Jake nodded, and Tyler seemed to be standing even taller. Their support of her decision bolstered her shaking insides. Saying and doing were two different animals, entirely.
“So be it,” Jake said. “I’ll be there with you—and Daisy, too.”
“And Adaline,” Tyler replied. “She’ll be there. As well as myself.”
Something akin to pride sparkled in Tyler’s eyes. Her destiny was set. Come tomorrow night, all her fears would either be banished or confirmed. Which one would prevail?
Chapter Fifty-One
Dalton paced the length of the sheriff’s office, wearing a path on the scuffed floorboards. He stopped at the window and gazed at the towering Christmas tree swaying slightly in the breeze. The Christmas Eve party would go on this year. The snowstorm had let up in time. Townsfolk were anxious. Perhaps the folks living the farthest out wouldn’t attend, but residents in town had no intention of letting this year’s Christmas pass them by.
He rubbed a hand over his tired face. Last night had been brutal. He hadn’t slept a wink but had come to a conclusion. Today, he’d have a heart-to-heart with Jake. Dalton would spill his guts and see what his friend, and Adaline’s brother, had to say. If Dalton didn’t act on his feelings and lost Adaline to another, he’d never forgive himself. She’d already pulled away. Gone were the little touches, funny comments, and long looks filled with promise. Had his chance already passed him by?
The door opened.
Thom and Albert stepped inside.
“Any coffee brewed?” Albert asked.
How the tables had turned. “Fresh pot. Help yourself.”
Thom held the door for Ivan, who followed.
The old dog looked stiff this frosty morning, his ambling gait jerky with each step he took. His thick gray-and-black coat glistened as if he’d just climbed thorough a snow-covered bush.
He stopped and glanced around, and then continued on toward his usual spot beside the stove where he’d take up residence and remain the entire day.
“You wanting your job back?” Dalton said from his position at the window. Surely, Albert must be getting bored spending all his time at home. Each time Dalton saw him, he was ready for the boot to drop.
With his coffee mug halfway to his lips, Albert smiled. He reached out to the stove with his gloved hand. “Why, you tired of being the deputy? Anytime you want to hand over your badge, I’ll take it.”
He’d walked right into that. “No, just asking. I sometimes think you might regret taking off so long.”
“Regret? Hell, I’m enjoying myself. Just met Thom on the way here and thought I’d check on the office. You found Wil Lemon yet?”
No. And the fact was making Dalton testy. Since he’d gotten word of the most recent fight between Wil and Tyler, he’d been looking. Places where the cur could hide and not freeze to death didn’t exist. Someone must be putting him up. “Nope. And that’s what has me baffled.” He looked at Donovan. “Come up with anything, Thom?”
Thom lowered his cup from taking a drink and shook his head. “Not a sign of him. I’m thinking he might have somehow made his way over to New Meringue. If not that, I’m stumped.”
Dalton hefted a sigh at the same time Chase, Gabe, and Jake came through the door. At least he’d get a chance to speak with Jake this morning, as he’d promised himself he would last night. No more second guessing. He’d hear the words straight from the horse’s mouth.
“What kind of meeting is this?” Chase asked on a smile. “Saw you three through the window as we rode in. Something happening?”
Albert straightened. “Not in so many words. Just still haven’t located Wil Lemon. I know how much Jake wants us to keep an eye on him. We’d be happier if we knew where he was.”
The three from the Broken Horn headed to the coffeepot.
“Hold up, boys,” Dalton said. “I’ll put on another pot. That one’s about empty.” He went to the stove, wrapped the small towel they used as a pot holder around the handle, and headed out the back door to toss the grounds. “Be back momentarily,” he called over his shoulder.
Frigid air nipped his ears as his boots crunched on the frozen earth. Snatching off the top of the percolator, he swiftly withdrew the basket and tossed the grounds, followed by emptying the remaining dark sludge at the bottom onto the snow. In the process, sounds around town reached his ears. Hoof beats clomping across Shady Creek bridge. Win calling out a greeting to somebody. A rooster somewhere crowing in the distance.
