Tidings of Joy

by Margaret Daley

  “Then a second mortgage is the best way to go. I’ve written down a budget that should help you stay on track.” He slid the paper across the table to her.

  She picked it up and studied it. One large, long-term debt versus many smaller ones. She liked the idea. “I can check into it at the bank on Monday. This way I can finish paying the law—” She pressed her lips shut, wanting to snatch her last sentence back. She slanted a look at Chance to see his reaction.

  He calmly stacked the sheets into a nice pile as though she hadn’t spoken. “Legal fees can be staggering.”

  When she didn’t get the question about what kind of legal fees, she relaxed back in the chair, inhaling several, calming breaths. “I can also pay a lot of the hospital bill, too. Of course, it’ll depend on how much I can get as a second mortgage. I wish I was better with money.” She leaned toward him and got a whiff of the soap he must have used when taking a shower. She thought of a green hillside in the spring and for a second forgot what she was going to say.

  His gaze connected with hers. The beating of her heart echoed in her ears as she became lost in the sky blue of his eyes.

  One corner of his mouth quirked up. “How long have you been a teller?”

  “Almost two years. Don’t tell the bank manager what I said about handling money. It can be our little secret.”

  “My lips are sealed.”

  A twinkle danced in his eyes, and she lowered her regard to those lips he mentioned. All she could focus on was the way they curved slightly at the end in that smile she had decided was lethal.

  She slid her gaze away and took the stack of papers, then stuffed them into the manila envelopes she kept them in. Her hands shook, and she nearly dropped all of them. She scooted her chair back. The scraping sound across the tile echoed through the kitchen. After she rose, she walked to the desk by the phone and crammed them in the top drawer.

  “There. Out of sight, out of mind, at least for the rest of the evening.”

  “Money worries can be very hard on a person.”

  “You speak as though you’ve had firsthand knowledge.” She lounged back on the desk with her hands digging into the wooden edge and braced herself for him to either ignore her or shut the topic down.

  He stared out the window that afforded him a view of Crystal on the deck with her service dog. “I’ve helped many clients in the past come up with a plan to get out of debt. Some make it. Others don’t.”

  There was more to it than that, but his evasive look alerted her to the fact she wouldn’t get an answer from him until he was ready. Had he been like one of those clients, in debt, struggling to make ends meet? For some reason she didn’t think that was it, even though he had few possessions that she knew of and he had arrived in town on a bus.

  Tanya pushed herself away from the desk. “I intend to be one of your success stories.”

  “Good.” He stood. “I’d better go. It’s getting late.” His glance strayed again to the window that overlooked the deck. “Is something wrong with Crystal? She hardly said two words tonight.”

  “You know how moody teenage girls can be. She’s upset with me and even ate her dinner in her room before going outside on the deck.”

  “Yes, I know what…” His voice trailed off into the silence.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Crystal told me you had a daughter who died.”

  He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then when he opened them again, there was a raw look in their blue depths that turned them the color of the lake right before a storm. “I lost both my wife and daughter a few years back.”

  “I’m so sorry. My husband died last spring, so I understand what you must have gone through.”

  An expression full of doubt flickered across his face for a few seconds before he managed to mask it. He walked to the back door and thrust it open, then disappeared quickly. Tanya heard him say something to her daughter. She observed the exchange, saw Crystal’s features coming alive while she spoke to Chance. She even laughed, which thrilled Tanya. Her daughter hadn’t laughed much lately—ever since the start of high school six weeks before.

  Chance sensed Tanya’s gaze on him and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. In prison he’d gotten used to being watched all the time, but that didn’t mean he liked the feeling. It made him think of a bug under a microscope, every movement noted and analyzed.

  “May I pet your dog?” he asked Crystal, the hairs on his nape prickling.

  “Sure. Charlie loves people.”

  “He’s a beauty.” Chance stroked the length of the black Lab’s back. “So what are you writing about?”

  “About the prejudice in the book To Kill a Mockingbird.”

  “How far have you gotten?”

  “I’m almost finished with the rough draft. We’re supposed to compare and contrast it to the prejudice in our society today.”

  “How’s that coming?” Chance asked, having experienced his own kind of prejudice when he had been released from prison three weeks ago. Although his conviction had been overturned, people still looked at him strangely, and he could see the question of his innocence lurking in their gazes.

  “The comparing and contrasting has been the easiest part. You know, not all prejudice is racial.”

  “True. People can be prejudiced against anyone, an overweight person or someone who stutters. There’s all kinds.”

  “I know.”

  Chance studied Crystal’s solemn expression, illuminated in the light by the door. “Is something going on at school?”

  Her gaze slid away from his, her head dropping until her chin nearly touched her chest.

  “Crystal? What’s happening?”

  “Nothing,” she mumbled.

  He knelt and leaned close because he’d barely heard her reply. “Is someone bothering you?”

  She didn’t say anything.

  “Crystal?” Something was wrong. Tension oscillated in waves from the teenager.

  “It’s really nothing. I can handle it.”

  He bent down farther until he caught her gaze and held it. “You’ll tell someone if you can’t?”

