by Sophie Kaye
A hand covered Hailey's. She looked up at Amanda's face. Sad, but not pitying.
“We should get on with this.” Hailey held up the costume.
Amanda nodded and straightened out the fabric on the table. She stopped. Hailey looked up.
“Do you need a hug?” Amanda asked.
Hailey shook her head. “Not right now. Maybe later.” She tried laughing but it sounded hollow even in her ears. “I might turn into a blubbering mess.”
Amanda smiled weakly. “If you ever need to talk, I can listen.”
Hailey nodded. “So this piece is supposed to be the other way?” She held up the now separated pieces of fabric.
“Yes, this side and this one should be against each other.” Amanda showed her and Hailey made a second attempt at sewing them together.
“How are things over here?” Jessica bounced up to them. “Do you need more help? Because Susan-”
“We're fine.” Amanda smiled. “I think we'll be able to finish this up tomorrow so the kids can come and try the costumes on and I can make adjustments before the pageant.”
“We are cutting it so close with all of this,” Jessica said and chewed on her lip. “And I have to go rehearse with the kids. Susan let us borrow her living room.” She winked. “I bet she's going to regret that.” She looked around. “Oh, Sam is here.”
Hailey's stomach jumped and she turned to see him standing by the door with his toolbox, talking to Susan.
“How are things going with you at the bakery?” Jessica leaned her elbows on the table where the sewing machine stood. Her eyes were fixed on Hailey.
“Fine, he says he can do the painting and the final touch ups after Christmas. I should at least have the bakery open before New Years.” Hailey shooed Jessica off the fabric.”
“That's not what I meant. Oh, hi Sam.”
“Hi, Jessica.” He nodded at Hailey and Amanda. “I thought I'd get started on the ceiling.”
“Yup. The plumber said you are good to go.”
Hailey's cheeks flushed as she focused on the dress she was making as he walked away.
“I kind of hate to use the word dreamy about someone who isn't my husband,” Amanda said. “But that man...”
Hailey peeked at Sam as he stooped down to talk to a young girl who was painting the backdrop where the star of Bethlehem would be.
“I don't know,” Jessica said. “He's a bit rugged for my liking.”
“Really?” Amanda raised an eyebrow.
Jessica shrugged. “He's just not my type.”
Two pairs of eyes focused on Hailey. “He's nice.” They didn't move. “Very handsome, and kind. Also patient. He didn't complain once when I dragged him through the stores in Langford.”
“So, is he your type?” Jessica asked.
Hailey looked down and smiled. “We had dinner last night. At the diner. It was nice.”
“Has he met Sage?” Amanda asked.
“No. I don't know if he even knows I have a daughter.” Hailey wrinkled her forehead.
Sam got up and walked up onto the stage.
Jessica cleared her throat. “If you two could stop daydreaming and get on with the work, that would be great.” She smiled and winked.
“Yes, boss.” Hailey said and tore her eyes from Sam.
∞∞∞
A few hours later Hailey startled as a hand landed on her shoulder.
“Sorry,” Sam said.
“Oh, it's you.” Hailey looked around. “Where is everyone?”
“Looks like we're the last one's here.”
Hailey swallowed.
“I was about to go myself, but I didn't want to leave you alone.” Sam said.
Hailey stretched her neck and back.
“What time is it? I got so caught up with the sewing.”
“It's almost ten. It's been just you and me her for at least half an hour. So I think it's OK to call it a day.”
Hailey put the costume she'd been working on on the table.
“I'll just get my stuff.” She hurried to find her coat. She'd missed another bedtime with Sage. Myra had sent pictures and said everything was fine. But it still broke her heart. Hopefully they'd find a routine that worked for them soon. When the bakery was up and running, she'd be able to be home every evening to tuck her in.
Sam waited by the door so she hurried towards him while wrapping her scarf around her neck. The fans were still humming away at the stage, now with the added job of helping to dry the paint of the new backdrops.
