by Katlyn Grace
“He felt uncomfortable, Sara.” Hope transferred the shopping bag handles from her right wrist to her left one as she looked over the chalkboard menu. She ordered a hot tea for herself and a coffee for her mom and sister, then let Sara order hers.
The conversation topic had become a normal one between Sara and Hope…Ethan. Hope hadn’t expected Colin to speak about his alcoholic father Wednesday night. She noticed the way Ethan shifted uncomfortably at the prayer request. The look on his face had been unbearable for Hope. Ethan and Sara had both been through a terrible past, and Hope knew to see someone else going through something similar sparked those memories back to life in a different way for them.
When she called Ethan that night, he was reading the Bible—something that should have surprised Hope, but instead, it didn’t. Hope could only pray that Ethan was under conviction. She knew he was looking for a way out, and Jesus was the only way. If being convicted meant that it would eventually bring Ethan eternal peace, then she would continue to pray for it.
Hope exchanged her cash for the travel carton of three coffees and one tea that the barista handed her. “Thank you.” Hope smiled and started to walk back to the table her mom and Bri were waiting at.
“Good. He needs to know he’s missing out on something only God can supply.” Ethan’s sister strolled by Hope’s side.
The mall was crowded and fully decked out in Christmas decorations now that Thanksgiving was officially over. Hope’s claustrophobia had been put to the test today as the mall was elbow to elbow full of people. Black Friday’s were getting more intense with each year, and Hope was beginning to wonder if the sales were worth all the stress and madness.
Hope considered Sara’s statement.
“There’s no need to feel bad, Hope. He needed the gentle shove. He needed someone to help him realize he could have a brighter future.” Sara smiled at Hope, reassuring her it was okay. “If he didn’t feel convicted, then you would have been too nice. There’s a difference between being a caring friend and being a nosy no one.”
“I haven’t known you for long, but goodness gracious you’re a great friend!” Hope threw her arm full of shopping bags around Sara’s shoulder.
Hope pulled out a chair beside Bri as they approached the group. She set her bags down beside of her on the floor, and then handed everyone their hot beverages.
“What would I do without coffee?” Bri took a whiff of her hot drink before taking a sip.
“You’d survive.” Their mom patted Brianna on the back.
Hope drummed her fingers on the table. “So, have we got what we came here for?”
“My babies are safely in my possession, so yes.” Brianna patted her Christian Louboutin bag and tossed her long hair over her shoulder. “Besides, you just want to leave us lovely girls to have more time to hang out with Ethan.” Bri dramatically rolled her eyes, but it was obvious she was only teasing.
Hope kicked Bri under the table with her boots. She didn’t want to admit it to her sister because she would never hear the end of it. Truth was, Ethan was growing on Hope quite a bit. “He’s better company than you.” Hope stuck her tongue out at her little sister.
“Are you two twelve or adults?” Heather’s eyes narrowed at her daughters, then she took a drink of her macchiato.
Hope chuckled at her mom’s question; it was rhetorical…definitely rhetorical.
“I actually need your guys’ help.” Hope placed her scalding hot tea on the table. She had a plan, and she was going to follow through by making this Christmas the best one Ethan had experienced in many years.
Sara’s left eyebrow perked up over her coffee cup as she noted Hope’s sudden change in conversation.
“I want to make this Christmas one that Ethan will never forget.”
Hope had arrived at the Christmas tree farm thirty minutes ago. Her mom, Bri, and Sara were all heading back to Ethan’s place to decorate it inside and out. Sara mentioned there were two tubs full of old Christmas decorations in his shed. They also picked up colorful lights and a few blowup decorations for outside while they were still in the mall.
Ethan’s place was in desperate need of a Christmas makeover, and Hope couldn’t wait to see how surprised he would be. Hope figured on keeping him distracted by picking out a tree until she got a text of approval from her sister that they were done throwing up Christmas on Ethan’s home. Then, Hope and Ethan would bring the tree back home for the two of them to decorate. The plan was going well so far.
