Dear Santa

Christmas2021
DearFriends,
Oneofthemostfrequentquestionsanauthorisaskedis“Wheredoyougetyourideas?”BecausemyGod-givengiftisstorytelling,I’veneverbeenshortonthose.StoryiseverywhereIlook.Lifethrobswithit.Inspirationcomesfromavarietyofplaces:anewspaperarticle,anoverheardconversation,amovie,or,inthecaseofDearSanta,achanceencounterwithaneleven-year-oldgirl.
Myhusband’scousinbroughthergranddaughter,whowantedtobeanauthor,tomeetme.WhenIaskedherwhenshehaddecidedshewantedtowritebooks,shepaused,gaveheranswerthoughtfulconsideration,andsaid,“IknewwhenIstartedwritingSantaletters.”Rightaway,theideaforabooktitledDearSantaleapedintomymind.
MyChristmaswishisthatyouenjoyreadingaboutLindyandBilly.IsetthestoryinWenatchee,Washington,whichissaidtobetheAppleCapitaloftheWorld,somethingmyhometownofYakimahighlydisputes,claimingourfaircityistheAppleCapitaloftheWorld.Eachcityhasanabundanceoforchardsandagrowingnumberofvineyardsthatproduceaward-winningwines.
Asalways,hearingfrommyreadersisoneofthedelightsofwritingbooks.Youcanreachmethroughallthemediaplatforms.Orifyouchoosetowrite:myaddressisP.O.Box1458,PortOrchard,WA98366.
MerryChristmas,
DearSantaisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
Copyright?2021byDebbieMacomber
ExcerptfromJingleAlltheWaybyDebbieMacombercopyright?2020byDebbieMacomber
Allrightsreserved.
PublishedintheUnitedStatesbyBallantineBooks,animprintofRandomHouse,adivisionofPenguinRandomHouseLLC,NewYork.
BallantineandtheHousecolophonareregisteredtrademarksofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.
HardbackISBN?9781984818812
EbookISBN?9781984818829
randomhousebooks.com
Title-pageandchapter-openerartadaptedfromBalora?iStockphoto.com
BookdesignbySaraBereta,adaptedforebook
Coverdesign:BelinaHuey
Coverillustration:TomHallman
ep_prh_5.8.0_c0_r0Contents
Cover
Author’sNote
TitlePage
Copyright
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
Epilogue
Dedication
BallantineBooksfromDebbieMacomber
AbouttheAuthor
ExcerptfromJingleAlltheWayCHAPTERONE
“Home.”ThemomentLindyCarmichaelturneddownAppleOrchardLaneinWenatchee,Washington,shereleasedadeepsigh.Animmediatesenseoffamiliarwarmthandwelcomefilledher.ShehadtwofullweeksofftocelebrateChristmasandNewYear’swithherfamily.Ifeversheneededabreak,itwasthisyear.Andwhatatrulyterrible,awfulyearithadbeen.
Threeyearsago,afterworkingforseveralsmallcompanies,Lindyhadbeenhiredforherdreamjobwithamarketingandwebsitedesigncompany.Herdegreeincomputerscience,withaspecialtyingraphicsandvisualization,plusherworkhistory,wastailor-madeforMediaBlast.Confidentthathercreativetalentwouldbeacompanyasset,she’dbeensureshe’dfitrightin.Whileshelovedherjobandtheopportunityitaffordedher,shecouldn’thelpfeelingunderappreciated.JustbeforeLindyleftforvacation,she’dsubmittedacampaignfortheFergusonGroup,oneoftheirlargestaccounts.Thisopportunitytoproveherworthwasexactlywhatshe’dbeenwaitingfor.Ifherproposalwaschosen,thenshewouldgettherecognitionshedeserved.Lindyhadneverbeenaquitter.Herdadhadoncetoldherthatifshedidmorethanshewaspaidtodo,herhardworkwouldeventuallybenoticed.Withtime,she’dberewardedforwhatshedid.Lindyheldontothatphilosophyandhadgiventhisjobherall.
Pushingthoughtsofworkproblemsfromhermind,shepulledintothedrivewayofthehomewhereshe’dspentthemajorityofherlife.Twinklinglightsliningtheedgeoftherooflinegreetedher,alongwithtwinreindeerwhostoodguardoverthesnow-coveredlawn.Alargeevergreenwreathwithsilverandbluebulbshungonthefrontdoor.HomeforChristmas.Thiswasexactlywhatsheneededtoescapethedoldrumsthathadplaguedheroverthelastsixmonths.
Lindyhadn’tcompletelyexitedhercarbeforethefrontdoorflewopenandhermotherandBeau,thefamilydog,hurriedtowardheronthefreshlyshoveleddriveway.Hermother’sarmsreachedforLindy,whileBeaubracedhisfrontlegsagainstherthighs,tailwagging,cravingherattention.Withbarelyenoughtimetoinhaletheshockinglycoldair,Lindywaspulledinsidethewarmhousebyhermother,whothenenvelopedherinafull-bodyhug.Beaubarkedhiswelcome,runningcirclesaroundher,yippinghisexcitement.
“Ididn’tthinkyou’devergethere,”EllenCarmichaelsaid,helpingLindyoffwithhercoat.“Howwasthepass?Icheckedtheweatherconditions,anditwassnowingoverSnoqualmie.Didyouhaveanytrouble?Iworrythatyoudon’thavesnowtires…Irealizeyoudon’tneedthemlivinginSeattle,butit’samustthissideofthemountains.”
“Mom,mygoodness,givemeaminutetocatchmybreath,”Lindysaid,giggling.Home.Tobesurroundedbylovewaswhatsheneededmost.Thekitchenwaswarm,andhermotherhadabatchoffreshlybakedcookieslinedupinrowsonthecountertop.BakingwasanexpressionofloveinLindy’sfamily.HermotherstartedearlyfortheannualChristmasEvegatheringwithlongtimefriends.Eachfamilywouldleavewithanoverflowingplateofhomemadecookies.
“Didyoueatbreakfast?”hermotheraskedher,asshereachedforthecoffeepot.
“No.Iwantedtogetontheroadassoonasitwasdaylight.”TrafficoverSnoqualmiePasscouldbeaprobleminwinter,anditwasoftenclosedduetoavalancheconcerns.LindyfelttheearliershegotoutofSeattleandtotheothersideofthemountain,thebetter.
“ThensitdownandI’llfryyouup—”
Lindycuthermotheroff,eyeingthecookiesonthecountertop.“Coffeeandacoupleofthosethumbprintswillcarrymeuntillunchtime.”
Hermotheropenedthecupboardforamug,whileLindyhelpedherselftoherfavoriteChristmascookies.
Sittingacrossfromher,Lindysmiledathermother.Thiswaswhatshe’dheldinhermindforthelastseveralmonthswhilesheweatheredthestormslifehadtossedather.HomeandChristmas.Thiswastheperfectcombinationtohelpheroutofthisdeepemotionalslump.
HerpositionwithMediaBlastwasonlythetipoftheproverbialiceberg.Notwantinghermothertofret,Lindyhadkeptthemajorityofhervarioustroublessincesummertoherself.Norwasshelookingtosharethemtheminuteshearrivedhome.Maybeinafewdays,aftershe’dsoakedintheserenityofbeingathome,shewouldfeelinclinedtoexplain.
Aftersamplingthefirstcookie,Lindyclosedhereyes.“IswearIcouldeatadozenofthese.”
“Butyouwon’t.Ihavelunchplanned.”
OnlythendidLindynoticethesimmeringpotonthestove.“Didyoumakepastaefagioli?”Thesoup,madewithcannelliniandkidneybeansandsmallpastasimmeringinarichtomatobroth,wasafamilytradition.
“Withsourdoughbuns,”hermotheradded.Thestarterhadbeenhandeddownfromherfather’sgrandfather,who’doncelivedinAlaska.HeclaimeditcamefromanoldKlondikeminerandhadbeenkeptalivesincethe1890s.Lindyknewherparentshadshareditwithvariousfamilyandfriends.Foraslongasshecouldremember,Lindy’sfatherhadmadesourdoughpancakeseverySundaymorningforbreakfast.Onspecialoccasions,hermotherbakedthebuns,usingarecipethathadbeenpasseddownfromhergrandmother.
“Mom,”Lindysaidandgroaned,“you’regoingtospoilme.”
“That’sexactlywhatIintendtodo.It’sbeenfartoolongsinceyou’vebeenhome.”
“IwasherefortheFourthofJuly,”sheremindedher.She’dcomehomeshortlyaftergettingherownapartment,andjustbeforeshe’dlearnedtheterribletruthabout…Shestoppedherthoughts,refusingtoletthemdrifttowardevenmoreunpleasantness.
“Yes,andthatwasmonthsago.Itisn’tlikewe’reathousandmilesapart.Seattleisbarelythreehoursawayintraffic.”
“Iknow,Iknow,butImoved,remember,andthentherewasthisprojectforworkthatdemandednearlyeveryweekend.Butitwasworthit,becauseIearnedtwoweeksofftospendtheholidayswithyou,Dad,Chad,Ashley,andPeter.”Heryoungerbrotherhadmarriedhishighschoolsweetheartandworkedattheapplewarehouseinsupply-chainmanagement.Withinayear,AshleyandChadhadpresentedherparentswithanamazinggrandson.Lindywascrazyaboutfour-year-oldPeter.TheyconnectedeveryweekthroughFaceTime,andshemailedhimgiftssooften,Chadhadtoaskhertoresist.AshleywascurrentlypregnantwithalittlegirltheyhaddecidedtonameGrace.ShewasduetoarrivethefirstweekofMarch.
WhenLindyfinishedhercoffeeandcookies,sheunloadedhercarandbroughthersuitcaseintoherbedroom.Standinginthedoorwaytothefamiliarroom,shefounditexactlyasit’dbeenwhenshe’dleftforcollege.Shesatontheedgeofherbedandlookedaround,rememberinghowcarefreelifehadbeenwhenshewasateenager.
AposteroftheJonasBrotherswastackedtoonewall.Herpom-pomsfromdanceteamweretuckedagainstthecornerofthebulletinboard,andthecorsageshe’dworntoherseniorpromwaspinnedtotheboard.
Home.
Peacewashedoverher,asshewrappedallthatwasfamiliararoundherlikeaheatedblanket.
“Lunchwillbereadysoon,”hermothercalledfromthekitchen,soonafterLindyhadunpacked.Shetuckedthefewwrappedgiftsshe’dbroughtwithherundertheChristmastreethatadornedthelivingroom,infrontofthepicturewindowthatlookedoutoverAppleOrchardLane.
“I’llberightthere.”Afteradmiringthetree,Lindyjoinedhermother,whohadalreadydisheduptwosteamingbowlsofsoup.Thebreadbasketsatinthemiddleofthetable,alongwithabutterdish.
Afterasimplegrace,Lindyliftedherspoon.“Idreamedaboutthissoup.ItnevertastesthesamewhenImakeit,andIfollowtherecipetotheletter.Somehowitalwaystastesbetterwhenyoucookit.”
“That’sbecauseit’smadewithlove.”
Lindywantedtodiscountthisextraingredientthathermotherinsistedmadethedifference.Howcouldshe,though,whentheredidn’tseemtobeanyotherexplanation?
HermotherwaiteduntilLindyhadfinishedherlunchbeforeshepaused,hereyesserious.LookingdirectlyatLindy,shesaid,“I’mwaiting.”
“Waitingforwhat?”Lindyasked.
“Waitingforyoutotellmewhat’sgoingonwithyou,andpleasedon’ttrytobrushthisoff.You’dbesttellmebefore—”
“Mom…there’snothing.”
Withnarrowedeyes,hermotherwavedherindexfingerlikeaclock’spendulum.“LindyRose,I’myourmother.Nooneknowsyoubetterthanme.I’vesuspectedforquitesometimeyou’reunhappy.Nowspill.”
Lindywasafraidthatonceshestarted,shemightnotbeabletostop.
“It’smorethanwork,isn’tit?”
Hermotherdidknowher.“Yes,”Lindyconfirmed.“There’smoretothestoryofmysplitwithBrian.”Lindyhadtoldherparentsthey’dbrokenup,butshehadn’tgoneintothedetails.Shecouldn’t.Itwastoopainfulthen,andonlyalittlelesssonow.
“Youwererathervagueaboutthereasons.”
Withcause.Amajorityofwhathappenedwerethingsshe’dprefertokeeptoherself.
“Didithavetodowithyougettingthatapartment?”
Apparently,herparentsweregoodatreadingbetweenthelines.Lindynodded.Itwasthatandsomuchmore.
“IrememberinJulythatyoumentionedyourrelationshipwithBrianhadchanged.Itwasnotlongafterwardthatyoudecidedtogoyourseparateways.”
ShortlyaftershereturnedtoSeattleLindyhadlearnedthetruthaboutBrianandCeleste,andithaddevastatedher.
“Youcaredforhim.Right?”
“Yeah.”Lindyhad.Deeply.Earlyintheirrelationship,shecouldseethemmarryingandbuildingalifetogether,onceshe’dachievedhercareergoals.Sheenjoyedhiscompany,butastimeprogressed,shecouldseeBrianwasn’treadyformarriage,and,forthatmatter,neitherwasshe.Marriagewasahugecommitment.
“Areyousorrythetwoofyoubrokeup?”
“Definitelynot,”shesaidemphatically.
Hermother’seyebrowsroseclosetoherhairline.“Yourreactiontellsmethere’sawholelotmoregoingonthatyouhaven’tmentioned.”
Lindy’sshouldersslumpedslightly.Shehadn’tintendedtogetintothisquitesosoon.Now,withhermotherprobingforanswers,Lindyfeltlikeshedidn’thaveachoice.Shemightaswellgetitoverwith.LearningwhatCeleste,heronetimebestfriend,andBrianhaddonewasn’tsomethingsherelishedtellinghermother.
HermotherpausedasshewaitedforLindytocontinue.Lindyknewhermotherintendedtogivehertimeuntilshewascomfortableenoughtoexplain.
“WhentheleaseonCeleste’sandmyapartmentwasclosetobeingup,”Lindysaid,afterseveralpain-filledmoments,“weknewitwastimeforuseachtogetourownplace.”
Lindy’sheartactuallyhurtassherelayedtheeventsofthesummer.
“CelestewasworkinginEdmonds.ThatmeantshehadnearlyanhourcommutethroughtheheavySeattletraffic.Itmadesenseforhertolookforanapartmentclosertoherjob.ApartmentsinSeattleareatapremium,butIfoundoneprettyeasily.”Itwasinanoldercomplex,andafriendwhowasmovinghadtoldheraboutit.Lindyquicklysnappeditup.“Celestewasn’tsolucky.Ittookusweekstofindaplaceshecouldafford.Shesawoneshelikedthatwasoutofherpricerangeandwentforit.IfiguredshewasbetteratbudgetingthanIrealized.”
Hermothercontinuedtolisten,notaskingalotofquestions,whichLindyappreciated.
“Wemadeplanstomove,vowingtostayintouchnomatterwhat.”They’dbeenroommatesandbestfriendssincetheircollegedays,andhadmetduringtheirfreshmanyear.Itwouldbethefirsttimethey’dlivedapartsincetheywereeighteen.
Inretrospect,Lindyshouldhaveknownsomethingwaswrong.
“Celestesignedaleaseonanapartmentshecouldn’tafford?”
Lindynodded,avoidingeyecontact.
“Howdidshemanagethat?”
“Shegotaroommate,”Lindysaid.
“Foraone-bedroomunit?”
Lindyglancedup.“She’dmetaguy.”
“Ididn’tknowCelestewasinaseriousrelationship.”
“Ididn’t,either.”Thatwasthecruxofit.LindyhadbeenoblivioustowhatwashappeningbetweenherbestfriendandBrian.
Hermotherfrowned.“Whataren’tyoutellingme?”
“HerroommateisBrian.Thetwoofthemhadbeengoingapartmenthuntingbehindmybackforweeks.Iwasstupidlyblind,trustingthemboth.”
“No!”Hermothergasped.“BrianmovedinwithCeleste?”
Eventhoughshe’dlearnedthetruthmonthsago,asickfeelingchurnedinLindy’sstomach.
“Well,thatweasel.”
“That’snottheworstofit.Earlier,whenCelesteandIdecideditwastimeforustofindourownspaces,Brianhadsuggestedthetwoofusmoveintogether.Iturnedhimdown.Iwasn’treadyforthatkindofcommitment.Then,allofasudden,hecalledandcanceledseveraldateswe’dmade.Ithoughtitwashispassive-aggressivewayofgettingbackatmeforrefusingtosharetheapartment.”
“He’sajerk,Lindy.Arealjerk.”
Hermother’swordsweretamecomparedtohowLindythoughtofherex-boyfriend’sactions.“Shortlyafterwemovedoutoftheapartment,IstoppedofftoseeabouthelpingCelesteunpack.Ihadn’theardfromhersincethemoveandknewshewasworkinglonghoursandcouldprobablyusethehelp.I’dsentheracoupleoftextmessagesthatshehadn’trespondedto,andIwasconcerned.ImaginemysurprisewhenIarrivedandBrianansweredthedoor.”
“Oh,Lindy,I’msosorry.”
Lindyhadnointentionofdiscountingthebetrayalshe’dfeltinthatmoment.ItwasbadenoughthatBrianhadcheatedonherwithCeleste,butforherbestfriendtogobehindherbackthiswaywasevenworse.
Heartachefromabrokenromancewassomethingshe’dexperiencedbefore.JohnnyBemishadbrokenherheartwhenshewasinhighschool.Herfriendshadralliedaroundher,andshe’dgottenoverhimquickly.
Thiswasdifferent.Toloseherbestfriend,herconfidant,theonepersoninSeattlewhosupportedandbelievedinher,wasadoublehit.ShemissedCeleste’scompanyfarmorethanshedidBrian’s.Evennow,itwashardtobelieveCelestewouldbetrayanddeceiveherthisway.Somuchforthefriends’codeofhonor
“Itstinks,”Lindysaid.“Thethingis,Mom,I’macompleteromanticfailure.”Sayingitaloudmadeitseemallthemorereal.
“Don’tsaythat.”
“HowcanInot?MardelleandNateareengagedandhavealreadyadoptedadogtheynamedOscar.Sheaskedmetobeabridesmaidinherweddingthissummer.AndMardelleisn’ttheonlyoneofmycollegefriendswhoisinacommittedrelationship.”
“IknowwhatCelesteandBriandidhurts.”
“Nokidding.”Shehadn’tmeanttoblurtoutallthisdramatheinstantshewalkedinthefrontdoor.Lindyhadhopedtoputallthisbehindherandenjoytheholidayswithherfamily.ThelessshethoughtaboutBrianandCeleste,thebetterallaround.
“I’msorryyouhadtogothroughthis.”Hermother’sgentlesympathyhelpedeasetheacheinherheart.
“Thankyou,Mom.Whilemyheadknowsthat,myheartishavingahardtimeacceptingit.”
“Icanunderstandthat.”
Hermotherwasright.Still,Lindyfoundithardtobelieve.“It’smyownfault.ImadethemistakeofcheckingCeleste’spageonFacebooklastnight,andwhileIwasspendingmyweekendsalone,thetwoofthemwereskiingonWhitePassandattendingaSeahawksfootballgame.WhathurtsmostisthosearetheveryactivitiesBrianandIdidlastwinter.I’msuchaloser.”
“Youmostcertainlyaren’taloser,LindyRoseCarmichael.”
“Ilostmyboyfriendandmybestfriend.LosingBrianisn’tsobad,butCeleste?Ihavelotsoffriends,butCelesteandIweresoclose.Wesharedeverything.Ijustdidn’texpecttohavetosharemyboyfriend.”
“Thetwoofthemdeserveeachother,”hermothersaid.
Lindyexpectedhermothertochampionher.
“AsfarasI’mconcerned,Brianisn’thalfthemanwethoughthewas,”hermothercontinued.“It’spainfulforyounow…Iremember…”Shepaused.
“Yourememberwhat?”
Hermother’seyesdarkenedwithsadness.“IrememberhowIfeltwhenyourbirthfatherwalkedoutonme…Itseemedasiftheentireworldhadcollapsedaroundme.AssoonashelearnedIwaspregnantwithyou,hetookoffforthehills.Hecouldn’tgetawayfastenough.”
“Oh,Mom,”Lindywhispered.Lookingatitfromhermother’spointofview,Lindyhadgottenofflucky.
Scootingbackherchair,EllengesturedforLindytoremainwhereshewas.“There’ssomethingIwanttoshowyou.”
“Showme?”
“Somethingthatwillmakeyoufeelbetter.”
Whilethatsoundedpromising,Lindywasn’tsureanythinghermotherhadtoshowherwouldliftherspiritsfromthisfunk.
Hermotherdisappearedandreturnedafewminuteslater.Withabigsmile,shehandedLindyachild-sizeshoebox.
“What’sthat?”sheasked,genuinelypuzzled,notknowingwhattoexpect.
Hermother’sfaceglowedwithexcitement.“IwentthroughsomeofthoseboxesIpackedawayinthegarageyearsagoandfoundthis.I’vebeensavingittoshowyou.These,mypreciousdaughter,areyourletterstoSanta.”
“Whiletheymightamuseme,Mom,Idoubttheywilldoanythingtotakeawaythisacheinmyheart.”
“Ithinkyoumightbesurprised,”hermotherinsisted.“Now,openitupandreadthefirstletter.”
Lindycouldn’timagineanythingshe’dwrittenbackwhenshe’dbelievedinSantahadthepowertoinfluenceherlifenow.
“Trustme,”hermotherwhispered.“Readtheoneonthetop.Youwroteitwhenyouwerefive.”
“Thisissilly.”Still,shecouldn’thelpbeingcurious.
“Don’tbesosure,”hermothersaid,withatwinkleinhereye.CHAPTERTWO
LindyhadahardtimebelievingherchildhoodletterstoSantahadanysignificancetohercurrentmessylife.Nevertheless,shewascurious,andreachedfortheletteratthetopofthebox.
Openingtheenvelope,shepulledasinglesheetfrominsideandspreaditoutonthetable.Inherchildish,awkwardprint,she’dwritten:
DearSanta,
Pleasebringmeadaddy.
Lindy
Lindyglancedathermotherandsmiled.“Ididn’taskfortoys?Icanrememberwantingabikearoundthattime.”
“Thatcamelater.AllyouwantedthatChristmaswasadad.”
“Idon’trememberanyofthis.”
“Honey,youwereonlyfive.You’dstartedkindergarten,andforthefirsttimenoticedthattheotherchildrenhadfathersandyoudidn’t.”
Lindyshookherhead.ShehadlittlerecollectionofthatChristmas.Whatshedidrememberwasthatbike.Asshethoughtback,sherealizedhermotherwasrightinthatallshehadaskedforwasadad.
“IrememberwhenIreadyourletter.NowaywasIgoingtobeabletogiveyouafather.Myheartsank,”hermothersaid.“TheonlymanI’deverlovedhadleftme.Ihadn’theardfromhimsincethedayItoldhimIwaspregnant.Throughsomefriendsofmine,Ilearnedhe’dmarriedsomeoneelseshortlyafteryouwereborn.”
“Wewerefarbetteroffwithouthim.”Lindybelievedthatwithallherheart.Shewouldn’thavehadthefatherwholovedandraisedherifthisspermdonorhadstuckaround,althoughatthetimesheunderstoodhowhisrejectionmusthavebadlyhurthermother.Overtheyears,Lindyhadn’twonderedabouthimherself.Becauseshewaslovedbythedadwho’dadoptedher,she’dneverfelttheneedtoknowanythingaboutthemanresponsibleforherbirth.
“Wearemuchbetteroff,”hermotheragreed.“Ofallthethingsyoumighthaveaskedfor,afatherwastheonethingIcouldn’tgiveyou.Itbrokemyheart.”
“Oh,Mom,I’msosorry.”
“Youneedtounderstand.Thatyear,Christmaswasbleak.MyparentslefttospendtheholidayswithmybrotherinKansas,anditwasjustthetwoofus.Witheverythinginme,Iwantedtomakethisspecialforyou,becauseyouweregoingtomissGammaandPapa.”
LindyknewhowdearlyhermotherlovedChristmas,andhowharditmusthavebeenforhertobealone,insteadofwithherfamily.AndthenLindyhadtoaskfortheonethinghermothercouldn’tprovide.
—
Relaxingagainstthebackofthechair,Ellen’smemoriesreturnedtothatfatefulChristmas.Withherparentsgone,shewasaloneovertheholidaysforthefirsttimeinherlife.She’ddoneeverythingshecouldthinkoftomakeitasperfectasshecouldforherlittlegirl.Withasingleincome,makingendsmeetwasdifficult.
ChristmasEveshesatupuntilnearlymidnight,wrappingthefewgiftsshewasabletoputunderthetreeforLindy.Allthewhile,sheregrettedthatshewouldn’tbeabletogiveherbeautifuldaughtertheonethingshe’dsodesperatelywanted—adaddy.
Trustwasahugeissuewithher,afterwhathappenedwithRobbie.He’dsaidalltherightthings,lavishedherwithcompliments,seducedher,andthen,oncehegotwhathewanted,hechanged.Hiscallsbecameinfrequent,andwhenhedidshowuptherewasonlyonethingthatinterestedhim.Allthesignswerethere,onlyshe’dbeenblind.Soblind.Hispromiseswereempty,andwhenshelearnedshewaspregnant,thetruthhithersquarebetweentheeyes.
HowgratefulEllenwasforherparents,wholovedherandhelpedsupportherthroughthepregnancy.AfterLindywasborn,they’dhelpedhergetintoasmallapartment.Robbiehadabandonedherandclaimedhewantednothingtodowithhisdaughter.Withthatattitude,Ellenmadethepainfuldecisiontocuthimcompletelyoutoftheirlives.Robbiewasmorethanhappytosignawayallparentalrights,whichmeanthedidn’tneedtopaychildsupport.Consequently,Ellenstruggledfinancially.
Still,she’dbeendeterminedtomakethisagoodChristmasforherdaughter.Duetoherparents’generosity,therewereplentyofgiftsunderthetreeforLindytoopen.
Christmasmorning,LindyroaredoutofbedandracedbarefoottotheChristmastree,slidingtowarditlikeshewasrunningforfirstbase.“Canweopengiftsnow?”shepleaded.
EllenbrewedherselfacupofteaandsmiledasLindyopenedonesmallgiftafteranother.
“Mommy,look,GammaandPapagotmeabakingoven!”
“Wonderful.YoucanbakeacakeforourChristmasdinner.”
Lindysetthegiftasideandreachedforanotherpackage.Tearingawaythewrapping,shegroanedasigh.“It’sunderwear.”
“Yes,lookhowprettyitis.”
“Nooneissupposedtoseeit,though.”
Ellenconstrainedheramusement.“You’reright.Youshouldn’tshowanyoneyournewprettyunderwear.”
Afterthreeorfourpresents,LindysettledbackonherfeetandlookedexpectantlyatEllen.
“What’sthematter,honey,don’tyoulikeyourgifts?”
Lindywasquicktonod.“Ido.IwantedthatbakeovenforeverandIlovethenewgameandmypuzzle.ButSantadidn’tanswermyletter.”
“Iknow,honey,andI’msorry.Doyouwanttoplaywithyournewgame?”
Lindywasquicktoagree,andthetwoplayedseveralgamesbeforeEllencookedthembreakfast.Afterward,theywatchedEllen’sfavoriteChristmasmoviesandtheytalkedtoherparentsandbrotherinKansasCity.Joeaskedifhisgiftshadarrived,andwhenshesaidtheyhadn’t,heapologizedformailingthemoffsolate.
Whentheywereoffthephone,Lindymixedupthebatterforasmallcaketobakeinhernewoven.
Becauseitwasjustthetwoofthem,Ellenroastedachickenfortheirdinner.Thescentofitdriftedthroughtheirapartment.
“Chickenismyfavorite,”Lindysaid,asshepatientlywaitedforhercaketofinishcooking.Shesatinfrontofthetinyovenandstaredatit,watchingthesmalltimertickaway.
“Chickenwithmashedpotatoesandgravy.”
“Andpeas,”Lindyinsisted.
“Andpeas.”Lindylikedtosquishthemupwithherpotatoesandthenaddthegravy.
Itwaswhileshewaspeelingthepotatoesfortheirdinnerthatthedoorbellrang.
BeforeEllencouldputdowntheknife,Lindywasonherfeet.“Mommy,Mommy,maybeit’sSanta.”
BeforeEllencouldstopher,Lindyracedtothefrontdoorandthrewitopen.“DidSantasendyou?”sheasked,withwide-eyedexpectation.
“Ibelievehedid,”themansaid,asEllensteppedoutofthekitchen.
“Areyoumydaddy?”Lindyasked.Shewhirledaround,hereyesbrightwithjoy.“See,Mommy,Santagotmyletterafterall.”
Ellen’sfaceflushedredwithembarrassment,andsheavoidedlookingatthemaninthedoorway.
“Ellen?”
Sheglancedupandstared.“Phillip?Whatareyoudoinghere?”Shedidn’tmeantosoundunwelcoming.She’dknownPhillipinhighschoolandhadn’tseenhimsincethey’dgraduated.
“IworkforUPS.”
Sheshouldhaverealizedthat,ashewasdressedinhisbrownuniform.“YoudeliveronChristmas?”
Heshrugged.“Alltheotherdriversaremarriedwithfamilies.I’msingleandvolunteeredtodothedeliveries,thinkingsomelittlegirlmightbewaitingforagiftfromSanta.”Withthat,hehandedthepackagetoLindy.“Ibelievethisoneisaddressedtoyourmomandyou.”
Lindygrabbedholdoftheboxedgift.
Phillipsmiled.“IshouldconfessIrecognizedyournameandsavedyourpackageforlast.”
“Pleasecomeinwhereit’swarm,”shesaid,whensherealizedthiswashislaststop.EllenrememberedthatPhilliphadalwaysbeenshy.
“It’sjustthetwoofyou?”heasked,lookingaround.
Ellennodded.“MomandDadarewithmybrotherinKansasCity.”
Lindywassittingonthefloor,openingthepackage,whichwasfromLindy’sgodmother.InsidewasadollforLindyandanotherpackagewrappedforEllen.
“Isupposeyou’reinarushtogetbacktoyourfamily,”Ellensaid.
Phillipshookhishead.“MyparentsarewithmygrandparentsinYakima.”
Inotherwords,hewasaloneonChristmas,too.“Itisn’tmuch,butwouldyouliketojoinusfordinner?”Ellenasked.“Imean,ifyouwant.Nopressure.”
“I’dlikethatmorethanIcansay.”Hiseyesheldhersandtheywerefilledwithpromise.
Shakingherheadtoclearthememories,Ellen’sgazereturnedtoLindy,whowasstaringdownatthelettershe’dwrittenallthoseyearsago.
—
“DadarrivedthatChristmasDay,”Lindywhispered.
“Yes,itwasyourdaddy,theverydaddyyou’daskedSantatobringyou.”
“Idon’trememberwritingSanta,”Lindysaid,runningherfingerovertheclumsilydrawnletters.“ButIcertainlyrecallyouandDaddatingandhowpatientandkindhewastome.”
“Don’tyouremembermesayingyourdadwasthebestChristmaspresentIeverreceived?”
“Yes,butIhadnoideahisarrivalthatdayhadanythingtodowithmylettertoSanta…Imean,that’sastretch,isn’tit?Moreofacoincidence.”
“Youmightnotthinkso,ifyoureadtheremainderoftheletters.”
“Iwill,butIwanttohearmoreaboutthatChristmaswhenIwasfive.”
—
Oh,thememories.PhilhadreturnedfordinnerafterdroppingofftheUPStruck.
Onceagain,Lindyhurriedtothefrontdoor,grabbinghishandandpullinghiminsidethehouse.Ellenhadthetablesetandhadrefreshedhermakeup.Sherememberedtheshylookshe’dgivenherbackinschool.He’dneveraskedherout.Ifhe’dfoundthenerve,shewouldhavegladlyaccepted.
“Mommy’sagoodcook,”Lindytoldhim.“AlmostasgoodasGamma.”
Lindyledhimtothesofaandthensatdownnexttohim.“I’mfiveandIcanread.”
“Youmustbeverysmart.”
“Doyouwantmetoreadyouastory?”
“Iwould.”
Ellenwasflustered.“Lindy,let’swaituntilafterdinner,okay?”
Shelookeddisappointedbutagreed.“Okay.IgotprettyunderwearforChristmas,butMommysaidI’mnotsupposedtoshowittopeople.”
“Yourmommyisawisewoman.”
Ellencoughed.Ifshewaswise,shewouldn’thaveendedupasasinglemother.
“She’spretty,too.”
“Yes,sheis,”Phillipagreed.“I’vealwaysthoughtso.”
ForthenextseveralminutesLindychattedawayasifshe’dsavedeveryexperiencefromthefirstfiveyearsofherlifetotellhim.Hewaswonderful,patient,andattentive.
AndthatChristmasDaywasonlythebeginning.PhillipquicklybecameapartofEllenandLindy’slife.AndasEllenhadsooftensaid,hewasthebestChristmaspresentever.
“Andthenlater,Dadadoptedme,”Lindysaid.
“Thathedid.Weweremarriedthenextsummer,andwithinafewmonthsafterourwedding,helegallybecameyourfather.”
“I’mprettysureIknowwhyyousavedthatlettertoSanta,”Lindyteased.
“Openthenextone,”hermotherurged.CHAPTERTHREE
Reachinginsidethesmallshoebox,Lindywithdrewthenextletter.Unfoldingit,shespreadthepaperoutonthetableandreadaloud.
DearSanta,
Thankyouformydaddy.Mommyhasababyinhertummy,andIwouldlikeababysisterandRollerblades.
Lindy
“IgotmyRollerblades,butIdidn’tgetmysister.Instead,wegotChad.”
“Idon’tthinkyouweredisappointed,though,”hermotherremindedher.
“No.ThewayIfiguredit,SantaknewwhathewasdoingwhenhesentChad.IrememberDadtakingmetothehospitaltoseehim.Ihadtostandonmytippy-toestolookintothenursery.TheinstantIseteyesonhimIknewinmyheartofheartsthatdeepdownIreallywantedalittlebrother.”Santahadcomethroughafterall.
FromthetimeherparentsbroughtChadhomefromthehospital,Lindyhaddotedonhim.Shecouldn’tbeartohearhimcryanddidwhatevershecouldtoentertainhim.Althoughtherewasasix-yeardifferenceintheirages,LindyandChadhaddevelopedaspecialbondthatcontinuedtothisday.
“Idon’tknowthatIcanwaituntilThursdaytoseehim,”Lindysaid.HerbrotherandhissmallfamilycameregularlyfordinnerThursdaynight,whichwasherbrother’sdayofffromthewarehouse.
“Ashleyisonlyworkingpart-time,soI’msureifyougiveheracall,you’llbeabletoconnect.”
“Willdo.”Lindycouldn’twaittoseeherbrotherandAshley,althoughhernephew,Peter,wastherealdraw.Thatkidhadhadherheartfromthefirstmomentshe’dheldhiminherarms.He’dgazedupatherandtheireyeshadlinked.Fromthenon,Lindywasalostcause.
ChadandAshleyhadmarriedyoung.ChadhadtoldLindyheknewrightawaythatAshleywouldonedaybehiswife.Evenasateenager,AshleysaidshefeltthesameaboutChad.Withoutquestion,hewastheoneforher.IfLindydidn’tlovethemsomuch,shecouldalmostbejealous.
Intriguednow,shereachedintotheboxforthenextletter,openingitandsettingitdownonthetablebesidetheothertwo.
Herprintinghadgottenmuchbetter,shenoticed.“IwrotethiswhenIwasseven,”shesaid,readingitaloud.
DearSanta,
I’mgladIgotabrotherinsteadofasister.Chadiscutewhenheisn’tcrying.IlikemyRollerblades,too.Igoouteverydaywhenitdoesn’train.IwantaMagicMarkerpensetandafashionBarbiethisyear.Oh,andyoushouldgiveBillyKincadecoal.He’smean.Hepullsmyhairatschoolandchasesmeatrecess.
Lindy
Lindylookedupathermotherwhenshefinishedreadingtheletter.“AsIrecall,Igotmywishthatyear.”
“Yes,youdid,”hermothersaid.“Andyoucoloreduntilyourfingerswereeveryshadeoftherainbow.”
“WhatIrememberisChadgrabbingmymasterpieceandshovingitintohismouthbeforeanyonecouldstophim.”
Memoriesrolledpastherlikescenesonasilentmoviescreen.ShevividlyrememberedBillyKincadeandhowmuchshedislikedhim.He’dbeenayearortwoaheadofherinschool.Notadaypassedwhenhedidn’tfindsomewaytotormenther.Onceheevenstoleherhomework.Atrecess,hemadeapointofchasingher.Toher,hewasthemeanestboyinschool.
Lindydidn’trememberwritingSantaabouthim.Atthementionofhisname,thoughtsofBillyKincadewerefreshinhermind.
“WhateverhappenedtoBilly?”hermotherasked.
Lindydidn’thaveaclue.“Idon’trememberhimbeyondsecondgrade.Hemusthavetransferredtoanotherschool.”Asfarasshewasconcerned,goodriddance.Shehadn’tthoughtabouthimsincegradeschool.
“Irememberyoucomplainedabouthim,”hermotherrecalled.“Iendedupgoingtotheschoolprincipaltofindoutwhatthedealwas.”
“Youdid?”MaybethatwasthereasonBillyhadtransferredschools,notthatshecared.Lindywassimplyhappytohavehimoutofherlife.
