by Susan Sands
Nick had absolutely no pride right now where Rachel was concerned. She didn’t seem to realize how completely smitten he was. If she had any idea what heaven and earth he’d been moving in the past two weeks to make their paths the same journey, she might understand. But he wasn’t quite done aligning things yet. Just a couple more details until he was ready.
Tomorrow was exactly one week until Christmas. He and Rachel had hit every single scheduled Christmas event Ministry had to offer so far. They’d done the tour of homes, run the 5k together, and tonight they were attending the Christmas beauty pageant for all ages. Normally, this wasn’t his kind of gig, but he’d been recruited to help carry equipment and act as photographer’s assistant, along with her paid assistant, Chloe, for the evening.
He wore a red sweater with black slacks. Hopefully a photographer’s assistant could opt for a pop of color for a Christmas event. This was a pretty swanky event, so he hoped he wasn’t under dressed.
He was sitting in her living room watching football when she came out of the bedroom. She was wearing a black button down shirt with black slacks, her normal attire when photographing an event. “You look festive,” she said.
“Is it too much?” he asked.
“Nope. It’s just right. Photographers try to be as invisible as possible, so we don’t have to dress like the guests, thank goodness. I can’t see myself squatting with my camera in front of the stage in a little black dress.”
“I wouldn’t mind you giving it a try.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Ha. Not a chance. Now, help me get this stuff loaded up, sexy packhorse.”
“You want me for my strong back. I see how it is.”
“I’ll let you show me how strong your back is later. This stuff isn’t very heavy.” She winked at him and handed him her somewhat heavy camera bag.
“I’ll be your slave, woman, for a kiss.”
She giggled at his antics, and showed mercy by leaning in for a slow, soft kiss that promised all sorts of fun later.
“You’re killing me.” He smiled at her, taking another bag of equipment from her.
“Matthew has his camera set up with most of the big lighting and umbrellas for studio photos, so I’m thankful I don’t have to cover both.”
“I’m surprised he still does normal photography, considering his current position.”
“Matthew still loves to take photos. He’s a magician behind the lens, so when he has time and Emma can get him, everybody’s lucky. I learn so much every time I watch him work.”
“How are you going to catch everything?” Nick asked.
“Matthew’s going to take the studio shots and video, and I’ll be doing the on-stage shots of the girls as they are walking and performing. There are private photographers some parents have hired as well, but they have instructions to keep their distance from Matthew and me, and not to block any of our shots. Emma included it as a clause in the pageant paperwork.”
They’d made it to her car, where she already had a few things loaded.
“I can’t thank you enough for helping me tonight. This is a big job for just me and my assistant, and it’s a busy evening, so if I don’t get a chance to speak to you again before the pageant is over, please know that I wanted to.”
He smiled at her, and said, “I like watching you work. It’s as if you forget the world around you and focus only on finding the artistry in every shot you take. It’s fascinating for someone on the outside. Plus, I just like to watch you in a kind of creepy way.”
“Weirdo. But that was a nice thing to say. And I give you permission to creep on me just a little while I work.”
Rachel really was grateful to have Nick with her tonight. Lately, he’d been behaving a bit oddly. Almost like a teenage boy. Kind of silly and sweet, and happy to hang out with her no matter what Ministry Christmas event she’d dragged him to over the past week or so.
They drove to the old Ministry Theater a mile away where the pageant was being held. The theater had been updated and restored several years ago, according to Miss Maureen. Events too large to be held at Evangeline House that required a stage and audience were often housed at the theater. They’d held the Little Miss Pecan Pageant at Evangeline House until last year, but they’d also moved it to the theater this year, since its gain in popularity statewide.
“I’ve heard there’s a huge winter storm heading toward the deep South. Like, one of those hundred-year super-storms, and it might dump snow here on Christmas,” Nick said as they pulled up in front of the gorgeous old theater.
“Oh? I hadn’t heard about it. Being from New Orleans, hurricanes are our nemesis, not usually winter storms,” she said, almost dismissively. The theater was dressed up for Christmas like the rest of Ministry, which made Rachel itch to get out and take tons of photos of the theater itself. But she had a lot of hard work to do tonight.
As they unloaded equipment, he said, “They’re saying this storm has the potential to do some real damage and restrict travel for the holidays.”
She turned her attention from the theater to the weather then. She really was a bit of a freak when it came to weather. “Oh, dear. I’ll tell my dad to head on up early if it starts to look threatening,” she said. A hundred-year storm wasn’t something she wanted to think about.
“We’ll turn on the weather channel when we get back tonight and have a look. It’s still a week out, so forecasts change. I just thought it was worth mentioning.”
She nodded, now concerned about this weather event. “Definitely.”
Rachel had lined up a local college student home on her break to help with a few of the events during the Christmas season. So, Chloe met them at the car to help unload and organize equipment for their evening.
Rachel had parked in a space designated for her by Emma, so once things were unloaded, they were able to go inside without having to worry about moving the car again. Thanks, Emma.
