by Nancy Fraser
“Yes, but it’s usually the other way around, isn’t it?” His eyes warmed when they looked at her. “The man, escorting the lovely lady—or in this case ladies—to the car?”
His genuine smile was contagious, and Heather found herself wishing she’d been more relaxed, more herself the entire evening.
“Help clear the dishes please, Hailey, then grab your hat and coat. We’ll give John a tour of where all the pretty lights will be before he goes.”
Chapter 5
“AMAZING,” JOHN EXCLAIMED when they stepped outside into a winter wonderland. I’ll be damned, if the old man wasn’t right.
“It’s snowing. Mom, look,” Hailey cried.
“Yes, sweetie, I see. It’s really coming down.” Heather pointed to the big fat flakes, already plastered to everything. “It’ll get slippery, too. Maybe John should go before the roads get bad?”
“Nooo...,” the excited girl cried.
“I’ll be fine.” He winked at Heather before addressing Hailey. “How about a compromise? A quick jaunt to the big tree, and we’ll call it a night.” He turned back to Heather again. “Maybe I’ll be inspired to attend the actual tree lighting next weekend?”
“That would be nice,” she murmured, feeling as if they’d just made tentative plans.
They headed for the Common together, and Hailey ran ahead when they reached the edge of the community space that dated back centuries. Lights twinkled on many of the bushes and smaller trees already, as well as on the classic gazebo. Yet the large tree in the center was still dark.
“This tree? This great big tree right here?” he teased Hailey when they got close. “I bet it’s a Gridley tree.”
She erupted in silly girl giggles. “Mine is better.”
“It’s gorgeous with the snow, even though it’s not lit yet. Like we landed in Christmas land,” Heather exclaimed as she spun to take in the snowy landscape. “It’s what first attracted me to this place.”
John had to admit he felt unexpectedly lighthearted. Perhaps the holiday enthusiasm of these two is wearing off on me? Still, the past two days had taken a hard U-turn he never saw coming. A beautiful woman by his side, a sweet child playing in the snow, strolling together on a cold December night.
He snuck a side-glance at Heather, and his heart gave a lurch. She was catching snowflakes on her tongue like a kid, thinking no one was watching.
Smart, sexy, and cute as hell. Pops was right about Heather Murphy, too.
John suddenly needed to go home and process everything he was feeling. To try to make sense of the overwhelming desire to see this woman again. Tomorrow, and the next day. And the day after that. To get to know her. Every sweet, gorgeous inch of her.
They returned to the building’s entrance, and John waited until Heather unlocked the door before saying goodnight.
“Bye, John,” Hailey said. “I’ve gotta go find Mr. Tinsel.” Then she took off like a shot up the stairs.
John focused all his attention on Heather then, as she handed him his book bag that they’d left just inside the doorway.
“Thank you for this. And for dinner.”
She gazed up at him, tipping her lovely heart shaped face. “You are most welcome. A fine exchange for one ‘perfect Christmas tree.’” She reached out a hand for him to shake, and he took it. The commonplace touch lingered way too long, until they eased their fingers apart. They both mumbled clumsy “goodnights” and turned to go their separate ways.
Heather spun around. “John?”
He quickly turned back.
“I think Hailey was right. You should come with us to the tree lighting next Saturday.”
John couldn’t quell a big smile. “Okay.” Then he took a leap of faith. “But I don’t think I can wait that long to see you again.”
They stared at one another as the snow fell around them with soft patters.
“Me neither,” she admitted with a smile.
HEATHER KICKED OFF her boots and shuffled into the living room to collapse onto the couch.
I just agreed to a date with John Gridley. A weird date. One with my daughter. But a date, just the same.
She looked at the enormous tree, standing bare with no lights or decorations. The elephant in the room for sure.
She groaned.
I think I’ve lost my mind.
Yet had she?
The man stirring up all sorts of gossip in town—at least according to that busybody, Courtney Cole—was captivating. Not at all who she imagined him to be after their first crash of a meeting. Well travelled. Well read. Kind. Funny. He’d even charmed her tween daughter into opening up like he was a long-lost friend.
