“I’d love some.” Carefully, John gave Dylan’s star back to him.
With Emma’s son leading the way, they walked into the kitchen.
Jack believed that, sometimes, the strangest coincidences created the most impactful moments of your life. And tonight, he’d seen another.
Dylan’s six-year-old logic had singlehandedly reminded both Jack and John that, even when life threw you a curve ball, there was always a way through the turmoil. All you had to do was follow the stars to find your way home.
Emma didn’t know where Jack and Dylan had gone. It shouldn’t have taken more than a few minutes to bring John into the kitchen.
Bailey must have seen her glance at the kitchen door. “Is Jack your husband?”
“No, he’s my friend.”
Kylie took three more cups out of the cupboard. “Special friend, boyfriend, soon to be so much more.”
Emma’s cheeks flamed under Bailey’s amused grin. “Don’t listen to Kylie. Her eyes see things that aren’t there.”
“I’m a family therapist,” Bailey said. “I’m trained to see things that aren’t there, too. How long have you known each other?”
“Five or six weeks.” But, in a good way, it felt a lot longer. She poured everyone a cup of coffee. “There’s sugar and cream on the counter.”
“And lots and lots of chocolate cake,” Molly said from the other side of the kitchen. “Can we have cake now, Mom?”
Emma counted the dessert bowls. “It looks as though Jack’s got everything ready. I can’t see why not.”
Dylan walked into the kitchen, holding his star. John and Jack followed closely behind. She didn’t know what John had been doing, but he looked exhausted.
“Hi, John,” she said. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love one. Hi, Kylie. Hi, Bailey.”
Both women said hello and smiled.
“Have you had dinner?” Emma asked John.
“Not yet. I came straight here from Polson.”
“You’re in luck. I made chicken salad and we’ve got plenty of leftovers. Would you like some?”
“It tastes yummy,” Molly said as she pulled herself onto the stool beside John.
“In that case, how can I refuse?”
“Do you know what we’re having for dessert?” Molly asked.
John’s lips twitched. “No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“It’s chocolate cake,” she whispered. “I don’t think Jack made it. It looks like one of Megan’s cakes.”
“That was nice of Jack to bring a cake.”
“He likes Mommy.”
Emma knew her cheeks were red before, but they were burning now.
Jack laughed. “I do like your mommy, Molly, but, even if I didn’t, I still would have brought a cake with me.”
Emma opened the refrigerator, grateful for the cool air that hit her hot face. She pulled out the large bowl of leftovers and made John something to eat. If she fussed around a little too much, no one said anything.
Thankfully, Kylie picked up the Christmas project plan and started to talk about the events they were organizing. Even Molly and Dylan seemed to enjoy the easy conversation flowing around the kitchen counter.
By the time they had discussed each step of the projects, John had finished his salad and they’d all moved to the kitchen table.
As the first bite of chocolate cake melted in Emma’s mouth, she smiled. If she could choose the best moment of the day, this would be it.
The man she’d fallen in love with was sitting beside her. Molly and Dylan were licking their fingers clean after devouring their cake, and Kylie and Bailey were laughing at something John had said.
Love, laughter, and happiness. You would have to go a long way to beat those three things.
“Have I told you how amazing you are?”
Emma swatted Jack with the dishtowel. “You have, but it won’t get you out of washing the dishes.”
Jack grinned. “It’s a genuine compliment. And, just for the record, I like washing the dishes. It reminds me of staying at the cabin on Shelter Island.”
“I knew there must be a silver lining to the dishwasher pump not working.”
“We can spend quality time over the soapsuds.”
“And dirty dishes.” Emma glanced at the plates and bowls stacked on the counter. “Where did all the dishes come from?”
“Seven hungry mouths. Talking about food, I saw Mr. Jessop yesterday. He wanted me to remind you that he’ll be planting another crop of vegetables tomorrow. If the twins want to help, he’ll be in the garden by nine o’clock.”