“How was your Thanksgiving? Sara mentioned the apple bread was tasty.” Hope watched a smile grow across his face and she couldn’t contain the warmth that filled her from her shivering fingers all the way to her toes. Who knew dimples could do that to a woman?
“It was actually nice. Sara and I spent the afternoon watching movies and playing battleship—which by the way, Sara likes to cheat at.” He stopped at a large pine tree to examine it, then moved on to another one. “Yours?”
“Mom made a wonderful dinner. She stuffed us all full of turkey and sent us home after a very intense Scrabble game.” Hope chuckled as she flashbacked to her brother’s face full of amusement when he’d “beat” everyone. Truth was, everyone was getting sick of his Scrabble tactics and secretly agreed to let him win.
“I’ve never known Scrabble to be such a heated game before.” He laughed as he walked down the path of different sized pine trees.
Hope breathed in the crisp, piney aroma that smelled exactly like Christmas. “Then you’ll have to join my family sometime and discover for yourself.” Hope meant it too. It would be good for Ethan to have a family around him.
He smiled. “What about this one?”
Hope took a step back to inspect the tree Ethan had been looking at. The fragrant needles were full, and a few pinecones spritzed in a cinnamon scent were still attached. It was a beautiful tree with snow lightly dusted on it from a few hours earlier. “It’s tall, fluffy, and gorgeous.”
“Checks off all the boxes. I think she’s the one.” Hope grinned at how excited Ethan seemed to be about something so little.
“Cut the pretty thing down, and I’ll buy us some hot chocolate. Then, you can take me to your place. I want to help decorate.” She put her red beanie back on her head to cover her cold ears.
“Sounds good. My fingers are frozen and if mine are, I’m sure yours are.” Ethan handed her cash. “I like whipped cream, and lots of it.” He grinned.
“I’ll remember that.” Hope weaved her way through the maze of Christmas trees to a small shack selling hot chocolate. She ordered two to go, one with loads of marshmallows, and the other with extra whipped cream. While she was there, she went ahead and paid for the tree as well.
Hope smiled to herself as she gripped the two steaming cups full of cocoa. She was enjoying her time spent with Ethan. He seemed relaxed and mellow today, something Hope sensed was the way he used to be. He’d gone three weeks without alcohol so far, and the tremendous improvement in his actions was beginning to show. He was open to subjects that he used to be private about. He’d willingly talk to her about his parents. Hope was beginning to see a spark in him that hadn’t been there before…an earnest desire to do better.
“One hot chocolate for you, and one for me.” Hope handed Ethan the warm cup of chocolate when she made her way back to him.
He shivered as he took the cup. “C’mon, let’s head back to my place and get warm. I’ll bring you back here to get your car later this evening.”
Hope bit her lip. Her sister hadn’t texted yet. “Do you care to take me to the library first? I need a new book to read tonight.” It was true, but she was mainly stalling for time.
Ethan agreed sweetly as he led her and the tree back to his truck. All the while, Hope prayed that her sister, mom, and Sara could pull off the rest of the decorating in time.
Ethan pulled off the interstate, drove down the streets of Alton for a while, then turned on his signal as he drove up the winding dirt road that
lead to his home. He was genuinely the happiest he had been in a long time, but something was still missing. There was a gap that needed to be filled.
He glanced to his right where Hope was sitting in silence in the passenger seat. She was concentrating on the back of her book that she borrowed from the library. He found the pout of her lips as she focused on something to be cute. She looked pretty today, but to him she was pretty every day. Her eyes twinkled, and her freckles added a uniqueness to her face that didn’t need to be covered with makeup. Her blonde hair, tinted with a light red, was something that he had grown to love. She was effortlessly beautiful, and she didn’t even know how many heads turned her way on a daily basis.
Hope made today a day that would not be easily forgotten. It was the simple gesture that had turned into so much more, and Ethan was thankful for that.
