The Christmas Kiss

by Virginia McCullough

  Nic flashed another look. Softer this time.

  He stepped to the table and gave it a knuckle rap for emphasis. “C’mon Nic, I know Bluestone River isn’t where we thought we’d be.”

  “An understatement,” Nicole interjected. “Not exactly a major clinic for rescued birds, Dad.”

  “Maybe down the road, Nic, but not...” He let his voice trail off to stop himself from lecturing her. He stared at the window, his thoughts wandering deep into the past to better times.

  “Dad? What’s with you? You drifted far, far away. What were you going to say?” Nicole’s forehead was wrinkled in a deep frown.

  He waved her off and continued glancing around. “Uh, nothing. Just thinking about getting our places fixed up and ready for winter.”

  His astute daughter likely wasn’t convinced by that little fib. Still, she sighed and said, “Okay, Dad, I’ll go to your thing.”

  “Great, honey, thanks.” He turned toward the door.

  “Wait...not so fast. It’s going to cost you.”

  Her impish grin immediately improved his mood. “Oh, really. What’s the price? Clothes? Shoes?”

  “Nope. It’s you.” Nicole jabbed her index finger at him. “You have to promise to wear a jacket and tie to the reception.”

  “Oh, no,” he moaned, clutching his chest. “What a big price to pay. How will I manage it?” The jacket and tie were no problem, but he’d need to find a place to get a haircut.

  “Really, Dad?” Nic shook her head, but at least she was laughing. “Your stand-up routine could use a little practice.” She gave him one of her long-suffering looks. “Seriously, wear your gray tweed sport coat. It’s like, up-to-date. I mean you did buy it in this century. It fits your nature-freak image, but still makes you look smart enough to be a professor.”

  “Okay, okay.” He had to laugh. She’d been calling him a nature freak since she was about twelve years old.

  “Seriously, you can’t show up looking like a lumberjack.” She gave him a once-over. “Like now.”

  He looked down as his jeans, almost tan from the sawdust clinging to the denim. “I think I can manage not to embarrass you for a couple of hours,” he said, already halfway out the door. “See you later.”

  If Nic only knew how it lightened his load to hear her kid around, even at his expense. He could tolerate some teasing. Besides, he gave as good as he got, especially with Nic. Jackie claimed Nic’s bond with him was even stronger than hers, mom or not. True, mother-daughter relationships could be rocky, and Jackie and Nic had their moments. In the end, though, Jackie better understood adolescent mountains and valleys—and quirks. Or so Parker thought. Only in the last year had Jackie given him reason to question that.

  “Dad, wait. I almost forgot. Mom said to say hello.” She waved her phone. “She said to tell you she got your text.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “What’s that all about?” Nic asked in a wary tone.

  “Nothing important. Another document to sign.” Nicole’s face darkened. She knew that meant it was the divorce.

  “Oh.” Nic shrugged. “Mom is okay...I guess.”

  Her expectant expression forced a response of some kind, so he said the first thing that came to mind. “Well, I hope she’s doing well.”

  Nic looked down and got busy with her phone again. “Yeah, right, Dad.”

  Dead end. He closed the door behind him. Anger at Jackie rising up from his chest to his throat, he mumbled blaming words. It was her fault Nic was so moody—and torn. She lived in her new studio and claimed to like her classes, but on some days, Jackie’s pull on Nic was like a magnet. When that happened, Nic could think about little else but her mom’s life in Vermont.

  Still, Parker had always believed Jackie was a great mom.

  Right up to the moment she walked out the door.

  CHAPTER TWO

  EMMA LEANED AGAINST the back wall of the community room inside the town hall. She wanted to keep a low profile, and she’d likely succeed because the reception for Parker Davis drew a big, noisy crowd. All eyes would be on him. Including hers.

  Stacey and Ty, co-chairs of the board, were making the rounds, stopping to introduce Parker and banter with the people who’d come to the reception. More than one hundred guests were there, by Emma’s estimates, and people were still coming in. A better showing than anyone on the board expected.

  Emma was certain some people had come to be part of the progress Mike had already made as mayor. Who could resist the new energy that had taken over in Bluestone River during the last six months? A welcoming event like this was a chance to put it on display.

