Jingle Bell Blessings

by Bonnie K. Winn

  “Are they coming back? To the states?”

  “Only long enough to enroll Jimmy in school. Seems they have to meet with the university board about the grant for their dig. So, they can kill two birds with one stone. Direct quote.”

  Chloe thought she was going to be sick. “What did you tell them?”

  “They’re going to call after Christmas, confirm their plans.”

  So Evan hadn’t refused, hadn’t said he was going to accept the guardianship.

  “What do you think Wainwright will say?”

  Chloe jerked her face up, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Wainwright?” Truly sickened, she jumped up. “So that’s what’s bothering you? You think Mr. Wainwright will pull your financing if Jimmy’s grandparents take him?” Holding back her tears, Chloe ran from the kitchen, up the stairs and into her room. Her room. A guest room in a house she had hoped would be Jimmy’s home. Disappointment in Evan cut to the bone. She had been praying that he would grow to love Jimmy. Perhaps she should have prayed for him to get a heart.

  Evan looked over the quarry’s last safety inspection. Everything had been up to standard. But with the huge order to work on, he didn’t want to wait another month to conduct the next one. With Christmas only two days away, a few office employees had taken off, but most of the quarry workers were in place.

  “I thought this new deal had stone coming out of most all of Mitchell’s quarries,” Dilbert Dunn, their longtime stone mason, commented.

  “It will. But every site has to be checked.”

  “Not due yet.”

  “Better early than late. I’m not compromising anyone’s safety,” Evan insisted.

  “You’re the boss, but it could wait until after Christmas.”

  Decisions. Everyone wanted him to make decisions. As though they were as easy to make as flipping a coin. “You can leave, Dilbert. There are enough guys here to manage.”

  “Haven’t missed a safety test yet. Not going to miss this one.”

  If Evan had a smile anywhere in him, he would have grinned. But there wasn’t an ounce of humor to be found. Chloe’s accusation rang in his ears. And, if she was that quick to accuse him, she couldn’t possibly feel the way he’d hoped.

  Dilbert plucked a clipboard from a peg on the wall of the utilitarian office. “Better run a check on who clocked in today.”

  While Dilbert compared time cards to his list, Evan stared off toward the dusty limestone pit. Only two days until Christmas. And then he had to face Jimmy’s grandparents alone. Because Chloe would be packing for home.

  Chloe sat in the porch swing, remembering her one evening with Evan on this same porch, wondering how she could have been so wrong about him. She thought she had seen tenderness, understanding and kindness in him. Was it an illusion? Worse, a delusion of her own making? Had she infused him with characteristics he didn’t possess?

  A vision of him on the night of the school play flashed in her thoughts. She hadn’t imagined the openly raw emotions as he watched Jimmy, nor the tears. Seeing how deeply he was affected, Chloe had wanted to comfort him, even reached out a hand to do so. But, knowing how private Evan was about his feelings, she stopped at the last moment.

  Who was Evan? The man who was moved to tears watching an orphan play a shepherd boy? Or the one who coldly announced that Jimmy’s grandparents were going to claim him?

  The back door creaked as it opened and Gordon stepped out. “Well, hello there. I thought I was the only one who liked to sit outside in the winter.”

  She dredged up a faint smile. “Cool air can be bracing.”

  He looked at her more closely. “That was said like you need it.”

  Chloe shook her head, not wanting to worry the older man. He had consistently been kind to her since they met. Thoughtful and caring, his concern for Jimmy was genuine.

  “Mind if I join you?” Gordon asked.

  She scooted over to one side so he had room to sit. “Of course not.”

  The swing creaked as he sank down. “This old swing’s a great place to think.” He chuckled. “And watch the kids. Evan was a pistol. And he always had friends around, enough to be more than a handful to keep under control.” They rocked quietly for a while, then Gordon continued, “We wanted more children, but weren’t blessed with another. Evan had so many friends, it seemed like he didn’t miss having siblings. Now, I wonder.”

  “I don’t see my younger brother often anymore. Now that Chip has children, his family’s his focus.”

  “That was Evan—the family man,” Gordon explained.