“He has a soft spot for Dylan and Molly. He’ll miss them when they start school next week.” Emma handed Jack a pair of bright pink gloves. “These will stop your hands from getting wrinkly.”
Jack grinned. “I like the color.”
“Molly chose them.” She picked up the dishcloth and rinsed it in the soapy water. It had been a wonderful evening. They’d worked through each project plan, approved all the tentative bookings, and added a few more tasks onto their to-do list.
Bailey felt more confident about organizing the Christmas carol competition, and Kylie was looking forward to putting the finishing touches on October’s Christmas party.
The train ride around Flathead Lake, however, was still in jeopardy.
“What are you worried about?”
Emma wiped down the counter. “Do you think I’m crazy creating a Santa cave in the middle of nowhere?”
“Only if you don’t believe in the magic of Christmas. We could organize it together.”
“It will take a lot of time.”
Jack shrugged. “It’s only for a few months.”
At the meeting, they’d gone through the project plan for the train ride. Even to Emma, it seemed like a daunting task. If Jack was serious about staying in Sapphire Bay, having him here would be a huge help. But if he suddenly went back to Manhattan, the whole project could be in trouble.
She finished wiping down the counter and handed Jack the dishcloth. “Of all the events, the train ride will take the most amount of time to organize. Are you sure you can commit to such a big project?”
“I’m positive. Have I told you about the Santa cave beneath one of the large stores in New York City?”
Emma shook her head.
The smile on Jack’s face softened. “When I was little, Mom and Dad used to take Noah and me to a store called, B. Altman & Company. The building was like a palace, with towering cream walls and hundreds of windows looking onto Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. At Christmas, huge pine garlands covered the walls and carolers sang on the street corner.”
Emma picked up the dishtowel. She knew what he was going to say, but she didn’t want to spoil his story.
“The store had the most amazing Santa cave in its basement. There was a carousel and a huge display showing Santa and the elves making gifts for children around the world. You could have your photo taken with Santa and everyone got a free piece of candy. Even when it wasn’t Christmas, I used to dream about visiting the cave.”
“Did you leave your Christmas wish in the North Pole mailbox?”
Jack’s eyes widened. “You went there?”
“It was one of the best things about Christmas. I cried the year Mom told me they weren’t having a Santa cave.”
Jack sighed. “I was disappointed, too. That’s why I’ll help you with the train ride. We can create our own cave for the children of Sapphire Bay.”
Emma’s smiled disappeared. If he really wanted to help, Jack would have to stay in Sapphire Bay for at least four months. If she didn’t ask him about what he’d said earlier, she never would. “Everyone has gone home and the twins are in bed. Apart from helping with the train ride, why do you want to stay in Sapphire Bay?”
Jack’s hands stilled in the hot, soapy water. “I thought you might already know.”
Emma’s heart pounded. “I hope I do, but I’d like to hear
it from you.”
Slowly, Jack peeled off the kitchen gloves and turned to face her. “I love you, Emma. If I go back to Manhattan, I’ll miss you and the twins too much. If you’d like to be part of my life, I’d move heaven and earth to make that happen.”
She held Jack’s hands. He meant the world to her, but telling him how she felt was more difficult than she’d imagined. “I’m happy when we’re together. I look forward to seeing you and miss you when I don’t.” Taking a deep breath, she stepped closer. “Molly and Dylan think you’re wonderful, and Kylie told me our souls are destined to be together.”
“It sounds as though we’ve got everyone’s seal of approval.” Jack wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “What do you think?”
“I want to be a special part of your life. I love you.” His relieved smile made her sigh. “I must be bad at showing you how I feel if you were worried about my answer.”
“I was terrified you’d tell me you only wanted to be friends.”
“Being friends is important.”
“So is this,” Jack whispered as he nudged her lips with his mouth.
Emma melted into his embrace. She’d only told one other man she loved him, and that relationship had ended in disaster. She hoped and prayed that, this time, everything would be all right.
