The Christmas Rental

by Hendricks, Savannah

  “Hi, baby girl.” Lorelei reached in and wrapped her up in her arms. “Did you have a wonderful nap?”

  The room was the warmest in the house, thanks to the space heater. She felt blessed that Jodi had the foresight to lend it to her just in case there was another issue with the thermostat. Lorelei turned it off as she neared the window overlooking the front yard. The snow blew in the wind, and she could barely make out anything across the street.

  “Let’s hope Tyler and Don are safe,” she whispered to Mary Ann and kissed her head. “Cider is downstairs waiting to crawl around with you.”

  Mary Ann squealed and squeezed her hands together.

  Lorelei giggled. “Do you know the dog’s name?” She paused and looked into her daughter’s eyes. “Cider,” she repeated.

  As Mary Ann squealed again, Lorelei beamed with pride.

  Chapter 29

  Tyler couldn’t stop thinking about his embarrassing attempt at being casual upon leaving Lorelei. As he replayed it over in his mind, he cringed yet again. Why didn’t he give her a high five and call her dude while he was at it? Putting his truck into park, he took a deep breath and leaned over his steering wheel facing the Norths’ home.

  Thankfully, the snow had stopped during his drive into Booth, and therefore upon his return, the driveway was lined with residents’ vehicles for the reindeer decorating contest, including his parents’ SUV.

  Drumming his fingers on the dash along to the beat of “Run Rudolph Run,” he tumbled headlong, lost in thought about the doctor who’d stolen his heart without even trying. Being around her, sharing an apple cider—or even, dare he say, frozen pizza—sent joy racing through him. None of that mattered when the Parkers didn’t like him, and it was apparent in their distaste they showed earlier. Tyler shut off the truck, grabbed the new thermostat off the seat, and headed inside to join the festivities.

  “Son! Here, help me carry in some more firewood,” Richard called out, stepping out of the front door. “Did you find the thermostat?”

  “Hi, Dad, yes. How’s it going inside?” Tyler shoved the bag under his arm as Richard loaded his arms up with several logs.

  “Other than the visible tension between Lorelei and her parents, it’s great. I think we have everyone here for the contest, and now that you’re here, we can start. Your mom is chopping at the . . . décor.” Richard chuckled at his joke.

  “Good one, Dad.” Tyler headed inside with the bundle of wood.

  The scent of baked apples and sound joyful conversation welcomed him into the kitchen. Even though the house was without heat, warmth surrounded Tyler as he said his hellos and set the wood next to the fireplace. He spotted Lorelei pouring refreshments into Sharon’s and Jodi’s glasses. Cider had taken up residence at the base of Mary Ann’s high chair while Lorelei’s daughter sat wide-eyed, taking it all in.

  Nearing the kitchen island, he noticed five apple crisps lined up on cooling racks.

  “Oh yeah, I got in the rhythm while you were out. Helped the house warm up some,” Lorelei waved a half-full bottle of sparkling apple cider at him. “And kept me from losing my cool with my folks.”

  Tyler nodded, and she poured some into a glass. He accepted the glass and took a swig. “I’m guessing you haven’t put your foot down with them yet.”

  “This close”—she held up her fingers in a pincher grasp—“when Mary Ann woke up, but by the time I walked back downstairs, I lost my nerve like a balloon in the wind. Up, up, and away. Look at my father, the way he stands with his hands in his pockets.” Lorelei glanced over her shoulder. “He’s already on the defense.”

  Tyler pivoted toward the living room. Watching as Lorelei instructed, he did indeed notice what she mentioned.

  “Do you see how uninviting they look right now versus how welcoming everyone from town appears? How can they be so standoffish? Oakvale is magical. I felt it as soon as I arrived. Why can’t they understand I don’t want to be a big-hospital doctor? I want to be a small-town doctor.”

  “Then tell them that. Now, don’t wait another second.” Tyler elbowed her gently, and his fingers found hers resting at her side. She was clearly on a sugar rush, and she might as well take advantage of her blood sugar level.

  She squeezed his hand in return. “Thank you.”

  He felt her heartbeat pulsing in the palm of her hand. Just then, John glanced over at the kitchen, gave a nod, and headed straight toward them.

