by Tessa Gray
Running her fingers along the edge of the table, she began talking about her trip. “I can’t believe how great it was to see Gloria. She looked amazing. They’re so happy, Adam—so very, very happy. I wish you could see them.”
“Someday I probably will, given the fact they live in Boston.”
“That’s right, your parents live there.” She paused and looked at him inquisitively. “You don’t visit them very much, do you?”
He shook his head, hoping she’d change the subject. And then he said something he figured would appease her. “I’ll make a point of visiting them sometime, Mere. I’ll bring you and the kids with me.”
Her face lit up, and sure enough, she shifted the conversation back to Gloria. “When Gloria and I were young, gosh, we must have been around nine—we went to camp together. Every.single.year.”
He smiled at her, loving the emphasis she put on her words. Whether she knew it or not, Meredith had a knack for turning an ordinary conversation into something engaging. He wished he could be more like her.
“Was that when you lived here in Texas?”
“Nope. Minnesota. Gloria and I both lived in Minnesota for years, until her dad got transferred. My dad adored Minnesota, but we ended up in Texas. Luckily my grandfather had a cabin in Minnesota, so Dad went there on a pretty regular basis. Of course, now that he’s inherited the cabin, all that will change.”
“Did you and Gloria attend that same camp after you moved away?”
She shook her head, the expression on her face wistful. “No, we didn’t. But I have enough wonderful memories of that camp to last me a lifetime.”
“Such as . . .”
“When all the other campers went swimming, Gloria and I would sit on the dock for hours, writing poems, talking about boys, planning our futures. I was going to grow up and become an astronaut, and Gloria was going to be president. Gosh, those were the days when you had your entire life stretched out before you, staring at the clouds, planning your future.”
He watched her mouth curl into a smile and decided he was looking into the eyes of a dreamer.
Reaching for her hand, he caressed it. “So, did any of those dreams come true?”
“I think Gloria is living the dream. She’s not the president, but she’s raising five great kids with another one on the way. Maybe one of her kids will be our president someday.”
“Anything could happen.” After he said it, he touched the tip of her nose with his finger. “And how about you, Mere? Have any of your dreams come true?”
“Well, as you know, astronauts are skilled at math and science. As you know from tutoring me, I’m not exactly a genius when it comes to either of those subjects.” She paused, and when she continued, her voice sounded melancholic. “Blake always told me I was horrible at math, so I guess that eliminated me living out my dream.”
Adam placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it firmly. “Actually, you’re quite good at math.”
“Seriously, I’m not. You tutored me, Adam. You ought to know. It’s not really my strong suit.”
“Sometimes people aren’t good at math because a teacher doesn’t have the skill set to help make them better students. In my opinion, that’s more on the teacher than it is on students.” After he said it, he realized he was taking up for her, trying to eliminate some of the negative messages had probably received during her lifetime—some from her mother, for certain, and probably from Blake.
“I hope I become half the teacher you are, Adam, I mean it. I could learn a few things from you.”
He smiled at the compliment and continued eating. Nearly a minute passed before he spoke. “Wanna finish up dinner, so we can head into the bedroom. I’ve got a few more things I’d like to teach you.”
She didn’t laugh at his comment like he’d assumed but reached over, touching his cheek. “I’m actually not all that hungry. I like your suggestion, Professor Lightfoot. We can clean up the dishes later.”
When she climbed to her feet and motioned him to follow her, he did, pleased she’d cut her trip short to spend extra time with him. He’d make it worth her while.
~ ~ ~
The following evening Bob Gustafson drove up to Adam’s house. Both Adam and Meredith stood in the driveway, his arm draped around her. The broad smile on his daughter’s face told him all was well.
He barely got the car door open when Mere sprinted over and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Daddy—it’s so good to see you. Thanks for taking the kids this week. I had an amazing time with Gloria, but I’m so happy to be home.”
Adam shook his hand and grinned. “Good to see you again, Bob. It’s a long drive, isn’t it? I’ll bet you could use a nice, cold brewsky.”
“Damn straight.” After he said it, he pointed to his grandson in the back seat. “Travis isn’t feeling very well. He slept most of the way.”
The smile on Meredith’s face faded as she made her way to the car to check on her son. Katrina hovered over him, sharing some details about Travis with Meredith.
“I’m guessing it’s another sinus infection. Poor baby gets them so often, doesn’t he?” When Meredith nodded, Katrina continued talking. “We probably should have just taken him straight to your place, but your dad was starved, so we decided to take Adam up on his offer and have dinner here. Besides, the kids were eager to see both of you.”
When Adam strode over to where Travis was, Bob decided this college professor Meredith had come to care so much for was probably a very compassionate person. He liked that Adam took such an interest in both children. Although Katrina would rather die than admit she was wrong, Meredith’s boyfriend was definitely growing on her.