Emma opened the truck’s passenger door. “Hold my hand, Molly. It’s busy this morning.”
Molly jumped out of the cab, gripping Emma’s hand tightly. “Do you think the kittens are still here?”
“I’m not sure.” Emma glanced across the truck at Jack. She’d called the animal shelter yesterday, hoping no one had adopted the kittens the twins had seen almost two weeks ago. From the description the staff gave her, Emma was ninety-nine percent positive they were still here. But, until she saw them, she wasn’t making any promises to Molly or Dylan.
“Mr. Jessop found his cat here.” Dylan didn’t need to be reminded about holding someone’s hand. He was already standing beside Jack, his small hand wrapped around Jack’s fingers. “He called it Oscar.”
“That’s a good name,” Molly said as they waited for a truck to reverse out of a parking space. “I’m going to call my kitten Snowflake, ’cos she’s white, just like snow.”
“Our kittens might have gone home with someone else.”
Molly’s bottom lip quivered. “They’ll be there, won’t they, Jack?”
“I hope so. Let’s go and see.”
Normally, Molly would be excited. But not today. As they walked into the main reception area, she stayed close to Emma, not saying a word.
Jack spoke to the lady behind the desk and, within a few minutes, they were walking toward the kitten room.
Dylan let go of Jack’s hand and stood beside his sister. Silently, he held her hand.
Emma’s heart clenched tight. She had a strong suspicion that it wouldn’t matter how old Dylan and Molly were, they would always share a special bond. And right now, they were both unsure of what they’d find.
When they reached the door, Dylan held his hand under the sanitizer and squirted the clear gel on his fingers.
Taking a deep breath, Molly copied him and waited for Jack and Emma.
Standing on tiptoes, Dylan peered through the glass panel of the door. “I think I see Snowflake,” he said. “Does she have a pink nose?”
Molly’s gaze darted around the large room. “I think so. Where did you see her?”
“Over by the sofa. She’s sitting beside the red cushion.”
With her hands clean, Emma opened the door. “Remember to walk, not run. It keeps the kittens nice and calm.”
With a level of patience that surprised Emma, Molly cautiously approached the white kitten. The smile on her face told everyone she’d found Snowflake.
“That’s my kitten,” Molly whispered. “She’s a lot bigger than the last time we saw her.” Holding out her hand, she slowly moved toward the white bundle of fur.
Snowflake blinked twice, then ran to Molly, purring as her back was stroked.
Molly smiled. “Snowflake remembers me.” When she looked at her brother, her smile disappeared. “Can you see your kitten?”
Dylan looked inside the tube where the kitten he liked had been hiding. He got down on his hands and knees and searched under the sofa and all the other hideaways. “He’s not here.”
“Maybe he’s asleep on the veranda?” Emma walked outside and checked the boxes and furniture. She hoped like crazy they could find Dylan’s kitten.
Jack looked behind a climbing frame. “The lady at the front desk said there was a tortoiseshell kitten in here. I’ll ask her if he’s been moved.”
Dylan stood in the doorway, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “What if he’s gone home with someone else?”
“Let’s double-check first before we decide what we’ll do.” Jack knelt in front of Dylan. “It will be all right, buddy. I’ll come right back after I’ve asked about the kitten.”
“Okay,” Dylan said softly. “I hope he’s still here.”
“So do I.” Jack sent Emma a concerned glance before he left the room.
Choosing another kitten wouldn’t make Dylan feel any better. He’d been so excited when she told the twins they were visiting the animal shelter. And now they were here, Emma wished she’d come on her own to make sure the kittens were still available.
Molly left her kitten on the sofa and walked across to her brother. “We could share Snowflake. She likes you, too.” With her hand resting in Dylan’s, Molly pulled him across to the white kitten. “If you pat her, she purrs.”
As soon as the kitten saw Dylan, she rubbed her head against him, tugging a smile from a very disappointed little boy.