Ethan pulled in his driveway and a gasp escaped his lips. “What’s all this?” He kept his hand on the steering wheel whilst he stared his house down. He absorbed the home that almost looked unfamiliar to him now. It seemed to have life. Snowflake lights draped along the banister of his porch. Two giant snow globe inflatables sat on both sides of the wooden walkway up to his porch, one with Santa Claus in it and another with a snowman. Rainbow colored lights lined his windows, and festive Christmas wreaths were hung everywhere.
“Surprise!” He looked over at Hope whose smile glistened in the passenger’s seat. He watched as her face waited for him to react.
“You didn’t…” He let a small grin spread wide across his face as he looked back at his home.
“I really like it when you smile big enough for me to see your dimples.” Hope distracted him as she chuckled at his facial expressions.
“How did you do it?” He was puzzled at how his house had been decorated from the time he had left to meet Hope, ’til now.
“Let’s just say your sister said to stop hiding your key under the mat.”
“Sara did this?”
Hope nodded. “Along with Bri and my mom.”
Ethan had yet to meet Hope’s mom, but he already loved her. He hopped out of his truck and ran to the passenger’s side to open the door for Hope.
“I hope you don’t mind your electricity bill going up for the next month.” Hope smirked and grabbed onto his hand that he extended to help her out of his truck.
Ethan didn’t reply. Instead, he simply wrapped his arms around her slender figure, engulfing her in a hug. Obviously shocked at the gesture, Hope held herself frozen for a few seconds, then she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his broad shoulders. “Thank you,” he whispered against her neck. Ethan could drown in her flowery perfume.
He didn’t know how she had it arranged, and frankly didn’t care. Hope had shown how much she cared for him through her actions, and that was appreciated more than words could describe. Hope was becoming more important to him daily, and the more she cared for him, the more he fell for her.
“I hope you like it.” Hope smiled as Ethan pulled away from the hug.
“I absolutely love it.” He grinned at her, then studied his home. “Let’s get the tree inside.”
“Good idea.” She followed behind him up the porch steps after he unloaded the tree. She paused at the door before she unlocked it for him. “Before I unlock your house, be prepared for more.”
He laughed. “There’s more?”
“Go big or go home, am I right?” Hope opened the door as he cautiously walked inside.
“There are Christmas bulbs and lights everywhere!” He giggled like a kid as he carried the tree from the entryway to his spacious living room.
Ethan felt like he was on the brink of tears as he soaked in each detail. He spotted his mother’s Christmas throw strewn across the couch, along with festive pillows. Jars were filled with fake snow and car trinkets on side tables. Lining the bottom of his fireplace, the old houses that him and his stepfather used to play with were lit up, creating a Christmas village. It all hit him like a wave, but the memories didn’t choke him…this time they flooded his mind with joy.
“My mom likes to decorate.” Hope laughed and helped him prop the tree against one of the four corners in the living room.
Ethan grinned. “I’ll have to thank her.” He put his hands on his hips and studied his living room. “Put the tree in the corner by the fireplace that now has frosted berry garland on the mantle, or move the couch to face the windows and put the tree in the center of the windows? That’s the real question.”
Hope chuckled. “By the windows.” She confirmed what he initially wanted, but Ethan also desired her opinion, for some reason it mattered. The tree would be a sight in front of the floor to ceiling windows, especially since their sisters and Heather had strung evergreen berry garland around them too.
“I think so too.” Ethan picked up the pine tree, leaving trails of pine needles behind him. “This is messy.”
“Maybe, but it’s worth it.” Hope grinned and pulled her hair up in a ponytail before she helped him move the leather couch. “Your sister texted. She left the tree decorations sitting on the kitchen table. I’ll go get them.”
He smiled as he watched her walk away and disappear into his kitchen. She was getting prettier by the minute. He was going to enjoy the rest of the evening with her. Ethan shook his head and grabbed the tree stand and a drill. Best to get to work and not to let his mind wander.
A few minutes later she come back dangling two large bags. “Got them!”
