by Leah Atwood
In all his conversations with Cara, they’d never discussed his views on dating. They’d always skirted around matters of the heart. Maybe because they’d had a connection for years but had never acknowledged the chemistry between them.
If the day went as he hoped and prayed it would, the nature of their relationship would change by the day’s end and they’d be more than friends. She still seemed down in spirit, not her usual self, but he felt the Lord prodding him to have the conversation with her. He prayed Cara would return his love. If the flash of disappointment in Cara’s eyes, when she thought he was interested in someone else, was any indication, then he had no need to worry. There had been other smaller signs, gentle touches on his arms she didn’t do with others, and smiles that grew when she saw him.
She still hadn’t responded, and he hoped he hadn’t misread her signals.
Finally, she answered. “I’d like to go with you.”
He exhaled slowly. “We can move the pies to my truck and only take one vehicle. You know how crowded it will be.”
“That’s a good idea, but we’ll have to hurry.” Cara popped the trunk. “I promised I’d have the pies there first thing, and they’ll have to move a barricade for us.”
“We can take the back way in and pull right up to City Hall.” He removed a box of pies and transported them to his truck, set them on the floor in the back.
“I didn’t think about that.” She handed him another box. “If we’re early enough, we might be able to park in that rear lot.”
After he had loaded the final box, Jase opened the passenger door for Cara, then closed it behind her. The trip downtown only took five minutes, and it wasn’t a downtown as a city might have. The main area of Weatherton was simply the town square with a fountain in the center, City Hall to the South with the police station and fire station adjacent on opposite sides, the diner and post office to the west, and various shops and small businesses in the North and East.
The parking lot behind City Hall held few cars.
Cara looked out her window. “That’s odd. I thought there would be more people here by now.”
“Me too.” He claimed a spot near the door and began carrying in the pies.
Kerrie Davidson greeted them just inside the door. “I thought I smelled your pies.”
“Where should we put them?” Cara asked.
“Leave them on the table, and I’ll take them where they belong.” Kerrie pointed to a white folding table by the wall. “We’re trying something new this year to keep the event more organized.”
Jase set his first load on the table. “It shouldn’t take more than one or two more trips.”
“Where are you parked?” Kerrie reached into a plastic bin on the table.
Cara pointed to the door. “Right outside.”
Kerrie offered Cara a piece of green cardstock with 123 printed in bold black ink. “You’ll need this. The lot is reserved for vendors this year.”
“But we’re not vendors.” Cara stopped shorting of grabbing the parking permit.
“Honey, you baked twenty pies for us.” Kerrie chuckled and eyed the desserts. “You deserve a medal for all that baking.”
“I don’t know about all that, but if you’re offering the good parking space, we’ll take it.” Pinching her fingers over it, Cara took the permit.
Kerrie grabbed a box. “I’m going to start taking these to the banquet hall. If I’m not back when you come back in, just set the others down, and I’ll get them when I’m done with this one.”
“Thanks.”
Jase couldn’t stop grinning as he helped Cara make multiple trips from his truck to City Hall. This day was as near perfect as any in his recent memory. He was fortunate to be spending the day with the girl he’d quietly fallen in love with. There were so many things about her that he loved—her selfless nature like when she shoveled his mom’s driveway on Thanksgiving morning, her compassion in all things such as setting out food and water for the stray cats at her house and the diner, and the way she never rushed to answer important questions. She took the time to give meaningful responses.
Sometimes he wondered if Cara knew her worth. He’d often heard her refer to herself as “just a waitress,” and it made him cringe every time. She was so much more than that—she was a valuable and integral part of the Weatherton community. If only she saw herself as everyone else saw her. Again he wondered why she hadn’t dated the other men in town. His mom mentioned several came to the diner to see her, and he had no doubt many had tried to woo her or at least had asked her out. Had she been waiting for him? It was a vain thought, but he liked the idea, regardless.
When the last of the pies had been dropped off, they walked around City Hall looking at the Christmas artwork entered into the contest. There were categories for children, teens, and adults, even one for pets.
Jase furrowed his brows. “How did pets get their own category, and how in the world do they create art?”
“Haven’t you ever looked at the art displays before?”
He shook his head. “Can’t say that I have.”
“That explains it.” Laughing, she took hold of his arm and pulled him into a conference room. “These are the pet entries. People take pictures of their animals in creative Christmas poses and settings. The most creative, as decided by the judges, will earn a prize.”
“That makes more sense.” He took his time examining each picture. Fancy art he didn’t understand, but these pictures had heart and humor. He enjoyed each one, although his favorite was the pair of huskies dressed as reindeer pulling a sleigh.
“Ho, Ho, Ho.” The deep boisterous greeting turned their heads.
Mayor Appleton entered the room dressed in a red velvet costume with white trim. With his portly figure, ruddy cheeks, snow-white beard and ready laugh, he was a shoo-in for the real Santa Claus.
“Good afternoon, Mayor.” Cara stepped forward. “Is everything all set for today?”
