Applause follows me as I jog over to the electronic board Ben and dad created. “Will you count down with me? 3. 2. 1!” I hit the switches the men highlighted in yellow for me. A circle of trees and other Christmas-themed light displays come alive just as snow starts to fall. The sight is so It’s a Wonderful Life that tears slide down my cheeks. “Now, Ben and Jenna Regan have a few words to share.”
Ben keeps his hand on Jenna’s back as they stand next to me. She clears her throat and starts to speak. “One of the traditions we have beyond the tree lighting is for JB’s to offer free hot chocolate, cider, roasted chestnuts and donuts around the bonfire. We hope you’ll join us. Before we enjoy the refreshments, Ben and I wanted to share our good news.” She pauses and looks at Ben, who’s grinning. “We wanted to announce that we’re going to have a baby!”
Gasps, oohs, and ahhs fill the air.
Bart Davis is the first to speak. “When are you due?”
Jenna can barely stand still she seems so excited. “The twelfth of June. I wanted to clear the first trimester before telling everyone. My doctor said everything’s great, and we thought tonight’s a great night to share. Now, let’s enjoy the bonfire and light displays!”
The crowd disperses and Wayne nudges me. “Great job with the tree lighting, Trish. You represented Speculator Falls well. Did you want to go to the bonfire?”
“Sure. I’ve been craving one of JB’s chocolate donuts. I think dad has some chairs set up.”
Wayne rubs his stomach. “That sounds good. Ready?”
We march behind JB’s where there’s a clearing and men tending the roaring fire. Mom’s near the donut table, so I point and we move toward the line. Before reaching it, there’s a tap on my shoulder.
“Excuse me? Miss Maxwell?”
I turn and face Ed Sterling, the man from my failed interview with the Greater Adirondack Chamber. “Yes, hello. What brings you to Speculator Falls?”
He cocks his head toward the fire. “Visiting my sister and nephew. They live in Piseco and invited me here for the festivities. I had no idea you were so beloved by the community here. That was certainly understated in your resume.”
I glance at Wayne, who shrugs.
Ed continues before I can introduce him to my boyfriend. “Have you been working on more storefronts? If you build your portfolio and consider locating the funding yourself through grants and individual businesses, I’m confident we can put the chamber behind your work.”
I bite my lip before responding. “You’re saying being the Speculator Falls tree lighting representative enhances my chances to be supported by the chamber?”
Mr. Sterling nods. “Your communications with us led the chamber to believe you were starting out with no real ties to the Adirondacks. Seeing you here and so well received does change my perspective for the better. You do need to expand your portfolio beyond Speculator Falls, but I don’t see that as a problem.” He looks over to the crowd near the fire. “I need to go, but Miss Maxwell, stay in touch. It appears that you have a bright future in the Adirondacks.”
Chapter Twenty
The Valentine card selection at JB’s doesn’t convey my feelings for Wayne. Although we see each other every day for dinners or movies at my house, we’re not a couple who are too serious or sappy, especially now that the “I love you” declaration is out of the way. The other cards are sarcastic. I only have a couple hours before our romantic dinner at Harmony Lodge.
“Trish Maxwell, what are you doing shopping for a card last minute?”
I turn and find Shirley and her thick glasses staring down at me. “I’ve been looking for weeks, I can’t find what I want to say.”
A slow smile appears. “Do you think Ben’s going to order something better as the date gets closer? I have an idea, if you’re interested.”
“Go on. Are you going to take me to a back alley and show me some rejected Hallmark cards?”
A hearty laugh echoes throughout the store. “You’re funnier than I remember. I’ll be home the rest of the day. Stop by. I create cards, even thought about asking Jenna if we could offer it as an activity at the center. There’s room for you to write on them.”
I tap my chin as I think about my schedule. “That’s a great idea, thank you. You’re pretty awesome, Shirley.”
“I was pretty hard on you. You’ve done a fantastic job making our village look better. Forgive me for not giving you a chance.”