Sam turned off the lights as they left and closed the doors. Hailey waited for him before she started to slowly make her way home. She adjusted her mittens and noticed Sam wasn't wearing any. His hands were tucked into his pockets.
“I was watching you today;” Sam said.
“Oh?” Hailey glanced up at him. He was staring straight ahead.
“You get this intent look on your face when you're focusing. It's very cute.”
“Oh.” Hailey nuzzled down into her scarf and smiled. He'd been watching her. It made her feel giddy, like a schoolgirl experiencing her first crush.
He stopped. “Hailey?”
She turned back and looked up at him. “Yes?”
They were standing right beside one of the decorated lamp posts with its big red bow. The smell of cold air with a hint of pine filled Hailey with anticipation.
His hand was on the side of her face, stroking her temple and sending shivers all the way to her toes.
“Can I kiss you?”
Hailey inhaled. He stood waiting. His eyes flitting between her mouth and her eyes. Her breathing became faster. She licked her lips slightly. His lips were full and inviting, his thumb gentle as it slowly moved over her cheek.
A white snowflake fell between them and landed on his arm.
She heard herself answer in a breathless voice. “Yes.”
A smile played on his lips as his face came closer. With his other hand against her back he held her close as their lips met.
The kiss was soft and tender. Hailey found herself melting away under the Christmas decorations. She heard a low moan and was surprised that it had come from her.
Sam pulled back slowly. A smile spreading on his lips.
“Wow,” he said.
Hailey blinked. It was snowing. Large, soft snowflakes drifted quietly around them.
“I...” Sam smiled. “We better get you home before you get cold.”
The way he grabbed her hand made it seem like it was the most natural thing in the world. Hailey smiled into her scarf again as they started walking.
“I can't come to the bakery on Monday.” Sam walked slowly next to her.
“I know. I don't think I'll be able to go either. Amanda needs help with the costumes so we can get them fitted at the dress rehearsal.”
“Would you like to have lunch tomorrow?” Sam leaned in closer. “Jessica said we could have Sunday off .”
Hailey took a deep breath and braced herself. “I can't. I have plans.”
“Oh. I see.”
Hailey glanced at him. “With my daughter.”
“Oh.” His step faltered for a brief second as he stiffened.
She couldn't tell if he was relieved or surprised.
“We're going to the Science Museum in Hertford. They have a kids exhibit this month. And then Christmas shopping.”
“That sounds fun. How old is she?
“Sage will be two years old in April.”
“Are you going to be at the pageant?”
Hailey took a cold breath. “Yes.” She hesitated. “She's one of the sheep.”
They walked on in silence, amplified by the falling snow.
Hailey knew what he'd ask next. It was the question she always dreaded. Because she had to give the answer nobody knew how to handle.
He was quiet for a long time while they watched the snow cover the path in front of them.
“Is she excited to be on stage?”
Hailey looked up. He w
as avoiding looking at her.
“Y-yes. She's been practising her baahs all week.” She wrinkled her forehead. Maybe he already knew about her husband?
They walked on in silence until they reached Myra's house.
“Sam?”
“I should go. I forgot to check the dehumidifier.” He smiled at her. “I'll see you Monday?”
She nodded. “See you Monday.”
With a quick kiss on her cheek he turned and disappeared into the snowfall.
Hailey raised a hand to her cheek. Her heart fluttered at the thought of his soft lips. With a final glance at the street where he had disappeared she turned and walked inside.
“You stayed late,” Myra said softly from the sofa in the living room. She lowered her book. “Is everything OK?”
Hailey turned to take off her jacket. “There's a lot that needs doing, but I think we'll get it all done.”
Myra put the book on the end table and got up.
“Good. Sage can't stop talking about being a sheep. She's been crawling around all day. Even wanted to eat off the floor, like a real sheep.”
