by Nancy Fraser
She eased down the window and was happy to see a familiar face, her mom’s neighbor.
“Hello, Tom. Good to see you’re still keeping the roads of Dickens safe.”
“Vera.” His eyes grew bright. “Your mother didn’t tell me you were coming in tonight.”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Any chance you’ll stay a little longer this trip? It’s been a long time since you’ve been home for more than a couple of days during the holiday.” He adjusted his blue knit cap under his cop hat.
“I’m not sure.” She pointed to Tony, who stomped through the deepening snow.
Tom stuck out his hand. “Well, if it isn’t old home week. Tony Barbee, good to see you again. Coming in to spend some time with your uncle?”
“I am. But as you can see, I’m having a little engine trouble and my cell died, so this nice lady took pity on me and called you.”
Tom leaned against her car. “Good thing she stopped. Not much traffic out here this time of night, especially in a snowstorm. Bad news: We probably won’t get the tow truck out here for a few hours.” He glanced at Tony. “I could drop you off, but I have to check out a few more roads before I head in.”
“A ride-along sounds exciting.” A smile quirked his lips.
“Sorry, for an official ride-along we’d have to fill out a bunch of paperwork ahead of time, but maybe Vera could drop you off in town at your uncle’s place.”
Stammering, she said, “Tom, I don’t know about that.”
“Tony’s harmless.” With a chuckle, he said, “As long as he’s not banging on his keys. He’s a ruthless newspaper reporter with a keen eye on the truth.” He tapped the door. “Besides, I’ll check for your car in your mom’s driveway and if it’s not there, I’ll come looking for you.”
Inwardly she groaned. Tom was right. Tony seemed harmless and they knew each other. She looked at Mollie snoozing on the passenger seat.
“Come on girl, hop in the back. We’ve got a passenger.”
Tony’s face lit up. “Thanks, Vera.” He jogged back to his truck and opened the door and withdrew a large duffel bag. Then he dropped the hood of his truck and positioned two flares in the snow that Tom had given him.
Tom said, “I’ll have the truck towed to the garage. You can check on it tomorrow.”
Tony stuck out his hand and shook Tom’s. “Good to see you again.”
“I expect we’ll be bumping into each other.” He gave Vera a smile. “Drive safe.”
She popped her trunk so Tony could stow his bag. He slammed it shut. Vera tossed the dog bed in back and he got into the passenger seat. Rubbing his hands together, he grinned. “That heat feels good.”
“Sorry if you think I was rude not asking you to wait in the car but,” using air quotes, she said, “stranger danger.”
“No worries. My mom did the same thing to me. Tom vouched for me, so we’re all good.”
She clicked off her hazard lights and eased back onto where the road should be if she could have seen it. “It’s going to be slow going. I have snow tires, but the way it’s coming down, we’re just going to take our time.”
He pointed over his shoulder. “What’s your pup’s name?”
“That’s my protector, Mollie.” She laughed as the dog’s gentle snoring filled the car. “She must not view you as a threat since she’s sleeping right through this part of our adventure. In her defense, she’s getting up there in years and I swear she’s got a little cat mixed into her DNA. She can sleep most of the day away. Unless of course there are cookies involved.”
The snoring stopped and her head popped up. She sneezed.
Vera and Tony laughed.
“Is that her way of saying you mentioned one of my favorite things?”
“How’d you guess?”
“Growing up, my uncle had dogs, and they were trained to sneeze when they were ready for a cookie. At first he thought it was funny until every time someone was near the dog’s cookie jar, they’d start sneezing. I’m not sure how he stopped it.”
“Your uncle sounds like he loved his pups.”
“He did. I don’t think he has one now. He recently moved into a new place.”
“Speaking of which, what’s his address?”
He held up his dead phone. “No idea. If you don’t mind, just drop me at the town motel and I’ll call him in the morning.”
She looked his way. “Nonsense. You can stay on my mom’s couch. I’d offer you the guest room, but she recently took in a roommate. She said she was tired of talking to an empty house. I haven’t met her yet but I’m sure she’s a nice lady.”