“DadcamewithmeandspoketoBillyprivately.Afterward,yourfathersaidhefeltthereasonBillypaidyouallthatattentionwasbecausehehadacrushonyou.”
“Ifthat’strue,thenhehadacuriouswayofshowingit.”
“Boysaredifficulttounderstand.Itwaslikelysomethinghappeninginhishomelife.Maybehewasattractedtoyouanddidn’tknowhowtoshowit.”
“Savemefromboyswhohaveacrushonme,then,”Lindysaid,thinkingofBrian.Nothinghadchangedthroughtheyears,asfarasshecouldtell.
Onelastletterremained.Lindywaseightatthetime.
DearSanta,
MyfriendPeggyhasabicyclewithtasselsandabasketwithaflowerinthefront.Canyoubringmeonejustlikehers?
Thankyou.
Lindy
Herhandwritinghadgreatlyimprovedbythen,shenoticed.Asmilewashardtoholdbackasshesetasidetheletter.
“What’ssofunny?”hermotherasked.
“Byeight,IknewSantawasallfun.IwrotethatlettersoyouandDadknewwhatIreallywantedforChristmas.”
“Andyougotyourwish,didn’tyou?”
“Idid,andIlovedthatbike.PeggyandIrodeallovertheneighborhoodonourtwinbikes.”
HermotherfocusedherattentiononLindy.“Haveyounoticedapatternhere?”sheasked,glancingdownattheletters.
Lindy’seyesfollowedhermother’s.“Well,otherthanSantaansweringmyChristmaswishes,notreally.”Shecertainlydidn’tseeanythingofsignificance.Whileinterestingandfuntoreview,thesewerenothingmorethanchildishletters.
“Lookagain,”hermotheradvised.
Lindyglanceddownatthefourlettersinfrontofher.“WhatamIsupposedtobelookingfor?”sheasked.
“Youdon’tseeit,doyou?”
Obviously,shedidn’t.
“WhenIreadyourletters,”hermothercontinued,“InoticednearlyeverythingyouaskedSantatobringyou,hedid.Notalwaysinthewayyouwanted,butinawaythatwasbetter.”
Lookingoverherscribbles,Lindyfrowned.“Mom,comeon.YouandDadgotmeallthegiftsIwanted.”
“Tobefair,yes,butremember,youwantedadad,andSantasentPhiltoourfrontdooronChristmasDay.”
“Trueenough.”Shecouldn’tdenyit.She’dgottenthedaddyshe’daskedfor,alongwithabrother.AndBillyKincadehaddisappearedaftershetoldSantahedeservedcoalforChristmas.Plus,shegotherownbicycle,theonewithpinktasselsonthehandlebars.She’driddenitintotheground.Whileshemightnothavegottenthesistersherequested,shewillinglyforgaveSanta.WhatshedidgetwasafriendherownageinPeggy.
“YouknowwhatIthink?”hermothersaid.
“Myguessisthatyou’regoingtotellme.”
“IthinkyouneedtowriteSantaanotherletter.”
“What?Comeon,Mom,don’tyouthinkI’mabitoldtobelieveinSantaClaus?”
Hermothershookherhead.“Thewordyouneedtoseriouslyconsiderisbelieve.”
HerwordsgaveLindypause.She’dbeeninanemotionalrutforsolong,itwashardtolookatthepositiveinanysituation.Readingthoseoldlettershadbeenfunandtheyremindedherthatatonetimeshehadbelievedwithallherheart.She’dlookedforwardtoeachChristmaswithhappyanticipation,knowingherwisheswouldbegranted.
“Afterhearingeverythingthat’sbeengoingoninyourlifewithBrianandCeleste,plusMediaBlast,writingSantamightnotbesuchabadidea.Maybealetterlettinghimknowwhatyou’dlikemostthisChristmasisexactlywhatyouneedtodo.Andwriteitwiththesametrustyouhadasachild.”
ItsoundedsillyforsomeoneheragetobewritingSanta.
“Lindy?”hermotherprompted.
“I’llthinkonit,”shesaid,notwantingtodampenhermother’senthusiasm,andatthesametime,findingthesuggestioncompletelyridiculous.ShestruggledtobelieveinthemagicofChristmas.Ifanyonelearnedshe’dfollowedthroughwithsuchanoutrageousidea,she’dbeembarrassed.
Laterthatsameafternoon,Lindyhelpedhermotherpreparedinner.Peelingpotatoes,shefoundherselfmullingoverthesillySantalettersshe’dpennedasakid.Hermotherwasrightaboutonething.Sheneededtobelievethateverythinghappenedforareason.
ShewasgladBrianhadshownhistruecolorsbeforetheirrelationshipwentanyfurther.Althoughdifficult,Celesteshouldhavebeenhonestwithher.Itwouldhavehurt,butnotnearlyasmuchasdiscoveringtheirbetrayalthewayshehad.
Inretrospect,Lindyhadtowonderhowlongthey’dhidtheiraffair.Weeks,surely.Weeksbeforehermove,LindynoticedchangesinBrianbeforeCeleste.Hedidn’tcallasoften,andwhentheydidgettogether,heseemeddistracted.She’dattributedhislackofattentivenesstoanynumberoffactors.Tobefairtoherself,withherworkstruggles,hermindhadbeenpreoccupied.
Incontrast,Celestewashernormalcheeryself;shehadn’tgivenanythingaway.ItstunnedLindyhowna?veshe’dbeen,howtrusting.Whenconfronted,CelestehadnothingtosayandLindydidn’tseemto,either.Afterthosefirstawkwardminutes,Celesteblurtedoutthatshewassorry.Lindydidn’tstickaroundtohearanythingmore.She’dleft,andtheyhadn’tspokensince,andthathadbeenmonthsago.
Losingherbestfriendhadbeenamajorblow.They’dbeenascloseassisters,Lindythought.Bestfriends.They’ddoneeverythingtogetherforsolongthatlosingCelestewaslikemissingherrightarm.Butfriends,truefriends,didn’tbetrayeachother.
IfLindyweretowriteSanta,whichshehadnointentionofdoing,she’daskforanewbestfriend.She’dalsoaskhimtosendheranewloveinterest.Onewithcharacterandsubstance.Amanwithintegrity.Shewasn’tsomuchinterestedintall,dark,andhandsome.Brianhadbeenallthree.Looksdidn’tmatternearlyasmuchaswhatwasgoingoninsidehisheart.Amanwithheart.Inthinkingaboutit,shewasn’tsureSantaoranyoneelsewouldbeabletograntLindyherwish.CHAPTERFOUR
Thedooroffthegarageopened.“Ismygirlhome?”Lindy’sfatherasked.HepausedlongenoughtokissEllenandthenhugLindy.“Missedyou,”hesaid,hiseyesfulloflove.
“You’rehomeearly,”Ellensaid,asshecontinuedtobuildthedinnersalad,addingaslicedpearandchoppedwalnuts.
LindyknewthatassupervisorofthelocalUPScenter,herfatherdidn’toftenreturnhomeuntilsixorevenseven,especiallyatthistimeofyear.
“Ileftearly.Ididn’twanttomissoutontimewithmybabygirl.”
“Dad,I’mhardlyababy.”
“You’llalwaysbemySweetPea,”hecountered.
Yup,thiswashome,andthelovethatsurroundedhereasedtheacheinLindy’sheart.
Openingthecookiejar,herdadreachedforathumbprintandheadedtothecountertoptosortthemail.Afterhewentthrougheverything,helookedtoEllen.“DidyoushowLindytheSantaletters?”
“Idid.”
“Whatdidyouthink,SweetPea?”heasked.
Sheshrugged.“ItwasfungoingoverthemwithMom.”
“Andtothinkshesavedthemalltheseyears.”
“Astonishing,really,”Lindysaid.
Lindyspenttheeveningwithherparents,catchinguponeverythingshe’dmissedsinceherlastvisit.Herparentsheadedtobedatten,andaftercallingherbrotherandplanningtoconnect,Lindywenttoherownroom.Beauleapedontohermattressandcuddledupatthefootofherbed.Sheintendedtoreadasshedidmostnights.Sittingupinbed,herblanketsgatheredaroundher,withabookinherhandswashowshenormallyendedherdays.Insteadofbeingdrawnintothestory,herthoughtsdriftedovertheunexpectedeventsoftheday.Mostlikely,shewasn’tgoingtobeabletoconcentrate.
Turningoutthelight,shetossedandturnedforthenexthour,then,givingup,sheturnedthenightstandlamponandsatup.Knowingitwasuseless,shegotoutofbed,rummagingthroughherdeskdraweruntilshefoundatabletandapen.Shelookeddownattheblankpageandwrote:
DearSanta,
It’sLindy.Ihopeyouhaven’tforgottenmeafteralltheseyears.Checkingintoletyouknowthishasn’tbeenthebestyearofmylife.Don’tworry,I’mnotgoingtoaskforworldpeace.Myrequestsshouldberightupyouralley,ifabitoutoftheordinary.
Couldyoukindlyintroducemetoamanliketheoneyoubroughtmymotherallthoseyearsago?Amanwhovaluesfamily,andcommitment.Onewhoistrustworthyandhonorable,hardworking,caring,andfun.It’dhelpifhewasfondofchildren,too.Iknowhe’souttheresomewhere,andfrankly,Idon’twanttowaituntilIgettoheaventomeethim.
Icoulddowithanothergoodfriend.OneIcanpalaroundwithandsharesecrets.Onewithasenseofhumorandadventure.JustwonderingifyoucouldclonePeggy?
I’mgratefultoworkwithMediaBlastandbeabletousethetalentsGodgaveme.IfIweretohavemylatestproposalaccepted,Iknowitwouldgreatlyadvancemycareer.
I’llleaveittoyoutogetworkingonthelistandthankyouinadvance.You’veneverdisappointedmeinthepast.
Withherletterwritten,Lindyfeltreadytosleep.Asmilecameoverherassherestedherheadagainstherpillow.Whowouldhavethoughtshe’dthinktowriteSantabeyondtheageofeight?Lifewasfullofwonders.
—
“Didyousleepwell?”hermotherasked,asLindystumbledoutofherbedroomatseven-thirtythefollowingmorning.
“Idid.”Truly,shewasamazedathowwellshehadslept.Onceshe’dwrittenSanta,she’dexperiencedafeelingofpeace.Itwasprobablythesilliestthingshe’ddoneinages,butshecouldn’tdiscountthecontentmentthatcameoverheraftershe’dpennedtheletter.
“I’vegotmybookclubmeetingthisafternoon,”hermothersaid,soundingalmostapologetic.
Barelylistening,Lindybrewedherselfacupofcoffee,openingtherefrigeratortoaddcreamer.
“It’sourChristmasparty,”hermothercontinued.“Wouldyouliketojoinme?”
Leaningherbacksideagainstthekitchencounter,Lindyblewintothehotcoffeeandshookherhead.“Thanks,Mom,butifyoudon’tmind,IthoughtI’drunacoupleoferrandsthismorning,andthenI’mmeetingChadforlunchonhisbreak.”
“Ofcourse.Ididn’twantyoutofeellikeIwasignoringyou.”
“Don’tbesilly.Goandhavefun.I’mcapableofentertainingmyselfforafewhours.”Lindywastouchedbyhermother’sthoughtfulness,althoughitdidn’tsurpriseher.
—
Afteralazymorning,LindymetupwithherbrotherattheWenatcheewarehouse.ChadhadgottenhisdegreefromCentralWashingtonUniversityinsupply-chainmanagement.He’dalwayshadgreatorganizationalskillsandenjoyedhisjob.
Theyheadedovertothelocaldinerandtalkednonstopfornearlyforty-fiveminutes.ChadfilledherinonhisandAshley’splansfortheholidays,andLindywaspleasedtoknowshe’dhaveplentyoftimetospendwiththemandPeter.
Knowingshe’dneedtoupdatehimonherownlife,shegavehimabriefrundownofwhathadbeengoingonwithher.WhenheheardaboutBrianandCeleste,shewatchedastheangertightenedhisface.
“Ihatethatyouhadtogothroughthat,sis,”Chadsaid,hisdarkeyesfullofsympathy.
“It’sover;I’vemovedon.”
“Good.Gladtohearit.”
Theyhuggedoutsidethediner,andasshewalkedtowardwhereshe’dparkedhercar,sherealizedithadn’tbeenanexaggeration.Shefeltfreeofthedisappointmentandhurtshe’dcarriedonhershoulderstheselastsixmonths.
Hernextstopwasatthelocaldrycleaner.Shehadafewitemsshewantedpressedandhadn’thadtimetohaveitdonebeforesheleftSeattle.Whenshefinished,shenoticedaStarbuckshadopenedonthetailendofthestripmall.Apeppermintlattesoundedgood,andsheheadedinthatdirection.Afterorderingasaladforlunch,shewasinthemoodforsomethingsweetandhot.
Asshestoodinline,Lindynoticedthetall,slim,fashionablydressedBlackwomaninfrontofher.Thewomanturnedtoaskherfriendsomething,andLindythoughtshelookedvaguelyfamiliar.BythetimeLindyplacedherorder,shewasafraidshewasstaringatthewoman,debatingifsheshouldintroduceherself.No,thatwassilly.Itcouldn’tpossiblybewhoshethoughtitwas.TheonlyBlackpersonsheknewfromWenatcheehadbeenherchildhoodfriend,Peggy.Aftercollectingherdrink,Lindyheadedforthedoor,notwantingtolookfoolishifitwasn’twhoshethought.
“Lindy,isthatyou?”Thequestioncameatherfromthetableclosetotheexit.
“Peggy?”Itcouldn’tbe.“PeggyScranton?”
“Lindy?LindyCarmichael?”
Lindystartedtolaugh.Really,whatwerethechances?“Peggy.Ohmygoodness,howlonghasitbeen?”
PeggysmiledandgesturedforLindytojoinherandherfriend.“Sincerightbeforemiddleschool.”
PeggyhadbeenoneofLindy’sclosestfriendsfromsecondgradeon.Thetroublethey’dgottenintowasepic.Thesummerbetweengradeschoolandmiddleschool,Peggy’sfamilyhadmovedintoanewdevelopmentontheothersideoftown.Peggyhadenrolledinadifferentschool.Forthefirstfewmonths,theywereabletokeepincontactandmaintaintheirfriendship.Astimewenton,theygrewapart.Overtheyears,Lindyhadwonderedwhathadeverhappenedtohergradeschoolfriend.
“ThisisJayne,”Peggysaid,introducingherfriend,ablond,blue-eyedwomanwholookedtobeabouttheirage.
“Hi.I’mLindy.”
“LindyandIwerethebestoffriendseonsago,”Peggyexplained.
Thetwostartedtoexchangestoriesfromtheiryouth,entertainingJayne,whohadabright,easylaugh.“Rememberthetimewedecidedtoformourownband?”Peggyasked.“Weweredoomedtofailure,sinceneitherofuscouldplayamusicalinstrumentorsing—notthatweletthatstopus.”
“Hey,Icansing,”Lindyinsisted,“althoughonlyrarelyonkey.”
Peggysmiled.“Sinceweclearlyweren’tgoingtomakeitasrockstars,welaunchedaneighborhoodnewspaper.”
“Agossiptabloidismorelikeit,”Lindyclarified.
“Wecertainlydidn’tlackfororiginality.RememberthatFourthofJulywhenwedecidedtoputonourownparade?”Peggyasked.
“Indeed,Ido.”Thatideahadbeenoneoftheirfewsuccesses.Peggy’stwooldersiblingshadcomealong,andthenChadandhisfriendshadjoinedthelinewiththeirbicycles.PeggycarriedtheAmericanflag,wavingitfromsidetosideasLindybeatatoydrum.Soon,severaloftheotherneighborhoodkidsracedtobecomepartofthefun.Theydidn’thavemuchofanaudience,butnoneofthatmattered.
“Andrememberwhenyoudecidedtostraightenmyhair?”Peggyasked.LookingtoJayne,sheexplained,“Lindyusedaflatironandstartedmyhaironfire.”
Lindynearlysnortedherlatte,laughing.She’dfeltdreadfulafterward,and,thinkingitwouldhelp,shechoppedoffnearlyallofPeggy’shair.ThenshehadPeggycutherhairsotheywouldlookalike.Evenatthatearlyage,sheknewshewouldnevermakeitthroughbeautyschool.
Afterwipingthetearsfromhereyes,sheasked,“You’relivinghereinWenatchee?”
“PeggyistheeditorandjournalistforthelocalmagazineWenatcheeAlive,”Jayneanswered.“Shedoesanexcellentjob,too.”
“Ohmygoodness,andtothinkyoustartedyourliterarycareerwithmeasyourassistanteditor,”Lindyjoked.
“JaynemakesmesoundlikeI’mwritingforTheNewYorkTimes.It’salocalpublicationwithasmallbutdedicatedstaff.
“Whataboutyou?”Peggyasked.“Don’ttellmeyou’rehereinWenatcheeandit’stakenusthislongtoreconnect.”
Lindyshookherhead.“Seattle.I’mhomeforChristmas.”
“Howlongwillyoubeintown?”
“Nearlytwoweeks,unlessIhearbackonaproposalIsubmitted…That’sunlikely,though.”
“Twoweeks.Perfect.Justthinkoftheruckuswecanraiseinthatamountoftime.”
“Youshouldjoinustonight,”Jaynesaid,lookingtoPeggy,whoeagerlynoddedagreement.
“What’stonight?”
“Girls’nightout,”Jaynesaid.
“We’reheadingfordrinksattheWinePress.”
“Isthatanewplaceintown?”Lindycouldn’trememberhearinganythingaboutanewrestaurantwhileshewashomelastsummer.
“It’sbeenaroundforacouplemonthsnow.It’sthe‘in’placetogoforfun.”
“Andthewinechoicesareexcellent,”Jayneadded.
“TheownerfeaturesWashingtonStatewines.It’ssurprisinghowmanygoodwinescomefromourstate.”
GeneralknowledgetoldherWashingtonwasthelargestwine-producingstateoutsideofCalifornia.Shewasn’tsurprisedtolearntheWinePresschosetohighlightstatewineries.Itwassmarttosupportthelocaleconomy.
“Doyouhaveotherplans?”Jayneasked,andseemedgenuineinherwantingLindytojointhem.
“Nothingimportant.I’dlovetomeetyourfriends.”
“You’llmeetChloe,”Peggytoldher.“She’sasupervisorforCostco.”
Theystayedandtalkedforanotherhourbeforeagreeingtomeetlaterfordrinksandappetizers.Whiletheyweretogether,PeggycalledandmadereservationsattheWinePressforthateveningatsixo’clock.
HermotherwasbackbythetimeLindyreturnedfromhererrands.Shemusthavebeensmilingwhenshewalkedinthedoor,becausehermothercommentedrightaway.“Itlookslikeyouhadanentertainingafternoon.”
“Youwon’tbelievewhoIranintowhileIwasout.PeggyScranton!Wewerejusttalkingabouther,remember?”
“PeggyScranton,”hermotherrepeatedslowly.“That’swonderful.Thetwoofyouweresuchgoodfriendsbackintheday.”
“Peggyinvitedmetojoinherthiseveningwithacoupleofherotherfriendsforagirls’nightout.Peggy’ssingleandsoisJayne,butChloe’smarried.”LindylookedforwardtospendingtimewithPeggy’sfriends.WorkingthelonghoursshehadontheprojectfortheFergusonGroup,shehadn’tbeenoutwithfriendsinages.AlthoughLindyhadn’tspokentoPeggyinyears,itwasasifthey’dneverspenttimeapart.Theybothfellrightbackintotheeasyfriendshipthey’donceshared.
“IrememberwhenyouandPeggywereinseparable,”hermothersaid,interruptingLindy’smusings.
“Shewasoneofmybestfriendsever.”
Thatevening,asLindyreadiedformeetingPeggyandherfriendsattheWinePress,shepausedlongenoughtoopenhernightstand.Sheremovedthetabletwiththelettershe’dwrittenSantathenightbefore.Oneofthethingsshe’daskedSantawastobringheranewbestfriend.
“Gottasay,Santa.You’regood.You’rereallygood.”CHAPTERFIVE
WhenLindyarrived,Peggy,Jayne,andChloewerealreadyseated.Peggywavedherover,and,followingintroductions,theserverdeliveredabottleofwinetotheirtable.Withtheeaseofsomeoneaccustomedtoopeningwine,heremovedthecorkandfilledtheirglasses.
“Thewineisonme,”Peggysaid,beforeanyonecouldargue.“Ihavemytwobestfriendswithme,andI’vereconnectedwithLindy.Thiscallsforacelebration.”
Theytoastedoneanotherbygentlyclinkingtheirglassestogether.Peggyhadchosenarichredwinewithalowtanninthatwentdownwaytooeasy.LindylookedatthelabelanddecidedabottleortwowouldmakeanexcellentChristmasgiftforherdad,whoenjoyedredwineasmuchasLindydid.
Allthetablesaroundthemwerefull.Peggyhadbeenright.Therestaurantwashoppingwithabriskbusiness.Withthefourofthem,therewasnoshortageofconversation.Theserverreturnedandaskediftheywereinterestedinanyoftheappetizers.
“Canyougiveusafewminutes?”Peggyasked.
“Ofcourse,ladies.Takeyourtime.”
OnceLindyreadthemenu,itdidn’ttakeherlongtodecideonhummuswithpitas.She’dneedfoodinherstomachbeforeshedrankmuchmorewine.PeggyorderedthecrabdipandJayneandChloedecidedtosharethespicygrilledshrimp.
Afewminuteslater,theirserverreturnedandtooktheirorders.Lindyaddedasecondbottleofwinetogowiththeirfood.Sherequestedanotherred,thistimefromadifferentvineyard.
“Excellentchoice,”theserversaid,approvingofherselection.
ItwasasshehandedtheyoungmanthemenuthatLindyhappenedtonoticethenameoftheproprietorandmanager.WillKincade.
“Youknowwhothatis,don’tyou?”Peggyasked.
Lindyhadn’trealizedshe’dsaidthenamealoud.Sheshookherheadandfrowned.“Youcouldn’tpossiblymeanBillyKincade,couldyou?”
“Oneandthesame.”
Lindywasshocked.TheBillysheknewhadbeenaterror.Abullyshe’dintenselydisliked.Havinghimmoveawayhadbeenthebestthingtohappentoherinsecondgrade.
“BillyhadahugecrushonLindy,”PeggyexplainedtoJayneandChloe.
“Ifpullingmyhairandterrorizingmeindicateslikingme—Ican’timaginewhathewouldhavedoneifhesawmeasathreat.”
“YoumightrememberIsluggedhimonce,defendingyou,”Peggyremindedher.
Lindyhadforgottenthat.“Youweremyherothatday.”
“Billyonlyrecentlymovedbacktotown,”Peggysaid,apparentlyintheknow.“FromwhatIheard,hecameherefromtheYakimaarea.”
“Youremembersomeonefromthesecondgrade?”Jaynecommented,soundingimpressed.
“That’swhat’ssocrazy,”Lindywentontoexplain.Perhapsitwasthewinemakingherheadspin.“Thisisunreal.”
“Whatis?”
Lindyshookherheadasiftoclearhermind.“WhenIarrivedyesterday,mymotherbroughtoutthisboxshe’dfoundburiedinthegaragefromyearsago.InsidewerelettersI’dwrittentoSanta.Ihadn’tthoughtaboutBillyinforever,butImentionedhiminoneofthoseletters.”
“WeshouldaskBillytocometothetable,”Peggysaid.
BeforeLindycouldprotest,Peggygottheserver’sattention.Theyoungmanquicklyreturnedtotheirtable.
“IsMr.Kincadeavailable?”sheasked.
Theserverimmediatelyshowedhisconcern.“Wastheresomethingwrongwithyourappetizers,ladies?”
“No,no,notatall.Weknowhimfromschool.TellhimLindyCarmichaelishere.”
“Peggy,”Lindysaid,andgroanedunderherbreath.“Iwishyouhadn’tdonethat.”
“GogetWill,”Peggyinsisted.
Theservernodded.“I’llcheckifhe’savailable.”
“Ohplease,”Lindysaid,inanefforttostophim,“thatisn’tnecessary.I’msurehedoesn’trememberme.”
“YouwroteSantaaboutBilly?”Jayneasked.“Whatdidyousay?”
Thiswasmorethanalittleembarrassing.“ItoldSantaBillydidn’tdeserveanygiftsthisyearandthatheshouldbringhimcoalinstead.”
Thethreelaughed.
“Itwasmeanofme,butBillyhadintimidatedmeatschool,andIguessitwastheonlywayIcouldthinktoretaliate.”
Nosoonerhadthewordslefthermouththanamanapproachedtheirtablewithawelcomingsmile.Leaningforward,hebracedhishandsagainstthebackofJayne’sandChloe’schairs.
Lindy’smouthsaggedopen.ItwasBillyKincade,thesameBillyKincadefromheryouth.Howshecouldbethiscertain,shedidn’tknow.Butdeepdown,therewasn’tasingledoubt.
BecauseLindywascompletelytongue-tied,Peggyspokeup.“YourememberLindy,don’tyou?”
Hiseyesautomaticallylandedonherwithsuchintensityitmadeherwanttosquirm.
“Andyouwereherardentprotector,asIrecall,”Billysaid,grinningatPeggy.“Goodtoseeyouboth.”
“You,too,”Peggysaid.
Lindyhalfraisedherhand.“Hello,Billy.”
ShehadtoadmitBillyKincadehadmaturedintoafinefigureofaman.Hestoodagoodsixfeettall.Ifhistightchestandmusculararmswereanyindication,hewasphysicallyfit.Hiseyeswereadeepbrown,mirroringthecolorofherowneyes.Hishairwascutcloseonthesidesandlongontop,gatheredintoaneatmanbun.
“DidyouknowLindywroteaboutyouinherlettertoSantawhenshewasinsecondgrade?”Chloesaid.
Lindywouldgladlyhavedisappearedinthatmoment.Thelastthingshewantedtodiscusswasthatsillyletter.Sheregrettedevermentioningit.
“Didyou,now?”Billy’sfullattentionwasfocusedonher,asmileteasinghissensuousmouth.
“Youweren’texactlymyfavoriteperson,”shemumbled.
BillycrossedhisarmsandsmileddownatLindy.“AndwhatcouldIhavedonetoearnyourwrath?”heasked,asifhedidn’trecallasingleoffensehe’dcommittedagainsther.
Lindywasconvincedhedidremember,andshewasn’tgoingtolethimpretendotherwise.“Youknowgoodandwellwhatyoudid,BillyKincade.”
“TellhimwhatyousaidinyourlettertoSanta,”Jayneurged.
Lindywasn’tinterestedinconfessingherembarrassingchildishrant.“It’sstupid.Billydoesn’twanttohearaboutthat.”
“Oh,butIdo,”hecountered.
Sheshouldhavekepthermouthshutearlier.Givennochoice,sheconfessed.“IaskedSantatobringyouastockingfullofcoalbecausethatwaswhatyoudeserved.”
“Whatyearwasthis?”heasked,frowning.
Lindytoldhim.Shewasinsecondgradeandhewasamuchbiggerfourthgrader.
Hisfacegrewtight.“Well,Lindy,youmostdefinitelygotyourwish.Thatwastheyearourfatherdesertedthefamily.TherewasnoChristmasforDedeorme.MomhadtomoveusinwithherparentsinYakima.”
“Ohno.”Lindyfeltterrible.“I’msosorry.”
Billy’ssmilelackedhumor.“Thatwasalongtimeago.Besides,Iprobablydeservedcoalinsteadofpresents,sonoharmdone.Now,ifyouladieswillexcuseme.”Heleft,andLindyfeltthestrongesturgetofollowhimandapologize.CHAPTERSIX
ForassoundlyasLindyhadsleptFridaynight,shetossedandturnedonSaturday.TheterribleChristmasBillyhadhadthatfatefulyearkeptrunningthoughhermind.Itwasbeyondridiculoustobelieveherletterhadanythingtodowithwhathadhappenedtohimandhisfamily.Asillogicalasitwastoassumeshewassomehowresponsible,Lindycouldn’tstopthinkingaboutalltheten-year-oldhadsuffered.Achildhisagecouldn’tpossiblyunderstandwhathadhappenedtohisfather,orwhyhehadleft.
WhenLindyfinallymanagedtofallasleep,herdreamswerefilledwithBillyKincadeandheraschildren.ShespitefullycomplainedtoSantaabouthim,andinturnSantapromisedtomakeBilly’slifemiserable.Lindywokeinasweatwhenhermotherknockedonherbedroomdoor.
“Areyouawake?”hermotherasked,openingthedoorandpeekinginside.
“Yes.”Lindysatupinbedandrubbedthesleepfromhereyes.Shewaswideawakenow,andgratefulfortheinterruptiontohernightmare.
“It’stimetogetreadyforchurch,”hermothertoldher.
“Ithoughtchurchwasateleven.”Thathadbeenthetraditionaltimeforworshipserviceforaslongasshecouldremember.
“Pastoraddedanearlyservice,whichweprefer.YourdadsaidPastorDeancan’tgoovertimewhenhe’sgotanotherservicefollowingontheheelsofthefirst.”
“Okay,earlyserviceitis,”Lindysaid,andtossedasidethebedcovers.
“Iforgottotellyouabouttheschedulechangeyesterday.ThenDadandIwereasleepwhenyouarrivedhomelastnight.HopeyouhadagoodtimewithPeggyandherfriends.”
“Thebest.”Afterthey’dlefttheWinePress,PeggyinvitedLindytohangoutatherapartmentforseveralhours.It’dbeenwellaftermidnightbeforeshearrivedbackhome.RenewingtheirfriendshipwasexactlytheboostherChristmasspiritneeded.Theylaughedaboutoldtimes,and,afterreviewingmoreoftheirescapades,decideditwasprobablyagoodthingPeggyhadmovedawaywhenshedid.Onlyheavenknewthetroubletheywouldhaveinspiredhadtheycontinuedonthroughmiddleandhighschool.
Aftercoffeeandaquickshower,Lindywasreadytoleaveforchurchwithherparents.
Asshewalkedoutofthehouse,shenoticedabowlofsourdoughpancakebatteronthekitchencounter.Herdadhadsetitupthenightbefore,thesameashe’ddonewhenshelivedathome.Sourdoughrollsandnowpancakes.Lindylovedbeinghome.
Churchwasexactlywhatsheneededtoliftheroutofthebluefunkfollowingherdream.Seeingpeopleshe’dknownmostofherlifeliftedherspirits,asdidsingingthetraditionalChristmascarols.ThiswasthelastservicebeforethetraditionalChristmasEvecandlelightone.PastorDean’smessagewasonforgivenessandthenecessityoflettinggoofpettyhurts,whichwasexactlywhatLindyneededtohear.Closinghereyes,shereleasedCelesteandBrian,andalthoughitwasdifficult,shewishedthemhappiness.
Afterchurch,asherdaddeliveredsteaminghotcakestothemiddleofthetable,Lindyeagerlypiledfoursmallonesontoherplateandladledwarmmaplesyrupoverthetopuntilthestickygoodnesspooledthere.Beautookhisplacebeneaththetable,hopingsomeonewouldbekindenoughtosharetheirbacon.LindyknewhermotherhadasoftspotforBeauandwatchedasEllenslippedhimapiecewhenLindy’sdadwasn’tlooking.
“HowwasthefoodattheWinePress?”hermotherasked.“DadandIhavebeenmeaningtomakeareservation,butwehaven’thadachancetojustyet.”
Lindyknewhowbusyherfatherwasthistimeofyear,sothefactthattheyhadn’tbeenoutoftencameasnosurprise.“Theappetizersweregreat,andthewineselectionwasdiverseinbothvarietyandprice.”Seeinghowbusytherestaurantwas,therewasnodoubtitwouldbeasuccess.“Therewasonlyonenegativetothenight.”
“Oh?Wasn’ttheservicegood?”
“Itwasexcellent.Ihappenedtomeettheowner/manager,andyou’llneverguesswhoitis.”
“Iwon’teventry.Tellme.”
“BillyKincade.”
“BillyKincade?”hermotherrepeated,asifshewereasshockedasLindyhadbeentohearthename.“NotthesameBillyyoumentionedinyourlettertoSanta?”
“Oneandthesame.WhenIrecognizedhisname,Iwasfoolishenoughtomentionthatsillyletter.Then,beforeIcouldstopher,PeggyaskedifBillywouldcometoourtable…”Shepausedbeforecontinuingtorelaywhatshe’dlearnedaboutthathorribleChristmas.
“Youmakeitsoundlikehisfatherdesertingthefamilywasyourfault,”herdadsaid,helpinghimselftoanotherstackofhismuch-lovedhotcakes.
“Idofeelthatway,andbeforeyousayanything,Iknowthat’sridiculous.Icouldbarelysleeplastnight,andwhenIdid,Ihadnightmares.”
“Billywasn’tupsetwhenyoutoldhimabouttheletter,washe?”
“Heavens,no.WhattroubledmewaswhenhetalkedaboutthatChristmas.Hiseyesgrewsad,asifitwasoneoftheworsttimesofhislife.”
Hermothergrewstillandquiet.“Youshouldbakehimcookies,”shesuggested,asifcookieswouldabsolveLindyofanyresidualguilt.
“Mom,Idon’tthinkChristmascookiesaregoingtohelp.”
Herdadshookhishead.“Don’tdiscountyourmother’sgingerbreadcookies,SweetPea.”
Lindywasamusedandthoughtfullymulledoverhermother’sidea.Hergrandmother’srecipeforgingerbreadcookieswasn’tgoingtoremovethepainsherecognizedinBilly.Sheknewthat,butatthesametime,itwassomethingshecoulddo.Asmallkindness.Shedidn’thaveanyplansfortheafternoon.Laterthatevening,Peggysuggestedtheygettogetheragain,possiblytakeinamovie.Lindywaseagertospendmoretimewithherlong-lostfriendandhadagreed.
—
ItwasgratifyinghowquicklyLindyhadconnectedwithherfriend.Itfeltlikeoldtimes.ReturningtoPeggy’sfollowingthemovie,theysharedwineandconfidences.LindyfounditeasytotellPeggyaboutthesituationwithherjobandherdeterminationtosucceedinSeattle.She’dalwaysbeendriven,butrarelymoresothanshewaswithMediaBlast.Almostfromthefirstdayshe’dfeltlikeanoutsider.Itwasn’tuntilafterthefirstmonththatshe’dlearnedLaurie,who’dbeenwiththecompanyfiveyears,hadalsoappliedfortheposition.Instead,MediaBlastwentwithLindy.Feelingtheircolleaguehadbeencheated,therestoftheteamresentedLindy.Asaresult,Lindyfeltthepressingneedtoproveherselfandherqualificationsateveryturn.Afteranotherglassofwine,shespilledthedirtaboutCelesteandBrian.
LindylearnedPeggyhadenduredherownheartache.She’dbeenmarriedthendivorcedwhenheralcoholichusbandhadrunupthousandsofdollarsofdebtandthensplittown,leavingPeggytodealwiththecreditors.Ithadtakenheryearstopayeverythingoff.
—
Mondayafternoon,justaftertheWinePressopened,Lindyarrivedwithalargeplateofgingerbreadcookiesshe’dbakedonSunday.Whenshe’dmentionedwhatsheintendedtodo,Peggyhadagreedwithhermotherandsaiditwouldbeanicegesture.Besides,Billy,withhisstrongjawandmuscularshoulders,washandsomeenoughtobeonthecoverofaromancenovel.PeggyseemedtothinkBillymightstillhaveathingforLindyandjokedthathemightbetemptedtochaseherthewayhe’ddonewhenshewasingradeschool.Ifthatwasthecase,Lindywashalftemptedtolethimcatchher.
Nicegestureornot,onceshearrivedattherestaurant,shewasnervous.Thehostess,ayoung,attractivewomaninherearlytwenties,greetedherwithawelcomingsmile.“Atableforone?”sheasked.
“Actually,I’mheretoseeBillyKincade.Isheavailable?”
“DoyoumeanWill?”
“IknewhimasBilly,butyes,IsupposehegoesbyWillthesedays.”
“CanItellhimwho’sasking?”
“Ofcourse.I’mLindyCarmichael.We’re…oldfriends.”Thatwasastretch,butitsoundedgood.Shesmiled,hopingitmadeherlookbelievable.
“Ifyou’llwaithere,I’llseeifMr.Kincadeisavailable.”
“Thankyou.”Theshortexchangedidn’teaseanyofLindy’snervousness.Forhalfasecond,shewastemptedtoleave.ItwouldbemortifyingifBillyrefusedtoseeher,oncehelearneditwasher.
ShewasbothrelievedandtensewhenthehostessreturnedwithBilly.Heglancedattheplateinherhandandraisedhisbrowsinquestion.
“Lindy?”hesaid,asifhedidn’tunderstandwhathadpromptedhervisit.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
Thrustingouttheplate,shewasembarrassedthatthehostesswaslisteninginontheirconversation.ItwasbadenoughthatBillylookedfrazzledandimpatient.“Ibakedcookies,becauseIwantedtoapologize,”shesaid,eagertohavehimtakeherguiltofferingsoshecouldleave.
“Apologize?”heasked,“Whateverfor?”Hedidn’ttaketheplate.
Notwantinganyonetooverhear,sheleanedforwardandwhispered,“ThatlettertoSanta.”
Billy’sfacebrokeintoahugesmile.“You’rekidding,right?”
“Well,actually,no.”
“Comeonbacktotheoffice.Icoulduseabreak.Andbringthosecookieswithyou.”
