He gave her a smile of understanding. “Nah, everyone’s fine Kat. Grandma and Grandpa are still going strong, but they decided to move five years ago to where the climate was a little more agreeable. They’re living in Florida now in a retirement home close to my mom and dad.”
After that, there was an awkward silence between them.
Until Luke gave Kelly a nudge and she picked up the conversation where Jason left off.
“How about we all go out together to the local Christmas tree farm and pick out a tree for Jason?” she asked. “Luke and I don’t have much to do here until later today.”
“That’s a good idea.” Jason nodded agreeably looking down at his prosthetic. “A little help would be appreciated. I think my grandparents left a slew of decorations down in the basement too.”
Hesitating, he turned to Kat. “How about you, Kat. Have you got other plans for this afternoon?”
“No, not at all. I’d really love to go along,” Kat said gazing into Jason’s eyes.
Luke suggested, “How about using my pickup?”
Jason nodded his agreement. “I’ll be glad when I’m able to drive regularly again.”
Just then, their food was delivered onto a dolly near the table, and everyone focused their attention on the meal as Marie began handing over their plates.
“Is the food still as good as I remember?” Kat asked sinking her teeth into a Reuben sandwich.
“Probably better,” Luke answered with a grin before biting down into his burger.
Jason was finishing up his own burger when Kat turned and raised a brow.
Oh, man. His mind went blank as Kat began asking him a question. How did she manage to do that? That silly eyebrow of hers still somehow succeeded to send his mind off into some really crazy directions.
“Jason?”
He shook his head and cleared his throat. “Uh, I missed what you said. What was it you asked about, Kat?”
She repeated her question. “You can drive?”
Jason nodded. “Uh, yeah. With the right prosthetic.” He grimaced. “I don’t like to drive in the snow though cause I don’t have the mobility I used to have. Even though I can manipulate the steering wheel pretty well with my right hand, sometimes it can be difficult putting the car into gear.”
Kat looked thoughtful nodding her head up and down.
“I heard from Luke that you’re getting a new prosthetic?” Kelly asked.
Jason answered, “Yep. I’ll be back in D.C. after the first of the year. It’s experimental and I volunteered.” He grinned. “A prosthetic hand that’s monitored by brain activity. You know, they’re letting pilots with prosthetic legs remain in service now and you never know, using this new technology might allow some of us without an arm or a hand to remain on active duty someday soon.”
“How’d you arrive here at the inn today if you’re not driving?” Kat asked.
“The inn has a shuttlebus that runs through town twice a day,” he answered turning to Kat. “Jake Loughlin’s made arrangements for them to come my way providing I call ahead.”
Kelly looked over at Kat. “The bus also runs kids who live in the area to and from Crystal Visions.”
“Crystal Visions?” Kat asked.
“That’s right,” Jason observed. “The facility was just becoming established when you visited here in the past. Crystal Visions is a school and residence for special needs children and adults. The wounded warrior facility that I’ll be working at is being built nearby, and it’s located straight across Crystal Rock Lake where the town’s campgrounds used to be.”
“Wow,” Kat answered looking around at everyone at the table. “Sounds like an ambitious project?”
“For sure,” Luke answered taking a break from eating. “Everything about Crystal Rock has changed for the better since Jake and Danielle Loughlin arrived in town and remodeled the Dragonfly Pointe Inn a few years ago.”
At that point, everyone was nearly finished with lunch, and Luke insisted on picking up the check when Marie returned to the table.
The four of them made their way through the restaurant and strolled into the lobby.
Kelly handed over a stylish winter coat to Luke.
Luke looked at Jason and Kat. “Did you two bring along any warmer winter clothes?”
“I sure did,” Kat answered, giving Jason a side glance. “I’ve got a thick winter coat and some mittens and a hat. Part of my agenda included taking a lot of walks around Dragonfly Pointe.”
Jason hesitated. “All I have here is a fleece pullover and my leather jacket.”
