by ID Johnson
“It’s actually more time consuming than you might think,” he explained. “School gets out at 3:00, but parents start getting in that parent pick up line at 2:00. I’m not even kidding.”
“Seriously?” Melody asked, shocked.
“Yes! Now, I never get there that early, because that is just utterly ridiculous. But I try to head over there around 2:30 and usually get in line by 2:40. By then, I’m about forty cars in. So I don’t actually get him until about 3:10, and then by the time I get him to Karen’s, I’ve spent a good hour just picking him up from school.”
“Wow—that’s quite an investment. What do you do when you’re sitting in the car?” Melody asked. “Would I be able to get any work done, you think?”
“Sure. I mean—you could definitely get your social media posts up, I think. Maybe work on your website. I usually stare out the window and think about the work I need to get completed. But seriously, Melody, you don’t have to do that. I can manage for a few more days. I’ve already rearranged my schedule for the rest of this week, and I can manage for the next five days after that.”
She could tell by his tone that he was saying what he was supposed to, but that he really did want her help. “I know I don’t have to. I want to.” Assuming it was a done deal at this point, she asked, “What will I need in order to pick him up?”
He hesitated, as if he wasn’t quite sure he’d agreed, but then he said, “Well, I’ll have to call the school and put you on their approved pick up list for Michael. I’ll need your driver’s license number for that, but they probably won’t ever check your license so long as you have the magical green car rider sign that goes in your dashboard.”
“What’s that?” Melody asked, holding back a chuckle at his description.
“It’s just a green sign they hand out at the beginning of the year that has his name and class on it. I have two, so I can give that to you on Saturday. I also have an extra booster seat, which he will need. You drive an Acadia?”
“Yes,” she said, wondering why he’d noticed her car.
“It’ll fit in there just fine. Melody, are you sure you want to do this? I really hate to push my problems off on an unassuming, innocent soul such as yourself.”
She giggled at his choice of words. “I’m sure. It’ll be good practice for me, in case I ever have my own kids one day.”
“Well, you are definitely going to make one outstanding mother.”
Melody felt the color creep into her face and was happy he couldn’t actually see her. “Thank you, Reid. That’s really nice of you to say.”
“I mean it. I’ve seen you around Michael enough to know it comes naturally to you,” he continued, his voice sounding sincere.
She’d always wondered if she could live up to the example her own parents had set, and the compliment meant quite a lot to her. After a moment of consideration, she said, “Thank you. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to be a single parent, but you manage to make it look easy.”
He laughed, and Melody wondered if she had said something insulting, even though she did enjoy the sound of his laughter in her ear. “Most days, I’m lucky if he leaves the house with two socks on his feet and doesn’t smell like fried bologna sandwiches. But thank you. It’s nice to know I’ve fooled a few people.”
“Hey, don’t sell yourself short,” she insisted. “That little boy is cute and smart—but he’s a handful. It’s hard to answer all of the questions he asks in just an hour or so. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be with him all the time!”
Reid laughed again. “It’s tiring. But it’s definitely worth it. I can’t fathom what my life would be like without him.”
Melody could understand that. She was having a hard time remembering what her life was like before she met Michael, and that was only a week ago. Of course, part of that might have a little something to do with his dad…. “Well, I’m more than happy to help. I have no idea what things were like back in Montana, but in West Virginia, we help each other out. And I’ve taken a bit of a liking to that little boy of yours.”
“I think he might like you a little bit, too,” Reid replied, a hint of teasing in his voice. And then he added, “And so do I.”
Unsure what she should think of that, Melody was quiet for a second, guessing her eyes had probably doubled their regular size. Surely, he didn’t mean anything other than liking her as a friend….
“I guess we’ll see you Saturday morning,” he continued before she had a chance to say anything at all.
Throwing in that she liked him, too, now would seem forced and awkward, wouldn’t it? Even though she desperately wanted to let him know his feelings were not unreciprocated—regardless of the degree he was implying—she decided against it and said, “Okay! I’ll see you Saturday.”
“I’m sure Michael will find you, even if you try to hide.”
She laughed. “True! He does have a way of seeking me out.”
“Have a nice evening, Melody.”
She loved the sound of his voice, just a little husky, but true and strong, and she didn’t want to let go just yet, but she realized she had to. “You, too,” she said quietly. “Bye.”
“Bye.”
With a deep breath, she disconnected the call and cradled her phone against her chest. What she had intended to be a short call only transferring information had turned into something else, but exactly what, she wasn’t sure. Was it possible that he might be developing feelings for her as well? Or was she reading too much into a simple nickname and the thankfulness of a single father who was glad to have some help?
Looking around her room, Melody realized she hadn’t really had a long term relationship since the last time this had been her bedroom. She’d had a steady boyfriend in high school, but he’d gone to California for college, and they’d broken up shortly after that. She dated a bit in college, but nothing lasted, and then, after graduation, she’d immersed herself in her career. Once her father died, the idea of trying to find a suitable companion for herself had been forced to the back of her mind. Now, two years later, though she was very busy trying to piece things back together at home, was she finally ready to start dating again? And if so, could Reid be the guy who took her mind off of everything she’d been through?