Hestartedacrosstherestaurant,leavinghertofollow,whichshedid.Hisofficewascompact,andshecouldseethathe’dbeensittingathiscomputer.Hebroughtinanotherchairandbrieflylefther.
Whenhereturned,hecarriedtwocoffeemugsandtheysatacrosshisdeskfromeachother.Glancingappreciativelyatthegingerbreadcookies,Billypeeledbackthecellophaneandreachedforone.“Thiswasn’tnecessary,butit’sappreciated.Itjustsohappensgingerbreadcookiesaremyfavorite.It’sbeenyearssinceIhadhomemadeones.”
“Grandma’srecipeneverfails.”Sheateoneherself.
“YoucanratmeouttoSantaeveryyearifitmeansyou’llbakemecookies,”heteased.
Hishumorrelaxedher.“You’vedoneawonderfuljobwiththeWinePress,”shesaid,lookingtokeeptheconversationflowing.“It’sclearlyasuccess.”
“Itmightbeevenmoreofone,ifIcouldgetthiswebsiteupandrunning.”Heglaredathiscomputer,asiftoblamethemachineforhistroubles.
“You’redoingityourself?”
“Yeah.Youwon’tbelievewhatthosewebdesignerswanttochargeme.”
Lindyhidasmile.“How’sdesigningityourselfworkingforyou?”
“It’snot.IthoughtifIreadacouplebooks,IshouldbeabletosetupauseablewebpageonWordPress.Imean,howhardcoulditbe?Well,Ifoundoutitisn’taseasyasitsounds.”
“WouldyoumindifItookalookatwhatyou’vedonethusfar?”
Hehesitated.“Youwanttowhat?”
“Billy,Idesignwebsitesforaliving.EverheardofMediaBlast?”
Henodded.“TheyarethetopSeattleWebmarketingcompany.Ididn’tevenaskforaquote,becauseIknewthey’dbewayoutofmypricerange.”
“Iworkforthem.I’dbehappytolookatwhatyouhaveandadviseyou,”sheoffered,gratefulfortheopportunitytodomorethanbakehimcookies.
“Beforeyoudo,Ineedtoknowyourfees.”
“You’reinluck,”shesaidbrightly,eagertogetstarted.“Thepriceismorethanreasonable.I’lldoitforfree.”
Heshookhishead.“Ican’tletyoudothat.”
“Fine,howaboutagiftcertificatefordinnerandwineformyparentsforChristmas?”
“Done.”Hequicklyvacatedhischairandsetherupinfrontofhiscomputer.
Itdidn’ttakelongforLindytoassesstheworkhe’dcompletedandshecouldseeitwouldrequireonlyminorgraphicchangesbutquiteabitofback-endwork.Heleftherandreturnedlater,pacingasheglancedoverhershoulder.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtorecognizeLindyknewwhatshewasdoing.Sheshowedhimafeweasytricksandwentbacktowork.
“Doyouneedanything?”heasked,whenhereturnedlater.
Lindycouldhearthechatterfromthelunchcrowdthatfilledtherestaurant.“I’mgood,thanks.”Shedidn’tmovehereyesoffthemonitorassheworked.ItwassometimelaterthatshenoticedBillyhaddeliveredasandwich.Involvedasshewas,sheatehalf,hardlyawareofwhatshetasted.
Billymovedinandoutofhisofficeseveraltimes.Heaskedhowshewasdoing,andleftwhenshewavedhimaway,promisingshewasdoingfineanddidn’tneedanything.Lindywasinherelement.
HermotherphonedtoaskifLindyplannedtobehomefordinner.Seeingthatitwasafterfive,shewasshockedtorealizehowlongshe’dbeenworking.“Savemeaplate.I’mnotsurehowmuchlongerI’llbe,”shesaid,afterexplainingwhereshewasandwhatshewasdoing.Otherthanpottybreaksandacoupleoftimeswhenshestoodtostretch,shewasintentonherwork.
Atseven,Billyinsistedshestop.“I’malmostfinished,”sheobjected.
“Tomorrowissoonenough.”
Althoughshedidn’twanttoquit,hewasright.Hereyesburnedfromstaringatthemonitorsolong,andherbackhadstartedtoache.
“Comewithme,”Billysaid,andscootedtherollerchairawayfromthedeskbeforeshecouldcomplain.
“Wherearewegoing?”Shestood,bentover,andtouchedhertoestoloosenthemusclesinherback.
“Youasktoomanyquestions.”Billyreachedforherhand,entwiningtheirfingers.Withoutansweringher,heledherthroughthekitchentothefarsideoftherestaurantandintoaprivatediningroom.Thesmallroundtablewasdrapedinawhitelinenclothwitharingofhollyaroundaburningcandleinthecenter.Abottleofwine,twoglasses,anddinnerwarewereartfullyarranged.
Billypulledoutthechair,silentlyinvitingLindytotakeaseat.Soonafterhewasseated,twosaladplatesweredeliveredbythesameserverwhohadtakencareofLindyandhernewfoundfriendsonSaturdaynight.
“Whatisthis?”sheasked,leaningcloseenoughtothetableforherstomachtopressagainsttheedge.
“It’sthehousesalad,”Billysaid,asifitshouldbeobvious.
“Imeanthis?”Sheswungherarmouttoindicatetheroom.“You’refeedingmedinner?”
Heflashedheraboyishgrin.“It’stheleastIcando,Lindy.You’vebeenworkingonthatdesignforhours.”
“Butdinnerinaprivatediningroom?”
Heglancedaround,asifthetwoofthemalonecameasasurprise.“Soitseems.”
Lindyfeltlikeroyalty.“Wow.YoushouldknowIenjoymywork.Thishasbeenfunforme.”
“IappreciateyourhelpmorethanIcansay.”
“So,tellme,howlonghaveyoubeenintherestaurantbusiness?”Lindyasked.Shecouldn’thelpbeingcurious.
“FromthetimeIwassixteen.”Billyleanedforwardashespoke,hisgazewarmingashecontinued.“Istartedoutasadishwasherforafriendofmygrandfather’swhoownedadinerinYakima.EventuallyIworkedmywayup,doingeveryjobtherewasinthekitchen.Earl,mygrandfather’sfriend,taughtmenearlyalltherewastoknowabouttheinsandoutsofrestaurantownership.I’llbeforevergratefultohimformentoringme.I’vehadothermentorsthroughtheyearsandamgratefulforthetimetheyputintoteachingmewhatIwouldneedtoknow.EarlistheoneIowethemost.Whataboutyou?Howisityouendedupinwebsitedesign?”
Lindyhadalwaysbeengoodwithmathandscience,andthatledhertoadegreeincomputerscience.Thewebsitedesignandthegraphicscameaboutlaterasshecontinuedherstudies.She’dbeendrawnintothecreativepartofdesigningwebsites,whichledhertoherjobwithMediaBlast.Withoutgoingintoalotofdetail,shecasuallydescribedherwork.
“Yougenuinelyloveit,don’tyou?”
“Ido,”shesaid.“Andifmyideasarechosenonacurrentproject,Iwillhaveprovedmyworthtotherestoftheteam.”
Hefrowned.“Youneedtoproveyourworth?”
“Igothiredoversomeonewho’dbeenwiththecompanyseveralyearsandexpectedthepositiontobehers.Sheandtherestoftheteamhaven’ttakenkindlytome.”Whatshedidn’tmentionwastheextrahoursshe’dputin,theweekendsshe’dgoneintotheoffice,allinanefforttoprovethatmanagementhadmadetherightchoiceinhiringher.
“Ihavetoadmireyourtenacity,”Billysaid.
“MediaBlastiswhereI’vealwayswantedtowork.NowaywasIgoingtoletafewdisgruntledpeopledrivemeaway.”
“Goodforyou.”Lindydidn’tmeanfortheconversationtorevolvearoundher.ShewantedtoknowmoreaboutBilly.
“It’sfun,runningintoyou,especiallyafterMomshowedmethoseoldletterstoSanta.”
“Youmeantosayyou’dforgottenme?”
“Notforgotten.Let’sjustsayyouslippedmymind.”
“I’mherenow,Lindy,andhappytoseeyou.”
Theintensityofhiswordsandthewayhelookedathercausedhertoblush.“Thanks,Billy.It’sgoodtoconnectwithyou,too.”
RarelyhadLindyenjoyedadinnermore.Theconversationflowedeasilyfromonesubjecttothenext.Fromtheirworktoupdatingeachotherabouttheirfamilies
“Yousayyou’reintownforthenexttwoweeks?”Billyasked.“I’veenjoyedthetimewe’vespenttogether.Howwouldyoufeelaboutgettingtogetheragain?Itmightbeatoddhours,though.Therestaurantismyfirstpriority.I’mhopingyouwon’tmindworkingaroundthat.Wouldyoubewilling?”
“Thatsoundsgreat.”Twoweeksoflettinggoandhavingfun.Nowaywassheturningdownthisopportunity.
“HowwouldyoufeelaboutatriptoLeavenworth?”
“Itsoundsperfect,”shesaid.
Itreallydid.CHAPTERSEVEN
Thenextmorning,Lindycouldn’tstopthinkingaboutherromanticdinnerwithBilly.ThestaffreferredtohimasWill,buthewouldalwaysbeBillytoher.Theeveninghadbeenlovely.SheenjoyedtheirconversationandwasimpressedthatheseemedgenuinelyinterestedinherandherworkatMediaBlast.Unlikeothermenshe’ddated—notthattheyweredatingoranything—whohadalmostalwaystalkedaboutthemselves,lookingtoimpressher,shesupposed.
ItsurprisedherhowmuchBillyrememberedaboutherandherfamily.Hegrinnedwhenhesaid,“I’mnotlikelytoforgetthetalking-toourschoolprincipalgaveme.”
“Ahyes,ifIremember,thatmusthavebeentheBilly-the-bullytalk,”shesaid,recountingherindignationwhenhewouldn’tletadaypasswithoutpullingherhair.
Likeher,Billyhadneverbeenmarried,andwhilehedidn’tmentionotherrelationships,shestronglysuspectedtherehadbeenmorethanonethroughtheyears.Itmadesense,seeinghowattractiveandeligiblehewas.
—
Comingintothekitchen,Lindyfoundhermothersittingatthetablewiththelocalnewspaperandacupofcoffee.
“Sorryaboutdinnerlastnight,”Lindysaid,afterexplainingshe’ddinedwithBilly.Hermotherhadkeptaplatewarmed,waitingforherreturn.Bythetimeshearrivedhome,themealhadcompletelydriedout.Whilecleaningupthekitchen,she’ddancedaroundtheroom,feelingfreeandalittlesilly.It’dbeenalongtimesinceshe’dexperiencedthisunfetteredhappiness.AndtothinkitwasallbecauseofBillyKincade.Coveringhermouth,shelaughed.Neverinathousandyearswouldshethinkhe’dbetheonetomakeherheartsing.
“Noproblem,sweetie,”hermotherassuredher.“WereyouabletohelpBillywithhiswebsite?”
Lindynoddedasshepouredherselfacupofcoffee.Herheadspunwithideasonhowsheintendedtoaddthefinishingdetails.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindifIworkonitagainthismorning,”shesaid.Shetookthechancethathermotherhadn’tmadeplansforthem.Itwastheholidayseason,afterall,andtheyhadtalkedendlesslyaboutshoppingandbakingtogether.
“Ihaven’tgotathingscheduled,”hermothersaid,convincinglyenoughforLindytobelieveher.
“Imeanifyou’drather—”
“Thisisyourvacation.It’stimeoffyou’veworkedallyeartoenjoy.Youshouldspenditthewayyouwant.GohelpBilly.I’msureheappreciateswhatyou’redoing.”
“ButChristmasisourtimeand—”
“Stop,”hermothersaid,smilingatLindy.“Aftertheyearyou’vehad,allIwantisforyoutoenjoyyourself,andifthatmeansworkingonawebsiteforBilly,thenhaveatit,aslongasitmakesyouhappy.”
Nowwasprobablythebesttimetomentionhisinvite.“TomorrowishisdayoffandBillysuggestedwespendtheafternooninLeavenworth.Ihopeyoudon’tmindifIgo.”Itwouldbeanotherdaythathermothermighthavemadeplansthatshedidn’tknowabout.
“Lindy,please,goandhavefun.Restassuredyou’renotlettingmedown.”
“You’resureyoudon’tmind?”
“Lindy,whenhaveIevernotspokenmymind?”
Shegrinned.Hermotherhadneverbeenonetoholdbackheropinion.
“I’mhappyyou’vereconnectedwithPeggyandBilly,too.Now,don’tyouworryaboutathinghere.AllIaskisthatyoudowhatyourheartwants.”
Whenshe’dleftSeattle,Lindyhadbeeninlowspirits.Whatshehadn’texpectedwastoreconnectwithPeggyandrunintoBillyKincade.Fromthemomentshe’darrivedinWenatcheeandreadthoseoldletterstoSanta,itfeltasifthegrayworldhadsuddenlyturnedbrightredandgreen—thecolorsofChristmas.
“Thanks,Mom.”
Hermotherglancedupfromthenewspaper.“You’rewelcome,sweetie.”
WhenshearrivedattheWinePress,thesameyounghostesswhohadgreetedherthedaybeforeunlockedtherestaurantdoor,asithadyettoopen.Aflurryofactivitywasgoingoninsideastheserverssetthetables.Thekitchen,orwhatshecouldseeofit,wasbustlingaswell.Thearomasdriftingtowardherconvincedherthatthelatteshe’dpickeduponherwayinwasn’tgoingtosatisfyherforlong.
“You’reback,”thehostesssaid.“Willwasn’tsureexactlywhenyou’darrive.He’swith…someonecurrently.I’msurehewouldn’tmindifyouwentstraighttohisoffice.”
He’swith…someone?Lindyfrownedatthewaytheyoungwomanhesitated,asifshewasn’tsuresheshouldmentionwhoeveritwaswhocurrentlyoccupiedheremployer’stime.Thatwasinteresting.
AsLindywovearoundthetables,makingherwaytowardhisoffice,shecaughtsightofBillyleaningagainstthebar.Hewasinwhatlookedlikeadeepconversationwithawomanwholookedvaguelyfamiliar.Abeautifulwoman.
Notherbusiness,Lindydecided,andwithadeterminedeffortlookedaway.
OnceinsideBilly’soffice,shesatdownathiscomputerandloggedonwiththeinformationhe’dgivenher.She’djuststartedworkingwhenherphonebuzzed.
Evenafteronlyafewcalls,Lindyrecognizedthenumber.Peggy.
“Hey,”Peggysaid,whenLindyanswered.“Doyouhaveplanstonight?”
“What’sup?”
“Agroupofusaregoingonafoodscavengerhunt.Wanttojoinus?”
“Awhat?”Lindyhadneverheardofsuchathing.
“I’llexplainitlater.Meetmeatmyapartmentatsix.”
“DoIneedtobringanything?”
“Otherthanyourself,abottleofwine,andawhite-elephantgift,notadarnthing.”
Lindygrinned.Shehadnoideawhatafoodscavengerhuntwas,butitsoundedlikefun,andshewasupforthat.“I’llbethere.”
“Seeyouthen.”
LindydisconnectedjustasBillyenteredhisoffice.“Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.Iwastalkingwithmysister.YourememberDede,don’tyou?”
Lindyvaguelyrememberedher.They’dbeeninthesameschool.DedewasacoupleofyearsolderthanBilly.
“Shewasabitolder.Irememberyouhadsister,butIdon’tthinkweeverspoke,”shesaid,smilingupathim.
“I’mgratefultomysister.IfacedsomechallengeswhenIdecidedtoopentheWinePress.Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutDedeandherhusband,especiallyafter…”Helettherestdrop.
Lindywasabouttoaskhimwhathemeant.Beforeshecould,Billyasked,“Wereyouabletocleartomorrowafternoonwithyourmom?”heasked.
“We’regood.”
“Great.”
Thatsmileofhiswasenoughtolightupamillion-kilowattdam.Ittookanexaggeratedmomentbeforeshefoundthewherewithaltolookaway.Itsurprisedherhowquicklyshefoundhimoccupyinghermind.She’dfallenasleepwiththoughtsofhim,andhewasthefirstthingshethoughtaboutwhenshewoke,eagertospendtimewithhim.
—
WhenLindyarrivedatPeggy’s,ChloeandJaynewerealreadythere,andthepartywasabouttobegin.Peggywastheonewiththeidea:ItseemedasifbothoftheotherwomenwereasmuchinthedarkasLindywas.
LindyaddedherwrappedwhiteelephantgifttothestackwiththeothersandhandedPeggythebottleofwhitewine,oneherfatherhadrecommended.
Peggyhadaslygrin,andLindyhadtowonderwhathercleverfriendwasuptonow.Evenwhentheywerechildren,Peggywastheonewho’dhadthewildimagination.Lindyhadfollowedgleefullyalong.Herchildhoodhadbeenhappy,andalotofthatdelighthadbeenthetimesshe’dspentwithPeggy.ThislatestadventuretoldherPeggyhadn’tchanged.Shewasfun,creative,andupforanything.
“Okay,iseveryoneready?”Peggyasked.Sherubbedherpalmstogether,asifshecouldhardlywaitforthisfuneveningshehadplanned.
“AsreadyasI’lleverbe,”Lindysaid,sharingalookwiththeothertwowomen.
Peggypassedoutafoldedsheetofpapertoeachone.“Okay,readyourclue.Youhavethirtyminutestosolvetheriddle,andthenfindandsupplythecourseofthemealdescribedtoyou.Remember,youhaveonlyahalf-hourtocompleteyourtask.Thefirstonebackgetsaprize,andthelastoneback…well,letmeputitlikethis:Youdon’twanttobelast.”
LindywaiteduntilPeggy’stwootherfriendseachhadtheirsheetbeforesheunfoldedhersandreadtheriddle.
Rosesarered.Violetsareblue.
Dessert,myfriend,isonyou.Makeitsweetandeasytoeat.
NotGouda.Notcheddar.Thistastessomuchbetter.
It’sacakemostdon’tbake.Thirtyminutesisallitshouldtake.
Itwasn’thardforLindytofigureoutthatPeggywaslookingforhertodeliveracheesecake.Shecouldonlyimaginewhattheothershadbeenaskedtocontributetothemeal.Whatafunanddifferentidea.LeaveittoPeggy.
“ThemaincourseisintheCrock-Pot,andI’llhavethewineopenandthetablesetbythetimeyoureturn.Thefirstonebackgetsthehonorofbeingthelasttochoosethewhite-elephantgiftandunabletohaveanyonetakeitaway.”
“Andthelast?”Jayneasked.
“Thelastgetstocleanthekitchen.”
Allthreegroanedastheysurveyedthearea.ItseemedPeggyhaddeliberatelyusedeverypaninthehouse.
Lindywasexcitedforwhatwassuretobeafunevening.
Outthedoorthethreeofthemflew.
Lindywenttoherfavoritebakeryandfoundthatitwasfartoobusy.Seeingthelineinside,sheautomaticallydrovepast.Naturally,thebakerywasherfirstchoice.She’dconsiderherselfluckyiftheyevenhadacheesecakeleftthislateintheday.Keepingacloseeyeonthetime,shesawthatshe’dwastedfiveminutes.
HernextstopwasCostco.Theyalwayshadcheesecake,buttheparkinglotwasfull.Goinginsidewouldbeawastedeffortandsuretoeatuphertime.Sheshouldhaveknown.Thiswastheholidayseason.Shopperstookeveryopportunityavailabletostockup,andthiswasChristmasweek.
Hernextguesswasthelocalgrocerystore.Sheparked,rushedintothebakerysection,anddiscoveredtherewasn’tacheesecaketobefound.
ThensherememberedtheWinePresshadcheesecakeonthedessertmenu.AssheexitedtheSafeway,shereachedforherphoneandcalledtherestaurant.Thesamehostessfromthemorninganswered.
“ThisisLindy…WoulditbepossibletospeaktoBilly?”sheasked,checkingthetimeandfearingshewasabouttogettheboobyprize.
Itseemedtotakeforeverbeforehewasontheline.“Lindy?”
“Ineedfourslicesofcheesecake.Pronto.”
Hishesitationwasbrief.“IsthereacheesecakeemergencyIdidn’thearabout?”
“It’safoodscavengerhunt.Peggy’sidea.IfIdon’thaveitwithinthenextfewminutes,Icouldbestuckwashingasinkfullofdishes.CanIbuythecheesecakefromyou?”Atthispointshedidn’tcarewhatitcost.AllthatwasimportantwasthatshereturnwiththedessertbeforeJayneandChloe.
“Ofcourse.”
Shelookedatthetimeagain.“IhavelessthantwelveminutestogetitbacktoPeggy’s.”
“Whereareyounow?”heasked.
Shegavehimherlocation.
“I’llmeetyouhalfway.”Hegaveherthenameoftheschool,theveryonetheyhadattendedaschildren.“I’llmeetyouintheparkinglotbythebaseballfield.”
“Youmeanit’sstillthere?”
“AsfarasIknow.SeemstomeIdrovepastitrecently.”
“You’dleavetherestaurantandrushmethecheesecake?”Shewasgiddy,knowingthiswastheonlywayshe’dmakeitbacktoPeggy’swithintheallottedthirtyminutes.
“Onit.I’llbethereassoonasIcanmanage…”
LindydrovetoMissionViewElementary,pulledover,andparked.Sureenough,Billydidn’tkeepherwaitinglong.Hepulledupalongsidehercar.Billyclimbedoutofhisvehicle,andwithoutrealizinghowclosehewas,LindyopenedhercardoorandslammeditintoBilly,hittinghiminthestomach.
Billygaspedandbentover.
“Ohno.Billy,I’msosorry.Areyouhurt?”Shefeltdreadful.Herhandsflewtohermouthasshewaitedforhimtostraighten.
Hetookinashallowbreath.“I’mokay,”hesaid,betweengrittedteeth.
“You’renot,”shecountered,fearingshe’dunmannedhim.
Hewavedawayherconcernbeforehehandedhertheboxwiththecheesecake.“HowmuchdoIoweyou?”
“It’sonthehouse.”
“But…”
“YoudidmeafavorandI’mreturningone.”Hestilldidn’tsoundlikehimself.
“You’rehurt,”sheinsisted.“WhatcanIdotohelp?”
“Lindy,I’mfine.Youcaughtmebysurpriseisall.”
“You’rehurt.”
“Iamnothurt.Youbettergetgoingoryou’llbewashingdishes.”
“Right.You’resureyou’renotinpain?”
Hearchedhisbrows,whichshesupposedwasanswerenough.
“Nowgo.”
“Right.”Still,shehesitated,fearinghewasjusttellingherhewasunhurtwhenhereallywasinpain.Shewaiteduntilhewasinhiscarbeforesheleft.
—
LindyarrivedbackatPeggy’sapartment,withthreeminutestospare.ItwasfunnybecauseJaynearrivedalmostthesametimebutwasafewstepsaheadofher.ShediscoveredJaynewasresponsiblefortheappetizer:Chineseeggrolls.ChloecamewithinaminuteortwoofLindy.Chloehadbeengiventheriddleforthesalad:Waldorf,whichmadesense,sinceitincludedapples,theprimarycropofChelanCounty.HowthetwohadmanageditwithinthelimitedamountoftimewasbeyondLindy,knowingherowndifficultyingettingthecheesecake.
Peggygreetedtheminthekitchen.ThetablewassetwithSantaplatesandnapkins.Withthefoodonthetable,thefunbeganastheyrelayedtheiradventuresovercrispwhitewineandlaughter.Peggy’sowncontributiontothemealwastacosoup,soitwastrulyaninternationalmeal.
“Waldorfsalad?”Chloecomplained.“Really,Peggy?Couldn’tyouhavegoneforoneabitlessspecific?”
“Whereinthenameofheavendidyoufindthat?”Lindyasked.
Peggylaughed.“Hermotherisfamousforthesalad.Ifigured,itbeingthisclosetoChristmas,shewouldhavemadeitforthefamily.”
“Yes,andIstoleit,whichmeansImightwellbedisowned.IfIloseoutonmyinheritancebecauseofyou,Peggy,I’llneverforgiveyou.”
Lindytoldofherownmadcaptimetofindthedessert.ShedescribedhowBillyhadhelpedandhowshehadshovedthecardoorintohismidsection.“I’mafraidImightreallyhavehurthim.Beingaguy,hewouldneveradmitit,though.”
“Weshouldcheckonhimlater,”Peggysuggested.
Lindyagreed.
Dinnerwasfun.TheysataroundPeggy’stableandtalkedandlaughedforhours.Lindyfeltasifshe’dknownPeggy’stwofriendsforever.Theymadeherpartoftheirfungroup,willinglyincludingherasafriend.
Chloehadtogethometoherhusbandandchildren,andJaynehadtoworkearlyinthemorning.Lindywasthelasttogetreadytoleave.
“YoustillwanttocheckuponBillytoseeifhe’sokay?”Peggyasked.
“IthinkIshould.”
“I’llgowithyou.”
Theydroveinseparatecars.Theparkinglotwasn’tnearlyasfullattheWinePress,nowthatitwaslongpastthedinnerhour,althoughtheloungeseemedtobedoingahealthybusiness.
Billywasbehindthebar,talkingupthewinewithanengrossedaudience.WhenhesawLindyandPeggy,hisfacebrokeintoanautomaticgrin.Hemotionedforthemtojoinhimatthebar.
Theywerefortunateenoughtofindtwoemptystoolsnexttoeachotherandclaimedthem.Breakingawayfromthesmallgrouphe’dbeenchattingwith,BillyapproachedPeggyandLindy.Heautomaticallyplacednapkinsonthebarinfrontofthem.“WhatcanIgetyouladies?”
“Icametoseeifyouwereinjured,”Lindysaid.She’dworriedabouthimallnight.
“I’mfine,”hesaid,garneringtheattentionofthosesittingatthebar.
“Youhadacardoorslammedintoyou.”
“I’mfine,”hesaidagain.
Lindyremainedunconvinced.“Areyoupositive?”
Shakinghishead,BillysighedloudlytothecouplesoneithersideofPeggyandLindy.“Alltogethernow,”hesaid,raisinghislandlikeamaestrowithabatonreadytoleadanorchestra.
Inunison,thoseatthebarsaidinonevoice:
“He’sfine!”CHAPTEREIGHT
BillycametothehousetopickLindyupfortheshorttwenty-three-miledrivetoLeavenworth.Asachild,herparentshadtakenthefamilytothisGermanvillagefortheirannualOktoberfest,whichwasoneofthelargestinthecountry.Thetown’sChristmascelebrationwasevenbigger.
Peoplecamefromallovertheworldtothistinyburgduringtheholidayseason.Thecity’sfestivitieshadbecomepopularlongbeforebeinghighlightedonnationaltelevision.WhathadalwaysamazedLindywasthestorybehindthecity.Manyyearsago,Leavenworthhadbeenintrouble.Recognizingtheyneededtodosomethingtoboostrevenuesbeforethesmalltown,nestledinthefoothillsoftheCascademountains,becameaghosttown,thecitycouncildecidedtoreinventLeavenworth.Theysucceededbeyondwhatanyonecouldimagine.
Lindy’smothergreetedBillyatthefrontdoorwhileLindygatheredhercoatandpurse.“Mygoodness,Billy,”Ellensaid,shakingherheadasshelookedathim.“You’vegrownsotall.”
“Mom,thelasttimeyousawBillyhewasten.It’sonlynaturalhe’dgrow.”
“Buttooversixfeet?”
“Heightrunsinthefamily,”Billysaid,sharinganamusedlookwithLindy.
“Ithinkit’stimewego,”Lindysuggested,beforehermothersaidsomethingthatwouldembarrassherormentionedthatinfamouslettertoSanta.
Hermotherappearedhighlyentertainedbythetwoofthem.“Offwithyou,then.Havefun,youtwo,anddon’tworryaboutthetime.”
“Yes,Mom.”Fromthewayhermotheracted,onewouldthinkLindywasstillinhighschoolandneededtobehomebeforehercurfew.
Tohersurprise,Billyreachedforherhandastheywalkedtowardhiscar.Notthatsheobjected.Thewarmfeelingsthatranthroughheratthesimplegesturecouldbedescribedonlyaswelcoming.
Onceinsidehisfour-doortruck,LindynoticedthatBillyhadturnedontheheatedseats.Snowhadbeenpredictedatthehigherelevations,whichmeantitwaslikelytosnowinLeavenworth,aswellasinWenatchee.
BillyheadedthroughtowntoU.S.Highway2forthethirty-minutedrivetotheGermantown.“IwasabletogetusdinnerreservationsatBerghoff’s,”hementioned,asifallthatwasrequiredwasaphonecall.
“Noway.”TheGermanrestaurantwasoftenbookedmonthsinadvance,especiallyatthistimeofyear.Thefoodwaslegendary.
“Theownerisafriendofmine,”Billyexplained.“Hemovedafewthingsaroundtofitusin.Thereservationsareforsix,whichshouldworkperfectlyforthedayIhaveplanned.”
Billyhadmadeotherarrangements,orsoitappeared.“Andpraytell,whatdoyouhavescheduled?”
Hebrieflytookhiseyesofftheroadtoglanceherway.“Theusual.Asleighride,avisittoSanta.”
“AvisittoSanta?You’rekidding,right?”
“Nope.Itseemedappropriate,seeinghowyouappeartobeonhislist,andhowoftenyouwrotehimasakid.Ifiguredyou’dwelcomesittingonhislapagainandtellinghimwhatyou’dlikeforChristmas.”
“Veryfunny,”shechided,withmorethanahintofsarcasm.“I’mtoooldtobechummingupwithSanta,”shesaid,andthensherememberedhermostrecentlettertothejollyoldfellow,whereshe’daskedforanewbestfriend.Theinkwasbarelydryonthepagewhenshe’dreconnectedwithPeggy.Andthatwasn’tall.She’drunintoBilly,too,whenshe’daskedSantatointroducehertoaworthyman.
“ToooldforSanta?”Billyteased.“IsanyonereallytoooldforSanta?”
“You’reright,”sheagreed.“MaybevisitingSantaisn’tsuchabadideaafterall.”Impulsively,sheleanedherheadagainsthisshoulder.Sheknewthisdaywasinappreciationoftheworkshe’ddoneonthewebsitefortheWinePressandnothingmore.ArelationshipwithBillywouldn’treallyworkbeyondthesetwoweeks,whichwasunfortunate.ShehadherlifeinSeattle,andhewasarestaurantownerinWenatchee.Weekends,whenshewasoffwork,werehisbusiestdaysoftheweek.Hecouldn’tdrivetoSeattletobewithher.Furthermore,hisattentionhadtobeonhisbusiness,ifsheweretocometospendtimewithhim.
Farbetterforhertotonedowntheattractionshefeltforhim.EvenBillyseemedtounderstandthistimecouldbeforonlythesetwoweeks;anythingbeyondChristmaswouldbeproblematic.Nevertheless,ashortholidayromancewouldcertainlyliftherspirits.BeingwithBillyhelpedrelightthesmolderingflameofhopeinherheart.Thatwasallthisattractioncouldeverbe.Keepingitlightandfunwouldworkbestforbothofthem.
WhenBillypulledintothealleywaybehindtheGermanrestaurant,shehadtoacknowledgehehadgreatconnectionsintown.HeparkedbehindBerghoff’sinaspacehisfriendhadsavedforhim.Thesmalltownhadpreciouslittleparkingavailable,andpeoplewhodroveoftenhadtowalkseveralblockstothecenteroftown,wheremanyoftheactivitiestookplace.
Justasheturnedofftheengine,thesnowstartedtofallinlightflakes,driftingdownfromaflatgraysky.Climbingoutofthetruck,Lindylookedupandcaughtseveralfluffyflakesonhernose.
“Rememberaskidshowweusedtocatchthesnowflakesonourtongues?”Billyasked.
“Ido.”SnowinSeattle,acityonthewater,didn’toftengettheexperience.Snow,threedaysbeforeChristmas,wasatreattobetreasured.
Whentheymadeitontothemainthoroughfare,itcameasnosurprisetobecaughtupinthethickcrowdsoftourists.Severalofthestoresonthemainstreethadhiredsomeonetostandoutsidetocountthenumberinsidethebusiness.Itwasessentialbecauseofthefirecodes.Therequirementtowaitbeforeshoppingcertainlydidn’tseemtodampentheholidayspirit.Streetvendorsloudlypeddledroastedchestnuts,fancycoffeedrinks,steamingcupsofhotchocolate,andhomemadedoughnuts.
ThetrainfromSeattlewhistledasitdrewneartown.ManytouristsfromthewestsideofthemountainsoptedtotakethetrainratherthanriskdrivingoverthemountainpassthatledtoLeavenworth.Thesefamilyadventureswerehighlypopularforthosecomingfromthemetropolitanarea.ThetrainarrivedatvarioustimesandthenreturnedtoSeattle,makingitaperfectdaytrip.
Thegiantclockinthecenteroftownchimedmusicallyasthesnowlazilydrifteddownuponthem,leavingalayerofwhiteontheshouldersofherbrightredwoolcoat.
“Tothesleighridefirst,”Billysaid,grippingherglovedhand.Asbefore,shefeltaninstantwarmthathistouch.Sheignoredthewarningfromearlier,toguardherheart,determinedtoenjoyeveryminutewithBilly.
Thelinefortheridewaslong,snakingdownthepathway.Lindycountedsometwentycouplesaheadofthem.Shedidn’tmind.Everyoneappearedtobeinajovialmood,filledwiththeholidayspirit.AgroupofVictorian-dressedcarolerswalkedpast,theirvoicesblendinginperfectharmony.Herattentiondriftedtothetrainthatsluggishlyedgedtowardthedepotandpulledtoastop.
Lindy’sgazefollowedthepassengersastheydisembarked.Asshesuspected,theyincludedseveralfamilies.Parentswithyoungchildren,eagertoexplorethecity.Theeageryoungstersleapedontotheplatform,theirvoicesraisedinexcitement.TheVictoriancarolersweretheretogreetthemwithasong.Onelittlegirlwhocouldn’tbemorethanaboutfiveorsixstaredupatthequartet,hereyeswidewithwonder.
Standingbehindher,BillyplacedhishandsonLindy’sshouldersasthelineprogressedtowardthehorse-drawnsleigh.Theromanceofthisoutingdidn’tescapeher.
“Itwon’tbelongnow,”Billysaid,whisperingclosetoherear.Theywereonlytwocouplesbackfromthefront.
Assheturnedtosmileathim,hergazewentnaturallytowardthetrainplatformandthelittlegirl.Thensomethingpastthechildcaughtherattention.Lindy’seyeswidenedwhenshesawBrianandCelestestepoffthetrain.
Noway.
WhatwerethechancesthatthetwoofthemwouldarriveinLeavenworthatthesametimeshewasthere?ShewatchedasBrianhelpedCelesteoffthefirststep.He’dalwaysbeenthegentleman…untilhewasn’t.Ashiverwentthroughher.She’dassumedthatbecauseshe’dforgiventhem,thissenseoflossandbetrayalwouldn’tfeellikeakickinthestomach.Sheinhaledadeepbreathandrefusedtoletherthoughtswanderdownthoserut-filledpaths.
“Areyoucold?”Billyasked.
Hemusthavefeltherstiffen.“Alittle,”shesaid,ratherthangointoanydetails.Shepurposefullylookedaway,determinednottoletCelesteandBrianruinherday.IftheysawherwithBilly,thenallthebetter.Thatwouldassurethemshehadmovedon,andshehad.
Billyrubbedhishandsdownthesleevesofhercoatinanefforttowarmher.“We’llbeunderthosewoolblanketsinamatterofminutes,”hesaid.
“Itwon’tbelong,”sheagreed,astheydrewsteadilyclosertothefrontoftheline.
Whentheirturncame,theyoungmanwhowastheassistantmotionedforLindytoclimbontothesleigh.Billyhadclimbedaboardfirstandofferedhishand,whichshegladlyaccepted.Assoonasshewasseated,hepulledtheheavyblanketsoverherlapandwrappedhisarmaroundher.
Warmthinfusedher.Firstfromtheblankets,andsecond,fromherproximitytoBilly.Notonlywasheattentive,buthewasthoughtful,too.Thehorseanddrivertookoffdownawell-worn,snow-packedpathintoandthroughthethickwoods.Thehorse’shoofskickedupalightdustingofthefreshlyfallensnow.Christmasmusicswirledaroundthemandthengraduallyfadedastheycontinuedintotheforestland.Theirdriverchattedamicablyasheflickedthereinsagainstthehorses.
“Yourfirsttimeintown,folks?”heasked.
BillylookedtoLindytoanswer.“No.Firstsleighride,though.”
“Goodtohaveyoursweetheartwithyou.”
“Verygood,”Billyanswered,smilingatLindy.
Mesmerizedbytheglowinhiseyes,shesmiledbackandsnuggledcloser.
Thewait,asLindysuspected,waslongerthantheride.Notthatitmattered.Thefewminutestheywereintheforestweremagical.ThiswaseverythingChristmaswasmeanttobe.WithBillyatherside,andhisarmprotectivelyaroundher.Thefirtreesthatlinedthepath,theirlimbsburdenedwiththeweightofthesnow,createdaniconicwinterwonderland.Musicfromthecarolersfadedandthenreturnedastheynearedthestartingpoint.
Astheymadethefinalturn,LindynoticedBrianandCelestewereintheline,butnotcloseenoughthattheywouldeasilyseeherandBilly.Shewouldreallyrathernotrunintothem.
“You’rechillyagain,”Billysaid.
Asthesleighdrewclosertothedrop-offpoint,sheturnedtolookatBilly.“Wouldyoudosomethingforme?”