Kelly nodded. “Luke’s got tons of extra winter clothing. I’ll bring along a parka and an extra pair of gloves and hat so we can drive straight from here to the tree farm. Luke and I need to go home to change and switch cars anyway.” Luke was wearing jeans and a sweater, but Kelly was dressed rather festively in a burgundy suede suit paired with a low cut creamy blouse.
After helping Kelly into her coat and pulling on his own, Luke glanced at his watch. “How about we come back for both of you in about forty-five minutes?”
“That’ll work,” Jason answered with a grin.
When Kelly and Luke walked outside through the breezeway, Jason suddenly found himself alone with Kat.
He couldn’t think of one single thing to say.
But when she reached for his hand, her touch sent a jolt of awareness ripping straight through his soul.
* * * * *
Whoa, Kat thought. It was crazy the way that Jason could still make her feel. Running into him had been about the best thing that could have ever happened to her, cause now there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind.
Marrying Mark would have the worst thing she could’ve done.
Kat looked down at their hands as Jason walked with her towards the elevator so they could go to their rooms and change clothes. It was if those fifteen years since the last time they’d been together had never even happened.
She felt the same way she had back then; scared, confused, but so totally content that it hurt. She’d never felt any of these strong emotions when she was with Mark. In fact, the strongest reaction that she’d had toward him had been irritation.
Kat’s mind was feeling muddled. Why was it again that she’d wanted to marry Mark?
The elevator stopped on the second floor and Jason hesitated as the doors opened wide.
She had a feeling Jason was wondering if he should escort her to her room. But she really needed some time to think. Seeing him again had been the last she’d been expecting and the whole situation was becoming a little overwhelming.
Kat smiled. “I’m up on the fourth floor. I’ll just meet you downstairs after I’ve gathered my coat and gloves and put on my boots.”
Jason cleared his throat. “Alright. I’ll just go grab my house keys and pull on the fleece that I brought along.” He stared into her eyes for a brief moment before strolling from the elevator into the hallway.
Exhaling deeply when the elevator doors closed behind him, Kat had been holding her breath and hadn’t even realized she’d been doing it. From the moment she’d seen Jason again, she was feeling exactly as she had all those years ago. It was strange to realize that out of all the guys she’d dated in high school and college, there had never been anyone else that had made her feel the way that he did.
She was suddenly aware of a sense of rightness and certainty. Something incredible was going to happen this Christmas.
She just knew it.
Chapter Eight
Kat showed up in the lobby at the same time Jason saw Luke pull his truck into the Dragonfly Point Inn’s parking lot forty minutes later.
Talk about drama, Jason thought when the elevator doors opened wide. Kat stepped out wearing a mid-length red winter coat and a pair of black jeans, with tall black boots covering her feet. She was carrying a big fluffy pair of matching earmuffs and gloves, and her hair was pulled away from her face into a ponytail at the very top of her head.
“You look great,” Jason said as they walked together through the breezeway leading outside.
He grinned when she laid her hand on the door, observing that the polish on her nails was a leopard print.
“I see you still like those animal designs.”
“Grr,” she answered, obviously noticing him looking at her nails. Lifting her hand in the air, she clawed before pushing open the door with her hand.
Kat grinned when Jason snickered.
They walked down the steps from the porch and headed into the parking lot, where Luke was waiting with Kelly in his truck.
Jason slipped into the parka Kelly handed over and stuffed the stocking cap and gloves into the coat’s pocket. Soon Kat and Jason were loaded into the backseat behind Luke and Kelly, and they were all on their way.
A few flakes of snow were beginning to fall as they traveled through town. The tree farm was located north and after driving down a two-lane country road another twenty minutes, Luke maneuvered the truck from the road onto a narrow graveled lane.
Spruce and pines lined each side of the road, and Luke was able to slow down the truck just in time when a couple of deer crossed ahead of them near the creek.