There’s a miracle in the middle of JB’s when we hug. “There’s nothing to forgive. I’ll see you soon.”
Three hours later, Wayne and I have a mountain-view table and a basket of fresh bread between us. Shirley’s hand-crafted card awaits in my purse for the perfect moment.
Wayne hands me a menu. “I feel like we haven’t had time to talk since Christmas. It’s been busy, hasn’t it?”
I open it up and look at the appetizer options before concentrating on Wayne’s wavy midnight-colored hair. “The store’s usually quiet after the New Year but customers are using their coupons from the fashion show. I even had to call our college part-timer in a couple afternoons. And you, I think it’s great that you’re getting more shifts. Even your boss said he’s so impressed with you he wants to give you as many opportunities as possible.”
“You’re too kind. It’s also probably because Brad was written up for not stocking and cleaning the ambulance.”
We order and he turns around and fishes around his coat pocket. He produces a card that’s crumpled. “Sorry. I almost forgot it, and I stuffed it in my coat on my way to pick you up. All the words are true, though.”
I slide it out of the envelope and recognize it as one of my card choices from JB’s. Somehow, from him, it doesn’t seem so generic.
Trish,
Doing life with you is more than I deserve. I love you and hope you’ll save room for chocolate. Wayne
“I love you, too. There aren’t enough words to explain how happy I’ve been, and you have everything to do with it. Now, give me a second.” I hold up a finger and deliver my card. Shirley even insisted I put confetti she made inside, so it spills out as Wayne opens it.
“There’s no way this was at JB’s. Trish, it’s just like you.”
I lean in. “How’s that?” He rises and moves in for a quick kiss. “Beautiful.”
As he sits back down, he shifts around and seems to look past me. “I think Jenna’s sister is here with Swarthmore.”
It’s hard not to swivel around as fast as an oiled chair in a diner. Sure enough, Meg and Kyle are across the restaurant. They’re holding hands and gazing at each other.
Wayne shakes his head. “That’s nauseating.”
“They look genuinely happy, though.”
He chuckles. “Maybe because Kyle hasn’t made Meg pay for the meal yet.”
“Funny. Let’s hope Ben and Jenna don’t come here tonight. She’s still not on board with her little sister dating Kyle.” The waitress interrupts, placing our plates in front of us. “Now, let’s forget about them and enjoy our night.”
After our dinner, Wayne opens the truck door as I climb in. “Would you like to come over to my place? I forgot the chocolates there.”
He seems extra nervous for a simple Valentine’s date. “Can we grab the chocolates and go to my house? Since Pastor’s sermon on having a pure heart and life, I don’t want any temptation. At least going to my place means parents will be around. And you in that red sweater and that hair, it’s probably a wise plan.”
He nods, closes the passenger door and makes his way inside, starting the ignition. “Okay. I did want to talk though. It’s kind of serious.”
Did I gasp? I hope my panic isn’t showing. Is this night leading to a proposal? “My parents aren’t going to be sitting with us or anything. Is that a problem?”
The engine roars to life and I can’t see or hear his answer. My dinner rides like a tsunami through my stomach.
Twenty minutes and a wave hello to my parents in the offi
ce, Wayne hands me a box of chocolates and a dozen roses. “I meant to have everything ready for you before dinner, but I had a lot on my mind.”
I gesture for him to join me on the couch. “You didn’t need to do any of this. Thank you, I love it.” Before he can reply, I give him a peck on a cheek. “Now, why are you are so anxious?”
He runs a hand through those luscious curls. “Okay. Here goes. We’ve been dating for a few months. The ‘I love you’ has been said and returned. We attend church together.”
This sure feels like destination proposal. My throat feels like cotton and woodchips. “We’re in a great place. I never thought I’d meet someone as amazing as you.”
He smiles and reaches for my hand. He’s shaking. “I’m so happy to hear you say that. I confess, I’m thinking about a future with you.”
Oh, my. This is real.