“Sure.Whatdoyouneed?”
“Wouldyoukissme?”
Hissmilewashuge,andhedidn’thesitateforevenamoment.Capturingherface,hishandscoveringherears,heslowlyloweredhismouthtohers.
Lindywasn’tsurewhatshe’dexpectedwhenshe’dmadetherequest.Onethingwascertain,itwasn’ttheintenseemotionsthatquicklylaidclaimtoher.AtfirstBilly’slipswerecold,whichonlymadesense,seeingasthey’dbeenridingthroughbelow-freezingtemperatures.Hismouthwarmedquicklyashedeepenedthekiss.Heatspreadthroughherassheopenedtohim,raisingherarmstorestherhandsonhisshoulders.Shequicklybecameinvolvedinthekiss.Slantingherheadtooneside,shewaslostinthewonderofthemoment.Themagicofit.Thesensationofbeinginhisarms,asifthiswaswhereshehadalwaysbelonged.
Whentheybrokeapart,alltheyseemedcapableofdoingwasstaringateachother,asiftheywerebothshockedbytheintensityofthekiss.Lindycouldhearthepeopleclappingandafewshoutsandcheersdirectedtowardthemlongbeforethesleighcametoastop.Foramoment,shedidn’theartheyoungmanurgingthemtoclimboffthesleigh.
Ashehadearlier,Billywentfirstandthenhelpedherdown.Assoonasherfeetwereontheground,shecouldn’tresistlookingtowardtheline.ShecouldonlyhopeCelesteandBrianhadwitnessedakissthatwasfarandawaybetterthananyshe’deverexperienced.AsmiletickledhermouthassheloopedherarmaroundBilly’selbow.
“Lindy.”
Celestecalledhername,andwhenLindyturned,shecouldseethatsheregrettedit.Heroncebestfriendloweredherheadasifshewasembarrassed.
“Celeste,”shesaid,andthennoddedtoBrian.“ThesleighrideisprobablythemostromanticthingI’vedoneinages.You’llenjoyit.Haveafunday.”Whenneitherseemedinclinedtocontinuetheconversation,LindyandBillyleft.
Theyhadn’tgonefarwhenBillypausedandturnedtofaceLindy.
“Youwanttotellmewhatthatwasabout?”
Shetoyedwithplayingdumbandrecognizedthatwouldn’twork.NotwithBilly.“Thatwasmyonetimebestfriendandmyoldboyfriendinline.”
“Sothat’swhatpromptedyoutoaskmeforthekiss?”
ShamefilledherwhensherealizedhowwrongitwasofhertouseBilly.
“Howrecentwasthebreakupwiththisguy?”heasked,hisvoicestiffanddeep
“Sixmonths.Hemovedinwithmyformerroommate,whoIconsideredmybestfriend,”sheadmitted,andthenadded,“Iapologize…Ishouldn’thaveusedyou.Itwaswrongofme,butIwantedthembothtoseethatI’dmovedon.”
“Iunderstand,Lindy,betterthanyourealize.I’vehadmyownshareofdisappointmentsfrompeopleI’vetrusted.It’sapainfullesson.I’msorryyouhadtogothroughthat.”
Shehopedhedidunderstand.“Askingyoutokissmeseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime,butinretrospect,I…”Shepaused,unsureifsheshouldcontinue.
“Inretrospect,what?”heprodded.
“Allright,”shesaid,shruggingasighthatraisedhershoulderstwofullinches.“Here’sthetruth.Thatkisswas…”Shestruggledtofindthewords.“Wasthebestever.”
“Thebest?Ever?”
“Betterthanthebest.Itwaswonderful.Imighthaveaskedyoutokissmeforallthewrongreasons,butBilly,wow.Thatkissdidsomethingtomyheart.”Shepressedherhandoverherchesttoreassurehimshewasn’tjustsayingthat,butshemeantit.
“Youmeanlikeheartburn?”
“No,”sheanswered,laughing,certainhewasmakingajoke.“AsIsaidatdinner,myjobhasbeenachallengelately,andthenthebreakup.”
“That’sunderstandable.”
“Mostlyitwasmypridethattookabeating,”sheconfessed.
“Youlikedthekiss?”Billyasked.
“OutofallIsaid,thisiswhatyouwanttoaskme?”
Heshrugged.“Itdidn’tdomyegoanyharm.”
Lindysmiled.Hewasright.Thepastmeantnothingnow.He’dasked,andshewasgladshe’dbeenhonest.
“Whatareyoufeelingaboutthatkiss?”Shecouldn’tresistwantingtoknow.
Hegavealightheartedshrug.“Itwasn’tbad.”
“What?”Shedemanded,andelbowedhimintheribs.
Billydidagoodjobofpretendingshe’dinjuredhim.“Okay,ifyoumustknow,thekisswasprettydarnspectacular,althoughIcandobetter,giventheopportunity.”
Lindywoundherarmaroundhiswaistonceagain.“ThenI’llmakesureyougetthatopportunity.”
“Soundsgoodtome.”Hebrushedhislipsoverherforehead.CHAPTERNINE
“Wheretonext?”Lindyasked.
“Howaboutsomecocoaandahotdoughnut?”Theybothcoulddowithabitofwarmthintheirstomachs.
“Icoulddowithcoffee.”
WhileLindyglancedthroughthewindowintothehatstore,Billywentforcoffee.Therewereeasilytwentytothirtypeoplewaitingforachancetogetinsidethetinyshoptotryontheiruniquecaps,hoods,andbonnets.
Hejoinedherandtheywerefortunateenoughtofindaspacetositonthelipthatcircledthetownfountain.Atherfirstsip,Lindyblinkedbacktears.“Mygoodness,thisisstrong.It’sadefibrillatorinacup.”
“Ithoughtthat’swhatmykisswas.”
Shesmiledassheloweredhergazetothesteamingdisposablecup.“Yes,that,too.”
“Knewit.”
Menandtheiregos!Itfeltwonderfultolaughandsmileagain.IfshedidhappentorunintoBrianandCelesteasecondtime,shewouldn’tcare.ThisafternoonwithBillywasexactlywhatherheartneeded.
Aftertheyfinishedtheircoffee,BillytookherhandandledhertotheSantahouse.
“Youknowthisreallyisn’tnecessary,don’tyou?”shesaid,feelingmorethanalittlesilly.
“Ithinkitis.”
SeeingthatBillyinsisted,Lindydecidedtoplayalong.Itdidn’thurtthatshe’drecentlywrittenSantaaletter,aschildishasthatmightseem.Listingtheverythingsherheartdesiredhadbeenfreeing,especiallyafterreadingthoseearlylettersshe’dpennedasagirl.
Astheystoodinline,LindywatchedSantawiththechildren.Hehadthepatienceofasaint,takingtimewitheachoneandlisteningintentlyastheyreviewedtheirChristmaswishes.Whenitwasherturn,Santadidn’tbataneye.Heheldouthishand,welcominghertojoinhim,andthenpattedhisknee.
“Hello,Santa,”shesaid,smilingattheolderman.Hiswhitebeardwasauthentic,andhehadatwinkleinhiseye.Lindyfeltridiculous,asshewastheonlyadultwaitingforherturnwiththebigguy.Oneofthechildreninlinepointedather.
“She’stoooldforSanta,”heannounced,withrighteousindignation.
Santawaggedhisfingeratthechild.“NooneisevertoooldforSanta,”hetoldthelittleboy.
HeturnedandfocusedhisattentiononLindy.Withanencouragingsmile,hesaid,“Ahyes,I’vebeenwaitingforyou.”
“Really?”shesaid,teasinghim.
Hisdarkeyesgrewserious,asthoughherdoubthadoffendedhim.“Ihave,Lindy.”
Heknewhername,butshesuspectedSantamusthaveheardBillysayit.Fromhavingobservedhimearlier,shecouldseehewassharperthanothermenwhosteppedintotherole.
“Haveyoubeenagoodgirlthisyear?”Santaasked.
“Absolutely,”shesaid,havingadifficulttimenotgiggling.“Theverybest.”
“I’mhappytohearthat.Now,whatwouldyoulikeSantatobringyou?”
“Didn’tyougetmyletter?”sheteased.
“I’msureoneofmyelveshasplaceditonmydesk.IpromiseI’llreaditonceIreturntotheNorthPole.”Hesoundedsincere,andshefoundthatratherendearing.
“Good,becauseit’saheartfeltlist.”
“I’msureitis,andIpromisetoreaditsoon.Butsinceyou’rewithmenow,whydon’tyoutellmewhat’sonyourlistthisyear.”
AsshevisitedwithSanta,Billywasbusytakingphotoafterphoto,movingfromonepartoftheroomtoanother,takingadozenormorepicturesofheronSanta’sknee.Heseemedtofindthisamusing,andshelethimhavehisfun.Billyhaddoneeverythingtomakethisdayspecial,andshewantedhimtoknowhowmuchsheappreciatedhisefforts.
SeeinghertimewithSantawasabouttoend,Lindysaid,“BeforeIgo,IwantyoutoknowthatwhenIwassix,Iaskedforalittlesister,butyousentmeabrotherinstead.Iforgiveyou,becauseChadisthebestlittlebrotherabigsistercouldeverwant.So,thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.I’msureitwasamailroomerror.Theelvesmusthaveconfusedyourletterwithanotheryoungster’s.Thatoccasionallyhappens.”
Lindyhidasmileathowserioushisapologywas.“Noworries,itturnedoutforthebetter.”
Santagrinnedsheepishly.
“Also,IregretaskingyoutobringBillyKincadecoal.Thatwasunkindofme.”
“BillyKincade,”Santaslowlyrepeatedthenameasiftestinghismemory.“Idorememberthatyoungman.Hewasquitetherascal.Idon’tsupposeyouknowwhateverbecameofhim?”
Shegesturedacrosstheroom.“That’shimwiththephone.”
“My,my,he’sgrownintoquitethefineyoungman.I’mhappytoseeyou’veresolvedyourdifferences.”
“Wehave,”shesaid,findingtheirconversationfun.
Santahandedheracandycane,andsheknewitwastimetogo.
“Thankyou,Santa,”shesaid,andstood.
“Youknow,”Santasaid,stoppingher.Histwinklingeyesheldhersforanextralongmoment.“Thatletteryourecentlywroteme.”
“Yes?”
“I’lldomybesttomakesureallyourwishescometrue.”Thesmilehadleft,andoncemoreheheldhergazeforanextralongmoment.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,havingtroublefindinghervoice.
Billymetheratthebackofthelineandasked,“WhatdidSantasayasyouwereleaving?”
NowthatLindythoughtaboutit,shefoundSanta’spartingwordsmorethanalittleperplexing,asifhewasserious…asifhewassincere.“Hesaidwhathedoestoeveryone,Isuppose,thathe’dworkonmyChristmaswishes.”
Billyreachedforherhand.“Helooked…Idon’tknow,likehewasabouttoaskyououtonadate.”
Lindylaughedandleanedherheadagainsthisshoulder.“That’shilarious.”
“DidyoutellhimyourChristmaswish?”
“Notexactly.ItoldhimIwrotehimaletter.”
“Ibetyoudidn’taskforRollerblades,”heteased.
“No,itwasabit…itwaspersonal.”
“Gotit.AndSantasaidhe’dbeworkingonit?”
“Hedid.”Lindysincerelyhopedhewasright.ShewantedtomakeitonherowninSeattle.ShehadalottoprovetotheteamatMediaBlast.Asfortheotheritemsonherlist,she’dleavethatuptoSanta.
Therestoftheafternoonwasperfect.Theystoppedbytheindependentbookstore,ABookforAllSeasons,andLindyboughtanautographedcopybyoneofherfavoriteauthors.Theirnextstopwasthecheesestore,andBillypickedupBriefromFrancetocontributetohissister’sChristmasdinner.
“WillyouspendChristmaswithDede?”SheassumedtherestaurantwouldbeclosedonChristmasDay.
“That’stheplanfornow.”
Fornow?Hemadeitsoundasiftheremightbeachangeinhisplans.Itmadeherwonderifhe’dmadeotherarrangementswithanotherwoman.Atingeofcuriosityniggledinherminduntilsheremindedherselfitshouldn’tmatter.ShewouldbereturningtoSeattleafterthefirstoftheyear.Thistimetogetherwasapleasantinterludeandoneherself-esteembadlyneeded,buttheywerebothfullyawarehertimeinWenatcheewaslimited.
Astheystrolledalongtheway,thecrowdsswirledaroundthem:thenoise,laughter,andmusic,allpartoftheenchantment.
Therewasnoshortageofinterestingshopstovisit,andbeforelongitwastimefortheirdinnerreservationatBerghoff’s.Theywalkedtotherestaurant,handinhandtokeepthemfrombeingseparatedintheminglingcrowd.Whateverthereason,Lindyenjoyedbeinglinkedtohim.
Thelineintotherestaurantprogressedalong,andsoontheywereatthecheck-in.Thehostesscollectedtheircoatsandledthemacrosstheroom.Asexpected,everytablewasoccupied,andtherestaurantwashopping.Afireblazedfromtherock-hewnfireplace,warmingtheroom.Softlightingcreatedacozy,ifnotromantic,atmosphere.
Onceseated,theywerehandedmenus.Whentheirserverappeared,Billyorderedawinefromalocalwinery,andwithinashortamountoftimeitwasdeliveredtotheirtable.
“Danwillberightover,”theservertoldBilly.
“Danistheowner,”Billyexplained.“He’sbeenamentortomeforthelastcoupleofyears,plusbeingagoodfriend.”
“Ilookforwardtomeetinghim.”EatingatBerghoff’swasararetreat.Herfamilyhadneverbeenabletogetreservations,andLindyhadn’tmentionedwhereBillywastakingher,incaseitfellthroughatthelastminute.
“DanhasrelativesinChicago,”Billyexplained.“Theirrestaurantwasoneofthemostnotableinthecityforanynumberofyears.IhadanotherrestaurantinYakimabeforecomingtoWenatchee.DanwasinstrumentalinadvisingmewhenIcametohimaboutopeningtheWinePress.Hisfamilyhasbeeninthebusinessforyears.Iappreciatedhisadvice.”
LindyvaguelyrememberedhearingabouttherelationshipbetweentheChicagorestaurantandtheoneinLeavenworth,someyearsago,whileincollege.
“WhathappenedtoyourrestaurantinYakima?”Lindyasked,wonderingifhewasmanagingmorethantheoneinWenatchee.
Hedidn’tanswerrightaway,andlookedrelievedwhenDanapproachedtheirtable,leavinghertowonderwhathadhappenedinYakima,ashedidn’tseemtowanttodiscussit.
“Will,goodtoseeyou,”Dansaid,ashesteppedcloser.Billystood,andthetwomenbrieflyhugged.“Appreciateyousqueezingusintonight,”hesaid.
Therestaurantownerwasaroundfifty,ifLindyweretoguess.Hehadathickheadofsalt-and-pepperhair,warmblueeyes,andawell-trimmedbeard.Hissmilewaspersonable.
“Wednesdaynightwasn’tahugeproblem.Theweekendwouldhavebeenimpossible.”Hereachedforthewinebottleandopeneditwithanexperthand.HeglancedtowardLindy.
Billyreachedacrossthetableandtookherhand.“ThisisLindy,thewomanImentionedearlier.”
“Ahyes,”Dansaid,hisgazewelcoming,revealingabitofintrigue,asifheknewsomethingshedidn’t.“It’sapleasure,Lindy.”
“It’snicetomeetyou,andagain,thankyouforfindingusatablefortonight.”
“Myjoy,sweetlady.”
Billyleanedforward,pressinghismidsectionagainstthetable.Inastagewhisper,hesaid,“Ididn’ttellhimaboutyourlettertoSanta.”
“What’sthisaboutaletter?”Danpried.
“Whatwouldyourecommendoffthemenu?”Lindyasked,gentlykickingBillyunderthetable.
“Ouch,”hecried,pretendingshe’dmortallywoundedhim.“It’snothing,”hetoldhisfriend,andthenaddedinanotherstagewhisper,“I’lltellyoulater.”
DanlaughedandturnedhisattentiontoLindy.“Ihighlyrecommendtherouladenandthesp?tzlewithpurplecabbage.It’soneofoursignaturedishes.Youcan’tgowrong.”
“I’veheardofsp?tzle,butnotrouladen.”
“It’sthinlyslicedbeef,layeredwithbaconandslicedonion,andthenrolledaroundathicksliceofpickle.Trustme,Lindy,youwon’tbedisappointed.”
“Thenthat’swhatI’llhave.”
LindydidwelltohavetakenDan’sword,asthedinnerwaseverythingshe’dhopeditwouldbe.Theylingeredoveradessertcalleddonauwelle.Danexplainedthatitwasbasicallypoundcakeflavoredwithvanilla.Thenthetopwasfilledwithcherries,athicklayerofbuttercream,alongwithathincoveringofchocolateganache.Everybitewaspureheaven.Themealwasfinishedwithacupofdecafcoffee.
Danescortedthemtothedooroncetheywerereadytoleaveandhandedthemtheircoats.HetookLindy’shandandkissedit.“Meetingyouwasadelight,”hesaid.
“Hey,buddy,”Billyteased,“that’smygirl.”
Hisgirl!Lindycouldn’thavehiddenhersmileifshe’dtried.
“TheFrenchsideofhisfamilycomesouteverynowandagain,”Billysaid,asheplacedhisarmaroundLindy’swaistandsteeredheroutthebackentrance,wherehe’dparkedthetruck.
Billyhelpedherinside,thenwalkedaroundthefront.Onceinside,hestartedtheengineandletitwarmupenoughtoclearthefrostoffthewindshield.
“Ihadthemostmarvelousday,”Lindytoldhim,anditwasthetruth.Everyaspectoftheirafternoonandeveninghadbeensimplywonderful.EvenseeingBrianwithCelestehadn’thamperedhertime.Thisdaywouldbeoneshelongtreasured.
“Idon’twantittoend,”Billysaid.
“Idon’t,either.”
“Good.Let’sstopoffattheWinePress.There’saspecialicewineI’dlikeyoutotaste.It’safavoriteofmine,andIthinkyou’llenjoyit,too.”
Icewinewouldbeatreat.Thegrapescouldbeharvestedonlyinclimateswheretemperaturesdroppedtobelowfreezing.Thegrapeswerekeptonthevinetosweetenuntilthefirstfrostoftheseason.Theywerethenhandpicked,generallyinthedarkofnight,afterthegrapeshadfrozen.Theexcessivelysweetwinewasn’ttoeveryone’staste.Lindyhappenedtolikeit.Thebottleswerenarrowandthin,andoftenexpensive,duetothelaborcosts.
“I’dlikethat,”shesaid.
“It’llgivemeachancetocheckinwiththenightmanager,too.Itmightbemydayoff,butImakeahabitofcheckinginatsomepointduringtheday.”
Theresponsibilityofbeinganowner/operatormustweighheavilyonBilly.Ittoldherhedidn’tlikelyhavetimeforarelationship,notwithhimworkingsixdaysaweek.Evenonhisdayoff,heraninterference.Therestaurantwasconstantlyonhismind,asitshouldbe.Billyunderstoodthiscouldbeonlyaholidayromance.Shewasofthesamemind.
Eventhoughitwasaftereight,therestaurantwasbusy;everyseatatthebarwastaken.BillysecuredatableandleftLindywhilehewenttocheckinwiththemanager.Whenhereturned,hehadthebottleoficewineandtwospecialglassesthatresembledminiaturewineglasses.
Hesatnexttoherandpouredthemeachasmallamount.“Alittlegoesalongwaywithicewine,”hesaid.Again,thewinewasonefromWashingtonState.Onlynorthernclimateshadthenecessarytemperaturescoldenoughtoproduceicewine.
“TheTorontoareahassomewonderfulicewinesaswell,”hesaid,ashegentlyclinkedhisglassagainsthers.
“Whatshallwetoast?”Lindyasked.
“HowaboutwetoasttoSanta.”
Lindylaughed.“ToSanta,”shesaid,andraisedtheglasstoherlips.
Thewinewasextrasweet,andcold.Ittastedabitlikehoneyandcametolifeinhermouth.Shesmiledtoherself,thinkingthiswaslikeacavityinaglass.
“Doyoulikeit?”Billyasked.
“It’swonderful.”Itwastheperfectcomplementtotheirmagicalday.CHAPTERTEN
Lindy’smomwatchedPetereveryThursday,soLindywasabletospendthemorningwithherpreciousnephew.Hewasaballoffire.Thisprecociousfour-year-oldhadwrappedhiswayaroundherheartfromthedayhe’dbeenborn.
Chad’swifeworkedatasmallarts-and-craftsstoreownedbyherparents.NowthatAshleywaspregnant,sheworkedpart-time,helpingherparentsouttwodaysaweek.BecauseLindy’smotherhadthemfordinneronThursdaynights,thatwasthedayshealsokeptPeter.Afteralongdayonherfeet,Ashleyappreciatednotneedingtorushhomeandpreparedinner.Lindy’smotherwasthoughtfulthatway.
Forthisevening,hermotherhadaMississippipotroastsimmeringintheCrock-Pot,which,Lindyknew,wasoneofChad’sfavorites.AfterspendingthemorningentertainingPeterwithBeau’shelp,LindygotPeterdownforhisnap.HeresisteduntilshepromisedhimasleddingtripintheparkafterChristmas.Onceshewassurehewasasleep,sheslippedawaytomeetPeggyforlunch.
Followingtheirfoodscavengerhunt,whenPeggylearnedLindywouldbespendingWednesdayafternoonwithBilly,she’dinsistedtheymeetsoshecouldhearallthedetails.LindyhadstoppedbyPeggy’sofficeearlierandsolvedaminorback-endwebsiteproblem.PeggyusedthatexcusetopayforLindy’slunch,butLindyknewitwasmoretodrillheraboutherdaywithBilly.Lindyhadagreed,mainlybecauseanytimespentwithPeggywassuretobefun.
Lindyparkedandnoticedthatherfriendhadalreadyarrivedandwasseatedinaboothbythewindowinthefifties-stylediner,knownastheBigAppleDiner.Evenknowingshewasabouttoundergoaninquisition,LindywashappytoseePeggy.
Sheslidintothebooth.“Hey,girl,”shesaid,asshereachedforthemenu,whichwastuckedbehindtheold-stylejukebox.
“Hey,yourself,”Peggygreeted.“So,don’tkeepmeinsuspense,howwasyourdatewithBillytheKid?”
“CanIlookatthemenufirst?”Lindyteased.
“No.I’veonlygotanhour;I’vealreadyorderedforus.Iwantdetails.”
“Whatdidyouorder?”
“Cobbsaladsforusboth.Nowspill.”Shecockedherheadtoonesideandgrinnedshrewdly,asifseeingLindy’ssmiletoldhereverythingsheneededtoknow
“What?”Lindyasked,asasaucygrinspreadoverPeggy’sbeautifulface.
Sheshrugged.“Youdon’tneedtosayaword,Icanseeeverythingwassuperjustbyyourlook.”
“You’refullofit.”Lindyimmediatelyloweredhergaze,afraidofwhatherfriendsawinher.
“IknowwhatIknow.Youcandenyallyouwant.Tellmeeverything,anddon’tleaveoutthejuicydetails.”Peggywasrelentless.
“Peggy!”
“Didhe—”
Lindywaggedherindexfinger.“I’mnotonetokissandtell.”
“Ah,sotherewaskissing.”Peggyjiggledhereyebrowssuggestively.
“Allright,I’lladmititwasafabulouslyfunday.”Thetruthwas,thatafternoonandeveningwithBillyhadbeenthebesttimeLindycouldrememberinaverylongwhile.
“Whenarethetwoofyougettingtogethernext?”
Hernosyfriendwasn’tgoingtodropthisuntilshegotthedetailsshewanted.
“Hedidaskyououtagain,didn’the?”
“No,hedidn’t.”LindyneglectedtomentionhowbusytheChristmasholidayswerefortherestaurant.Companieshadbookedofficeparties,andeveryavailabletablewasreserveduntilChristmasandintotheweekthatfollowed.ItwentwithoutBillyneedingtoexplain,althoughhehad,thathecouldn’ttaketimeoffuntilafterChristmas,otherthanafewoddhourshereandthere.Buthe’dencouragedLindytostopbyanytime.
Peggylookedinsulted.“YoumeantotellmeBillywinedanddinedyouandletitgoatthat?”
“Yes.You’reputtingmoreintothisthanwarranted.Billywasthankingmeformyhelp,isall.”Nowaywasshementioningthekissthey’dsharedonthesleighrideortheonesafterhedroveherhome.Thatwasprivate.
BecausePeggyinsisted,LindycavedandfilledherinonherdaywithBilly,thesleighride,andespeciallythedinner.Otherthanthekiss,sheleftoutrunningintoCelesteandBrian.ShemighthavesaidsomethingifPeggyhadn’tbeensofullofquestions.Lindyhadbarelyansweredoneandherfriendfiredoffanother,wantinginoneverysmalldetail.
Whenshe’dfinished,Peggysaid,withthatsameI-know-you-better-than-you-thinklook,“YoulikeBilly.Don’tbothertodenyit.”
“Really?”
“Yes,really.It’sobvioushefeelsthesamewayaboutyou.Anyonewithhalfabraincanseethetwoofyouhavechemistry.”Sheraisedbothhandsandmadeexplosionsigns.
“YoumeanlikeRomeoandJuliet?”sheteased.“BogieandBacall?”
“YouthinkI’mjoking.Isawthewayyoutwolookedateachothertheothernight.It’ssweetandmakesmewishtherewasamaninmylife.”SheheavedasighloudenoughtomakeLindylaughoutloud.
Theserverdeliveredtheirsalads.Afteralltheindulgencesofthedaybefore,Lindyatesparingly.Peggywasbothtallandthin,andseemednottoworryaboutcalories.Lindyenviedherfriend’sabilitytoeatany-andeverythingandstillmaintainhertrimfigure.
“Youshowedmeyourpicturesfromhighschool.Howisityouweighthesamenowasyoudidthen?”Lindyasked.
Peggyshrugged.“Goodgenes.”
“Well,Ihaveskinnyjeansandtheywon’tfitifIcontinuetoeatlikeIdidyesterday.”Shementionedthedessertshe’dhadaftertheGermandinnerandhowdecadentitwas.
“Thatsoundsdelicious.”
“Itwas.”
Peggy’sgazenarrowed.“You’rechangingthesubject.”
“Notonpurpose.IhadagreattimewithBilly,butthat’sasfarasitgoes.Remember,I’mintownonlyuntilafterNewYear’s,andthenIneedtoreturntoSeattle.Billyknowsthat,too.Whateverthisiscanlastthesetwoweeksandnolonger.”
“DoyouhavetogobacktoSeattle?”Peggypushedoutherbottomlipinapoutwiththequestion.
ThequestioncaughtLindyupshort.Shehadn’tgivenmovingbacktoWenatcheeathought.Tohersurprise,shewasimmediatelydrawntotheidea.ReconnectingwithPeggyandBilly,too,heldalotofappeal.Asquicklyasthethoughtcame,realitysetin.Ifherproposalwasaccepted,therewasnowayshecouldleaveMediaBlast,notafterthehoursandeffortthathadgoneintotheproject.
“It’sagoodthought,”shesaid,“butmylifeisinSeattle.I’msixmonthsintoayearleaseonmyapartment.Ican’tupandmovenow,evenifIwanted.Besides,Ihaveagreatjob.”
“Didn’tyoutellmehowunderappreciatedyouare?”
Thatwastrue.Still,Lindywasdeterminedtoproveherself,andshehopedthislatestproposalwoulddoit.
“I’vebeenthinking,”Peggysaid,growingserious.“IlookedatwhatyoudidforBilly’swebsiteand,Lindy,it’sfabulous.Haveyoueverthoughtaboutdoingfreelancework?”
Shehadn’t,andshookherhead.
“Iknowseveralbusinessesthatwouldliketohaveupdatedwebsites.You’dfillarealneed.”
“Ican’tdothat,Peggy,notwhenIworkforMediaBlast.”
“Thendon’tworkforthem.MovebacktoWenatcheeandgooutonyourown.Withoutadoubtyou’dbeasuccess.”
ThatwouldbeaJack-and-the-Beanstalkgiantleapoffaith,andnotoneLindywaswillingtotake.“Idon’thavetheconnectionstodothat.”
“ButIdo.Icanhelp;Ihavelotsofconnections,”Peggytoldher,asifwhatshesuggestedwasasmallthing.Lindywouldberiskingeverything.
Lindyshookherhead.“Sorry…Maybesometimedowntheroad.”
Peggyreluctantlyacceptedherdecision.
Onceherlunchhourwasover,Peggyreturnedtotheoffice,andLindypickedupafewitemshermotherhadaskedhertocollectfordinner.Shewaswalkingintothehousewhenherphonedinged.
ItwasatextfromBilly.
Foundyourgloveinthetruck.Youhome?
Yes.
Seeyouinafew.
Thiswasanunexpectedsurprise.She’dmissedtheredglovewhenshe’dlefttomeetPeggy.TheonlyplaceitcouldbewasinBilly’struck.Shemeanttoaskhimaboutitbuthaddecidedtowaituntillater.Shewouldhavesavedhimthetroubleandcollecteditherself.Seeingthathewantedtodeliverithimselfwasevenbetter.
“You’reback,”Petersaid,runningasfastashislegscouldcarryhimassoonasshewalkedinthedoor.BeaubarkedhisgreetingandracedalongsidePeter.Whenevershereturned,Beauactedlikeshe’dbeengoneforeverandhe’dbeenanxiouslywaitingforhertocomehomesoshewouldpethim.
Settingasideherpurseandthegrocerybag,Lindyhauledhernephewintoherarms.“Didyouhaveagoodnap?”
Peternoddedenthusiastically.
“Youworehimoutthismorning,”hermothersaid,fromthekitchen.
“Billy’sonhiswayover,”shesaid,assheheadedintoherbedroom.PeterandBeautaggedbehindher.
“Who’sBilly?”Peterasked.
“Afriend.”
“Doeshelikeplayinginthesnow?”
Lindyshrugged.“Idon’tknow,you’llhavetoaskhimyourself.”
“Okay.”
WantingtomakesureshelookedherbestforBilly,Lindytoucheduphermakeupandranaflatironthroughherhair.Shewasapplyinglipglosswhenthedoorbellchimed.ShelethermotherandPeteranswerthedoor.RightawaysheheardPeteraskingBillyifhewouldgosleddingwiththemforfuninthesnow.Lindyrolledhereyes.Ohdear.Shehadn’tmeantforthattohappen.She’dexplainittoBillylater.
Inhalingadeepbreath,Lindycenteredherself.ItwouldbefarandawaytooeasytoletherheartgetaheadofherbrainwhenitcametoBilly.Shecouldn’tletthathappen.Thiswasatemporarysituation.AChristmasromance,anditwouldendwhensheleftWenatchee.Billyhadabusinesstorun.Shewasn’tgoingtoencourageanythingbeyondthetwoweeksshewasintown.
Bythetimesheappeared,hermotherhadbroughtBillyintothekitchen.Hesatatthekitchentable.Hermotherhadpouredhimcoffeeandwasgatheringcookiesforaplate.PeterwasmunchingonacookieashesatonthefamilyroomfloorwatchingPawPatrol,hisfavoritecartoonseries.Everattentive,Beauwasathisside.
“Ah,here’sLindy.”
“Hey,”shesaid,alittleself-conscious.Shewasn’tsurewhy,otherthanthefactthathermotherwasintheroom.
“Hey,”hereturned.
Theireyeslocked,anditfeltasifthey’dbeenapartyearsinsteadofafewhours.Herheartseemedtoroarinsideherchest,asiflookingtomakeabreakforit.
“Ihaveyourglove,”hesaid,andthewayhesaidthewordsmadeitsoundasifheheldherheartinthepalmofhishand.Lindywasafraidhejustmight,andthatwasdangerousforawidevarietyofreasons.
Sherememberedremovingherglovewhenthey’dkissedinsidehistruck.Theneedtoburyherfingersinthehairatthebaseofhisneckhadbeentoomuchtoresist.She’dtornoffherglovesandstuffedthemintohercoatpocket.Apparently,onlyoneofthemhadmadeitinside.ThelooktheysharedassuredherthatBillyrememberedexactlywhenshe’dremoveditaskeenlyasshedid.
“Theremustbealullattherestaurant,”shesaid,makingadeterminedefforttobreakeyecontact.
Henodded.
Hermotherdeliveredthecookiestothetableandthenreturnedtowhateveritwasshewasdoing.
“Whateveryou’recooking,Mrs.Carmichael,smellsdelicious.”
“ChadandAshleyarecomingfordinner,”Lindyexplained.“Mississippipotroastismybrother’sfavorite.”
“Neverheardofit.”
“It’smadewithpepperoncinis,”Ellenexplained,asshesetthelidbackontheCrock-Pot.
“NeverthoughtofthemhavinganythingtodowithMississippi,”Billysaid.
Lindyhadtoagree.Shedidn’tknowhowthedishgotitsname.“Cometothinkofit,meneither.”
“Billy,whydon’tyoujoinusfordinner?”hermotheroffered,turningtofacethem.“We’dlovetohaveyou.”
BillylookedtoLindy,asifseekingherreaction.
“Couldyougetaway?”Lindyhopeditwaspossible.Thelastthingshewantedwastoputpressureonhim,knowinghowbusytherestaurantwouldbethisevening
“We’lleataroundsix,”hermotheradded.
BillyreachedforLindy’shandandgaveitaquicksqueeze.“Icouldgetawayforanhour,Isuppose.I’vebeentheresinceeightthismorning.Icoulduseabreak.”
Lindyhadn’tdaredtohopehewouldtakethetimeaway,andsqueezedhishandback.“That’sgreat.”Andthen,becauseshedidn’twanthimtofeelanobligationonherbehalf,sheadded,“Areyousure?”
“Positive.Therestauranthastakenovermylife.Ineedtomaketimeformyselfnowandagain,”hesaid,andaddedinawhispersolowshewasn’tsuresheheardcorrectly,“Timeforus.”
“WhataboutChristmas?”sheasked,feelingbrave.“Iknowyousaidyouwerespendingitwithyoursister,butdoyouthinkyoumightbeabletostopbyhere?”
“I’dlikethat.”
“That’dbegreat.”Shecouldn’thidethejoyshefeltknowingshewouldspendpartofthedaywithhim.
“Idon’tsupposeyouknowanyonewillingtoplaySanta,”hermotherasked,loweringhervoicesoPeterwouldn’thear.
“Ido,”Billysaid.
“ThisisthefirstyearPeter’sintoSanta.I’dloveitifSantacouldstopbythehouseatsomepointonChristmasDay.Iknowit’salottoaskofastranger,butI’dbewillingtopaywhateverwasreasonable.”
“Idoubthe’dtakethemoney.Iknowforafacthe’drefuse.”
“Whoisit?”Ellenasked.
Billy’ssmilewashuge.“You’relookingathim.IhaveaSantasuitandplaySantaforDede’skids.Igotthesuitlastyearandhavealreadymadeanappearanceforanofficepartyattherestaurant.”
“BillyKincade,”Lindysaid,withlaughterinhervoice.“Youareamanofmanytalents.Whatotherhiddenqualitiesdoyouhave?”
Hisgazesparkled,andheloweredhisvoiceandsaid,“Somany.I’llbehappytoshowyouthemalloneday.”
Lindylaughed.“I’lllookforwardtothat.”
Hisphonedinged,andheremoveditfromhispocketandsighedwhenhereadthemessage.“Ineedtogetbacktotherestaurant.”
“I’llwalkyoutothedoor,”Lindyoffered.
Hermotherpretendedtobebusyinthekitchen,andLindylether.Billyheldherhand,andoncetheywereintheotherroom,hegatheredherinhisarms.“Ican’tstopthinkingaboutyou,Lindy.WhenIfoundyourglove,Iwasexcitedbecauseitgavemetheperfectexcusetoseeyouagain.”
“Youdon’tneedanexcuse,Billy.”
Hisintensegazeheldhers.
“Ihavethestrongesturgetokissyou.”
Lindybrieflyclosedhereyes,rememberingtheirardentkissesfromthenightbefore.“AndIhavethestrongesturgetoletyou.”
BillybroughthismouthtohersinagentlekissthatLindyfeltallthewaytothebottomofherfeet.Herarmscircledhismiddleassheleaneduponhertiptoes,holdingherselfagainsthim.Hetastedlikegingerfromthecookiehe’deatenearlier.She’dneverenjoyedthetastemore.Whentheybrokeapart,hecontinuedtoholdher,hisforeheadagainstthetopofherhead.
“TellmeI’mnotaloneinthisfeeling,Lindy.Ineedtohearyousayit.”
“Youaren’talone.”
Sheheardhissigh,ofwhatmustberelief.Eventhoughshe’drepeatedlytoldherselfthiswasaholidayromance,itfeltlikeitwasmoreandthatwasdangerous.Dangerousforher,anddangerousforBilly,too.Whenhervacationtimewasup,shewouldreturntoSeattle.SheneededtoremindBillyofthat.
Notnow,though.CHAPTERELEVEN
WhenChadandAshleyarrived,Peterhurriedtohisparentstotellthemabouthisday.Hedidn’tfailtomentionthatLindyhadpromisedtotakehimtoplayinthesnowafterChristmas.
“You’reabravewoman,”herbrothertoldher.
“IwantBillytocome,too,”Peteradded.
Chad’sbrowsliftedinquestion.“Peterinvitedhim,”shesaid.Althoughshehopedhewouldbeabletojointhem,italldependedonhisschedule.
