A Cardinal Christmas (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza)

by LoRee Peery

  It took years to get over her girlish hurt when he up and disappeared. She’d trusted him to always be truthful. Instead, he’d moved away and never even sent a letter of explanation. In her memory, they walked together one day, with plans to meet the next, and then he didn’t show up at the tracks.

  Two days later, she walked the two miles to his family home and was greeted by a For Rent sign. Werner was gone.

  She had to shake it off. Her coffee was no doubt cold by now. Careful to remove the lid without spilling, she sipped. Lukewarm. She grimaced. Thank goodness for the mini microwave on the premises.

  And thank goodness Hayley had a knack for making fudge. She let the first tiny bite melt on her tongue while her brew nuked. The peppermint wasn’t too strong, nor too light. Just right, mixed in with milk chocolate. The idea of Goldilocks made her giggle. She hadn’t had much to smile about lately and found it not worth the effort to force her mouth into a curve.

  Until now. For some reason, the giggle formed a smile that lingered. Her heart lifted.

  Maybe her life would be all right again after all. She’d been so happy. Thought her love was returned. No one had to tell her she looked glum. She assumed Hayley had read her face and could tell she was having a hard time the second their eyes met.

  Sure, the situation with her dad.

  Yes, her fiancé dumped her. She still hurt so much she couldn’t even think his name let alone say it out loud, mad at herself as much as him for being gullible.

  To top it all off, something was going on with her job. She’d been around corporate business long enough to catch on to any undercurrents. She hadn’t been assigned a trip for six weeks. To her knowledge, no other veep of management had been sent overseas either.

  The whirring of the overhead garage door woke her out of her musings. She turned on the radio and her favorite Christmas carol filled the air. She sang along on the chorus, trying with all her might not to watch as Werner switched out the pickup for an SUV from outside.

  His words stilled her singing. “Go on into the office and see Ms. Travis.”

  The elderly man, a hitch in his step, entered the office.

  “Good morning,” she greeted. “Give me your name, please, and I’ll pull up your invoice.”

  “You must be the daughter. Hope your pa comes out OK.”

  She nodded, and then found the computer order. Thanks, Mom. “That’s the automatic lubrication, right? If you’re paying with a card, go ahead and insert or swipe right here on the counter, Mr. Johnson.”

  The customer left through the office door. Werner couldn’t be the only one working around here. Since she had the appointment schedule onscreen, Blythe studied the jobs to familiarize herself with the day’s business.

  Mr. Johnson had left open the connecting door to the garage, which enabled Blythe to hear the whirring, grinding, thumps, and clangs of Werner at work. He was downright proficient at rotating a set of tires.

  Ten minutes until noon, a car pulled up. A lean, middle-aged man in the passenger seat got out and entered the office.

  “Hi, may I help you?”

  “I see my pickup outside, so I assume the tires have been rotated?”

  Werner entered the office. “All done but the tread is wearing, and you’ll have to watch for a broken belt. Better plan to get a new set by spring.”

  Blythe laid the printed invoice on the counter.

  “Thanks for the advice, young man. Been doing business with Ross Travis for a few years, so I’ll trust you. Your parents are mighty proud of you, Miss Blythe. How’s he coming along?”

  “They should be home by supper.” The transaction was finished in minutes. “Mom’s convinced Dad will be spending time in the recliner for a while. She’ll take good care of him.”

  Werner locked the garage doors and reached for his phone then turned to look at her. He smiled and waved his cell. “Pastor Gregg says come along with me for lunch. He’s adding a Reuben sandwich for you.”

  He looked as vulnerable as a little boy, hanging on to his phone, waiting for her answer.

  “Sounds good.” Why did her stomach jump in response? It sure wasn’t over hunger.

  ~*~

  Werner was stunned at his reaction to having Blythe so close. He had the urge to reach for her hand. How much dare he express while walking two blocks to the parsonage? “I was thinking about this earlier.”

  “Going to lunch?”

  “No. Walking with you again.”

  “Really? Me, too. Every time I come home and run on the trail, I remember how much fun those afternoons spent with you were.” She slowed. “I’ve always wondered what happened to you.”