“Yes, ma’am. All the planning throughout the year paid off." Mayor Appleton’s eyes widened with enthusiasm. “This weekend will be the best Extravaganza the town has seen in ages. I have a few surprises up my sleeve to make it even more exciting,”
“Oh no.” Cara groaned.
Jase had to stifle his laugh. “You’re not thinking about putting candles on the outdoor tree again, are you?”
“No, no, I learned my lesson on that one, but the tree did look spectacular while it lasted, and it would have been perfect had the wind not stirred up trouble.” Mayor Appleton’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of crimson.
“Yes, it really was a sight to behold.” Cara patted his arm in a gesture to assure him no one held any ill will toward him from that incident.
“Nonetheless, I’ve already received the committee’s approval for this new addition.” The mayor leaned forward with a conspiratorial wink. “After the candle incident, they asked that I run any new ideas before the committee before putting them into action.”
“Mayor,” someone called in the distance.
“Duty calls. You kids have fun today and don’t leave before the night’s over.” He winked again, his lips turned up in a broad smile.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be here.” Cara smiled, her affection for the mayor clear.
“What should we do first?” Jase asked after the mayor had left. “It’s your choice.”
Cara grinned at him with a spark in her eye. “Anything I want?”
“All I care about is spending the day with you.”
“Would you mind if we go to the craft store? They’re having an ongoing workshop today on making Christmas cards.” She adjusted her purse strap after it slipped. “I thought it would be fun to make my own this year.”
“Sounds fun.” Not really, but there were worse ways he could think to spend his day. Granted, it wouldn’t have been his first choice, but as long as he could spend time with Cara, he didn’t care what they did. They could crochet doilies together, and he’d still do
it with a smile on his face.
They walked down the street, waving to the friends and neighbors they passed. Christmas carols, old and new, played from the radios and over the fire station intercom.
“Oh, look!” Cara stopped mid-step and pointed to a street vendor’s cart. “He’s selling hot chocolate with candy canes you can swirl into it.”
Jase took her hand and led her down the street to wait in line. When their turn came, he ordered a cup for each of them.
Cara swirled her candy cane in hers for several seconds before taking a sip. “This has to be the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. It tastes homemade and not out of a packet.”
He blew on his before indulging in a sip. “It is good.”
They continued walking toward the craft store as they drank their hot chocolate. Between the hot drink and movement, the temperature didn’t feel so cold.
Cara stalled in front of a store and turned to face him, but in shifting her position, she stepped on a lone patch of ice. Her feet slid out beneath her, and her arms began to flail, sending the last drops of her hot chocolate onto his face.
Instinct kicked in, and he reached out his arms, looping them around her waist and pulling her up before she could hit the ground. Words caught in this throat when he tried to ask if she was all right.
With his help, she now stood steady on both feet. Their faces were mere inches apart, and his hands rested on the small of her back, sending heat through him despite the cold air around them. All he’d have to do was lean his head ever so slightly, and their lips would meet. His head did what his heart wanted. Slowly his head tilted forward, lowering toward her mouth.
Cara stepped away abruptly. “I… uh… we’re here… at the craft store.”
Why had she backed away from his kiss? All her signals said she’d wanted it also, but had he rushed to kiss her too soon?
“Yes… craft sto… Christmas workshop.” Man, he couldn’t put a sentence together right now if his life depended on it.
The door opened, setting off a string of metal bells jingling. A group of customers walked out, carrying decorated bags.
As soon as the entry cleared, Cara hurried to walk in, not looking behind to see if he followed.
Chapter Five
Several hours had passed since Jase almost kissed her. She already regretted turning away from his touch, and she couldn’t believe she had walked away from something she’d dreamt about for years, but she’d had no choice. When she’d slid on the ice, the unexpected motion turned her knees to cooked spaghetti. Quite sure his kiss would turn them completely to mush, she didn’t want to embarrass herself further after she’d nearly hit the ground once already.
All too aware of him and flustered by the chain of events, she’d rushed into the floral shop. The awkward moment created a tension between them that had lasted well into the evening.
She’d always thought of tension between people as a bad thing, but this didn’t feel that way—not exactly. It was wonderful and exciting, but scary all the same. Today, their first date could be the beginning of a lifetime commitment. Who knew? It was jumping ahead, but didn’t most marriages start out with a date? They had to begin somewhere.
After they’d finished at the craft shop where, so inspired by the workshop, she ultimately bought all the supplies needed to make her cards this year, they shopped the other small businesses. Jase picked out a few presents and declared his Christmas shopping complete.
If I could be so lucky. She’d purchased a total of one present. Time wasn’t of the essence yet. She had three weeks, but she had to decide soon on what to get people in case she had to order any of the gifts.
Jase glanced at his watch. “It’s almost six. Should we head back to City Hall?”
Her stomach answered with a growl. “I guess the hot chocolate didn’t satisfy my stomach for long.”
A line for the meal had already formed and extended beyond the doors. Everyone was eager to get out of the cold for a spell and fill their stomach with the varieties of food spread out along the perimeter of the banquet room.
“I haven’t seen your mom at all today.” Cara scanned the line, looking for Abby.