Inside the theater, the madness had begun. Mommies and girls of every age were not bringing out the best in one another during last-minute preparations before the ceremonies began. Rachel had a strong desire to pull out her camera and take candids of this backstage behavior. The mother-daughter dynamic in the theater was a perfect storm of hormones, anxiety, and straight-up female competitive spirit mixed with a heavy cloud of Aqua Net. She hoped no one lit a match or the whole place might go up like a torch.
Nick’s eyes were wide and maybe a little scared, if Rachel was reading his expression right. She realized he grew up with only a brother. This pre-pageant situation likely horrified him. As horrific as it might seem, things would improve once the show began. Or, maybe once it was over. Rachel had to giggle just a little at his shell-shocked look.
Matthew approached and noticed it as well. “Dude, you should chill. One day you’re going to have a daughter of your own and you’ll have all this to look forward to.” Matthew slapped Nick on the back.
“I’ve seen some really terrible things in my life being a doctor, but I have to say, this ranks right up there with a bus collision with massive casualties.” He didn’t appear to be joking.
“Right, doctor humor,” Matthew said.
“This is just wrong.” He shook his head.
Rachel looked over to where a mom was gluing long, black spiderish fake eyelashes onto a little girl who appeared to be around six years old. “Ah. The lashes. Yes, those are very wrong.”
“Hey guys. Are you all set?” Emma approached, large and sparkly in her dress made for three.
“Wow, you look amazing,” Rachel said. She was stunning, no matter the size of her belly. Tall and blonde, with flawless skin and gorgeous light blue eyes, Emma could give any of these gals a run for their money up on stage.
Emma snorted. “They might crown me Miz Bovine Alabama at this point.”
“You’re beautiful. Now, let’s get through this thing without your going into labor,” Matthew said, and then kissed the tip of his lovely wife’s nose. It was obvious
how much they adored one another, and it made Rachel happy and uncomfortable at the same time because Nick was also standing there beside her.
She wanted with Nick what they had so badly. Could Nick feel her yearning? She dared a glance at him and saw in his eyes the same emotion, or was she just mirroring it? He smiled at her then and winked.
The moment ended abruptly as Matthew turned to Rachel after Emma left to check something with the sound guy, and asked if she needed anything. “I’m set up in the corner of the foyer. As soon as the girls are ready, they come to me for a studio shot. My assistant is handling checking them in and making sure they get to me. I guess Emma showed you your tape marks on the floor where the contestants will stop and pose for the judges, which is when you’ll take photos.”
“Yes, we met earlier in the week and went over everything. Thanks for double-checking.” They were now standing in front of the stage.
“I have my team coordinating video in the booth upstairs. We’ve got cameras in several places filming. Of course, we’ll edit later. We can also do some stills if we want to pull anything off video,” Matthew said.
“I have so much to learn from you,” Rachel said.
“You are a fantastic photographer. You’ve got an eye for your subjects that most people never develop. It can’t be taught, and it’s far more important than any kind of studio or special equipment.”
“Thanks, Matthew. I appreciate your support.”
He nodded and winked at her. “Well, it looks like it’s time to get this show on the road.”
They moved to their respective places and Rachel did several test shots, using Nick as her subject.
Once the lights went down and Emma stepped out into the spotlight, there wasn’t a moment to take a breath. Rachel’s camera flashed non-stop, and the contestants dazzled.
The music was loud, the lights bright, and the applause thunderous. Winners and runners-up were crowned, there were tears, and the entire evening was an unquestionable success.
“Wow. What a night,” Nick said as they were loading up.
“Yes, it was a fantastic event. I take it you aren’t still as horrified as when we arrived?”
He shook his head. “No. Not so much. I must admit it was baptism by fire for sure. But once I saw the product of all the preparation, I saw how much of it was nerves beforehand.”
“It was fun—a lot of work—but fun.”
“Yes, let’s get you home.”
Rachel and Nick flipped on the weather channel once they were in their jammies with a glass of wine curled up on Rachel’s sofa. “Holy cow. You weren’t kidding about this storm system. It’s huge.”
Nick’s experience with terrible weather as it related to being an emergency room doctor and trauma surgeon meant car accidents and people with horrific injuries. Southerners lost their minds on the roads in winter weather, mainly because the roads weren’t prepared, the cars often weren’t equipped for it, the people didn’t have much experience driving in it. Ice wasn’t meant for anyone to drive on, even a four-wheel-drive vehicle. People just refused to stay home and off the roads.
“I think I’m going to call my dad and ask him to come a day sooner. The weather isn’t expected to move in until Christmas Eve, but Daddy is scheduled to come the twenty-third.
“That might not be a bad idea. Chances are, the inn won’t be booked up earlier than that.”
Rachel nodded. “Do you mind if I call him now?”
“Of course not. While you do that, I’m going to give my parents a call and check in. I haven’t spoken to my mother since our unfortunate visit over a week ago.” He made to leave and give her privacy.
“I wondered if the two of you had a chance to clear the air yet. I’ll just go into the bedroom and you can call your parents from in here. This shouldn’t take long.”
“I hope I can say the same thing.” He rolled his eyes. He dialed the house phone, which was a habit, since Mom still believed cell phones were for emergencies.
“Hello? Nick is that you? Let me go in the other room. I can hardly hear anything in here—your father’s got the TV turned up so loud.”