“That’s funny since my uncle just moved too. Looks like there is a lot of real estate transactions happening in Dickens. I don’t want to be any trouble, so the motel is just fine.”
“Tom said you were a good guy, so unless you have objections to sleeping on a couch, you’re welcome to stay until we can get your truck in the morning.”
“Thanks. I’ll take you up on the offer.”
They drove through downtown. The old-fashioned streetlamps were decked out with garlands and white twinkle lights. The gazebo in the village green housed a small Christmas tree and more garland draped around the white wood sides. But it was the enormous tree that was a showstopper. It was a scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Every shop sported decorations.
“It’s magical,” she breathed and slowed to a stop in front of the large lit Christmas tree. She closed her eyes and wished with all her heart that she’d find a new direction while she was in her hometown. When she opened them, she noticed Tony also had his eyes closed. Was he making a wish too?
His eyelashes fluttered and he gave her a sheepish smile. “Don’t laugh, but ever since I was a kid, when I saw this tree, I’d close my eyes and make my Christmas wish.”
She placed a hand on her chest. “Me too. But why don’t I remember you?”
“I went to private school so I was only here for holiday breaks with my uncle, and in summer I was at camp. Trust me. If we had met before, I would have remembered you, Vera—?”
She stuck out her hand. “Davis. I’m Vera Davis.”
A flash of recognition seemed to flit across his face, but he didn’t speak. She took her foot off the brake and drove the short distance to her mom’s house.
As she parked in the snow-filled driveway, her heart ached just a little. It had been too long since she had been home.
“Ready to go inside?”
He peered through the windshield. “Great house.” He pushed open the door and Mollie stretched on the backseat, then proceeded to squeeze between Tony and the dashboard to be the first one out of the car.
She frolicked in the snow, sticking her nose in and tossing little triangles of white stuff off in the air.
Vera pulled her bag from the trunk and waited for Tony to do the same. She remarked, “Someone’s happy to be here.”
The front porch light flicked on. The snow-covered steps were humps leading to the oversized green door, and a wreath with a burgundy bow filled its width.
“I wonder if Tom called my mother and let her know we were on the way.” She trudged through the snow and whistled for Mollie to follow. Tony trailed behind.
The front door opened.
“Mom.” Her jaw dropped.
“Uncle Frank?” Tony said.
Chapter 2
TONY WAS STUNNED. WHAT was Uncle Frank doing at Vera’s mother’s house? It was just the first of his questions for his uncle, but that was for when they were alone. He could only imagine what Vera was thinking. If the look on her face was an indication, she too was caught off guard.
Mrs. Davis said, “Come in out of the cold.”
She stepped through the door while Uncle Frank took Vera’s bags. Mollie bounded up the stairs, completely unconcerned with another strange man in front of her. Maybe all she was looking for was a place to curl up and snooze until breakfast.
VERA’S STEPS SLOWED as s
he looked from Frank to her mother. “Thank you.” She crossed the threshold and shrugged out of her coat. Mom took it from her.
“Honey, why didn’t you tell me you were coming home tonight? It wasn’t until I heard your car and looked out the window—well, imagine my surprise. I’m so happy you’re home.” Her mom looked at the tall, thin, distinguished-looking man beside her. Tony’s Uncle Frank, looked to be in his late fifties, had short, styled, salt and pepper hair and deep blue eyes. Even at this late hour, he looked raring to go.
“You’re not the only one who got a surprise.” She dropped her voice. “Mom, what is this man doing here?”
“Come inside and I’ll make some tea to warm us all up.” She looked at Tony and gave him a warm smile. “I’m Georgia, Vera’s mother. I didn’t know she was bringing her boyfriend home.”
Vera placed her hand on her mother’s arm. “Tony’s not my boyfriend, this is Frank’s nephew. I found him on the side of the road. What I meant was his truck broke down just outside of town and I told him he could stay here tonight before going to his uncle’s place.” She gave Frank another once over and continued, “But it seems his uncle is in our front hall.”
