Christmas at the Tree Farm

by Maddy Reeves

  “Like a baby. It’s so much more comfortable than the motel.”

  “Wonderful. And I’ve made breakfast.”

  “See, Frankie, don’t give up on the idea of a bed and breakfast. By next year, you could open it for guests. Offer a package deal. They book a stay for the weekend, and it includes a Christmas tree when they leave. Add a few more perks and it would be a fun weekend get-away.”

  “Back on the hotel idea, I see.” Clay walks into the kitchen behind me. My stomach drops while I wait for him to lose his temper with me again. Honestly, I thought he was outside with Ed. The fact that he’s caught me discussing this with Frankie again makes my face flame a bright red.

  He walks right over to the coffee maker and pours himself a cup, ruffling Levi’s hair on the way. I don’t say anything, not until I can get a better gauge on his mood today.

  “You’ve got to admit, Clay, it’s a good idea,” Frankie says, unfazed by his mood.

  “In theory.” He shrugs and takes a drink of his coffee, watching me over the brim of his mug. Self-consciously, I run my fingers through my hair.

  “Get outside and help your father plow us out.” Frankie points her spatula at him from the stove. “And unless you plan on moving back to Willowdale and being a permanent fixture around here, you can leave the decisions about this place to your father and me.” I don’t know who is more surprised by his mom, Clay or me. Thankfully, he takes her advice and walks out of the kitchen without another word.

  It stings when he doesn’t bother to look at me again or say good-bye. Last night was great for us, and I thought we made progress. Apparently, he still hasn’t warmed to the idea of opening the farmhouse to guests. Thinking outside of the box like this is my job. I don’t want to second guess everything I say just because Clay might not like the idea.

  “Once the driveways are clear, I’ll head back to the motel to change and shower. On my way back, I’m going to drive through town and clean off the signs. I can’t imagine we’ll be very busy today…at least not until later on once everyone has shoveled themselves out.”

  “We won’t be busy. If you have things you want to do, feel free. Though, you could always stay, and we could make another batch of candies. We’ve almost sold all of it.”

  “I can’t believe it! Honestly, it’s like a dream come true in a sense. I mean, I always thought owning a candy shop would be so cool. Now that it’s selling so well—I’m thrilled.”

  “You know, you keep telling me to think about a bed and breakfast. Why don’t you think about your own chocolate shop? Gloria isn’t getting any younger. She’s running out of steam.”

  “It would be amazing to do something like that one day.”

  “What’s stopping you?” She hands me a plate full of scrambled eggs and bacon. As soon as I set it on the island, the toaster pops and she tosses two pieces of toast on top.

  “The money. I need to be able to support myself and who knows what kind of money I’d make at first, if any.”

  “I know about money problems.” She takes a drink of her coffee, and then realizing that Levi’s plate is almost empty, she scoops more eggs onto it. “I’m just saying…you never know. What if Gloria’s ready to sell the shop and you could take it over? Make your mom’s recipes and have a jump start with a customer base? Think about it, Naomi.”

  “You’re really feisty today, Frankie,” I say with a smile.

  “I know.” She takes a bite of her eggs. “It’s the pressure from the storm or something. It always messes with me.”

  Breakfast is delicious and Frankie does a great job lifting my spirits. Once again, she assures me that Clay is harmless, that he means well, and it’ll just take time for him to stop being so reactionary about everything. I’m tempted to ask her more about Rachael, but I don’t want to talk about her in front of Levi, and I don’t want to betray his trust. When he’s ready to tell me more, he’ll tell me more. And if not, perhaps whatever I thought was blossoming between us has gone as far as it possibly can.

  Chapter 15

  After a little more persuasion, Frankie, Levi and I end up spending the morning in the kitchen, making more batches of candy to sell in the shop. Levi spends most of his time sneaking finger scoops of chocolate, or popping the little sugar candies into his mouth. For a little while, I let myself indulge the fantasy that I could spend my days doing this very same thing, and then selling the product in my own little store.