What the heck is happening?
Heather rose from the couch when she heard Hailey, talking in her room at the end of the hallway. She tiptoed down to listen.
“Mr. Tinsel...spill it. Where’s Snowball? You’re cute—I really like you—but I want my cat back. I know you two are best friends. I saw you together.”
Heather leaned closer to the cracked door, and she could hear the new cat purring like a truck.
“Mom was too busy tonight, making google eyes at John, to even think about Snowball.” Hailey heaved a sigh. “Not that I mind. As long as she doesn’t forget about me.”
A twinge of guilt stabbed Heather’s heart. She was a mother, first and foremost. Was there room in her life for anything more? A way to be a woman, and not just a mother?
A sudden urge struck her. Call John and cancel. But deep down, she admitted to herself, she didn’t want to.
Heather leaned her aching head against the doorframe and prayed for guidance. I need a Christmas miracle to show me what to do.
“IT’S NOT A DATE, POPS. Heather and Hailey are just coming over to see the animals. They didn’t get much of a chance on Saturday because of the crowds,” John explained the following day. “Heather doesn’t work on Wednesdays, so they’ll come right after Hailey is done with school.”
Tom Gridley paused his bookkeeping to consider him. “So...what? It’s like some sort of ‘playdate’ for the three of you?” He shook his head and chuckled.
John internally groaned. “I was thinking I could take them on a sleigh ride.”
Pops gave an indifferent shrug. “You know your way around the back end of a horse. Take ’em up to the far fields where the saplings are. You can see the sunset better from up there. And the Christmas lights in town.”
“Thanks, Pops. You’re a genius,” John exclaimed.
Pops scratched his white-haired head. “I have my moments.”
ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, Heather watched her thrilled daughter. Hailey...hanging on a fence rail as Gridley Meadows Farm workers fed and cared for all the animals. The cover of snow from the weekend had turned their paddocks into a muddy mess.
“Can I help?” Hailey asked John.
He looked to Brian, the farm’s animal expert, before he answered. At the young man’s laidback nod, he turned to Heather for the final word.
She scrunched her mouth to one side, considering the bleating goats and cantankerous looking old sheep in the corner. “I don’ know...”
“Mom, please. You know I love animals.”
Her gaze flipped back to John, and he gave her a “why not?” shrug.
“Alright. But only if you do exactly what Brian tells you.”
In the blink of an eye, the delighted girl was over the fence, her boots sinking deep into the smelly, mucky mess.
Heather rolled her eyes. “Oh my God. Well, I guess she’s washable,” she told John with a laugh.
She followed him to where his father was harnessing a gigantic chestnut-colored horse with a golden mane and tail. An old-fashioned sleigh stood at the ready, silver bells and all. “We’ve only ever been on a short sleigh ride in town,” she told the two working men. “Never a ‘dashing through the snow’ sort of ride.”
“Well, then you’re in for a real treat, little lady,” Tom Gridley spoke up. “This sled is an antique, straight
from Sweden. My wife’s people are over there.”
“That’s fantastic. How special to have such a family heirloom.” Heather removed her gloves to run gentle hands over the horse’s velvety nose. “Is that also why your barn is so unique looking? It seems Nordic to me.”
“Yup, the wife loved it. Made the boy and me paint it bright red, just like the one her grandparents had when she was growing up. She spent many Christmases with them.”
“You said your wife collected books, too, like the ones I delivered on Saturday. Did your shoppers enjoy them?”
“Oh, yes. Wendy sold bunches. Said we may need to order more.”
Heather couldn’t resist watching John work, the thick muscles of his broad back, bunching under a heavy woollen sweater. His dark hair fell across his brow, and she longed to reach out. Smooth it. Feel it running through her fingers. She closed her eyes against the passionate images, swirling through her mind. Kissing him, tasting those full lips. Would his mustache and beard tickle?
She shook her head to clear it.
