“I hope it’s worth it.”
She opened her mouth to scold Noah for his negative comment, but saw the twinkle in his blue eyes and gave him a playful punch in the shoulder instead.
Suddenly, the streetlamps, storefronts and other usual lights in the square blinked out. The crowd hushed in anticipation. Then in an instant, the lights flashed on in a dazzling display of color, illuminating the entire square. The courthouse glowed with tiny lights from the dome to the pillars on each side. The historic gazebo was awash in white lights. Large standing displays in different colors dotted the park. Every storefront, from sidewalk to roof parapet, was ablaze with twinkling Christmas lights. The oohs and aahs went on for several minutes before changing to loud applause and shouts of approval. From speakers above the crowds, Christmas carols filled the air.
Beth wiped tears of delight from her eyes.
Chloe exhaled a soft sigh. “Daddy, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I’d have to agree.”
“I didn’t expect it to be this spectacular and moving. Gemma told me she wanted the lights to reflect the glory of God’s arrival here on earth. I think she succeeded.”
They watched in silence for a few moments, gazing in wonder and appreciation at the glory of it all. Noah placed his arms on the railing, bringing his shoulder into contact with hers, making her acutely aware of his warmth and the heady scent of his aftershave.
“Daddy, can we walk around and see the lights up close?”
“I think that’s a good idea. Don’t you, Beth?”
He was asking her to join them. How could she refuse?
“Awesome.” Chloe whirled around and started inside, but stopped to plug in the garland they’d placed on the railing earlier. “We forgot to turn it on. Now it’s perfect. Did the lights in the office windows downstairs come on?”
“They should have, provided the timer worked correctly.”
Beth slid the throw from her shoulders, only to find Noah there to take it from her. His fingers grazed hers. And she looked into his eyes.
“She’s right. This was a perfect evening. The food, the lights, the hostess.” He reached out and gently skimmed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Christmas lights become you.”
She held her breath, anticipating his next move. Was he going to kiss her? She hoped so. She couldn’t deny her feelings much longer. She’d had feelings for Noah since she’d met him, but what she’d felt back then was a crush. What she was feeling now was grown-up attraction, and she wasn’t sure what to do with it.
“Come on, Dad, let’s go.”
The moment shattered. She set aside her concerns and decided to go with the flow. All she wanted was to walk amid the millions of lights with Noah and Chloe and enjoy the moment. She’d deal with reality tomorrow.
* * *
Noah let the noise of the drill drown out his conflicted thoughts as he attached the locking casters to the bottom of the platform he’d built for the large Christmas tree in the show.
He’d retreated here to the workshop right after breakfast, hoping the project would stop the persistent loop of memories that played in his mind. He’d almost kissed her. Twice. His emotions were still firing on all cylinders from his time with Beth last night. His pulse still beat erratically whenever he thought of how close he’d come to kissing her on the balcony.
He’d gotten caught up in the girls’ anticipation for the big display of lights, and they hadn’t been disappointed. Chloe had been thrilled. Beth had been awestruck, and the glow of the lights along the front of her building had bathed her in a soft light that sent a quiver of attraction along his nerve endings. She was beautiful. Not in a stop-traffic way, but she possessed a sweet and pure loveliness that lingered in your mind forever. Her big hazel eyes drew a man in. Her thick brown hair fell in soft curves to her shoulders, drawing attention to her rosy cheeks and pretty mouth.
He’d wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and taste her lips. In all the time they’d known each other, he’d never kissed her. Not even a peck on the cheek. If it hadn’t been for Chloe’s interruption he would have, and if the look in her eyes was any indication, she wouldn’t have minded.
It was a good thing he hadn’t acted on his impulse. Who knew what kind of Pandora’s box of complications that would have unleashed? The evening had chipped away areas of his heart that he’d plastered over long ago, allowing that old dream to break free. Sharing a home-cooked meal in the cozy apartment, laughing with Chloe and watching Beth’s delight in everything his daughter said, had filled him with sweet contentment.
Yet instead of following his common sense and going home, he’d agreed to walk around the square. They’d wandered beneath the canopy of lights, marveled at the twinkling storefronts and sipped hot chocolate in the gazebo as they watched the people milling around.
The wind had picked up, putting a bite in the air. He’d taken Beth’s hand to keep her warm. He’d wanted the connection. He’d known it was risky but he’d done it anyway, like touching an electrical wire, knowing you’d be injured, but unable to stop yourself. When had he become a masochist?
Pulling off his safety glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was it so hard for him to acknowledge the truth? Being with Beth, holding her hand and sharing the brilliant scene with her, had made him feel whole and complete. The only thing that had ever come close to matching that was when he’d held Chloe in his arms for the first time.
“Noah, dear. How’s it coming?”
He jerked his thoughts together as his grandmother entered the shop. “Good—the dolly for the tree is done. I just need to paint it, then I can haul it over to the theater.”
“I can’t thank you enough for lending your skills to my little project.”
Noah had to smile. There was nothing little about Gram’s projects. Ever. “My pleasure.”