“See,” Molly said with delight. “She really does like you.”
A soft tap on the door had everyone turning around.
As Jack opened the door, Emma breathed a sigh of relief. Curled in his arms was a very sleepy tortoiseshell kitten.
“One of the volunteers moved him into another room,” Jack said quietly. He knelt on the ground, bringing the kitten closer to Dylan.
Dylan’s eyes shone with happiness. Gently, he stroked the kitten between his ears. “Hello. Do you want to come home with us?”
The little kitten yawned, and Dylan smiled.
“What are you going to call him?” Molly asked.
“Patch. His name is Patch Lewis.”
“That’s a nice name. Patch and Snowflake can be friends.”
Jack held the kitten toward Dylan. “Would you like to hold him?”
Dylan bit his bottom lip as Jack gently lay the kitten in his arms. “He’s so soft.”
The kitten purred and the look on Dylan’s face was priceless. He was utterly, hopelessly, in love with his new friend.
“Can we take Snowflake and Patch home with us?” Molly asked.
Emma nodded. “We have to fill out some forms before we can leave. Would you like to do that now?”
Dylan cuddled Patch close. “Yes, please.”
As they made their way to the front desk, Emma held Jack’s hand. Molly and Dylan were happier than they’d been in a long time and Jack was here to enjoy the moment with them.
Life didn’t get much better than this.
Chapter 15
On Sunday evening, Emma opened an email from Pastor John and smiled.
Kylie and Bailey had arrived half an hour ago to work on the Christmas carol competition. But as soon as they walked through the front door, Molly and Dylan had shown them the kittens. While Emma’s friends enjoyed lots of cuddles with Snowflake and Patch, she’d updated the Christmas event website and checked her emails.
All the stores on Main Street had collected their decorations and were ready for the opening night of the Main Street Parade. The last and, for Emma, the most important item still waiting to be delivered was the artificial snow that would line the sidewalk.
Pastor John had been receiving emails from across Montana about the events. Ti
cket sales were beyond anything they’d expected and that was before any of the press releases hit the newspapers and local radio stations.
“That was wonderful,” Kylie said as she sat at the dining table beside Emma. “I haven’t cuddled a kitten in ages. I’d forgotten how soft and warm they are.”
“They’re very cute. Molly and Dylan haven’t let them out of their sight all weekend.”
“I don’t blame them. It almost makes me wish I had a kitten at home.”
“They take a lot more work than I thought, but they’re adorable.” Emma turned her laptop around. “John sent through the latest ticket sale spreadsheet. The opening event for Christmas on Main Street is almost sold out.”
Kylie’s eyes widened. “That’s incredible. The tickets have only been available for a week.”
“What’s incredible?” Bailey asked from the doorway.
“The night market is almost sold out,” Kylie said to their friend. “I’m really glad we decided to do something special to start the Christmas events. The money we raise will go a long way toward paying for another tiny home.”
“Make that three tiny homes,” Emma said. “John received an anonymous donation of twelve thousand dollars this afternoon. That will more than cover the cost of one house.”
Bailey dropped into the seat opposite Emma and Kylie. “Are you sure the money was for the tiny homes?”
Emma nodded. “Someone read a Christmas wish that was left on the Facebook page. The person who posted the message was desperate for somewhere to live. Our donor made their Christmas wish come true.”
“I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but can someone skip ahead of the line like that?” Kylie asked. “Some people have been on the waiting list for a tiny home for more than a year.”
“John had the same concern until he saw the name of the person who will be going into the tiny home. She volunteers at The Welcome Center and was one of the first people to add her name to the list for a house.”
Bailey sighed. “So her Christmas wish really has come true.”
“That’s what I thought, too.” Emma glanced at the kitchen doorway. “It’s awfully quiet in the living room. I’d better check what Molly and Dylan are doing.”
Christmas On Main Street Page 14
