She shifted her focus to the pastor and his sermon on thankfulness. As she listened, guilt pricked at her. She hadn’t been all that thankful lately. In fact, she’d been downright ungrateful. She swallowed and stared at the words on the screen behind Pastor Lake.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. —Psalm 100:5
She pondered all the tough stuff God had brought her through. She had much to be thankful for, even if everything wasn’t as perfect as she’d like. Speaking of perfect, it was time to get back to the fellowship hall. She stood and slipped out before the benediction. The scent of the Thanksgiving meal drew her to the kitchen. “How’s it going, ladies?”
Susan looked over her shoulder and nodded toward the counter. “You want to take one of the turkeys out to the serving table?”
“Sure.” Holly lifted the heavy platter and pushed through the swinging door only to stop short. “Matthew.”
He reached for the platter. “Let me.” He took it from her hands. “Where should I put it?”
She pointed to the table along the wall. “Thanks. You don’t have to help right now.”
“I know. I saw you leave and figured you might be able to use an extra pair of hands.”
Her heart raced. Matthew made not becoming distracted from her goals very difficult.
“Holly?”
“Hmm?”
“I asked what else you need me to do.”
She shook her head and ignored the knowing look on his face. “There is another platter of turkey in the kitchen.”
She waited for him to place the serving dish on the table, then spun on her heel with Matthew in tow and pushed into the kitchen. “I brought muscles with me, ladies.”
She swallowed a groan and resisted clapping her hand over her mouth. She hated it when her mouth ran ahead of her brain.
Matthew chuckled, hoisted the platter and disappeared through the swinging doors.
Susan raised a brow. “Is that the guy from high school?”
Holly sidled up close and kept her voice low. “How’d you know?”
“I remember meeting him. Matthew, right?”
“Yes. Please don’t do anything to embarrass me.”
“Of course not. I’m the last person you need to worry about. You should know that by now, Holly.”
“Sorry.”
Someone rested a hand on her shoulder.
“What can I do next?” Matthew spoke into her ear and she caught her breath.
“Umm, maybe you could just hang out until the rest of the hot stuff is ready.”
Susan waggled her brows. “He’s hot enough already, don’t you think?”
Holly nudged Susan with her heel and sent her a pointed look.
Matthew grinned and walked away.
“Hot stuff.” Susan’s laugh turned louder.
“Oh, please...I thought you weren’t going to embarrass me. I can’t believe you said that.”
Susan pursed her lips. “You’re right. That was rude of me. Sorry.” A chuckle escaped her lips. “But so funny. I couldn’t resist. Why aren’t you dating him? He’s certainly interested. I don’t see any other men scrambling at your beck and call.”
Holly rolled her eyes. Maybe her friend was blinded by her own recent marriage. “Remember my career? And he’s not at my beck and call.”
“Sorry. I forgot. But you know you can have both. Look at me. I’m happily married, have my accounting firm, and I’m helping to raise my young sister-in-law.”
“That’s because you’re superwoman. It’s so weird to think of Katie as your sister-in-law. She’s, what, eleven?”
The smile left Susan’s face. “Just be careful, Holly. You don’t want to wind up old and alone.” Susan waved a hand. “Listen to me being all melodramatic. Obviously I’m still in the honeymoon phase.”
Holly pressed her lips together. “Mmm-hmm.” The hum of voices filtered in from the fellowship hall. “Oh, sounds like service is out.” The ladies quickly finished up and joined the rest of the congregation for the blessing. Holly bowed her head and when she opened her eyes they locked on Matthew’s gaze. Her heart thundered, and her cheeks warmed again. This had to stop!
A short time later, Holly wove between tables in the fellowship hall, holding her plate and looking for an empty seat. The delicious smells drifting up from her meal made her mouth water. She spotted a table with a lone woman and headed that way. “Anyone sitting here?”
“No. Have a seat.”
Holly pulled out a chair, leaving a spot between her and the woman she’d never seen before. Strange, she thought she knew most everyone at church. Of course, they’d opened the meal up to the community, but few outsiders ever came.
She peered more closely at the stranger. Her well-worn but clean top was not the norm in the festive atmosphere. The woman’s thin, tattered coat was draped on the seat behind her.
“I’m Holly.”
The woman put her fork down and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Elsa. This is a great meal you folks put on. I’m glad I spotted the sign.”
“Me, too. I haven’t seen you around, Elsa. Do you live in Leavenworth?”
“Oh, no. I’m from Chicago. I came in early this morning on the train.”
“Cool. Do you have family in town?”
A shadow crossed the woman’s face, and she looked down quickly. “No. My daughter lives in Chicago. I’m passing through on my way to Seattle. I’ll catch the morning train.”
“Where are you staying?” Holly had a feeling the woman was a transient, but couldn’t be certain.
Elsa shrugged. “Oh...you know...that place by the river.”
“The Blackbird Inn or do you mean someplace else?” Holly didn’t want to embarrass the newcomer and call her out on her fib, but it was obvious she couldn’t afford those accommodations. Hopefully forcing Elsa to name the hotel would make her tell the truth. Holly wanted to help the woman, but couldn’t if she wasn’t honest.