Christmas Eve had arrived! He hadn’t yet located Wil Lemon. He was no closer to knowing the identity of the do-gooder—something he’d promised Violet he’d do. He had no idea which business display he’d choose as the winner of the Christmas competition. And I’ve not spoken to Jake about my feelings for Adaline. At least he’d cross the last item off his list in the next hour.
By now, Dalton’s teeth chattered loudly as cold seeped deep into his bones. He hurried to the water pump, rinsed out the pot, and filled the metal container to the brim. Back inside, the lull of the conversation stopped when he finished his duties of hospitality and set the pot back on the stove to boil. He glanced at Albert. “You need a larger pot!”
“Don’t I know? I’ve been supplying coffee to this town for years. You have nothing to grumble about, Babcock. The chore is my main job!”
Dalton harrumphed, rubbing his hands up and down his cold arms. “Did you come up with anything while I was outside? We can’t arrest a man if he hasn’t done something to warrant the action. And fighting isn’t much.” He cut his gaze to Jake. This story had more details than he’d been told. Dalton wished Jake would come clean. Trust him. Even without an explanation, he could imagine what the problem might be and thought the others probably had as well.
“I wish you’d get back into bed, Ma.” Tommy took the seat next to Violet in the front room.
Seven days ago, she’d been shocked speechless when her only son, a grown man—an old fella, more like it—had returned after being gone for fifteen years. Her heart was full to bursting. She’d never known life could feel so sweet. “I’ve been in bed far too long, son,” she retorted. “Doc gave me the go-ahead ta get up and start livin’. Jessie left yesterday. This is Christmas Eve, and I won’t be kept down a moment longer.”
Beth clanged around the kitchen doing something. They’d had a brief encounter a few days ago. Beth had apologized for her hurtful words, and Violet had forgiven her. In return, she’d asked Beth for her pardon for tossing her out. The whole exchange took no more than one minute. They hadn’t broached the subject since. And they hadn’t spoken about her moving back into the Red Rooster either, and yet here Beth was, living in her old room. She’d not even gone back into town to collect her belongings.
Violet didn’t mind. In fact, she was thrilled. Life was too short for grudges. Besides, she’d actually missed their spirited, back-and-forth jabs. But best of all, she enjoyed watching what was transpiring between Beth and Tommy. If the cold weather had Violet confined to the inn, she might as well have some entertainment. Young fools. Would they waste what remained of the time they had left?
“Who would like a slice of fresh gingerbread straight from the oven?” Beth called from the kitchen.
Her tone reminded Violet of a spring songbird. “Been smellin’ something mighty good for the last twenty minutes. I never imagined ya was bakin’ gingerbread. Been my favorite since I was a tiny tot.” Violet glanced at her son and smiled sweetly. “Thank ya, Beth, dear.”
“I didn’t want the eggs to get old,” Beth replied. “Thought I best use them up.”
“I’ll take some,” Tommy replied. “Can I help you in there?”
“Oh, no. I’m almost finished now. Be patient.”
Tommy glanced her way and she shrugged. “Hard to believe Adaline and Marlene have already set off for town. They could have at least waited until the temperature warmed.”
“They’re excited for tonight.”
Beth set a tray with gingerbread and a cup of tea on Violet’s lap. A moment later, she handed Tommy his slice as well as a cup of coffee.
Her recent actions were the most thoughtful since she’d moved in two years ago. Did wonders never cease?
“With you and Tommy settled, I’ll just go and make some beds. Having a neat room starts the day right.”
The smile she gave looked genuine to Violet. Was this the real Beth or was the other one, the one with the spiteful tongue? Violet truly didn’t know. With Beth gone, the crackling of the fire filled the room.
“Ma, I have something I’d like to say.”
Violet rolled the gingerbread around on her tongue, delighted to be eating once again. “Do ya now? We have a lot of livin’ to catch up on. I’m all ears.”