“Oh, that’s what I meant.” Mom actually giggled. “Well, I had hoped to introduce you to Frank tomorrow and ease into the conversation but”—she threw up her hands—“it is what it is.”
She hurried from the room with another promise of tea.
Mollie had settled into the corner of the couch and Vera looked around for her bag. She followed the footsteps in the hall and saw Frank was carrying her bag upstairs with Tony following him. What the heck was happening here? It was like they were in the Twilight Zone or something.
She huffed a sigh and walked down the center hall into the heart of the house, the kitchen.
“Mom, please tell me what is going on here. Just a few weeks ago, you told me you got a roommate, Fran.” And then it dawned on her, Fran was really Frank. “Is that man living with you?”
Her mother’s hazel eyes sparkled. It was easy to see her mom was happy, but this was the first Vera was hearing about a man living in their house. What would her dad think if he knew this?
“Yes, Frank and I have been friends for a couple of years and dating for almost a year. We decided to take the plunge and move in together. Since I was more attached to this house, he moved here.”
“What would Dad think if he knew you had moved some guy into our home?”
Mom stopped pouring hot water midstream. “If your father could tell me anything, he’d say be happy. I’m tired of being the lonely widow. Frank is a good man. We have a lot of fun together and I would appreciate it if you’d keep an open mind, get to know him, and watch us together. You’ll see I made the right choice.”
She went back to fixing the pot of tea. “Grab the cookie tin. We might as well enjoy something sweet too.”
Vera crossed the room and saw that some things hadn’t changed. Mom was using the old tin box with the Christmas tree on the front. It was the container she turned to every year when she started baking cookies.
Frank came in just as Mom picked up the tray with the tea pot and mugs. “I’ll take that, Georgia.”
Tony gave her a half-shoulder shrug as if to say he still didn’t know what the heck was going on either.
Mollie strolled in and Mom picked up a dog treat from the counter. “Come on, girl. Let’s get comfy and we can all get to know each other.”
Vera and Tony didn’t have a choice but to follow the older couple into the living room and watch as they sat on the couch, almost touching. Vera sat on the overstuffed plaid chair on one end of the couch and Tony perched on the leather armchair on the opposite side. Mollie curled up next to Mom and, after inhaling her cookie, fell back to sleep again. So much for a dog’s sixth sense to the invader in their home.
Vera took the mug from her mom and leaned back in the chair, wrapping her hands around the warmth of the cup and inhaling the calming aroma of peppermint.
Frank took Mom’s hand. Vera watched him give it a gentle squeeze.
“Vera, Tony,” he began, “Georgia and I have known each other for many years since we both live in town and coincidentally joined the horticultural club about two years ago. We began talking and before we knew it, we started dating. Fast forward—”
Vera silenced a snort.
“—to about three months ago when we realized we spent more time together than apart, and it just seemed to make sense to move in together. It took a while to work out the logistics, but here we are.” He was practically beaming.
Tony crossed his outstretched legs. “Then why is this the first I’m hearing you’re even dating someone, let alone living with Mrs. Davis?”
Vera bobbed her head in agreement. “Mom, why haven’t you said anything to me?”
“You’re so busy with work, I didn’t think it was that important, and when you said you were coming home for the holidays, I knew it was the perfect time to share our happy news.”
Under her breath, she said, “More like springing a trap.”
“What was that?” Her mother’s sharp gaze was telling. With her bat-like hearing, she had heard exactly what Vera said.
“Nothing. It’s been a long day and the drive was exhausting. I think I’m going to turn in.”
“Wait. We still don’t know the whole story about how you two ended up here.” Frank slipped his arm around the back of the couch and rested it on her mother’s shoulders.
“Remember,” Tony said, “My truck broke down just outside of town. Vera was driving by and was kind enough to stop and call for help. Tom Johnson rolled up and basically assured Vera I was trustworthy, so she offered me a ride to town. I couldn’t pull up your new address since my phone died, so she volunteered the couch for the night. In the morning, I was going to track you down.”