“The tree is set up and ready for decorations.” Ethan stepped back to get a good look at the lush ten-foot pine. It was stunning in front of the large farmhouse windows.
“What’s this?”
Ethan turned around to see Hope studying something on his glass coffee table. He made his way toward whatever had attracted her attention. She read a note on top of what looked like his parent’s old record player. He hadn’t seen the thing in ages.
He sat down on the white fur rug beside of Hope. “Sara must have found it. My mom and stepdad used to dance in the living room to these old records.” He smiled at the memory, even if there was a pang of sadness that came with it.
Hope smiled at him. “It’s a good memory.”
“Yes.” He went through the pile of records, reading the titles. “We’ll do the Charlie Brown hits.” Ethan grinned.
“My favorite.” Hope opened the briefcase style record player and Ethan placed the record in its designated place. “Mark’s puppy is named after the dog on the show.” She chuckled.
“I didn’t know he liked animals.” Ethan had become fond of Hope’s older brother. The counselling sessions were helping Ethan grow, and Mark was becoming a good friend.
“He’s a sucker for them.” Hope placed the needle on the record and it began to play a Christmas carol.
“I’ll have to remember that.” He snickered. “Let’s decorate.” He pulled her to her feet and grabbed a bag of decorations.
“Look what I found.” Hope held up red and white fuzzy stockings to show Ethan.
“Those used to be my parent’s. Sara and I used to have the fun Rudolph ones.”
Hope smiled at him, praying the reminiscence would be a good one. Ethan’s grin made Hope relax.
He took the two stockings from her hands and hung them off the wooden mantle above the white stone fireplace. “One for you, and one for me.” He beamed and continued where he left off with some tinsel.
“You’re too kind. Sara is going to feel left out.” Hope hung another white bulb on the tree.
“I think she’ll be fine.” A cunning grin formed across his face as he tossed the last handful of gold tinsel on the tree.
Hope took a step back. The tree was gorgeous. White lights made the glittered gold and white bulbs sparkle, and the shiny gold tinsel added a playful touch. “I’m jealous of your tree.”
He laughed and tugged at the leftover tinsel garland wrapped around her neck. “Why is that?”
She took a
seat on his comfy couch. “First of all, your tree is ten times bigger than mine…not cool or fair. Second, Bri came over after Thanksgiving and helped me decorate mine. She goes crazy with decorations. I’m not even sure if there’s a tree underneath it all anymore.” Hope chuckled. Her sister used too much different colored tinsel than Hope preferred.
“If it’s any consolation, the tree’s only up for a month.” Ethan sneered and sat down in the handmade wooden rocking chair beside of the couch.
Hope yawned and rested her head on a comfortable pillow.
“You’re getting tired.” Ethan observed her facial expression, and Hope felt a helpless blush creep to her face.
She took a glance at the rose gold watch on her wrist. It was past eleven. She looked up and nodded at Ethan. “Take me home, Ethan.” She’d have Bri swing by with her and get her car in the morning before work, for she was too exhausted to be behind the wheel.
He only nodded. Ethan got Hope on her feet and pulled her into a hug. His warm embrace welcomed her, along with his spicy cologne. Hope found herself burying her face in his sweatshirt before she could even think. She didn’t even have to look up, she could sense the smile growing on Ethan’s face. She needed him to trust in Jesus now more than ever, for she was falling for him.
“I’ve got a spare bedroom, you know.” He pulled away to look into her tired eyes, but he kept his large hands on her shoulders.
Hope instantly shook her head, knowing it was a bad idea. She shifted her gaze to the floor. “I need to go home. Mark will be calling me.”
He nodded with a smile, accepting Hope’s small protest and led her to his truck.
eleven
“I appreciate all that you’ve done. You’ve made today an evening I won’t forget.” Ethan put the truck in Park as he pulled up to Hope’s apartment complex. She had fallen asleep on the ride over and was just now beginning to wake up. She was cute when she slept—both hands under her head and curled in a ball.