He stared into his coffee cup for a few moments and then up into her face. “I’m happy to be home, but I’m sorry I didn’t bring any grandchildren. I remember how much babies mean to you. Whose baby was doing what was all you ever talked about—and having some grandbabies of your own. But the years flew by, and I never met anyone I wanted to marry.” The flames in the hearth crackled brightly, spitting out a glowing ember onto the rug. He squashed it with his boot. “I’m sorry I let you down.”
Violet’s fork clattered to her plate. “Ya think I care one whit about that? Men! I’ll never understand ’em. Nothin’ matters except seeing ya sittin’ here in front of the fire, speakin’ with me, enjoyin’ a warm piece of gingerbread. Thems more precious than gold. I have all the children and grandbabies I need! Jake’s more or less been my son for eighteen years—and Gabe, too. Sarah and Shane Logan are my grandbabies, as well as Markus Donovan, Nate Preston, and darlin’ little Maddie. Those tots keep me runnin’ full steam ahead. And only a couple months ago, I adopted another grandson in Hunter Wade. He might be full-growed, but he needed me more than I needed him. I have grandbabies coming out my ears!” Emotion welled. With a shaky hand, she reached out and touched Tommy’s strong fingers holding his coffee, marveling he was truly here. “But I only got me one son. With you home, I’m happier than I’ve got a right ta be. I don’t need nothin’ more outta this life than what I got now. You and me together is the best Christmas blessin’ of my life.”
That said, young man, I’m not giving up on blood grandbabies jist yet. Beth is still in her childbearing years, and ya’ren old, but ya’ren not dead. I’ve seen the looks flying when ya thought I was asleep. I’ll jist bide my time and see what happens.
The smile she knew so well blossomed across her son’s face.
“I’m relieved to hear that,” Tommy uttered. “From now on, I’m taking over any and all chores here at the inn—that is, if you want me to. I know how you like to manage the goings on. Your task will be to direct me and welcome the guests.” He glanced around. “You just let me know.”
“I sure will.” Her old bones had one more chore to get done—and that was to mend Tommy’s mistake from all those years ago. He and Beth belonged together. Violet made a pledge to make happiness happen.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Excited for the evening to come, Adaline, dressed in a borrowed soft burgundy wool dress Brenna had altered, admired the community center, thinking she’d never seen such a festive room. Long garlands of pine draped the doorways, windows, fireplace, stairway, and the railway above. The sections were tied together with red ribbon and adorned with bows. Earthy pine scent permeated the air, as well as the sweet bouquet of warm apples and the tang of ginger and cinnamon. Paper snowflakes dangled from the beams that were within reach of the tallest ladder. Whenever anyone walked by, they gently swayed back and forth. Candles and lanterns winked, making the room appear as a fairy land. The fireplace crackled and popped with coziness.
Several long tables in the back of the room were heaped with platters of delectable dishes, all decorated with sprigs of holly and red berries. Sliced turkey, roast beef, ham, sweet potato pies sprinkled with nutmeg, bean casseroles, and baskets of rolls and biscuits sat in a row. Small bowls and crocks of jellies and jams gave the table color. Platters of sugar and molasses cookies were piled high. And gingerbread too, in every shape and size. Spice and apple cakes were drizzled generously with white sugar icing. Fruitcakes, never one of Adaline’s favorites, were colorful with raisins, nuts, and berries. Pies, of course, crowded the table: pumpkin, dried apple, and mincemeat. Berry too… Not to leave out the fudge—mounds and mounds of the confection just waiting to be consumed.
Adaline’s heart warmed remembering the Christmas brandy cake Violet had insisted on making herself to send with her and Marlene this morning. The concoction contained four extra tablespoons of brandy and an eye-popping amount of additional cinnamon, which, she claimed, made her recipe special and more delicious than any other. She’d had each one of them, including her son, stir the batter once and make a wish. Adaline hadn’t had to think long on hers.
At the punch table, hot mulled wine and cinnamon-speckled eggnog filled the jugs.
The table on the band stage was slowly collecting wrapped presents to give to the needy children of Logan Meadows. The night promised to be magical.