“There’s one thing left.”
Can he hear my heartbeat? Can Albany? The space station? “I’m listening.”
“If we were to marry, we’d be a ready-made family. Although Noah’s not with me all the time, he is my son. We haven’t done a lot of things together and he really doesn’t know you. My question is, are you willing to get to know him better?”
My ears ring out of fear and misunderstanding. “Come again?”
“Trish, we have something really good here. I’m praying for us.”
My voice cracks. “But?”
“But, Noah has to be part of us. He’s a part of me. Are you interested in developing a relationship with him? Not just as a friend, but with the understanding if we marry, you also gain a son?”
Chapter Twenty-One
Noah’s whistle echoes throughout the Tupper Lake bank lobby as we work on a spring display. He holds up pastel tulle. “What’s this colored stuff? Fish net?”
I stifle a giggle. “Not exactly, but keep draping it over those columns. It looks great.”
He nods and puts his earbuds back in. Not quite the perfect scenario to get to know him better, but he’s helping me and not complaining. Win.
After a couple hours of steady work, I tap him on the shoulder. “Do you want to get lunch?”
Noah removes the earpieces. “Did you say lunch?”
“I did. We’re almost done here, and then after a break, we can assemble the design for the daycare down the street. Does that sound good?”
“Yep. Is it okay if we find a hamburger place? I’m kind of sick of pizza.”
Half an hour later we’re in a booth at the only diner I saw on the main street. It’s hard not to look at their front window and picture a display, but my focus has to be Noah.
I rest my arms on the Formica table. “Thanks for doing this today. I know you probably had more exciting plans in mind on your winter break.”
He takes a sip of his pop and shrugs. “Not really. I think Dad’s tired of me playing video games. That was the only thing I was going to do.”
“What ones do you play?”
His face brightens. “Almost anything. Combat, racing, football. Do you do any of that stuff?”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. A ball of panic starts in my mind and travels throughout my body. “I don’t. I’m the only child in the family and my parents wanted me to read. Do you like books?”
Noah shrugs. “Not really.” His face brightens. “Music. Everyone loves that. What do you listen to?”
Okay, we can find common ground here. “Soft pop. I guess because it plays throughout the department store. Celine Dion, Madonna’s older stuff. Contemporary Christian music. Worship songs. You know, Hillsong.”
His smile turns to a flat line, like our bonding. “Country.”
We both sigh.
He finishes up his burger and I pick at my salad. You’re not step-mom material. You can’t even talk to a teen. Pushing my plate aside, I forge into new territory. “Tell me something about you and your dad that would surprise me.”
Noah grins. “If we can’t find anything on TV during a snowstorm, we watch The Hallmark channel.”
I stifle a laugh. “Good one. What do you love most about him?”
“He moved here to get to know me.”
The fear disappears as we keep chatting. Noah stretches and asks, “Do you ever plan to run a race with us again?”
“Why? Are you implying I’m not good?”
He nods. “You were a mess that day. Here’s a tough one.”
I reach for the bill and stand. “Go for it.”
“What job do you plan to keep? The department store, or what we’re doing today?”
Okay, Noah’s a straight shooter like his mom. “I want the opportunity to create window displays across the Adirondacks. I hope that works out. But, my parents are getting ready for my dad to retire, so they need me at the store. It’s complicated.”
He rises and puts on his coat. “Sounds like it. Last question.”
“I’m ready.”
Noah’s stare is laser focused. “Did Dad put you up to this as a test to see if we get along well enough for you to become my step-mom?”
.***
Three days later, I’m back in Tupper Lake at the library. I now have businesses in Speculator Falls, Piseco, and Tupper Lake for my portfolio. Another village and I should be able to call Ed Sterling and show him my updated work.
Noah’s in the corner, untangling lights, muttering under his breath. “Trish, how bad do you need these?” He holds up the tangled mass of electricity.
“It’s important. Let me staple this letter to the display board and I’ll help.”