“You drive really well with a prosthetic leg, Luke,” Kat observed. “Seriously, I would’ve never guessed you had one in a million years if Jason hadn’t told me.”
Once he’d become accepting of his fate, Luke had adjusted very well, and Jason was proud of him. Kat had finally seen the special boot covering the foot of Luke’s mechanical leg when Luke and Kelly were walking ahead of them through the restaurant.
“You’d think that it would be easier for Luke losing his left leg since he was right-handed,” Kelly answered. “But, no. Luke still has a lot of difficulties with his balance.”
Luke snorted. “The hardest part about driving again was getting out of the truck. At first, I kept falling flat on my face.”
Kelly grinned. “I even have pictures on my phone because Luke wouldn’t let me erase them. They’re a reminder for the next time he’s being stubborn, and won’t accept any help from his friends and family.”
Everyone was laughing by the time Luke drove into the parking lot belonging to the tree farm.
A tall, blonde-haired man came barreling out from the greenhouse running up to Luke when he stepped out from the truck.
The man crunched Luke into his arms.
“Alex,” Luke said enthusiastically returning the man’s bear hug. “How’ve you been, Buddy?”
Alex didn’t answer but continued to hug Luke until he finally pulled away with obvious reluctance.
Ah, so that was it, Jason realized when he got a glimpse of Alex’s face. Alex had to be one of the residents of Crystal Visions. He was actually a pretty good looking guy, and at first glance you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong. It was the look in Alex’s eyes that gave him away. It set a certain distance between him and the rest of the world.
The funny thing about it was, Alex didn’t seem to mind being in residence in that other sphere.
Jason held out his hand. “Nice to meet you Alex.”
For a moment it looked like Alex was ready to give Jason a big hug too.
“Alex, remember, you’re an adult now,” Luke said.
Jason realized Luke was speaking with a warning in his voice.
“We’ve talked about this. It’s not right to hug everyone you meet.”
So instead of giving Jason a hug, Alex gave him a heartwarming smile and shook his hand.
Kelly stepped up to Alex and hugged him tightly while patting him on the back. “How are you, Alex?”
By the time Luke got around to introducing Kat, an older man was strolling briskly into the parking lot.
“Luke. Good to see you!”
Jason noticed the man was wearing a uniform under a heavy lined denim coat.
“Sam. Long time, no see,” Luke answered, grinning.
“Hey, I know you,” Jason said with a smile. “Nice to see you again, Chief.”
Sam grinned. “Jason Matthews? I heard you were living in Crystal Rock again. Good to have you back.”
“Kat,” Jason said. “Meet Sam Danielson. He’s our chief of police and Alex’s dad.”
Kat smiled, and held out her hand.
Sam shook Kat’s hand and smiled back.
“And guess what? I do know who you are, Alex,” Jason said smiling. “I remember swimming with you at the beach a few times when we were teenagers.”
Alex grinned and jumped up and down.
Sam was laughing and winking at Jason. “Whoa, hold on Alex. No, you’re not going to the beach today,” he continued wryly. “Say goodbye and hop into the truck. I need to get you home to your mom so I can get back to work.”
Holding up his hand and waving goodbye, Alex made his way over to Sam’s truck and opened the door of the cab climbing up onto the passenger seat.
“How’s Alex doing, Sam?” Kelly asked.
“Better than he’s ever been Kel,” Sam answered, smiling and looking over at Alex. “He’s been working here part time helping with the loading of greens and trees, and I think he’s going to be doing some janitorial work at the wounded warrior facility when it’s up and running.”
“Aw, that’s great,” Kelly answered.
Sam peeked at his watch and began walking towards his truck. “Will everyone be at the auction tomorrow?”
Luke nodded. “Yep, of course.”
“I’ll probably be seeing all of you tomorrow then.” Giving them a brisk nod, Sam stepped into his truck.
The four of them began to bundle up and by the time Sam drove by with Alex and exited the parking lot, everyone was ready to begin the task of searching for just the right tree.
