An Alaskan Christmas (Alaskan Grooms Book 6)

by Belle Calhoune

  “Mommy, why are you crying?” Oliver asked. “I don’t like to see you cry.”

  “Maggie, are you all right?” Finn asked as a strange tightening sensation spread across his chest. The thought of Maggie awash in tears deeply bothered him.

  She turned around to face them, sniffing back tears. “I’m fine. I’m just a bit overwhelmed at their generosity. Everyone in Love has been so kind to us, including you, Finn.” Gratitude shimmered in her eyes. “I’m very thankful.”

  “You’re quite welcome,” Finn said. “It’s one of the things I love best about this town. The people here sure do know how to roll out the red carpet. I’m just glad those are happy tears.”

  Oliver looked up at Finn. “She cried a lot when my dad died.”

  An awkward silence settled over them. Finn didn’t know how to respond to Oliver’s innocent statement. Clearly, Maggie didn’t either.

  He knew from personal experience how devastating it felt to lose a parent at such a tender age. His heart ached for Oliver...and Maggie.

  “Oliver, why don’t you head upstairs and check out your new bedroom?” Maggie suggested, steering the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic. Oliver took off and began racing up the stairs, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the silence.

  “You two must be exhausted.” Finn could see the slight shadows under Maggie’s eyes. He needed to get out of her hair so she could explore her new digs and enjoy some downtime. A sigh slipped past Maggie’s lips. “This day has been truly a blessing, but I am tired. It’s a long way from Massachusetts to Alaska.”

  There wasn’t any point in dragging his feet any longer. He’d been waiting for a moment alone with Maggie so he could broach the subject of Tobias’s will. He needed to tell her about the stipulation whereby he would be assisting her with her new store.

  “Maggie, I need to tell you something.”

  The serious tone of his voice caused a wrinkle to appear on her forehead.

  “Okay. What is it?” she asked, her voice sounding tense.

  “Tobias left me a sum of money in his will,” he explained.

  Maggie’s features relaxed. She gifted him with a sweet smile. “That’s wonderful, Finn. He was always crazy about you back when we were kids.”

  “Tobias believed in me. He made me feel I could do anything I put my mind to if I tried hard enough. Over the years he became an honorary grandfather to me.” He shifted from one foot to another, then shoved his hands in his front pants pockets. “He loved you very much, Maggie. He talked about you all the time. I think that must be why he put a special stipulation in the will. In order to get the inheritance, I need to help you get the store up and running. Specifically, for a period no less than four weeks.”

  Maggie let out a surprised sound. She knit her brows together. “What? Why would Uncle Tobias have placed such a condition on his bequest?”

  Finn ran his hand over his face. “I think he was worried about it being too much for you. He knew you’d been through a lot, having lost your husband last year and being a single mother. I believe he thought he would be making things better for you by giving you someone to help out with everything.” Finn let out a ragged sigh. “And I know he was trying to help me. It’s pretty humbling. Frankly, this couldn’t have materialized at a better time for me. He knew that I needed an infusion of cash to buy into my brother’s aviation business.”

  “That was Uncle Tobias’s way, wasn’t it? Even as a kid I remember all the times he tried to help Mama.” She twisted her mouth. “She went from relationship to relationship, marriage to marriage—dragging me with her all across the country. Bless him. Uncle Tobias tried his best to turn things around for us, but it didn’t work.”

  “He was a good man. And an even better friend.” Finn missed Tobias more than mere words could convey. There hadn’t been many people in his life who’d believed in him without reservation. It was because of his encouragement that Finn had approached Declan about becoming a partner in O’Rourke Charters. And now, thanks to Tobias’s generosity, his long-held dream was within reach.

  “I appreciate all of Uncle Tobias’s efforts on our behalf,” Maggie said. “To be perfectly honest, I’m going to need all the help I can get so Keepsakes can open as soon as possible.” She made a tutting sound. “Leave it to Uncle Tobias to realize I couldn’t do it all on my own.”

