Nate pulled her toward his truck and took her in his arms. “They had bets on us. Did you realize that?”
She nodded. “I was going to put in twenty, too, but figured I better not.”
“For or against?”
Kara patted his cheek. “At first? Well, you really seemed to hate me. I think I would have lost, so I’m glad now that I’m not a betting woman. You’ve really knocked me off my feet, Mr. Cooper. You’re a man of surprises.”
“Well, I’m just getting started, Ms. Shay.” Nate pulled her closer and kissed her the way he’d been wanting to kiss her. Slow and with the sole purpose of showing her how deeply he cared about her. Her hands slid up over his chest, leaving a tingling behind as her warm palms cupped around his shoulders. Her fingers ruffled the hair on the back of his neck. He gasped and deepened his kiss, hugging her tighter to his body.
When he finally pulled away, Kara gasped, “Wow,” and grew limp in his arms. He laughed against her cheek, holding her upright.
“Wow is right.”
“We better stop,” she laughed, “before we start the rumor mill spinning. This might be the next best gossip story since Mrs. Pentz locked her husband out in the snow wearing nothing but his boxers and a pair of holey socks.”
“Everyone needs to give the man a break. It was his sixtieth birthday party. I’m sure he didn’t really mean to flirt with Sally Hamson like that.” Nate defended, remembering how scandalously funny the story had been.
Kara patted his shoulders and started to move away, though she didn’t move back too far, he noticed. “We better get out to your place before those kids find a way to get into your house. Trust me, they’re very good at making themselves at home when you show up late.”
Figured Kara would know from experience. What a great mentor she was for the kids. No wonder they loved her so much. She was open and honest with them and loved each one as if they were her own.
“I’ll see you there,” He squeezed her hand, then pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles before he reluctantly let her go so he could climb into his truck. He needed to hurry up and beat the kids out there. All he needed was for them to find one of the old photo albums and start going through his stuff.
* * * *
Kara sat next to Nate in his homey living room. The rustic décor and old-fashioned quilts hanging from the walls were charming. She was sure what decorations did clutter the surfaces belonged to his parents.
The kids had all been sent home with their assigned tasks. Practices would begin tomorrow, at the theater, so long as they were done by five when Mr. Charmain liked to be home for dinner. Diana said her Poppy was never late for dinner, so they’d need to respect his time schedules.
Nate had sat back quietly while Kara went over what all needed to be accomplished if they were to perform two nights. Some of the boys complained but gave in easily enough when Diana said that her Meme knew the entertainment editor at Snowflake’s newspaper. “We’ll all be famous if he comes to see our play and gives a review.”
“Only if he gives a good review.” One of the boys had countered.
“Oh, he’ll give us a great review. We have a fantastic play,” she admonished. “Don’t we?”
Nobody dared to argue with Diana. Kara insisted they had a marvelous play. Nate simply laughed and shook his head.
The sun had set an hour ago, while Kara helped him clean up after the horde of kids left. She should head on home but had wanted a quiet private moment to speak with Nate. That kiss he’d laid on her still had her knees wobbling. Good grief.
Curling her legs under her, she accepted the hot tea he’d made for both of them. It smelled of cranberries and apples. “So, you like herbal tea?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I found one of Mom’s holiday tins in the cupboard. I need to go shopping, but never see what’s the point. Usually, Buster and I eat out.”
The dog was presently stretched out on his back in front of the blazing fireplace. His stubby tail thumped on the hardwood floor at the mention of his name.
Nate stretched his legs out before him, propping his feet on the coffee table. “It was nice having people here for a change. This old house gets lonely. I’ve thought about selling, but it’s paid for.”
Kara ran her fingers through his hair. It reminded her of the softness of her silk pillowcases. “It’s a lovely home. You could do a lot with it to make it your own.”
He nodded, resting his head against the back of the couch. He remained perfectly still; his eyes locked on the fire. He probably wasn’t used to having someone touch him like this. Good thing he didn’t seem to mind because she was the hugging touchy-feely kind.
“I don’t really want it to just be my own.” He turned to face her. “Look, I know we’re just getting started, but… Erg. I’m working on not playing it safe and needing to have everything laid out. But, I don’t casually date. Which might explain why I’m still single. I usually turn down offers if I don’t have any feelings to start with. I’m not one to date and give someone a chance.”
Kara bit back her smile over how he was rambling. She leaned forward until she caught his eyes. “I don’t like casual dating, either. I really want to see where this goes. Like you, I’ve been fine on my own, but I also want more. And I already had feelings for you, but after that kiss, Mister, I’m pretty sure you feel the same.”
He grinned. “I do. Very much so.” His hand found hers. The way he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb was comforting.
“Will we have trouble at work if we start dating?”
He shrugged. “I’ll talk to Lopez tomorrow. Everyone is going to know anyway. I wonder how big that betting pot was?”
Kara’s eyes widened. “Pretty big. If you only knew,” she exaggerated in a teasing manner.
He laughed and shook his head. “You’re fun, Kara. So lively and full of joy. This place is going to feel like a dark tomb when you leave.”
