The Christmas Kiss

by Virginia McCullough

  “I can help watch Jason, too,” Nicole said, “you know, in case you need to be at the sanctuary.”

  “He’s a lucky little kid,” Sharon said. “Everybody wants a chance to take care of him.”

  “And his dog, Grandma. You watch Jason, you get Peach as a bonus.” Like her dad, Nicole put her fork practically in the flames. “This is taking way too long.”

  “I know,” Sharon said twirling her fork. “It’s so hard to wait.”

  Parker shook his head in a teasing way and made them both laugh. He examined his hot dog, which was almost on fire. Way too crispy for Emma’s taste. He slid the hot dog off the fork and into the bun and took a bite. “Ah, food fresh off the fire. This is the best power outage ever.” His voice was serious, but his face gave away his humor.

  “For me, too, Dad. Much better than in North Carolina when everything flooded and we’d lose power.” Nic made a face. “Sometimes for a couple of days.”

  “Flooding could get brutal in thunderstorms there,” Parker said. “We had generators at the rescue center, but the battery lamp will be good enough when I go and check the crow.”

  “The lamps are okay for now,” Emma said, “but not for long.” Her vision now matched the kind of center Parker was ready to run. Thinking of the owl off in the woods and now the crow with cuts and missing feathers made her want that to happen much faster than the board planned. This outage was already lasting longer than any in Emma’s memory.

  When they’d all finished their first hot dog, they took their time roasting their second. Nicole took charge of clearing everything away and bringing fresh forks and the bag of marshmallows. Everything seemed to slow down as they moved on to dessert. Nicole threaded two marshmallows on the fork and toasted them until they were medium brown and passed them to Sharon. “Just the way you like them, Grandma.”

  Then Nicole fixed a fork for Parker and one for Emma. “Cook ’em to suit yourself. I like mine burnt black, you know, until it’s nothing more than a soft lump of hot sugar and charcoal,” Nic made two exactly that way and then licked the remains of the sticky marshmallows off her mouth.

  Emma burst out laughing. “Now, that’s the best description of a well-done toasted marshmallow I’ve ever heard.”

  Since Parker was struggling with a gooey blob himself he nodded his agreement.

  “Hey, Grandma, we haven’t forgotten about your news. Can we toast marshmallows and talk at the same time?”

  “What news?” Parker asked.

  “My news,” Sharon replied.

  “I had a feeling something was up with you. So?”

  “I’m thinking about retiring from the school system. No surprise there. But I’m not ready to stop working altogether, not really. I’m taking a job with a college over in Moline. It’s not far from here.”

  “Nice,” Nic said, drawing out the word.

  Sharon took Parker and Nicole through the real reason for her trip to the conference and the job interview that was part of it. “The university is right on the Mississippi River. I’d be teaching future high school counselors.”

  “You’d be closer to us, Grandma.” She glanced at Parker. “Well, for as long as Dad is here.”

  “I have no plans to leave,” Parker interjected. “I mean, yes, I have a one-year contract, but if they like me I could stay on.”

  Emma couldn’t ignore her relief over how quickly he spoke up.

  “They’ll want him back, Grandma.” Nic spoke slowly. “The people here like him...a lot.”

  “And that would never come as a surprise to me, now would it,” Sharon said.

  “Enough, enough, you two.” Parker turned to his mom. “When did you come up with this idea?”

  “I’ve been mulling it over for a while. I want something different. I like to work. I’m not interested in slowing down. I view this as my second career.” Her face took on a dreamy look when she described the apartment she could rent with a view of the river. “A growing city, or so they tell me.”

  “You’ve made a decision, haven’t you?” Parker said. “Did you already sign a lease?”

  A knowing look passed between Parker and Sharon. Emma had to laugh to herself.

  “Not yet. But if I take the job, I can move in June.”

  “So, you’re going home to think about it. For what? Maybe five minutes?” Nic said. “Sounds to me like you’ve made up your mind.”