She realized things couldn’t have been easy for him in this department either. She still had no idea what had happened to Michael’s mother, but whether she had left or passed away, it had to have made a lasting impact on Reid. Even if he did have feelings for Melody, there was a good chance he might not be ready to date again either, so there was a possibility she might be setting herself up for heartache.
Setting her phone on the nightstand, she realized it really didn’t matter at this point whether she thought she was ready or not. It didn’t even matter whether or not Reid was ready or if he was interested in her. She was falling hard for this guy, and all she could hope for was some strong arms to catch her on the way down.
A few blocks away, Reid rose from his seat on the sofa in the living room and slipped his phone into his pocket. He quietly crept down the hallway to check on Michael. Peering in the door, he could see his son’s chest rise and fall, illuminated by his Jake and the Neverland Pirates night light. He held his favorite teddy bear in his arms, and every once in a while, his upper lip would twitch, as if he was still talking, even in his dreams.
Smiling, Reid turned and made his way back down the hallway. He had no idea what it was that made Michael seek out Melody Murphy, but he was glad Michael had done so. Even though Reid wasn’t sure if he was even capable of starting a relationship at this point in his life, he did enjoy spending time with her. She was witty and insightful, always volunteering to help other people. She’d rearranged her whole life to help her mother, and now she was going out of her way to help Michael. Melody treated his son like he was her own family, and they hadn’t even known each other that long.
It didn’t hurt that she was beautiful either.
H
e sat back down on the sofa and went over their conversation. Melody had given him no indication whatsoever that she was even remotely interested in him, focusing her half of the discussion on Michael, but he wondered what might happen if they continued to spend time together. Could she be interested in dating a single dad? And if she was, would Reid be able to put his past behind him and give Melody a chance?
Chapter 6
Delaney drove a Dodge Charger, and since she wasn’t sure she could attach the Christmas tree to the top of her car, she’d borrowed her dad’s old work truck. Even though it was almost twice as old as they were, it was in good running condition, thanks to her dad’s constant repair. Still, as they chugged along down the highway, every bump sent Melody clutching the dashboard to steady herself, and before they were even a mile out of town, she’d given up on trying to drink the hot cocoa Delaney had brought her. The chocolate chip muffin, however, she had managed to devour. There were some perks to being best friends with the most talented baker in town.
They were a few miles from Shepherdstown, the dusting of snow they’d gotten in Charles Town looking more like an inch or two here, though the main roads were clear, and the sky was dropping large, fluffy flakes on them. The GPS reminded Delaney to turn left in one mile, and Melody felt the butterflies in her stomach double up in intensity. She wondered if Michael really would find her as soon as she got there or if she’d have to send Reid a text. What if they got lost? What if they don’t come at all?
Delaney slowed to make her turn and blew out a deep breath. She was wearing a red coat, the matching stocking cap tossed onto the seat next to her, and Melody could tell by the way she was tapping her hand on the steering wheel that she was nervous. There was no music on, thanks to her understanding of Melody’s preference, so she had to be tapping for another reason entirely.
“You okay?” Melody asked, nudging her in the arm gently.
Glancing at her briefly and then training her eyes back on the narrow country road she’d just turned onto, Delaney said, “Yeah. I’m fine. Just… hoping Josh is around, and I don’t look too desperate to see him.”
“Right,” Melody nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. “Did he say anything while he was in the bakery to give you the impression he might be around today?”
“Well, he said that he usually makes deliveries during the week and then sticks around on the weekend to make sure that his dad doesn’t need any help loading the trees. I think he has some nephews or cousins or something that help out on the weekends, too. It’s totally a family business. He just does this during Christmas time, I guess.”
“What does he do the rest of the year?” Melody asked.
“I’m not sure,” Delany admitted. “We didn’t quite get to that. It’s kind of hard to carry on a conversation with anyone these days; the bakery has been so busy.”
“I guess that’s a nice problem to have,” Melody offered. She crossed her arms in front of her chest over her white coat. She’d taken Reid’s advice and brought gloves, a hat, and a scarf, and she was wearing jeans lined with fleece as well as her thickest snow boots. It was about twenty-five degrees outside which wasn’t the worst she’d been out in, but if she was going to be standing around outside for a long period of time, she’d rather be too warm than too cold. She could always take something off if she needed to.
“Yeah, so anyway, I’m not sure what he’ll say when he sees me. Or if he’ll even remember me.”
“Who could forget you?” Melody gushed. Her friend glanced at her again and followed the directions of the GPS onto an even narrower road, this one not even paved, and Delaney slowed significantly to make sure she stayed out of the ditches on either side of them. The road wasn’t quite as clear here, but it wasn’t slippery, and Delaney had certainly seen enough West Virginia winters to know how to drive in the snow.