  “When Sean was born, everything clicked in place for him. It was the role Evan had been waiting for all his life. That’s when he expanded the business, the legacy for Sean. Oh, that’s not why the company’s in trouble now. The economy’s responsible for the business problems.” He paused, glancing out over the immaculate yard. All the fallen leaves had been raked into piles, then burned in an old steel drum barrel. The climbing roses, now bare of beautiful blossoms, rustled in the light breeze. “Hope this wind doesn’t pick up.”

  “I’ve prayed that Evan might come to care for Jimmy,” Chloe confessed. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being hurt. Closing her eyes, she pictured the confusion and betrayal in Jimmy’s face when she told him they would be leaving, that he would be living in a boarding school.

  “And you don’t think Evan does?” Gordon furrowed his brow, studying her closer. “Can’t you see it? The way he watches Jimmy when he thinks no one can see him? The longing to let go of the past, take a chance? The fear that if he does, something will happen to Jimmy. Evan puts on the mask of being tough, caring only about business, but you have to know by now that’s not all there is to my son.”

  Chloe bent her face down, thinking of all the people at Thanksgiving dinner, people whose lives Evan had touched, improved, cared about. “Then why is he willing to let Jimmy go to Spencer’s parents?”

  Shocked, Gordon scrunched his eyebrows down. “That can’t be true.”

  The wind increased, ruffling her hair. “They called yesterday, told Evan they’re ready to accept guardianship. They plan to enroll him in boarding school.”

  “Like Spencer?” Gordon asked, appalled.

  “Exactly.”

  “Now that they’re older, maybe they plan to return to the states, be closer to him.”

  Chloe emphatically shook her head. “That’s just it! They plan to stay on the dig. Oh, and they hope to spend a few holidays with Jimmy.”

  “You’ve got to be wrong about this,” Gordon objected.

  “I know Evan. He wouldn’t do that to the child. He may be afraid to voice his love since he lost Sean, but, if anything, he’s more empathic than ever with kids.”

  She sighed, wishing that were true. “He’s more worried about what Mr. Wainwright might do about the financing than he is about Jimmy’s grandparents.”

  Gordon looked confused.

  “Did Evan tell you that the original loan for the company’s big new order fell through?”

  “No.”

  “He probably didn’t want to worry you. Anyway, I had the idea of hooking him up with my boss. Mr. Wainwright sits on the board of a privately owned bank. Mitchell Stone got the loan it needs through him. It’s enough to save the company. Now, that’s all Evan cares about.”

  “Was the guardianship issue a provision of getting the loan?”

  “Well, no.” Chloe bit down on her lower lip. “Actually, there aren’t any strings attached. It’s a straight-out business loan with good terms.”

  “Then his consideration of what Wainwright thinks can’t be motivating Evan.” Gordon frowned. “Are you sure it’s not a little closer to home than that?”

  Now, Chloe was confused. “What do you mean?”

  “My, you really haven’t been paying attention. Jimmy isn’t the only person Evan studies when he thinks no one’s watching.”

  Chloe blinked.

  And Gordon chuckled. “Evan ca
n’t keep his eyes off of you.”

  “But he’s always so gruff!”

  “You know Evan. Would you expect him to show up with flowers and chocolates?”

  Not really. Especially in his own house. “Still, Gordon, I think that’s wishful thinking.”

  “You haven’t done any of your own?”

  She had indulged in too many thoughts of how it would be to have Evan as her husband, Jimmy as her son. But that was wishing, not real life. “I have,” she admitted. “But mostly for Jimmy. It would kill me to see him shut away in some boarding school. And he worships Evan. They should be together.”

  “And you?”

  Her lips trembled before she got them under control. “My life’s complicated. It’s also back in Milwaukee with my mother. Besides, I think you and I both must have caught the same wishing bug.”

  “It’s not contagious,” Gordon said kindly. “Chloe, do you think your mother would want to be responsible for your unhappiness?”

  “Of course not! But—”

  He held up one hand. “As parents, what we want more than anything in the world is our children’s happiness. That’s what makes us happy. And, Chloe, I’m guessing you haven’t considered the changes you could make.”

