The Single Dad's Holiday Match

by Tanya Agler

  She typed a text and then deleted it, wanting to reply but unsure what to say. She finally gave up and decided she’d talk to him the next time they met. A new town and a chance for a real relationship called for open communication. With that in mind, she turned her attention to her next problem. Getting Aunt Mitzi out of the house.

  “You know, Brooke.” Aunt Mitzi spoke from behind, and Brooke turned to see her aunt standing there in her fluffy floor-length robe and a pink floral shower cap. “I think we should order takeout. It was a long day at the salon, and I need a night in. Too much excitement lately.”

  The other Mimosas would never let her live it down if she showed up at the Timber River Bar and Grill for Aunt Mitzi’s engagement party without Aunt Mitzi. Brooke reached for any excuse that would make her aunt change her clothes and get them out of the house as soon as possible. Late was better than nothing, right?

  “That’s exactly the reason we should go out. We’d both fall asleep after two bites. Being with others will give us enough energy to enjoy the rest of the night, so afterward I can relax with a good book, and you can have a relaxing foot bath.”

  She’d have to work on her excuses before she confronted Jonathan in person with a reason for ending what had just started between them. That flimsy argument was truly pathetic. Aunt Mitzi started laughing. “I’m fooling with you. I just wanted to see your reaction, and it was priceless.” She removed the robe and revealed a beige duster sweater over a white T-shirt with her familiar black leggings and a beautiful multicolor scarf to pull it all together. “I know about the impromptu surprise party, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything, especially since my favorite niece is taking me. That plum dress brings out your coloring. You should wear bright colors more often.”

  A night out was what Brooke needed. It would offer a little perspective, hopefully, and a way to figure out her next step with Jonathan.

  * * *

  JONATHAN CARRIED THREE long-necked bottles to the table where Caleb and Owen waited for him. An evening with the guys at the Timber River Bar and Grill was what the doctor ordered, considering Brooke had never returned any of his texts today. Although he held out hope it was her schedule that had prevented her from doing so, he pushed thoughts of his favorite tall and willowy brunette aside. He delivered one beer to his cousin and the other to the newly engaged park ranger, whose announcement was the reason for tonight’s outing. That, and one tasty cheeseburger.

  “This round’s on me. Thank your daughter for babysitting tonight.” He raised his voice over the latest Keith Urban song and clinked his bottle against Owen’s. “And congratulations on your engagement. Any date yet?”

  Owen took a long swig. “Mitzi has her heart set on Valentine’s Day.”

  “Lucie and I’ll book a babysitter early, seeing as Ashleigh will be busy.” Caleb smiled and clinked his beer bottle against Jonathan’s. “And what’s going on between Mitzi’s niece and a certain bachelor police officer cousin of mine?”

  Jonathan adjusted his collar. “Is it hot in here? I think it’s warmer than when we arrived.”

  Caleb laughed. “No, but I haven’t seen you this red since you were too cocky to wear suntan lotion when we spent a summer day on the Nantahala River.” He turned to Owen. “It was not pretty.”

  “Thanks. Why don’t you reveal all my secrets?” he joked.

  “The night’s still young.” Caleb grinned and then shrugged. “All kidding aside, I couldn’t wait until you arrived every summer break. It was like having a brother.”

  No sooner did Caleb stop talking than Brooke breezed into the bar, and the sight of her propelled him to the stars.

  He wasn’t sure yet whether this was a good thing, considering how she’d ignored his texts. He crashed back to earth.

  Mitzi, and several ladies all expressing their admiration of Mitzi’s ring, arrived, and Owen rose from the table. “Excuse me. I’m going to say hello to my future bride.”

  Jonathan took another long swig of beer and devoted his attention to Caleb.

  “How did the interview go?”

  Oh, that. Jonathan played with the paper at the neck of the bottle. “Nothing to write home about.”

  Caleb placed his beer on his coaster and did the same for Owen’s bottle. “Why so down?”

