Christmas at the Tree Farm

by Maddy Reeves

  Once I’ve changed into my pajamas and have tucked myself into bed, I give Kendra a call. It’s always a crap shoot whether or not she’ll be able to answer since she works in a hospital, but maybe tonight I’ll get lucky. Her voicemail picks up after four rings, solidifying the fact that tonight is not my night. I find a made-for-TV Christmas movie to watch while I try to clear the worries from my mind and calm down enough so I can fall asleep.

  Not much later, my cell phone rings. Assuming it’s Kendra calling me back, I answer without bothering to look at the phone number.

  “Naomi? Is everything okay?” It’s Clay. The sound of his concerned voice makes me curl into the fetal position on the bed in an attempt to protect myself. “I came back and you were gone.”

  “I’m okay. Just tired,” I add.

  He exhales loudly into the phone, and I can picture the way his forehead is creased, his mouth turned down in a frown. It’s a look I’ve seen many times before.

  “I should’ve told you Rachael called last night,” he finally says, breaking the silence. “I was shocked, it’s been such a long time since I’ve heard from her. And then it didn’t feel right telling you about it while we were on a date.”

  “It doesn’t feel good to be left in the dark.” My voice is quiet, and much calmer than I feel.

  “I know. This is all so new to me, I know I’m not handling it well. I haven’t dated anyone since Rachael…I haven’t wanted to until you came along.”

  I don’t know how to respond so I wait to hear what else he has to say. I’ll take every morsel he wants to give me.

  “I should’ve told you.” His voice is quiet, filled with sadness. “I’m just so confused. She saw the article about the farm and the pictures of us in the paper. She has a lot of questions.”

  “I’m sorry if I’ve made things more complicated for you.”

  “No, you haven’t. You’ve made everything better—so much better. My life was already complicated before I met you. I still haven’t figured out a way to make things less complicated.”

  “What would make your life less complicated?”

  He’s quiet for a long time. So long, in fact, I check the screen to see if our call has ended.

  “If I could make some of the big decisions, and then accept them and move on with my life.” I wonder if he’s thinking about moving back to Willowdale, and saying goodbye to Rachael once and for all. Unless she wants to be a constant presence in Levi’s life, he has the right to move on. He has the right to be happy. Not pining after someone who hasn’t wanted him in a long time.

  “That sounds like it could be freeing. I should try your advice.”

  “Could you ever see yourself moving to Willowdale?” he asks.

  “Maybe,” I say honestly. “If I had a reason to stay.”

  “Sometimes it feels like we’re running out of time.” His comment is unexpected, but truthful. Something that has been on my mind for a while.

  “I feel the same way,” I say.

  “Can we talk more tomorrow?” he asks.

  “Of course.”

  Once we hang-up, I’m glad that he called even if nothing was really resolved. I know that he’s right. He has a lot of baggage, and we’ve both reached a point in our lives where we can either go on and continue to live the lives we’ve been living or make a change. A big, life altering change that could either set us on a new path to happiness or make us see the error of our ways.

  Chapter 22

  Levi and Clay are outside of the farmhouse, dressed in all their snow gear, rolling big balls of snow into a snowman. When I shoveled the snow off the truck this morning, it was heavy, sliding away from the windows in thick, wet sheets. Perfect snow to build a snowman.

  “Naomi, look at our snowman!” Levi says, waving his wet, mitten-covered hand in my direction.

  “That’s going to be a really big one! Look at the size of that snowball.” I point to the biggest of them, the one clearly set up as the base for their creation.

  “Yeah, Dad helped get it so big.” He kneels back down on the ground, rolling more snow while Clay walks over and welcomes me with a kiss.

  “It’s a nice day to build a snowman,” I say.

  He puts his arm around my shoulders, both of us watching Levi work diligently in the snow, patting and rolling to his little heart’s content.

  “Did you sleep okay?” Clay asks.

  “I did. It’s probably hard to believe, but the motel is starting to grow on me.” He smiles down at me, squeeze me tightly to him. We don’t mention our conversation from last night, almost as if we’re both too scared to see where it’ll lead.

  “If my parents have any say, there’ll be a place in Willowdale for people to stay by next year at this time.”

  “Oh yeah?” I’m not surprised to hear that they’ve been talking about the bed and breakfast some more. Frankie always liked the idea of it. It was Clay who had reservations.

  “How do you feel about that?”

  “I’m warming to the idea.” His eyes study me intensely. The wind blows, whipping my hair around my face as he removes his glove and gently tucks my loose strands behind my ear. We’re lost in our own little moment when Levi breaks the spell.

  “Dad, you’ve got to help me lift this one up.”

  “Coming buddy.” Clay reaches over and takes the big snowball out of Levi’s arms, but lets him feel as if he’s the one putting it on top of the big ball.

  “You two have fun. I’m going to go find your mom and help her get everything set up.”

  I watch them together for another few moments, and I’m struck by what a good dad Clay is. The image of him in his suit at the airport doesn’t fit with the Clay I know him to be. Instead of a grumpy, over-worked suit, he was lost and angry, trying to figure out what more life had in store for him. It’s another similarity between us that brings us together. Both of us are at a point in our lives where we’re trying to figure out where we go next.