Adam knelt down beside Travis and unfastened his seat belt. “Hey, little buddy. How about if I carry you inside and you can relax in the guestroom and watch television? We can put a movie on if you’d like. How about Star Wars? If you feel up to eating, I can bring you some soup.”
Travis nodded, his eyes at half-staff. Clearly, he was exhausted. Despite his fatigue, he reached out, and Adam scooped him up in his arms and carried him into the house.
As the rest of the family made their way inside, Katrina touched Meredith’s shoulder. “The children adore Adam. They talked about him a lot during our travels. He’s good with them, Meredith. I see that now. I’d be a liar if I didn’t confess he’s growing on me.”
Meredith stared at her mother, breaking into a huge smile. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
Katrina grabbed her granddaughter’s arm. “Come on Carly, let see if Adam needs our help.”
Meredith’s face lit up as she watched her mother leave, and Bob took advantage of the fact he and Meredith were alone. “If you moved in with him again, I don’t think your mother would have a problem with it this time.”
“But we would, Daddy. Adam and I have talked about this a lot. The first time we moved in together was too soon. We didn’t know each other well enough to make such a huge decision. In the end, we both agreed it had a negative impact on the kids. We’re not going to push it. If we do decide to move in together down the road, we’ll do it as a married couple. That’s just how we feel. Luckily, we both agree on that.”
“Sounds like the sensible thing to do.” After he spoke, he placed an arm around his daughter, pleased she’d found someone so level-headed. And although it was obvious she and Adam were very different, it was clear their love for each other ran deep.
Chapter 24
Christmas was just around the corner, and Meredith marveled at how close she and Adam had become during the past year. Just as planned, she’d finished up her degree and was looking forward to student teaching in January.
When she’d first moved to Alpine to finish her schooling, she had fully intended to earn the degree and move back to Dallas. But meeting Adam had changed e
verything.
She studied the seven-foot pine Adam had just strung the lights on. To his credit, he was trying his best to make this Christmas a special one, to keep her spirits up. The children were spending the holidays with Blake and his new wife.
While the notion of spending a Christmas without her children depressed the hell out of her, she focused on the positive. She and Blake were finally united about doing what was best for the children. So far he hadn’t complained about her moving nine hours away, making it difficult for the children to visit him. And for that, she was thankful. No use upsetting the apple cart.
She’d considered driving to Dallas to spend time with her parents, but they’d gone to the lake house. Adam had decided to remain in Alpine, and as things stood, she felt her place was here with the man she loved.
But when she thought of how lonely it would be without the kids, an overwhelming sense of sadness washed over her. She hadn’t realized how transparent she was until Adam strode over to where she stood and wrapped his arms tightly about her. “I miss ‘em too, Mere. But I’m sure they’re having a good time. They’ll be home before you know it.” Pleased at how attached he had become to both Carly and Travis, she nodded.
She stepped away from his embrace and moved over to the tree, where she reached out to touch a felt-covered clothespin Santa that Travis had made her. She picked it off the tree, surveyed the red and white felt haphazardly glued fabric, and held it to her heart. “Of all the decorations, this is my favorite.”
“Looks like Travis is quite the little artist.” Adam placed an arm about her once again, leaned over and kissed her. “When did he make this?”
“Oh, I guess he was about four or so. I remember how excited he was. My mother thought it was absolutely hideous, but I loved it. Mom had color coordinated ornaments hanging from our tree when I was a kid. Everything matched perfectly. I promised myself that when I had a tree of my own, I’d put up whatever I wanted. It’s really all about the memories, isn’t it?”
His eyes narrowed and he looked away for several seconds. Finally, he turned back to face her. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”
“Sure.”
As he walked over to get the drink, she watched him. She loved the broadness of his shoulders, the power in his strides, and how erect his body was as he moved. There was a way about him that she’d grown to love. He didn’t walk with a swagger, but rather, a quiet confidence.
She was still staring up at the tree when he returned. He dipped his head and grinned, and she wondered if the two of them would be able to stop making love long enough to attend the eleven o’clock candlelight Christmas Eve service.
He handed her the chardonnay, leaned over and kissed her deeply. When he tugged on her lower lip, she nearly came undone. “Do you have any idea how much I love you, Mere?”
She nearly laughed at the comment, one which he’d made many times during the past year, but when she saw his eyes widen, as though begging her to believe how committed he was to this relationship, she decided not to make light of the bond they shared.
After she took several sips of the wine, he removed the glass from her and set it down on the end table. When he pulled her into his arms, she began unbuttoning the Henley he wore. Unable to control herself any longer, she began tugging at his shirt until he’d removed it completely.
Splaying her hands across his chest, she leaned into him, pressing her mouth against him. He let out a long, deep sigh and she knew that for the time being, the wine would have to wait.
As he led her to the bedroom, she smiled, pleased that the physical aspect of their relationship was so satisfying.
