That morning, she realized that Mom was right about comparing herself to other girls. Kenna had no desire to wear fussy clothes or paint her face with all that gunk. Too much effort. She had better things to do with her time.
But the girl who wore all that glitter and bright colors was the kind that turned Leon’s head and captured his heart.
Kenna swallowed down the remorse over knowing she’d never have the qualities he’d want in a girlfriend. Nope, she was fooling herself into thinking she even had the slightest chance with him. He was definitely taken and would probably forget about her as soon as she returned home, anyway.
Well, it was for the best. Kenna had no desire to change for anyone. Not even a stunningly handsome guy like Leon with his shy smile and gentle ways.
Was his girlfriend still here? The guest room door was open, and the bed undisturbed. Kenna thought maybe she needed to leave, just in case.
She grabbed the trashcan, planning to put it back in the kitchen for him when she saw several of her ornaments inside.
Her gaze shot back to the bare tree.
What?
All her handmade ornaments were all dumped in the trashcan! Even a couple of the ones she’d fixed for him.
Tears flooded her eyes. How could he…after pretending that he liked them? Probably his girlfriend showed up and they had a good laugh at her childish attempts at tree decor. If he didn’t like them, he didn’t have to act as if he did.
Her breaths came in short bursts. No, she’d not let herself cry. She’d not. This was a stupid thing to cry over.
Pain stabbed at her chest. She choked back the sob threatening to explode. Nope, not going to let it happen. Time to go!
But she didn’t want to leave her little creations. If he didn’t appreciate them, her younger siblings would. She hurried to the pantry where he kept a good supply of plastic bags and grabbed a couple. Fishing her ornaments from the trash bin, she filled both bags, then grabbed her change of clothes. She’d shower once she was back home.
As she hurried back to the camper, she sent a text to the man who worked at the Children’s hospital letting him know there would be a few trees waiting for him to pick up. She’d considered giving them to the children’s unit at the hospital anyway.
One thing was certain, she’d not spend another moment in this town. Soon as she was able to get the tent down and shoved inside the camper, she had the car rental agency drop off a vehicle to get her back home.
After leaving a few of the ornaments and her sample wreath on Mr. McCarty’s doorstep with a note thanking him for his help, she was pulling out of the tourist park well before noon.
* * * *
“Uncle Melvin, I don’t know what Marcy told you, but—” Leon followed his uncle through the kitchen.
Uncle Melvin held up his hands to stop Leon’s explanation. “She told me the truth. Leon, you know I love you like I do my own sons.” He rested his big hands on Leon’s shoulders. “But your girlfriend is right, you are being held back here. I’ve taught you everything I know. It’s time for you to fly.”
Leon opened his mouth to protest, but Uncle cut him off.
“Now listen, my youngest just graduated culinary school. It’s his turn to get some hands-on training. You,” he patted Leon’s arms. “You are meant for finer things than you’ll ever get in this crappy little town. That beautiful girl of yours has an opportunity for you. Don’t blow it, hear me?”
“Are you firing me?” Leon couldn’t believe this. He’d sent Marcy packing sometime around three in the morning after hours of arguing and her begging him to give her another chance.
Sometime around two, she finally began to realize they simply wanted different things. She’d grabbed her bags and rushed out to her rental, saying if she hurried, she could catch the first plane back in the morning.
Even still, she’d texted him once she did get a flight to tell him that if he changed his mind, she’d take him back in a heartbeat.
He had no intention of changing his mind.
Except now he had no job. Which meant that soon, he’d have no apartment.
Grasping an envelope with a severance check, Leon headed outside later that afternoon into the freezing rain. Uncle had been generous. He’d not only paid him until the end of the year but had given him a bonus to help pay for his plane ticket to New York.
But he wasn’t going to New York.
Uncle wouldn’t hear of it letting him stay on as a regular cook. His son was on his way to Madison Creek and would take up the slack left from Leon’s absence.
He’d been replaced. That easily.
There was nothing he could do about it now. Uncle’s mind had been made up. Leon got in his car and headed for the tourist park. He’d help Kenna pack up then take her to a late lunch and finish what he’d been trying to say last night. That he cared about her and wanted to keep in touch. That maybe, perhaps, they could be more than friends. He’d wait for her to finish college. She only had one more semester left, she’d said.
But now…what now?
He’d have to find somewhere to work and make a living. His head was pounding from trying to figure everything out. Marcy had come in like a monsoon, ripping his whole life to shreds. She’d even told him he could be replaced if he passed up this wonderful opportunity she’d given to him. That’s when he’d told her it was time to leave.
He’d heard enough and knew without a shadow of a doubt that she didn’t really love him. And he’d known for some time that he didn’t love her.
As he passed the tourist park, his heart slammed up into his throat. Kenna’s camper was gone! All that remained was a stack of trees with a large paper tied to the top that said reserved for the Children’s hospital. She’d not even waited for them to pick the donation up.
But why?
How could she leave without telling— his breath caught. No, he couldn’t have been so stupid…could he? Hitting the gas, he zoomed across the street and parked the car. Jumping out, he raced up the walkway to his apartment and hurried inside. The tree was still dark and bare as he’d left it. Leon had planned to return to put the ornaments back as soon as he spoke with his uncle. He’d been so panicked about his job, he forgot about Kenna coming over to shower.