  “Morning, Frankie.” The cottage is warm and inviting with the smell of freshly popped popcorn that makes my mouth water even though it’s nine o’clock in the morning. “Thanks for getting everything started.”

  “I’m happy to do it. After all, I’ll need to be able to run it myself next year.”

  I set my bag behind the counter, and get to work opening the cash registers. All the while, the thought of not being here for Christmas next year plays in the back of my mind. Unexpected sadness fills me anytime I think about having to leave.

  “You’re awfully quiet today.” Frankie’s standing next to me, studying me while I’ve been lost in my thoughts.

  “It’s getting close to Christmas. Close to the time where I’ll have to leave. I didn’t expect to feel so sad.”

  “Things have become complicated, haven’t they?”

  Without asking her to clarify, I know she’s talking about Clay. What she doesn’t realize is that I’m just as conflicted about leaving her.

  “I suppose I didn’t expect it to be so wonderful here.”

  “I told you, there’s a special magic here this time of year.”

  “How are you dealing with Clay and Levi leaving again?” I ask.

  She takes a deep breath and looks toward the door. “We haven’t really talked about it. Part of me wishes he’d quit his job and move back here. New York was never his calling. Working in an office, wearing a suit—” She shakes her head, disappointment clear on her face. “He practically lived outside on the farm growing up. He was always helping Ed with chores, and when they weren’t busy doing that, he wanted to play catch or run around and cause trouble with his friends. I know he’d be happy in Willowdale. But, I’m his mom and he doesn’t want to listen to me. That’s the thing with having kids, we have to let them make their own decisions and find their own way. Even though it’s hard.”

  “He’s lucky to have you, Frankie.”

  She nods. “Now we just need to get him to listen to my advice.”

 
; “I’d say you’ve already had great influence over him since he’s been home. He’s outside building a snowman with Levi as we speak.”

  “Is he really?” She eagerly makes her way toward the door, pulling it open and looking over toward the farmhouse. “Well, I’ll be.”

  She stands with her hands on her hips and a carefree smile on her face. As I watch her, I can’t help but smile, too.

  We’ve reached a lull in the day when Gloria from the little chocolate shop walks into the cottage.

  “Hi, Gloria,” Frankie says, cheerfully.

  After I welcome her, I ask, “Do you remember me?”

  “Of course I remember you. I’m old but I haven’t lost all my marbles.”

  She wanders over to the counter and starts looking through all of our homemade candies.

  “Did you find a good tree, Gloria?” Frankie asks.

  “Oh, no. I’m not here for a tree. I put up my plastic one every year and it does me just fine. I’ve heard a lot of talk about the treats so I wanted to come sample some for myself.”

  “Really?” I ask. “You’ve heard talk about the treats?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ve got people coming in asking me if they can get more and I have to tell them it isn’t mine.”

  She takes a bag of each different type of candy, and sets it on the counter. Before Frankie can ring it up, she opens the bag and takes out a piece to try. Frankie glances at me, unsure of what’s going on, as I move over to stand with her behind the counter.

  Gloria samples the chocolate covered caramel first, her eyes closed, her mouth moving slowly as she enjoys every taste.

  “What do you think?” My voice sounds unsure even to my ears, but the way she’s sampling my treats makes it feel like she’s a critic about to write a big review.

  “Delicious.” She opens her eyes and smiles at me while she finishes chewing the caramel. “I’ve been waiting for you to come along.” She points her tiny, bony finger at me from across the counter.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I told you. I’m getting old and I can’t keep doing what I’m doing. And then here you come into town with all of this knowledge about chocolates and candies. I figure it’s a sign.”

  I’m about to ask her what sign she’s talking about when she keeps going.

  “You should take over my shop so I can retire.”

  My first instinct is to shake my head and turn her down. But I look at Frankie, a huge smile on her face, so I swallow what I was going to say.

  “I don’t know, Gloria. I’m flattered—”

  “Yeah, yeah. You need time to think it over. I don’t expect you to give me an answer right here and now. We’ll be in touch. Sound good?”

  “Yes, that does sound good.”

  She pays for the rest of the chocolates and leaves me with my head spinning from her unexpected offer.

  Chapter 23

  “She offered to let you take over her shop? How do you feel about that? I mean, it’s pretty cool, right?” After a few days I’ve finally been able to reach Kendra on the phone, and not a moment too soon. Gloria’s offer has completely thrown me off and I don’t know what to do.

  “It’s so cool. I never thought I’d have this chance. But it isn’t just a simple yes or no.”

  “Why not? If it would make you happy, you should do it. Don’t worry about the distance between us. We can always visit, and talk as often as we do now.”

  “I know. It’s more than that. So much of my decision to stay is tied to Clay now, too. I’ve fallen for him and what if he goes back to New York? How can I stay here knowing everything will remind me of him?”

  “You need to talk to him about it. Tell him about Gloria’s offer and find out what he’s thinking. Maybe he’s been waiting for a reason to stay. You might just be that reason for him.”

  “I’m scared.” I’ve never held back with Kendra and I don’t plan on starting now.