  “He believed in you. I know that for a fact,” Finn said. “He said it all the time.”

  “Thanks for saying so. I don’t ever want to let him down,” Maggie said. “I want to do everything in my power to make Keepsakes successful.”

  “And I know you’re looking for someone to watch your son while you’re getting the shop up and running.”

  Maggie nodded. “Yes, I am. Do you happen to know of someone? I’m racing against the clock to find a reliable caregiver.”

  “I understand,” Finn said, stroking his chin. “It’s hard to focus on Keepsakes with an energetic six-year-old running around.”

  “If you know of anyone reliable to watch Oliver I’d be very grateful. As you can see, he’s a sweet boy. A little high-spirited, but a good kid.”

  Finn cleared his throat. He shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, actually, I do know of someone.”

  Maggie’s face lit up like sunshine. “You do? That’s wonderful. Who is it? Maybe I can interview them tomorrow.”

  He gazed directly into Maggie’s eyes, hoping she would see his sincerity. “It’s me, Maggie. I could help watch Oliver.”

  * * *

  Maggie wasn’t certain she’d heard Finn correctly. “Did you say that you want the job? As Oliver’s babysitter?”

  “Yes,” he said with a nod. “Not permanently or anything. I just figured since I’m already going to be helping you out at Keepsakes I could watch Oliver after he gets off from school. That way you would still be able to take care of business at the store and I would still technically be fulfilling the conditions of the will. I’d still be helping you with the store during the hours before Oliver gets out of school.”

  Maggie’s head was spinning. Finn had thrown her a curveball. Although she knew Finn, so many years had passed by since they had truly known one another.

  “What experience do you have with watching children?” she asked, wondering how she could let him down easy without hurting his feelings. She had never imagined hiring a man to watch her son. Finn didn’t strike her as a babysitter.

  “Not a lot really,” Finn confessed. “But I used to be a head counselor at an overnight camp and I watch Cameron’s daughter, Emma, from time to time. I’m honest and fun loving.” Finn grinned. “Kids really like me. Just ask Hazel or Jasper. They can vouch for me.”

  She tugged at her shirt. “Well, that’s all fine and good, but I need a qualified professional to watch my son while I’m working.”

  “Need being the operative word, Maggie. You’re in a bind. Truthfully, so am I. I need to fulfill the terms of Tobias’s will so I can partner up with my brother. That means we have to get Keepsakes in tip-top shape so it can open up as soon as is humanly possible. Working with your son underfoot could be problematic. This could be a mutually beneficial situation.”

  Maggie locked gazes with Finn. “I appreciate your offer, but I don’t think it would work out.”

  He narrowed his gaze. “And why is that, Maggie? When you think about it, it’s perfect. You’ve known me since we were kids. I’m not the bogeyman. Oliver already knows me. And he likes me. I’m trustworthy. You and your son’s lives were in my hands when I flew you here from Anchorage. Surely you can see that?”

  Suddenly, Maggie felt annoyed at Finn for putting her on the spot like this. “It isn’t about liking or not liking someone. Yes, that’s important, but I need to find someone who’s a good fit overall.”

  “I know you pro
bably think a woman’s touch is best, but you’re wrong. Oliver could benefit from spending time with a man. It’s written all over him.”

  Maggie bristled. Who did Finn think he was to tell her what her son needed? “Oliver is fine,” she said in a crisp voice. “I give him lots of love. He isn’t lacking anything. His father passed away quite suddenly a year ago. It’s been hard wading our way through the shock and grief, but I’ve been acting as both mother and father for him. I’ve been doing the best I can.”

  Finn held up his hands. “It wasn’t meant as an insult. I just know—I know what it’s like to lose a parent at a young age.” His voice softened. “I know what he’s going through firsthand. It’s a long process.”