“Will you come with me to the storage shed? I have something for you.”
Noah followed Gram out back to the old wooden building, waiting while she unlocked the weathered door. Musty air whooshed out of the darkness. The room probably hadn’t been opened since Gramps died. He pulled the dangling string to turn on the light, scanning the cluttered interior. “What are we looking for?”
Gram glanced around a moment, then pointed to the section on the right. “There it is.” She picked her way toward the dust-covered shapes.
When she pulled the cloth away, he smiled at what was underneath: the scaled-down village pieces his gramps had made for the front lawn decades ago. “What made you think of this? I didn’t know these little buildings were still here.” His granddad had constructed nearly a dozen miniature Dover buildings and placed them in the front yard. Each building stood between two and three feet high, with the church being the centerpiece. Lit from within, the display had been a charming depiction of a Victorian Dover Christmas.
“I’ve thought about putting them out again, but it’s too much trouble for me.” She sidestepped to the piece that was taller than the rest. “I thought with a little freshening up, this might look really nice in your office window.”
“The church.” Noah lifted the church from amid the other buildings and set it near the door so he could get a better look. Other than a few loose trim pieces and several missing shingles, it was in good shape. “Needs a little attention and a paint job.”
Gram touched the steeple. “Sort of like each of us. We need to examine our faith life and make any repairs we’ve been neglecting.” She looked at him.
Was she trying to tell him something?
“Do you think Beth would like it? She has the tree in her window, and you could have the church as your centerpiece. I’m hoping the lights inside still work.”
Beth would like it. He had no doubts. “Thanks, Gram. I’ll get it in shape this
afternoon and take it in tomorrow.”
“How’s the new client working out? You haven’t mentioned him in a few days.”
Noah scratched the back of his neck. “He’s proving to be a challenge. He likes shortcuts and quick fixes. He’s not a fan of adhering to building codes.”
“Don’t you let him get away with anything.”
“I don’t intend to. My first priority is to keep people safe. Even if they don’t realize they need safety.”
He carried the church back into the workshop and set it on the bench, his gaze drifting to the tree stand. His workshop was being taken over by projects for Beth. His gram may be the source of the work, but the one who had to be pleased was Beth. And he wanted to please her.
He was doomed. That cement he’d stepped in had hardened, and he’d need a jackhammer and a lot of determination to chip his way free.
* * *
Beth stepped inside the senior center on Church Street and took a deep, fortifying breath. Today was her first dance class, and her stomach was fluttering as if a swarm of butterflies were inside. She’d checked with Pete and gone over her routine. He’d approved it, but he’d advised her to go slowly and keep in mind the limitations of her older students.
Her gaze scanned the room for Evelyn, but it was the familiar face of Millie Tedrow she saw first. The former librarian had introduced her to many wonderful books. When Beth hadn’t been dancing, she’d been reading.
“Bethany my dear, you look wonderful.” She came toward her, arms outstretched. “We are so excited about your class. Evelyn is already upstairs.” She led the way through a space filled with comfy couches, recliners, game tables and a big-screen television. To the rear was a large gleaming kitchen and eating area.
“This place is amazing.”
Millie stopped in the back beside a staircase and a small elevator. “It is. Lots to do. The lower level is an activities room, and upstairs is the craft and exercise space. There’s an apartment on the third floor that the director, Greta Rogers, lives in. We’re not open round-the-clock, but it’s good to have someone on the premises at all times.”
“Greta was very helpful in organizing this dance class.” Beth followed the woman up the stairs, pleased to see she hadn’t taken the elevator.
“She was sorry she couldn’t be here today. She wanted to meet you in person.”
On the second floor Millie walked through a narrow hallway past bathrooms, then into a large open space with wood floors and large windows looking out onto the square. Nearly a dozen women smiled and waved as she entered. Evelyn hurried forward.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
The next forty-five minutes flew by. Evelyn introduced her to everyone, and Beth took a few minutes to learn about their dance backgrounds and what they hoped to accomplish by learning to dance. She took her time demonstrating simple basic steps of tap and ballet, keeping a close eye on the exercise. Today’s class had been designed for ambulatory seniors. If there was enough interest, she’d look into starting a chair class for those who weren’t able to stand for long periods of time and those in wheelchairs.
Everyone was eager and willing to try each move. A couple of ladies teased her about the tights and leotard she’d worn today. She explained that the outfit made it easier to see how they were supposed to stand and move.
“I hope we don’t have to get some of those things to wear,” one woman joked.
A heavyset lady chimed in. “I don’t mind getting them, but I could never get ’em up.”
Beth joined in the laughter. It didn’t take long to see the potential for smaller, more diverse classes. The varying levels of ability and interest would be challenging, and the thought fueled her energy. If this dance class took off, she could see bringing in another instructor to help. It was an idea she’d like to present to the center’s director.
“Great workout. We’ll slowly build up to doing more as we go.”