  “Tyler, were you able to locate a thermostat?” he inquired with one hand in his pocket, the other around his glass of red wine.

  “I did.” He turned to Lorelei and squeezed her hand. “I’m going to install it. It’ll give you two a minute, unless you need me here.”

  Lorelei released the grip on Tyler’s hand, letting him know he could go. At least, he figured that’s what it meant. But as he walked off, he glanced back to smile at Lorelei and noticed her forehead was creased, her lips drawn down. Maybe not. It was as though he took all her courage with him when he left.

  “Tyler, where are you going? We need to start the contest,” Arlene called out.

  He froze between the kitchen and living room. “Right, everyone, please, start without me. I need to get this thermostat installed first.”

  “It feels warm in here. Let it wait. Everyone! Collect your reindeer and supplies and find a spot,” Arlene stated. “Not any different than last year. Lorelei, once everyone is set, will you please start a timer for thirty minutes.”

  Lorelei nodded and moved to get her reindeer and supplies. Though Arlene may have halted Lorelei from facing her parents right this minute, Tyler hoped she kept her resolve and only postponed her conversation until he was back at her side.

  Sharon and Jodi occupied the living room with Uncle Steve while Arlene and Richard prepared in the kitchen. Kim and Diane set up between the living room and kitchen nearest to Mary Ann and Cider. Sandy, Ted, and Garrison were arranged near the French doors to the back patio. That left Lorelei, her parents, and himself to organize a work space in the library off the foyer.

  “My parents will share a reindeer. I hope that’s not against the rules?” Lorelei questioned.

  “Of course not; we’re happy to have them join in on a Oakvale tradition any way they wish.” Tyler smiled and opened his box of décor items.

  “This seems rather childish.” Joanne approached the reindeer as though it were real. “But we always try to be supportive of Lorelei and her . . . things. Lor, I hope you’re grateful to Tyler for going out in that storm to get you a new thermostat. Small-town life is not for everyone. Imagine, what would you have done if you didn’t know him?”

  “On your mark!” Arlene called from the kitchen. “Get set! Reindeer decorate!”

  “But, Mom, Tyler was here. And so was Don and anyone else I might have needed.” Lorelei removed the strand of classic Christmas lights from her box and started to thread them into the deer’s twig structure.

  “Your mom is right, Lorelei, but it’s not the time or place to discuss this. We’re in front of guests.” John stared at the reindeer. “Our apologies, Tyler. We already stepped out of line earlier.”

  “Nothing to apologize for, but if I may, Oakvale is not just a small town. It’s a community.” Tyler glanced at Lorelei, who focused on her reindeer.

  He arranged red felt on the top of his reindeer. “Now, John and Joanne, if you want a chance to win the competition, you’d better start decorating.”

  Lorelei’s parents glanced at each other and started to dig through their box. She’d let Tyler know yesterday she’d taken her mom to Kim and Diane’s while her dad puttered around Don’s Conveniences to pick up some décor for the reindeer in preparation.

  The Parkers removed spools of evergreen and cranberry ribbons from their box and began weaving it through the gaps in the reindeer’s twigs.

  “I know you’re completely against me raising Mary Ann outside of Minneapolis, but I love it here.” Lorelei peeked over at Tyler, and he nodded his he
ad with a smile. “And I want to raise my daughter in Oakvale. I have no desire to climb the corporate ladder at the hospital and be the Dean of Medicine. Dad, that’s your dream for me; my dream is to be a small-town doctor, and I hope to find a way to do so here. You’re more than welcome to come and visit anytime you wish. I’m sorry if you disagree with my decision, but I’m doing what’s best for Mary Ann and me.”

  Laughter and conversation filtered into the front room from the back of the house. Tyler watched as Lorelei took a deep breath but remained focused on her reindeer.

  “I’m confused.” Joanne tilted her head up as her fingers paused on the ribbon. “It sounds like you’re giving up on the best career you can have and throwing it away.” She laughed in a humorless sort of way.

  “I’m not throwing any career away. I’m doing what’s best. For me,” Lorelei stated.

  “Lor,” John glanced over at his daughter. “We supported your decision to be a single mother, but this has gone too far.”