~ ~ ~
Late that evening, Meredith sauntered into the living room, dressed in black wool slacks and a pale blue sweater, with snowmen sprinkled throughout the front, as Adam straightened several of the ornaments on the tree. She moved closer, her shiny, blond hair glistening beneath the Christmas tree. He reached out, touching her shoulder. Eventually, his hands found their way to the hem of her sweater, and he playfully began tugging on it. “You up for another round? I know I am, although you’re a bit overdressed considering we’re just going to be rolling around naked under the sheets.”
When she smiled, her eyes crinkled at the corners. To his surprise, she pushed his hands away and began straightening her sweater. She glanced up at the clock on the mantle, an anxious expression on her face. “I know this will probably sound hypocritical since I never go to church, but in my family, it’s a tradition that we attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service.”
“I wasn’t aware any of your traditions included church.”
She flushed at the comment. Taking a deep breath, she continued talking. “I know this probably seems stupid, Adam, but I really need to attend church tonight.”
“Then you should go.” He realized how hollow his words sounded, but her sudden burst of religion surprised him.
Folding her arms, Meredith looked over at him. Just as he suspected she would, she pleaded with him to accompany her. “I-I was hoping you’d go with me, Adam, just this one time.”
Although he attended church regularly at one point in his life, he hadn’t gone back since Grace’s death. And he sure as hell wasn’t about to start. “No, Meredith, I can’t go with you. And just for the record, I think people who get religious during the Christmas season are hypocrites, just like you said.”
She stared down at the carpet for several seconds, and when she looked back up, their gazes locked. “You have every right to your own opinions, Adam, and as far as me being a hypocrite, I own that. But regardless of what you think, I need to do this for myself. Because when I’m there, when we’re lighting those candles, singing the old, familiar Christmas carols I grew up hearing, I’ll feel connected to my family, even though they’re not with me. And tonight, I desperately need that connection.”
Without waiting for him to respond, she grabbed her coat and left.
After she’d gone, he walked over to the window and stared out into the darkness, remembering.
~ ~ ~
Meredith walked through the large, mahogany door leading inside the church and inhaled the scent of pine.
A gray-haired gentleman who looked to be about her father’s age barreled toward her, and she realized there would be no turning back.
“Merry Christmas, Ma’am. Welcome to our church.” As he motioned her to the sanctuary, she followed him.
Once seated, she glanced over at the enormous Christmas tree, sagging under the weight of the many ornaments. The large mahogany pulpit near the tree, reminiscent of the one in the church she’d grown up in, intrigued her. While she missed her parents very much (mostly her father), she was grateful her mother had changed her mind and joined Daddy at the cabin. At least they were together. She thought of Carly and Travis, wondering if their dad and new stepmom brought them to church.
When the organist began playing “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the minister strode in, looking regal in his robe and sash. He motioned for the congregation to stand, and as she rose, she heard the door creak open once again. She turned around and noticed a tall man with dark hair make his way inside.
Adam!
She waved at him, and when they made eye contact, he smiled.
He made his way down the aisle and stopped at the row of pews where she sat. Thankfully, she’d chosen an aisle seat. Reaching out, she touched his arm, guiding her next to her.
A feeling of gratitude surged through her. Adam’s decision to meet her at the church pleased her. But when she saw how his eyes had begun clouding, she regretted pressuring him so much. Clearly, he wasn’t in his element here.
The minister motioned everyone to seat down, and she reached for Adam’s hand. She leaned over, whispering, “Thank you.” He nodded but didn’t say anything.
Before long the minister began preaching the usual Christmas message, and Meredith leaned back in her seat, listening intently. She liked the familiarity of the ritual and thought maybe she should considering bringing the children here.
She glanced at Adam several times, but he stared straight ahead, and crossed his arms. But when she leaned her head against his shoulder, he appeared to relax and placed an arm about her. When she slid her hand across his knee, he smiled. She loved that about Adam—the way he responded to her touch. But, of course, she pretty much loved everything about him.
The minister began praying, and a young couple directly in front of them jostled their baby, trying to quiet him. As the mother of the infant held him over her shoulder, the baby looked at Adam, and broke into a smile. When the baby drooled, Meredith nearly laughed aloud.
But when she looked at Adam, he looked a million miles away. He released her hand and stared straight ahead.
She saw an usher tap Adam’s shoulder and hand him two candles. That’s when she noticed everyone else in the congregation already had one.
The minister motioned them to stand, and as they began singing “Silent Night, Holy Night,” Adam suddenly left, leaving her standing alone.
Chapter 25
Meredith checked her cell phone for the time: 2:07 AM. Adam had never come to bed. After she got home, he’d left her a note saying he’d gone for a walk to clear his head. After the walk, he hadn’t come home until around 1:00 AM. She’d gone to the kitchen to check on him, but he’d assured her all was well. Still—he hadn’t come to bed, and that worried her.