WithChad,Ashley,andPeterthere,thehousewasfilledwithexcitedchatterabouttheirdayandplansforChristmas.TakingholdofLindy’shand,Peterbroughtherovertothenativityhermotherhadsetuponthetablebythetree.Hestoodwithwideeyesinfrontofthefiguresdisplayedthere.
“Idon’tknowwhythebabyJesushadtosleepinthehay.”
“Becausetherewasnoroomforhismomanddadattheinn,”Lindyexplained.
“Wasitcoldinthebarn?”heasked.
“I’msureitwaswarmforHimandhismomanddad.”
“Good.”
ThatappearedtoappeasePeter.
“AuntLindy,”Petersaid,holdingontoherhand.“DidyouknowSantaiscomingtoourhouse?”
“DidyouwritehimalettertotellhimwhatyouwantedforChristmas?”sheasked,enjoyingthewayhelookedupather,hissweet,innocentfacefilledwiththeexcitementoftheholidays.
“Idon’twritegoodyet.ButIcanwritemyname.”
“Isawthatandwasimpressed.You’regrowingupsofast.”
“Ilikeschool.”
LindyknewPeterattendedapreschoolthreedaysaweek,andwasamazedwithallhewaslearning.Itseemedeveryweekheryoungnephewblewherawaywithsomenewaccomplishment.
“Didyouhavefunwiththepaper-chainsetImailedyou?”sheasked.
“Lindy,thatwasthebest,”Ashleytoldher,joiningthem.Sixmonthsintothepregnancy,shewasstartingtoshowalittlemoreeveryday.It’dbeenthesamewithPeter.Ashleydidn’tbegintolookpregnantuntiltheendofherseventhmonth.Ifshewereevertohavechildren,Lindyhoped…Herthoughtscametoanabrupthalt.Shecouldn’timaginewheretheseideaswerecomingfrom.Children?Her?
“PeterandChadputtogetherthatpaperchaininnotime.”
“WeputitontheChristmastree,”Petersaid.“It’spretty.”
Lindyhadfoundthepaper-chainkitinacatalogandordereditforPeter,knowinghowmuchhe’denjoyit.
Atsix,whenhermothersetdinneronthetable,Billyhadyettoshow.EllenlookedtoLindy,asiftoseekheradvice.
“Shouldwewait?”sheasked.
Beforeshecouldanswer,thedoorbellrang.Billyhadarrived.
LindywassurprisedwithhowwellBillyfitinwithherfamily,especiallyherdad.Itwasasifhe’dbeenpartoftheirChristmastraditionsforyears.ChadandAshleyandPeterplannedtospendChristmasEvewithAshey’sparents.Thetwofamiliestradedofftheholidays.ThisyearitwastheCarmichaels’turnforChristmasDay.ChristmasmorningwasreservedforChadandAshleyandyoungPetertosettheirownfamilytraditions.Then,intheafternoon,theywouldcomefordinnerandthegiftexchange.
Lindyknewitwasadelicatebalancewhenin-lawsbecameinvolved.Sheadmiredherparents,whoalongwithAshley’shadcomeupwithaworkableplansoneitherfamilyfeltasiftheywerebeingslighted.
ChadandBillychattedawaylikelong-lostfriends.ItpleasedLindyhowacceptingherfamilywasofhim.LindysatnexttoBillyatthetable.Hereachedforherhandandgaveherfingersagentlesqueezeasiftosayhowpleasedhewastobewithher.
Naturally,thetopicofherchildhoodlettertoSantaarose,andLindywasthesubjectofalotofteasing.SeeinghowmuchsheenjoyedbeingwithBilly,shetookthejokinginstride,laughingalongwiththem.
Thehourflewpastasifitwereonlyminutes,andalltoosoonBillyrose,decliningdessert.Lindywalkedhimtothedoor.Withhistouchatherelbow,Billygentlypulledheroutsideandwrappedherinhisarmstokissher.ShecouldeasilygrowaccustomedtoBilly’skisses.Ifsheremainedintownmuchlonger,shefearedtheywouldquicklybecomeaddictive.
Onceagain,sheremindedherselfwhateverthisattractionwasbetweenthemwasn’tmeanttolast.Witheverypassingdayshestruggledtorememberthiscouldbeonlyaholidayfling.EverytimeBillykissedher,however,itbecamehardertoholdontothatresolve.
“Canyoustopbytherestaurantlater?”heasked,knottinghishandsatthesmallofherbackandlookingdownonher.
Withhiseyesfullofwarmthandhope,shefounditdifficulttorefusehim.“You’regoingtobebusy,maybe—”
“It’salwaysbusy.I’llfindtimetostealaway,evenifit’sjustforafewminutes.”
Lindygaveinforthesimplereasonthatshewantedtospendtimewithhim,howeverlonghecouldspare.“Iprobablywon’tbeabletogetawayuntilafterten.”
“Anytime.I’lltakewhatIcanget.”
Lindyfeltthesame.Whateverfewminuteshehadtosparewouldbeworththehassle.She’dhelphermotherwithcleanupandspendasmuchtimewithChad,Ashley,andPeterasshecould.BecausePeterwouldneedtogotobedatadecenthour,shesuspectedtheywouldn’tstaymuchlaterthannine.
OnceBillyleft,Lindyhelpedhermotherclearthetableanddealtwiththeleftovers.Peterwasvyingforherattentionasshestartedstackingdishesinthewasher.HermothershooedheroutofthekitchentoentertainPeter.
Hernephewwasapreciouslittleboy,curiousandeagertolearnandgrow.Smart,too.Therangeofhisvocabularyshockedher.
“Canyoucomelivewithus,AuntLindy?”heasked,ashesatathersidewithabookinhishand.
“IliveinSeattle,remember?”
“Butcouldn’tyoumovehere?”
“Myapartmentisthere,”sheexplainedpatiently.
“Youcouldgetanapartmenthere,”hesaid,reasoningwithherwithhisheadtiltedbacktolookupather.Hisdarkbrowneyesimploredher.
“Myjobisthere,too.Igotoworkeachdayjustlikeyourmomanddad.TherearepeoplewhowouldmissmeifIleft.”HowLindywishedthatweretrue,althoughshesuspectedhercoworkersatMediaBlastwouldn’t.
Petersighedandleanedhisheadagainstthesideofherarm.“Youcouldworkhere.Daddyworkshere,andMommy,too.”
Ratherthangointodetailsandlengthyexplanations,Lindyopenedthebook.“Maybesomeday,”shesaid,hopingthatwouldsatisfyhersweetnephew.
“WhenMommysays‘someday,’thatmeansno,”hesaidwithapout.
Lindylaughed.Thekidwassmarterthanshegavehimcredit.“Areyoureadyforthestory?”sheasked,hopingtochangethesubject.
“Okay.”
ThestorywasoneLindyhadfromherownchildhood,aboutthedonkeyinthestablewhostoodguardoverthemanger.Themuch-lovedbookwasheldtogetherwithducttapeonthebinding.Asshereadthestory,sheglanceddownatPeterandwatchedashiseyesslowlydriftedclosed,evenwhilehefoughttostayawake.Bythetimeshefinishedthelastpage,hewasslouchedagainsthersideandsoundasleep.
ChadsatdownontheottomaninfrontofLindy.“TellmeaboutyouandBilly,”hesaid,notbotheringtoeaseintothesubject.
“What’stheretotell?WeconnectedandI’menjoyinghiscompany.”
“Areyoutwoserious?”
Lindylaughedoffthequestion.“No.We’rehavingfuntogetherwhileI’mhome.That’sit.”
“Yousureaboutthat?Isawhimwatchingyouatdinner,andsis,Ihavetotellyou,hehadthelook.”
“Thelook?”Chadhadtobejoking.Sure,she’dspenttimewithBilly,morewithhimthananyoneelse—well,otherthanherparentsandPeggy.She’dbeenhomelessthanaweek,andthatwasfartoosoonfor“thelook.”
“Becareful,”Chadadvised,hiseyesgrowingserious.
“Ithinkyou’reimaginingthings,littlebrother.Billyisfartoopreoccupiedwithhisrestaurant.HeknowsI’mintownonlyuntilthefirstoftheyear.”
“I’mnotworriedaboutBilly,”herbrothersaid.“Myconcernisforyou.”
“Me?”sheaskedwithaslightlaugh,findinghisobservationjustshortofhilarious.
“Yes,you.IsawhowBillylookedatyou,butIalsonoticedthewayyoulookedathim,anditwastelling.IknowhowupsetyouwereoverBrianandCeleste.Ineversaidanything,butIwasneverkeenonBrian.Ifiguredintimehe’dshowhistruecolors,andhedid.Iwillsaythis,though,IlikeBilly.Idon’tthinkyou’dbewrongtoconsideramorepermanentrelationshipwithhim.”
Herbrother’swordsgaveLindypause.Perhapshewasrightandshewassettingherselfupformoreheartache.Sheassumedshe’dlearnedherlesson.ThisthingwithBillyhadstartedoutas…what?Shecouldn’tbesure.ItwentallthewaybacktoherlettertoSantaallthoseyearsago.
Somethingpowerfulhadhappenedthedaythey’dspentinLeavenworth.Thesleighride,sittingonSanta’slap…thekisses.
Ohyes,thosekisses.
“Hey,”Chadsaid,interruptinghermusings.“Ididn’tupsetyou,didI?”
“No,yougavemesomethingtothinkabout.Thethingis,IhavenointentionofgettingseriouslyinvolvedwithBilly.Itwouldn’twork,forallthereasonsI’vealreadymentioned.”
“That’stoobad,becausethetwoofyouaregoodtogether.”
AshleycametostandbesideChad,withonehandrubbingtheslightmoundofhertummy.“It’stimeweheadout,”shesaid.“Ihatetogo,butPeterneedshissleep,andforthatmatter,sodoI.We’vegottwobusydaysaheadofus.”
Chadstoodandgentlyliftedhissonfromthechair.Ashley,carefulnottowakethesleepingboy,placedhisarmsinhiswintercoat.Lindy’sparentshelpedusherthemoutthedoorwhileconfirmingthetimetheyplannedtoarriveonChristmasDay.
Hermotherhadspenttheafternooncooking,andyawnedasshereturnedtothehouse.
“Sitdown,Mom,”Lindyurged.“Relax.Letmegetyouacupofpepperminttea.”
“Thankyou,sweetie.”Ellendidn’targueasshesatinherfavoritechairinthefamilyroomandreachedforherknitting.
Alltoosoonherparentswerebothsettledinfrontofthetelevision,andLindyknewthiswasthebesttimeforhertoleavetoseeBilly.
“I’mgoingtoheadoutforalittlebit,”shesaid.
Herfathernodded,asifitwaswhatheexpected.“WelikeBilly,”hesaid,lettingherknowwithoutsayingitthatheknewwhereshewasheaded.
Dressedinhercoatandgloves,shefeltsheneededtoclarifythesituation.“Wearen’tserious.”
Bothherparentslookedawayfromthetelevisionatthesametimeandfocusedtheireyesdirectlyonher.Neithersaidanything.Noneed,theirexpressionssaiditall.Itfeltlikethetwoofthem,alongwithChad,hadinsiderinformationshehadyettoreceive.
Withalltheverbalandnonverbalwarningsgiventoherthisevening,LindyshouldprobablyavoidBilly.Shetoyedwithsendingatextandmakinganexcuse.Thatseemedwrong,aftershe’dalreadyagreed.OnceinhercarandonherwaytotheWinePress,LindyadmittedshewantedtobewithBilly,andtotellherselfotherwisewouldbealie.
Theparkinglotwasfullwhenshearrived.ThatlikelymeantBillywouldbeunabletosneakawayevenforalimitedamountoftime.Whichshouldbeenoughtodiscourageher,onlyitwasn’t.
Enteringthelounge,shefoundhimbehindthebarwithanotherbartender,fillingorderswithanexperthand.Whenhesawher,hesmiledandsaidsomethingtotheotherbartender.
LindyfoundanemptyseatandsatwhileshepatientlywaitedforBilly.WithinafewminutesoneoftheserverssteppedbehindthebarandBillymadehiswaytoher.
“Busynight,”shesaid,statingtheobvious.
“Very.It’llslowdownafterthefirstoftheyear,whenthecredit-cardstatementshitthemailandrealitysetsin.”
Sotrue.LindyrememberedlastChristmaswhenshesawthebalanceonherowncreditcard.Itwasramennoodlesfordinnerfortheentiremonth.
“Youshouldtakecareofbusiness,”shesaid,lookingatthecrowdedroomandhowbusythebarsectionwas.“Wecanconnecttomorrow.”
Billyintertwinedtheirfingersandshookhishead.“Idon’tcarehowbusyweare.Idon’twantyoutoleave.”
Hiswordsmadeadirecthittoherheart—bull’s-eye.Rightawayherbrother’swarningtookroot.ItwastimesheowneduptothefactthatshewasseriouslyindangeroffallingforBillyKincade.
“Whatareyourplansfortomorrow?”heasked.
Hermindwasmush.Ittookheralongmomentbeforeshewasabletorespond.“Peggyphonedbeforedinnerwithsomecrazyschemeshewouldn’ttellmeoverthephone.I’mmeetingherforcoffee.Thenthere’stheChristmasEvechurchservicewithMomandDad.”
“Doyouthinkyoucouldsqueezemein?”
Feelingasifshewasgettinginoverherhead,sheshouldmakeanexcuseandtellhimherdaywasalreadyfull.Shedidn’t,though.Somuchforherresolve!Instead,shenodded,knowingshewouldn’tdenyhimandatthesametimeherself.
“GivemethirtyminutesandI’llbeback.”Heslidofftheseatandkissedherforehead.
“Okay.”
Heleft,andwithinacoupleminutesaserverbroughtaglassofredwinetohertable.Whilewaiting,shewatchedthebarcrowdandnoticedalargepartywascallingfortheirtab.Aftertheyleft,thebarareaquieteddown,andLindywasabletoheartheChristmasmusicforthefirsttime.
Assoonasthedoorclosedonthegroup,Billyjoinedher.Helookeddeadonhisfeet,withlittlewonder.Hewasattherestaurantlongbeforeitopenedandthenlateintothenight.Thosekindsofhourswoulddrainanyone’senergy.Shewishedthereweresomethingshecoulddotoeasehisworkschedule.
“IwantedtotellyouallthecomplimentsI’vegottenonthewebsite,”hesaid,asherelaxedintheseat,sittingbesideher.
“That’sgreat.”
“Acouplefriendsaskedmewhodesignedit.Iwon’tpassalongyournameunlessyouwantmeto.”
Sheshookherhead.“Iwon’tbeintownlongenough.Sorry.”
Billytookholdofherhandandgazeddownatit,asifsomethingwerewrittentherethatheneededtodecipher.“You’rereturningtoSeattle?”Hemadeitintoaquestion.
“Ofcourse.It’swhereIliveandwork.”
Henodded,asifneedingthereminder.
Notwantingtheconversationtowanderdownthisroad,shechangedthesubject.“What’syourChristmasgoingtobelike?”sheasked,brightly,perhapsabittoocheerfully.
Billytookthehint.“I’llspenditwithmysisterandherfamily.YourmomgavemethetimetostopbyinmySantacostumeforPeterandthat’saboutit.”
“Whataboutyourmother?”
Hiseyesgrewsad.“Shediedthreeyearsago.”
“Oh,Billy,I’msorry,Ididn’tknow.”
Heacceptedhercondolence.“Sheneverremarried,workedallherlife,andjustwhenshewastoapointwhereshecouldenjoyabitofleisuretime,shecamedownwiththisvirusthatwentintoherlungs.Itwasquick.Beforewehadachancetorealizehowseriousitwas,shewasgone.”
“Haveyouhadcontactwithyourdadovertheyears?”Itwasapersonalquestionandonehemightnotwanttoanswer.“Ishouldn’thaveaskedthat.”
Billysqueezedherfingers;Lindydoubtedhewasawarehehad.Itappearedtobeajerkreactiontohermentioninghisfather.“DadremarriedafterheleftusthatChristmasandstartedanewfamily.Itwaslikehewantedtostartover.Mom,Dede,andIwerepartofapasthewipedfromhismemory.Itwasasifwenolongerexisted.Dedereachedouttohimacoupletimes,andhemadesuresheknewitwasn’tappreciated.”
HearingthismadeLindywanttocry.“Whatasnake,”shesaid,angryonBilly’sbehalf.
“He’sgoneaswell.HediedinaboatingaccidentontheColumbiaRiver.Anotherboatslammedintohisandhisboatsank.Hisbodywasrecoveredseveraldayslater.MomheardaboutitonthenewsandtoldDedeandme.”
LindyhadlittlesympathyforthemanwhohadwreakedhavocinyoungBilly’slife.
“Thethingis,”Billysaid,stilllookingdownatherhand,whichwasswallowedupinhismuchlargerone,“hedidusafavorbyleaving.Itdidn’tseemthatwayatthetime.Itfeltasifourentireworldimploded.WemovedinwithmygrandparentsforawhileandthenlaterintoatinyapartmentwhileMomworkedtwojobs.BothDedeandIhadtogrowupfast.Welearnedthevalueofhardworkandadeepappreciationforwhatwehad.Welivedinterrorofhimandhisdarkmoodswhenhewashome.Thetruthis,wewerebetteroffwithouthim.”
Lindyagreedandwasforevergratefulfortheloveandstrongrelationshipherparentsshared.Thissametendernessandconcernwerewhatshehopedtofindinherownlifepartner.
Lindynoticedthatthebarwasasbusyasithadbeenearlier.Billyneededtogetbacktowork.
“I’mheadedhome.WhattimeshouldIstopbytomorrow?”sheasked.
“Anytime.I’llbearoundallday.”
“Youaren’tclosingforChristmasEve?”
Heshookhishead.“We’rebookedsolidtheentireday.”
Shesensedhewouldhavelikedtocloseearly,notonlyforhimselfbutforhisstaff.Turningawaybusinesswouldbedifficult,especiallywhenhewasstillgettinghisfeetunderhimfinancially.
“I’llwalkyoutoyourcar.”
“Billy,it’sokay.You’rebusy.”
“Nottoobusytoseeyousafelytoyourcar,”heinsisted.
Whentheystartedoutside,Lindynoticedalightsnowfall.“IdosoloveitwhenitsnowsthisclosetoChristmas,”shesaid,lookingupattheskyandtheflakesslowlydriftingdowntocoverthelandscape.
Billyopenedhercardoorforher,andaftershewassafelytuckedinside,heleaneddownandkissedher.“Sleepwell.”
“You,too,”shewhispered.
Billystoodintheparkinglot,snowgentlyswirlingaroundhimassheeasedontothestreettodrivebacktoherparents’house.
Asshepulledintothedrivewayofthefamilyhome,herphonerang.Shereachedforitandhesitatedwhenshesawthenameonthescreen.Itrangasecondandathirdtimebeforeshefoundthecouragetoanswer.
“Hello,Celeste,”shesaid,keepinghervoicecoolandcalm.CHAPTERTWELVE
“MerryChristmas,”Celestegreetedhesitantly.
Shesaiditasiftheywerestillthebestoffriends.AsifwhenLindyhadlearnedthetruthaboutherandBrian,ithadbeennothingmorethanafriendlyexchangeofinsignificantdifferences.Billyhadbeenwithherwhenshe’drunintothematLeavenworth.Havinghimathersidehadgivenherconfidence.
Lindyremainedsilent.Shewouldhavespoken,ifshe’dbeenabletofindthewords,butnonecame.
Pretendingnottonotice,Celestecontinued,asifLindyhadwelcomedthesoundofhervoice.“Areyouwithyourfamily?”
“Yes,”shesomehowmanaged…Sherememberedthepastor’ssermonfromlastSunday.Forgivenesshadbeenthetheme.Lindyhadwalkedoutoftheserviceandfeltfree,asthoughahugeburdenhadbeenliftedfromhershoulders.Nowthatshewasspeakingtothefriendwhohadbetrayedher,shewasn’tsurehowsheshouldreact.
“Yeah,me,too,”Celestecontinued.“Christmasisforfamilies,right?”
“Right.”Lindynoticedshedidn’tmentionBrian.Shewouldn’task,though.
“Brianiswithhismother,”Celestecontinued,asifshefeltitwasnecessarytoletLindyknow.
Thatmadesense,sinceBrian’sparentshaddivorcedwhenhewasinhighschoolandhismotherlivedalone.Brianchosetochampionhismotherandrefusedtoreconcilewithhisfather.Fromwhathe’dtoldher,hehadn’thadanycontactwithhisdadinyears.
Lindywasn’tsurewhatmoreshecouldsay,otherthantoaskwhyCelestehadcalled,especiallythislateatnight.“I’mnotsurewhyyouphoned,”Lindysaid.IthadtobemorethantotellLindythatsheandBrianweren’ttogetherforChristmas.
TheawkwardsilencethatfollowedmadeLindyuncomfortable.Celestehadbeenherbestfriendfortenyears.They’dsharedconfidences,clothes,hadbeenroommates,andascloseassisters.ItwasonethingtoloseBrian,probablyinevitable,inhindsight.ThebiggerlosswasCeleste.Inherview,abestfriendwasmuchhardertoreplace.
“BrianandIweresurprisedwhenwesawyouinLeavenworth.Iwantedtosaymorethen,Ireallydid,onlyIdidn’tknowwhat.”
Lindyunderstood,asshe’dbeenshockedwhenshefirstcaughtsightofthemaswell.She’dhadtimeduringthesleighridetorecover.Celestehadbeentakencompletelybysurpriseandwasspeechless.
“Youlookedgreat,andtheguyyouwerewithwasahunk.”
“IknewBillywhenIwasingradeschool,”Lindysaid.
“Youlookedhappy.”
“Iamhappy,”shesaidwithallsincerity.
“I’mglad.Thatmakesmefeelbetter.”
“Listen,Celeste,Idon’tknowwhyyoucalled,butI’mgratefulyoudid.”
“Youare?”Shesoundedunsure,apprehensive,asifexpectingatongue-lashing.
“Yes,becauseIwantyouandBriantoknowyoudeeplywoundedme.IcarriedthathurtwithmelikeanachingsoreuntilIrealizedtheonlywaytohealthatpainwastoforgiveyoubothandmoveon.That’swhatI’mdoing.IwishyouandBrianthebest,andIsincerelymeanthat.SoMerryChristmas,Celeste.Andthankyouforcalling.”
“Wait…”Celestepleaded.“It’stakenhalfabottleofwineformetofindthecouragetocallyou.Pleaseletmesaythisonething.”
AlthoughLindywasanxioustogetoffthephone,sheagreed.“Okay.”
“I’msosorry,Lindy.IshouldhavetoldyouaboutBrianandme.Imeantto,Isincerelydid.Ihatedthewayyoufoundoutweweretogether.Weshouldhavetoldyoulongbeforeyoustoppedoffattheapartment.”
Celesteclearlyhadnoideaofwhatashockithadbeentofindthetwoofthemtogether.“Listen,ifyou’relookingforabsolution,youhaveit.Lifegoeson.Ishouldhaverealizedsoonerwhatwashappening.”Aspainfulasitwastoadmit,thatwasthetruth.“Itwasrightinfrontofmyeyes,andIcouldn’tseeit.”Intheaftermathofherdiscovery,Lindywantedtokickherselfforbeingsoblindandtrusting.Shewasfoolishtoignorewhatshouldhavebeenobvious.
“I…don’tdeserveyourforgiveness,”Celestesaid.
“Ididitformyself.Theangerwasn’tdoingmeanygood.”ItwasclearCelestewasdealingwithamassiveboutofguilt.
“Thankyou,”shewhispered.“I’msosorry,Lindy.Really,reallysorry.”
Lindybelievedherregretwasreal.HowgooditfelttotellCelestethatshewasforgivenandtomeanit.“Iacceptyourapology.Nowit’stimetomoveon.”
“Onemorething,”Celesterushedtoadd.“Ineedtosayonemorethingbeforewehangup.”
“Okay.”
“You’rethebestfriendIeverhad,andImeanthatwithallmyheart.Irealizeourfriendshipwillneverbethesame,andIaccepttheblameforthat.ButIhopesomedayinthefuturethatwemightbeabletoreconnect.”
“Timewilltell.”Lindysaid.
“Timeisagreathealer,right?Imean,that’ssomethingmymotheralwayssays.And,Lindy,Iwantyoutoknowsomething.You’retalentedandsmart,andwhateveryoudowillbeasuccess.”
“Thankyou,”Lindysaid,feelinglighterthanshehadinalongwhile.
“Okay,”Celestesaid.“I’vesaideverythingIwantedtotellyou.Bye,Lindy.”
“Bye,Celeste.”
ThehousewasquietwhenLindywentinside.Herparentshadalreadygonetobed.HerheadwasreelingfromtheconversationwithCeleste.Shedoubtedshe’dbeabletosleep.Sheheadedintoherroomandreadiedforbed,dressinginherflannelpj’s,unaccustomedtothesebitterlycoldnights.Fluffingthepillow,shesatupandreachedforherphone,scrollingthroughFacebookandthenplayingafewonlinegames.She’dcrushedCandyCrushandhadmovedontoanothergame,realizingthatallshewasdoingwaskillingtimeuntilshewastootiredtofunctionanylonger.OnawhimshesentPeggyatext.
Youawake?
Whenherfrienddidn’trespond,LindyfiguredPeggywasdeadtotheworld,andrightlyso.Itwasafterone.Anyonewithaworkingbrainwasasleepbythistimeofnight.UnlessBillywasstillup.Shehesitated,andthensenthimatextontheoffchancehewasstillawake.
Youhomeyet?
Yes.What’sup?
Imissyou.Sheshouldn’thaveadmittedthat,butbeforeshecouldrebukeherself,herphonerang.
ItwasBilly.
“You’reawake?Ithoughtyou’dbehomeandasleeplongbeforenow,”hesaid.
“Yeah,me,too.”
Hervoicemusthavealertedhimtothefactthatshewastroubled,becauseheasked,“What’sonyourmind?”
Sheregretteddisturbinghim,especiallywhensheknewhowmanyhourshe’dbeenupdealingwiththeassortedproblemsthatwereallpartofowningandoperatingarestaurant.“You’retired.Wecantalkaboutitlater.”
“Let’stalkaboutitnow,”hesaid,encouragingherinthatgentlewayofhis.Asexhaustedashewas,hesoughttocomforther.Shecouldn’tdothat.Notafterthedayhe’dhad.
“Ishouldneverhave—”
“Lindy!”
Seeingthatshewastheonewho’dreachedout,Billywasn’tgoingtolistentoanyexcuses.Thetruthwasthatsheneededawillingearandso,asbrieflyaspossible,sherelayedherconversationwithCeleste.
“Soundstomelikeyourfriendisdealingwithsomemajorregrets.”
“ItfeltgoodtotellherI’dforgivenherandBrian,freeingsomehow.AndImeantit,Billy.”ShewasgratefulforthechancetoletCelesteknowshe’dmovedon.Forgivenesswasonething,reconciliationwasanother.
“DoyouthinkthereasonshereachedoutisbecauseshesawyouandmeonWednesday?”heasked.
“Shementionedseeingus.”LindyleftoutthepartaboutfindingBillyhandsome.
“Didshehappentoseethekiss?Betthatblewhermind.”
Lindydidn’tknowwhatCelestehadseenornotseen.Ifanymindwasblown,it’dbeenhers.Shewasn’tmentioningthat,either.“It’sapossibility.Idon’tknowwhatshesaw;shedidn’tmentionitifshedid.”
“Ithoughtwantingthemtoseeuswasthereasonyouaskedmetokissyou?”
RememberingthatkissmadeLindysmile.“AsIrecall,youweren’toverlypleasedthatI’dblatantlyusedyou.”
“True,butthatkiss.Ihavetotellyou,Lindy,itshookmyworld.”
“Itshookmyworld,too.”Awarmsensationwashedoverher.“Everykisssincethenhasdonethesame.”Again,sheshouldn’tbetellingBillythis,especiallywhenshe’dresolvedthiswasaholidayromance.Thefactofthematterwasthattherewaslittlechoicewhatshewoulddointhefuture.Shehadasignedlease.HerlivelihoodwasinSeattle.Andmoreimportant,LindyhadalottoprovetoherselfandMediaBlast.MovingbacktoWenatcheeafterbeingbetrayedbyherbestfriendandBrian,leavingthejobshehadtrainedforandemotionallyinvestedin,wouldfeellikeshewassomehowgivinginandadmittingdefeat.MovingbacktoWenatcheewouldlooklikeshewascominghomewithhertailbetweenherlegs…especiallywhenshefelt,deepdown,thatsuccesswasaroundthecorner.Shecouldn’tdothat.Wouldn’t.
“You’vegrownquiet.Whatareyouthinking?”
“ThatIshouldletyougettobed.”
“Lindy?”
“Yes?”
“It’slate.I’mexhaustedandprobablyshouldn’taskyouthis.”Hehesitated,asifevennowhewasweighinghiswords.
“Askme,”shesaidsoftly.
Whenhespoke,hisvoicewassolowshehadtostraintohearhim.“Stay.”
“Stay?”sherepeated,hopingshe’dheardwrong.
“Idon’twantyoutogobacktoSeattle.Ifeellikewehavethestartofsomethingthathasrealpotential.Ihatetoseeitend.”CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Thenextmorning,Lindysleptuntilten.Hermotherwasbusyinthekitchen,whichmadeherfeelterrible,asshe’dintendedtohelpwiththemealpreparations.HermotherwentalloutforChristmasandcookedforweeksinadvance.HerplatesofcookiesdeliveredtofriendsonChristmasEve,followingthechurchservice,weretradition.
“Mom,youshouldhavewokenme.”Lindyfeltasthoughshewaslettingeveryonedown.
“Iheardyoutalkingonthephonelastnightanditwasintheweehoursofthemorning.Youneededyourrest.There’snothingIcan’thandleonmyown.Thisissupposedtobeyourvacation,remember?”
Lindyrefusedtolisten;sheenjoyedcookingwithhermother.Someofherfavoritememorieswithhermomhadtakenplaceinthisverykitchen.Therecipeswereoneshandeddownfromhergrandparents.Fromonegenerationtothenext.Thespecialfruitsalad,thestuffingthatwentinsidetheturkey,andthehomemadeapplesauceweretheverydishesLindyhadgrownupenjoying.Onedayshewouldpreparethemforherownfamily.
“Iwanttohelp,”Lindyinsisted.“Nowtellmewhatyou’dlikemetodo.”
Everorganized,hermotherhadtherecipeforthefamily’sfavoritecorncasserolelaidout.Lindycollectedwhatsheneededandassembledit,andthenplaceditintherefrigerator,readyfortheovenonChristmasDay.
“Aren’tyoumeetingPeggyforlunch?”hermothersaid,turningtolookatthekitchenclock.
Hermotherwasright.Lindyneededtogetamoveon,orshe’dbelate.Kissinghermother’scheek,Lindyheadedoutthedoor,eagertoseeherfriend.EversinceLindyhadarrived,thetwohadspentabitoftimetogethereachday.
PeggywasalreadyatthepizzaparlorwhenLindywalkedinthedoor.She’dorderedthemargheritapizzathey’dagreedonearlier.
“MerryChristmas,”Peggysaid,smilingupatLindy.
Pullingoutachair,Lindytookherseat.“MerryChristmas.”
TheservercametogetLindy’sdrinkorderandleft.“Ishouldprobablyaskforsomethingstrongerthandietsoda,”shesaid.
“Oh?Igotyourtextfromlatelastnight,sotellmewhat’sgoingon.”
Lindyhardlyknewwheretostart.SeeingthatitwasChristmasEve,shewasn’twillingtoweighdowntheirconversation.Nowwasn’tthetimetothinkaboutCeleste.Shedidn’twanttomentionherearly-morningconversationwithBilly,either.Nevertheless,himaskinghernottoreturntoSeattlelingeredinhermind
“Stuff.Youknow.Lifeingeneral.”
“I’mgladyouwereabletomeetme.Especiallytoday.”
“Sure.What’sup?”
“IknowIcasuallymentionedthisideabefore,soIhopeyou’llindulgeme.”
Thiswasinteresting.“Okay.Whatidea?Anotherfoodscavengerhunt?Agametoplayatmidnighttonight?Apubcrawl?”
Peggysmiledandwasabouttospeakwhenthepizzawasdelivered.TheytookafewminutestoenjoyahotslicebeforeherfriendreturnedherattentiontoLindy
“Ihaveapropositionforyou,”Peggysaid,andseemedtohavetroubleholdingbackherexcitement.Herfacelitupandsheallbutsquirmedinherseat.“Andit’soneIthinkyou’regoingtolike.”
“Whatkindofproposition?”Lindycouldn’thelpbeingcurious,seeinghowPeggy’sbeautifuldarkeyesglowedwithdelight.
Wavingherhand,Peggysaid,“Idon’twantyoutomakeadecisionrightaway.You’reintownanotherweek,andIwantyoutopromisemeyou’llusethattimetomullthisover.”
“I’mlistening.”
“Earlierthisweek,youhelpedmewithasmallglitchonmywebsitethatIwashaving.”ShementionedthisasifitwassomethingLindymighthaveforgotten.
“Yes.”It’dtakenheralloffifteenminutestogettheinformationarrangedforPeggythewaythatworkedbest.Itwasnothing.Lindycouldhavemanageditinhersleep.
“Greg,oneoftheguysintheoffice,happenedtomentionittoMarcus,afriendofhiswhoownstheRoseBud,aflowershopintown.”Shepaused,asifthiswasofsignificance.“GregalsotoldMarcusyou’dbeentheonetoworkontheWinePress’swebsite.NowMarcuswantstoknowifyou’dbewillingtohelphimwithhiswebsite.”
Instantlyanideaforaflowershoppoppedintoherheadlikeagiantjack-in-the-box,leapingforward.ThiswasexactlythekindofcreativeworkLindyenjoyedmost.Theback-endstufftooktimeandeffort,butthegraphicsportionwasthefunpartforher,andshewasgoodatit.Shewasn’tbeingimmodest.Lindyknewherstrengthsandweaknesses.TheCEOatMediaBlastsawherworkandbelievedshewasthebestfitforthecompany,whichwaswhyhe’dhiredheroverLaurie
“WhenGregmentionedittome,ItoldhimIwouldn’tevenask.Thisisyourvacationtime,andbesides,it’sChristmas.”
ThewordswentoverherheaduntilsherealizedwhatPeggyhadsaid.“Butyoudidaskme?”Lindyfiguredtherewasareasonherfriendhadrelented.
“And…beinginthebusinessI’min,Ihavecontactswithseveralsmall-businessownersinthearea.Peoplewhohaveinvestedtheirtime,energy,andfundstobuildopportunityforthemselvesandtheirfamilies.Thesefamily-operatedbusinessesaretheverybackboneofAmerica.”
Peggydidn’tneedtosingtheirpraisestoLindy.ShecouldseewithherowneyesthehardworkandlonghoursBillyhadputintohisrestaurant.Itworriedherthathewasrunninghimselfintotheground,lookingtomakethemostofhisinvestment.
“TheproblemisthatwhileMarcusisbrilliantwhenitcomestoknowingflowersandarrangingthemincreative,beautifulways,heknowsnexttonothingaboutsocialmediaanduser-friendlywebsites.Hisinvestmentwentintostartinguphisbusiness.LikeBilly,he’stryingtofitmarketinginamongrunningthestore,fillingorders,andbalancinghisinventorypurchaseswithcashflow.”
“Goon.”LindyhadagoodideaofwhatPeggywasabouttosuggest.Sheneeded,evenwanted,herfriendtosayit,althoughshewasn’tsurewhatherresponsewouldbe.
ThewaythesideofPeggy’smouthstruggledtoholdbackasmile,itwasasifshecouldtellLindywasinterested.“LikeImentioned,Iwasn’tevengoingtotellyouaboutMarcusandtheRoseBud.You’vegotalotgoingoninyourlifeasitis.”
“True…but?”
“ButthenIthoughtaboutalltheothersmallbusinessesintownwhobadlyneedservicesyoucouldprovide.Withoutmucheffort,IcameupwithadozenmoreopportunitiesIcouldeasilyaddtothelist,andthat’sonlythestart.”
“Peggy,”Lindysaid,holdingupherhandtostopher.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosuggest,andIhavetoadmitit’stempting.”
“Good—”
“But,”Lindysaidemphatically,“movingtoWenatcheeisn’tfeasibleatthistime.”
Lindyhatedtoadmithowtemptingthisallsounded.Regrettably,thereweretoomanyfactorsthatmadeitimpossible.Ontopofthelistwastheworkproposalshe’dputtogetherfortheFergusonGroup.Ifthatwasaccepted,itwouldrequireweeks,perhapsmonths,ofwork.
“AllI’maskingisthatyouthinkaboutit.”
“Breakingawayfromastableincomeandbuildingastart-upbusinessisabigdeal.Ittakesmorethananinvestmentoftime.Movingexpenseswouldbeinvolved,andIwouldleavethecompanythathasputtheirfaithandtrustinme.It’snosmallthingtowalkaway,Peggy.Iknowyoucanunderstandandappreciatethat.”
“Ofcourse,Ido,”Peggyconfirmed.“Iunderstandyourhesitationandappreciateyourloyaltytoyouremployer,especiallyconsideringhowhardtheothersontheteamhavebeentoworkwith.Youcouldgivethempropernotice,easeyourway.”
“Owningmyownbusinessisahugefinancialrisk.”
“Itis.”Again,Peggyagreed.“Noteveryonehastheambitionandthedrivetomakeitahugesuccess,butIthinkyoudo.Furthermore,you’dbehelpingotherssucceed.Thathasgotitsownshareofrewards.”