“Yes, the Blackbird Inn.” She looked down and shoved mashed potatoes into her mouth.
Holly frowned. “How did you get here?”
“Walked.”
Holly let the information sink in and visited with her for the remainder of the meal. The woman’s kind and gentle spirit drew Holly to her, in spite of her fib. “It’s snowing outside. Can I give you a ride someplace?”
“Oh, that’s kind of you, but no. I’ll walk. I’m used to cold winters.”
“Just the same, I’d feel better if you’d let me drop you by your hotel.”
Elsa tilted her head. “Truth is this was an unplanned stop. I’d read about Leavenworth once, and when I saw that the train was stopping here I hopped off. Probably not the smartest thing I have ever done. Especially considering the weather.” She sighed. “I don’t have money for a hotel. I plan to walk back to the train platform and wait in the covered area. I noticed it was heated, so it won’t be so bad.” Her voice faded, and she looked down.
Holly’s throat thickened, and she swallowed back tears. “I have a guest room in my apartment. It’s not much, just a single bed that belonged to my landlord’s young son, but you’re welcome to it for the night. I can drop you at the train platform in the morning.”
Elsa’s eyes watered. “I’m fine. I hate to impose on you.”
“It’s no imposition—promise. How about you get another cup of coffee and meet me by the glass doors in, say, twenty minutes. I need to make sure everything is taken care of here before I leave.”
“Well, if you’re sure.” A slow smile lit Elsa’s face. “You know, I believe the Lord led me here today to meet you. He must’ve known you’d take in this old woman. I’m sorry I lied earlier about my accommodations, but I was asha
med to admit my situation.”
Holly pondered Elsa’s words. Did God really plan their meeting? “No worries, Elsa. Hang tight. I’ll be back soon.”
* * *
“Unca Matt. I want more bread.”
Matthew glanced at his sister, and she shook her head. “Looks to me like the only thing you ate was the bread. How about trying some of the turkey?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I not like it.”
April leaned toward her daughter. “Ava, Mommy told you no seconds until you at least taste everything on your plate. You haven’t tasted the turkey or the mashed potatoes.”
Ava sighed and slumped. “I not hungry.”
Todd strutted into the fellowship hall and stood against the wall. What was he doing here? Hopefully he hadn’t come to cause trouble. Maybe Holly had invited him. Something about the man rankled him. Maybe it was because Todd had taken a swing at him. But no, Matthew hadn’t cared for him before that.
It might be the possessive attitude he had toward Holly, in spite of the fact they weren’t a couple. Whatever the case, Matthew accepted that Holly wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship. If that was all she had to offer, he’d accept it, but not happily. Why did he have to be attracted to a woman who wasn’t the slightest bit interested in him?
From across the room, Matthew watched Holly speak to a woman. He didn’t recognize her, but she could be someone’s grandmother. Teens were beginning to clear centerpieces from the tables and some of the men were stacking chairs. They would need to pack up Ava’s food to go.
He looked down at the munchkin and grimaced. Tiny tears rimmed her eyes. Undoubtedly someone was ready for a nap. Too bad April had to wait for him. “You know what?”
Ava shook her head.
“I baked the rolls. I’ll make more for our Thanksgiving dinner. How does that sound?”
A wobbly smile touched her lips. “Okay.” She reached for his hand. “We go now?”
“Soon. I promised to help put the tables and chairs away. Give me about fifteen minutes.”
Holly strode by his table seemingly oblivious to his presence. He almost called out to her, but she seemed on a mission. He sighed and stood. Time to get busy before his niece had a meltdown.
He sauntered to where the other men were tearing down tables and joined in. A few minutes into the work someone tapped his shoulder. He turned. “Todd.” His body tensed. His hand tightened, ready for anything. Surely the man wouldn’t make a scene in church?
“You have a minute?”
Matthew studied Todd. The man seemed subdued and uncomfortable. Curiosity made Matthew nod his head. “I only have a moment. My family is waiting.”
“I understand.” Todd turned and walked away from where the men were working.
Matthew followed and stood at attention. He didn’t trust Todd, no matter how passive he appeared. He’d proven he had an explosive temper.
“I need to apologize for the other day. I was out of line.”
“Agreed and forgiven. Is that it?” He didn’t care to be buddies with Todd, even if the man was willing to humble himself and apologize.
“No. You need to know that Holly is great, but she’s focused on her job. Don’t be fooled. She’s not interested in me or anyone else, including you.” He looked past Matthew and lowered his words. “I really like her. I’d warn you not to hurt her, but I have a feeling she’ll be the one doing the hurting.”
Matthew frowned. “Why are you telling me this? Holly and I aren’t dating. We’re only friends and then just barely.” He was a realist, and theirs was a tenuous friendship, at best, even if she did say she’d like to go skiing sometime. Then again, they’d become very friendly earlier today.
“I see the way you look at her. It’s a familiar feeling. Figured I owed you after trying to take your face off. Just be careful.” Todd nodded, then lowered his head and walked away.