  Parker towered over both Stacey and Ty as they steered him from one cluster of people to another. He still looked like he preferred the outdoors, even with the trimmed hair—maybe too trimmed. But she liked the professor-in-the-gray-jacket vibe. He looked almost as good as he did in dusty work jeans.

  Maybe not quite as comfortable, though. Had anyone else in the room noticed him periodically tugging at his red tie to loosen its grip on his neck? Other body language spoke pretty loud, too, but not in a good way. Tall to begin with, Parker didn’t lean in toward the person addressing him, and the social smile was just that and nothing more. He shook hands like his arm was a mechanical appendage. Maybe he preferred wildlife to people, but showing a little warmth wouldn’t hurt. She’d had a glimpse of his softer side and wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

  Finally, Stacey and Ty led Parker back to the table with spiced cider and wine and trays of appetizers. A row of a dozen or so posters hung on the wall behind the podium set up for the business part of the reception. Stacey created the posters from four-season photographs of Hidden Lake and the woods. Emma had taken three of them. When Emma looked at all of them, she saw dollar signs. They’d make a good item to sell in the sanctuary office.

  “You keeping tabs on anyone special?”

  Turning to the voice coming from the side, Emma let out an amused scoff at Ruby’s conspiratorial tone. “Not really. Just taking stock of things.”

  “A likely story.” Ruby’s light brown eyes sparkled with fun. But that was nothing new. These days Ruby wore her happiness like a comfy pair of shoes. “From where I stand, Mr. Parker Davis is the combination of a hunky outdoorsy guy and not quite as smooth professional.” She nodded toward him. “Hmm...he does wear that jacket and tie well, don’t you think?”

  “So he does,” Emma said. “I’m glad you pointed it out. I wouldn’t have noticed it all by myself.” She had no choice but to volley her kidding back to Ruby. It was Emma’s only defense against blushing. For all the good it would do her. Ruby could read her like a book. “Is Mike giving a welcome speech?”

  Ruby shrugged. “Sure, but it wasn’t anything he had to mull over too much. Stacey asked him to talk a little about the sanctuary as a driving force behind growing the tourist business here in town. That sort of thing.”

  “You’re looking great, Rubes,” Emma said looking down at Ruby’s baby bump under her swingy purple dress. “You can talk about Parker wearing his jacket well, but I haven’t ever seen anyone wear pregnancy with more flair than you.”

  “I’ve never felt better or...” She stopped in midsentence and touched Emma’s elbow. “Oh, look. There’s Parker’s daughter, Nicole. She’s standing by herself.” She nodded to a far corner of the room. “Let’s go say hello.”

  “I’ve not met her,” Emma said, “so I’m glad you noticed her. Parker mentioned they’d met you and Mike when you delivered treats to their door.”

  Ruby nodded. “Right. And I hear Star hired her at Sweet Comforts a couple of days ago.”

  Emma immediately regretted not showing more interest in Nicole during her conversation with Parker earlier that week. She’d not wanted to appear too nosy, especially after hearing some talk about Parker being divorced.

&n
bsp; “Hello, Nicole,” Ruby called out as she led the way to the girl.

  Nicole looked almost frightened at the sound of her name, but the muscles in her face immediately relaxed when she saw Ruby. Emma stepped forward and held out her hand. “I’m Emma O’Connell. I’m sorry I missed you when I stopped by the sanctuary the other day. I hope you’re settling in okay.”

  Ruby laughed. “Right. Feeling at home in your luxury studio apartment.”

  Emma couldn’t help but note the girl’s timid handshake. But there was nothing shy about her hands. They were their own color wheel, each nail a different color from dark blue to sunny yellow. The girl rewarded Ruby’s sarcasm with a quick snicker. “At least we have heat now.”

  “Wow, lucky you,” Ruby teased. “So, according to all the busybodies in town, you’re commuting to college and working in the bakery. I think I heard that from someone across the room a few minutes ago.”

  Emma playfully nudged Ruby’s shoulder. “I’m sure Nicole loves hearing we’re a bunch of gossips.”