  Chloe choked up. “I can’t make my mother well. And I won’t desert her.”

  Gordon looked as though he wanted to say more. Instead, he expelled a deep breath, looked out again over the yard and gardens, then frowned. “The wind’s a lot stronger.”

  Her mind still muddled, Chloe pulled her sweater tighter. “Maybe a storm’s coming.”

  “Did Evan tell you what time he’s conducting the test?”

  “Test?”

  “It’s a safety inspection. This one’s not due yet, but Evan wants to make sure everything’s safe before they start on the big order,” Gordon explained.

  Confused, Chloe looked at him in question. “Does the wind have any bearing?”

  “They’ll be setting charges. I never like doing that in the wind. It’s not supposed to affect the timing or the detonator, but when we do a full-out test, I want clear, calm weather.” Gordon checked his watch. “I’m going to call Evan, see when it’s planned.”

  “Will he postpone it if you ask?”

  Although Gordon still looked concerned, he smiled encouragingly. “Chloe, he’s not perfect, but he’s a good son.”

  Slightly ashamed, she nodded. “Of course. I’m just emotional today.” A thought struck her. “What if he’s already doing the test?”

  “I’ll make that call.” Gordon disappeared in the house.

  Suddenly worried, she followed.

  Chloe left so quickly she didn’t hear the rustle in the bushes beside the porch or the flash of blue jeans as they disappeared into the shed.

  Dilbert glared into the rising dust. “I don’t know, Evan. Your dad always wanted clear weather when we tested.”

  “Are you about done checking the time cards?”

  “Considering the weather, I say we double-check. And run a radio check before we start.”

  Evan sighed. “I’ve got the time.” His mind was full of the distressing call from Jimmy’s grandparents and Chloe’s unexpected, wounding response.

  “You sure Mac said he was taking off?”

  Trying to remember, Evan shook his head. “I’ll go check with Bud.” The foreman always knew exactly who was on duty in case of an accident. “Double-check with the office. Viola will have his vacation slip if he put in for time off.” As he walked out of the shed, Evan noticed that the wind had increased since he’d arrived. The dry hill country air couldn’t tamp down the dirt and dust from a strong wind. Usually, rain accompanied their storms, alleviating much flying debris.

  Evan found Bud checking the detonator. “Is Mac working today?”

  “Nah. Took off.”

  “Dilbert’s worrying like an old lady,” Evan explained.

  “He’s checked the time cards twice.”

  Bud rattled off the names of the men who were in the quarry. “Tell him I know what I’m doing.”

  Dilbert and Bud had an ongoing rivalry that wouldn’t end while either was still alive. Luckily, it never got in the way of doing their jobs. “So, we’re set?”

  “Yep.”

  Evan thought he heard something. “You hear that?”

  Bud shook his head. “Nah. Probably an echo from the canyon.”

  “Right.” Evan realized he was picking up on Dilbert’s anxiety. No place for it in his business. And, right now, blowing up the side of a hill suited his mood just fine.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Gordon pushed Redial again. Again, after a few rings, Evan’s cell phone went to voice mail. “He’s not picking up.”

  “And no one’s answering at the little office out there?” Chloe asked, her worry escalating.

  “The shed just has one line and it’s busy. Dilbert always fusses when we’ve talked about upgrading the place. All the workers have radios, which has worked out fine so far.”

  Ned knocked on the door frame.

  Gordon waved him inside.

  “Is it okay for Jimmy to be out riding on that old bike? He tore out of here like his pants were on fire. Now the wind’s getting fierce.”

  Fear hit Chloe harder than any wind could. “When? When did he leave, Ned?”

  “Better than half an hour ago. Right after he played that little joke on you.”

  “Joke?” Gordon asked.

  “He hid next to the back porch so he could jump out and surprise you.” Ned looked from Gordon to Chloe. “Didn’t you see him?”

  “No.” Chloe stared at Gordon. “But he probably heard us.” Trying not to panic, Chloe quickly calculated how long it would take a seven-year-old to bike to the quarry. Not nearly long enough. “Can you keep trying the shed and Evan’s cell? I’ll go to the quarry.” Running, she grabbed her keys from the entry hall table.

