Season of Joy

by Annie Rains

  “Yeah?” Granger’s brows lifted.

  Joy and Granger had been acquaintances through the years but she doubted he knew her dating history. “He’s a doctor here, actually. My mom would’ve loved for us to have stayed together.”

  “What happened?”

  Joy stabbed a cube of melon next. “While I was working late painting pieces to place on commission in the hospital gift shop, he was staying late with one of the nurses here.”

  Granger stopped chewing. He held his hot dog in midair and seemed to be squeezing the dog out of its bun with his tightening grip. He lowered it back to the paper plate. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. That was last Christmas. Mom begged me to give Dan another chance. Can you imagine? He cheated on me, and she made me the bad guy for respecting myself too much to take him back.”

  “So this guy wanted you to take him back?” Granger asked.

  Joy narrowed her eyes. “You’re really kind of good at unintentionally insulting me.”

  Granger pulled back as his eyes widened. “No, I didn’t mean that he shouldn’t want you back. A guy would have to be nuts to give you reason to leave in the first place. I just assumed a guy who was that crazy wouldn’t realize a good thing when he lost her.”

  Joy swallowed, feeling her heart flutter around inside her chest. She looked down at her fruit. “You recovered that well.”

  “It was sincere.”

  Joy took a bite of salad and chewed. “Anyway, Chelsea is so much happier now that she has me to herself at night anyway.”

  “That is one jealous feline.” Granger laughed. “I’ve never kissed a woman and gotten attacked by her cat before.”

  The tension between them was palpable. They were supposed to be forgetting about that kiss. Admittedly, that wasn’t easy to do.

  “So has this former relationship tainted your ability to trust all the guys that came after?” Granger asked.

  Joy stabbed a leaf of iceberg lettuce now. “What guys?” she asked, looking up at him.

  Surprise registered on Granger’s face. “You haven’t dated anyone since?”

  “It hasn’t even been a year.” Joy was attacking her lettuce now. “Some artists feed off heartache but I have a hard time being creative after my heart has been ripped out. I’d prefer not to put myself through that pain again just yet.”

  Granger dabbed a fry in the little container of ketchup in front of him. “I get it. I haven’t dated since Erin left us.”

  Joy stopped stabbing her salad. “That’s a lot longer than one year.”

  “Well, I’m busy with the girls and the farm.”

  “So that kiss…” Joy trailed off. They couldn’t seem to stop talking about it.

  “You mean the one we agreed we’d pretend never happened?” A wide grin stretched through his dimpled cheeks.

  She put her plasticware down as she mentally ran the math. “That was your first kiss in seven years?”

  He winced softly. “It’s embarrassing when you put it that way.”

  Joy didn’t think it was anything to be ashamed of though. It said a lot about his marriage to his ex. His heart must have really been broken for him to stop dating for so long. “Will you ever date again?”

  Granger met her gaze. She wanted to look away but she couldn’t even blink. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking that it’s time but things keep getting in the way. First the fire at the farm. Then Mrs. Townsend retired unexpectedly. Now Dad.” He gestured upstairs.

  “After what you’ve been through, a lot of guys might not want to bother with another relationship,” Joy said quietly.

  Granger bit into a fry, nodding as he chewed and swallowed. “I see my parents together, and I want that kind of relationship with someone. They make each other happy. I want to have that.”

  Those flutters in Joy’s chest intensified. She still couldn’t tear her gaze from his.

  Then Granger’s cell phone buzzed to life on the table beside his food. He glanced down. “Oh. That’s my mom. I guess I need to head back up to talk to Dad’s doctor.”

  “My mom,” Joy said, relieved that their lunch was being cut short. She liked spending time with Granger but it also made her uncomfortable. Her heart was racing, and her palms were sweating.

  “Sorry to bail on you,” he said as he pushed back from the table.

  “No, it’s fine. At least I didn’t have to eat my entire lunch alone while I waited for her.”