Lindybelievedthat,too,butthatdidn’tresolveotherpressingquestionsshewouldneedtoanswerfirst.
“There’smyapartment,”Lindysaid,thinkingoutloud.Asappealingasthiswas,allshecouldseeweretheobstaclesstandinginherway.“Isignedayear’sleaseformyapartmentandI’monlyhalfwaythroughit.”
“Didn’tyoumentionthatapartmentsareatapremiuminSeattleandhowfortunateyouweretofindonewithinyourpricerange?”
“Yes,itwasthegreatapartmentsearch.”
“Youwouldn’thaveaproblemsubleasingit,ifnecessary,wouldyou?”
Lindyhadn’tconsideredthat.Shortlyaftershe’dmovedin,twoofhercoworkershadaskediftherewereotherapartmentsavailableinthesamecomplex.Withoutadoubt,eitheroneofthemwouldbehappytotakeoverherlease.
“It’smorethansubleasingmyapartment,”Lindysaid,notlookingatPeggy,forfearherfriendwouldreadtheeagernessinhereyes.Peggydidmakeamovesoundpossible.
“Iknow,”Peggyresponded,withanunderstandingthatcausedLindytoglanceupward.
“Youdo?”sheasked.
“It’saboutCelesteandBrian.”
Lindywavedoffthatexcuse.“I’veforgiventhem.It’sinthepastandnothingIwanttodiscuss.It’sover.”
“Maybeso,butdeepdownIthinkyou’reafraidifyoumovebackhome,they’llassumeit’sbecauseofthem.Thatyou’vebeenunabletoputthepastbehindyou.Itwouldbelikeadmittingyouhadn’tbeenabletodealwithwhattheydid,eventhoughyouhave.”
“LikesayingtheywonandIlost,”Lindysaid,andrealizedtheremightbesometruthinthat.HowintuitivePeggywas.Whileshedidn’twanttobelieveit,therewasapossibilityPeggywasright.
Herfriendappreciatedwhatshewassaying.Makingthischangewouldrequirealotofsoul-searchingonLindy’spart.HerheadwasfullofChristmas,andifshe’dadmitit,herbuddingrelationshipwithBilly,too.OncetheholidayswereoverandshewasbackinSeattle,thatwouldbethetimetoweighthisdecision.Shecouldn’t,wouldn’t,beforethen.
“Youhavetime,”Peggysaid,onceagaininterruptingLindy’smeanderingthoughts.“I’mbringingitupnowsoyou’llconsiderthepossibilities.”
Lindynodded.“Iwill,Ipromise.”Andshewouldgiveitseriousthought,especiallyiftheFergusonGroupwentwiththeircompetitors.Morethanonecompanyhadputinabidforthismajoraccount,andgettingitwouldbeacoupforMediaBlastandforherfuturewiththecompany.
“Ihaveacouplemorelittleincentivesforyoutothinkaboutwhileyou’reatit.”
“Incentives?Suchas?”
“Doyourememberwhenwefirstmet?”
Thatwasasillyquestionifevertherewasone.“Ofcourse.Gradeschool.”
“Imeantheveryfirstday.”
Searchinghermemory,Lindycameupblankandshookherhead.
“MyfamilyhadmovedtoWenatcheefromTennessee,andwewereoneofonlyahandfulofBlackfamiliesintheneighborhood.Myfirstdayofschool,Ididn’tseeasingleotherpersonwholookedlikeme.Ifeltliketheoddgirlout.I’dneverfeltmorealoneoroutofplace.
“Atlunch,Isatatatablebymyself.ThenyouslidyourtraydownnexttomeandaskedifIhadapairofRollerblades.WhenIsaidIdid,youinvitedmetocometoyourhouse.Youweremyveryfirstrealfriendhere.”
“Idid?”Lindydidn’trememberthat,butthenit’dbeenyearsago.LindyhadlovedhearingPeggy’ssouthernaccent,whichovertheyearshadcompletelydisappeared.“AllIrememberiswhatfunwehadandhowquicklyyoubecamemybestfriend.”
“Andmine,”Peggyechoed.“Nowit’stimeformetorepaythefavor.”
Lindywasn’tsuresheunderstood.Thequestionmusthaveshownonherexpression,becausePeggywentontoexplain.
“It’smyturntobeyourfriendwhenyouneedone.Iseehowmuchyou’veopenedupandbecomefreersinceyou’vebeenhere.Ihatetoseeyougobackandgetsuckedintothemachinethatstoleyourjoy.”
Lindyknewthatwastrue.She’daskedSantaforabestfriend,andthenrightaftershe’dwrittenitdown,she’drunintoPeggy.Immediatelyitwaslikeoldtimes.Itfeltasifthey’dneverbeenapart.Theeveningsshe’dspentwithPeggy’sotherfriends,ChloeandJayne,hadbeenjustthetonicshe’dneeded.ChloeandJaynehadwelcomedherasifLindyhadalwaysbeenapartoftheirsmallgroup.
“EvenifIdidmovebacktotown…”Lindysaid,thinkingoutloud.Whileitwasunderstoodshecouldlivewithherparentsforaslongasneeded,doingthatdidn’tfeelright.Itwouldbeagiantstepbackward,livinginherchildhoodhome.
“Evenifwhat?”Peggypried,unwillingtoallowLindytodropthethought.
“WherewouldIlive?Yes,Icouldmovebackinwithmyparents,butthat’sthelastthingIwant.Don’tgetmewrong,Ilovemyfamily.They’regreat,butI’mclosertothirtythantwenty-five.ThelastthingIexpectedwhenIgraduatedfromcollegewasneedingtomovehome.”
“That’sthebestpartofmyplan.”
“Oh,how’sthat?”
“Iwassavingthisuntillast,”Peggyannounced.“Ineedaroommate.”
LindyhadbeentoPeggy’sspaciousapartment,whichwasnearlydoublethesizeofhersinSeattle.Additionally,ithadtwobedroomsandwasinanexcellentneighborhood,abovearetailsectionintherenovatedpartoftown.Therestaurant,grocery,andshoppingcenterbelowmadeitpossibletocollectessentialswithouthavingtodrive.Anideallocationandsituation.Becausethecomplexwasnew,Lindywasn’tsureshecouldevenaffordhalftherent.
“What’syourrent?”sheasked.
Peggytoldher,anditwashalfofwhatLindypaidinSeattle.Ifsheweretoshareit,thatmeantitwouldbehalfagainasmuch.AquarterofwhatshepaidforhousingintheSeattlearea.
“That’sreasonable,”shewasforcedtoadmit.“Butthere’snoguaranteeI’dgetenoughworktosupportmyselfforafewmonths.Ihavesavingsbut—”
Peggystoppedher.“Trustme,betweenGregandme,wecangetyouenoughworkforthenextsixmonths,andthat’swithouttrying.Thisareaisclamoringforsomeonetohelpwithsocialmediaandwebsitemanagement.You’dbefillingarealneed.”
Peggyappearedtohaveitallfiguredout.LindyappreciatedthatPeggywasgivingherthespaceandtimetoconsiderthisidea.
“YounoticeIdidn’tmentiontherealkicker.TheonepointIthinkwillprobablybethestrongestincentiveforyouleavingSeattle.”Peggygaveheraknowinglook.
“Andexactlywhatwouldthatbe?”
Peggy’ssmiletookupherentireface.“BillyKincade.He’scrazyaboutyou,andifIcanreadthesigns,whichIhavebeenknowntodoonoccasion,youfeelthesameabouthim.”
Lindywasadmittingnothing.“We’vehadafewgoodtimes,”shesaid,withsomereluctance.Peggyhadreadherlikeacartooncaption.Billyaskinghertostaywasdefinitelyonthetable,althoughLindydidn’twanttoadmititoutloud.
“ThenIsayletthegoodtimesrollwithBillyandwithme…I’llwaituntilyoumakeyourdecisionbeforeIlookforaroommate.”
Thatwasfair.Lindyagreedwithaquicknod.“You’vecertainlygivenmesomethingtothinkabout.”
“Good.NowgohaveawonderfulChristmaswithyourfamilyandwe’llconnectinacoupledays.”
Lindynodded.“And,Peggy,thankyouforyourfriendshipandsupport—youdon’tknowhowmuchitmeanstome.”
BythentheirpizzawascoldandLindygavethepackagedleftoverstoPeggy.Theyleftthepizzaparlortogether.Peggyheadedouttoherparents’house.Lindystartedtowardwhereshe’dparkedhercar.
Asshecrossedthestreet,hergazefelluponSanta.Hehadparkednexttoher.She’dseenhimenterthepizzaparlor.ItwasthesameSantashe’dmetwhileinLeavenworth.She’drecognizedhimrightaway.
“MerryChristmas,Santa,”shesaid,comingtostandalongsidehim.
Turningtolookherway,hesmiledandgaveacheery“Ho,ho,ho.”Santaretrievedalargebagfromthetruckbedandswungitoverhisshoulderandwaitedforher.
“Ohyes,Irememberyou,”hesaid,smilingather.
“IsawyouonWednesdayinLeavenworth.”
“Yes,yes.Youmentionedthatyou’dwrittenmealetter.”
“Butyouhadn’treadityet.”
“Ah,butIhavenow,andseeingthatyou’vebeenagoodgirlallyear,I’mhappytograntyoureverywish.”
“Thanks,Santa.”Thiswasfun.Thisguydefinitelyplayedhispartwell.
“IrecallanearlierletterfromyourchildhoodwhenyouaskedforRollerblades.”Herubbedhishanddownthesideofhisbeard,asifcheckinghismemory.
RollerbladeswerelikelythemostpopularrequestSantahadreceivedduringherchildhoodyears.“YoushouldknowIbrokemyarmwhilelearningtooperatethoseskates,”shesaid,enjoyingteasinghim.
“That’snottheonlythingthat’sbeenbroken,now,isit?”
“Theonlybone,”shesaid,notgettingwhathereferenced.
“Ah,butone’statteredheartcanhurtasbadlyasabrokenbone.”
Lindyblinkedandstudiedhimmoreclosely.“Youseemtoknowalotaboutme,Santa.”
Inresponsehegrinned.“Say,younglady,howareyouathandingoutcandycanestolittleboysandgirls?”
“Whydoyouask?”
“Well,foronething,I’minneedofanassistant,andforanother,Ibelieveyou’vegotsomethingweighingonyourmind.Perhapswhatyouneedisalisteningear.”
Santawasright.Perhapsshedid.CHAPTERFOURTEEN
ThelonglineofadultswithsmallchildrenawaitedSanta’sarrivalattheChildren’sClosetclothingstore,wherehewassettomakehisappearance.HehandedLindyaSantahatandabucketofcandycanes.Herjobwastomanagetheline,makingsureeachchildhadtimewithhim.
WhenSantahadfirstaskedforherhelp,Lindyhadhesitated.Yet,therewassomethingaboutthewayhe’dstudiedher,asifheknewthedecisionthatweighedonhermind.Hejustmighthaveawordofwisdomtoshare,andshecertainlywaswillingtolisten.
OnceSantawasinplaceandthechildrentooktheirturns,onebyone,Lindyfoundherselfcaughtupinthemagicofthemoment.ItsurprisedherhowmuchsheenjoyedtheexchangesSantahadwiththechildrenandtheirparents.Heplayedhispartperfectly.She’dneverseenanyonedoitbetter.Heaskedthechildrenquestionsandseemedtorecognizeseveralasheaskedthingsonlyaninsiderwouldknow.SherememberedherowntimewithhimwhileinLeavenworthandhowheseemedtoknowher.Hewasgood,she’dsaythat.Reallygoodwithchildrenandadultsalike.
MostofthekidswereeagertovisitSanta,whileothersclungtotheirmothers,terrifiedofthemanintheredsuitwiththelongwhitebeard.
“DoyouhaveaspecialChristmaswishforSanta?”sheaskedthenextchildinline,whowaitedpatiently.Thelittlegirl,wholookedtobeaboutfive,noddedenthusiastically.“It’sasecret;IcanonlytellSanta.”
“He’sagoodlistener,”Lindyassuredher.
“Iwrotehimaletter,too.”
“SodidI,”Lindytoldher.
“Didhereadit?”sheasked,hereyesroundandcurious.
“Hedid,”Lindysaidwithasmile.
Whenitwasherturn,sheraceduptoSantaandleapedontohislap.Lindycouldn’thearwhatthechildsaid,butSantagotabigbellylaughoutofitandgaveheragentlehugbeforehesentheronherway.
OnelittleboystuckoutinLindy’smind.Heseemedsadandpreoccupied.
“Mysisterissick,”thelittleboysaid.“Ifyoucanhelphergetwell,thenIdon’tneedanythingforChristmas.”
Santanodded,asifhewaswellawareofthesicklittlegirl.“I’msorrylittleAnnaneedssurgery,butyouknowwhat?”hesaid,“Ibelievesheisgoingtogettheverybestcarepossibleandthatshe’llbehomesoon.Don’tyouworry.”
“Thankyou,Santa.”
“And,Buddy,IthinkyouneedtocheckundertheChristmastreelater.Santahasn’tforgottenyou.”
Hearingtheconversation,atfirstLindywasalarmedthathemightbegivingthechildfalsehope,butthenshesawhowthelittleboybrightenedwiththenews.AtleasthewouldhavehopeforChristmas.Silently,Lindysentupaprayer,askingGodtoheedSanta’swords.
Therewasn’tanyneedforaphotographer,asalltheparentshadphones,snappingdozensofpicturesinthefewminutestheirchildrenspentonSanta’slap.ThelackofaphotographermadeLindywonderhowSantawasbeingpaidforhistimeandenergy,andthenrealizedthestoreprobablycompensatedhim.
Santa’spatiencewiththechildrenamazedher.Eventhecrying,squirmingones.Hecomfortedeachfussychildinawaythatsoonhadthemstaringupathimwithfacesfilledwithwide-eyedwonder.
Santawasbookedforthreehours,andthetimeflew.ItfeltlikeLindyhadbeenassistinghimforminuteswhentheshopownerannouncedthetimewasup.ThestorewasclosingearlyforChristmasEve.
“Wecan’tthankyouenough,Santa,”thewomansaid.“Youdon’tknowwhatthismeanstousandoursmallshop.”
“Ienjoyedeveryminute,”Santareturned.
“Areyousureyouwon’ttakeanything…Wedidanumberofbigsaleswhileyouwerehere.”
Hehelduphishand,stoppingher.“It’smypleasure.”
SoSantawasn’tbeingcompensated.He’dvolunteeredhistime.ThathewoulddothisforthechildrenonhisowndeeplyimpressedLindy.
ShehandedSantathebucketwithonlyafewremainingcandycanes.“Youwerewonderful,”shesaid,inappreciationofhispatienceandcharmwitheachoneofthechildren.
“Beenatthisawhile,”Santasaid,ashestoodandstretched,workinghisshouldersbackandforth.
“Itshows.”
“Now,mydear,it’syourturn.”
“Areyousure?Youmustbeexhausted.”
Hecheckedthetime.“Notatall.Ilovedseeingthechildren,butI’llneedtowatchtheclock.I’vegotabusynightaheadofme.”
Santamusthavealonglistofappearanceslinedup.
“Let’sgrabacupofhotchocolateandchatforabit.”Heledtheway,evenbeforeshecouldrefuse.
Thesmallcoffeeshopacrossthestreetwasopen,andheheldthedoorforLindy.SheshouldhaverealizedSantawouldbenothinglessthanagentleman.
“Allowme,”Lindysaid,asshestartedtowardthecountertoplacetheirorder
“Nonsense,Ioweyouforyourhelpthisafternoon,”heinsisted.“Besides,Santararelygetscharged.Peopleseemtothinkonegooddeedwillwipeoutalltheirtransgressionsfortheyear.”Hechuckledandescortedhertoatable,pullingoutthechairforhertotakeaseat.
Asheapproachedthecountertoordertheirdrinks,Lindymulledoverwhatshecouldpossiblytellhim,orifsheshouldsayanything.AndlikeSanta,sheneededtowatchthetime.BillyhadaskedhertostopbytheWinePressthatafternoon,plussheneededtogethomeearlyenoughtohelphermothersetupforthechurchgroupfollowingtheeveningcandlelightservice.
Santareturnedwithtwomugsofsteamingcocoaandsetthemdownonthetable.Oncehewasseated,hisgazesettledfirmlyonher.Hislookwasgentle,understanding,sympathetic.“Nowtellmewhat’sgotyoualltwistedupinside.Decisionsdon’tneedtobedifficult,yourealize,onceyouweightheprosandcons.”
Ifitwereonlythateasy.“WhatmakesyouthinkIhaveadecisiontomake?”sheasked,tiltingherheadtoonesideasshestudiedhim.Thismanseemedtoknowfarmoreaboutherthanheshould.
“I’mSanta,”hesaid,asifthatwasalltheexplanationnecessary.
Lindywasn’tthateasilybamboozled.Shehadtoassumehe’doverheardherandPeggy’sconversationatthepizzaparlor.
“Youhaveachoicetomake.Doyoulikelivinginthebigcity?”
“IlikeSeattle.”
Henodded,encouraginghertocontinue.“Ienjoytheculturaladvantagesavailablethere.CelesteandI…”She’dbeenabouttomentiontheBroadwayshowsthey’dbeenabletoattend,thesportingevents,theshopping,andthefinerestaurants.Theysplurgedonceamonthonafunouting.Lindybadlymissedthosegirlfriendtimes.Goingoutwithguyswasacompletelydifferentexperiencethanwithherbestfriend.
“Ah,Celeste,”hesaid,andshookhishead.“Sheprovedtobearealdisappointment,didn’tshe?”
Shenodded,preferringnottogetintothepast.SantahaddefinitelybeenlisteninginonherconversationwithPeggy.Althoughshedidn’tremembermentioningherformerroommate.
“WhataboutMediaBlast?Isthatwhat’sholdingyouback?”
ShehadtowonderhowSantafiguredoutsheworkedforMediaBlast.Seeinghowmuchofherconversationhe’dlistenedinon—shewastemptedtoaskifheenjoyedhispizzawithorwithoutanchovies.
“Lindy?”Santaasked.
Sherealizedhewaswaitingforherreply.
“Notentirely.Theypaywell,andIenjoymywork.”Thiswasgettingabiteerie,thatSantawouldknowallthis.Shereturnedhisstare,whichheheldwithgentlepatience.Lindywasthefirstonetoblink.
“Startingyourownbusinesswouldrequireagiantleapoffaith.Itwouldbeahugerisk.Thethingis,Lindy,you’refullycapableofmakingitasuccessifyoudodecidetogoforit.”
Hisconfidencenearlydrewtearstohereyes.
“But,”hesaid,“isn’ttheresomethingmore—rather,someone—whomakesthisdecisionevenmoredifficult?Youwanttogivethisnewromanceachanceandhesitateattheriskyou’llbetaking.AmIright?”
Lindyloweredhergazetoherdrink,preferringnottoanswer.
“BillyKincadeisn’tthesamerascalhewasatten.He’sreformedhiswaysandlearnedsomehardlifelessonsalongtheway.IhavetosayI’mratherproudofthatyoungman.”
Ohyes,Billy.He’dbeenwithherinLeavenworthwhenshe’dfirstseenSanta.She’dalreadydecidednottomentionPeggy’sideatoBilly,knowinghe’dalreadyaskedhertostay.HewantedhertoleaveSeattleandmovebacktoWenatchee.Thetemptationwastogivein,leaveallthatshe’dworkedtowardinSeattlebehind,andbasicallystartoverfromthegroundup.
“It’smorethanthisyoungman,though,right?”
Goodgrief,Santamusthavebeensittingrightnexttohertohavethismuchinformation.
“There’salargeprojectIsubmittedaproposalforthathasyettobeaccepted,”shesaid.Ahugeinvestmentofhertime,effort,andskillhadgoneintothisbid.She’dwaitedalongtimeforthechancetoworkonaprojectlikethis.Nowitfeltasifshewerestandingonacliff:afraidtolookdown,afraidtomove,afraidtobreathe,notknowingwhichwaytoturn.
“Itappearsyouhavealottothinkabout,Lindy.”
“Ido,”sheagreed,seeingthathewasfinishedwithhisdrinkandlookedreadytogo.“Iappreciateyoulistening.”
“Iwashappytobeasoundingboard.”
“You’reverygood,Santa.”
Heshruggedoffherpraiseandscootedbackhischair.
Lindystood,too,leavinghermughalf-fullofcocoa.Theyleftthecoffeeshoptogetherandwalkedtowardthestreet-levelparkingcomplex.
Itwasalreadylate;theskywasdarkening.Byfour-thirtyitwouldbepitch-dark.LindyhadalwayslovedwintersinthePacificNorthwestfortheopportunitytoviewthenorthernlights.Shedidn’tgetachancetoseetheminSeattlebecausethecitylightsmadeitimpossible.
“Thanksagain,Santa,”shesaid,asheapproachedhistruck.“Haveagoodnight.”
“Always.Bestnightoftheyearformeandthemissus.PlanforitstartingeveryJanuary.And,listen,ifyoudodecidetotakethatbigleapoffaith,youwritemealetterandletmeknow.I’vealwaysenjoyedyourletters.”
LindywaitedfortheinteriorofhercartowarmupandthewindowstodefrostbeforesheheadedtoseeBilly.
He’dtoldhertherestaurantwasbookedwithreservations,soshewasn’tsurprisedthatittookherafewminutestofindaparkingspot.WhatdidcomeasashockwashowbusythebarareaseemedtobeonChristmasEve.Onewouldthinkmostpeoplewouldwanttobehomewithfamily.Billywaspouringwine,andwhenhenoticedher,hisfaceeasedintoawelcomingsmile.They’dbothgoneintothiswiththethoughtitwouldbenothingmorethanaholidayromance.Somewhere,somehow,inthelastfewdaysthathadchanged.ForBilly,andasreluctantasshewastoadmitit,forLindy,too.
Notwantingtodistracthim,sheslippedontoabarstoolandwaiteduntilhe’dfilledanorderbeforeheapproachedher.
“Hey,”hesaid,hiseyeslightingupastheysettledonher.
“MerryChristmas,”shereturned.
“MerryChristmas,”hesaid.Acoupleminuteslater,hisreplacementappeared,andhecamearoundthebartojoinher.
Takingherbythehand,Billyledherintohisofficeandclosedthedoor.Rightawayshewasinhisarms.HekissedherasifthiswerethefinalsceneofaromanticChristmasmovie.Herarmswentaroundhisneckasshesurrenderedherselftohislips,givingaswellastaking.
“Wow,”shebreathed,whentheyeventuallybrokeapart.“Whatwasthatfor?”
“Missedyou,”hewhispered.
It’dbeenlessthentwenty-fourhourssincethey’dlastbeentogether.Itmadeherwonderhowhe’dreactwhenitwasdaysorevenweeksbeforetheycouldseeeachotheragain.Inherheartofhearts,sherecognizedthatlong-distanceromancesrarelysurvivedbeyondafewweeksormonths.
“You’rebusy.”
“Itwon’tbesohecticnextweek,”hepromised.“I’lltaketimeoffsowecanbetogether.Didn’tIhearyoupromisePeterasleddingadventure?Ivolunteertotagalong.”
LindydoubtedBillyknewwhathewasgettinghimselfinto.“You’reon.”
“I’vealwayslovedthesnowandwasintosnowboardingforawhile.”
Somuchofhislife,hislikesanddislikes,wereunknowntoher.Shehopedtolearnmoreandsharemoreofherself.Billyseemedtowanttomakethemostofthevacationtimeshehadleft,andLindydidaswell.WhattheweekfollowingChristmas,beforeshereturnedtoSeattle,wouldmeanfortheirfuture,Lindycouldn’ttell.Ofonethingshewascertain:SpendingthatextratimewithBillywouldmakeherdecisionallthemoredifficult.
“I’llbebyyourparents’housetomorrowtoplaySantaforPeter,”hesaid,remindingherthathe’dvolunteeredtogivehernephewthethrillhewouldlongremember.
“ChadandAshleyplantoarrivearoundnoon,soyoucouldcomeanytimeafterthat.”Sheseemedtorememberhermothersuggestinghearrivearoundthreeandsheselfishlydidn’twanttowaituntilmidafternoontoseehim.
“I’llbetherewithbellson,”hesaid,smilingdownonher.
“FunnyyoushouldmentionSanta,”shesaid.“Iranintohimtoday.”
“Oh?JustremembertheonlySantaforyouisme.”
Shemusthavehadafunnylookbecausehegrewserious.
“Don’ttellmeyoufellforthisotherSanta?”
“No,silly.ItwasthesameSantafromLeavenworth.HeseemedtoknowaboutthelettersIwrotehim…I’mbeingridiculous.”Sheshookherheadtoclearherthoughts.“Santaneededmyhelpwithoneofhisappearances.Hewasamazingwithallthechildren.”
“That’swhatmakesSantaSanta,”Billysaid.“EverykidwritesSantaatonetimeoranother,sothefactthathementionedyourlettersisallpartofhisroutine.”
“You’reright.”Still,Lindywasn’tfullyconvinced.Itwasfarmorethanthat,morethanshewantedtoexplain.Santahadseemedtoknowmoreaboutherthanwhatwasfeasible.Mostlikely,therewasalogicalexplanation.Hemusthaveeatenatthepizzaparlor,althoughshedidn’trememberseeinghimseated.Dressedashewas,hewouldbehardtomiss.
“Shallweheadforthecityparkonthetwenty-sixth?”Billyasked,takinghermindoffSantaandbacktothepromiseshe’dmadetoPeter.
“Sure.”Lindydidn’thaveanyotherplans,andPeterhadaskedherseveraltimesalreadywhentheywouldbegoing.“Thatsoundsgreat.Areyousureyoucangetaway?”
“I’llmakeitwork,”hesaid.
LindyknewBillyhadbeenputtinginalotofextrahoursbecauseoftheholidays.Heneededthebreak.“Ifitdoesn’tworkthatyoucangetthetimeoff,I’llunderstand.What’simportantisyouandtheWinePress.”Shemeantthatfromherheart.“Wehaveallnextweek,”sheremindedhim.
“Sevendaysdoesn’tseemnearlongenough,”hesaid.“I’malreadydreadingthethoughtofyoureturningtoSeattle.”
Nomatterwhatherdecisionwas,Lindyrealized,shewouldneedtogoback.
Billyclosedhiseyesasifthenewswasunwelcome.“Iguessit’swrongofmetowantyoutostay.”
“Notwrong,Billy.Itmakesmehappyyoufeelthatway.It’sjustthatSeattleiswhereIlive.”
Heloweredhishead.“Idon’tknowhowoftenI’llbeabletogetaway,especiallyonaweekend.”
“Iknow.”ShewaswellawareofthelimitationwithhimowningandoperatingtheWinePress.Heneededtobeavailabletohisstaffandcustomersonthetwobusiestdaysandnightsoftheweek.HisdayoffwasWednesday,anditwashighlyunlikelyhewouldbeabletodrivetoSeattleandbackonthesameday.
LindyknewitwouldbeamistaketomentionPeggy’sidea.Ifshechosetonotstartherownsmallbusiness,hemightconsiderthisherwayofsayingshewasn’tinterestedinthemasacouple.Thatcouldn’tbefurtherfromthetruth.
Lindylefttherestaurantandthendrovehome,herthoughtsheavy.Sheshookthemoff,determinedtomakethemostofChristmasEve.Howcouldshenot,seeingshewaswithherfamilyforthebiggestcelebrationoftheyear:thebirthofbabyJesus.CHAPTERFIFTEEN
HermotherservedalightdinnerofslicedmeatsandcheesessotheywouldbereadyfortheChristmasEvechurchservice.Traditionally,herparentsinvitedtheirSundayschoolclassover,followingthechurchservice,forcookiesandhotcider.Hermotherhadbeenbakingcookiesforweeks,storingtheminthefreezersoshecouldsendaplateheapingwithanassortmentofcookieshomewitheachguest.
Chad,Ashley,andPeterweresettomeetthematthechurchbeforeheadingovertoAshley’sparents’houseforherfamily’scelebration.Ashleyhadfoursiblings,anditwassuretobechaoticandfun.
Evenbeforeenteringthechurchbuilding,Lindycouldhearthechoirsinging.Thesteepledchurchwasbrightlylit,bothinsideandout.Themangerscenewasarrangedinthesnowoutsidethebuilding,andalightdustingstartedtofallinlazy,wind-tossedflakes,floatingdownfromtheheavens.
Glancingup,shemarveledathowperfectthenightwas.Theburdenofthefutureseemedfarremoved.Sheknewthatwhateverherdecision,itdidn’tneedtobemadethatnight,ortomorrow.Asshelookedtowardthebabeinthemanager,sheknewHewouldguideher.
ChristmasEvewasatimeofjoyandcelebration.Atimeforfamily.Atimetocountherblessings,ofwhichthereweremany.Ithadn’tbeenaneasyyear,andshewasjustasgladtoputitbehindher,andyettherewasmuchforwhichtobegrateful.Ithadjusttakenherawhiletoseeandappreciateit.
Theservicestartedwiththesingingoflong-familiarChristmascarols.“OHolyNight,”“AwayinaManger,”and“WeThreeKings”weresomeofLindy’sfavorites.Shenoticedsomeofthechildrenwerealreadydressedintheirpajamasandslippers.Sherememberedcomingtotheeveningserviceinherownnightclothes,inwhatseemedanotherlifetimeago.
AftertheChristmasEveservice,sheandChadwouldbeeagerforbed,knowingthatiftheywenttosleeprightaway,themorningwouldcomequicker,andtheywouldbeabletoopentheirpresentsfromSanta.ChadhadstillbeenyoungenoughtobelieveinSanta,andforhissake,Lindypretendedtobelieve,too.ShewantedherlittlebrothertohavethesamewonderfulChristmasexperiencesshe’dhad.
Thechurchservicewaseverythingsheknewitwouldbe.Asshewalkedoutofthechurch,hergazeonceagainwenttothelife-sizedNativitysceneonthesnow-coveredlawn.There,kneelingnexttothemanger,wasthemanshereadilyrecognizedastheSantashe’dmetearlierthatday.Sheturnedtotellhermother,butwhenshelookedback,hewasgone.
“Lindy,didyouneedsomething?”hermotherasked.
Sheshookherhead.“IthoughtIsawsomeoneIknew.Guessnot.”
Fromthechurch,severalfamiliesheadedtotheCarmichaels’house.Itwasn’tlongbeforeeveryspotinboththelivingandfamilyroomsweretaken.Lindyhelpedserve,enjoyingthemyriadconversationsasshewentabouttheroom,refillingcupsandpassingaroundaplateofcookies.
“It’ssogoodtoseeyou,Lindy.”Sheheardthatagainandagain,anditnevergrewold.MostofthesefriendsofherparentswereonesLindyhadknownnearlyherentirelife.Theywereasclosetofamilyasonecouldgetwithoutabloodconnection.
Itwasafterelevenbeforethehousewasquietonceagain.Lindysentherparentstobed,astheywereoverlytiredfromtheday’sactivities.Sheclearedtheplatesandcups,filledthedishwasherandsetittowash,thenheadedtowardherbedroom,too.Sittingupinbed,shelookedoverathernightstandandsawthelettershe’dwrittentoSantajustaweekearlier.
Shereachedforitandstartedtoreadagain.
DearSanta…
—
Unlikeherchildhood,LindysleptinlateonChristmasmorning.Withsheerdetermination,shemanagedtofocusontheholidayandputanydecision-makingoffforanothertime.Todaywasforfamilyandfun.
HermotheralreadyhadtheturkeyroastingwhenLindymadeherwayintothekitchen.
“MerryChristmas,Mom,”shesaid,andgavehermotherapeckonthecheek.
“MerryChristmas,”hermotherechoed.“IbelievethisisthebestChristmasever.”
Hermothersaidthesamethingeveryyear.
“Ibelieveitis,too,”Lindysaid,andthisChristmasshefeltitmoresothananyother.Herlifehadseemedtohavemadeapositiveturn.NomatterwhathappenedwithMediaBlast,sheknewshe’dgiventhislatestprojectherbestshot.Knowingthatwaswhatmatteredmost.
“Dad’smakingbreakfast.”
Hesatinhisrecliner,nexttotheflickeringfireinthebrickfireplace,hisiPadinhishand.“JustwaitingforSleepingBeautytomakeanappearance,”hesaid.
Herdad’ssourdoughhotcakeswerenottobemissed.Hermotherstartedsizzlingthebacon.Withinfifteenminutesthey’dgatheredaroundthekitchentable,passingbutterandpure,warmedmaplesyrup.
They’ddecidedtowaitforChad,Ashley,andPeterbeforeopeningthegifts.Seeingthatthefamilywouldarriveataboutnoon,Lindyhelpedhermothergetallthesidedishesreadyandthetableset.SheaddedanextraplacesettingontheoffchanceBillycouldjointhem.
Rightonthedot,Chad,Ashley,andPeterarrived.Sleepyfromthedrive,Peterwaddledover,yawningloudly,tohugLindy.
“DidSantaarriveatyourhousethismorning?”sheasked,pickinghimupandbalancinghimagainstherhip.
Henoddedwithanotherbigyawn.“IgotafiretruckandLEGOsandnewpajamas.”
“AnythingonyourlistthatSantaforgot?”sheasked.Knowinghelovedworkingthewoodenpuzzles,she’dgottenhimfourthatwerecurrentlyunderthetree.Herparentshadwrappedupachild-styleteepeetentforhimthatwouldfitnicelyinhisplayroom.Peterwouldlovethat.He’dseenoneinacatalogandhadruntoshowhisgrandma.
Hewaslateforhisnap,soLindysettledthembothintherockingchair.Peterclosedhiseyesandstartedtodriftofftosleep,allthewhileprotesting.Hewantedtoopenhispresents,pointingtowardtheChristmastree.
“Iwantmorepresents,”hesaidwithapout.
“Takeyournapfirst,andthenwe’llopenallthegifts.Okay?”
Askingwasamistake.“No,Iwanttoopenthemnow.”
“Sh-h-h,inalittlebit,”shewhispered,andcontinuedtorock.Itwasn’tlongbeforehestoppedfussingandfellintoadeepsleep.Content,Lindybrushedthesofthairfromhisforeheadandcontinuedtogentlyholdhimagainstherheart.
SoonafterPeterwasasleep,herbrotherapproachedher.“Letmetakehim.I’llputhimdowninmyoldroom.”
“Don’tyoudare,”Lindymouthedback.Holdingthesleepingtoddlerinherarmswasbothcomfortableandrelaxing.Sittingbythewarmfire,withPeternestledinherarms,Lindysoonfeltsleepyherself.Beausnuggledatthebaseofthechair.Thiswasaboutasclosetotranquilityasshecouldimagine.
Afteranhourhernephewwoke,satup,andrubbedhiseyes.“Canweopenthegiftsnow?”heasked,eagertogetoffLindy’slap.“YousaidwecouldafterIwokeup.”
“I’mgoingtoneedanassistanttohelpdistributeallthesepresents,”herfathersaid,walkingovertothegailydecoratedtree.HepickeduponeofthewrappedgiftsandlookedtoPeter.
“Icandoit,”Petersaid,eagertobehelpful.
“Thankyou,Peter,”herdadsaid.“I’llreadoffthenamesandyoucandeliverthem.Soundgood?”
Peternodded,nearlybouncingonhisfeetwithanticipation.
Ashisgrandfatherreadoffthenames,PeterstumbledbackandforthfromtheevergreenChristmastreetodelivereachgift.Then,takingturns,oneatatime,theyopenedthepresentswithBeau’shelp.
Lindywaitedpatientlyforherfamilytounwrapthegiftsshe’dpurchased.
HerparentswerethrilledwiththebottleofwineandthegiftcertificatefordinnerattheWinePress.
“We’vebeenwantingtohavedinnerthereeversinceitopened.”
“Iheardit’salmostimpossibletogetareservation,”Chadcommented,readingoverthecertificate.
“Ithelpsifyou’redatingtheowner,”Lindytoldthem.Billyhadinsistedoncompensatingherfortheworkshe’ddoneonhiswebpage,andshewashappytoaccept,knowinghowpleasedthisgiftcertificatewouldmakeherparents.
Afterthey’dopenedalltheirgifts,AshleyandLindyhelpedinthekitchen.Lindywasbusypeelingthepotatoeswhenherphonebeeped.
Letmeknowwhenyou’rereadyforSantatoarrive.
Anytime.I’llmeetyououtsidefirst.Textwhenyou’rehere.
Okay.
LindyhadsetasideoneofthepuzzlesforSantatogivePeterandasmallgiftfortheunbornbaby,too.SheplannedtomeetBillyandgivehimthegiftsbeforehecameintothehouse.
Aboutthirtyminuteslater,Billy’stextarrived.
Lindysilentlyslippedoutsidewiththesmallbundleofpresents.Shedidn’ttakethetimetoputonhercoatandwrappedhersweatertightlyaroundherasshemetBillyinthedriveway,dressedinhisSantasuit,completewiththelongwhitebeardandanabundanceofwhitehair.
“Heythere,handsome,”shesaid,herheartliftingwithhappiness.ShethoughtthisChristmascouldn’tgetanybetter,andnowitdidtheminuteshesawBilly.
“Youlikethebeard?”heasked,loweringitafractionsohecouldleanforwardandkissher.Heplacedhisarmsaroundhertoprotectherfromthewindandcold.
“Icanlivewithoutallthathaironyourface,”sheteased.
“Matteroffact,socanI.”
