by Leah Atwood
He wasn’t about to correct her and break her hope, thus he kept pretending. His siblings had raised a few brows when he greeted his parents rather than ignoring them, but they didn’t press him for an explanation.
What was bothering him, then?
I miss Jasper Lake.
Was that it? His routes had kept him south the last few weeks instead of heading north. The town of Jasper Lake had seared an impression on his soul. When he was there, peace came over him. Would it be weird to make a drive there for no reason other than he wanted to go?
Are you sure there’s no other reason?
A certain brunette with highlights and thoughtful amber eyes might have something to do with it.
He liked Jessa. She was pretty and had a sense of humor that matched his. She also had keen insight for a woman her age. He’d met few women in their twenties who had her maturity without earning it through major life events. Like his sister, Tanya who was two years younger than him. Being a single mom for almost seven years had made her wise beyond her age.
Plus, he felt comfortable around Jessa. There were few people in his life he’d open up to. Before Jessa, Gran, and Archer were the only two he could name, and on rare occasions, Tanya. His ease around Jessa came naturally. Was she like that with everyone, or did they share a unique connection?
He pulled out his phone, thought about calling her. They’d shared two phone calls and half a dozen text conversations over the last month. She’d asked when he’d be up that way again, but he didn’t have an answer. It all relied on where dispatch sent him.
But taking Gran there had nothing to do with work.
That was true. Why not plan a day trip for the weekend and get it out of his system? If he went and still felt restless, then that eliminated a potential cause. He opened his calendar app. Of course, he’d decide to make a random trip during the most hectic month of the year. Parties and programs galore.
He scrolled through the days. Lacy, his niece, had a Christmas program at school on Friday evening and another at church on Sunday. That left Saturday, but was he up for the drive with so much going on the other days? Next Saturday was his company Christmas party, and the following one his Sunday school party. He could get out of the former, but that also happened to be the day his family had agreed to go pick out a Christmas tree for Gran’s house.
This Saturday was the only day he had open.
Should he call Jessa and run it by her? If he did, was that an open invitation to seek more from her? Weighing his options, he bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted nothing more than friendship—because she deserved better than him.
He had always been careful to avoid women looking for long-term relationships. He wouldn’t risk falling in love, marrying, and having kids, only to turn out selfish like his parents. He didn’t want to believe he’d be that type, but genetics weren’t in his favor—both his parents carried the born to leave gene.
But friends could visit each other. Who said it had to mean more?
Jessa probably had plans. After all, December was prime family time, and hadn’t she mentioned Jasper Lake had Christmas bazaars and such?
Stop being a wuss and call her. You want to see her.
All right, all ready. I’ll give her a call and see if she has plans for Saturday. He hated when his conscience called him out.
He pulled up her number and tapped the dial icon. To his surprise, not a trace of nervousness set in as he waited for her to pick up. That had to be a good sign.
She answered out of breath. “Hello.”
“Jessa? Everything okay?”
“Oh, Landon. Hi.” Her voice perked up. “I didn’t see who was calling before I answered, and everything is fine. The wind outside is insane, and just walking home from the office was a chore.”
“I can call back if it’s not a good time.”
“Now’s fine.” A rustling sound traveled over the line, and he suspected she was unbundling from her winter gear. “Once I get a cup of coffee in me, I’ll be good to go.”
“The cold front blew through here a few hours ago. My second run for today got canceled because the company didn’t want any empty trailers on the road.”
“How many runs a day do you usually take?” Clinking noises now. Preparing a cup of coffee?
“Depends on what they have and the distance. Some weeks I’ll have an overnight run or two. Others, I can do three to four loads a day if they’re local.”
“What made you take that career path?”
“I fell into it.” He hesitated to say more. Truckdrivers had a less than stellar reputation, but he wasn’t the stereotype. Neither were most of his coworkers. They weren’t the rough and tumble type, dropping cuss words into every sentence. Most were doing what they could to provide for their families.
The noises from her end faded out, and he pictured her sitting on one of the pink chairs in the library.
“Do you enjoy it?”
“I do.” He settled in his recliner and relaxed. “Most people don’t think about where their everyday items come from, but without truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill. It might not seem like much, but I find value in what I do.”
“It makes perfect sense. Your work is important, and don’t let anyone make you think differently.”
Landon smiled—Jessa had a natural gift of encouragement. “Thanks.”
“Are you ready for Christmas? I can’t believe it’s here already.”
“We’re barely into the month. How can I be ready yet?”
“Men.” She harrumphed. “Always waiting until the last minute.”
“That’s not fair.” He pictured the gift sitting in the spare bedroom. “I have my niece’s present already.”
“Impressive.”
“She wanted one of those expensive, lifelike dolls that are all the rage right now. Her mom and dad won’t spend that kind of money on her, but told me I could if I wanted, although, by no means, should I feel obligated.”
Jessa laughed. “My parents had those conversations every year with my grandparents. I remember a few times when they actually told my grandparents not to buy us a particular item.”