“She’s helping Mrs. Jenny in the bookstore.”
“We’ll have to stop and visit her after dinner.”
They reached the tables. Jase handed her a tray and a thick disposable plate. She grabbed a set of utensils for each of them and a handful of napkins. Walking along rows of tables, she piled her plate high with her favorites. She’d attended enough times to know who made the best foods. Mr. Adam barbecued the best brisket, Sally Lynd baked a cheesy squash casserole that melted in one’s mouth, and Mrs. Teagan’s baked noodles were a meal in themselves. Food covered every inch of her plate, but when they reached the slow cookers filled with soup, she couldn’t resist helping herself to a small bowl of Mrs. Dudley’s bacon potato soup. At the drink counter, she took a bottle of water and a small cup of mulled apple cider.
She got separated from Jase when he went to the coffee line, but she soon spotted him at a round table in the corner. Shouldering her way through the crowd, she made her way to him.
He stood and pulled out her seat. “I went back to the apple cider line, but you were gone. Instead of finding you, I figured I’d snag our seats before they’re all taken.”
“Thank you,” she told him after she sat and he scooted the chair under the table.
Jase caught her gaze. “Do you mind if I bless our food?”
“Go ahead.” She closed her eyes and bowed her head while Jase prayed.
“I don’t know where to begin.” Eyeing his plate, Jase picked up his fork.
“I’m starting with the brisket while it’s still warm.” Cara stabbed a piece of the tender meat and lifted it to her mouth.
As she chewed, she surveyed Jase’s plate, noting the difference in items they’d chosen. Whereas she’d chosen mostly casseroles, Jase had picked meats and individual vegetables like buttered corn. He also had a hefty dose of baked beans, which she must have missed when going through the line.
“Attention everyone!” Mayor Appleton’s voice bellowed through the intercom system after the line for food had dwindled. “In thirty minutes, I’ll be making a very special announcement at the fountain outside by the tree. As you finish eating, please make your way out there. You won’t want to miss it.”
“Ready to go?” Jase asked her a few minutes after the announcement.
She still had a few bites of food left on her plate, but there wasn’t any room left in her stomach. “I’m stuffed. Let’s go.”
Jase took her plate, bowl, and silverware and stacked them onto one tray, along with the trash. He took her empty tray and laid it underneath his. Carefully maneuvering the sea of people also finishing their meals, Jase worked his way to the trash can, threw the cups, napkins, and plates in the garbage then stacked the trays on top of the garbage can.
His hand reached for her, and he nonchalantly wove their fingers together, though there was nothing casual about what she was feeling. He stopped and faced her, gave her an impish grin.
She couldn’t help returning his smile, and she enjoyed witnessing the laidback, relaxed side of Jase. Often, he approached life too seriously.
Right before his father died, when Jase just a boy, he’d tasked Jase with taking care of his mom. It was a role Jase took to heart and wouldn’t forget. After his father’s death, Jase became the man of the family, doing all he could do to help his mom.
Cara suspected that was the reason he had such a soft heart for the Bare Family. Lance’s father died, but had disabilities which prevented him from extended labor. Lance worked to bring in extra money, just as Jase had done in high school.
As he got older, Jase approached his role with even more responsibility. He’d struggled with the decision to accept the job of foreman at the Bar M because he hadn’t wanted to leave his mom alone for so long. Only after Cara promised to look in on her every day had he accep
ted the position.
Abby loved her son but she’d readily admitted that when her husband had asked Jase to take care of her, he’d never meant for Jase to forego a life of his own in the process. She had confided in Cara on multiple occasions that she worried her son took on more burdens than necessary. When he’d taken the job at Bar M, Abby had been ecstatic that her son was stepping out on own.
Cara admired Jase’s dedication to his mother. Very few men anymore would make personal sacrifices to ensure a parent’s happiness. She found his loyalty an appealing quality that drew her to him immensely. What would it be like to have a family that took care of each other like Jase and his mom did?
Once her brother Jared joined the Marine Corps, she barely heard from him. That wasn’t quite fair—she knew he was busy, but he always made time to talk if she called, and he did call every other week like clockwork. She and her mother were close and spoke often, but it wasn’t the same as having her right there. They saw each other a few times a year and talked weekly on the phone, but it wasn’t the same. And she was so proud of Jared for his service to the country. She knew he loved her in his own way, but like their dad, Jared rarely showed emotion. She just wished her family had the same closeness Jase and his mom had.
Jase’s tug on her hand broke Cara’s train of thought. “What do you think the big announcement is?”
“With Mayor Appleton, you never know.” She laughed and leaned into him.
A crowd had already gathered around the fountain. A large evergreen stood front and center, its lights and ornaments sparkling in the night. The mayor climbed the five steps to the makeshift stage where the community band would perform a Christmas concert immediately following the mayor’s announcement.
Mayor Appleton tapped on the microphone, sending a loud echo through the air to capture everyone’s attention. “First and foremost, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to each and every one of you who’ve come out to support our town this year, and to the multitude of citizens who have worked tireless hours to make this event a success.”