His hands rested on top of his winter cap. “Stupid, stupid, stupid. You know she comes over early, every morning!” He knew because each day she’d leave another little gift. A new ornament she’d made. He picked up the trash bin to find it empty.
Kenna must have come in and found them all in the trash. What must she have thought? He fished out his phone to call, but there was only one ring before he was directed to her voice mail. Had she blocked his number?
Leon sat heavily on the sofa and buried his face in his hands.
“Now what am I going to do?”
His whole life was crumbling apart right before his eyes.
Chapter Ten
“So, you’re going to give up?” Sage set the bowl of steamy potatoes on the small round table. “Just let her go?”
Leon had been invited to the Winter’s Christmas meal, but he’d not felt like getting out. If Nikolai and Sage hadn’t come banging on his door, he wouldn’t have bothered changing out of his pajamas at all. The third round of It’s a Wonderful Life played non-stop on his big-screen television. Some channel was having a marathon. Kenna had loved the movie, even shedding tears at the end when the bell rang.
He’d loved it and had felt a tug at his own heart.
Nikolai passed him the plate of turkey pieces. “We promised him that we’d not bring that up, Sage. Remember?”
She fell into her chair with a frustrated sigh. “I know, but…she was so good for you, Leon. I’ve not seen you so happy in some time. You’re not the most demonstrative fellow we’ve ever met, you know.”
Leon only glared at her while forking a piece of white meat onto his plate.
Sage took the turkey platter in one hand while passing the potatoes with the oth
er to her husband. “Just tell me you really didn’t care about Kenna and I swear I’ll let it drop.”
He spooned a portion of baked creamy green beans, remaining quiet. Sage wasn’t going to let this drop, no matter what he said or didn’t say. “It doesn’t matter. She’s gone. I don’t even know where her tree farm is.”
Nick handed over the potatoes. “Would it make a difference if you did know where she lived? Would you go after her?”
“Listen you two, I’ve tried calling, and it goes straight to voice mail. I left an explanation about what happened. I’ve apologized and have begged her to call me over and over. It’s no good. I don’t think she was ever interested in me.”
Nikolai and Sage glanced at each other. Sage bit back her growing smile. “Yes, she was. I don’t think she believed she was your type. And seriously, I remember the girls you took on dates before you and Marcy got serious.” Sage scooped a spoonful of vegetables onto her plate. “Like my college friend, Moi? Who is now off working on her doctorate at a fancy college.”
Sage rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Kenna is not at all the type of girl you normally date. That’s why we’ve been so stumped over all the attention you’ve paid to her. But then I saw how you danced with her at the Hoopalooza and I knew. You were completely taken. This time, your feelings are real.”
“You don’t think I’ve had real feelings before?” He sat up straighter in the chair and poked his fork at the wrinkly green beans.
“No.” Both Sage and Nick said at the same time. Nick added, “You would have already left for New York if you loved Marcy.”
Leon couldn’t deny his friend’s observation. He was right. Marcy wasn’t the one for him. He still wasn’t sure if Kenna was, either, but he certainly wished he’d had more of a chance to find out. Unfortunately, she had cut him out of her life.
“Sage,” Nick said. “Didn’t you say she exchanged phone numbers with you? Maybe if he called her using your phone—”
“No way, I don’t want her to block me, too.” Sage shook her head, causing her red curls to bounce around her freckled face. “I like her and hope we can keep in touch. However, if you really want another chance, Leon, you should go see her.”
Leon laughed as if she’d told him one of her dumb jokes. “Wish I could. She took all the ornaments that she made for me.” He sighed. “I should have taken them out of the trash bin before leaving. But I was exhausted and not thinking clearly.”
Nick brought his fist down on the table. “Bro, you should so go get those ornaments back.”
“Right.” Leon poured the dark brown gravy over his potatoes. “Weren’t you listening? I don’t know where she lives.”
Sage hopped out of her seat and ran from the dining room. A moment later, she returned with a small brown tag like the ones that had been attached to all of Kenna’s trees. “Here’s the name of the farm and the town. I bet if you search on the Internet…oh, wait. Never mind. Baby, look this up for me while I grab the bread rolls. The oven just dinged.”
Nick was tapping away at his phone before Leon could make a protest. “Hey, it’s only an hour and a half drive. And the nice weather is supposed to hold out for another day.”
Leon started to shake his head. He couldn’t possibly simply show up on Kenna’s doorstep. On her family’s doorstep, no less! On Christmas day! That was insane.
Sage returned with a basket of rolls. “Stop acting like you’re not going to do this. Listen, Nick and I have been friends for a long time. It’s the basis of our marriage. Kenna and you were starting to become great friends. If for no other reason, then go for that reason. To let her know that she really does matter to you.”
“Okay,” Nikolai said, putting his phone face down on the table. “I just sent you the address and directions. The ball is in your court, buddy. Now, can we let this matter drop and enjoy our holiday meal? There’s a slice of Jovino’s famous cheesecake waiting to be devoured. I’m determined to fill my stomach all the way to the top today.”