Earlier today, Adaline had walked into town with Marlene, carrying their dresses and other party essentials, being cautious not to slip on the snow-packed road. The seven-day-old snowfall had melted and refrozen several times, making the going slow and dangerous. But the trip had been worth every judiciously placed step. From there, she’d spent the day with a good number of the townsfolk, making sure the community center was decorated to the hilt and a sight to behold. Finished with those tasks, she and Marlene had accepted Tabitha’s kind invitation to refresh themselves and dress at Storybook Lodge just down the street.
Thirty minutes ago, Win and his buckboard had stopped by to see if they’d like a lift. He’d gone around town picking up people who fancied a ride to the shindig. The convenience was greatly appreciated and made bringing the goodies of food and gifts to give away so much easier.
Gabe and Julia strolled across the room hand in hand, admiring the decorations. Julia was as beautiful as ever in a green velvet dress, he in his Sunday best, if Adaline had to guess. They’d both helped with the earlier preparations, and like her, had gone home as turkeys and changed, only to return as swans. With Gabe’s chestnut hair and Julia’s strawberry-blond tresses, the picture they created was quite striking. Content to keep to themselves on this very special evening, they wandered to the fireplace. He whispered something into her ear making her giggle.
“Aren’t they cute?”
Adaline whirled, surprised someone had come up behind her without making a noise. Tabitha’s satisfied grin made her laugh.
“They’re two of the nicest people in Logan Meadows,” Tabitha went on. “I wonder when we can expect wedding bells. Surely, not much longer.”
The main door opened again, and more excited people entered. Their eyes widened for a moment when they stopped to admire the beauty of the room and then proceeded to place their foods and gifts in the appropriate place. From there, they removed their outer garments, gloves, and hats, taking them to the small coatroom.
Adaline smiled and nodded. “I don’t know Gabe and Julia well enough to speak about a wedding, but they look like a perfect couple to me. I think Gabe is incredibly nice, and Julia, too.” The thought of a wedding between the young couple brought a pang of sadness to Adaline’s heart. Would she ever get over Dalton and find a new love? Even if she could, she didn’t want to. Her heart wanted Dalton and no other. So she was bound to be a spinster.
Why had Dalton almost kissed her? Since then, she’d fallen asleep each night and awoken with the same question on her mind. She didn’t understand him in the least.
“They’ve been moving toward marriage since the day she survived the train wreck. Only have eyes for each other. A love like that is what stories are made of.”
“What kind of love?” Hunter asked, appearing behind his wife. “Are you
talking about us?”
Hunter Wade was dashing in his dark gray coat and string tie. His rugged handsomeness complemented Tabitha’s soft beauty.
Tabitha winked at Adaline and then smiled up into her husband’s eyes. “I was speaking about Gabe and Julia. But true, the statement also fits our love, Hunter. Once in a lifetime and never ending.”
Oh my. If gazes could speak, Adaline thought this newly wedded couple just might go up in flames. His face actually turned red.
“Have you seen Chase or Dalton yet?” Hunter looked around.
“No.” Adaline had been watching for Dalton as well. Would he ask her to dance, or would he keep a distance? When she thought of him, and imagined his eyes gazing into hers, her stomach exploded into a throng of butterflies racing the wind.
Tabitha shook her head. “Neither one.”
More people poured in, filling the lodge with talk and laughter.
Where was Courtney? She’d hoped to have a private moment to talk before the snowstorm, and then after that, everything came to a standstill. Mrs. Hollyhock wouldn’t be attending tonight or Tommy. Would Beth appear? This morning, she’d said she wanted to stay home with Violet in case she needed something. How times had changed.
Thom, Hannah, and Markus arrived with Albert, Susanna, and Nate. The little boys’ faces were alight with excitement. They raced to the gift table and made room for their wrapped boxes.
Susanna looked beautiful, and Adaline tried not to be envious. No wonder Dalton was in love with her. The young woman was as lovely inside as she was on the outside. Christmas Eve was not a time for jealousy but a night for love, peace, and goodwill.
Still no Dalton.
“Hannah looks so much better. I’m so relieved. She was quite sick. I love her dress. My cousin has such a flair for fashion.”
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