  Granger collected his half-eaten food and stood. “I’ll see you back home tonight?”

  “I’ll be there…Tell your dad I’m thinking of him,” Joy said. “The girls and I can make some get-well cards for him as one of our art lessons.”

  “That’d be nice.” Granger offered her a warm smile and then waved as he headed out.

  Joy watched him go, her gaze dipping where it shouldn’t. She pulled it back and focused on her lunch. She’d enjoyed Granger’s company a lot more than her mom’s anyway. Or anyone else’s, for that matter. In fact, she’d enjoyed it far more than a woman with no desire to jump back into the dating game should.

  Chapter Eight

  Granger knocked lightly on his father’s hospital room door and then stepped inside. Dr. Benson was still chatting with him. She looked back, and Granger saw a small resemblance to Joy. They had the same hair color and brown eyes, and a similar facial structure.

  But her mom appeared to be all business as she rattled off a list of to-dos for his dad, where Joy had a relaxed way about her that enhanced her beauty.

  “Today was a warning, Gene,” she told Granger’s father. “Your heart is sending you a message that you need to heed.”

  His father sat inclined in the hospital bed. “My old man died of a heart attack. I know better than to play around with my ticker.”

  “Good.” Dr. Benson smiled but hers wasn’t as warm as Joy’s. Then she looked at Granger and his mom. “Will you make sure he remembers to slow down, get rest, and take care of himself?”

  Granger’s mom laughed as she sat in the bedside chair. “I’ll try but Gene doesn’t do anything that isn’t his own idea. He’s stubborn that way.”

  Granger had to agree with his mom. She was right. It was hard to be a partner in the family business when you didn’t have any input.

  “I’ll be back to check on you later.” Dr. Benson looked at her watch. “Right now, I have a lunch date with my daughter.”

  Granger considered telling her that Joy was probably gone by now but he supposed she’d find that out soon enough.

  “Thanks, Doc,” Granger’s father called before she closed the door behind her, leaving them alone.

  “I’m so relieved it wasn’t anything more serious,” Granger’s mom said, exhaling softly.

  “Me too.” Granger took the chair on the other side of his dad’s bed. “And I can handle Merry Mountain for the rest of the week while you get some rest. No need for you to jump right back into business.”

  His father turned his head and looked at him. “The rest of the week? I don’t think so.”

  “Dad, you just promised Dr. Benson you’d take care of yourself,” Granger reminded him. “Your health isn’t anything to play around with.”

  “I know that. That’s why I need more than a week.”

  Granger straightened. That was not at all what he thought he’d hear his father say. “How long do you need?”

  “I was thinking I should hand the reins over to you for the rest of the season.”

  “Dad, the season just got started.” And it was already looking bleak from where he sat. Shouldering that alone might put Granger in the cardiac unit himself.

  His father reached for his hand. “I’m being serious. I want you to run the farm the way you see fit this Christmas. Put all those ideas of yours to work. I won’t stop you.”

  “You’re serious?” Granger asked.

  “Dead,” his father said, making Granger’s mom swat his other arm.

  “That’s not funny. No death j
okes in here…But I think this is a great idea, Gene.” She looked up at Granger and gave him a wink.

  “So do I. I was already going to give you the green light on the hayride. That’s why I was in the barn in the first place. It’s time. I was just being stubborn.”

  “Imagine that,” Granger’s mom muttered in a teasing tone.

  “Go on and get started, son,” his father said, pulling his hand back. “You have a lot of work ahead of you. Better get busy.”

  Granger wasn’t sure he could do this alone. But his father’s health, like Mrs. Townsend’s, came first. He’d figure it out. Joy suddenly came to mind. Maybe he didn’t have to do it alone—if she was willing to give him a second chance.