  “On both levels,” Joanne added. “Oakvale is too far from us, and you’re not thinking clearly. The holiday spirit has put you in an unrealistic snow-globe perception of life.”

  “No, Mom.” Lorelei stopped threading the lights. “It’s more than Christmas. I’ve kept silent—for years—to please you, but now I have to consider Mary Ann. Don’t you remember my favorite times of childhood were spending time in Wyoming with—”

  “If you’re set on working as a family practice doctor, then open an office in Minneapolis,” John interjected.

  “How exactly will that work, Dad?” Lorelei threw her hand up.

  “We’ll talk to some business owners. See who is looking to sell.” John’s voice was sturdy as a tree trunk, confident.

  “How does that make it a small town? How could I raise Mary Ann in a small town if my office is in the city?” Lorelei continued. “This is more than a building. It’s about knowing the patients.”

  “Weekend home, Lor,” Joanne stated. “You can come out here on the weekend.”

  “Let's not forget Chris is already the town's doctor, Lor.” John stood up from the reindeer, his hands back in his pockets. “I agree with your mom, though. How about we take as many trips out to any small towns you wish, even back here to Oakvale?”

  “Dad, you’re not listening to me.” Lorelei’s body slumped, her hands rested over the back of her decorated reindeer. “It’s not about vacation breaks. It’s about everyday life. I’m going to live my dream. I’m leaving Minneapolis and my job.”

  Tyler moved to Lorelei and placed his hand on her back, and she instantly straightened up.

  “We can discuss this after everyone goes home.” Joanne threaded another ribbon around the reindeer’s front leg. “You’re only a temporary doctor here.”

  Lorelei turned and gazed at Tyler, he beamed, his hand still on her back. I’m so proud of you, he tried to telepathically communicate. He couldn’t wait to tell her aloud once they were alone.

  “I’ll speaking with Uncle Chris as soon as I can reach him. There is nothing more to discuss.” Lorelei focused on a small, delicate wreath and placed it around the reindeer’s neck. “I don’t have all the answers, but I have one: I’m leaving Minneapolis.”

  Tyler’s hand pulled away from Lorelei’s back, and he returned to his reindeer. His mind raced as he added the black belt and golden buckle. Not only was he joyful for Lorelei’s assertion of independence, but for Mary Ann’s prospective childhood, she’d be able to grow up where everyone knew her name. And he needed to step up to bat and follow through on his part of their pinky promise.

  Chapter 30

  Uncle Steve grinned wide enough that Lorelei could see his missing molar. “This year’s contest, by far, is the greatest to date.”

  Everyone gathered in the kitchen, their reindeers decorated and placed in front of them.

  “We know you already made your decision,” Arlene stated, giving him a wink.

  “Not so fast, missy. You have a great reindeer but were met with stiff competition this year.”

  “From me!” Richard boasted.

  Arlene raised her eyebrow at her husband and pulled him in for a hug.

  As Lorelei glanced around, everyone wore smiles. Even her parents sported half smiles, though their hands were shoved into their pockets.

  “This year’s winner, who gets a gift certificate for dinner at my fabulous restaurant—dessert included—is . . . the reindeer who took a page from a Norman Rockwell painting, Lorelei.”

  She did a little hop and clapped her hands in excitement. For a few seconds, every worry about what had transpired during the decorating contest disappeared from her mind.

  “Thank you, Uncle Steve.” Lorelei hugged him and pretended to hold a microphone in her hand. “I’d like to thank Kim and Diane for allowing me to shop their wonderful store for inspiration. I want to thank my daughter for her determination to sleep through the night so I had ample rest. And most importantly, I’d like to thank the residents of Oakvale, for without you, I would have been relaxing and watching a movie in my pajamas right now.” Laughter erupted, and Lorelei bowed as everyone clapped. “Now please, have some apple crisp.”

  The crowd headed for the crisp as though there was only one piece instead of five casserole-sized dishes. Mary Ann, still in her high chair, smacked her board book on the tray before shoving the corner of it into her mouth. Arlene’s hand touched Lorelei’s elbow, and she turned toward her.