  She jumped in the rental car and sped off. “Lord,” she prayed. “Please keep Jimmy and Evan safe.” It was the middle of the day and last-minute shoppers clogged the road. “And let me get there in time.”

  But time accelerated, zooming as she remained clogged to a crawl in the quagmire of holiday traffic. The entire time she continued to pray, imploring the Lord to watch out for both Mitchells she loved.

  Gordon pushed Redial repeatedly, praying for Evan to pick up. Tuned into his family’s needs, Evan never ignored a call from home. Gordon’s heart stilled. What if something had already happened? “Lord, I know his faith has wavered…please let my boy know You are watching over him. Keep Jimmy safe so that You might deliver him to Evan’s arms.”

  The whipping wind dried the sweat from Jimmy’s face and arms as he pedaled faster and faster toward the quarry. He couldn’t let Evan get blowed up like Mommy and Daddy. His tummy felt funny and his chest kept pounding like it might burst.

  He hadn’t wanted to come so far from his house to live with Evan. But now he liked Evan a whole bunch. And he liked Uncle Gordon and Thelma and Ned. He wanted Chloe to never leave. But she looked sad now. Like she had a bad secret.

  Jimmy wanted Evan and Chloe to be happy. His chest pounded. He didn’t know why Mommy and Daddy had gone to heaven, but Chloe said they were always watching over him. Maybe they would watch over Evan, too.

  Not sure whether they were watching right now, Jimmy pumped the bicycle as hard as he could. The quarry was just around the next bend. He didn’t want Evan to go away to heaven.

  A car honked behind him. Jimmy didn’t turn around. Mommy and Daddy said they were just going to work. Then they never came home. Jimmy pedaled harder, his legs burning. He wanted Evan to always come home to him.

  Evan listened while Viola named all the quarry workers who had opted for a vacation day. “Okay, Vi. Dilbert’s uneasy about today’s test, so I figured I’d better be sure. Yeah, I know. I don’t have to do the safety check today.” Putting down the landline, Evan shook his head.

  “We could w
ait until after New Year’s,” Dilbert reminded him. “We’d have a full crew.”

  “Dilbert, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re trying to spook me.”

  The older man shrugged. “Just like to listen to my gut.”

  Evan wavered for a moment. It wouldn’t kill him to wait. But he wanted the test over with. Mostly, he wanted to fill the hours. Empty time with nothing to occupy him left his mind open to thoughts best left alone.

  What if he hadn’t pushed Chloe away? Had told her of his burgeoning feelings? Evan looked upward, vibrantly aware of the Lord’s answer to prayer. Through Chloe, the Lord had opened a door Evan would never have tried.

  Evan left the shed, Dilbert muttering behind him. The wind didn’t bother Evan. He’d always found it exhilarating.

  As he walked, Evan wondered if Chloe’s response could have been a defensive one. Had she felt as wounded as he did? Even a good woman could lash out under the right circumstances.

  Out of sight from the small office shed, Evan stopped, bending his head. “Lord, I’ve faltered. I wouldn’t humble myself before until I had no choice, when I thought my people would lose everything.” Evan’s throat worked. “I made a vow to my wife, Lord. And I meant it forever, until I died. Chloe’s changed everything, Lord. She doesn’t take, she gives. Only I haven’t given back. I keep hurting her instead. Lord, is that what I’m meant to do? So that I can remain faithful to Robin? You know she was a good woman. And, I don’t think Robin would want me to hurt Chloe. I need Your guidance, Lord. I need to know what I should do about Chloe and Jimmy. He’s in my heart for good now. I’m afraid, Lord. What if I lose him, too? I ask for Your help, Lord, to guide me on the right path.”

  The dust swirled around his boots. Looking slowly up into the sky, Evan noticed that the sky was graying, the clouds darkening. If he was going to get the test done, he’d better hurry.

  Chloe couldn’t believe it. Since she had arrived in Rosewood, the streets had never been so full. More like lazy country lanes, even the road leading out of town was normally nearly empty. Had the entire world flocked to the tiny hill country town?