Echoes of conversation bounced around the high ceilings as the seniors drifted out of the room. Some grumbled, some claimed they felt better already and a few decided they didn’t like to dance at all. None of that discouraged her. She knew if they’d really enjoyed it, they would return. The most amazing part of the afternoon was how much she had enjoyed the class. She couldn’t wait to tell Evelyn and thank her for the suggestion.
But when she glanced around the room, her gaze landed on Evelyn’s grandson instead. Noah stood at the edge of the room, one shoulder resting against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his chest and one hip cocked in a purely masculine pose. Her mouth went dry. Sometimes she wished he’d stayed skinny. This attractive, mature version had way too much heart appeal.
“You looked like you were having fun.”
He came toward her, a small smile lighting his blue eyes. A soft sigh escaped her throat. He’d always had the most knee-weakening smile. Whenever he’d flash that row of white teeth, it would bring out a deep crease on one side of his mouth. She’d always thought he looked very roguish. Like a tall, dark pirate, or a dangerous sea captain. But she’d been reading a lot of historical romance novels back then.
She cleared her throat. “I was. Are you here to learn to dance?”
He shrugged, the twinkle in his eyes flashing. “That’s an intriguing idea.”
Their eyes locked, trapping the breath in her throat. Was he imagining the same thing she was? The two of them in each other’s arms, waltzing in the starlight?
“Oh, my.” Evelyn dabbed at her neck with a towel as she walked over to them. “I’d forgotten how strenuous dancing could be. Just those few steps had me huffing.” She patted her grandson’s arm. “But all this exertion is more fun when you do it with friends. Speaking of fun, we’re going to decorate the center’s Christmas tree tomorrow, and we could use some assistance. Even putting ornaments on trees isn’t as easy as it used to be. You two would be a big help.”
Beth suspected some matchmaking tactics at work here. Noah would never refuse his grandmother, and she couldn’t turn down a plea to help these sweet people. “I’d love to.” She looked at Noah and raised her chin, daring him to refuse. She allowed a small smirk to lift her mouth, and she stifled a giggle at the resigned look in his eyes. He was aware of the maneuvering taking place.
“Sure. What time?”
“Afternoon, then Chloe can help, too.”
Beth’s affection for Evelyn tripled in that moment. She was doing what Beth couldn’t—finding more ways for her to be with Noah and Chloe.
* * *
Noah glanced over at his grandmother as he drove her home after exercise class. The small, self-satisfied smile told him all he needed to know. “What are you up to?”
She faced him, her expression one of pure innocence. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t try your mind tricks on me. You keep finding ways to put me and Beth together. You need to stop. There is nothing between us, and there never will be.”
“Oh, I’m sure of that.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, you are a down-to-earth, no-nonsense kind of guy, like your father, and Beth is a sprig of spring flowers, a dandelion puff on a warm breeze, a sparkle of sunlight on the water.”
Noah shook his head. “And she disappears when the dancing muse summons her.”
His gram waved off his words. “Noah, you are assuming way too much. Have you talked to her about that time?”
“Actually, we have. The bottom line is her career was more important than our friendship.” And she didn’t love me.
“That sounds more like Yvonne than Beth. Did you ever tell her how you felt?”
“No. There was no point.”
“If you never told her, then how can you hold her responsible for something she didn’t even know about?”
“We were
talking about your clumsy attempts at matchmaking.”
“Were we? When? Oh, look. We’re home. Thank you for picking me up, dear. I’m going to get supper started.”
Before he could respond, Gram was out of the car and hurrying to the porch. For an old lady with arthritis, she moved fast. He sat in the car a moment. Gram was right about one thing. Beth was all the things she’d mentioned. He was acutely aware of it whenever she was near. Watching her work with the seniors had lifted another layer away from his emotional barrier. She’d been gentle and considerate as she helped them with their movements, completely shattering the image of the indifferent woman he wanted her to be. If she was cold and callous he could dismiss her easily, keep his wall of doubt intact. But if she was the warm and caring woman he remembered, then he was in danger of falling in love with her again.
Gram was right. How could he hold her responsible for his feelings? Yes, she’d broken his heart, but he wasn’t the first guy to be rejected. Yes, she’d ignored friends and family after she left home, but he was guilty of the same neglect. When he’d moved to California, his grandparents had frequently complained that he rarely called or came home to see them. He’d been busy, starting his career and his life. Could he blame Beth for doing the same thing?
But what about when she left? And what about Chloe? After Thanksgiving with the Montgomerys decorating the windows and the lighting event, she was in love with Beth. She’d even ordered a poster of Beth to put on her bedroom wall.
He had to remember it was his job as her father to protect her from getting hurt. She was getting too enamored of Beth. It was time to pull back and put some distance between them. Once the show was over, he’d put an end to the dance lessons and sign her up for more soccer. She should be ready to play indoor soccer for the winter. That should give her plenty to focus on.
Yet deep down, he knew it wasn’t that simple. Chloe gave all of her little heart to those she loved, and her trust, as well. He used to be that way. A couple of classes at the school of hard knocks had cured him. Now he realized he wanted to love and trust again.
A Mom for Christmas Page 11