Her face heated at his sweet compliment.
“Ah, I won’t be too far away. How about,” she hugged one of the couch pillows to her chest as she looked around. This was a cute house. Old fashioned, but she liked the simplistic, country feel to it. “What if I helped you redecorate? You know, now that you let those stinkers know where you live, they’ll be back. Trust me. They like having a safe place to hang out.”
One side of Nate’s mouth turned up in a contemplative grin. “I think I’d like being a safe place for them to come. Maybe I’ll clean the junk out of my old music room and start offering private lessons again.”
“What’s your instrument of choice, Mr. Cooper?” Kara teased.
“I used to be able to shred the bass like a pro. Ask your landlord. He played drums for us a couple of times when our regular drummer fractured his wrist.” He held up his right hand. “True story.”
Kara clapped, throwing her head back in laughter. “Love it! Yes, you most definitely need to clean out your music room. During our holiday break, I’ll help. I’d invited a few of the kids whose parents have to work Christmas day to come to my place for a meal. You’re invited, too.” She stood and began gathering her jacket and boots.
“Thank you.” He helped her on with her jacket. “What do you need? Maybe I can help and we can make extra for the parents. We’ll deliver a meal to them if we can.”
Kara stopped at the door and kissed him goodbye. “What a fantastic idea! Let’s get through our Christmas performances first, then we’ll plan out a meal. Together.”
His eyes lit up at her last word. Was it too soon to admit she was already falling in love? As he stood on the porch, watching her walk to her car, she didn’t think so. What was all that about seizing the day and that we only had this moment? Deep in her heart, she honestly believed that she’d finally found her Mr. Perfect, even if he was a little rough around the edges.
Chapter Twelve
The next several days flew by in a blur of holiday lights and endless hours of Nate drilling his orchestra to p
ractice all the songs to Kara’s play. It was the student’s idea, and he’d gone along with it. Because of the extra show, they were also hounding their parents, extended family and friends to buy more tickets in hopes of filling all the seats.
When practice was over, he went straight to the theater to help get the stage ready for their big production. Nate hadn’t been this happy during the Christmas season in too many years to count on his right hand. He’d even went out and chopped down a tree with Matt and Damion’s help. A few other kids showed up to help him decorate.
He actually enjoyed their help.
Nate packed his briefcase at the end of the day. He sighed and paused to touch Charity’s letter still tucked in a pocket of his case. Who would have thought this secret angel project would be so hard to pull off? Maybe he’d need to just find some charity organization to give the money to, except it didn’t feel right in his heart. Charity had always been purposeful about who she helped and in what capacity.
Nate smiled. “I’m not ready to give up yet, Charity. There must be someone who needs this money. A little help from the Big Guy would be nice.”
When he gave the band room one more inspection to make sure everything was in its place, he went to turn off the lights and found Ms. Shay waiting for him just outside the door. Hopefully, she hadn’t been standing there for long. He didn’t want to have to explain why he was talking to an empty room.
“I’ve come to file a complaint, Mr. Cooper,” she said, leaning against the door frame with her arms cross and brows furrowed.
“Did you now? A complaint about what?” Was everyone gone? Would they get caught if he kissed her pursed lips? He reached up and flipped off the lights, leaving him in semi-darkness.
“There was an awful lot of noise coming from your room this afternoon, Mr. Cooper. I swear you’d think there was a party going on in there. This is an institution of learning, sir. A little decorum—”
He cut off her complaint with a quick kiss.
Nate simply couldn’t help himself some times. “My apologies, Ms. Shay. You see, someone enlightened me to a website with fun learning activities and I’ve found my class now thinks I’m the coolest teacher ever. So, I can’t stop now. Do you realize how hard it is to be considered the coolest teacher?”
“Excuse me, Mister,” she jabbed her thumb at her chest. “I’m still the coolest and always will be. Just ask me.” She laughed, then asked, “Can I get a ride to the theater? I had to leave my car at the shop for a tune-up and they still aren’t finished with it.”
“Absolutely. My pleasure. I’ll take you to pick up your car when it’s ready, too.” He locked the band room’s door, then walked her outside, his hand pressed against the small of her back.
“Don’t let Mr. Lopez catch you doing that,” she warned with a mischievous smile as she leaned in and whispered, “Or kissing me. Though I’ll never complain about your kisses.”
They’d both promised Mr. Lopez that they’d keep a professional relationship at school, no matter what their private relationship might be. As principal, he wasn’t too pleased with Nate when he walked into his office to let him know the rumors spreading through the halls were pretty much true.
However, as Nate’s friend, he was thrilled that he’d fallen for someone like Kara. Despite their differences, he did respect the drama teacher and was still hoping that she’d agree to stay on next year.
Nate and Kara knew that staying at the same school, if they were going to develop their relationship might not be such a great idea. They had sat down together and prayed for guidance and now they were waiting to see what would happen.
On the way into town, they talked about the play, trying to make sure they had everything covered.
“Will you be glad when it’s over?” he asked. In the truck, he felt safe holding her hand.