“That’s right too.” Frank chuckled. “You should have seen the looks on your faces when Georgia and I came out onto the porch.” His chest rose up and down with amusement.
Mom tapped his leg. “Stop teasing the kids. They don’t find our new living situation amusing. Just look at how Vera has her right eyebrow cocked.” Mom jabbed a finger toward her face and chuckled. “She gets that from her dad.”
“Mom, we’re all tired. I’ll get a sheet, blanket, and pillow to make up the couch for Tony.”
“No need. He can take the guest room.”
Vera could feel the color drain from her face. She wanted to groan but what good would that do? It would only make this awkward situation even more weird.
“I can show you where towels and such are stored, if you want to follow me.”
Tony set his mug on the tray. “Goodnight.”
“G’night, Tony. We’ll have breakfast at eight if you’re up.” Frank stood and slapped him on the shoulder, still beaming. He then gave Vera an awkward half hug. “Good night, Vera. I’m sorry this came as a shock, but tomorrow we’ll talk more and you’ll see for yourself how happy your mother has made me.”
“Goodnight, Frank.” She kissed Mom’s cheek and ascended the stairs.
Tony trailed behind her and she paused midstep to snap her fingers for Mollie to come to bed.
The dog’s nails clicked over the polished maple floors and she dashed up the steps and down the hall toward Vera’s room.
“The guest room is across from mine.” It wasn’t a long hallway and the carpet was thick and plush, so their footsteps were soundless. She stopped at the first door on the left. “This is the bathroom that we’ll share, and the next door is the guest room. Towels are in the closet behind the door.”
“Thanks Vera. I appreciate, well, everything. It has been a crazy night.”
She pointed back at the direction they’d come from. “Mom’s room is down there.” She frowned. “And your uncle.” She pointed to the door on the right. “And this is my room.”
He nodded. “Uncle Frank put your bags in there.” He stroked the top of Mollie’s he
ad. “See you in the morning.”
TONY FLICKED THE LIGHT switch and entered the spacious bedroom. There were two windows that looked out over what he guessed was the backyard, and one side window. The bed looked comfy, with a fluffy down comforter and tons of pillows. Not that he needed luxury to get a good night’s sleep. He could sleep in a recliner chair, and often did when he was researching a story for the newspaper. He slipped off his sneakers and grabbed his shaving kit. He’d brush his teeth and hit the sack.
After coming out of the bathroom, he noticed that Vera’s door was open halfway. He tapped on it and waited for her to invite him in.
Vera was perched on the end of her bed, petting Mollie. She gave him a half grin. “Do you need something?”
“Can I come in and talk for a minute?”
“Sure. If you want, close the door.”
Now that she was on her home turf, she wasn’t nearly as cautious. It also helped that her mother and his uncle were just down the hall.
She had changed into gray-checked flannel bottoms and a red thermal long sleeve tee with red fleece socks on her feet. Her hair fell in blonde sheets around her face, framing her soft brown eyes. “I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t seem very thrilled that my uncle has moved in with your mom. I’m thinking if we put our heads together, maybe we could show them they’re rushing into this arrangement too fast and they should slow down before someone gets hurt.”
Her eyes brightened. “Do you think that would work? I mean, it’s not like your uncle doesn’t seem like a nice man but”—she nodded and her brow wrinkled—“I do think they should take it a little slower. They haven’t been dating each other that long and to already be living together.” She made a tsk tsk sound. “We should join forces and see what we can do.”
She stuck out her hand to shake on it. It fit perfectly in his and her skin was soft like fine cotton. A jolt of electricity surged in his veins as she clasped her hand with his. Vera’s eyes widened and he knew she felt it too.
She pulled back and tucked the hand under her leg. Her eyelashes fluttered, not like she was flirting with him but with the surprise of their connection. It was like something from one of those romance movies on television. And not something he had ever experienced before.