamantly disliked her. Because of his attitude, in the last year of college the two friends had grown apart. “When did you two get together?” Highly amused, she couldn’t keep the grin off her face.

  Zach’s mouth narrowed. “Why do you find this entertaining?” he demanded.

  “Seriously, Zach, you claimed Kate was a drama queen and completely self-absorbed.” Now that Hailey thought about it, they were a perfect match.

  “She is,” he huffed. “Nothing’s changed. After being with her I realized what a mistake I made when I called it off with you. I came here to make things right. That’s all I want.”

  “Zach, listen,” she said, growing serious now. “I’m sorry about you and Kate. It’s difficult to lose someone you assumed was your soulmate.” She should know. When they broke up, she hadn’t been herself for months.

  He lowered his eyes, bowed his head, and exhaled slowly. Clearly, Kate had deeply hurt him. Hailey didn’t need to read his body language to see that he was in a lot of emotional pain.

  Because she felt bad for him, her words were filled with warmth and kindness when she continued. “I’m sorry this happened to you. It hurts. But looking to recapture what we once shared is a lost cause.” She didn’t feel the need to say anything more.

  Zach released a long sigh and seemed to accept her decision. “You’ve found someone else,” he said. “Is it the guy who was in the video with you? I should have known from the way you looked at each other that there was something brewing between you two.” He released a slow breath. “Tell me about him.”

  Hailey shook her head. “We’ve only just begun seeing each other. There’s not much to tell.”

  “All right,” he said, although he sounded disappointed. It was as though if he had more information about Jay, he could figure out his competition in case the relationship fell through. He reached for his coffee and stared into it for a long moment, as if seeking how best to proceed now. “I’ve made a fool of myself, haven’t I?”

  “Not entirely. It was good for us to clear the air.”

  He snickered softly, as if he found it difficult to believe her. “I’ll leave in the morning to spend Christmas with my parents. Did you know Jazmine is married now and pregnant?” he told her, mentioning his sister.

  Hailey had always liked Zach’s younger sister. “You’ll make a wonderful uncle.”

  “I plan on it,” he said, grinning sheepishly.

  Arriving as he did, Hailey wondered if he’d found accommodations. “Do you have somewhere to stay for the night?”

  “Not yet. After I spoke to your mother, I headed out first thing and didn’t stop until I got here.”

  “There’s an extra bedroom upstairs if you don’t mind sleeping in what must have been the grandkids’ room.”

  “Bunk beds?”

  “You got it.” Grandma Stockton would be pleased to learn how well utilized the cabin had been over the holidays.

  He chuckled. “As they say, any port in a storm.”

  Hailey went upstairs with him and made sure he was comfortable before heading back to join her sister.

  Daisy waited for her. “You handled that a lot better than I would have,” she told Hailey.

  Her mother silently crept down the stairs. “Hailey,” she whispered, glancing behind her shoulder, as if afraid she was being heard. “I apologize. When I saw the video, I was excited, and then Zach phoned and before I could stop myself, I mentioned you were in Podunk. I had no idea he would head this way himself.”

  “It’s fine, Mom. I understand. Zach is leaving first thing in the morning.”

  Her mother nodded. “That’s for the best. I muddled in where I didn’t belong. Your father set me straight, and he’s right. I hope you can look past my interfering ways.”

  “Of course, Mom. All you wanted was for me to be happy.”

  “And supply her with grandchildren,” Daisy added.

  Their mother reddened with the truth. “Maybe one day one of you will give me grandchildren to spoil. No pressure, though.”

  Hailey and Daisy exchanged looks. No pregnancies were in either of their foreseeable futures.

  Julia shook her head. “I don’t understand young people these days. When I was your age, I was married and pregnant. I should be a grandmother several times over by now. But no, neither one of my daughters seems to care about having children.”

  “Sorry to be such a disappointment, Mom.” Hailey shared a smile with her sister.

  “Me, too,” Daisy added.

  With her hand on the railing, their mother paused halfway up the staircase. “A lot of women don’t bother getting married these days. Maybe one of you should consider becoming a baby mama.”

  Hailey and Daisy waited until their mother had disappeared before they turned to face each other.

  “A baby mama?” Daisy repeated, aghast.

  “I guess that tells you how desperate she is for grandchildren,” Hailey said.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Hailey slept like a baby, knowing that the situation between her and Zach had been resolved. She woke with the memory of the success of her song and a happy sensation washed over her. This had been her dream—to compose songs that would entertain and bless others. Catchy tunes that lifted spirits and offered hope.

  Jay had insinuated that this could be the start of something big for her. She hoped they would be working together at some point. That was her dream. The possibility meant more to her than all the social media hits. He hadn’t mentioned writing up a contract, and she understood why. He needed to know where he stood financially with the settlement before he could move forward with Cantor Music. He’d told her earlier that everything he had was invested in the start-up of his production company.