  “Why don’t you and Tyler go grab some ice cream in town? Let us watch Mary Ann for you. I’m sure you could use the break.” Arlene eyed the Parkers, who appeared to be having a private conversation in the corner of the kitchen.

  “Ice cream? It’s winter.” Lorelei’s forehead wrinkled.

  “Tyler loves to eat ice cream, especially in the winter. Even as a child. He would sit all bundled up, so all I could see were his eyes, nose, and mouth as he licked away at his chocolate ice cream cone.” Arlene observed her son and smiled. “I know you told your parents. We could hear bits and pieces.” She pulled Lorelei in for a quick hug. “Richard and I would love you and Mary Ann to become residents.”

  “Thank you, Arlene.” Lorelei sighed. “I needed to hear that.”

  Arlene rubbed Lorelei’s back and said, “It’s not easy for any parent to hear a truth that they disagree with. Give your folks time. They do want the best for you, even if it’s hard for them to accept in the moment.”

  Richard approached with a heaping slice of apple crisp. “Is my wife giving you a hard time? She has never been beat before.”

  Lorelei’s mouth made the shape of an O. “Hopefully, me knocking the champion off her throne doesn’t make me an enemy.”

  “Now you must stay so I can beat you next Christmas.” Arlene winked, and Lorelei saw where Tyler got his charm. “I offered to watch Mary Ann so Tyler and Lorelei can take a break, head into town.”

  As if hearing his name, Tyler approached. “It’s a tradition to go get ice cream afterward.”

  “I don’t want to encroach on a family tradition.” Lorelei raised her hands slightly.

  “It’s not encroaching if I invite you as part of a new tradition.” Tyler ran his hand through his hair. “Besides, parents always spoil the fun.”

  She couldn’t help but giggle. As Tyler reached for her hand, she nearly choked on her laughter. Lorelei needed the warmth of his fingers wrapped around hers. This afternoon had been fun, stressful, and a weight off her shoulders all at once.

  After everyone finished their apple crisp and collected a piece to take home, the house emptied steadily until only Tyler and Cider, Richard and Arlene, and the Parkers remained. Lorelei prepared a bottle for her daughter as Tyler gathered their coats and clipped Cider’s leash on.

  “I’ll install the new thermostat while you’re gone.” Richard waved the box.

  “I already completely forgot. Thanks, Dad.”

  Between the guests, the oven, and the fireplace, the house did
n’t feel as chilly as it had in the morning.

  “We’ll talk when you get back,” John stated with an arm around his wife.

  Exhausted from the thought, Lorelei stepped out into the crisp air and closed her eyes. She thought about Oakvale being home and smiled as the chill touched her cheeks.

  “Come on, Thinking Beauty, let’s get some ice cream.” Tyler directed her toward his truck.

  Lorelei didn’t say a word the entire drive into town until they were at the counter of the ice cream parlor putting in their order.

  “I’ll take peppermint chip on a sugar cone, please.” Lorelei licked the edge of her lip.

  “Chocolate for me and vanilla in a cup for Cider.” Tyler pointed toward his dog lying on a rug in the corner of the tiny pink-themed ice cream shop.

  With cones in hand, they sat as Tyler set the cup of ice cream on the floor for Cider.

  “I’m surprised more of the town didn’t show up for the reindeer decorating contest.” Lorelei took her first lick.

  The pink peppermint matched perfectly with the 1970s Christmas tinsel spread about the store. Cider managed to chomp at her ice cream in grand delight as the shop played Frank Sinatra’s “White Christmas.”

  “It’s usually the same group of participants. For at least the last five years or so.” Tyler eased a lick of chocolate into his mouth.

  “Your mom is amazing. The way she spoke to me right before we left . . . I must ask, why are you so apprehensive to talk to them about leaving the family business?”

  “My parents are great, but I’m their son, and it’s a whole other ball game regarding me and the business. As you know, being an only child means it’s on us exclusively to live out our parents’ wishes and what they think is best for us.”

  Lorelei studied the cone in her hand. “I did my part, and now it’s time for you to do yours.”

  “Your parents were not happy about your news. I thought it would go over a little better. But I’m proud of you. I can say that, right?” Tyler’s eyes lingered on her.