  “Oh, I didn’t need Ruby to tell me that,” Nicole said, without a trace of embarrassment. “When I applied for the job at the bakery, the owner, you know, Star Lenski, filled me in on all the big holiday plans for the town. She told me about Ty and Stacey. To tell you the truth I bet she hired me because of my dad and his new job. I can tell she thinks he’s cute.” She shrugged. “Lots of women do, even married ones like Star.”

  Emma’s laughter sputtered out fast and loud. So, she wasn’t the only one who admired the new guy in town. She covered her quick reaction by blurting a couple of questions to Nicole about school.

  The girl spoke in a breezy way about her lineup of classes and credit hours. “It’s a nice enough college, but I figure the credits will transfer when I move away and go to a different school.” Nicole clamped her lips and stared at her flats.

  Well, well, the girl knew immediately she’d let too much slip. Pretending she hadn’t noticed, Emma said, “So far it looks like Stacey and Ty are keeping your dad pretty busy with the guests. Did you get some food or cider?”

  Nicole avoided Emma’s gaze. “Uh, not yet.”

  “You should go help yourself while it lasts.” Ruby patted Emma’s shoulder. “I’ll catch up with you later, Em. Nice to see you again, Nicole.”

  “Ruby is my best friend,” Emma said to keep the conversation going. “Only two people in the whole world get to call her Rubes, and I’m one of them.”

  Nicole laughed. “And her husband is the other. I heard him call her that the day we got here when she brought boxes of goodies. The pie was huge.” She made a big circle with her arms in front of her. “I start my job at the takeout window on Monday morning. Like at dawn.”

  “That’s terrific. Very popular newish hot spot in Bluestone River,” Emma said with a laugh. “You’ve probably noticed we don’t have too many.”

  Ignoring Emma’s attempt at humor, Nicole said, “Only three, four shifts a week to start, but it’s something.” She gestured around the room. “You pay for all this sanctuary stuff, huh.”

  Nothing like a little frankness. “So, did someone tell you that?”

  “No one in particular.” She nervously tucked a tendril of her flyaway hair behind her ear. “But my dad said the place has the bucks...uh, funding...now and his salary was covered. Then, I don’t know, your name came up.”

  Keeping her voice light, Emma said, “Volunteers and a lot of people make it all work. I only help out. The sanctuary and the lake mean a lot to me.” As she spoke, Emma studied Parker’s fair-skinned daughter, whose hair was so much lighter than her dad’s. Where his eyes were a deep, dark blue, hers were a distinctive shade of baby blue. “Uh, you mentioned going to a different school. Are you thinking about moving away?”

  She scratched her cheek. “No, no, not now. I didn’t mean...”

  Keeping her voice low, Emma said, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” Then why had she? Surprise, maybe? Because she knew little about Parker, except what anyone could see on his résumé? Maybe it was a lot simpler than that. The girl intrigued her.

  “It’s okay,” Nicole said earnestly. “My mom’s in Vermont now and she said I could come up and stay with her, and like, switch to a college near her. Maybe...you know...when she’s settled.”

  “I see.” Not really, but Emma wished she’d kept her mouth shut.

  “Lots of people showed up for this thing,” Nicole said, her gaze darting around the room. “Oh, here comes my dad.”

  Emma turned her head and watched Parker cross the room toward them.

  “So, you introduced yourself,” he said, smiling at Emma. “I was hoping I’d get a chance to say hello, too.” He fidgeted with the knot in his tie.

  “You look good, Dad.” Nicole pointed one purple-tipped finger at his neck. “And that tie is fine. You can stop checking it.”

  A laugh escaped from the back of Emma’s throat just as Parker flashed a pointed look at his daughter.

  “Nicole and I were just talking about her bakery job,” Emma said to get off the subject of Parker’s tie.

  Parker nodded in acknowledgment, glancing at Nicole, who was now more interested in watching the food table, where Mike had joined Ruby.

  “I wonder if they ever need a babysitter,” Nicole mused. “I have a lot of experience. Their little boy is a cutie.”

  “Can’t hurt to ask, Nic,” Parker said.