  “I know,” she said in a clipped tone. “I’ve been walking with him every step of the way.” She hated the defensive tone of her voice, but it felt like Finn was telling her she wasn’t doing a good job with Oliver. It hit her in her most vulnerable place—her fear of not being a decent mother to her son.

  “You know what? Forget I said anything,” Finn said. “I apologize for upsetting you. I just thought we both could make lemonade out of lemons. Forgive me. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

  He quickly moved toward the door, turning back to her from the threshold. “Good night, Maggie. If you want to hit the ground running with the store, I can meet you there first thing tomorrow morning. With four weeks until Christmas, we’re really pressed for time. Ideally, if you can get the shop open in two weeks you can still rake in some great proceeds from holiday sales.”

  Maggie let out a squeak. “Two weeks?”

  Finn nodded. “Keepsakes has always been a big holiday-themed shop on Jarvis Street. It’s a Christmas staple here in town. The shop was shuttered last year a few months after the holidays. At the time no one knew Tobias was sick, so it perplexed a lot of folks.”

  She chewed on her lip. “I don’t want to lose out on holiday sales, especially if people are anticipating it being open this year in time for Christmas. Why don’t we meet at Keepsakes at nine? That way I can let Oliver sleep in and then get him breakfast before I head to town.”

  “Do you need me to swing by and pick you guys up?” Finn offered.

  “Thanks for the offer, but Hazel gave me the key to Uncle Tobias’s truck. I’ll make sure to take it easy down the mountain road.” Part of Maggie wanted Finn to come pick her up, but she knew it was important to start doing things for herself. She didn’t want to take the easy way out. The thought of driving down the mountain road was a bit scary, but she was determined to face it head-on.

  “Well then, I’ll meet you in front of Keepsakes tomorrow morning. And welcome to Love.” He opened the door and disappeared into the frosty Alaskan night.

  “’Night,” Maggie called out after him. She shut the door behind Finn and leaned against it. She felt completely exhausted after her long journey, the news about Agnes and her awkward discussion with Finn about Oliver. She let out a ragged breath.

  “Why don’t you want Finn to watch me?” She turned toward the sound of her son’s voice. He was sitting at the bottom of the steps staring at her with big eyes.

  “Oliver, what have I told you about eavesdropping on adult conversations?”

  “I wasn’t. At least not on purpose.” There was a sheepish expression etched on Oliver’s face. “I was thirsty, so I came back downstairs.”

  Maggie walked over to the staircase and reached for her son’s hand. “Let’s go get some water.”

  Once they were in the kitchen, Maggie went over to the cupboard and pulled out a mug. She turned the faucet on and filled it halfway. Oliver sat down at the kitchen table and Maggie handed him the water.

  “Why don’t you like Finn?” he asked before taking a generous sip of water.

  Maggie gasped. “I do like Finn. We were friends when we were kids. And he’s a really great pilot. But that doesn’t mean I want him to be—”

  “My manny?” Oliver asked.

  Maggie couldn’t help but giggle. “Manny? Where in the world did you hear that expression, Oliver?”

  “Back home one of the kids in my class had one. Manny is a male nanny,” he explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “I know, Oliver. But I had no idea you would know.”

  “I know a lot of things. More than you think I know.” Oliver’s sad expression tugged at her heartstrings. Maggie wasn’t sure she wanted to know what Oliver was talking about. Did he know more about Sam’s death than she’d ever realized? She prayed it wasn’t true. It was such a horrible thing for a little boy to wrap his head around.

  “You’re getting to be such a big boy,” Maggie said, wishing she could turn back time to when Oliver was a little toddler in diapers. He was growing by leaps and bounds.

  “I like Finn. A lot. It would be super cool if he could watch me while you’re setting up our new store.” Oliver was now pleading with her.

  “It makes sense that you like him. But I need to have faith in the person who watches you. That doesn’t come easily.”

  “He flew us all the way here in his seaplane. You trusted him to do that.”

  Sometimes Oliver’s maturity shocked Maggie. He was wise beyond his years. There was nothing she could say to refute his statement. It was the truth.