They went up an incline and before long the hills were rolling by. This was something Melody had missed in Chicago. There was nothing quite like the beauty of the West Virginia countryside. The trees became denser, and the GPS warned them that they would be arriving at their destination in a few minutes.
“Well, if he is here, and you get a chance to spend some time with him, let me know if you need me to come rescue you. I hope he really is as nice as you’ve described.”
“Thanks,” Delaney said, turning into the parking lot by a large red and green sign that said, “Taylor Tree Farm.” There were at least two dozen other cars in the lot, which appeared to have been cleared of snow at some point that morning. Delaney found a spot closer to the front, and Melody looked around for Reid’s truck, which she was fairly sure she spotted a few rows behind—but then there were probably lots of red Sierras.
“Wish me luck,” Delaney said, cranking the truck off and turning to face her friend.
“Luck,” Melody said, smiling. “It’ll be great. Who wouldn’t want to get to know you better? And if he doesn’t—then he’s an idiot, and you don’t need him anyway.”
“Thanks,” Delaney said. “And good luck with… Michael. I know that’s who you’re here to see.” She winked, and Melody felt her face turn red. Delaney gathered her hat and opened the truck door, and Melody did the same, nearly falling out when she remembered this particular vehicle had no running boards. She stumbled and caught herself on the car next to her, looking around in the hopes that no one had seen her.
“Melody! Melody!” Michael shouted from across the parking lot, and Melody whispered a substitute curse word under her breath.
Already off on the wrong foot. Literally.
“Hey, Michael!” she said, forcing a smile and trying to pretend like she hadn’t almost wiped out.
As usual, he flung himself around her legs, and Melody found herself losing her balance again.
“Are you okay?” Reid asked, coming up behind his son.
“Yeah. Old truck. No running boards,” she muttered.
“It’s nice. What is it? A ’63 Chevy?”
Michael released her as Delaney came around the front of the truck behind Melody. “It’s a ’64,” she said. And then extending her hand, she added, “Hi, I’m Delaney.”
“Reid, nice to meet you,” he said, reaching past Melody to shake her hand. “It’s a classic,” he added, obviously talking about the truck.
“Thanks. It’s my dad’s pride and joy. I’m surprised he even let me borrow it, but I wasn’t sure I could get a Christmas tree on the roof of my Charger.”
“Oh, with the right bungee cord hacks, you could, but why chance it?”
“Exactly,” Delaney said with a smile. Then, glancing down, she said, “And you must be Michael? I’m Delaney. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Michael smiled and took her outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you, too. Are you and Miss Melody sisters?’
Melody and Delaney both giggled. “No, but people ask us that a lot,” Melody clarified.
“We are like sisters,” Delaney added with a wink. “Are you ready to go find a Christmas tree, Michael?”
“I can’t wait!” Michael exclaimed.
“Well, then let’s go,” Reid said, gesturing toward the entryway, which was just a few hundred feet in front of them.
A wooden sign made in the shape of a jolly snowman welcomed them with a festive display naming the farm in bright red letters. A wooden fence made of roughly hewn timbers set off the perimeter, but looking down the lane, Melody could see lots of people walking around looking at various Christmas trees on display. There were lots of little buildings as well, and as they neared, she could hear Christmas music playing over what sounded to be an older PA system. She tuned it out and focused on the little boy who had slipped his hand into hers.
Delaney was walking slightly in front of them, and as she neared the entrance, she glanced back over her shoulder, as if she wasn’t sure if she could actually step through. Melody gave her an encouraging smile, and Delaney pressed on.
As soon as they got p
ast the fence, Michael exclaimed, “Oh, wow!” They all stopped to take in the sights. Melody could see now that there was a gift shop next to what appeared to be a candy shoppe and an old wooden barn, painted bright red. Next to the barn was a pen with two live reindeer and a few other farm animals. Off in the distance, there were several rows of Christmas trees that had not been cut disappearing into the rolling farmland, and families were walking around, saws in hand, trying to decide which tree to cut down themselves and haul back to their homes for decorating. The snow was falling gently now, and several children ran back and forth amidst the trees and up toward the reindeer pen, a few couples sitting on benches near by sipping cider or cocoa and watching their children play. In a way, it reminded Melody of a Norman Rockwell painting; everyone was happy, dressed in festive winter wear, and any worries were easily left behind upon crossing through the entrance way.
“Now this is a pretty cool place, huh, buddy?” Reid asked, stooping to speak into Michael’s ear.
“Yeah!” he exclaimed. “Can we go look at the reindeer?”
Reid looked at Melody, as if he was waiting for her to answer. “Sure,” she said, looking at Delaney and shrugging. She had no idea what the plan was. She had never seen Josh herself, so she had no way of knowing if any of these gentlemen walking around helping people with the trees was him or not.
“Go on over, and we’ll be there in a second,” Reid said, and without waiting for him to change his mind, Michael let go of Melody’s hand and dashed off toward the reindeer where several other children were standing nearby, petting their noses and attempting to feed them individual pieces of hay.