  It’s ironic that I took this job hoping to feel more like myself again. Because in reality, I’m even more confused about what I really want in my life. I thought I’d always go home to Minnesota, even though my dad isn’t there anymore. At least my best friend and her family are still there. When I think about getting on a plane and flying back, the more depressed I become. What’s really waiting for me besides painful memories and an empty house?

  “That about does it.” Ed stands at the back door on the rug, stomping his boots free of snow. The sight of him standing in the kitchen completely caked in snow is shocking.

  “Grandpa, you look like a snowman,” Levi says.

  “Oh, good Lord,” Frankie says, hustling over to him. “Any more time out there and you would’ve frozen solid. Where’s Clay?”

  “He’s not back yet?” Ed shakes his head. “He was clearing the trails. He’ll be back soon.”

  He’s avoiding me, I know it. Whether it’s from my suggestion about the bed and breakfast, or the fact that we bonded a little too much last night…as long as I’m here, he’s staying away.

  “Now that we’re plowed out, I should get going.”

  Frankie and Ed both look over at me, surprised looks on their faces.

  “I need to clean myself up and I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

  “You’re always welcome. In fact, when you’re here, it’s like I’m baking with the daughter I never had.”

  She catches me by surprise, and without warning, my eyes fill with tears.

  “That’s really sweet of you to say.”

  I give her a hug, and then Levi wants a hug. Once I have all of my gear from sledding, I climb into Ed’s truck, and drive down the freshly plowed driveway.

  The plows have taken care of the snow on the country roads by this point, but the wind always has a way of making the drive tricky. Random snow drifts creep back onto the road, especially through the sections of road next to open fields. The amount of snow is shocking, and I’ve lived in Minnesota for years, so that’s saying something.

  Its beauty has a special meaning for me now.

  Right before my dad died, when the doctors prepared us that it wouldn’t be much longer, I curled up with him on his hospital bed. Crying freely, I asked him how I would know that he was okay once he was gone. He told me to pick something. Something that whenever I saw it, I’d know it was a sign that he was okay, and he was looking over me.

  I chose the snow.

  He laughed at the time, and joked that I chose the snow so I’d get a break from him in the summer. And looking back, it probably was a silly thing to pick. But I know how much we both loved the snow, and every time I look at it now, I think of him.

  Things have a way of working out. I never thought it was fair to lose both of my parents so young. I’ve always believed life would make up for it in some way.

  Eventually, I pull into the parking lot of the motel. Sitting outside in the truck, I have to psych myself up to go inside, knowing the quiet might be too much for me today. Once I work up the courage, I turn on the lights and switch on the TV for a little extra noise before taking a shower to lift my spirits.

  My mood improves drastically by the time I’m finished getting ready, but I still don’t like the idea of ordering in my dinner anymore. Instead, I get back into Ed’s truck and drive back to Willowdale to grab a burger at their cozy little diner. I’m reading a book on my e-reader, eating a slice of peanut butter pie when Clay appears again and sits down across from me.

  “You’re becoming
predictable.” He shrugs out of his jacket and hangs it on the chair behind him. I’m staring at him, shocked, with the next bite of my pie sitting on my fork.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here.” I take another bite of my pie and close the cover of my device in order to give him my full attention. “I got the feeling you were avoiding me today.”

  “I wasn’t avoiding you.” He leans forward, resting his crossed arms on the table. “Why would you think that?”

  I shrug, looking back down at my plate. I can never think straight when I’m staring into his eyes.

  “You seemed upset again this morning, and then I didn’t see you all day.”

  “There was a ton of snow to be plowed. It just took a long time.”

  “Your mood swings are confusing.” I hadn’t planned on going the honesty route, but I’m proud of myself. We don’t have a lot of time left together so there’s no use wasting it telling lies.

  He takes a deep breath, tilting his head while looking at me with a smirk. “I’m sorry.”