At that moment, Jason took stock of everything that was happening around him and stilled. Three hours ago, he’d been trying to figure out how he would ever even have the opportunity to reacquaint himself with Kat, and now he was getting his long-awaited chance.
But the fact was, he reminded himself, there really wasn’t very much time. She did have a boyfriend and presumably, to Kat, Jason was just an old friend.
So you idiot, he asked himself—what are you going to do to try and change that?
* * * * *
Had it only been hours since she’d met Jason again? After not even seeing him for fifteen years, she couldn’t quite get over the fact that she was walking beside him through the rows of trees while Kelly and Luke made their way down one of the more level pathways.
“What would you like—a pine, a fir or a spruce?” Kelly called out from the path.
Shaking his head in confusion, Jason yelled back, “What’s the difference?”
“Balsam firs are fine but something a little more unique would probably be prettier,” answered Kat, studying the trees while they strolled through the narrow lane. Evergreen trees of all shapes and sizes lined each side of the path. “Pines are nice but sometimes they’re a little harder to decorate since the branches are spread out so widely.”
Kat eventually found herself standing at the foot of a perfectly shaped tree planted slightly apart from the rest. Its needles were colored with a tinge of blue as well as green.
“Here’s a blue spruce. It’s one of my favorites. Isn’t it beautiful?”
Once his eyes roved over her as he studied her slowly, Jason grinned giving Kat a wink. “Oh, yeah.”
Kat’s heart did a flip flop.
And was she actually blushing?
She couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t done that since…she was fourteen, she suddenly realized looking at Jason in confusion.
Jason seemed to be thoughtful as he began considering Kat’s tree. “Probably about the right size,” he said turning back to Kat. “There’s an open ceiling in the living room and it’s vaulted into the attic now.”
“Really? That sounds cool. I guess you hired a professional do the redesign?” Kat asked.
“Yeah.” And t
hen Jason began to laugh. “I actually didn’t have much choice. I found it was a little difficult manipulating tools with only one hand. After I moved back here and spent a day of messing around in the house trying to make a few simple repairs on the deck and with the windows, I called the local architect. He came highly recommended since he remodeled Jake Loughlin and his wife’s house.”
“Hmm.” Kat grinned. “I’m kind of excited to see what’s been done. I remember there was a lot of paneling going on in there.”
“No more.” Jason answered with a grin. “Nice for the eighties and nineties I suppose, but not so aesthetically pleasing these days.” He rolled his eyes. “Truthfully, there’s not much to see inside the house. All I’ve had done is the remodeling. The kitchen’s pretty cool but I barely have any furniture.”
“Maybe I can make some suggestions while I’m there? I’m an interior designer now you know,” Kat said. “That’s why I know so much about fresh Christmas trees. I even have clients who hire me to decorate their homes especially for the holidays, and the Christmas season has always been profitable for me.” She grimaced. “Although the checks don’t usually come rolling in until long after Christmas.”
Kat suddenly realized Jason hadn’t blinked an eye learning she was an interior designer. Why was that, she wondered turning to him suspiciously. In fact, contrary to what she’d expect from an old friend, he hadn’t asked any questions at all about her or her family.
Hmm. Something about running into him so conveniently was beginning to seem rather puzzling.
But before she could voice what was going on in her mind, Kelly and Luke appeared with the hand saw and began cutting at the base of the tree that Kat had picked out.
“That was sure quick,” Luke said moments later when the tree snapped free.
“Yeah, it was,” Jason answered and smiled her way. “Thanks to Kat.”
Wow was he handsome when he smiled, she thought before smiling back.
At around six foot two, it seemed that Jason was even sexier now than he’d been back as a teenager, with his silvery gray eyes and strongly clefted chin. His hair was a lot shorter and he had that brownish blonde stubble going on along his cheeks. All afternoon, Kat had felt a strong urge to reach out and touch him and run her hand along the side of his face.
Two Hearts Christmas Wish Page 8