  By the time Hailey stumbled out of bed, Zach had left for Seattle. Like her, he wasn’t interested in any further good-byes. Everything that needed to be discussed had been said the night before.

  Walking into the kitchen to make her coffee, she found her mother sitting at the dining room table, leafing through the magazine Daisy had purchased earlier.

  “Zach left at the crack of dawn,” she said. “I guess he wanted to get an early start. He wished us all a merry Christmas and asked me to tell you he hopes your new relationship works out the way you deserve. He said he wants only the best for you.”

  “That was sweet of him.”

  “It’s best that he’s gone. It would have been an awkward Christmas with him here.”

  Hailey couldn’t agree more.

  “It’s going to be a good day,” Hailey’s father said as he sat down next to his wife, a coffee mug in hand. “ ’Tis the season of joy.”

  “Dad’s right,” Daisy said, looking to Hailey and rolling her eyes. “We’re all together and it’s Christmas. I feel like I did when Hailey and I were little, waiting impatiently for morning so we could open our presents.”

  Daisy was putting on a good front. Hailey knew that inside, her sister was depressed and miserable. She seemed determined to hide it from their parents, unwilling to put a damper on the holidays with her own problems.

  “Has anyone thought about breakfast?” her father asked. “I’m starving.”

  “It’s in the oven and will be ready in a few minutes,” Daisy said. She reached for a pair of oven mitts and opened the door to check her dish.

  “I’ll set the table,” Hailey offered. “What did you stir up for us this morning?”

  “Muffins,” Daisy said, as she withdrew them from the oven. “With fresh fruit and yogurt.”

  Hailey couldn’t remember eating this well in months. Her sister was a marvel in the kitchen and was quickly spoiling her. Hailey would find it hard to return to granola and protein bars once she got back to Portland.

  Everyone gathered around the table as Daisy brought in their meal. Hailey enjoyed the yogurt and fruit while the muffins cooled. Her first bite was like a taste of heaven. “These are fabulous.”

  “Morning glory muffins,” Daisy said. “They were some of…” She paused and swallowed hard, causing both of her parents to pause. “My favorites,” Daisy continued.

  Hailey knew her sister was thinking about Charles and reached under the table to squeeze Daisy’s knee, letting her know she understood and sympathized.

  After the meal, their father carted in several armloads of chopped wood and built up the fire, warming the house as their mother began clearing the table. “I’ll do the dishes. Remember what your father told you girls growing up. Those who cook shouldn’t have to wash the dishes.”

  “You cook, Mom. Does Dad clean the kitchen when you’re finished now that us girls are out of the house?”

  Their mother chuckled. “Hardly. He quickly forgot ever suggesting such a thing.”

  Hailey and Daisy finished clearing the table.

  “You remember Cord Kitchen, don’t you?” Julia said as Hailey set the dirty plates in the kitchen sink.

  “Sort of,” Hailey said, as her mother loaded the dishwasher.

  “I do,” Daisy piped in, subtly shaking her head to let Hailey know Cord Kitchen was a zero, not a hero. “Does he still live with his mother?”

  “Okay, maybe not Cord,” Julia said with an exasperated sigh. “Why do I get the feeling that you girls have no interest in marriage?”

  “You’re wrong. I would love a husband and family,” Hailey informed her mom. “The thing is, I’d prefer to find him on my own.”

  Her mother pretended not to hear. “I have several friends with single sons. A few are divorced, of course. Nevertheless, they would make wonderful husbands if you’d like an introduction.”

  “No, thanks,” Hailey said, wanting to set the record straight right away.

  “Sorry, Mom,” Daisy said, sharing a smile with Hailey.

  Their mother’s sigh revealed her disappointment. “All right. I guess I’ll have to leave you both to find your own husbands.”

  That was the best news Hailey had heard in a long time. Sitting around the house wondering what had happened with Jay made Hailey anxious to the point that she found it difficult to hold still. Nothing seemed to interest her for long. She worked on the jigsaw puzzle and wasn’t able to locate a single piece. Next, she attempted to read and couldn’t get past the first page of a book by her favorite author.

  Their mother put in a DVD to watch a Christmas movie and settled in front of the television. It was a film Hailey had always enjoyed, but even that didn’t hold her attention for more than a few minutes. She needed to know what had happened with Jay.

  Because she had no cell service, he couldn’t call to tell her, she reasoned. If he had any news, he would have connected with his mother, though.

  Finally, when she couldn’t stand it any longer, she decided to drive into town and talk to Thelma to see if she had heard from Jay. He had tried to hide how anxious he was about this meeting. Hailey hadn’t been fooled. Everything that was important to him hung in the balance. The need to know made it impossible for her to remain in the cabin any longer.

  “I’m heading into town,” Hailey announced, surprising her mother.

  Everyone looked up and froze, startled by the vehemence with which she spoke. Before her family could question this sudden desire to drive into Podunk, Hailey had her coat and purse and was out the door.