“I called because we haven’t spoken since Rachel and I stopped by the other day.”
“I didn’t have much to say, really. I couldn’t believe you brought her here without asking,” Mom said.
“Mom, you need to switch teams now. Right now.” Nick had made up his mind about Mom’s lack of allegiance to him, no matter whom he dated. “You should support me, Mom. Not the girl you think I should be dating. Me. If I tell you I’ve fallen head-over-ass with somebody else, you should be happy for me.”
“Language, Nicholas.”
“No. I’m a full-grown man, and you don’t get to tell me how to speak. I’m not profane, though I do respect your feelings as much as possible. You need to respect mine. I’m in love with Rachel Prudhomme. Did you hear her name? It’s important that you get it right. P-r-u-d-h-o-m-m-e. Get used to the fact that Monica won’t be your daughter-in-law. I’m sorry if that hurts her or you.”
Silence.
“I did everything I could to be kind to her. I didn’t just break up with her, we had problems, Mom. I didn’t tell you how she behaved because I didn’t want you to be unkind to her or for your feelings to change toward her. She was obsessive and jealous for no reason, and her behavior wasn’t something I could live with. Ask her if you don’t believe me.”
“I knew. I just wanted to believe she could change. The two of you seemed so perfect together, at first.”
“And yet, you allowed that drama at the house to happen and Monica to cause such a scene?”
“I’m sorry, Son. She showed up and I didn’t know what to do. I haven’t even met your Rachel Prudhomme. I had to choose sides on the spot.”
“Wait. Did you just apologize and admit you were wrong?” And snow was in the forecast for Alabama. Nick had to sit down. The world was now officially spinning off its axis. Perhaps hell would freeze over now.
“Yes. I did. And I meant it. Your being gone has made me realize, what’s the point?”
“What do you mean, what’s the point?” What an odd thing for her to say.
“Of living to be old? I love you boys more than anything. Your father hates me, and if I don’t have grandchildren to love and spoil, so what’s the point? Obviously, I’m difficult and nobody wants to deal with me. You’re the only one who will even talk to me, and now you hate me too. Your brother laughs at me like I’m a joke.”
“I don’t hate you, and you’re not a joke, Mom, but you are difficult. And Dad wouldn’t behave the way he does toward you if you would cut him some slack. You’re a hard-ass, Mom. You need to chill.”
“Chill?” She actually laughed. “I guess I do need to chill just a bit.” But he also heard her voice crack a little.
Nick heard her father yell in the background, “Amen to that, Son.”
“Leo, this isn’t your conversation.”
“Let’s just say I’m invested,” Dad said loud enough for Nick to hear. “Chill, woman.” Then dad hooted with laughter.
“I’ll try, okay? To chill. But you all have to be patient with me.” Then she clearly turned to Dad. “You too, Leo.”
“That’s fine, but you have to be open to us reminding you to chill.”
“Okay. And you’ve got to stop bullying Dad.”
“I don’t think you’ve got to worry about that anymore. He’s doing a happy dance all over the house. I’ve lost all control now, I’m afraid.” But she had a smile in her voice that Nick hadn’t heard in years.
“Say, Mom, why don’t you and Dad come for Christmas? There’s a nice inn here in Ministry right in the middle of town, and it might be nice for the two of you to have a little road trip.”
“Well, I don’t know if your father would want to leave for the holidays—”
“We’ll pack up and leave day-after-tomorrow, Son. Gotta batten down the hatches before we leave. Big storm coming,” D
ad called through the phone.
“Yes. I was going to mention the storm if you didn’t know about it. Tell Dad I’ll call about a reservation at the inn in the morning,” Nick said.
“You know he’s been glued to the weather channel ever since they spotted the storm,” Mom said. Nick imagined her rolling her eyes.
“I figured. Well, if it hits, we can all be snowed in together. All these historical buildings have wood-burning fireplaces, and there’s plenty of firewood for sale.”
“Should I ask Chuck to come?” she asked.
“Sure. He can stay at my place,” Nick said. It would be nice to all be together here instead of around their usual starchy dining room table.
Rachel had slipped into the room at some point and was sitting at her computer loading photos from tonight’s pageant. Nick hoped he hadn’t overstepped by inviting his family here for Christmas while they were spending their last days together.
He also wondered how much she’d heard.
Hi mother was speaking again. “Well, this conversation has been odd, to say the least, Son. I guess I’d better hang up and deal with your father. I do look forward to seeing you and meeting your Rachel.”
“I know she’s looking forward to meeting you too, Mom. Good night.” He ended the call and came over to where Rachel was staring at him with a puzzled expression.
“How did you effect that kind of change in your mother’s perspective? Is there something about your mother’s mental status you haven’t told me? She doesn’t have multiple personalities, does she? Because last I heard, she had big plans for you to spend your life with Monica.”
He shook his head, laughing softly. “She only has one personality, and we’re working on that one, but I’ve convinced her to be on Team Nick, no matter what.”
“I’d root for that team,” she said with a grin.
“You’re on that team.” He stood up and moved the short distance to her desk, gently grasped her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. “Star player, if you know what I mean.”