It Really IS a Wonderful Life: The Snowflake Falls but Hearts in Love Keep a Home Warm All Year Long by Linda Wood Rondeau

organized. I drink mine black. Thanks.”
    Sherrie led the way upstairs to a loft made into two offices by interlocking room dividers and an archway. They stopped at a large nineteenth-century desk, which occupied the majority of space in the front cubicle. “This is your station. Mr. Sullivan’s is to your left. Unfortunately, everyone will have to traffic through your area to get to theirs. Mr. Sullivan’s assistant, Elton, uses the desk to your right. He’s off this morning.”
    “I … think there’s been a mistake—”
    “No, this is where Mr. Sullivan wants you. Look around and make yourself at home. Mr. Sullivan will be up shortly. I have to unlock the door.” Sherrie disappeared down the steps.
    Dorie took a quick glance around her cubicle. Now that she knew where she would be working, it would be nice to know what kind of work she’d been hired to do. Dorie strode behind the desk and ran her hand along the dusty shelving that obscured most of the wall. She patted the cushiony, upholstered desk chair.
    “Go ahead, try it out. I picked it up this morning at Harwood Office Supplies.”
    Dorie spun toward the voice, nearly losing her balance.
    “Sorry I startled you,” Jamey said. “These stairs are soundproof. If it’ll help, I’ll wear a cowbell.”
    She loved his humor. Working here should be a lot of fun, once she stopped being so nervous. “Thanks for the offer.” She caught her breath. “Mr. Sullivan, I think I might have misunderstood what job you had in mind for me.”
    “Mr. Sullivan? Why so formal?”
    Smirks annoyed her for the most part, but Jamey’s lopsided grin was endearing, like Josh when he explained what he had drawn on his sketch pad.
    “That’s what Sherrie called you—”
    “Don’t you remember … my maths teacher?” Jamey laughed. “Sherrie’s the only one who calls me Mr. Sullivan. So, what job were you expecting? I’d hate to disappoint you.”
    “Cashier.”
    “You’re overqualified; that’s why my father didn’t hire you before now.”
    “I’ve heard that a lot over the past several months. No one would give me a crack at anything else.”
    “I’m sorry for the confusion.” Jamey pulled up an upholstered side chair. “I’ll try to explain. Have a seat at your desk.”
    She allowed herself a couple of quick swivels before settling in to listen.
    “In a nutshell, we want to upgrade our computer system and our point of sale program to allow better tracking of accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank accounts, checking accounts, payroll, and assets. I know computers, but I don’t have the time to devote to complete reorganization. And Elton can barely manage a spreadsheet. That’s where you come in. We want you to be our information technologist, data analyst, or whatever you want to call yourself. Interested?”
    “Very much so.”
    “We have six operations, all in Midville. Two convenience marts and four discount stores.”
    “I didn’t know your family owned a conglomerate.”
    “I’d hardly call us a conglomerate. Pop thought he needed to expand. Not that we had to. We’re not exactly wealthy, but Bargains Galore provides a good living for us. Pop thought expanding would help the local economy by offering more jobs.”
    “That makes sense.” Dorie took another couple of quick swivels. If Jamey’s management style turned out to be as good as his selection of office furniture, this might be a nice place to work.
    “When Pop told your father about our future plans for Sullivan Enterprises, he suggested you for the job. Pop found out I knew you and asked me to offer you a position. Call it small-town politics, but people like my father prefer hiring someone they know or who are recommended by a friend. You have the skills, and you have a lot to offer.”
    “I appreciate your confidence. You should know, though, that I don’t have much retail experience.”
    Jamey turned on the computer. “That doesn’t matter. According to your