  Jonathan relayed the relevant details. “Mike’s probably in my corner, same as Everson’s in his niece’s corner. Aidan Murphy’s impossible to read.”

  “He keeps his cards close to his vest, but he’s a decent guy, fair, too.”

  The server delivered their orders, three perfectly cooked cheeseburgers with all the toppings along with a heaping helping of french fries. Caleb ordered another round of beers.

  “Make mine nonalcoholic. Thanks.” The server nodded at Jonathan’s request and scooted away to the next table.

  Jonathan reached for the ketchup at the same time as Caleb, withdrew his hand and motioned for his cousin to go first. Caleb uncapped the bottle. “I can pour and listen at the same time.”

  Jonathan slipped the bun atop the cheeseburger. “I can’t see Aidan going against what’s expected of him.”

  “Underneath that stiff exterior is someone who’ll do what’s right.” Caleb passed him the ketchup bottle and then chewed on a fry with obvious contentment.

  He had to get this weight off his shoulder and confide in someone. Caleb was the closest thing he had to a brother, and his weekly five-minute Zoom meeting with his parents wouldn’t do the trick. Here went nothing. “I’ve been giving some thought to my future if Ms. Everson gets the job.”

  Caleb straightened in his chair. “You don’t really think they’ll pass you over, do you?”

  Jonathan gnawed on his burger. If they hired the other candidate for the position, could he in good conscience work under Sheriff Harrison and Detective Everson? They’d all be on the same side of the law, but his pride over losing the job to someone fresh out of the academy who was related to the district attorney?

  Would be shattered.

  He placed his burger back on his plate and considered his options. His father-in-law had long advocated for Jonathan to accept a position with his cyber security firm. That was one possibility. Another also led him back to Savannah as well. His former lead detective and commanding officer had reached out to him after Mike asked for a reference. They’d shot the breeze before McEachern reminded Jonathan of an open position.

  Izzy and Vanessa were settled here, and maybe he had even more reasons to stay. His gaze went to Mitzi’s table and landed on Brooke. She was always a stunner, but her radiance bloomed tonight, and he didn’t stem the attraction he felt. Brooke nodded at the group and came over to Jonathan’s table.

  “Hi, fellas.” Brooke raised her voice enough to be heard over the crowd and Blake Shelton. “Tina said to say hello. If your food hadn’t already arrived, we’d have invited you guys to join us.”

  His cheeseburger could wait. “Would you care to dance?”

  “I’m here to celebrate my aunt’s engagement, and you’re eating.” She glanced at her table, and then her gaze met his. She smiled. “Why, yes, thank you.”

  He entwined his hand in hers and led her to the dance floor. A slow song by Brad Paisley started, and he navigated them toward a spot where the lights weren’t as bright. She moved closer, and he weaved his arm around her back until the sweet scent of sugar and vanilla overcame the smell of beer and barbecue. She nestled her cheek on his shoulder, and the silky strands of her hair brushed against his stubble. The feel of her in his arms sent time and space spinning in a whirl before everything silenced around them. He closed his eyes and savored this moment.

  While the troubles in his life didn’t fade away, they now seemed manageable. He and Brooke swayed in time to the rhythm of the guitar riff. This first dance brought his heart to full crescendo while her softness molded against his body in a way tha
t made him believe new beginnings could happen for him. More importantly, new beginnings with Brooke.

  There was nowhere else he wanted to be than on this dance floor.

  A tap at his shoulder brought him out of the delicate trance. “The music stopped minutes ago,” Aunt Tina whispered in his ear and left the dance floor.

  He separated from Brooke, but one look at her and he knew.

  He was falling in love with her.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  JONATHAN ENTERED THE Timber River Bar and Grill for the first time in nearly a week and slipped off his sunglasses. He wasn’t used to the bar in the broad daylight, the smell of yeast and hops not unpleasing.

  Mark Sandell, the bar’s part owner, raised the mug he was drying, a mere hour before the place opened at eleven for lunch. “Jonathan. You got my message. Sorry I didn’t call until today. Except for the Super Bowl, this is one of our busiest times of the year.”