  Emma had purposely stayed quiet, but for some reason Sharon drew her in. “They’re onto me. Want to add your two cents?”

  Not a chance. “That’s okay. I’ll sit back and watch your decision pretty much unfold right in front of my fireplace on a cold day in December.” Emma grinned. “And you’ll always have a place to stay when you visit here.”

  “A place with hot dogs and marshmallows stashed in secret underground freezers,” Nicole added, giggling.

  Parker wagged a finger. “And it usually has heat.”

  As if his words were a practiced cue, recessed lighting came on over the fireplace at the same time the furnace cycled on.

  “And soon will again,” Parker said. “Well, I suppose I better check on the bird.”

  “I’d like a peek at your crow when you show me around the sanctuary,” Sharon said. “I always liked crows.”

  “Me, too,” Emma said.

  “The bird is one of the stops on the tour, ma’am,” Parker said, doffing an imaginary hat. “With any luck he’ll add a remark or two about your move.”

  A little shiver of pleasure surprised Emma as she took in the uncomplicated love between them. It was almost too easy to march into the family picture, no fanfare needed. On the other hand, she was just as happy not to be part of their plans for the afternoon.

  She started to unfold her legs so she could stand and maneuvered her body to get on both knees and go from there. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Parker take a quick half step in her direction, but then hesitate. Of course, he’d think twice. Why risk a repeat of Thanksgiving? Smiling up at him, she held out her hand. He stepped forward and grasped it and in one quick motion lifted her to her feet. As she mouthed her thanks, she enjoyed his warm fingers giving her hand a quick squeeze.

  * * *

  “BE HONEST, PARKER? What do you think of my move?” His mom hung on to the railing and kicked snow off the edge of the plank.

  “Are you kidding? It’s the kind of change you’ve wanted since Dad died. You’ve not changed your life that much in the six or seven years since. Nic is your biggest fan and she’s loving your plan.”

  Parker kicked the snow off his side of the plank as they strolled deeper into the woods. The day had passed quickly at Emma’s house. Now the sunlight was fading. Parker felt better driving Nic to her job, even though the streets were okay. Nic wasn’t used to driving in snow, not after growing up on the North Carolina coast.

  “I’m her biggest fan in the way only a grandma can be. She’s an adult now, but any move of mine, no matter where, isn’t going to have much impact in her life.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Parker said.

  “Oh, yes, you do,” Sharon said as she brushed away snow from the top of the railing. “Emma said something interesting about Nicole. Pointing out that she’s not an especially rebellious girl.”

  “It’s true, she never really was.”

  “A lot of that is about you,” Sharon said. “That’s my professional opinion. I see it every day. Girls who are good with their dads tend not to rebel so much. And that’s you and Nic.”

  “So far, so good.”

  Sharon stopped walking and held up three fingers. “Since I’ve been here she hasn’t stopped talking about the three incredible women she’s met.” She laughed. “She thinks Ruby is exciting and fun. She’s in awe of her boss, Star, who’s not all that much older. And don’t get me started on how much she admi
res your boss, Emma.”

  “Emma is not my boss.”

  Sharon thrust out her hand so her palm almost touched his chest. “Sorry, sorry. I was joking. Why so touchy? You told me she’s the donor who covers your salary.”

  “It’s true I wouldn’t have a job without her funding.” He swiped more snow off the boardwalk, angry at his own defensiveness. “But this place would still be a bunch of boarded-up buildings if a lot of people hadn’t wanted changes. The board is my boss.” Softening his voice he added, “But you’re right about Star and Ruby. And Emma, for sure.”

  “Who is very fond of your daughter.”

  “Look, Mom. I didn’t mean to snap at you, but I like Emma. As Nic would say, I like her like her.” He laughed self-consciously. “She’s around here a lot, learning about rescuing these creatures. We have a good time. If she was my boss for real, it could complicate things.”