Leon’s smile grew wider and more genuine. His phone vibrated from inside his pocket. The ball was now in his court. For a while, he ate in silence while Sage and Nikolai got into a discussion about the latest video game to be released. Evidently, she’d purchased it for her husband and they intended to spend the evening trying to beat the game.
“Do you enjoy video games, Leon?”
He considered his friend’s question for a moment. He’d played before, but was often too busy working to spend time in front of the television. Marcy certainly wasn’t interested. “Well, now that it seems I’ll have more time on my hands, maybe I’ll have an opportunity to finally play.”
Sage began gathering their empty plates. “You know Haley will hire you back in a heartbeat, don’t you?”
He nodded. “She’s already called and said the Winter’s Lodge needs help this time of year. I’m fine for now. Uncle was generous with my severance pay, and I have savings. I told her that I’d talk to her after New Years about it.” He twisted the paper napkin between his hands. “You know, she does matter to me.”
“Haley?” Nikolai asked.
“No! Kenna. Well, we all love Haley and Ethan. But I was thinking about Kenna. However, I’m also thinking about how different we are. And she’s still going to college.”
“Last semester. That’s only a few months and it’s also not too far from here. A little farther than her family’s tree farm, but not much. You’re kind of a free man now, you know?”
“Yeah, I know.”
Nikolai slapped his shoulder. “Then what’s stopping you, bro?”
* * * *
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight.
Kenna stared up at the darkening sky, her heart heavy and spirits low. Mom and Dad already had a business accountant, they’d said during dinner. One that had been working faithfully with them for the past twenty years. They couldn’t dismiss him to make an opening for her.
Of course, why hadn’t Kenna realized that before she even brought it up?
Mom had encouraged Kenna to start finding a real job somewhere that she’d like to put down roots. “Sweetheart, we’ve promised the family business to Murry. He’s the eldest, so of course, it’ll go to him. But you…”
Daddy finished, “The world is open to you, honey. Find somewhere that you think you’d enjoy living. Hopefully not too far away from us. Start a life for yourself.”
Mom had added, patting her hands, “You’ll soon meet the one. You’ll see, dear. Some fella will come along and sweep you off your feet and, well? Eventually, you’ll want the freedom to go and start your own family.”
First star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might…
“I could wish upon a thousand stars and my wish would still be impossible,” Kenna said with a heavy sigh.
Returning to Madison Creek was out of the question now. She’d not even bothered to listen to the messages that Leon had left. Darn her phone for not completely blocking him from her life! She didn’t want or need any excuses or explanations. She knew when she’d been played for a fool.
Be nice to the simple-minded country girl. That had been his only motivation. Kenna was not someone’s charity work. No, thank you.
“Hey, Squirt.” Murry opened the back door and gave a shiver. “You’re going to freeze out here.”
“I’m fine.” She answered, not looking at him.
“Come inside, Sis. Dad is getting ready to announce the bonus winner, then we’re going to have dessert.”
“You’ll win, as usual,” she simply answered, hugging her arms around herself. “And I’m not really hungry.”
She could hear her oldest brother slipping on his boots and the ruffle of him putting on his jacket. She closed her eyes, wishing for once in her life they’d all leave her alone to enjoy her sulk in private.
“Hey,” Murry was at her side, leaning against the porch railing. “I overheard your talk with Mom and Dad.”
“Nosy.”
>
“I was in charge of basting the turkey. If you wanted privacy, you should have waited until after Christmas day to talk to them when we all headed back home.”
“Right. I misjudged the situation on so many levels. You have no idea.” She was becoming rather good at misreading people.
“I have a couple of job leads for you, if you’re interested. Seriously.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “Listen, Mom and Dad said the same thing to me when I asked them about working for the farm.”
“You? But they’re leaving everything to you.”
“Eventually. And not until they are ready to retire which Lord willing, should be years from now. I do help tend the trees, but I earn most of my money by building websites for people. This,” he waved his hands at the forest of pines that surrounded the house. “Is pocket change for us. Besides, let’s admit it, Lucy brings in the bucks for our family. I’m a glorified housekeeper.” He chuckled at his joke.
It was true. Murry’s wife was a doctor in town. Since he could work from home, he took care of the kids and managed the house and helped with the tree farm.
“I have no idea what to do, Murr.” When she thought about her future, all she saw were gray clouds.
“That’s no biggie. Keep praying, a path will start to reveal itself. Check out the job leads I have. See where they might take you. Mom and Dad have never wanted any of us to feel like we’re trapped here. They’ve always encouraged us to fly from the nest. Not too far, but far enough that we’re able to stretch our wings.”
Kenna nodded. He was right. Of course.
His arm went around her shoulders. “That’s right, Murr is wise. Murr is witty and handsome.” He grinned, lifting his whiskered chin, which was the only place that still grew much hair. The top of his head was kept shaved because there was no point in growing the sparse hairs still left.
“You’re pushing it.” Kenna narrowed her eyes on her brother.
A Thousand Wishes: A Romance Christmas Story (Madison Creek Town Series Novella Book 4) Page 8