  “I think I will.” Nicole said a quick goodbye to Emma and hurried away.

  Parker gestured toward Ruby and Mike. “They seem like quite a pair.”

  Emma grinned. “They are. And they’re over the moon about the baby. They live on cloud nine. Oh, and the stars lined up for them at last. Hmm...let me think. What other cliché can I come up with? How about ‘they’re made for each other’? That’ll work.”

  She sensed Parker staring at her, so she looked directly into his eyes. “Let’s just say they found each other after many years apart.” Her voice suddenly husky, she added, “It’s a long story, but it has a happy ending. That’s all that matters.”

  “Well, to extend the cliché,” Parker said, “I see the two of them as prominent movers and shakers in Bluestone River. Just like you.”

  Emma waved him off. “No, no, don’t include me. I try to stay way behind the scenes.” On purpose. End of discussion. Not that hiding always worked. She smiled up at him. “Nicole is lovely. The proud way you look at her speaks volumes without saying a word.”

  “That obvious, huh? I haven’t said much about it to anyone, but this move was kind of an upheaval all around.”

  “And maybe kind of difficult?” The second the words were out she regretted them. Curiosity got the better of her. Again.

  Parker’s eyes flickered with concern. “Did she mention something specific?”

  “No, no, not at all,” she said, rolling her eyes. “That was just a wild guess on my part. Or, I was thinking that starting college can be sort of a roller coaster.” That wasn’t precisely what she’d meant, but at least she’d backed herself out of her own nosiness. “You drew an impressive crowd. You’ll likely see some of these same folks again at other events.”

  “They said it was a good turnout. I’ll say a few words. I don’t mind. I’ve got my routine down pat.” Parker lifted one shoulder in a dismissive shrug. “These meet ’n greets go with the territory.”

  Not the response she expected. Emma shifted her weight, trying not to wince with the sharp pain shooting down her leg. Matching her dropping spirits. If he knew the territory so well, why wasn’t he a little looser when he worked the room? Didn’t he see the work that had gone in to welcoming him to town? Catered food. Wine donated from a new winery nearby. Printed programs. A reporter covering it for the daily in Clayton. Stacey and Ty’s efforts had paid off. But it was just another meet ’n greet to him.

  �
��I see an empty seat at one of the tables,” Emma said, edging away from him. “I think I’ll grab it before the speeches start.”

  “Uh, I see Stacey waving to me now.”

  She sensed him watching her walk away. Her first impression was right. Covert really wasn’t his strong suit.

  * * *

  NICE GOING, PARKER mumbled to himself as he made his way around the tables to the podium where Stacey and Ty stood. He left no doubt where he stood. He didn’t mind? Goes with the territory? Man, he’d let down his guard again. Even he thought he sounded like a jerk.

  Parker took his place next to Stacey as Mike thanked the organizers and vendors. He quickly moved on to announcing some dates for the lineup of upcoming events. Busy place, Parker thought, as Mike listed the community Halloween party, the Thanksgiving sanctuary open house, Santa on River Street, caroling and Christmas Eve at the sanctuary.

  “Watch for details about all events that are part of our Bluestone River Holiday Festival,” Mike said. “But now, Stacey and Ty have asked me to introduce the Hidden Lake Bird Sanctuary’s new director, Parker Davis. Since he’s our neighbor, Ruby and Jason and I have had the pleasure of meeting him, and his daughter Nicole, who’s now enrolled in Neville University.” Stepping aside, Mike added, “Join me in welcoming Parker and Nicole to Bluestone River.”

  The applause showed more enthusiasm than he deserved. Glancing at his audience, he saw anticipation in the faces of people who’d taken time to come here and meet him and hear what he had to say. No one had welcomed him more eagerly than the Abbots and Emma.

  Parker lifted the mic out of the stand on the podium, his way of reminding himself to move around instead of standing like a mannequin in one place. Jackie had warned him about his body language sometimes raising barriers and making him unapproachable. Sometimes his throwaway lines about donors did the same job. Now he was nervous and cringing at how arrogant he could sound at times. The truth was he should be thanking everyone in the room for giving him a job.