  Her voice had come out low, her words hesitant. Had she thought of him as much as he’d once missed her? “Not enough time to go into now. But you’re right. Matching steps with you feels familiar.”

  “It was a long time ago.” She pulled her hands from her pockets.

  “Great times. And twenty years from now, I didn’t want to still be wondering about you. That’s why I’m here.”

  She swung her arms and picked up her pace. “Why’d you disappear in the first place?”

  Why indeed. “I had no control over that. I thought we were going on vacation.”

  She stopped in her tracks to drill him with her own gaze. “Your words just froze my building anger.”

  “I don’t blame you for being angry. Hurt, even. I would have said good-bye had I known.”

  “Your parents told you nothing? You didn’t know you were moving for good?”

  He reached for her gloved hand. “Three steps from the driveway. We need to continue this later.”

  “I’m sorry, Werner.”

  “Yeah. That’s what Mom and Dad said.”

  Pastor Gregg stepped out as though he’d been watching for them. His red flannel shirt accented his rosy cheeks. “Welcome, welcome, Blythe. Haven’t seen you in a year.”

  “Hey, Pastor. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “Sit, Winter. Sit, Summer.” The dogs, a husky and a rat terrier, obeyed, drawing an easy laugh from Pastor Gregg. He reached out and gave Blythe a side hug. “Wouldn’t it be nice if humans heeded God’s words so fast? You know you are always welcome in my home, and I jumped at the chance to return the favor.”

  Werner pulled the door shut, prepared to ask for an explanation regarding the favor.

  Pastor Gregg addressed Werner. “A year ago, I had a health scare. This kind young woman helped out Kameron while I was in hospital. She jumped right in and dealt with the dogs. She fielded phone calls, and according to Hayley, took care of meals. Preparing a sandwich is a small token. Take off your coats and let’s eat.”

  Werner helped Blythe with her coat sleeves and hung their wraps on a hall tree.

  Pastor graced their food with a meaningful prayer that Werner took to heart. Strength and joy. Yup. That’s what everyone needed along with nourishment.

  He bit off a tasty sample of savory kraut and corned beef. Better watch his manners in front of Blythe.

  She nibbled and sipped like a lady.

  “Tell me about Hayley.” Werner initiated the conversation, wanting to know about the friend who’d grown up with the beautiful woman beside him. “I know she runs Auntie’s Antiquities. If I remember correctly, her mom’s business was the reason all those years ago you spent so much time out walking alone.”

  “She’s been my best friend forever. We were together whenever school was out. Except on the occasions when Hayley’s mother, Maggie, took her to auctions and estate sales.”

  “And now,” Pastor Gregg added, “Hayley is like a daughter to me because Kameron is my sister’s adopted boy and grew up in my household.”

  Blythe picked up a piece of loose kraut and then wiped the dressing off her mouth. “I’m so glad she stayed here in Edgewood. And Kameron can write his books where it’s quiet. We grew up the only girls in town who were the same age. It came natural for Hayley and me to do church and school stuff
together.”

  Pastor patted her hand resting on the table. “She told me you girls went to camp and youth group, even caroled at Christmas time together.”

  “That’s right. It never felt like Christmas those times I traveled and couldn’t make it home. Hearing your Christmas Eve message was a highlight for me last year, Pastor Gregg.”

  “Thank you, my dear.” He finished the water in his glass. “You be sure and tell Werner about your exotic job and all the places God created for you to see.”

  She nodded. “I will.”

  Werner uncrossed his knees and accidently bumped her. “Excuse me. What exactly do you do?”

  “I’m Vice President of overseas management for Eiseley Resorts International.”

  “Sounds above my pay grade. Imagine you dress up for the job.”

  “Power suits. No jeans like today.” She gave him a half smile that curved her pretty lips but didn’t lift another muscle in her clear complexion. “I personally check on how management is working. For some reason, it’s easy for me to spot where improvement is needed. That reminds me, where’s my necklace?”