“Did they listen?”
“Only once, and that’s because my parents had a moral objection to the toy.”
“Oh man, we faced that all the time growing up. Gran and Granddad were extremely generous but strict about what they let in the house.” He tried to think of an example but drew a blank. “Apparently, none of the things they denied us were that important to us since I can’t think of a single specific request.”
“Kind of like arguments that seem huge at the moment, but a week later, no one knows how it started.”
“Exactly.” He tapped his fingers on the leather armrest. ASK HER. “Hey, I know it’s short notice, but do you have any plans for Saturday?”
“I’m scheduled to man the chamber’s booth at the Lakeside Christmas event until noon, but that’s it. I’ll probably spend the afternoon there also, but not in any official capacity.”
“Would you like company?”
Her breath hitched, and then she went quiet as though contemplating his question. “On Saturday?”
Encouraged by the hint of excitement in her tone, he explained. “Yes. It’s my only day off without plans from here to the new year, and I miss Jasper Lake.” And you.
“This town is special. Few people leave without a lasting impression.”
“Says the chamber of commerce and tourism director.”
Jessa laughed heartily. “I speak from the heart. I couldn’t perform my job nearly as well if I didn’t fully believe in my town.”
“It’s a great place. I’m sure it’s all decorated for Christmas now.”
“Of course! You missed all the excitement by a week. Everyone gets off work early on the second Thursday in November, and the elves come out and decorate that night. By Friday morning, Jasper Lake is a small mountain town straight out of a fairytale.”
>
“Sounds pretty.” He loved listening to Jessa when she talked about Jasper Lake.
“Come see it. If you’re serious about Saturday, I’d like the company.” Her voice dropped, took on a bittersweet edge. “Things haven’t been the same the last two Christmases.”
“What do you mean?”
“Life changes, that’s all.”
There was more to her life than she let on, and he wished she’d confide in him as he had with her. Yet, he realized that she owed him nothing of the sort. All he could do was be a friend, and if she wanted to talk, he’d be there. “What time should I plan to be there? Once you’re free or earlier to see more?”
“I’d say nine or ten if you’re able. They’ll have demonstrations throughout the morning, and by afternoon, the crowds will grow and you’ll not get a good spot for viewing.”
“I’ll aim for nine-thirty. How late do the activities run?”
“Oh goodness, the festivities will go on all night, but the official activities end with the flotilla at eight.”
“Flotilla?” He knew the word but associated it with military use.
“A parade of boats. Anyone who has a boat and wants to participate lines up in the lake. There’s a contest for the best-decorated vessel.”
“How long does it last?”
“Anywhere from a half hour to an hour.”
He did a brief mental calculation. If he stayed for the flotilla, he’d get home late on Saturday. Was it worth losing a little sleep? Absolutely. “I’ll plan to come around ten and leave after the flotilla.”
“Do you know where Frog Bottom Park is?”
“Yes.”
“Most of the events and vendors will be set up in the municipal buildings there. A few will be outside, but the forecasts call for below freezing temps, so we’re keeping as much indoors as possible.”
“In other words, wear layers that are easy to trade out?”
“That’s what I’d suggest.” She groaned out of nowhere. “I’m sorry, but I have a call coming in that I have to take. I’ll text you later to finalize plans.”
She ended the call abruptly, leaving Landon to wonder if she’d changed her mind or had doubts about his coming. He shook his head, even as he replayed their conversation. That couldn’t be it. She’d sounded eager for him to come and spend time with her, plus she said she’d contact him later to finalize plans. That didn’t sound like a woman unsure.
Rather than drive himself crazy forming hypotheses, he accepted it wasn’t his business. He didn’t need to know every facet of her life, and if he did, that would take the fun out of getting to know her. He’d rest in anticipation of seeing her in a few days, and pray the unsettled feeling went away.
Chapter Seven
Since the doors opened at seven a.m., only ten families had stopped by Jessa’s booth. Granted, the primary people who came to the festival this early were town regulars who already knew everything that Jasper Lake had to offer. Around ten or so, visitors would stroll by, then stop for more information. She’d hand them a pamphlet, offer them suggestions on what to do while in town, and ask for an email or physical address so she could add them to the town’s mailing list.
During the lulls, she browsed the tables near her, remaining close enough she could hop back to her place if anyone came within a few feet of stopping. Too bad all the craft tables are on the other side. Those were the big draw for her. She could spend hours examining each handmade piece of art, whether a trinket only good for display, or a functional creation like the embroidered hand towels she’d purchased as a Christmas gift for her aunt last year.
She believed in putting thought into every gift she purchased, no matter how small or large, and she loved the personal touch of crafted gifts. Although she’d teased Landon for not being ready for Christmas, she didn’t have much room to talk. So far, she’d only bought a present for Aunt Ruth and Phoebe. She saved a solid seventy percent of her Christmas shopping to do at the Lakeside Christmas every year.