  Jonathan strode over to him. “I can’t believe I left my jacket here.” Especially as it was the last present Anne had given him.

  Had it been a simple slip that he’d left it behind the night he admitted he was developing deep feelings for Brooke? Or had he been purposely putting distance between him and his memories of Anne? Life as a widower had been a series of firsts: that first morning without waking up beside her, the first Christmas when her smile didn’t greet him, the first anniversary of her death. Other firsts, he hadn’t expected: kissing someone else, slow dancing and that exhilaration through his veins from falling in love again.

  All week he’d avoided Brooke, hoping he’d get past the guilt of letting go of his grief.

  Brooke made him feel alive again. Eventually he’d have to face her and own up to his feelings.

  Mark reached down and handed the jacket to Jonathan. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” Jonathan waved and headed for the door. He stopped when he heard his name.

  Turning, he found Mark’s grandfather and the other co-owner motioning for him to return. Lew was a man of few words, so if he wanted Jonathan for something, it must be important.

  Lew placed a driver’s license on the scarred wooden bar top, halfway between Mark and Jonathan. “Found this in the men’s room in the crack between the trash bag and can.”

  Jonathan extricated a pair of blue gloves, similar to Lew’s, from his utility belt along with an evidence bag. Considering where Lew had found it, he didn’t even bother to ask about video surveillance cameras. “May I?”

  After the two men nodded, Jonathan snapped on the gloves and examined the license. A pinched side in the corner along with an address he didn’t recognize clued him into another fake one. “Either of you ever heard of Lantana Valley Court?”

  Both men shook their heads, their same hawklike noses showing off the striking resemblance. “No.”

  A quick check confirmed it was a phony address. Jonathan asked some general questions about the routine maintenance and cleaning schedule. Then Mark reached under the counter once more, this time pulling out a washrag and wiping down the surface. “Anything I should do about this? I don’t want my liquor license pulled.”

  “Keep carding and be on the lookout for any licenses with a pinched edge in the lower right corner.” Jonathan pulled out his business card from his pocket. “Call me if you run across any more like these.”

  Mark threw the rag back in the cleaning bucket with a flourish. “Will do.”

  Jonathan took his time walking to his car and reviewed the evidence he had in his hand. He didn’t expect any prints. Ones that had been there would likely be smudges by now.

  He returned to the station and found Mike on the phone. He started to leave the office, but Mike motioned for him to enter. The sheriff made a wrap-it-up gesture at the phone and rolled his eyes.

  Taking off his hat, Jonathan made himself as comfortable as possible. The sheriff set the receiver back on the phone. “Ms. Everson is visiting Hollydale late next week. She passed her exam and is now interviewing at several precincts. As much as I wanted a decision before now, Stuart is insisting on an in-person interview with her this time. Since Aidan’s going out of town on business tomorrow, we’re working around that.”

  “Our favorite license case is back.” Jonathan dropped the evidence bag on the desk. “Someone left it at the Timber River Bar and Grill.”

  Mike arched his left eyebrow and grabbed a pencil from the holder. “Left it there?”

  “Lew found it between the liner and the can. Someone either threw it away, which probably means it didn’t get the intended results, or lost it.”

  Mike nodded and snapped the pencil in half, the sharp sound piercing the air. How many pencils did Mike go through in a day anyway? Mike looked at him and laughed. “Sorry. Habit. Can Mark or Lew pinpoint how long the license was there?”

  “Less than a day.”

  Mike threw away the pencil halves. “Have you been canvassing other places downtown? Any more activity at the Corner Grocery?”

  Jonathan pulled out his notepad. “I went back and checked with Mo and at the other gas station and convenient stores and the liquor stores in the twenty-mile radius. One owner admitted he’d seen something similar, but the person left with the license when he wouldn’t sell to him.”

  “Good work. Do you think the person will come back to the Timber River Bar and Grill tonight? Look for the lost license?”

  Jonathan thought about the layout of the restaurant. There was one table in the far back that had a view of the bathroom. “I’ll talk to Mark. See if I can stakeout the bathroom tonight without being too conspicuous if I’m there for hours.”