  “I know. It’s just...oh, never mind. Forget I said anything.”

  “What are you getting at, Mom?”

  She flicked her hand dismissively. “Oh, nothing, not really.”

  “You’re trying to bring up Jackie, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t know what to think, Parker.” She clapped her gloved hands and sent the accumulated snow flying. “Nic worries about her mom. Now she’s torn. I think she’s rooting for you and Emma to get together.”

  “Oh, come on, Mom. She teases. You know she kids around. But she’s wrapped up in her own world. I don’t think she gives it that much thought...”

  “Ha! How much thought does it take to watch you and Emma together. Do you think you hide your feelings for her?”

  “Only from myself, apparently.”

  “Now your face is turning beet red. See? I’m right.”

  “It’s complicated,” Parker said. “I didn’t expect to be drawn to someone so soon after, you know, Jackie walked away. I’ve been preoccupied with Nic...” he sighed in frustration “...and making a new start, even more for Nic than for me.”

  His mom stopped and looked into his face. “This is what I think. I bet if you said the word, Jackie would come back.”

  His stomach did a back flip. “First, I doubt that’s true, Mom, but I’m not saying the word anyway.”

  “Just make sure Nic knows that—now,” Sharon said. “Because it wasn’t clear to me you were over Jackie. I thought you’d welcome the chance to try again.”

  “At one time, yes, I thought we could fix it. Work on it, you know, like you and Dad did. Was that so odd?” he asked impatiently. “I took our marriage seriously.”

  “So, there’s no mystery why your daughter would not only worry about her mom, but read between the lines of her texts and phone conversations. Is she happy with Ben? Does she want to move down here, with or without him? Does she want to come back to you?”

  “Those questions might be more in Nic’s mind than in Jackie’s,” Parker said. “But it was a bad time. The marriage ending, the job falling through, and then feeling forced into taking this one.”

  Sharon stopped and gazed at the long stretch of boardwalk ahead and the pieces of it visible throughout the expanse of woods. “You’ve started rescuing birds.”

  “Yes. It’s one reason I can see a future here.”

  “I’ll enjoy being closer. You and Nic were onto me. I have made up my mind.” She tucked her arm through his. “It’s time for my new life.”

  He laughed. “Good. I’m beginning to enjoy my fresh start much more than I thought I would.”

  “I know that. I wonder if Emma does.”

  Good question. “She’s like you, Mom, she doesn’t miss much.”

  “I like her already.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  THE CLUSTERS OF waving blue-and-green balloons attached to the walls ushered them into the gym turned into an exhibit hall.

  “There it is, Dad.” Nicole pointed to the sign on a beige background with forest-green lettering: Hidden Lake Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center. The banner matched all the others in the room. “Awesome, huh, Dad?”

  Parker agreed. “Even better than I expected.” The university’s large gym had displays along each wall and two rows in the center. An impressive setup.

  “My chemistry teacher said they started planning this fair over a year ago,” Nic said. “The whole room gives me hope that I’ll find exactly the right field where I can do some good.”

  “That’s the spirit, Nic.” Parker cut his eyes to Emma, who was looking at Nic with a touch of awe in her face. Hope. Wasn’t that what his work had been about? He hoped to save birds, but he also hoped growing numbers of people would understand the natural world a little better. He’d be sure to add that idea to his presentation. He pulled the flat cart closer to the table to start unloading and setting up the booth.

  “There must be dozens and dozens of careers that fall under the umbrella of science. And so many are represented here,” Emma said. “Zoology over on this side of the room, and indoor agriculture has a display. And I’m seeing neuroscience and cancer research. Even the state parks have a couple of tables. So much to check out in one day.”

  “See? With all these choices, how am I supposed to pick one career? Right now, everything has its strong points.” Nic lifted her shoulders in a happy shrug, obviously excited by her question and not even a little troubled. “I always thought I’d get involved with some area of wildlife preservation, kinda like you, Dad, but since I’ve been in school, other things keep calling my name.”