  “I appreciate your opinion, but this is something Mommy has to decide on her own. It’s grown folks’ business,” Maggie said in a gentle voice.

  Oliver rolled his eyes and groaned. “I hate when you say that.”

  Maggie chuckled at the look etched on her son’s face. A feeling of immense love for Oliver hummed inside her heart.

  As Maggie prepared for bed a little while later, thoughts of Finn’s proposition continued to float through her mind. Was it really so out of the question? What had she really known about Agnes before she’d offered her the position? Surely she knew way more about Finn. After all, they’d been childhood playmates. More than that, she realized. They’d been besties.

  Best friends forever. Hadn’t they promised each other they would always be friends? And even though two decades had passed, she still felt as if she knew Finn. He seemed different, but deep down she sensed he was still the same comical, lovable boy. Would it be such a grand leap of faith to trust him to care for Oliver?

  Oliver’s pleas ran through her mind as she began to drift off to a peaceful sleep. Had she made a huge mistake in dismissing Finn’s offer to watch Oliver?

  Chapter Five

  Bright and early the next morning, Maggie woke up to greet the first day of her new life in Alaska. While Oliver was eating a bowl of cereal, she went out on the back porch and took in the breathtaking vista stretched out before her. White-capped mountains loomed in the distance. Although the December air was frigid, it was clean and crisp. She let out a gasp as she spotted a majestic eagle soaring in the air. She couldn’t look away from the bird’s graceful moves. It made her feel centered and peaceful.

  She shoved her hands in the pockets of her heavy winter coat. It was pretty cold out here, but she felt helpless to tear her gaze away from the view staring back at her. In all her life she had never seen such pristine land.

  “I did it,” she said in a triumphant voice. Despite all of her fears, Maggie had gathered up her courage and traveled all the way to this quaint fishing village. She was transforming her life. And she was now officially a business owner. Keepsakes might need some sprucing up, but from her childhood recollections, it had been a wonderful shop specializing in heartwarming treasures. It had always enjoyed a loyal, solid clientele.

  She was going to be working side by side with Finn thanks to Uncle Tobias’s directive in his will. Leave it to her uncle to protect her even after his passing. Maggie didn’t have any friends in Love, and even though her friendship with Finn went back decades, she still felt connected to him. And
she needed his friendship. He had always been a source of light and laughter. Maggie could sorely use it now as a newcomer to a town where everyone seemed to know each other. She and Oliver were basically strangers here in Love, despite their connection to Uncle Tobias.

  The past year had been filled with an aching loneliness Maggie couldn’t even put into words. Finding acceptance here in Love would be life altering. As she stood and stared out across her two acres of land, Maggie felt incredibly blessed. The past had been nightmarish, but the future felt hopeful.

  Thank You, Lord. For blessings great and small. Even though I’ve doubted Your presence in the past, I know You must be here with me. I’ve felt You. At times it seemed like a push against my back, propelling me forward when I didn’t even think I could get out of bed. At other times I felt this groundswell of confidence building up inside me.

  A sudden rapping sound rang out behind her. When she turned around, Oliver had smashed his face against the glass patio window and was making funny faces at her. Maggie grinned at her son’s goofiness. There was no question about it. Oliver seemed less stressed and happier since they had arrived in Alaska. Maybe there was something in the air here.

  A half hour later, Maggie began the drive to town from her new home. According to Hazel, Uncle Tobias’s truck had recently been serviced by an auto body shop. Maggie appreciated the gesture. Having reliable transportation was of vital importance. The roads were packed with snow and there were a few slick spots. Maggie drove very gingerly. Thankfully, she was proficient at driving in wintry conditions due to the years she’d lived in New England. She just needed to focus on that aspect instead of giving in to her nerves about Alaskan road conditions.

  Oliver sat in his booster seat, pointing and gesturing toward anything of interest he spotted outside his window. The toy store was of particular interest to him.