  She lifted her head, visibly swallowed and nodded. She shivered. “It’s getting cold. I’d better go in. Night.” She guided her wheelchair toward the back door and waited for Charlie to open it for her.

  Chance didn’t leave the deck until the teenager had disappeared inside. Through the open blinds he saw Tanya say something to her daughter, following Crystal out of the room. He’d speak to Tanya tomorrow about what her daughter had implied. If someone was harassing Crystal, it needed to stop, especially with her earlier comment about the guy she was attempting to draw. Was he the one bothering her?

  Chance hurried up the stairs two at a time and entered his apartment. Tom had been there for him in prison. He would be there for Tom’s daughter. He owed the man his life.

  Having no books, radio or television, he decided to go to bed early. He intended to start the basketball hoop for Crystal early the next morning if he could find a store open on Sunday that sold lumber and the other supplies he would need. He wanted to give the teenager something to smile about.

  In the dark he stretched out on the double bed with his arms folded behind his head. Staring up at the ceiling, he reviewed the day’s activities. He had a job. Only time would tell whether it was the best one for him. He’d assisted Tanya with her budget and he knew now how to help Crystal. Not too bad.

  “I’ll protect them, Tom,” he whispered into the blackness, his eyelids growing heavy with sleep….

  Three men with exaggerated grins and taunting voices surrounded him. Chance glanced from one to the other. When his gaze finally settled on the ringleader, tall and thin but with arms like steel clubs, Chance’s heart thudded against his chest.
The instigator of this little impromptu meeting clenched his fist around a homemade knife, the blade long—three, exaggerated feet—and sharp. His cackles chilled the air in the cell as though a blizzard had swept through the prison, freezing everything but them.

  Trapped, with his back against the bars, Chance didn’t have to look around to know he wouldn’t be able to walk away from them without a fight. He prepared himself, bracing his feet apart, balling his hands.

  The ringleader charged, letting out a blood-curdling scream that plunged the temperature in the cell even colder. Suddenly from out of nowhere, Tom flew between him and the tall, thin man, planting himself in front of the long, long knife. The inmate brought the weapon back and shoved it toward Tom and him. The blade went through Tom’s chest to skewer Chance.

  Chance bolted up in bed, rivers of sweat running off him as he tried to draw in a decent breath. His lungs hurt as though he really had been pierced by a knife. He couldn’t seem to inhale enough air. The pounding of his heart thundered in his ears, the nightmare relived yet again. When would it ever go away? Would Tom’s death haunt him forever? He dug his fingers into the bedding, trying to focus on the pain emanating from them rather than his heart.

  He knew one thing. He had to tell Tanya where he’d been for the past few years. He didn’t want her to find out from someone else. He owed her that much.

  * * *

  Tanya pulled into her driveway after church, stopped at the side of her house and stared at the scene before her. Shock trembled through her. Chance was painting a basketball backboard bright yellow. The color glittered in the bright sunlight.

  “I didn’t think he would do it today,” Tanya murmured, amazed at how fast Chance had managed to put the hoop up. She and Crystal had only been gone three hours.

  “Do what, Mom?” Crystal asked from the back of the van where her wheelchair was locked into place.

  “Chance has already put up that basketball hoop for you.”

  “He has?” Her daughter’s own astonishment sounded in her voice. “I want to see.”

  Tanya slipped from the front and went to the back of the van to let down Crystal in her wheelchair. Charlie bounded out before her daughter. The second she was on the ground Crystal spun about and drove toward Chance who climbed down the ladder as she approached.

  A grin, wide and contagious, graced his mouth. “Well, what do you think?” He pointed toward the finished product.

  Tanya noticed a streak of yellow paint slashing across his cheek. She clasped her hands together to still the urge to wipe it off. Much too intimate a gesture for someone she’d only met a few days before. Yet it seemed so natural for her to do it.

  “I made it so you could adjust the height of the hoop some. Right now it’s a little lower than normal. Once you master this height, I can raise it.”

  His comment to Crystal made it seem as though he intended to stay in Sweetwater, at least for the time being. Even though she knew he had the job with Nick, the realization Chance would be around sent a current of warmth through Tanya that she hadn’t experienced in years.

  Her daughter beamed as though the sun shone in her smile. “I’m gonna get my basketball.” With Charlie beside her, Crystal steered her wheelchair toward the ramp that led to the deck.

  “Thank you, Chance. She hasn’t smiled much lately.”

  “Do you know anything about a boy she has a crush on at school?”

  The question stunned Tanya. She knew her daughter was growing up, but Crystal hadn’t said anything to her, and they had always had a close relationship, especially because of all they had been through together the past four years. “No, who?”

  “I don’t know. But the other day she used up a lot of paper trying to draw him. She was never satisfied. When I said something to her about him, she said he didn’t know she was alive.”

  Her breath jammed in her throat. Was this what had been bothering Crystal? She had a crush on someone who didn’t return the feelings? Tanya’s heart squeezed, an intense pressure building in her chest. How could she protect Crystal from being hurt?