  * * *

  On Friday evening, Joy sat at Granger’s kitchen island while the girls played a board game in the living room. Joy could hear them laughing together. She smiled to herself as she searched an online real estate listing for the shop on Main Street, just to make sure it was still available. Not that she had enough funds to lease it just yet. But hopefully, it would stay that way until she could scrape together enough money to get it.

  A knock on the back door had Joy looking up. She went to answer and grinned at Granger. “This is your house. Why are you knocking?”

  “I didn’t want to barge in on anything private.” He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

  “Don’t worry—we’re not making any special presents for you tonight.”

  “No, but I’ve been busy making something for you.” Granger glanced into the living room where the girls were and then returned his gaze to Joy’s.

  “Something for me?” she asked. “What?”

  “A surprise. Think you can step away from the girls for a minute?”

  “Well, they’re playing nicely. I’m sure Abby can watch Willow for a moment. Where are we going?” she asked.

  “Not far. But you’ll need your jacket. It’s cold outside.”

  He didn’t have to tell her that. She could feel the chill coming through the walls.

  “I’ll talk to Abby,” he said. “Be back in just a minute.”

  Joy nodded. “I’ll grab my coat and gloves.”

  Granger was back and standing in front of her by the time she’d pulled on her knit hat as well. “Ready?”

  “I’m not sure. Surprises make me nervous.”

  Granger offered a boyish grin. “This is a good one. At least I hope so. Trust me,” he said, offering her his hand.

  She stared at it for a moment. It was just a friendly gesture, and it’d be innocent if it were anyone but him.

  “It rained earlier, and with the cold front that’s moved through this week, there’s likely ice out there. I just want to make sure you don’t break anything on the way to my surprise.”

  “Of course.” Joy put her hand in his, the glove keeping them from skin-on-skin contact. She could feel his warmth, though, and the strength of his grip. He was worried about her slipping and breaking a bone but she was worried about a much riskier fall and breaking her heart.

  They stepped out quietly into the night. There were a million stars overhead as they walked.

  “Beautiful night, huh?” Granger glanced over.

  “Uh-huh.” She stepped on a patch of ice and skidded forward.

  “Whoa!” Granger turned quickly, bracing her with his hands and putting them face-to-face, at a perfect distance for another kiss.

  The night with its twinkling stars and full moon was made for romance.

  “I’m okay,” she said, her breath coming out in white puffs. Her chest was rising and falling quickly, and she was having a hard time looking away. Another second and they’d end up in the same predicament as the other night.

  She pulled her gaze away and looked in the direction where Granger was leading her. “What is that?” she asked, noticing yellow fairy lights ahead. They were strung all over a large sheltered area with at least a dozen picnic tables underneath.

  “That’s your surprise,” Granger said, leading her again.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I’ll make a sign that says ‘Christmas Tree Workshop.’ Or you can make the sign since you’re the artist,” Granger said. “We’ll put some outdoor heaters at all four corners to keep your students warm.”

  “My students?” Joy looked over at Granger. “What are you talking about?”

  “Dad put Merry Mountain Farms in my hands this Christmas. He gave me the go-ahead to do whatever I think is necessary to keep the business in the green this year.”

  “And that includes me?” Joy asked.

  “I hope so.”

  Joy couldn’t help but smile, even though she was hesitant after the rug had been pulled out from under her a few days ago. “It’s really happening this time?”

  “Yep. I’ve got some other ideas for the farm too. And there’s not a whole lot of time. I need you, Joy. What do you say? Give me another shot?”

  Joy looked out on the area he’d set up. “It’s perfect. And it’s beautiful. We could play some holiday music for the students while they work.”

  “And serve some hot cocoa and apple cider from the cider house.”

  Joy nodded. “It’s going to be amazing.”

  Granger squeezed her hand that he was still holding. “So…is that a yes?”

  She looked at him, so happy that she could throw herself into his arms and kiss him again. “It’s definitely a yes.”

  Granger grinned. “Great.”