Kara shook her head. A pained expression crossed her face. “This will probably be my last play. So, no, I’m not really looking forward to it being all over.” Her shoulder lifted as she tilted her head with a smile. “I’ll still be around, though. Most of them will be going off to college next year. But those who remain will still be a part of my world, I suppose.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Nate, I don’t know. I feel like I’m hanging in limbo, waiting for the rope I’m clinging on to break.”
Nate shook his head. “You don’t have to worry about falling far. The Lord will catch you. So will I.” He winked. “It’ll work out. I still think you should accept the English class. You’re so good with the high school kids. You really know how to get on their level.”
They pulled up to the theater’s parking lot. Nate cut the engine, but Kara didn’t release his hand. “Have you made up your mind about leaving the band? You can’t do that, Nate Cooper. I’ve been seriously thinking about the writing class. I can get them younger—”
“I sent out more resumes to schools outside of town. It would be a bit of a drive, but I heard a school in Dalton might have a Vice Principal opening soon. The current VP is expecting and has decided to not return in the fall. I’m honestly ready to move on to something else, Kara. I still want to work for the school district, but my heart hasn’t been in teaching for some time.”
“But you’re so good—”
Nate shook his head. “You helped me to get my head back in the game. My head, not my heart.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Come on, let’s talk about this after the play is over. One problem at a time, Ms. Shay.”
“Okay, Mr. Cooper. We’ll table it for now,” she said pointedly and he knew she’d not let him walk away so easily. Neither would Principal Lopez. He was willing to turn a blind eye to the fact that they were dating, but not everyone on staff agreed with his dismissal of their relationship. Rules were rules, after all.
They walked inside, keeping a small distance between them. His band students were coming today for a dress rehearsal. They’d run through the whole play from beginning to end and hope for the best.
Kara went right into drama teacher mode, calling everyone to order. “I want everyone seated according to when you are supposed to go on stage. Matt, where’s your bowtie—oh, good. Put it on, Mister. Now, let’s get this show started.”
Nate’s kids, the ones who weren’t actually in the play, were already seated and started to warm up their instruments.
They ran through the play with only a few stops to make adjustments. While the kids were packing their gear and Kara was giving her crew a pep-talk, Nate headed out to the foyer. During the performance, his phone kept vibrating. He should have put it in his case instead of his suit pocket.
He checked the number and smiled. The caller had left him a message to call back as soon as possible because they had good news.
Yes. He’d been waiting for this call all day long. He dialed quickly.
* * * *
Where had Nate gotten off to, Kara wondered as she double-checked to make sure the kids hadn’t left any trash or their belongings behind. She’d promised Mr. Charmain that she’d leave the auditorium in better shape than when she got there and intended to keep her promise.
“Ms. Shay?” he said to her from the top of the seating area. “Can I have a word with you before you leave?”
She was supposed to pick up her car before six. Checking her watch, she figured that she still had time. Hopefully, Nate hadn’t left her. But when she entered Mr. Charmain’s office, his wife was there, along with Nate who had a cup of coffee in his hand.
She looked longingly at his cup and before she could say anything, he was pouring her one, as well. Such a good man. She was blessed, no matter what kind of mess her life was in at the moment. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Please don’t tell me that we can’t have the play here after all our work…
Mr. Charmain glanced at Nate who was smiling. Oh, that smile. It held so much heart behind it. “Seriously, what’s going on?”
“Sit here, sweetheart,” Mrs. Charmain said, patting the
metal chair that had been placed beside hers.
Kara took the offered seat and sipped nervously on her hot coffee.
Mr. Charmain also sat behind his desk and rested his hands on his round belly. “We’d like to make an offer, Ms. Shay. We’ve been watching you work with those kids and today’s practice solidified our decision.”
Kara’s breath caught as she waited for someone to come out with it.
“Just tell her, Carl.” Mrs. Charmain turned in her seat and rested her hand on Kara’s shoulder. “Our Diana is always talking about her wonderful drama teacher. When I heard the school play was moved to our theater, I had to come and see what all her fussing was about. And my goodness, I see why the kids love you so much, Ms. Shay. You certainly know your stuff. Carl and I had to shut down the playhouse years ago. Our son was going to take it over. He and his wife. But they were taken from us early. We ended up raising Diana, as he wished. She has a college fund set aside and like her father, she wants to attend Julliard. I don’t suppose that’s where you studied?”
Kara had dreamed of attending there, but her family’s finances couldn’t cover the cost. She shook her head. “I’m so pleased to hear that Diana has been accepted. She was through the roof excited. So was I.”
“You inspired her,” Mr. Charmain said. “And you helped her to get ready to go. We heard about the school cuts. Sure do hate that they’re getting rid of more classes that teach the arts. It’s a shame.”
Kara nodded. It was, but what could she do about it?
Mrs. Charmain continued. “Our son wanted to open a community theater here in Snowflake. It’s hard to say how such a thing will work out in this small community, but if we get the word out to other towns in the area, I bet people will come to see a good play. But we need someone to run it for us.”
“Another but,” Mr. Charmain added, “is that we need a lot of repair work done before we can get this place off the ground.”
Nate's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 3) Page 8