  “Of course you are. It’s scary to think about making such a big life change. But you can’t let the fact that you’re scared be the only reason you don’t try. This chocolate shop is your dream. And yes, it’s possible that it won’t take off like you hope it will. But, what if it does? If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

  “How did you get to be so smart?” I ask.

  “Um, news flash—I’ve always been this smart. It’s one of the reasons why you love me.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Tell me what else you’re scared about. Besides the shop failing.”

  “I’m afraid that I’ll tell Clay I plan on staying to take over the shop, and he decides to go back to New York anyway.”

  “It’s definitely a possibility,” she says after a bit. “But not because he doesn’t care for you, at least in my opinion. He has a son to think about as well.”

  “I know, and that’s why I think it would be so great for Levi if they stayed.”

  “What would Clay do in Willowdale, though? He works for a huge financial firm, doesn’t he?”

  “Something like that. We’ve never really talked specifics about his job. His mom mentioned he’s an outdoorsy kind of guy. And he’s good with his hands. He built the shelves and table for the cottage. They’re beautiful craftsmanship.”

  “Do you think he’d be happy working the Christmas Farm with his parents?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You need to find out, Naomi. Please? Your job within the next few days is to find out what his dreams are for himself and Levi. Find out where he sees himself, and what he sees himself doing. Maybe he’ll surprise you. But, above all, don’t make your decision about the chocolate shop based solely on Clay. He doesn’t need to be tied to your happiness.”

  “And if I decide to stay and take over the chocolate shop, will you come to visit me?”

  “I’ll be there on opening weekend. Screw the hospital.”

  As soon as I’m off the phone with Kendra, I have the overwhelming desire to drive over to the farm to see Clay and get everything out in the open. If I don’t, I know I’ll never sleep a wink tonight. I fly around the room, changing my clothes a few times while constantly scrutinizing myself in the floor-length mirror. I can’t control what happens after I lay it all out for him, but at least I can look good and feel good while doing it.

  Before I lose my nerve, I grab my things and step out into the cold night. Ed’s trusty truck is waiting and even though part of me wishes it wouldn’t start so I don’t have to deal with all of this right now, I know that it will. It’s dependable, just like the Harrison family.

  I’m on edge and my nerves only get worse the closer I get to the farm. I continuously second guess myself, finally at least acknowledging that I probably should’ve texted him before I just show up.

  But, it’s too late. The next thing I know, I’m pulling into the familiar drive-way. After parking just off to the side, I take a few deeps breaths before getting out of the car. As soon as I shut the door behind me, another stream of headlights illuminates the drive, the familiar illuminated taxi light coming into view as the car stops in front of the porch.

  My curiosity gets the best of me and the next thing I know, I’m wandering over to the taxi. A tall woman with striking blonde hair steps out of the taxi. Her black high heels click against the cement as she pulls a suitcase out of the backseat. I recognize Warren as soon as he steps out of the car, meandering back to the trunk to grab another one of her bags.

  “Hey, Warren.” I’ve almost reached the taxi now. Even though my instincts are telling me to hang back for a bit, my mind has different plans.

  “Well, Naomi from Minnesota. How’re things going on the farm?”

  He sets the woman’s suitcase down on the ground at his feet so he can reach out to shake my hand.

  “Great. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you here, yet. I know you said you and your wife always get your tree here every year.”

  “Don’t worry about that. We’ll still be by. My wife has been
sick, pneumonia. Once she’s back on her feet, we’ll be here. I can’t bring myself to do it without her.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Warren. Let me know if there’s anything we can do to help out.”

  He nods at the same time the woman snaps her fingers impatiently. We’re stuck in this awkward place where I don’t know if I should introduce myself. But, since I know the family so well at this point, I feel like I should.

  “Hi.” I extend my hand toward the woman even though her cold expression warns me to keep my distance. “I’m Naomi, a friend of the Harrisons.”

  “I’m Clay Harrison’s wife.” She reaches out and takes my hand but barely grips around my fingers before letting go again. As soon as the words are out of her mouth, I don’t know why it didn’t click sooner. She’s wearing a winter coat, with fancy black suit pants, black high heels, manicured nails, and her make-up is complete perfection. No amount of primping at the motel could make me look anything close to her.

  “What are you doing here?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

  “I’m here to spend Christmas with my family.” Her words cut me deeply, even more than the pierce of her cold gaze. She reminds me of the Clay I first met in the airport all those weeks ago—cold and rude. Part of me wants to stay and fight for the Clay that he’s become. But I’m still reeling from the fact that Rachael is standing here in front of me after I was under the impression that she wasn’t a part of their lives. “Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s cold out here.”

  She takes her suitcases and climbs the steps toward the front door and I watch it all happen as if it’s in slow motion. Of everything that’s happening, the fact that she doesn’t even bother to knock on the door stands out the most. She just walks inside, like she’s done it so many times before.

  Warren says something to me, but I can’t make sense of any of it. Everything is out of focus, a sound as loud as rushing water consuming me as my legs robotically move backward toward Ed’s truck. My eyes are blurry with tears, but I can’t stand the thought of anyone seeing me here, not when I’m such a fool.