Hailey smiled and peered into the bedroom where Sage was clutching her bunny, fast asleep.
“I'm sorry I missed that.” She followed Myra into the kitchen.
“I filmed it with my phone. Here.” Myra took a plate from the oven and unravelled the tinfoil. “I kept it warm for you.”
Hailey looked at the pasta dish.
“I'm starving.”
“Are you getting along with Sam?” Myra filled the kettle and took out mugs and tea.
“Mhm, we're getting along fine.” Hailey smiled to herself. In fact, she might be falling in love with the man.
Chapter six
Sam
Sam paced between the living room and open kitchen in Michael's apartment. The TV announcer spoke in a low volume about the upcoming game. From the kitchen, scents of another of Michaels culinary triumphs wafted into the room, making Sam's stomach growl.
“She has a daughter. Michael. This is all your fault.” He raised a finger at his brother behind the kitchen island.
“Relax.” Michael took the homemade pizza out of the oven. “So she has a kid, what's wrong with that?”
Sam stopped with both hands resting on the countertop. “I'd have to be a father to someone else's child, Michael.”
Michael rolled his eyes. “Here we go again. This was supposed to be just dating. You're not at the marriage step yet.”
Sam slumped down on the barstool. “I like her. I think I could even love her.”
Michael opened a drawer and found the pizza cutter. “You're really serious, aren't you?”
Sam shrugged. “I know I jump in too fast, but Hailey's special. There's just something about her. She walks around with these clipboards.” Sam walked over to a cupboard and stopped with a hand on the handle. “She likes being organized.” He cleared his throat and took out two plates.
Michael cocked his head. “And does she feel the same?”
“I think so.” Sam opened a cupboard and took out two plates. “We had a really good time together. But there's a child involved.” Sam watched Michael turn the pizza into perfect triangles. The pepperoni slices were placed so he didn't have to cut any them, giving each triangle the same amount. “I swear you're the only person I know that plans where to place their pizza filling.”
Michael finished cutting the pizza. “You don't have to eat it, you know.” He placed a couple of slices on each plate.
“I'll eat it.” Sam grabbed a plate. “It's just odd.”
Michael took a couple of beers out of the fridge. “So what about the father?”
Sam sank into the sofa. “I didn't ask.”
“Why not?”
Sam shrugged. “I don't know what answer I want.”
“Hold on.” Michael picked up his phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Finding out for you.”
“Don't-” Sam tried to grab the phone.
Michael brought the phone to his ear. “Too late.” He dodged another attack from Sam. “Mom, hi.”
“I'll kill you for this.” Sam growled and took a bite of pizza.
Michael stood up. “Yeah, that sounds fine. But I called to ask something. You know Myra's niece?”
Sam tried to read Michael's face. The announcer on TV wrapped up and images of a crowd filled the screen.
“So the kid?”
Michael could hear his mother's voice on the other end spilling all the details but couldn't make out what she said.
“Nah. Not for me. Just a friend that was wondering.”
Sam thought he could hear his mother's thoughts racing, trying to figure out who the friend was.
“OK, but I have to go now, the game is starting. Love you, too.”
He hung up the phone and sat down on the sofa.
“Well?” Sam tried to calm his stomach with more pizza.
“She's a widow.”
Sam stopped chewing and put the pizza down.
“They married shortly after they met. And were only married for about half a year before he died in a car crash. A truck driver skidded into the wrong lane.”
“So he didn't even get to see Sage?”
Michael shook his head. “No. She was born a few months later.”
“That's harsh.” Sam leaned back. Staring at the tv without seeing it.
“Yeah.” Michael took a sip of the beer. “Look, maybe you should just let this one go.”
“What do you mean?” Sam peered at his brother.
“She's not the one to practise dating on. A widow with a kid.” Michael shook his head. “Take it for what is was. A fling. A distraction. I'm telling you. It's not fair to her to string her along. And you know your relationships never work out.”