  On the drive into town, she fretted, eager for any news and hoping it had been good. She hoped Jay would be able to return soon. She wanted little more than to spend Christmas with him. How quickly he had become close to her heart. It felt as if she’d been waiting for him her entire life.

  When she arrived in town, she hardly remembered the drive. Luck was with her, and she was able to park in front of the Cantor Store. The first thing she did was turn on her phone to check for messages and texts, in case Jay had reached out earlier.

  Nothing. Disappointment swept through her like a flash flood. This waiting was hard; she could only imagine how his mother must feel, not knowing herself.

  Unless she already did.

  Hailey walked through the sliding glass doors and immediately looked toward the cash register. That was where she’d always found Thelma on previous visits.

  Only Thelma wasn’t there.

  A young woman strolled past wearing a Cantor apron. “Excuse me, do you know where Thelma is?” Hailey asked.

  “Not at the moment. Probably on Yukon Lane by now.”

  Hailey frowned. “I’m sorry?”

  “Thelma is out with a couple other business owners, delivering charity baskets.”

  “Oh. Do you know when she’ll be back?”

  The woman shook her head. “Maybe another hour or so. Do you want me to tell her you stopped by?”

  “No, it’s fine. I’ll go next door and order a cup of coffee, and if she isn’t back when I’m finished, I’ll try another time.”

  “Okay. Good to see you. I wanted you to know my kids love your Christmas song. They’ve played it on their tablets a dozen times.”

  Hailey smiled, enthused to know that her simple song had brought others a small bit of Christmas spirit.

  “Oh, and someone was by a few minutes ago, wanting to know if I knew where you were staying.”

  “They were looking for me?”

  She nodded and reached inside her pocket and withdrew a business card. “He gave me this, even when I said I wasn’t at liberty to give out that information. He looked rather anxious to talk to you.”

  Hailey was stumped. She had no idea who this person might be. The name was completely unfamiliar. Leaving the store, she glanced at the business card a second time and stopped cold in her tracks. Listed below Daniel Stamper’s name and phone number was his occupation.

  Music producer.

  With her hand trembling, she walked into Lucille’s Diner. Several booths were available. The breakfast rush was over, and it wasn’t yet time for lunch. She slid into the one closest to the window to keep an eye out for Thelma’s return. When the server wearing the nametag identifying her as Nancy arrived, Hailey asked for coffee.

  “We’ve still got one serving of the blueberry sour cream waffles, if you’re interested.”

  As tempting as it sounded, Hailey was still full from her breakfast. “No, thanks, just coffee.”

  Nancy left and then returned with the glass pot. She turned over the beige mug and filled it to the brim.

  “Thanks,” Hailey said, as she stared down into the dark liquid. Her mind whirled as she ran her finger over the business card. The producer had traveled all the way from Los Angeles to find her. She wasn’t sure if she should contact him.

  The door to the diner opened and a distinguished-looking man in a suit and overcoat sauntered inside. His gaze went to Nancy, who nodded in Hailey’s direction. Without a pause, he headed to where she sat.

  “Hailey Morgan?”

  “Yes?”

  He smiled, and without an invitation, slid into the booth across from her. “You’re a hard woman to find.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  He extended his hand and introduced himself. “Daniel Stamper. I’m here about your song.”

  “My song? The Christmas one?” That much should be obvious. Hailey was too stunned to think clearly.

  “You’ve created quite an internet sensation, young lady.”

  All this was new to Hailey. She’d only learned about the success of her song the day before.

  “My family is in Bend for the holidays. We escape the big city every year with the kids,” he said conversationally. “A little family getaway for some quality time together. My kids are getting close to college age, so I don’t imagine we’ll have many more of the mini-vacations.”

  Hailey sat silently, unsure if she was expected to say anything or not.

  “My older son, Tommy, well, he prefers to be called Tom these days, was the one who discovered your video. That kid has a phone in his hand like it’s glued there. For once I didn’t mind. When I watched you and saw how many views you’d gotten in such a short time, I knew I needed to reach out. Especially when you were relatively close. Never been to Podunk before, but I have to say it’s a friendly town. Folks were helpful. Met quite a few people when I was asking about you. I stopped off at the attorney’s office, and he said the best place to get any information was at the store on the corner. Never been in a grocery store quite like that—one-stop shopping. They give a whole new definition to the word department store.”

  Hailey smiled; she’d had much the same thought on her first visit.

  “So,” he said, leaning back. “Tell me about yourself, Hailey.”

  She blinked, still in something of a daze. A music producer had taken time away from his family to seek her out. “What would you like to know?”

  “How long have you been composing music?”

  She smiled. “All my life. It’s who I am.”

  “What have you sold?”

  She mentioned the few sales she’d accumulated over the years. It wasn’t anything to brag about. Her lack of any real success didn’t appear to faze him, though. He asked her about her profession and seemed pleased when she mentioned she was the assistant band director at the high school.

  “Are you currently working with anyone in regard to producing your songs?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Jay Cantor…from Cantor Music.”