  “On one condition,” Joy added. She pulled her hand from his. “We need each other too much to get messy like we did on Monday night. If we’re going to do this, we have to be professional.”

  She meant every word but some part of her wanted Granger to argue.

  He didn’t. “You’re right. And I can agree to that.”

  “Me too.” She nodded, her excitement only slightly dulled by her own condition. But it was for the best. She looked at the twinkling lights again. “I’m so excited about this. It’s going to be incredible.”

  “Yeah. The best Christmas ever…I just wish it weren’t because my dad had a health scare today.” He turned back toward the house, and they walked together again. When he reached for her hand, she didn’t hesitate this time. It was icy outside, after all, and spraining or breaking anything would put a huge damper on this new project she was embarking on.

  “How is your dad doing?” she asked.

  “He’s going back to see your mom on Monday morning.” He smiled over. “I’m grateful that Dad has such a great doctor on his side.”

  Joy nodded. “My mom might not win any parenting awards but she’s been the doctor of the year three years in a row. Your dad couldn’t be in better hands.”

  They reached the house again, and Granger turned to her. “I’ve got it from here if you want to go home to Chelsea.”

  “She’s probably stalking the door right about now,” Joy agreed. “So when do we get started on our Christmas tree workshop?”

  Granger gestured toward the farm. “I’ve already started. I don’t know how your schedule looks but you’re welcome to go back there and do whatever you want. The tree season is open now but really gets busy after Thanksgiving. I figure we can have our first workshop the Friday after.”

  Joy brought up a mental calendar. “That’s two weeks from today.”

  “We don’t have much time to waste. I’m starting the lighted hayride back up too.”

  “Wow. Merry Mountain Farms is having a complete makeover this season…I’ll need supplies.”

  “Just make a list.”

  “I will. Tonight.” She felt the tension dialing up between them again as they locked eyes. Would it be like this for the next couple of months? If so, how would she be able to resist him? “Well, good night.” She stuck out her hand for him to shake, since they were being professional now.

  His hand locked onto hers, warm and inviting. “Good night, Joy.”

  Time to go home to her
cat.

  * * *

  The next day, Granger drove the farm’s tractor down the old path they’d used so long ago, clearing it of limbs and debris and marking the locations where he intended to put out the lighted props.

  The ride would start by going past a winter wonderland with lighted snowmen and snowflakes. Next, it would pass through a clearing of lighted candy canes. Granger planned to make a ‘Peppermint Path’ sign for that one. It would tour through Santa’s workshop with lighted presents and elves and then past a large Christmas tree, lighted from top to bottom. He had lighted carolers and planned to stream Christmas songs through some speakers on the wagon as they rode. The very last stop on the hayride would be a visit to see Santa himself.

  If Granger could find someone willing to play jolly Saint Nick. Granger would be driving the tractor so he couldn’t wear the suit. He didn’t want to ask his dad but maybe his buddy Jack Hershey would take the job. Jack was a local park ranger and definitely jolly since he’d gotten together with his first love, Emma St. James.

  Granger exited the trail and headed toward his house around lunchtime. His mom was watching the girls today since it was Saturday. He parked and got off to go check in on them.

  Granger walked into his house. “Mom? Abby? Willow?”

  The house was oddly quiet, which was a rarity for his place. “Anyone home?”

  When no one responded, Granger walked over to the counter and found a note in his mom’s handwriting.

  We went to do a little grocery shopping for your bare cupboards. Be back later!

  Granger had planned to do some shopping later but this would save him time. He opened the fridge, poured a glass of sweet tea, and leaned against the counter to take a breather before going back outside to work. When he was halfway through his tea, someone knocked on his back door. He knew better than to think it was his mom. She’d walk right on in. And if the girls were with her, they’d barge in. His dad was supposed to be resting.

  Granger walked over and opened the door, only slightly surprised to find Joy standing there.

  “I made a list,” she said brightly.

  He had to chuckle. “That was fast.”