Christmas Family Style in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Bo by Hope Callaghan (summer reading list txt) 📕

Ding. Ding. A bell sounded, and Reese’s decorated trolley rounded the corner. She gave a friendly wave as the group gathered near the curb.

Jingle Bells played loudly over the speakers as a small group of riders exited, and then Carlita and her family boarded.

Reese was wearing an elf costume complete with a pointed green cap and a green jacket. She’d dyed the tips of her hair purple and painted the end of her nose bright red.

“Here’s a present from the elves at the North Pole.” Reese handed Gracie a small, paper bag dotted with blue snowflakes. A red and white striped candy cane poked out of the top. “Merry Christmas.”

Gracie’s eyes grew round as saucers as she stared at Reese the Elf. “You’re an elf?”

“I am.” Reese grinned. “Santa hires me every year to help him pass out presents to good little girls and boys.”

“I’m good,” Gracie said.

“That’s why you get a special gift bag.”

“Thank you.”

PJ solemnly reached for his gift bag, staring at Reese with his mouth wide open. “Merry Christmas, PJ.”

Gina, who was standing directly behind him, tapped his shoulder. “What do you say, PJ?”

“Thank you, Elf.”

“You’re welcome.”

Violet was next and the bravest by far. She got close to Reese and stared at her face. “You are a pretty elf, Reese.”

Carlita’s heart swelled with pride at the sweet little girl, who was the most thoughtful and sensitive of her grandchildren.

“Tell Santa thank you for sending you.”

“I will,” Reese’s voice grew soft. She handed the young child a bag and then gave her a gentle hug. “Thank you, Violet.”

Noel was last. The opposite of Violet, she boldly reached out and tugged on her jacket. “Is this real?” she demanded. “What is your name?”

“Reese the Elf,” Reese replied.

“I never saw an elf with purple hair.” Noel eyed Reese’s hair suspiciously.

Reese feigned surprise. “What? You’ve never seen an elf’s hair sprinkled with purple pixie dust?”

“Purple pixie dust?” Noel inched closer. “Can I touch it?”

“Sure.” Reese tilted her head as Noel tentatively touched the tip of Reese’s hair. The spray glitter rubbed off on her fingers, and she gazed at it in awe. “It is pixie dust.”

She lifted her small hand to show her grandmother. “Nonna, I have elf pixie dust on my hand.”

“You sure do,” Carlita solemnly nodded.

“This is for you.” Reese handed Noel the last bag. “Merry Christmas, Noel.”

“Merry Christmas.”

After the family was settled, Carlita took the empty seat directly behind her friend. “Thank you, Reese. Your outfit is fabulous.”

“This old thing,” Reese said modestly. “I’ve had it for years.” She lowered her voice. “The children love it.”

“Yes, they do, and the pixie dust in your hair is the perfect touch.”

During the trolley tour, Reese pointed out the Christmas decorations along the way. The City of Savannah had gone all out decorating for the holiday, and there was something new to look at around every turn.

They stopped at Oldsmar Square, where a large group had gathered. Santa Claus and a long line of children waiting to speak with him were near the tiered fountain.

Reese slowed the trolley. “Who wants to see Santa?”

“We saw him last night,” PJ said.

“Okay. Who wants hot cocoa and to make their own special Christmas cookies?”

“Me,” the children shouted in unison.

They stopped at the Savannah Visitor’s Center, where more “elves” were handing out treats to the children. Long tables were set up outside the small museum where the children lined up to frost cookies.

After finishing their cookies, Carlita’s family toured the museum while she hung out with Reese. She filled her in on what had happened, how Roxy had gone missing and that her body was discovered by another parade boat.

“Was it an accident?” Reese asked. “Did she fall overboard?”

“No. There was a trail of blood, and we found out she’d been stabbed. Unfortunately, the police will soon find out there’s a long list of suspects, including Mercedes.”

“No kidding. I think the woman managed to get under everyone’s skin, including mine.”

“Yours?” Carlita was surprised. She didn’t even know Reese had talked to Roxy.

“Yeah. She made a snide remark about my purple hair, and I gave it right back to her.”

“I’m not surprised,” Carlita sighed heavily.

After the tour ended, the family returned to the trolley for the trip back to Walton Square. During the ride, Reese turned up the radio, and they began singing Christmas songs.

For a few moments, Carlita forgot all about Roxy Ciccone. Today was a special day spent with family, making memories she hoped would last a lifetime. She hoped the children would remember the trolley ride, Reese the Elf and their grandmother long after she was gone.

All too soon, the trolley ride ended, and they were home. Carlita hung back, waiting for the others to get off. Tears welled up in her eyes when each of the children stopped to give Reese a hug and thank her for the bag of goodies.

Brittney followed behind and paused near the top step. “Thank you, Reese. You made our day. Children see the world through different eyes, where everything is magical and innocent. I hope you’ll still be doing the Christmas trolley tours when Vinnie is their age. I don’t want him to miss out on this.”

“I…”

Carlita could see her friend was getting choked up. “Thank you, Brittney. That means a lot.”

Vinnie, who was behind his wife, gave Reese’s shoulder a gentle tap. “You’re the best, Reese. I don’t care what my ma says about you.”

Carlita whacked her son in the arm. “Vincent Garlucci.”

“Aw. She knows I’m kidding.” Vinnie impulsively leaned down and planted a kiss on Reese’s cheek. “Thanks again.”

The rest of the family exited single file, each of them thanking Reese for the magical