“Mom. Mom,” Hailey said, startling her. “That old sheep likes me. You know, Mutton Chops, the one John said was so mean. He actually let me pet him and feed him.”
“You don’t say.” Heather smiled and hugged her filthy kid.
“And Brian let me feed all the rabbits and give them fresh bedding. Did you know this place is bigger than we thought? There’s another barn. I could see it through the open doors in the back of this red one.”
John joined them when the sleigh was ready. “That’s where we store all the extra feed and hay. Stuff that doesn’t get used right away, but we still need it.”
“Can I see what’s in there?”
“Hailey,” Heather scolded. “Don’t be so nosy.”
John chuckled. “I think you’d rather go on a sleigh ride to the far fields, wouldn’t you? Pops said you can see the Christmas lights as they go on in town.”
“Is that true, Pops?” Hailey asked in excitement, the grandfatherly endearment not going unnoticed by Heather.
The man grinned and promised, “Sure is.”
“Well then, let’s stop talking and get going,” John encouraged.
The shiny black sleigh with red trim and silver bells had two bench seats, one behind the other. Yet both Heather and Hailey decided they wanted to squeeze up front alongside John. He got in first, and Pops helped the ladies in, giving each a woolen blanket for their laps. With a whistle and a slap of the leathers, they were off in a flurry of tinkling bells.
Pops waved and hollered, “Have fun.”
Heather’s heart felt light for the first time since agreeing to come, as they glided through piney woods along a path she never knew existed. The farm was lovely, and John skillfully guided the horse along a babbling stream, its edges crusted with snow and ice. Deer darted across their way in the waning afternoon light. The air was crisp and clean and quiet, aside from the rhythmic beating of hooves, the swishing of the rails, and the jingling bells.
John glanced over at Heather, and she met his gaze and smiled. Warmth flooded her frozen cheeks. He seemed relaxed. Proud and happy to show them his home.
They both chuckled when Hailey began singing “Jingle Bells” at the top of her lungs. To Heather’s amazement, John joined right in. His loud male voice caused the horse to nicker, sending her girl into a fit of giggles.
Before long, they emerged from the forest into a high meadow filled with young trees. As promised, in the distance was Dickens, its soft lights glistening under the magic of the first snowfall.
Hailey was out of the sleigh the second John said it was okay, and she danced between the little trees, claiming this one or that one would be her next year’s pick.
“Hey, you’re gonna clean us out,” John joked, yelling after her. “You should have to work here and plant more trees to make up for it.” He got out and offered Heather his hand, helping her down to the crunchy, frozen ground. “Little does she know it will be six to eight years before these trees are ready.” He continued holding her hand, knotting his fingers with hers as they strolled.
“This is breathtaking, John. Thank you for inviting us.”
For the first time since she’d met him, John looked out of sorts. His jaw worked as if he wanted to say something, yet he didn’t.
“How’s the tree?” he blurted.
“Great. Big,” she admitted with a laugh. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Caught up in the holiday spirit, I suppose. Not to mention Hailey’s newfound love for everything Gridley Meadows Farm.”
“She does appear to have a way with the animals,” he said, making small talk as they ambled along.
“We had to make a special visit to Trim-A-Tree to buy more lights. We still don’t have enough ornaments. Might need to make some. Anything to get Hailey’s mind off missing Snowball. This really helped today, so thank you again. She loves it here. So do I.” Oh God, shut up. Don’t make it sound like you want him to invite you back.
John paused, and he captured both her hands. “I’ve been thinking...I know Hailey said she has homework tonight...but do you want to come for supper on Friday? She can feed the animals again.”
“That’s very kind, but I don’t want—” She bowed her head, searching her heart for the right answer. “You know what? We’d love to come. I don’t know why I just said that. I’ve been so used to saying no to anything outside the norm. Anything for me.”
“I hope you want to come. For you, and not just Hailey.”
His intense stare caused her breath to catch.