“Canyoustayfordinner?”Shedidn’twanttotakehimawayfromhisownfamilybutwasselfishenoughtolongtospendtimewithhimthisChristmas.
Henodded.“AlreadysawDedeandthekids,soI’mallyours.”
Allyours.Althoughthatwasafigureofspeech,Lindyheldthewordstoherheart,recognizinghowstronglyattachedshewastoBillyinsuchashortamountoftime.Afteraweek,itfeltasifhe’dalwaysbeeninherlife,andperhapshehadbeen,inthebackofhermind.
“I’mwearingtheSantacostumeovermyclothes,soonceSantavisitsPeter,I’llleaveandthenreturnasmyself.”
“That’sperfect.”Shewasgratefulhe’dthoughtthisthroughbeforehearrived.
Sneakingbackintothehouse,LindywashappytoseethatPeterwassittingonthefloor,playingwithhisMatchboxcarsonthezigzagracetrack,agiftfromLindy’smomanddad.Shemouthedthewords“Santa’shere”toherparents,whosmiledandnodded.
Notfiveminutesafterherreturn,thedoorbellrang.HerdadsharedalookwithLindy,andshewinkedback.“Ican’timaginewhothatwouldbe,”hesaid.
Beaubarkedandracedtothefrontofthehouse,eagertogreetthecompany.
“WhodoyouthinkwouldvisitonChristmasDay?”hermotheraskedPeter.
Thelittleboyshruggedbutlookedupathisgrandfatherwithquestioningeyes.
“Doyouwanttoanswerthedoorwithme?”
Peternodded,andawkwardlyrosetohisfeetbeforeracingtothefrontdoorwithhisgrandfather.
LindyheardPetergaspbeforehestormedbackintothefamilyroomandshouted,“It’sSanta!It’sSanta!”
“Ho!Ho!Ho!”Santacalledoutenthusiastically,ashecameintothehouse.“Iunderstandthere’sagoodlittleboynamedPeterwho’svisitinghisgrandmaandgrandpa.”
PeterstaredupatSanta,hiseyesaswideashecouldstretchthem,hismouthopeninaweandwonder.
“Santahasgiftsforgoodlittlegirlsandboys.”Heliftedthebagoffhisshoulderand,reachinginside,pulledoutthegiftLindyhadgivenhimforPeter.Thefour-year-oldfelltohiskneesandtoreapartthepaper.
“Andhere’sanother,”Santasaid,handinganenvelopetoChadandAshleyalongwithareceivingblanketforthebabyyettobeborn.
AshleyopeneditandshareditwithChad.“AgiftcertificatefordinnerattheWinePress…wow.”
“Thanks,Santa.”
“Andhere’sanotherone,”hesaid,handingabottleofwinetoherfatherandmother.
“You’rekidding,”herdadsaid,ashereadthelabel.“We’resavingthisforaspecialoccasion.”HeshowedittoLindy.“Here’sonelastgift,”hesaid,extractingasmall,wrappedboxthathehandedtoLindy.
“Forme?”shesaid,unabletohidehersurprise.
Billy’seyesheldhers.“Yes,you.”
Lindysatwiththegiftinherlapandcarefullyunwrappedit.Shefoundacharmbraceletwithasinglecharm.AtinysilverSanta.
“ThoughtyoucouldaddanothercharmeveryChristmas,”Santaexplained.
ForChristmas,thisyear,afterreadingthoselong-agoletters,theSantacharmwasperfect.“Thankyou,”shesaidsoftly,andthen,forgettingherself,sheleanedoverandkissedhim.
“Mommy,Mommy,AuntLindykissedSanta.”
“LuckySanta,”Billymurmured,asheheadedtowardthedoor.
“Thankyou,Santa.”PeterhurriedforwardandgrabbedholdofSanta’sleg.
ChadgentlypriedhimawaysoSantacouldmakehisdeparture.
Santalaughedandleftwithanothercheerful“Ho,ho,ho.”
WhenBillyreturned,Peterracedtohisside.“Billy,youjustmissedseeingSanta.Hecametothehouse.”
Billydidagoodjoboflookingsurprised.“ImissedseeingSanta?”
Peternodded.“Maybehe’llcomeback.”
“Thatwouldbearealsurprise,”Billysaid,andwinkedatLindy.
—
Dinnerwasover,thedisheswashed,andeveryoneloungedaroundwithfullbellies,needingabreakbeforediggingintoaselectionofdesserts.Hermotherhadbakedseveralpies,plustherewerecookiesandavarietyofChristmascandies.
BillyandLindysatonthesofa,hisarmaroundhershoulders.Sheworethecharmbracelet.Shehadgottenhimasmallgift:acertificatetoupdatehiswebsitethenexttimeshewasintown.
AChristmasmovieplayedonthetelevision.Peterwassprawledacrosshismother’sandfather’slaps,halfasleep.Hermotherhadherfingersworkingonherlatestknittingproject,andherdadwasinvolvedinthehardcovernovelbyhisfavoriteauthor.Lindyknewhewouldn’tbeabletoresistcheckingoutthebook.
“Youknowwhatweneedtodo,”Chadsaid,extractinghimselffromPeterandhiswife.“Scrabble.”
“Scrabble?”Billyrepeated.
“It’stradition,”Lindyexplained.“EveryChristmasweallplayScrabble.”
“Andworkonajigsawpuzzle,”herdadadded.
Thepuzzlewassetuponacardtableclosetothefireplace.Thisyear,thepicturewasofSantacomingdownthechimneyintoalivingroomfullydecoratedfortheholidays.Beforedinner,herdadhadgottenitgoingandhadstartedworkingontheborder.ChadhadaddedtheentireChristmastreesectionneartheleft-handsideoftheborder.
Billyhadaddedafewpieceshimself.RarelywasthepuzzlecompletelyassembledbytheendofChristmasDay.Ittooktheweekbetweenthetwoholidaystosetthethousandpiecesinplaceandcompletethepicture.Tradition.ThepuzzleandarousinggameofScrabble.
ChadsetuptheScrabbleboardonthediningroomtableandspreadoutallthesmallwoodenletters.
“Yougoingtojoinus,Billy?”Chadasked.
BillylookedtoLindy.“Whatarethestakes?”
“WeplayfortheprivilegeofhopingwecanbeatDad,”Lindyexplained.“Thisishisgame,andhe’spracticallyunstoppable.”
“WatchoutforLindy,too.Shecanbeacreativespeller.”
“Veryfunny,littlebrother,”sheteasedback.
SoonthelethargyhadleftandthesixsataroundthetablewhilePeterwatchedcartoons.Hebouncedbetweenhistoysandthetelevisionasthegamestarted.
LindypulledtheQwithoutaU,andherfirstwordontheboardgainedherawhoppingsixpoints.Notagreatstart.Herdad’sfirstwordgainedhimthirteenpoints.Andsoitwentforthenexthourastheboardcontinuedtogrowwithwordsbuiltuparoundotherwords.OnceortwiceLindytriedtopullafastone,insistingherwordwasintheWebster’sdictionaryandwasquicklyprovenwrong.ItcameasnosurprisethatherfatherclaimedthecrownasthetopScrabbleplayer.
“Hasheeverlost?”BillyaskedLindy.
“Once.ToMom,andIthinkheletherwin.”
“Hemostcertainlydidnot!”hermotherinsisted,withaquivertoherlipsthatsaideverything.
“Chadwasbornninemonthslater,”LindywhisperedtoBilly.
“Yourtimingisoffbyafewyears,Lindy.”Itseemedhermotherhadoverheard
“Anyonereadyfordessert?”
Billyplacedhishandsonhisflatstomach.“NotlongagoIsworeIcouldn’tswallowanotherbite.”
“Andnow?”
“Igotalookatthatcaramel-pecanpiesittingonthekitchencounterandI’vedecidedtomaketheeffort.”
“Bigofyou,”Lindyteased.
“I’lltakepumpkin,”Chadsaid.“Neverdidappreciatethefancypies.GivemeappleorpumpkinandI’mahappyman.”
Thetablewascleared,andthedessertswerebroughtout.Lindywentforthecaramel-pecanpie.Ittastedasgoodastherecipepromised.
Soonafterward,Chadandhisfamilyheadedhome.Peterwaswornoutfromalltheactivityandtheexcitementoftheday.LindycouldtellAshleywastired,too,asherhandcontinuedtorubtheslightswellofherpregnancybelly.
Afterherbrotherleft,LindyandBillycuddledtogetherinfrontofthetelevision.Atten,herparentsexcusedthemselvesandwenttobed.
“Doyouthinktheyleftforourbenefit?”Billyasked,ashekissedthesideofherneck.
“Couldbe.”Thatwaslikelynotthecase.Hermotherhadputinalongdayandhadn’tnappedwhenmosteveryoneelsehadtakenashortsnooze.
“I’llthankthemlater,”Billymurmured,closetoherear.
“Praytell,whatdoyouhaveinmind,BillyKincade?”
“Ifyoucouldreadmythoughts,I’ddefinitelybegettingabagofcoalfromSantanextChristmas.”
Lindycouldn’tholdbackasmilehadshetried.“Isthatso?”
“Youhavenoidea.”
“Actually,IthinkIjustmight.”
Turningherintohisarms,Billykissedheragainandagain.Acommercialplayedonthetelevision,louderthanexpected,whichbrokethemapart.
“Ihavetosay,thisisthebestChristmasIcanrememberinalongwhile.”
“Mine,too,”shesaid.
“It’sbecauseofyou,Lindy.I’mdoingmybesttoignorethefactthatyou’rereturningtoSeattleinaweek.”
“Me,too,”sheadmitted.
Hereachedforherwristwherehe’dplacedthecharmbraceletwiththesingleSantacharm.“MyhopeisthatI’llbetheoneaddingcharmseveryChristmasuntilitweighsdownyourarmtothepointyoucannolongerliftit.”
Lindydidn’tknowwhattosay.Basically,Billywastellingherhewantedtobepartofherlifefromthispointforward.
“We’vebeentogetheraweek,Billy,”sheremindedhim.“Youcan’tsaysomethinglikethataftersuchashorttime.”
Hiseyesweredarkandserious.“Whatyoudon’tunderstand,Lindy,isthatyouwroteyournameonmyheartwhenIwasnineyearsold.”CHAPTERSIXTEEN
ThedayafterChristmas,LindyhadpromisedtotakePetertotheparkforfuninthesnow.Thistimeofyear,therewasrarelyalackofthewhitepowderinWenatchee.
KnowingPeggywasanxioustohearfromher,shesentherfriendatext.
OutwithPeterandBilly.Promisetoconnectsoon.Andyes,Iamconsideringwhatwetalkedabout.Stillunsurewhat’sbest.
Adecisionthisbigcouldn’tbemadeonimpulseoronthespurofthemoment.Lindyneededtimetoconsiderheroptions.Inaddition,shefeltitwasnecessarytohearthefeedbackontheprojectshe’dsubmittedthroughMediaBlastbeforeshecouldmakeadecisioneitherway.Yes,itwastemptingtogivein,butsheneededtoanalyzetheramifications.Peggywasright,Billywouldplayapartinherdecision.Livingclosertofamily,too,ofcourse.Nevertheless,thelureofsuccess,ofseeingherworkonwebsitesformajorbusinesses,tuggedather.Thishadbeenherdream.Hergoalfromcollege,andshedidn’tknowifshewasreadytogiveallthatup.
AlthoughPeggyhadmentionedshewouldwaitonLindy’sdecisionbeforefindingaroommate,Lindyrealizedshewouldn’tbeabletoputPeggyoffforlong.Onethingwassure,shecouldn’tgiveherfriendadefinitiveanswerthisweek,orprobablynextweek,either.
AnentiredayspentwithBillyandPeterfilledherwitheageranticipation.Howquicklyherthoughtshadbecomeentangledwithhim.Itwasasiftheyweremeanttobetogether.ItfeltasifshebelongedwithBilly.
“Morning,sunshine,”shesaidwhenhepickedup.Itwasbarelyeight,andshewasn’tsureifhewasevenawakeyet.Hehadn’tleftherparents’houseuntilwellaftermidnight.He’dhadalongweek,withlatehours,andshehatedtowakehim.
“Morning,”hegrumbledback.Heyawnedintothephone,whichtoldhereitherhe’djustwokenorhe’drecentlygottenoutofbed.
“Wasthinkingweshouldgetanearlystart.”
“Goodidea.Thehillsintheparkaresuretobebusy.”
Especiallyintheweekbetweentheholidayswithacoveroffreshsnow.Asateenager,Lindyandherfriendsspentnearlyeverydayoftheirwintervacationfromschoolinthesnow.LindyusedtoskiatMissionRidgeasoftenasshecould.ShewaseagertointroducePetertothefunthatcouldbehadinthiswinterwonderland,althoughshewasfairlycertainChadhadtakenhissonsleddingmorethanonce.
Theysetatimetomeet.Billyvolunteeredtodrive,andthentheywouldcollectPetertogether.LindyconnectedwithAshley,whopromisedtohavePeterreadybeforetheyarrived.
Thirtyminuteslater,BillypickedupLindy.Hegreetedherwithawarmkissandhuggedhermother.“MysisterDede’sbringinghertwolittlehellionsandwillmeetusthere,”hetoldLindy.
“Whatagreatidea.”Shewishedshe’dthoughttoinviteDedeherself.She’dseenBilly’ssisterattheWinePressthatoneday,butnotsincethen,andwaseagertoconnect.
HermotherfollowedthemtothefrontdoorandhandedLindyathermosofhotcoffee.“Havefunandstaywarm,”shesaid,sendingthemoff.
WhentheycollectedPeter,thefour-year-oldwasasexcitedasLindyhadeverseenhim,runningaroundLindylikeacatchasingamouse.WhileBillymovedPeter’scarseatintohisvehicle,AshleygaveLindyanextrasetofclothesandotheressentialsshethoughtPetermightneed.AshleyfiguredPeter’senergywouldlastuntilaroundnoon,andthenhe’dbemorethanreadyforhisnap.
“Haveagreattime,”Ashleysaid,standinginthedoorway,wavingtoPeterashedashedtothetruckasfastashisshortlegswouldlethim.
“Youreadyforfuninthesnow?”LindyaskedPeter,asshestrappedhimintothebackseat.
Hernephewnoddedvigorously.“Iwanttoslidedownthehillwiththebigkids.”
“Yougotit,littleman,”Billyassuredhim.
“Billy,”Peterinnocentlyasked,astheyheadedacrosstown,“areyougoingtobemyuncle?”
BillylookedtoLindyandsmiled.“Ithinkyourauntshouldbetheonetoanswerthat,”hesaid.
“Ishe,AuntLindy?”
“Whotoldyouthat?”ShehadnodoubtthiscamefromChadandAshley.
“Daddy.HesaidBillylookedatyouthesamewayhelooksatMommy.”
“That’strue,”Billysaid.“YourauntLindyisbeautiful.It’shardformenottolookather.”
“Ithinkyou’dmakeagooduncle.”
“Thankyou.”
Eagertochangethesubject,Lindyasked,“WherewillwemeetDede?”
“I’lltextheroncewearriveatthepark.”Billyreachedoverandsqueezedherknee,lettingherknowherecognizedwhatshewasdoing.
Itwasagoodthingtheyleftearly,astheparkingsurroundingthecityparkwasatapremium.
Withinminutesaftertheirarrival,theyfoundDedeandhertwochildren.DaveywaseightandLilysix.LindyvaguelyrememberedDedefromherchildhood.
“Sogladwehadachancetoconnect,”Dedesaid,oncetheywerealltogether.
“Iam,too.”
Whenhewasfirstintroducedtotheotherchildren,PeterwasshyandclungtoLindy.Beforelong,hewasonthelargesledwithBillyandtheothertwochildren,squealingwithdelightastheysoareddowntheslope.Theyrepeatedtherideseveralmoretimes.
“Myturn,”Lindycried,asshehelpedBillyhaulthetobogganbackupthehill.Bycrammingtogether,theywereabletosqueezebothadultsontothesled,alongwiththethreechildren,withBillytakinguptherearposition.Whenthesledstarteddownthehill,shefeltBilly’sarmsloosenfromaroundherandthenacoldblastofairashetumbledoffthebackend,crashingintothedrysnow.
SeeingBillywithhisentirebacksidecoatedwithsnowhadherbendingoverlaughing.Lindywasn’ttheonlyonewhofoundhumorinhispredicament.ThechildrenandDedecouldn’tcontaintheiramusement,either.Theirgigglesfloatedintheairwiththelightflakesoffallingsnow.
“Veryfunny,”Billygrumbled.Hehadnearlybeenburiedinthewhitestuff.“Youshouldbethankingme.IfIhadn’tletgo,Iwouldhavetakenallofyouwithme.”
“We’reeternallygrateful,aren’twe,kids?”Lindydidherbesttolooksincere.Ithadbeenheroicofhimtotakeonefortheteam.
“Guessweknowonlyoneadultisgoingtofitwiththekids,”hesaid,ashe,alongwiththechildren,continuedtobrushhimselffreeofsnow.
LindywashappytoletBillyassumetheduties.ThisgaveheranopportunitytovisitwithDede.
“Billy’sbeenwonderfulwithPeter,”shetoldDede.Takingthethermosfromthetruck,shepouredthemeachacoffee.TheyfoundaseatwheretheycouldviewthehillsideandwatchasBillytrudgedupanddownwiththekids.Henotonlyhauledthetoboggan,buthehadbothLilyandPeteronhisbackashewent.Shewasconvincedthisdaywouldlikelyexhausthim.Hewasagoodsport,luggingthekidsuptheslope.
“Billy’shadlotsofpracticelearningpatiencewithmytwo,”Dedesaid.Sheheldthecupinbothhandsandlookeddownintothesteamingliquid.“Mybrotherisquitetakenwithyou,”shesaid,loweringhervoice,asifshewashesitanttospeakhermind.
“We’vehadawonderfulweek,”Lindysaid,unsurewhereDedewantedtotakethisconversation.
“Sohesaid.Idon’trememberatimeI’veseenBillythishappy.”
Hissister’swordswarmedher.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshe’dbeenthiscontentherself.
“Iknowyou’reonlyintownonvacation,”Dedecontinued,“andthatyou’regoingbacktoSeattleafterthefirstoftheyear.”
“Yes,that’stheplan.”
“Andthen?”ShelookedupandheldLindy’sgaze.
“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasked,swallowingtightly.
“WhataboutBilly?Willyoucontinuetoseehim?”
Lindycouldonlybehonest.“Idon’tknow.We’retalking,andwithhisscheduleandmineconflicting,we’llprobablyendupconnectingviaFaceTimeorZoom.”
Dedenodded,asifshe’dalreadyheardasmuchfromherbrother.“YoushouldknowmyhusbandandItookoutasecondmortgageonourhomesoBillycouldmoveforwardwiththeWinePress.”
Billyhadn’tmentionedthis.“Thatwasgenerousofyou.”
Dedecrossedherlegsandherfootmovedupanddownwithwhatresemblednervousenergy.“Heneededsomethingafter…”Shepaused.
“Afterwhat?”Lindyasked,certainDederegrettedspeaking.SherememberedBillytellingherhe’dbeendisappointedbypeoplehe’dtrusted.He’dneversharedthecircumstancesandseemedreluctanttodoso.“Didsomethinghappen?”
Dededidn’tbothertohidehersurprise.“IfBillydidn’ttellyou,thenitisn’tmyplace.Youneedtoaskhimyourself.”
Ifhehadn’tsaidanything,thenLindydidn’tfeelitwasherplacetopry.Naturally,shewascuriousandsuspecteditlikelyinvolvedawoman.She’dsharedherownbrokenheart,whichdidn’tfeelnearlyasbrokenthesedays.Ifhe’dheldbackhisownheartache,she’dbedisappointedinhim.
“I’vehadmyshareofromancesthatendedwithbetrayalsandhurts,”shetoldDede,withoutgoingintoanydetails.
“Itisn’twhatyou’rethinking,”Dedeclarified.“Iwaswrongtohavesaidanything.”Sheavoidedeyecontact.“Ineedtobehonest,Lindy.IhavetwomajorconcernswhenitcomestoyouandBilly.Ihopeyoudon’tmindmyspeakingfreely.”
Lindygesturedtowardher.“Pleasedo.”
“Thankyou.Firstandforemost,please,whateveryoudo,don’thurtmybrother.He’shadfartoomanydisappointmentsinhislife,startingwithourfather.Billytookitthehardestwhenourdadleft.Likemostchildren,heseemedtothinkitwashisdoing,thatifhe’dbeenabetterkid,morewellbehaved,thenDadwouldhavestayed.”
Lindynodded,understandingalltoowellthatfeelingofnotbeingwanted.EverythingchangedforthebetterwhenPhillipCarmichaelcameintohermother’slife.Shehadafatherwhogenuinelylovedandacceptedher.Billyhadneverhadthatsecurityandassurance.
“Yousaidyouhadtwoconcerns,”Lindysaid,urgingDedetospeakfrankly.
“Yes,well,Ifeelabituncomfortablementioningthis.Ifeelselfishevenbringingitup.”
“Pleasedon’tbe.I’dratheryouwerehonest,”Lindysaid,wantingtoassureDedesheshouldspeakhermind.
“I’mafraidBillyissohead-over-heelsfallingforyouthathe’llbedistractedfromtherestaurant.MyhusbandandIhaveinvestedeverythingwehaveinthisventureandwedon’twanttoloseourmoney.”
“Ofcourseyoudon’t.”
“Ifeelterribleevensayinganything;Ihopeyou’llforgiveme.It’sjustthatIknowmybrother.Herarelydoesanythinghalf-measure.Idon’tknowthatI’veeverseenhimlikethisoverawoman.Heisn’tgoingtowanttoletyougo.”
Lindywasatalossforwords.
“WithyoureturningtoSeattleandhimstuckinWenatchee,he’snotgoingtobecontentwithphoneorFaceTimecalls,he’sgoingtowanttobewithyou.Iunderstand.WhenIfirstmetmyhusband,hewasservinginthearmy,andwewereseparatedforlongperiodsoftime.IwasmiserablewhenDavidwasstationedacrossthecountryandhadtobesatisfiedwithphonecallsandemails.”ShelookedupasifsheexpectedLindytocomment.
“I’vebeengivingalotofthoughttothefuture,”Lindytoldher,withoutgoingintodetail.
“Ihopeyouunderstandmyfears.”
“Ofcourse,”Lindysaid,wantingtoreassureDedeshehadnointentionofhurtingBilly.Norwasshekeenonhimriskinghisandhissister’sinvestmentintherestaurant.Shewasabouttosaymore,whenshenoticedDede’schildrenracingtowardthem.Daveyheldontohissister’shandastheystumbledthroughthesnow.
Lindywasgratefulfortheinterruption.
“We’rehungry,”Daveysaidbreathlessly.
“Andcold,”Lilyadded.
“AndUncleBillysaidhe’stired.”This,too,camefromDavey.
BillybroughtPeterwithhim,towinghimonthesled,ashewastoosmalltotrekthroughthesnow.
Dedeimmediatelytookcharge.“Thenlet’sgetinsidetowarmourhandsandtummies.”
“Canwehavecocoa?”Lilyasked.
“Ibelievewecanarrangethat.”
Roundingupthechildren,LindyandDedetookovertakingcareofthem.Bythen,Billyneededabreak.Theycrossedthestreet,wheretherewasamom-and-popdiner.Theywentinside,removingtheirwetcoatsandheavyboots,andsatinalargecircularbooth.Thechildrenorderedhotchocolatethatarrivedwithmarshmallowsmeltingontop.
LindycouldseethatPeterwascompletelytuckeredout.Itwasbarelyten-thirtyandshewasn’tsurehowmuchlongerhe’dlast.Becauseoftheotherchildren,hernephewwouldneverwillinglyadmithewasexhausted.
Onceeveryonewaswarmandhadtheircocoa,thechildrenwereeagertogetbackonthesled.Foranotherhour,theytookturnsridingtheslopes,laughingandenjoyingtheday.
Itwasn’tlongbeforeeveryonewaspoopedout.Beforetheyleft,LindyhuggedDede.
“Iappreciatedourchat,”sheassuredher,knowingDedehadbeenuncomfortablesharingherconcerns.
Dedesqueezedherback.“Thankyouforlistening.”
AsAshleypredicted,Peterinstantlyfellasleeponcetheywereinthetruckagainandontheirwaybacktohishouse.LindywantedtoaskBillyaboutherconversationwithDede.Beforeshedid,sheneededtodecidehowbesttoapproachthesubjectwithhim.
“Itlookslikeyouhadagoodtime,”AshleycommentedasBillycarriedPeterintothehouseandsethimdownonhisbed.Peterdidn’tevenstir.
Backinthetruck,BillyturnedtolookatLindy.“Isawyouandmysisterwithyourheadstogether,”hesaid,hiseyesfullofcuriosity.“Whatdidshetellyou?”
“Asithappened,quiteabit.”ItwaswhatDedehadn’tsaidthattroubledLindy.
“MyguessisthatshementionedwhathappenedinYakima.It’spainfultotalkaboutit,toremindmyselfwhatafoolIwas.”
Lindywaitedforhimtocontinue.Shewasn’tgoingtopressurehim,especiallyifhechosenottoexplain.
“DoyouremembermementioninghowmyfriendDanBerghoffwasamentortome?”
Shenodded,recallinghowBillylookedrelievednottoanswerherquestionthenightthey’dhaddinnerinLeavenworth.
“I’dinvestedeverythingIhadinanotherrestaurantinYakimawithapartner,whowasaformerschoolmateofmine.Iworkedmytailoff,whileKentwashappytogivetheresponsibilitytome.WhenIgotsickandendeduphavingmyappendixout,Kentemptiedourbankaccountandsplit.Iwasneverabletorecoup.Ilosteverything,whichiswhyIdecided,withDan’sencouragement,toopentheWinePress.”
“Oh,Billy,I’msosorry.”
“ItwasahardlessonthatI’veputbehindme.”
Shesqueezedhishand,lettinghimknowsheunderstoodthatkindofbetrayal,althoughitwasdifferentbetweenherandCeleste.“Icanonlyimaginehowdifficultitwastolosesomethingyouhadworkedsohardtomakeasuccess.”
“Ihadnorecourse.Alegalbattlewouldonlyhavebenefitedthelawyers.Itrustedsomeoneuntrustworthyandpaidtheprice.”
“Howawful,Billy.”
“Ishouldhavementioneditearlier.Likeyou,I’vehadtoletgooftheresentmentandbitterness.Forawhile,Idecidedtogiveuptherestaurantbusiness,unwillingtotakeanotherbigfinancialrisk.Danwastheonewhotalkedmethroughmyangerandfrustration.ThenDedeandDavidsaidtheywouldbesilentpartnerswithme.TheirfaithinmetomaketheWinePressasuccessmeanttheworld.Theybelievedstronglyenoughtogivemetheseedmoneynecessarytostartup.Thankfully,myreputationwiththewineriesinthestatewasenoughforthemtogivemecredituntilIcouldrepaythem.AndIhave.”
LindyleanedherheadagainstBilly’sshoulder.He’dbeenthroughsomuchandcomeoutbothsmarterandwiser.Lookingbackdidnogood.NotforBillyandnotforher.Theybothneededtokeeptheireyesforward.
TheybothremainedsilentasBillypulledintothedrivewayatherparents’house.
“Doyouwanttocomeinside?”sheasked.
Billyshookhishead.“Ishouldprobablycheckinwiththestaff.CanIseeyoutomorrow?”
“Ofcourse.”
“I’llcallyou.”
ThatsuitedLindy,whowasreadyforalong,hotshowerandsomedowntime.Billymustrunonadrenaline.Heneverseemedtostop.
Lindyspentaquieteveningwithherparentsandsleptlikealambthroughthenight.ShewoketoatextmessagefromBillysuggestingshestopbysotheycouldhavelunchtogether.
Whenherphonerangmidmorning,shethoughtitwasprobablyBilly,sinceshehadn’tresponded,wantingtocheckwithhermotherfirst.
Onlyitwasn’tBilly.
“Lindy,”herboss’sexcitedvoiceshotovertheline.“Icouldn’twaittotellyou.TheFergusonGroupcontactedusthismorningandtheywanttogowithyourdesign.”
Lindy’sheartleapedintooverdrive,roaringlikeanIndy500engine.“Theydid?”Shecouldbarelyspeak,havinglostherbreath.
“Theylovedyourproposalandarehottogetstarted.Iknowthisisyourvacation,Iknowwepromisedyoutwoweeks.Ifeelbadevenaskingthisofyou,butisthereanywayyoucancutitshortsowecanmoveahead?”CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Lindydidn’tknowwhattosay.Whileshewasthrilledandexcited,shehatedtoleavesoonerthanplanned.
“LikeIsaid,weoweyouthistimeoff,butthecompanywouldbewillingtoamplycompensateyouforthisinconvenience.”
“Itisn’tthemoney,”shesaid,andrealizedhowbadlyshewantedtostay.Pressingherhandagainstherforehead,asifthatwouldhelpherthink,shehadtoremindherselfthiswaswhatshe’dalwayswanted,whatshe’dworkedforalltheseweeks.Thisvalidation.Thissuccess.
“Whatwouldittakeforyoutoreturn?”
“I’llbebacktomorrowsometime,”shesaid.
“Thankyou,Lindy.Youwon’tbesorry.”
Shesincerelydoubtedthatwastrue.Thecallendedabruptly,asifherbosswasafraidLindywouldchangehermind.
Likesomeonelostinafog,Lindywanderedthroughthehouseuntilshefoundhermother.
EllenstoppedwhatshewasdoingandstaredatLindy.“Iseverythingallright,honey?”
“TheFergusonGroupacceptedmyproposal.Nowtheywanttogetstartedrightaway,andmybosswantsmetoreturntoSeattleassoonaspossible.”
Hermotherbrokeintoanimmediatesmile.“Honey,congratulations.That’swonderfulnews…isn’tit?Imean,otherthanyouneedingtocutyourvacationshort.”
“I’mthrilled.Ireallyam,althoughIhatethatIhavetoleavesosoon.”
“Iknow.DadandIwillmissyou.”
“I’dbetterpack,”Lindysaid,andheadedtoherbedroomalmostbyrote.
“Doyouneedtoleaverightthisminute?”
SomeofthejoyandprideinLindy’saccomplishmentleakedfromhervoice,asifshewasonlynowrealizingtheramificationsofthisdecision.
“I’mexpectedtobebackintheofficetomorrow.”
“Oh.Thatissoon.I’mhappyforyou,onlyIhatetoseeyougo.”ItwentwithouthermentioningitthatonceLindywasbackintheoffice,it’dbelongmonthsofdetailedwork.Hoursandhoursattheoffice.Latenights,andoftenworkingoneorbothdaysoftheweekends.
“WhataboutBilly?”hermotherasked,asLindyreluctantlydraggedhersuitcasefrombeneathherbed.
“Billy,”sherepeated,withaninstantsenseofregret.“I’llhavetolethimknow,andPeggy,too.”
Assoonashersuitcasewaspackedandloadedintothecar,Lindyreturnedandhuggedhermothergood-bye.“TellDadandChad,Ashley,andPetergood-byeforme.TellthemI’msorryIhadtoleaveinsucharush.”
“They’llunderstand,”hermotherassuredher.
“Lindy,”hermothersaid,asshestoodinthemiddleofthekitchen.BothhandsreachedforLindy’sshouldersandhereyesgrewdarkandserious.“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant?”
Herresponsewashesitant.“Yes.Ithinkso,”shesaid.“Thisisbigforme.Reallybig.ItisexactlywhatI’vebeenwaitingforallalong.”
Droppingherhandstohersides,hermothernodded,smiled,andhuggedheroncemorebeforeLindyleftthehouse.Hermother’squestionfollowedher.Thiswasexactlywhatshewanted,sheremindedherself.
OnherwaytotheWinePress,shephonedPeggyandtoldherthenews.
Peggycongratulatedherandthensaid,“Iguessthatmeansmyideaisoffthetable?”Shemadeitaquestion,asifsomehowLindymightchangehermind.
“Fornowitdoes,butthatdoesn’tmeanIwon’treconsiderlater.”Lindyhadn’tgivenupontheidea,butthetimingwasallwrongforhertomakethatleapoffaithnow.ShewasintoodeepwithMediaBlast.
“I’mgoingtomissyou.Ihonestlyhatetoseeyougo.”
“Iknow.Ihateit,too.I’llkeepintouch,”Lindypromised,andhopedtheywouldbeabletomaintaintheirfriendship.Likeanythingelse,friendshipwasaninvestmentintime.Lindycouldn’thelpwonderinghowmuchsparetimeshe’dhaveonceshesankherselfintothisassignment.
“I’mholdingyoutothat,”Peggysaid.
TellingPeggyshewasheadingbacktoSeattlewashardenough.Shedidn’tknowhowshewouldmanageleavingBilly.
Leavingherfamily.
LeavingBillyandPeggy.
RollingintotheparkinglotattheWinePress,shestoodoutsidehervehiclewhiledreadfilledher.Sheshouldbeover-the-moonexcited,andinawayshewas.Shewaveredbetweenexcitementanddread.
ItwasalmostasifBillyhadbeenwaitingforher.Hecameoutoftherestaurantandmetheroutside.
Lindycouldn’tseeanyneedtodelaytheinevitable.“I’mheadingbacktoSeattle.”
“Today?Now?”
Lindynodded,andfeltthestrongesturgetocry,whichwasridiculous.Sheshouldbejumpingupanddown,cheering,jubilantlytossingherfistsintotheair.
Billy’sfacefell.“What?Why?Ithoughtyouhadanotherweekleftofyourvacation?”
“Ido.”Sheexplainedthephonecallthathadcomeinearlierthatday.“It’stheopportunityI’vebeenwaitingformyentirecareer,”shesaid,asifsheneededtoremindherself.“Ican’tsayno,Billy.MediaBlastmadeaninvestmentinme,andIcan’tletthemdownnow.I’msorry.”
Henodded.“Iunderstand.”Then,withoutemotion,headded,“Go.”
“Thisdoesn’tmeanIwon’tbeback,”shehurriedtotellhim.
“Lindy,it’sokay.Go.Likeyousaid,thisiswhatyou’vewantedyourentirecareer.Iunderstand.Yes,I’mdisappointed,andyes,Ihatethatyou’releaving,butIdon’tbegrudgeyouyourdreams.”
Ofallthethingssheexpectedhimtosay,thiswasn’tit.Deepdownshe’dthought…she’dhopedhe’dpleadwithhertostay,todowhateverwasnecessarytohavehercomebacksotheycouldmakeagoofthisrelationship.
Withherheartsolidlylodgedinherthroat,LindyturnedtoleavebeforeBillygrabbedherandhuggedhercloseforseverallongmoments.Heknewaswellasshedidthatthiswastheend.
“Itwasfunwhileitlasted.”
Thefinalityofhiswordshitherhard.Washereallysayingitwascompletelyover?Thatwhattheysharedwasforevergone?Billydidn’treallymeanforthemtomakeacleanbreak,didhe?Lindywasconvinced,asstrongastheirfeelingswereforeachother,eveninthisshortamountoftime,thatthey’dfindawaytoremainintouch.Wheretherewasawilltherewasaway,right?
Thedriveoverthepasswentwithoutaproblem,andshearrivedinSeattleinrecordtime.Onceattheapartmentcomplex,sheunloadedhersuitcasefromthecarandunlockedherdoor.
Asshesteppedintoherhome,itfeltcoldandempty.Standinginthemiddleofherlivingarea,shelookedaroundatthelifeshehadbuiltinSeattle.ThecontrastbetweenthebigcityandWenatchee,withthoseshelovedmost,couldn’thavebeenmorestriking.
Peggy’sdisappointedvoiceechoedinherear,andthelookinBilly’seyeswhenshetoldhimshewasreturningtoSeattlehauntedherasshewenttobedthatnight.BeforeleavingWenatchee,she’dgrabbedthelettershe’dwrittentoSantaandreaditagain.She’dgotteneverythingshe’daskedhimtobring.Anewbestfriend.Aloveinterest.Andthatherproposalbetheoneaccepted.
Herentirewishlistwascomplete.Sheshouldbeecstatic,untilsherealizedshewouldneedtoforsakethefirsttwowishesinordertohavethethird.
—
Firstthingthenextmorning,LindyarrivedatMediaBlast.Afterreceivingaroundofcongratulationsfromhercoworkers,shemetwiththeFergusonGroup.Togetherwithseveralofherownteam,Lindyreviewedherproposal.Theenthusiasmwashigh,andexcitementfilledtheroom.
Afterthelengthysession,Lindyknewsheshouldbewalkingonair.Thiswaswhatshewanted,whatwasimportant.Sittingatherdesk,herthoughtsweren’tontheproject,though,theywerebackinWenatcheeandallshe’dleftbehind.
BeingPeggy’sroommatewouldbeonecrazy,fun-filledadventureafteranother.Lindyhadneverhadabetterfriend.
AndthentherewasBilly.
Herheartachedjustthinkingabouthim.She’dsenthimatextlate,beforeshe’dgonetobed,whichhedidn’tanswer.Sheknewwhy.Along-distancerelationshipwouldbenearlyimpossibleforthem.Heknewit.Shedid,too.Buttheycouldmanageiftheywerebothwillingtosacrifice.LindywasafraidBillyhadchosentoseveralltieswithherinordertoprotecthisheart.Shedidn’tblamehim.Hecouldn’triskDedeandDavid’sinvestmentbecauseofher,nomatterhowmuchhewantedthingstoworkoutbetweenthem.