  “Georgie and Rachel are busy tonight.” Mike’s face lit up at the mere mention of his wife and daughter. “I’ll take over after seven.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Jonathan remembered the stash in the locker. “With your permission, I’d like to come up with a few more ideas about the community center. Ten licenses, which in total could net over a thousand dollars, at least, might be worth coming back for.”

  “Any more recent evidence that’s a serious place of interest? What about the high school?” Mike situated his computer screen between them and pulled up a map. “And it’s not like Hollydale has a shortage of hiking trails for an out-of-the-way exchange.”

  “Eric confessed he picked up his ID in the men’s locker room. The last time I looked, the fake cache is still there.” One new substantial lead. That’s all he’d need to break this case wide open. Why had the suspect given up on the bag in the locker? Why hadn’t he gone back for it or the laminator? “Considering how the edge of the license is pinched, though, I’m convinced someone purchased this ID from the perp’s first supply. Once that inventory gets low, the perp might try to retrieve his equipment and create new ones to sell.”

  Mike scrubbed his chin before reaching for his coffee mug. One sip of the brew brought a grimace. “Cold and thick as motor oil. I think I’ll head over to The Busy Bean before Deb closes for the day.” He glanced out his window. “I’ll authorize whatever you come up with. Also follow up with the surrounding counties’ Department of Motor Vehicles offices again. I’m not convinced this is a one-person scheme, and one of the offices must be missing the laminator by now. You can stay on this until Thanksgiving. After that, we have too many holiday events that need a watchful eye.”

  So he had a couple weeks to crack this case. That was better than nothing.

  Plus, he had an excuse to see Brooke. After the official disclosures were out of the way, it was time to bite the bullet and ask if they should spend the holidays as a couple.

  * * *

  IN THE CLASSROOM on the upper level of the community center, Brooke uncapped the dry-erase marker and wrote a new first grade math problem on Emmie’s whiteboard. “You can do this.”

  The little girl with the big glasses scrunched her face
and reached for the marker. She carefully wrote out her answer and relaxed. “I think this is right.”

  Accepting the marker once more, Brooke placed a check mark next to Emmie’s work. “I know it’s right. See, you just need confidence in yourself.”

  Emmie beamed and accepted a happy face sticker, placing it on her shirt. “I did it!”

  “Yes, you did.” Brooke held out her hand and waited for Emmie to connect with a high-five. “It’s time to end today’s class.”

  “But I’ll see you next week, right?” Emmie placed her hands on the sides of her wheelchair and rolled it away from the desk.

  “I wouldn’t miss spending time with my star math student for anything.” Even though this tutoring program was the youth director Olivia’s idea, Brooke had agreed to volunteer for the first six weeks’ worth of sessions. It was important to her to have a personal connection and taste of everything that was happening at the center.

  Brooke nodded and then tapped her fingers against her chin as though pondering the weight of the universe. “Except maybe a turkey leg and pumpkin pie.” When Emmie’s eyes widened with shock, Brooke shook her head. “I’m just teasing. I’ll see you once more before you get a week away from me.”

  Brooke kept her tone light, drawing a giggle out of the shy girl who’d made a lot of progress in their two tutoring sessions.

  She stood and made her way to the front of the room, clapping for everyone’s attention. More eyes than last week landed on her, and she smiled. “A special thank-you to our new volunteers.” She winked at her son before turning her attention to Belinda, the town’s award-winning pie queen, who now owned Sweet Shelby’s Tea Room with Hyacinth. “And you were welcome with or without that delicious pie.”

  “So, that means no pie next week?” Humor laced Belinda’s voice, but the kids still groaned.

  “We-lll.” Brooke drawled out the word. “Considering there’s not even a leftover crumb, I don’t think we’d turn away such kindness.” Everyone laughed, and she jerked her thumb toward the exit. “I hear parents in the hallway. I hope to see everyone next week for one more session before Thanksgiving break.”