“I don't know.” Sam studied his pizza. “I really like her.”
“You really like all of them.”
Was his brother right? Was it cruel of him to string her along? Could he let her go? He watched the game without registering a thing that happened. His mind was revolting at the thought of a future without Hailey.
Hailey
Early Monday morning, Hailey showed up at the town hall. Her eyes flitted around the room. Only a few people were there. Amanda waved at her and she gave a weak smile and waved back, still searching the room.
Her breath caught when Sam walked out onto the stage. He was holding something in his hands, studying it intently. Without warning he looked up and their eyes met. Hailey inhaled. He smiled and she couldn't help but smile back.
Someone came up to him and said something but he ignored them, jumping down off the stage without breaking their eye contact.
Hailey took a careful step closer. He was walking straight towards her.
“Good morning.” He stopped in front of her.
His smile melted her insides. “Good morning.” She lowered her eyes.
His hand twitched, like he wanted to reach out for her.
“Soo...” Jessica was standing next to them. “Are you two going to just stand here, or might you consider helping out today?” A playful smile crossed her lips.
Hailey shot her a glare. Sam laughed.
“I'll get back to work.” He leaned in and placed one hand on Hailey's waist. Before she had time to react he kissed her on the cheek and winked at her.
She smiled as he turned and went back to the stage.
“Oh, my,” Jessica said. “It seems you two are getting along.”
Hailey blushed. “He walked me home Saturday night.”
Jessica grabbed her arm and pulled her towards Amanda. “Tell us all about it.”
“Did I just see Mr. Dreamy kiss you?” Amanda asked and patted the chair next to her.
Hailey took off her coat and sat down. “Yes.”
“He walked her home Saturday night.” Jessica sat on the table next to them.
Amanda raised her eyebrows.
“We kissed,
” Hailey said.
“I knew it,” Amanda said and laughed. “Didn't I tell you?” She turned to Jessica.
“Our evil plan worked,” Jessica said and winked at Amanda.
“What evil plan?” Hailey looked at their smug faces.
“We kind of...” Jessica looked at Amanda.
“Made sure you two were the last ones to leave.”
Hailey laughed. “Well, it's not taking-over-the-world level of planning.”
Jessica shrugged. “Maybe that should be our next plan. We seem to have a knack for this.”
“So, are you going out again?” Amanda leaned forward.
“I don't know. We're so busy with this and I have the bakery.”
“Don't leave it too long, if Sam doesn't ask you, maybe you should ask him.” Jessica said.
“Don't worry ladies, I'm asking.” They startled at Sam's voice behind them.
“Oh, we were just...” Amanda said. “Yeah, no. No explaining that one away. I guess you should just do it.”
Hailey turned to Sam and tried to take on a serious expression.
Sam's eyes went from Jessica to Amanda, neither of which gave any indication of moving.
“Right,” he said. “I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight?”
Hailey smiled. “I'd love... Oh, I can't. I promised Myra and Sage I'd be home early today and have dinner with them, and then Myra has bridge.” She bit her lip.
“How about a cup of coffee when we're done here?” Sam smiled at her.
Hailey nodded. “That sounds perfect.”
“Ladies.” Sam bowed at them and returned to his work.
“Very smooth,” Amanda said.
“A plus,” Jessica agreed.
Hailey smiled.
∞∞∞
Towards the afternoon more people started dropping by for the dress rehearsal. Hailey hurried to finish up the last of the costumes as the older kids turned up with Jessica.
“Mommy.”
Hailey's heart jumped as she turned around. “Sage.”
“Seep. Mommy.” Sage held out her hands so Hailey would lift her up.
“I know. You're a sheep. I have your costume right here.”
“Baah.”
“I can't wait for this to be over.” Myra came up to them. “The baahing is driving me crazy.”
“She'll tire of it soon enough.” Hailey rifled through the costumes with one hand looking for Sage's sheep outfit.