  “Still zipped in my jacket pocket. I want to fix it so it doesn’t work lose again. I’ll take care of it before we head back. Is it special to you?”

  “It was an anniversary gift. Seven years on the job.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Since we’re putting together pieces, how’d you find out about Dad needing help, Werner?”

  “Of all things, your mom posted the opening for a mechanic on a website I frequent. The photo of Travis Automotive neatly painted on the white garage with rusty brown trim caught my attention. Then I read Edgewood, Nebraska. Nothing could have stopped me from answering the ad.”

  Pastor chuckled. “Bette Jean had such trouble learning all the computer programs for the business.”

  “Mom has always worked in the office since she and Dad opened the garage. Where did you work and live before returning?” Blythe raised a pretty brow and dipped her chin in Werner’s direction.

  “Dad tried a couple jobs in northern California, then ended up in the Seattle area where I went to tech school. Worked in one garage since graduation.”

  “It’s nice you two are becoming reacquainted.” Pastor Gregg wadded his napkin and slid back in his chair. “Forgive me for being blunt, Blythe, but you’re not the joyful wanderer of old. Are you tired from travel, or has something else stolen the spark of joy that used to light up your countenance?”

  She sucked in a breath, busied her hands laying her flatware just so on her empty plate. “Well, I don’t like it that my dad will be laid up for a time. You may have heard that I’m no longer engaged.”

  So she’d had a recent breakup. Werner studied the rosy color as it came and went on her cheeks. He formed a fist, released it, and then dug his fingers into his thigh. Could he be jealous?

  Pastor Gregg clicked his tongue and shook his head.

  Blythe eased against the vinyl chair back. “It’s kind of you, Pastor, to have Werner stay here with you. My parents have plenty of room in their big house, and once Dad’s settled, I’m sure they plan to have you back there, Werner. They spent so much time at the garage I have no idea how Mom keeps up with it all.”

  “I remember when they built.” Gregg grinned. “Bette Jean said she wanted those extra rooms for grandchildren and any others the Lord might bring their way.”

  Pink washed Blythe’s cheeks. “I have no plans to put the notion of grandchildren in motion any time soon.”

  A glint of humor shined in Pastor’s blue eyes. “The congregants still joke over the size of that big house on its small lot. People in small towns will talk about their neighbors until Jesus comes.”

  Blythe slid back her chair and cleared the dishes from the table in silence.

  “I’d be remiss in my service to the Lord if I didn’t offer a listening ear to a troubled heart, Blythe.” Pastor Gregg stood. “Now if you don’t mind, I do have some business at the church. Sermons don’t prepare themselves, and I get inspiration in God’s house. Just stack the dishes in the sink, please.”

  Werner went to get the necklace out of his jacket pocket and then strolled to the kitchen where he put away bowls and spoons left in the drain from breakfast. He opened the utility drawer. Aware of Blythe’s gaze, he forced his hands to settle on the familiar task of needle nose and regular pliers. He crimped the ring closed to secure the necklace clasp.

  Blythe smiled into his eyes and reached for it.

  He nudged her shoulder with the back of his hand and opened the clasp so he held it open between his fingers. “May I?”

  She lifted her hair to the side, and showed him the back of her neck. “I’m overjoyed you found it. Thank you again.”

  His chest rose, accenting his quick, shallow breaths. He fought the urge to place his lips on those wispy little curls she’d exposed. He caught a flash out the window. “Oh, look. See them? A pair of cardinals. Did you know they’re mostly east of the Rocky Mountains?”

  “Sorry.” She peered out the window. “I had my eyes closed for a quick prayer of thanks. What did you say about the birds?”

  “They don’t live in the West. I love cardinals.” I doubt she knows they mate for life. He stared out the window while it took her all of five minutes to finish the dishes.

  They were barely outside on their way back to the garage when she picked up where they’d left off. “Just so you know, I’m still peeved over the way you never contacted me.”

  3

  A battle waged in Blythe’s thoughts. The quiet of the Travis Auto office unnerved her. She traced the heart-shaped orb that circled the twin pearls on her necklace, again grateful Werner had spied it on the trail.