“I enjoy spending time with you, Heather.” He eased closer and moved a hand to gently touch her waist. “It’s a surprise to me, meeting someone like you here in Dickens. But I’m very glad I did.”
Heather’s heart sped, and her mind whirled. John was thrilling, exciting in new and wonderful ways. She suddenly wanted to press her mouth to his. To swirl their tongues. To have him hold her so tight her feet left the ground and never touched again. Please let him kiss me.
John leaned down, his handsome face mere inches from hers, and she closed her eyes in anticipation.
“It’s getting dark. How are we going to get back?”
They flew apart like guilty teenagers when Hailey spoke right next to them. The sassy girl wore a telling smirk.
John rubbed a hand through his hair. He blew out a ragged breath before answering. “There’s a light for the sleigh.” He looked to Heather and mouthed, “Sorry.”
“It’s still kind of light,” Hailey said. “I can see everything. But can you?”
John stalked back to the sled. “You’d be surprise how reflective the snowpack is. And I’m not that old,” he teased. “It’ll be fine.”
Heather found she couldn’t speak. Her mind was busy lobbing worry bombs in every direction. The entire ride back to the barn, she fretted over whether coming was a mistake. Am I risking my child’s happiness? Will I scar her for life if this doesn’t work out? What if, what if, what if?
They said their goodbyes in front of Pops, who’d moseyed out of the old farmhouse to help with the horse and tack.
“Is John coming to the tree lighting on Saturday?” Hailey asked.
Heather tensed. “I was just about to speak with him.”
Without further comment, Hailey hurried off to watch Pops guide the giant mare into the barn.
Air hissed through Heather’s teeth. She looked up to find John studying her.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
She looked away, too embarrassed to share all she was feeling.
“Yes and no.” She turned back to him. “I’m a worrier. You’ll learn that after a few more minutes alone with me. This is hard. I haven’t...I just don’t know how...”
John came close and tenderly touched her arm. “You have a lot to protect, Heather. I don’t blame you for being cautious with your life and your daughter’s.”
She looked to where Pops was instructing her girl on how to ha
ng tack. The two stood close, silhouetted by the light spilling from the barn.
“I won’t get in your way,” John murmured. “If you want me to back off, just say the word. But if you don’t...If you want to see where this thing can go between us just know I do too.”
Heather didn’t trust her voice to express all the powerful emotions she was feeling. Instead, she grabbed a handful of John’s sweater, and she dragged him down for a quick peck on the lips.
She sprinted away to gather up her kid and flee to the safety of home.
Chapter 6
LAUGHTER FILLED THE big kitchen of the old farmhouse on Friday night. Pizza and chips were on the menu, followed by Heather’s best loaded brownies.
“These are good, but can we make Christmas cookies soon?” Hailey mumbled with a bulging mouthful of gooey chocolate.
“Of course. It’s a tradition,” Heather agreed.
Pops spoke up. “Tradition around here always meant Swedish Snowball Cookies. The wife’s favorite.”
“Snowball Cookies?” Hailey cried.
“What’d I say,” Pops fretted, his befuddled gaze flipping between the two other adults.
“Nothing,” John reassured him. “Hailey recently lost her cat named Snowball.”
Pops made a sad face. “Sorry, little lady. That is sad news. We’re always losing our barn cats. Sometimes they come back. Turn up a month or so later. Maybe yours will too.”
“We’ve searched everywhere,” Heather explained. “Checked all the shelters, put up posters in town, but there’s been no sign of her. It’s like she just disappeared.”
Everyone was quiet for a few moments, but the older man wouldn’t let it drop. “Well, the way I see it, you have an ex-military man, sittin’ right here at this table. My Johnny Boy is a darn good fixer. Been on plenty of tough missions. Maybe he can help?”
“Happy to assist, but what do you have in mind?” John asked him.
“We’ve got another busy day here tomorrow, and more after that. Place will be packed. Why not get the word out?”
“What, like hand out flyers? That’s a great idea, Pops.” John’s face lit up. “Let’s have Wendy put it on the website, too.”