Matthew stood, slack-jawed. What had just happened? Was Todd actually a decent guy after all? He turned and nearly ran into someone. Holly. His eyes widened. “Oh, hey there. If it’s okay with you, I’m going to head out. Ava is desperate for a nap.”
She nodded. “Sure. I saw you talking with Todd. Did he want anything in particular?”
Matthew thought for a moment. They said honesty was the best policy. “He was warning me that you’re a heartbreaker, but I assured him my heart is safe.” At least he prayed that was the case.
Holly’s eyes widened and her face turned cranberry-red. “I see. Well, uh, I guess you should go find your family. Thanks for your help.”
Matthew frowned. “That didn’t come out right. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“No, I think you said it perfectly. It’s okay, Matthew. Don’t worry. I won’t be breaking any hearts in the near future.” She spun around and rushed into the kitchen.
Shoulders sagging, Matthew headed for the exit. He should go after her, but to what end? Uncertainty ruled—the hurt on Holly’s face and in her voice made his stomach clench. How could he have fumbled that so badly? He’d hoped she’d pick up the hint that he trusted his heart with her, and she’d believed the opposite. It seemed as if all he did was fumble when it came to Holly, and he had no idea how to correct it without coming right out and telling her exactly how he felt. And clearly, she wasn’t interested in that kind of declaration.
Chapter 10
Holly unlocked the door to her apartment. Warm air rushed out, drawing her into the comfortable space. “Here we are.” She stepped inside, followed by Elsa.
Her guest closed the door and stood still. “Your place is lovely, Holly.”
“Thanks. It’s small and only has the essentials, but it’s homey.”
“Exactly.”
Holly kicked off her boots and draped her coat on a bar stool. “Make yourself at home. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
Elsa set her overnight bag beside the door and hung her coat on the hook. “You know what sounds good? Hot cocoa. My daughter and I make that on snowy days like this one. I can’t believe it’s snowing so early in the season. From what I understand, this isn’t normal.”
Holly grinned. “This is the craziest November I’ve ever seen, but it’s not all that uncommon to have snow in November. We’ve had it in October, too, but to my knowledge it’s never stuck around that early in the season.” She poured milk into mugs. “Two hot chocolates coming up.” Maybe all Elsa needed was a little TLC. Holly placed the mugs in the microwave.
Elsa wandered to the front window and gazed out.
Holly’s insides warmed. The picturesque view drew her every day. She sidled up to the woman and took in the bustling street below. The shops would close soon. Christmas lights hung from the pine trees in front of the shops, and a crew used a cherry picker to hang more on the building that housed shops across the street. The village would be decked out in Christmas decor, and thousands of tourists would flood the small town for the annual light festival the first weekend in December.
Holly felt a soft smile touch her lips. “My sister and I looked forward to seeing Father Christmas every year when we were children. Our parents would bring us to the village, and we’d watch the tree-lighting ceremony and drink hot chocolate and eat roasted chestnuts.”
“Sounds perfect.” Elsa turned from the window, and a sad look haunted her eyes. She moved to the couch and sank into the corner.
The timer on the microwave dinged. Holly waved toward the living room. “I’ll grab the cocoa.” She poured prepackaged mixes into the mugs of warm milk and stirred in the chocolaty deliciousness. She sniffed. “This smells so good.” She walked over to the couch and handed a mug to Elsa, then curled onto the other end.
Elsa sipped the treat and swiped at the corners of her eyes.
“What’s the matter?”
&n
bsp; “Just getting lost in my thoughts. This reminds me of home, or at least, what home used to be.”
“If only life were as simple now as it was when we were kids.” Holly sipped her cocoa.
Elsa laughed drily. “Sometimes it helps to talk things out. Tell me about it.”
Holly eyed her guest and realized she actually meant the words. “You first. What’s making you so sad?”
The woman shrugged and looked down at the mug she held between her hands. “It’s a long story, but let’s just say I’ve made some poor choices and my daughter has paid the price.”
Holly caught her breath. It seemed she wasn’t the only one with family issues. “I know firsthand how a strained mother–daughter relationship feels, and I’m sorry you are going through this.”
“You’re a sweet girl.” Elsa’s eyes lit with compassion, but the sadness still haunted her expression. “I really don’t want to talk about me, though. Tell me about you and your mom.”
Holly took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The clock on the wall ticked the seconds as she bolstered her courage. “I don’t want to burden you with my problems, but it’s nice of you to take an interest.”
“I insist. You’ve been beyond kind to take me in for the night. The least I can do is be a listening ear. Who knows, maybe I will be able to help.”
“Okay, since you insist.” Holly drew the mug to her lips and gulped the lukewarm drink, then set it on the floor at the foot of the couch. “As I grew older, I realized my mom favored my sister. It made things...strained between us.”
“Between you and your mom or you and your sister?”
“Both, at times, I guess. But I was mostly speaking of my mom. She thinks the world of Jessica, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t measure up.”
Elsa tsked. “Child, I don’t know your mother, and if what you say is true, shame on her. But my mother’s heart tells me that she loves you as much as your sister, just differently.”
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