Once her thoughts traveled to Landon, she had trouble not thinking about him. At nine o’clock, give or take a few seconds, Jessa began the lookout. He wasn’t due for another hour, but that didn’t stop her eyes from wandering around the building in search of him. She forced herself not to read a deeper meaning into his visit.
After spending Wednesday evening, the night of his call, pondering it, she concluded she’d have to wait and see. Maybe he wanted to see her again, maybe not. Perhaps he needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and sought respite in Jasper Lake. Whatever his reason, it would be revealed in due time, but her heart preferred one particular explanation.
She wanted to be his motive. Was that so wrong? She didn’t think so.
A family she didn’t recognize slowed down at her neighboring table for The Museum of the Frontier. She listened to Adam Hauck give a rundown of exhibits and invite the family to the living history display outside starting at noon. After several minutes with Adam, the family moved to her.
They could have been her family twenty years ago. Three girls, one boy, and the age differences appeared to be steps of two like in her family. The parents smiled and interacted joyfully with their children, no signs of strain. By all appearances, they genuinely enjoyed family time.
The site tugged at Jessa’s heart, made her long for what had been, but those days were long gone. Only by God’s grace could they return.
She welcomed the family, saying a silent prayer their lives would never be jolted like her family’s had been. She knew those chances were unlikely—life happened and brought with it trials—but she couldn’t help but want the best for this family who reminded her of better times.
The dad picked up a brochure and flipped through it. “Our children will be attending summer camp this year across the lake, and my wife and I would like to stay nearby.”
“Dad.” The daughter who appeared to be the eldest groaned. “I’m too old for you to hover over me.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He winked at his daughter. “That’s why I said nearby.”
The girl, who couldn’t be older than ten, hung on her father’s arm, a stark contradiction to her claim of seconds ago. Jessa related. She’d been eager for independence while still clinging to the familiar safety of her own dad. For as long as she could, she kept the family’s attention while she relayed why Jasper Lake would be a great place to stay while their children enjoyed camp.
After they walked away, Jessa snuck a peek at her phone. Landon would be there any minute. Where was AJ Jefferson, owner of Jefferson Insurance and her replacement at the table? She couldn’t leave the booth without a representative. She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck for any sign of AJ. At six feet four inches, he would be hard to miss.
Getting annoyed—anxious—she grabbed her phone with the intention to call him. In the nick of time, she realized she’d gotten confused. Flustered in anticipation of Landon’s arrival, she’d forgotten she was manning the table until noon, two hours from now. Thank goodness she hadn’t called AJ and embarrassed herself.
However, where was Landon? She had thought he’d come straight to find her once he arrived. Now that she admitted the thought, she realized how arrogant it sounded. Why would he immediately seek her out when she’d told him she’d be busy?
But not even a text to let me know he made it safely?
For her own sake, she hoped he showed up soon. Her brain didn’t have the self-control to stop questioning and second-guessing every little action or lack of. She hadn’t been interested in anyone since she broke up with Chris, and she hadn’t missed the random bouts of insecurities that accompanied a new, potential love interest.
The crowds increased and brought more people her way. During a quick downtime, she pulled her compact from her purse and examined her reflection. No lipstick on teeth, no clumps of mascara smeared, no shiny forehead or nose. She returned the compact to her purse and ran a brush through her hair.
She lo
oked up, straight into Landon’s eyes.
Their sparkle said it all—he’d been there long enough to see her primping.
Embarrassed to be caught, she told a white lie. “I had an everything bagel earlier and felt a poppy seed stuck between my teeth.”
She stifled a groan. That sounded worse than the truth.
“Sorry, I’m late. I got stuck in accident traffic thirty miles before the interstate detour.” He gave an apologetic smile. “And of course, my phone slid and got lost under the seat so I couldn’t call to tell you.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t realize it was after ten until a few minutes ago, and then figured you were touring the vendors.” Stop the little white lies.
“No, I came straight here after finding a parking spot.”
That added knowledge made her heart smile. Recovered from her embarrassment, she took a good look at him. Funny how she had his features memorized like she’d known him all her life. His eyes were asymmetrical, the left smaller by only a bit, but it didn’t detract from his features. If anything, it made his expressions more pronounced, whether he was frustrated, pensive, or comical.
He’d taken her advice to heart regarding layers. Underneath an unbuttoned wool coat, he wore a charcoal infantry sweater and a grey t-shirt peeked out front under that. He’d need all three layers outside, especially after the sun went down.
“You’re free at noon, right?” He looked at his watch. “Another hour?”
“As long as my relief shows up.”
“I smelled coffee on my way in. Would you like a cup?”
“That would be great. Thanks.” Despite the room filled with people, a chill remained in the air. She reached for her purse and grabbed a dollar.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.” He sniffed. “I smell donuts, too.”
“Scottie’s is selling those. Try their maple cream filled. It’s the best you’ll ever have.”
He disappeared into the throngs of people, and she returned to her job. Fifteen minutes passed before Landon came back, and another ten before her table cleared, and she had a chance to talk to him.