  “You’ve got time to decide, sweetie. That’s what’s so great about being in college. You can sample all the sciences before you settle on one.”

  “I agree,” Emma said as she got to work setting up the computer for the slideshow they’d used on Thanksgiving. Everyone who saw it thought it was great. Emma had posters made from a few photos to give away with a family membership. Being optimistic, she’d brought a few along.

  As Parker glanced around him, every booth had people like him, Emma and Nic working to get ready for the doors to open in half an hour. Wrong again, he said to himself. When Nic first mentioned the fair, he underestimated everything about it. Now he was grateful the group that managed the fair approved their application, late as it was. He—and the board—had Nic to thank for arguing for their late application.

  “I’m glad you decided to bring the birds’ nests, Dad.” Nic held up a small, delicate robin’s nest, and then a huge bald eagle’s nest. She pulled out four more nests and set them aside. “I’ve got about ten minutes to help you set up, but then I’ve got to get to class.”

  It took only a few minutes to set up the heavy folding shelves and glass dioramas showing habitats and realistic wooden carvings of birds. The bird skeletons were arranged inside glass boxes to protect them.

  “You should go now, Nic. We’re fine here.” He had the impulse to give her a quick hug, but held back. No sense embarrassing her. But as she was leaving, she ran into some kids she knew and pointed back to him. “That’s my dad.” Then she disappeared out the door.

  “She’s proud of you,” Emma remarked. “You’re proud of her. Everything’s harmonious right now.”

  “Maybe so,” he said, lifting a box of brochures off the cart. “She turned the tables on me. I’m supposed to be embarrassing her.”

  “Welcome, everyone,” a voice boomed through the sound system. “The doors are officially open.”

  Students soon started trickling in as expected, but over the next couple of hours as he and Emma talked to more people passing by, they soon realized the fair was attracting a lot of folks who had no connection to the university. An older couple from Bluestone River approached the table. They seemed surprised to see the center involved in the event.

  “Glad to see all that land and the buildings getting some use,” the man said. They became sanctuary members on the spot and spe
nt quite a bit of time watching the slideshows with Emma. They remembered the days when Mike’s grandfather ran the resort. When they left, they took a poster with them.

  Leaving Emma to manage the table, Parker wandered around and introduced himself to other exhibitors. In a way he felt for Nic trying to make decisions about a career. Even if she narrowed her choices to a field in zoology or agriculture, that still covered a lot of ground. He picked up brochures at most booths, but his real mission was networking, making connections, seeing where cross-promotion might be possible. As he spoke to new people, he realized he talked about the sanctuary in ambitious, bold terms. How much had changed since he convinced himself to make the best of this job that he’d once considered a notch or two beneath him.

  He stood across the room and felt a rush of pleasure watching Emma interacting with students who were looking at the slideshow. Her expression changed from serious to amused, and he saw her encouraging smile as she gave the students her complete attention.

  Knowing he had more people to meet, he made himself move on.

  * * *

  EMMA DUCKED UNDER the table to grab brochures to replenish the stack she’d put between the two video screens. When she straightened up, she was looking into the face of Stacey Schwartz.

  “Hey, good to see you,” she said. “I knew you planned to stop by, but I wasn’t sure when.”

  Stacey looked behind her and Emma followed her gaze to Ty and Parker standing together on the other side of the room.

  “To tell you the truth, Emma, I didn’t expect to see you.”

  What was with the flat tone? “I brought the slideshow I put together for Thanksgiving. We just met a couple from town who’d wandered in. They joined. The first new members today.”

  Stacey’s pained expression hadn’t changed since she’d said hello. “Are you okay, Stacey? Something wrong?”

  “Sort of.” Stacey thrummed her fingers on the pile of brochures. “Like I said, I wasn’t aware you were helping out today.”