Before he can respond, my phone rings. I look at the screen, noticing it’s a New York City area code, and Aiden Parker’s name. “Excuse me a second, Noah. I need to take this.”
I jog to an empty conference room and swipe to answer. “Hey, Aiden. Need to vent about a project?”
His words come so fast I can barely process. “Big shake-up. CEO is gone. Board president, resigned. New leadership promoted me and asked me to name my partner.”
I saunter to the door and peek out to see Noah still holding on to the lights. “That’s great, Aiden. Who are you going with? Prescott? Annette Rhoades?”
There’s such a long pause that I check to make sure the call is still active. “Aiden?”
“You, Trish. I want to hire you.”
I’m speechless. Did he just offer me a job in the City?
“I know your job last time wasn’t what you thought. A lot of that was mis-management. You have the ambition, and your ideas when we led the Stevenson project were as good. Really good.”
I pace an imprint into the carpet. “Aiden, I’m flattered.”
“Don’t say no. We would get an office and share an assistant. I can help you find an apartment. At least meet with me, won’t you? I’ll even meet half-way. Lunch in Binghamton?”
My knees weaken. “I, I don’t know. This is a shock.”
“Meet me in Binghamton. Let me show you the projects I’m leading. If you say yes, we’re co-leads. The company is heading in the right direction. I feel really good about this.”
What’s the harm in lunch? “Okay. Monday. I’m craving a chicken spiedie, so let’s meet at the Rib Pit. One?” I can taste the marinated chicken on a sub roll already.
“You got it. Thanks, Trish. It’s a great opportunity. You don’t want to pass it up.”
When I return to the lobby, Noah’s made headway and didn’t even seem to notice I was gone longer than a minute. “Great job. You didn’t even need my help.”
He rolls his eyes. “No more untangling today. What else are we doing?”
“Place the presentation board in the center, hang the lights, and done.”
“Cool. Then we go home?”
Dread feels like it’s filling the creases in my forehead. “Yep. I also have to call your dad.”
As soon as we’re in my car, I hit Wayne’s number and he answers on the second ring.
“Hey, Honey. I wondered if you two
were about done.”
My voice cracks. “We are. Headed back. Do you have a few minutes for us to talk tonight? Privately?”
His words come out slow and measured. “Sure. Everything okay?”
I glance at Noah, who smiles.
“I’m not sure.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
My knees shake as I wrap my arms around Wayne’s chest as he navigates his four-wheeler across Lake Pleasant. Ice fishing isn’t the most romantic plan, but with the news I need to deliver, it gives us needed privacy.
Wayne shuts the engine off and reaches for the cooler he loaded in the back. “You okay, Trish? I thought for a second you were going to bruise my ribs.”
My nervous laughter sounds more like a shiver. “I’m a little anxious about the ice breaking.”
He winks as he sets up the camping chairs. “It’s ten-below zero, the ice is six inches thick. We’ll be okay.”
I stand with my gloved hands stuffed in my coat pockets. “Good. Ice fishing isn’t something I embraced growing up.”
Wayne’s definitely the expert as he drills a hole and produces a slotted ladle to scoop out excess ice chunks. “My dad would take me to Saranac Lake when I was a kid. Ice fishing’s peaceful, although I wouldn’t count on fish for our dinner.” He chuckles as he hands me a fishing pole.
I’m not sure he’s going to want me to stick around for dinner. “Then what would I do?”
He picks up his drill. “Take a seat and stick the pole in the water. I’m making my hole.” Wayne looks over as I oblige. “I’ve been meaning to ask, have you called that Ed guy about your portfolio? You and Noah covered some great Adirondack territory creating those displays.”
I nearly lose my grip on the pole and almost drop it into the hole. “I finished updating it last night. I haven’t called yet.”
Wayne nods as he finishes up and takes a seat. “I don’t know how he could say no to you this time. You did everything he suggested.”
I bite my lip, but can barely feel it. “Right. Along that line, I have something work related to talk to you about.”
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