  His apology seems genuine, and I can’t help it—I want to forgive him. I much prefer the playful, fun Clay to the serious, grumpy Clay.

  “Do you want to order something?” I ask.

  He orders a burger when the waitress comes over, and my heart lifts that he’s here having dinner with me again. Even if it isn’t really a date. More like two adults enjoying dinner together because they both need to eat. He hasn’t officially asked me out on a date and due to our situation, he may never.

  “I wanted to run an idea past you,” I say, once his food has arrived and he’s busy eating.

  “Shoot.” He wipes a bit of ketchup off of his mouth with his napkin before giving me the full intensity of his attention.

  “I want to contact a local newspaper to do a story about the tree farm and all of the changes for the season. Put something in the newspaper, get it circulating around the internet and surrounding towns.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.” He takes another bite of his burger while I wait for him to say more. I figure eventually, he’ll think of a reason why it won’t work.

  “You do?”

  “Yeah. You didn’t think I would?”

  “Of course I didn’t think you would. You haven’t liked any of my ideas. But, with an article in the newspaper, it would be a good way to get the word out, and make this season as profitable for your parents as possible.”

  “I know someone who could help up with that. Why don’t you let me take care of it?”

  “Really? I mean, I don’t mind doing it…it’s kind of my job.”

  “I know. You’ve been so busy with everything else. You’re really going above and beyond for my parents. They really like you. They talk about you all the time when you’re not there. Naomi this…Naomi that…”

  I laugh and smack him on the arm. Hearing that they’re happy with my work and enjoy working with me makes me all fuzzy warm inside. Clay makes an adorable sad face, pretending I’ve injured him, before finishing the last of his food.

  “And I don’t hate your ideas. I think you’ve done a wonderful job giving the place a facelift.”

  “You sure have a strange way of showing your appreciation.” I shake my head while he smiles into his food.

  I order a decaf coffee to drink while he waits for his own piece of pie. We sit together for another hour, long after the dinnertime rush dies down.

  Even though I know our time together will eventually end, more and more, I don’t want it to.

  Chapter 16

  Thanksgiving morning, I arrive at the farm with store-bought crescent rolls, and the spattering of ingredients that Frankie needed last minute.

  “Sorry I couldn’t do more. This no kitchen, no oven deal at the motel is really getting to be a drag.” I give Frankie a hug and set everything on the counter in the kitchen.

  “Are you kidding? You saved me. Even after sending Ed to the store yesterday, I still forgot a few things.” She digs through the bags to find the last few items.

  “Where is everyone?” I try not to be too obvious, but I figured I’d see Clay and Ed today.

  “They’re already in the other room watching football. They’ll resurface at some point to grab snacks from the kitchen.”

  “Give me a job. I’m ready to help.”

  Frankie gives me the job of making the green bean casserole, which I happily accept. I’m not as competent at cooking as I am at baking, but I can still follow a recipe without trouble.

  “Something smells so good,” I say.

  She walks over to the oven and opens the door, showing me the turkey cooking inside.

  “Wow, I applaud you for that. I don’t know if I could pull off a turkey. It seems too complicated. Mine would turn out like the turkey from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

  We’re both giggling from that image when Clay comes into the kitchen.

  “Hey, I didn’t hear you come in.” He walks over to the refrigerator to grab some more drinks. “What’s so funny?”

  My cheeks blush as soon as he enters the room. Honestly, I still have the same reaction today to being around a hot guy as I did when I was in high school.

  “Oh, nothing. We were just laughing about my cooking skills,” I say. “You guys are watching a big game?”

  “Yes. It’s intense.” He leans over the counter, watching me as I add things to the bowl.

  “Is Levi into football? Or are you forcing him into it,” I ask.

  “Forcing,” Frankie says before he can answer.

  “Very funny, Mom,” Clay says, “I beg to differ.”