Convincedonceshewassettledbackinshewouldfeelmoreexcitedabouttheproject,Lindychosetoignorethevoicesinherhead,tellinghertofollowherheart.
—
Forthenextseveraldays,Lindythrewherselfintotheproject,workinglonghours,puttinginthesweatequityrequired.Andthiswasonlythebeginning.Therewouldbefarmorelatenightsinherfuture.Attheendoftheday,shecheckedherphonefortextmessages,hopingtohearfromBilly.Thesilenceateatherheart.PeggyandLindyexchangedseveralnotes.ShewantedtoaskherfriendaboutBilly,desperatetoknowifhemissedherevenhalfasmuchasshemissedhim.Shedidn’t,though,andPeggydidn’tvolunteeranyinformation.
—
OnNewYear’sEve,Lindylefttheofficelaterthannormalandreturnedtoherapartmentwithnoplansinmind.Noplacetocelebrateand,worse,noonetocelebrateitwith.IfshewasinWenatchee,she’dbewithBilly,andwhenmidnightarrived,he’dtakeherinhisarms,staredownather,andsmilebeforehekissedherintothenewyear.Instead,she’dspendtheeveningaloneandmiserable,wishingshecouldbewithBillyandPeggy.HerfriendhadletherknowshewasheadedtotheWinePressforaNewYear’spartywithJayneandChloe,andseveralothers.
AsLindywalkedintohersterileapartment,thingssuddenlybecameclear.Allthisweek,she’dpushedthoughtsofBillyfromherheadandherheart.Onlyherheartrefusedtolisten.Herheartknewexactlywhatsheneededmost.Itshouldhavebeenobvious.Itwasn’tuntilshefacedthatcold,darkapartmentthatsheknewwhatshehadtodo.
Althoughitwascrazy,evenfoolish,Lindythrewanovernightbagintohercarandheadedout.Becauseofthesnow,StevensPasshadchainsrequired,butSnoqualmiePasswasopen.Lindydidn’tcarehowlongittook;shewasheadedtoWenatchee.
Thefirstcallshemadewastoherparents.HermotheransweredandLindyblurtedout,“Mom,I’mcominghome.”
“Forhowlong?”hermotherasked.
“Idon’tknow,but,Mom,Ithinkitjustmightbeforgood.”Assoonasshesaidthewords,herheartsprangfree.Thiswaswhatshewantedmost.Deepdownshehadtheassuranceshe’dmadetherightdecision.Allatonceshefeltthecrazyneedtolaugh.Sheinhaledoxygenintoherlungs,andhelditthereasasenseoffreedomfilledher.Itwasasifshe’dbeenwalkingaroundallthisweekinhandcuffs,lookingtomakethemostofwhatoncehadseemedimportant.OnlyLindyknewnowwhatreallymattered.Itwasn’tprovingherselftoanyoneatMediaBlastoracceptingaccoladesfromtheFergusonGroup.Itwasbeingwiththosesheloved,thoseclosesttoherheart.
Onceshewasontheroad,shefeltlikeeveryoneinthecityhadthesameidea.Thetrafficwasbumpertobumper.WhathelpedherkeepfromgrowingfrustratedandimpatientwasknowingshewouldbringinthenewyearwithBilly.Butatthisrate,itdidn’tlooklikeshe’darrivemuchbeforemidnight.
Blizzardconditionshadstoppedtrafficjustthissideofthepasswithanavalanchewarning.Lindywasstuckinitwitheveryoneelse,waitingfortheall-clearsignbeforeshecouldcontinue.Anhourlater,shewaslosingheart.Shecouldbetrappedhereforheavenknewhowlong.Whilewaiting,shecalledPeggy.
“Haveyoufoundaroommateyet?”Lindyaskedassoonasherfriendanswered.
“No,why?Haveyouchangedyourmind?”
“Yup.Itmaytakemeamonthtoseteverythingintomotion,ifyou’restillwillingtowaitthatlong.”Herfriendwasright,Lindywouldn’thaveaproblemsublettingherapartment.AsforMediaBlast,theproposalwasaccepted,andtheteamwouldbeabletofollowthroughwithouther.Startingherownbusinesswouldbearisk,butoneshewaswillingtotake.Thebenefitsfaroutweighedtherisk.
“DoesBillyknow?”Peggyasked.
“Notyet.I’mheadedtotheWinePressassoonasIcangetthere.I’monmyway,onlytrafficiscompletelystopped.”
“I’llbethere.”
“Iknow.”
“Youdidn’ttellBillymysuggestion,didyou?”Peggysaid.
“No.”
“Ithoughtasmuch.”
“Why?”
“Billy’shardlybeenhimselfeversinceyouleft.Webothhavebeendown.Wedecidedtodrownourmiserytogetherandweretalking.Iendeduptellinghimaboutmyideaofyoumovingback,sharinganapartmentwithme,andstartingupyourownbusiness.Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenhimmoredepressed.IwishIhadn’tsaidanything.”
“I’llexplainwhenIseehim.”She’ddomorethanexplain,she’dbesureheknewhowbadlyshewantedtobewithhim,andthatshewasfallinginlovewithhim.
Peggysighedintothephone.“Youdothat.I’mheadedtotheWinePressforthepartynow.”
“Don’tletBillyknowI’mcoming.”
“IpromiseIwon’t,butI’dsureliketoseehisfacewhenyouwalkinthedoor.”
“SayaprayerImakeit.There’sanavalanchewarninginplace,whichmeansIcouldbestuckhereforhours.”
“I’llbelookingforyou.”
Itfeltlikealifetimebeforetrafficbegantomoveagain.Noticingthetime,Lindyrealizedsheshouldarriveclosetoeleven-thirty.NewYear’shadalwaysbeenafuntimeforLindy.Likeeverythingelse,thisyearwasdifferent,andwhileitwasn’tanythingshehadexpected,sheknewbeyondadoubtitwouldbethebestoneofherlife.
Hertimingwasperfect,andshepulledintoWenatcheewithahalf-hourtospare.Herparentsknewnottowaitupforher.Hermothersaidshe’dkeeptheporchlighton.
Assheexpected,therestaurantwasbusyandthebarcrowded.ShesawPeggyfirst,butnotBilly.
Peggyrushedforwardandhuggedher.“I’msogladyou’rehere.”
“Me,too.”EventhethoughtofreturningtoSeattlethenextdaydepressedher.Still,nomatterthehassleofgettingtoWenatchee,itwaswortheveryminuteaslongasshesawBilly.
“Where’sBilly?”sheasked,lookingaroundthecrowdandnotseeinghim.
“Ihaven’tseenhimforawhile,”Peggysaid,lookingaround.
“Hemustbeinhisoffice.”Lindyheadedinthatdirection.
Whenshewalkedintothekitchennooneraisedaneyebrow.Oneofthechefsactuallyliftedhischin,indicatingBillywaswhereshesuspected.
Asenseofanticipatedhappinessspreadoverherassheknockedathisdoor.
“Whoisit?”heasked,soundingirritated.CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Insteadofanswering,Lindyopenedthedoor.Billylookedupfromhisdeskandwordlesslystaredatherasifshewereanapparition.Hebrieflyclosedhiseyesbeforeheslowlycametohisfeetandwalkedaroundthedesk.Itwasalmostasifhedidn’tknowwhattosay.
“Iwasn’texpectingtoseeyou.”
“Iknow.Itwasaspur-of-the-momentdecision.”Shenoticedthathekepthisdistance.Andsheknewwhy,too.Billydidn’tdarehopeshewasbackforgoodthistime.
“It’sgoodtoseeyou,Lindy,”hesaid,placinghishandontheedgeofhisdeskasiftosteadyhimself.“Isupposeyou’reheadingbacktomorrow?”
“Yeah,unfortunately.MediaBlastisgoingtowantatleasttwoweeks’notice.”
Hisgazeshottohers.“You’regivingyournotice?”
“It’lltakesometimetofindsomeonetosubletmyapartment,soitmightbelongerthantwoweeks.”
Billy’seyesmetLindy’s,anditseemedtotakeaninordinateamountoftimeforherwordstosinkin.
“You’reactuallyquittingyourjob?”
Shenodded.
“Ithoughtwinningthisproposalwasadreamcometrueforyou?”
“Itthoughtitwas,too.”
“Thenwhyareyouwalkingawayfromeverythingyou’veworkedthishardtoachieve?”heasked.
“Don’tyouknow?Can’tyouguess?”
Billymaintainedhisdistance.
“BecauseIrealizethateverythingthatisimportanttomeisrighthere.”
Lindycouldn’tunderstandwhyhehesitated.Sheexpectedtohavebeeninhisarmslongbeforenow.
“DoIdarehopeI’msomeonewho’simportanttoyou,Lindy?”
Itfeltasifagiantvacuumcleanerhadsuckedalltheoxygenoutoftheoffice
“Youshouldknow,BillyKincade,thatyou’rethereasonIfelttheneedtoreturntomyroots,tomyfamily,tomyclosestchildhoodfriend.Butfarandaway,IknewIneededtocomebacktotheboywhoclaimedI’dwrittenmynameonhisnine-year-oldheart.”
Hecametoherthen,reachedforherhand,andplaceditoverhisheart.“Yournameisstillthere,Lindy,andit’snotgoingaway.”
“AndneitheramI,”shepromised.
Hekissedheranditwaseverybitasgoodassheremembered.Everybitaswonderfulasthefirsttimeduringtheirsleighride.
HerfacewasflushedwithwarmthandlovewhentheyreturnedtothebarareawherePeggyandtheotherssatwaiting.
JustthenthecrowdstartedthecountdowntotheNewYear.
Ten.Nine.Eight.Seven.Six.Five.Four.Three.Two.One.
ThenLindywasinBilly’sarms.Hislipswereonhersastheybroughtinthenextyeartogether.Itwentwithoutsayingthatthisyearandeveryyearinthefuture,LindyhopedtobespendingwithBillyKincade.
Santaknewwhathewasdoingwhenhetoldhershewouldhaveallherwishesfulfilled.
Andshehadfarandaboveallshecouldhaveimaginedorhopedfor.EPILOGUE
Lindyrecognizedthemanintheredsuittheminuteshegotintothelinewiththeothermothers,holdingtheirtoddlers.ShewouldalwaysrememberthisparticularSanta.Hedidn’tseemtohaveagedatallsincethelasttimeshe’dseenhim,allthosewintersago.
“Where’sDaddy?”Adam,herthree-year-oldsonasked.
“He’llbeheresoon.”BillyhaddroppedheroffattheChildren’sCloset,whereLindyhadoncehadtheroleofSanta’shelper,andnowshewasworkingwiththemasoneofhermanyclients.
Sureenough,notmorethanfiveminuteslater,Billyarrived,justintimefortheirson’sturntositonSanta’slap.
Santa’seyestwinkledashesmiledfirstatAdam,andthenLindy.“Andwhodowehavehere?”thebigmanasked.
“ThisisAdam,”Lindyanswered,seeingthathersonappearedunabletospeak.Thelittleboy,whoresembledhisfatherinsomanyways,lookeduponSantawithcompleteawe.Hismouthhungopen,andhisgazeremainedrivetedonSanta’swhitebeard.
“Well,hello,Adam,”Santasaid.“Iknowyourmommyanddaddy.Yourmommyusedtowritemeletters.”
Adamremainedspeechless.
“WhatwouldyoulikeforChristmas,youngman?”
Withoutapause,Adamsaid,“Abrother.”
Hearinghim,Billy’seyesconnectedwithLindy’s.“Guessweneedtogettowork,”hemumbled,andgaveherhandagentlesqueeze.
Santaglancedtowardthemandgrinned.“I’llseewhatIcando,youngfellow.Now,youbeagoodlittleboyforyourmomanddad.”
Adamnodded,andscootedoffSanta’slapandhurriedbacktoLindy.
“Thanks,Santa,”shesaid.
“You’rewelcome,Lindy.”Andthen,withatwinkleinhiseye,hewinked.
ThethreeleftthestoreandheadedacrossthestreetforhotcocoabeforeheadingtoLindy’sparents’forChristmasEve.
“DidyouhearAdamsayhewantedalittlebrother?”Billyaskedherafterdeliveringthecocoatothetable.
“Idid.”
Adamlookedfromhismomtohisdad.“CanIhaveabrotherrealsoon?”
“I’dsayinabouteightmonths,”Lindytoldhim.
Billy’seyesgrewwide.“Didyousayeightmonths?”
Lindy’sfacebrokeintoabigsmile.“Idid.”
Billystartedtolaugh,pausingonlylongenoughtotakeholdofLindyandkissher.
“Daddy,”Adamasked,“whatdoyouwantfromSanta?”
“IalreadyhaveeverythingIcouldhaveeverwishedfor,”hetoldhisson.
Forthatmatter,sodidLindy.ToPattandSteveBoothe,
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Pinterest.com/?macomberbooksLovecantransformeventhebest-laidplansinthisheartfeltChristmasnovelfromthequeenofChristmasstories,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDebbieMacomber.JingleAlltheWayContinuereadingforapreview.CHAPTERONE
EverlyLancasterwasreadytoexplode.Herassistant,Annette,theveryoneJackCampbell,herbusinesspartnerandCEO,hadhighlyrecommendedshehire,whoalsohappenedtobehisniece,hadmadeyetanothercrucialmistake.Oneinalonglistofcostlyerrors.Thistime,however,thisGenZ,spoiled,irresponsible,entitledyoungwomanhadgonetoofar.
AnnetteHowingtonhadmortifiedEverlyinfrontoffivehundredrealestatebrokers.
“It’sreallynotthatbigadeal,”Annetteinsisted,smilingasiftosuggestthishadallbeenasmallmisunderstanding.“Youdidfinewithoutyourspeech.”
TheawardsbanquetheldintheposhRitz-CarltonHotel,halfablockoffChicago’sMagnificentMile,honoredthetopbrokersfortheonlinerealestatecompanyEasyHome.AsEverlysteppedontothepodiumtodeliverhercarefullycraftedspeech,shediscoveredthatherempty-headedassistanthaddownloadedthewrongtalkandgraphics.Asaresult,Everlyhadbeenforcedtostumblethroughwhatsherememberedofit.Toheracuteembarrassment,she’dsoundedill-prepared,fumblingoverwordsandnames.
Everlywasalwaysatthetopofhergame.Shedidnotstandupbeforeacrowdedbanquetroomandmakeafoolofherself.
“Notthatbigadeal?”Everlyrepeated,afterthebanquet.AnnettehadtriedtoescapewithoutEverlynoticing.Nosuchluck.Everlyhadtheassistantinhersights,andnowaywasshelettingAnnettesneakout.
“Thisisthelaststraw,”Everlysaid,managingtokeepherangerundercontrol.“I’vegivenyoueveryopportunity.I’mafraidI’mgoingtohavetoletyougo.”
“You’refiringme?”Annetteaskedinutterdisbelief.“ButI’mdoingthebestIcan.”Foremphasis,sheaddedaloudsniffle.“You’veneverlikedme.FromthedayIstartedyou’vebeendemandingandcritical.”Hereyesfilledwithtears,asifthatwouldbeenoughtoconvinceEverlytochangehermind.Shesniffledagainforextrameasure,hershouldersmakingdramaticshudders.
NowaywasEverlygoingtoallowAnnettetoturnthisonher.“Yourbestisn’tgoodenough.Youdon’tpossesstheskillsIneedinanassistant.FirstthingMondaymorningI’llexplaintoyourunclethatyouwillnolongerbeworkingwithmeorEasyHome.”Everlycouldn’tthinkofasinglepositionthisditzygirlcouldhandleintheentirecompany.She’devenmanagedtomessupansweringthephoneonmorethanoneoccasion.
Annette’stearsevaporatedandacockyexpressioncameoverher.“UncleJackwon’tletyoufireme.I’mhisfavoriteniece.”
Everlygrittedherteeth.“We’llseeaboutthat.”
Withaconfidentflair,Annettewhirledaroundandstormedstraighttohermother,whostoodintherearoftheballroom,waitingforherdaughter.EverlywatchedasAnnetteburstintotearsandpointedatEverly.AhorrifiedlookcameoverLouiseCampbellasshestartedtoweaveherwayamongthetablestowardEverly.
Bringiton,sister,Everlythought,morethanpreparedtofacethistigermom.Beforethathappened,however,Everlywaswaylaidbyoneofthebrokerswithaquestion.Whentheyfinishedspeaking,bothAnnetteandhermotherwerenowheretobeseen.
Everlyhadareputationtoprotect.She’dworkedhardtomakeEasyHomethesuccessthatitwas.WhatAnnettesaidaboutJackdefendingherwasaworry,butnothingshecouldn’thandle.
TheproblemwasJackandhiseasygoing,everything-will-take-care-of-itselfattitude.They’dmetincollegewhilegettingtheirbusinessdegrees.Jackwasthecreativemastermind.EverlypossessedthebusinesssavvyanddrivetotakehisideaofanonlinerealestatecompanyforChicagoandputitinmotion.Sixyearsagothey’dformedapartnership,and,workingsidebyside,theconcepthadgrownatafuriousrate.WithEverlyatthehelm,overseeingtheeverydayoperations,Jackwascontenttorestonhislaurelsafterhandlingthemedia-facingandinvestors.Basically,helefttherunningofthecompanytoEverly.Andshe’dlethim.
—
RightawayonMondaymorning,EverlyapproachedJackinhisoffice.“WeneedtotalkaboutAnnette.”
Jackbarelyglancedupfromhisin-officeputtinggreen,wherehestood,gaugingthedistancebetweenthegolfballandthehole.
Whenhedidn’trespond,Everlysaid,“I’vegivenhereveryopportunity,Jack.I’mlettinghergo.”
Jack,everwillingtooverlookhisniece’scompletelackofprofessionalism,sighedloudly.“Iknow.Iknow.AndIappreciatethewayyou’vetakenherunderyourwing.Thisismysister’sgirlanditmeanstheworldtoAnnettetohavethechancetolearnfromyou.Yourealizesheidolizesyou.”
ThenGodhelpheriftheyoungwomanintentionallyhaditoutforher,Everlymused.“Jack,takeyoureyeoffthatgolfballandlookatme.Favoritenieceornot,I’mdone.”
Jacklookedupandhiseyeswidened.“Annettewasnamedaftermymother.”
“Idon’tcareifshewasnamedaftertheStatueofLiberty,Irefusetoworkwithheraminutelonger.Thegirlisincompetent.”
Hisshoulderssagged.“Pleasereconsider.”
ThathewouldaskinfuriatedEverly.“No.”
“No?”Jacklookedbothcrestfallenandshocked.
Aftermentallyrecitingthealphabet,shetriedagain.“IknowyouloveAnnetteandwanttopleaseyoursister,butI’mtheonelefttodealwiththispampered,entitled,ineptgirl.”
Jackpretendednottohearanddidacouplepracticegolfswings.“I’llthinkonit,”hesaid,asifthiswashisdecision.
WhichwassoJack.Hehadtunnelvisionandrefusedtodealwithunpleasantness,especiallyanythinghavingtodowithhisfamily.
“Great.YouwanttokeepAnnetteworkinghere,thenIhaveanidea,”Everlysaidwithanexaggeratedlycheerfulnote.“MakeAnnetteyourassistant.”
“Ican’tdothat,”Jackinsisted,leaningagainsthisputter.“Maryannhasworkedwithmefromthebeginning.Besides,Annetteisfamily.”Tohiscredit,Jacklookeduncomfortable.Whenheglancedup,apleadingexpressioncameoverhim.Everlyknewthatlook.HewastryingtofigureoutawaytochangeEverly’smind.Thatwouldn’twork.Notthistime.
Jacksmiled.“Iknowyou’reupset,andyouhavearighttobe.Itwasasillymistake,butAnnetteapologized—”
“Sillymistake?Sheapologized?”Ifhedefendedthisnitwitonemoretime,Everlywasgoingtowalkoutthedoorandleavetherunningofthecompanytohimandseewhathehadtosaythen.
“You’renotlisteningtome,Jack.I.Have.Reached.My.Limit.”
Jackstaredatherforalongmoment.“I’mpleadingwithyou,Everly.Giveheronemorechance,that’sallI’masking.Withafreshstart,IbelieveAnnettewillproveherworth.Don’tmakeahastydecision.”
Hastydecision?HadJacklosthisever-lovingmind?
Hemusthavenoticedthestubbornexpressionshewore,becauseheadded,“Remember,thisisherfirstjoboutofcollege.Weallmakemistakes.Youdid.Idid.Wewerefortunatethatpeoplebelievedinus.Isitsomuchtoaskthatwegivemysister’sdaughterthesameopportunity?”
“Admitit,Jack,anyoneelsewouldhavebeenoutthedoorweeksago.”
“Comeon,Everly,”Jackpleadedagain.
Everlyshookherhead.“WhatyoufailtorealizeisthatAnnettenotonlyletmedown,butshe’sfailedyou,andthisentireorganization.Youaren’tgoingtobeabletoturnthisaround.I’mnotchangingmymind.”
Havinghadhersay,Everlylefthisoffice.
—
Annettesatatherdesk,wearingthesamecockylookshehadatthebanquet.Thetwerpknewherunclewouldneverfireher,andshethoughtthismadeEverlypowerless.Everlyhadn’tbuiltthiscompanyandearnedtherespectofthisindustrytoletsomekidwinthiswar.
JackfollowedEverlyintoheroffice.Hepausedlongenoughtoclosethedoorbeforefacingher.Afteramoment,heleanedforwardandbracedbothhandsontheedgeofherdesk.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouhadavacation?”
Ofalltheresponsesshe’dexpectedfromhim,thisonewasasurprise.“Avacation?”sherepeated.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”
“You’restressedout,andit’sshowing.”
“Yathink?”shesaidwithahuff.“Ican’tandwon’ttolerateincompetence.Ifanything,Annetteisresponsibleforuppingmystresslevel.”ShealreadyhadherhandonthephonetoconnectwithHR.WhetherJacklikeditornot,Annettewasgettingfired.
“LettinggoofAnnettewilldevastatemysister.”
“Yoursister?”sherepeated,shakingherhead.Jack’ssisterwastheleastofherworries.
“AndAnnette,too,ofcourse.”
“Apparentlyyoudidn’thearme.IgaveAnnetteeveryopportunity.Shedoesn’thavetheskillsorthematurityforthisposition.”
“Giveheronemorechance,”heurged,placinghishandsinprayingposition.
Everlyadamantlyshookherhead.“Ialreadyhave.I’vesaidallIwillonthesubject.”
“It’snearlyDecember.”
Whatdidthathavetodowithanyofthis?“Itdoesn’tmatter,Jack.Mymindismadeup.”
Jackstraightenedandpointedafingerather.“IwantyoutotaketheentiremonthofDecemberoff.”
“What?Ican’t…”ItsoundedlikeJackhadlosthismind.Nowaycouldhedealwitheverythingifshewasn’taround.Theentirestaffknewshewastheproblem-solver,notJack.Thenagain,maybethiswasexactlythelessonheneeded.
Theideaofsendingherawayforamonthseemedtobegrowinginhismindashestartedtosmile,lookingpleasedwithhimself.“YouneedabreakandI’mgoingtoseethatyougetone,andthat’sfinal.”
Everlyfrowned,wonderingwhathadcomeoverhim.
“Nobuts,Everly.You’retoovaluabletomeandthiscompany,butyourdriveissmotheringyourcompassion.We’llsomehowmuddlethroughwithoutyou.Nowbookavacation.”
Hermouthopenedandclosedseveraltimesbeforesheswallowed.TheentiremonthofDecember?ItwasNovember30;shehadnoideawhereshe’dgoorwhatshe’ddo.Withinamatterofdays,she’dbeboredoutofhermind.Thispositionconsumedhereverywakingminute.Thenagain,therewasalwaysemail.Theteamcouldreachherifnecessary.Maybeitwasn’tsuchabadideaafteralltoletJacktakeoverthehelmwhileshesilentlykeptwatchinthebackground.
Beforeshecouldstophim,althoughshewasn’tsureshewantedto,hesteppedoutoftheofficeandwentdirectlyovertoAnnette’sdesk.“IwantyoutobookavacationforEverly,”heinstructed.“Getheracruise,somewheretropical,withwarmbeacheswhereshecanunwind.”
Annettesnappedtoattention.“Rightaway,”shesaid,eagertopleaseheruncle.Sheimmediatelyturnedtohercomputer,andherfingersstartedtypingaway.
Everlyputinafulldayattheoffice.Sherarelyleftbeforeseven,longaftereveryoneelsehadheadedhome.BythetimeshereachedherChicagocondo,itwasclosetoeight.Fordinner,shegenerallypickeduptakeoutonherwayhome.HercondohadanamazingviewofLakeMichigan,althoughsheseldomtooktimetogazeoutthefloor-to-ceilingwindows.Seeinghowlittletimeshespentinhercondo,itwasmoreutilitarianthanarealhome.Shehadafewframedphotosofherfamilyhereandthere,butotherthanthose,thespacecouldhavebeenarental.Andinfact,atonetimeithadbeen,untilshewasabletopickitupatabargainprice,thankstoEasyHome.
Onceshe’deatenhersushiwithaglassofwhitewine,shesettledonherwhiteleathersectionalandrestedherbarefeetonthematchingottoman,crossingherankles.It’dbeenonehellofaday.Shewasn’tentirelysuresheshouldtakeJackuponhisoffer.Heseemedtofeelsheneededtimeaway,andhewasn’tfarfromwrong.She’dgonesixyearswithoutavacationworthmentioning.Oh,there’dbeentheoccasionalweekendhereandtherewithhercollegeroommateLizzy,butthosewererarenowthatLizzywasmarriedandhadatoddler.
HerphonerangandcallerIDtoldheritwashermother.Foraninstant,Everlywastemptedtoletitgotovoicemail.Thenshedecidedifshedidn’tanswernow,hermotherwouldsimplytryagainlateruntilEverlywasforcedtoanswerorbedestinedtolistentoalitanyofvoicemailmessages.
“Hey,Mom,”shesaid.
“Daisy.”Justthewayhermothersaidhergivenname,whichEverlyhated,toldherhermotherwasn’tpleased.
“Everythingokay?”sheasked,ignoringhermother’stone.
“YouweremissedatThanksgiving.”
Hermothertossedguiltwiththeexpertiseofano-hitpitcher.“I’msorry,Ireallyam.IthoughtIcouldgetaway,andthenatthelastminutesomethingcameup.IwasforcedtostayinChicagoanddealwithit.”Shecrossedherfingers,hopinghermotherwouldn’tinquireaboutthatvaguesomething.“IdidletyouknowIcouldn’tmakeit.”Cowardthatshewas,she’dsentatextmessage.
“WasitthesamesomethingthatpreventedyoufromcominghomeforChristmaslastyear?”hermotheraskedpointedly.
Thiswastheproblem.Everlywasthemiddlechildinafamilyoffivesiblings.TwooldersistersnamedRoseandLilyandtwoyoungerbrothers,identicaltwinsnamedJeffandJohn.Everlyhadfeltsquishedinbetweenhersistersandbrothers.RosehadLilyandJeffhadJohnandshewastrappedinthemiddle.Everlyneededelbowroom,awaytoproveshewasherownperson.She’dsetouttodoexactlythatfromthetimeshewastwoyearsoldandlearnedtosaythewordno.
LilyusedtoteaseherandclaimEverlyhadbeenadopted.Shemighthavebelievedit,exceptthefamilyresemblancewastoostrong.Shehadthesamedarkbrownhairandbrowneyesastherestofhersiblings.Thesamesmallcurveinbothherlittlefingersasallfourofhersiblings.
HerfatherblewitoffbysayingEverlywasatypicalmiddlechild.Perhapsshewas.Fromherearliestmemoriesshe’dbeendriventobethebest.Ifherjobwastoweedagardenrow,shediditfasterandbetterthananyofhersiblingsdid.Shegottopgrades,wasvotedthemostlikelytosucceedinherhighschoolclass,andwasgrantedafull-ridescholarshiptotheUniversityofIndiana,graduatingmagnacumlaude.Followinggraduation,shethrewtheentireforceofherwillanddeterminationintogettingEasyHomeoffthegroundwithJackCampbell.
Incontrast,hertwosistershadbothmarriedyoungandstartedtheirfamilies,andherbrothershadjoinedtheirfatherinthefarmingenterprise.Theyhadlittleincommonwiththeirup-and-coming-business-executivesister.Whenshewashomeitwasasiftheydidn’thaveanythingtotalkabout.Rosewasn’tinterestedinhowexcitingthelowhomemortgagerateswereandEverlyhadahardtimebeingexcitedlittleRosiewascuttingherfirsttooth.
“Areyougoingtoanswerthequestion?”hermotherasked.
“Sorry,Mom,mymindwaselsewhere.”
“WillyouorwillyounotbehomeforChristmas?”hermotherasked,gettingrighttothepoint.
“Ah…home.”IfherfamilylearnedthatshehadtheentiremonthofDecemberoffandsheskippedtheholidaysforasecondyearrunning,therewouldbeconsequences.“I’llbehomeforsure.”
“Youpromise?”
“Crossmyheart.Asitis,I’mtakingafewdaysoff.”
Herwordsseemedtoshockhermother.“You’retakingavacation?”
“That’swhatIjustsaid.”
“Youdon’tsoundhappyaboutit.”
Thatmuchwastrue.“JackinsistedIneededtimeawaybecauseI’mstressedout,andheisn’tfarfromwrong.”
“Wheredoyouplantogo?”
“Somewheretropical,Iguess…perhapsacruise.”Shehadneverbeenonetoidleawayonabeach.Thethoughtofallthatwastedtimedepressedher.Shedidn’tsuntaneasily,andshedetestedtheideaofsweatinginaswimsuit.
“Youmakeitsoundlikeyou’reheadingofftoGuantánamo.”
Everlysmiled.“I’mnotshowingtheproperamountofenthusiasm,amI?”
“You’renot.”
“Thethingis,I’mnotconvincedIshouldgo.Jackisn’tasgoodatthebusinessendofthingsasIam.I’mworriedhe’llmessuponeorseveralofthemajordealswehaveintheworks.”
“Thenlethim.You’vecarriedyourloadandhisforfartoolong.”
Thetruthshouldn’tfeelthissharp.HermotherwasrightandEverlyknewit.She’dgonebackandforthonthisvacationideaeversinceJackfirstmentionedit.
“It’suptoyoutomakethemostofthisopportunity,Daisy,”hermothercontinued.“YoucanmakeyourselfmiserableworryingaboutJackandthebusiness,oryoucanhavethetimeofyourlife.It’suptoyou.”
TheyendedtheconversationwithEverlypromisingtospendChristmasonthefarmandadeterminationtotakehermother’swordstoheart.
—
AssoonasEverlymadeanappearanceTuesdaymorning,Annettehurriedtogreether,smilingasifshewasholdingawinninglotteryticketinherhand.
“I’msogratefulyou’vegivenmethischancetoprovemyself,”Annettesaid.“UncleJacksaiditwasmorethanIdeserve,andIwanttothankyou.”Hereyessparkledwithdelightandwereasroundasthemoon.
Everlyeyedherwarily.
“Ifoundtheperfectcruiseforyou.”Annetteclappedherhandssoexcitedly,itsurprisedEverlyshedidn’thopupanddown.“TherewasacancellationatthelastminuteandIgrabbedit.You’regoingtohavesuchagreattime.”
“Andwhereisthiscruise?”
“Brazil,”Annetteshouted,andthrustherarmsintheairasifshewerearefereedeclaringatouchdown.
“Brazil,”Everlyrepeated.Notbad.
Hersmiledeflatedalittle.“There’sonlyonesmallproblem.ItleavesonSaturday.”
Everlyautomaticallyshookherhead.“That’simpossible.I’dneedshotsandtogeteverythingorganizedhereattheoffice,pluspack.”Herheadwasspinninglikeabowlingballheadingtowardthegutter.Nowaycouldshemakeallthathappen.
“That’sjustit!”Annettedeclaredexcitedly.“I’vetakencareofeverything.I’vegotyouanappointmentthisafternoonforyourshotsandhadtheprescriptionforthemalariapillsfilled,and”—shestoppedtotakeinadeepbreath—“IcontactedtheBrazilianconsulateandtheyhaveagreedtoexpediteyourvisaapplication.”
AnnetteclaspedherhandsandwaitedasifsheexpectedEverlytoapplaud.
“Isn’tshewonderful?”Jacksaid,comingoutofhisoffice.HeshowedfarmoreenthusiasmthanEverlyfeltwasnecessary.“Thisisexactlywhatthedoctorordered.”HesmiledatAnnette.“Goodjob.”
“Thankyou,UncleJack.It’srefreshingtohavesomeonebelieveinme.”ShestaredpointedlyatEverly.
ItdemandedeffortforEverlynottorollhereyes.
“I’llgofirstthingonFridaymorningtocollectthetraveldocuments,”Annettesaid,“soyouwon’thaveasinglethingtoworryabout.”
Thenecessaryshotswereonlypartofwhatwasneeded.“Whataboutmyflight?”
“Booked,”Annetteannounced,andsharedahighfivewithheruncle.“Ihaveyouinbusinessclass,leavingO’HareearlyFridayevening.Timing,unfortunately,isatinybittight,butyoushouldbeabletomaketheshipwhenitsailsSaturdayafternoon.”
Everlyfeltlikeeverythingwasmovingfartoofastforhertokeepup.“Thisisverylast-minute…I’mnotsureIcangeteverythingtogetherinsuchashortamountoftime.”Sheneededtogettoherdeskandhandlethemostpressingissuesherselfanddelegatetherest.Jackmightbeherpartner,butshedidn’ttrusthimtodealwiththemorestressingaspectsofthebusiness.She’dhavetomonitorhimthroughemailstothemembersofherstaff.
“Onelastthing,”Annettesaid.“I’vegotallthepaperworkfilledout.AllIneednowisyourpassport.”
“Excellent,”Jacksaidwithawidegrin.
—
ForthenextthreedaysEverlynearlycampedoutatheroffice.SheleftseveralofthelessdelicatemattersforJacktomanage.EasygoingJackhadshownfarmoreinterestinhisgolfgamethaninwhatwashappeningwiththebusiness.Shehandlednearlyeveryaspectoftheonlinebusiness,althoughtheyweresupposedtobepartners.Therestofwhatwasonherdeskshedelegatedtohermosttrustedassociates,spendinghoursexplainingwhatneededtobedoneandwhattoexpect.
OnFridaymorning,shewoketoasnowstorm.Thenewscasterpredictedteninchesbeforenoon.Ifherflightwasheldupbecauseofweatherconditions,shewouldmissthecruiseship.
“Whathappensifmyflightisdelayed?”sheaskedAnnette,onceshegottotheoffice.“Arethereanyotheroptions?”
“No,”Annettesaid,asifthathadneverenteredhermind.“IwasonlinesearchingforquiteawhilebeforeIwasabletofindaflightthatwouldgetyoutothedockontime.”
“Youdidafine,finejob,”Jackcomplimentedhisniece,huggingherasifshe’dscoredanOlympicgoldmedalingymnasticsratherthanmanagingtobookEverly’stravelarrangements.
“Buttheweather,”Everlypointedout.
“Noworries,”Annettesaid,andhandedEverlyhertraveldocuments.“I’vebeenassuredthatthecruisewillpostponetheembarkationuptothreehoursifbysomechanceyourflightisdelayed.Thereshouldn’tbeaproblem.”
Threehours.Shehadathree-hourwindowtomaketheshipbeforeitsetsail.
“Excellent,Annette.You’vethoughtofeverything,”Jacksaid,praisinghisnieceyetagain.“BrazilisperfectforEverly.Timetolazeonabeach,baskinthesun,andletallthestressandworriesofthejobrolloffhershoulders.”
Likethatwasgoingtohappen.
“Whatareyoudoingstandinghere?”Jackasked.“Itseemstomeyouneedtogetpacking.Besuretostopoffatthepharmacyandgetsunscreen.”HepattedEverlyonthebackandescortedhertotheelevator.
Withmoretodothanhermindcouldcomprehend,Everlyheadedhometopack.Twoweeksonacruise.Herflightwasscheduledtoflyoutatfivethatafternoon,headingtoManaus,Brazil.Accordingtothedocumentation,shehadtwostopsandwasscheduledtolandatnoonthefollowingday.Thecruiseshipwasscheduledtodepartatthree,plusshehadthatthree-hourwindowifanythingwentawry.
—
Backathercondo,Everlypulledouthersuitcaseandtorethroughhercloset.Sheneededsummerclothes.Theproblemwasherclosetwasfullofbusinessattire.Shedidn’townasinglepairofshorts.
Everlydetestedallthisrushing,afraidshewouldmisspackingsomethingvital.Thiswasn’tthewaysheoperated.Shelikedtoplaneverythingoutwellinadvancesoshecouldbeincontrol,butthatoptionhadbeentakenawayfromher.Withonlyafewhourslefttogetready,shepackedwhatshethoughtwouldsuffice,determinedthatshewouldshopforanythingsheneededonceshearrivedinBrazil.
—
Bythetimeshelefthercondothegentlyfallingsnowhadturnedintoblizzardconditions.WhenshearrivedatO’Hare,shediscoveredherflighthadbeendelayedanhour.Fine,iftheflightwascanceled,thenshehadtheperfectexcusetoremainintown.Jackcouldn’tfaultherfortheweather.Alreadyshewashavingsecondthoughtsaboutleavinghimincharge.
Withnothingtodowhileshewaitedforherflight,shesatatthebarsippingwine,waitingforthelatestupdatefromtheairlines.Twoandahalfhoursafterherscheduleddeparturetime,herflightwascalled.What’snextonyourreadinglist?
Discoveryournextgreatread!
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