  She itched to know what was going on at Eiseley. Why hadn’t corporate assigned her a holiday resort? She had no plans to take off anywhere except back to Atlanta as soon as her time in Edgewood concluded.

  Used to being proactive, Blythe fought twiddling her thumbs. Note to self: bring a book to read tomorrow. Her mother ran a tight ship, leaving nothing to do in the office at the moment except wait for the phone to ring.

  Or pay attention to how Werner occupied his time.

  Her dad kept the garage almost as tidy as the office, which made it easy for anyone to find tools, utilize what was needed, and clean up. A quiet swish sounded from the high-ceilinged garage.

  While here in Edgewood, she wanted nothing more than to spend time with Werner. It had taken all she had not to reach out and hug him, to comfort his obvious distress while he told her about leaving all those years ago. If she ever had kids, she’d include them in family decisions.

  She craned her neck to peer beyond the office door. He pushed a broom to rid the floor of mud trudged in on the tires of the vehicle he’d backed outside. She still felt a draft from the cold air blown in with the opened door.

  Could Werner use a break? The office coffee was a far cry from Hayley’s brewtiful flavors, but Blythe would offer anyway.

  Ten minutes later, Werner appeared on the threshold. “Smells good. Are you sharing?”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “I figured we could both use an afternoon pick-me-up. Do you drink it black?”

  “I do, thanks.” He pulled up a stool and parked his feet on the edge of the desk. “They’re clean, do you mind if I stretch my hamstrings?”

  She offered an open hand to indicate it was fine. “I almost envy you, Werner. I’m dying a little without enough to keep me occupied. You’re laid back. Look how relaxed you’ve made yourself.”

  It took a long time for him to form a smile. His good looks hit her in the throat, which she cleared.

  “Better than being uptight and anxious. I could tell right away you need to be active.”

  “Right now, you have my attention, and I’ll try to enjoy this hot drink. Tell me what you’ve been doing all these years.”

  He shrugged. “The one time I went with my dad to pick up his van at a garage in Lincoln, I me
t your dad. Knew right away I wanted to be a mechanic. Straight out of twelfth grade, I went to that tech school I mentioned. Held the same job in Seattle from graduation to my parents’ deaths.”

  She settled her gaze on his hand that engulfed the mug, so different from the boy’s smooth digits. She’d slipped on the rocks during their second walk as kids. From then on, she’d reached for his hand to steady her on their hikes. Back then, Werner felt like an extension of herself.

  The adult man’s scarred hands were now similar to her dad’s, all banged up and marred from using tools that no doubt slipped against metal engines and scraped other car parts. Did he know about the udder cream that Dad used? I wonder if Hayley stocks it at Auntie’s.

  His gaze drew her to meet his intent look. Light from the window accented the gold around the pupil. Medium blue flowed into a navy rim. They were darker and more intense than Pastor Gregg’s, whose kind eyes offered solace for a hurting soul.

  She lowered her attention to the almost full mug she held, drank, and then refocused on his face. “Will you go back to Washington once my dad’s on the job again?”

  “Nothing for me there any longer.” He stroked his short beard with thumb and forefinger. “My parents were killed early in the year on a commuter train that derailed.”

  She couldn’t help herself. She set down her mug, stood, and rounded the desk. His gaze warmed her until she felt his inner heat as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Why were men so hot? Their higher body temperature must have been created to warm up chilled women.

  He held her around the middle, gave her a squeeze, and released. “Sorry, I don’t mind the hug. This isn’t a most comfortable position, with my upper back leaning and my legs up.”

  “Oh. I apologize. I was just thinking how you must be hurting. We didn’t know if Pastor Gregg would make it a year ago. And now I’m empathizing because Mom says Dad is in so much pain. I haven’t seen him yet. They said no point in going to the hospital. He should be home early tonight.”

  “I’ll wait until tomorrow to check in with your dad. As for a job waiting for me in Seattle, there isn’t one. I took a leave to settle my parents’ estate, including the sale of their townhome. Gone five weeks, and I lost my job.”