  “Did he like the parade this morning? I remember enjoying that when I was young. All of the big floats were so cool.”

  “He watched it for a little while. It would’ve held his attention longer if they didn’t have so much random talking and commercials.”

  I make a face, disappointed to hear it isn’t exactly as I remember it being.

  “It smells good in here, Mom. You too, Naomi.” He winks, standing up to take the drinks back into the living room.

  “Oh, I haven’t done anything…it’s all your Mom.”

  “Let me know if I can do anything to help.” And with that, he disappears to go back to watch the game. I don’t realize I’m still smiling until I look up and find Frankie smiling while watching me.

  I clear my throat and try to pull myself together.

  “You two would be really good together,” she says.

  I’m shaking my head, waving off her comments when she leans closer and whispers, “He likes you. I can tell.”

  Once again, my face flames, and Clay isn’t even in the room. I’ve never really had a serious relationship with a guy. And Clay is so incredibly handsome and successful…charming, most of the time. He’s more than I ever would’ve imagined for myself.

  “You like him, too,” she continues.

  “Frankie…”

  “I don’t mean to embarrass you,” she interrupts. “I’ll stop. I do think it would be wonderful if you two ended up together.”

  “Okay, so…back to this green bean casserole. It’s finished. Now what can I do?” The casserole sits in the dish, ready for the oven. I’m really hopeful this portion of the conversation will be over and we can focus on other things that aren’t nearly as embarrassing. Not that being with Clay would be embarrassing, but discussing it with his mother isn’t ideal.

  Once we have everything ready to go, and it’s just a matter of waiting for everything to cook, Frankie and I join the guys. Clay motions for me to sit by him on the couch, and then he asks if he can get me anything to drink. He’s overly attentive, and it melts my insides.

  “I spoke with a buddy of mine that works for a local paper. He said he could come out tomorrow. We can show him around, he’ll take pictures, ask questions, the works. And, it’s always crazy busy tomorrow. It’ll be a good day to have him come. Sound good?”

  “Wow, that sounds great…thanks
so much for helping with that.”

  “It’s a great idea. The publicity will really help bring people in.”

  We don’t talk about work for the rest of the day. Instead, it’s all about family. It warms my heart to see Clay and Levi with Frankie and Ed. I’m one lucky lady to have been invited into their lives with such open arms. After dinner is over, and we’ve exhausted our conversation topics, I decide to head back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before the busy day tomorrow.

  We say our goodbye’s and I promise to be back nice and early to help make sure everything is ready for, hopefully, our busiest day of the season.

  Back in my motel room, I notice a missed call from Kendra so I call her back.

  “Hey! I had to call to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Did you do anything? I missed not having you here this year!”

  “I actually spent the day at the Harrison’s farm, and it was a really nice day.”

  “That was nice of them to invite you. I’m so glad you didn’t spend the day alone. How was Clay? Tell me he isn’t still being awful toward you.”

  “With all of these rapid-fire questions, I have to wonder if you’re suffering from sugar overload right now.”

  She laughs, louder than I would expect.

  “You know me so well, don’t you? It isn’t sugar, though. I drank a little too much wine with dinner.”

  “Ah-ha! That explains it.”

  “Tell me all about it. Is Clay awful? Didn’t you say he’s leaving after Thanksgiving anyway?”

  “Actually, Kendra, he isn’t really awful at all anymore. We didn’t get off on the right foot, but the more I get to know him, the more I like him.”

  “Wait, you like him, like him? Or just, like that he’s not awful anymore?”

  “I like him, like him.”

  She gasps loudly on the other end of the line. Loudly and dramatically.

  “Do you think he likes you?” She whispers it even though it’s only the two of us talking over the phone.

  “I don’t know. Sometimes I think he might. Frankie seems to think he does. But I don’t have a ton of experience with men, as you know. I can’t tell if he’s just being nice now, and treating me the same way he’d treat anyone working at their farm? Or, if it’s more than that.”