  “She hasn’t said anything to me. I’ll do some checking and see what I can find out. Something has been wrong with her lately so it’s possible this might be it.” Although she doubted that was what had made her daughter so unhappy lately, she would investigate. Remembering the day before and the conversation she’d interrupted between Crystal and Sean, Tanya couldn’t shake the feeling her daughter was being harassed.

  Chance studied her for a few seconds. “But you don’t think it is?”

  “No.” She started to tell him what she thought it might really be, when she heard the back door closing and glanced toward her daughter making her way toward them. “Don’t say anything to Crystal about us talking about the boy. It would only upset her.”

  “Sure, but if I can help, let me know.”

  Tanya tilted her head to the side and studied Chance. “Why do you want to help? Up until a few days ago we were strangers.”

  “Samuel told me about how rough it has been the past few years for you.”

  She pulled up straight, her arms rigid at her sides. “I won’t take anyone’s charity. Crystal and I can get along just fine by ourselves.” She whirled around and started for the back door when a hand clamped around her arm.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “I just want to help, Tanya.” Chance released his grasp almost immediately after touching her.

  But Tanya felt the imprint of his fingers on her upper arm as though he branded her. She glanced at where they had lain for a few electrified seconds, then up into his eyes, full of regret. “I can’t take pity, Chance. I’ve had my fill of that in my life.”

  “No pity. Your daughter—” he peered at Crystal making her way toward them and pitched his voice low as he continued “—she reminds me of my daughter. It helps to help her—and you.”

  All anger dissolved as Tanya turned completely toward him, wanting to comfort, wishing she had the right to embrace him, to let him know he wasn’t alone. But she didn’t want him to think she pitied him because she knew, like her, he wouldn’t appreciate that. “I want to pay for the supplies. That’s the least I can do since you did all the work.”

  The sound of a basketball striking against the concrete of the driveway drew closer. Tanya looked toward her daughter and managed to give her a smile. “Sean said something about coming over this afternoon. Maybe you two could practice some.”

  “I gave him a call. His mom is bringing him now.” Crystal continued to dribble.

  “Give it a try,” Chance said to her daughter who kept looking at the backboard.

  “I think I’ll wait till Sean gets here. Thanks, Chance.” Crystal flashed him a smile, the basketball connecting with the driveway a rhythmic sound in the sudden quiet. “Mom made some lemonade. Want some?”

  Chance chuckled, swiping the back of his hand across his forehead. “That sounds great.” He swung his full attention to Tanya and whispered, “I think your daughter wants us to get lost so she can practice.”

  “But who will get the ball for her?”

  “She’ll manage. Besides, she has Charlie. I wouldn’t be surprised if she teaches him to retrieve it for her.”

  Tanya began walking toward the back door. “I do have some lemonade that you are welcome to have.”

  Chance dropped his gaze to his cutoff jeans and dirty, sweaty T-shirt. “Although it does sound great, I think I’d better pass on it. I need a shower.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. Beth and Samuel want us to bring you to a barbecue they’re having this evening at their house.”

  “What time?”

  “Six. Casual attire.”

  His grin dimpled his cheeks. “Good, because that’s all I have at the moment.”

  Chance headed for his
apartment and that shower. At the entrance, he stopped and glanced back at Crystal. A young man jogged up the driveway. Chance waited before entering. When Tanya’s daughter smiled a greeting, he decided the teenager must be Sean and went inside.

  He should have taken Tanya up on that glass of lemonade and used the time away from Crystal to explain about being in prison with Tom. The words had been on the tip of his tongue for a few seconds, then Crystal had returned with her ball and the moment passed. There was a part of him that realized he was making excuses which wasn’t like him. But so many changes had occurred over the past few years. He hated to think being a coward was one of them.

  No! He would tell her tonight after the barbecue. No matter what.

  * * *

  “You know the others are going be jealous that I’m the first to see your mysterious tenant.” Beth took a huge salad bowl out of the refrigerator in her kitchen.

  “So that’s what was behind Chance’s invitation tonight,” Tanya said with a laugh.

  “Well, not exactly, just a plus. Samuel wants Chance to feel at home here in Sweetwater.” Beth stepped closer and looked around as though to make sure no one else was in the room and added, “I think he hopes Chance will settle down here permanently. If that happens, that will certainly solve a problem for you.”

  The heat of a blush singed Tanya’s cheeks. “What problem?” That she was dateless and gun-shy? she wondered but kept that to herself.

  “Why, your apartment needing a tenant. What did you think I meant?” Beth pinned her with an amused look.

  Tanya refused to squirm under her friend’s scrutiny. “Sometimes I think all of you have taken after Jesse and her matchmaking ways. Remember trying to fix me up with Darrell?”

  “Oh, that.” Beth waved her hand. “I just wanted to help a fellow teacher feel at home since he moved to Sweetwater two months ago.”

  Tanya harrumphed, knowing good and well that wasn’t all there was to it. Since she had become the only unmarried member of her circle of friends, she had noticed an increased interest in making sure she met every unmarried male Jesse, Darcy, Beth and Zoey knew, which made for quite a few.