It Really IS a Wonderful Life: The Snowflake Falls but Hearts in Love Keep a Home Warm All Year Long

by Linda Wood Rondeau

  “You seem to know a lot about what’s involved. Did you study business in college?”

  “No, I studied theater. I thought I’d be a movie star by now.”

  Like George Bailey—a small-town boy with big dreams trapped in Nowheresville. Dorie curbed her curiosity, saving her how-come-you-ended-up-back-here question for another day.

  Jamey stood as if to leave. Had she touched a sore spot? “Do you still want the job, or have I scared you away?”

  “I want it.”

  Jamey leaned against the doorsill and reset his glasses. She’d seen Daddy do that when he wanted to be careful not to say the wrong thing. “The salary is sixty thousand a year, full benefits, and vacation package. Will that do? I wish we could afford to pay more.”

  “That’s fine.” Much better than the eight dollars an hour she’d anticipated.

  “Sherrie will give you a key and show you where to park. Can you start next Monday?”

  “I think so. I need to arrange day care for Emma. My mother will help out for a little while.”

  “There’s always the Little Red Hen Preschool.”

  “On my list of considerations.”

  “Glad to have you on board.” The warmth of his sparkling eyes and the firmness in his handshake a signaled that she’d found a friend. Something she needed much more than a job.

  ***

  Jamey held his breath as Dorie left.

  It took all his acting skills to maintain a boss persona, or at least what he thought a boss should be like. He didn’t have to pretend with the other employees. Had he carried himself convincingly? When she cried, he wanted to hold her, let her put her head on his shoulder and have a good squall. How could he be near her day after day and keep his feelings repressed—to be within a breath of her, yet knowing he could be no more than a friend? Gabe didn’t deserve her. Truth was, neither did he.

  ***

  With the children tucked into bed for the night, Dorie leaned back in the recliner and sipped her hot chocolate. As she replayed her good fortune, annoyance at Daddy’s interference faded. In his eyes, she’d always be the stubborn seven-year-old he’d saved from drowning.

  Thoughts of that day splashed through her mind like the big waves that had pounded the shore. While on a family vacation to Virginia Beach, Daddy told her not to go into the water without him. As usual, she didn’t listen. Soon intermittent waves crashed over her head. Frightened, she called out to Daddy. He rushed to her rescue, lifted her into his strong arms, and carried her to safety. He stood tall and the waves couldn’t knock him down. From then on, she knew Daddy would always be there when she needed him.

  Isn’t that what fathers were supposed to do?

  Devon had been a good father, but he couldn’t be there for Josh or Emma either. If she were in trouble, who could she call out to?

  Jamey’s face flashed before her. Shouldn’t it be Gabe’s?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Midweek already and no rehearsal tonight. Gabe hovered over his new red Porsche like a boy with his first toy fire engine. He opened the door and rubbed the hood before getting in. “Be sure to let your father know how much I appreciate his help. The guy he recommended gave me a terrific deal.”

  He reminded her of Devon when he’d come home with his Cavalier. “Fall’s the best time to buy a car,” he’d said, as if he’d found the secret to eternal youth.

  “That’s what Daddy thinks.”

  Devon’s proud smile vanished, and Dorie realized she had stolen his moment.

  The cold burrowed through her coat and into her bones. Best to put an end to the gushing so they could be on their way. “It’s beautiful, Gabe.”

  He took Dorie’s hands in his. “I’ll try not to go on and on about the Porsche. After all, this is your night. I’m proud of you for landing a job. Salary’s a little low, but you’ll work your way up the ladder in no time.”

  Should she mention Daddy got the job for her? On the other hand, why bother? Considering Midville’s grapevine, Gabe probably already knew. He let the car idle while he fiddled with various dashboard gadgets and set the radio on soft music. He looked at the plush seats like Daddy eyed a set of Calloway golf clubs.

  Gabe seemed one with his car … should she break into his thoughts? She waited a few more minutes, then asked, “Where are we going?”

  His face gleamed like Josh’s did when he handed her a batch of wild flowers. “There’s a restaurant I thought you’d like up on Route 30, about ten miles out. It has a big picture window overlooking Ghost Lake.”

  “That’s an odd name for a lake. Is it haunted?” As soon as she asked the question, she knew the history lesson would follow.

  “Great story - how it got its name.”

  She offered him a smile of encouragement. “Please do tell.” If possible, Gabe puffed up a few more notches. “Back in the 1920s, a bootlegger named Bad Henry Logan lived in that area of the Adirondacks. Rumor has it Bad Henry ran into the hills to hide from the Feds. There he discovered the purest lake this side of heaven, so pure that Henry got down on his knees and repented of his evil ways. He became a preacher and told how the Holy Ghost found him at that lake. Folks shortened the name to Ghost Lake after Henry died in 1943.”

  “Now I know you’re joking.”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “It sounds like a nice place. You didn’t have to go to all this bother, though. The West End Café would be fine.”

  Gabe squeezed her hand. “Nothing’s a bother for you, Dorie. We won’t have to hurry home either. I called your mother, you know. I told her I wanted to take you out to celebrate your new job and that we might get in late. She said not to worry and that she’ll crash on the couch if she gets tired.”

  Had Mom made her own decision to agree, or had she been victimized by Gabe’s charm?

  His smile vanished, his eyes probing hers. “You know, the job isn’t the only reason I wanted to take you out tonight.” She expected his kiss and allowed it. And it might have been long and passionate if she hadn’t hit her knee on the gearshift.

  “Ouch!”

  “I guess I didn’t think about kissing when I bought this car.” He sat back against the seat and closed his eyes. “I’m falling in love with you, Dorie.”

  Her body sagged, and words wouldn’t come. True, she hoped they would become more than friends. Love? Perhaps in time.

  “You don’t have to say anything. I know your feelings aren’t the same as mine, but I think we’ve got a shot at a future together. I’d like to see where this relationship takes us.” He pulled out a rectangular box from the glove compartment. “If we were in high school, I’d give you my class ring. Will this do?”

  He pulled out a necklace with a diamond-bordered drop pearl. With the exception of her engagement ring, Dorie had never owned a piece of jewelry so exquisite. “It’s beautiful, but—”

  “No buts. No conditions either, except we agree to date exclusively.”

  You mean we’re not already exclusive?

  “I guess—”

  He kissed her again, this time with less enthusiasm, cautious of the gear shift. When she pulled away, he slid the necklace around her neck. “I’d like you to wear this tonight.”

  She should probably express appreciation with more than a stunned expression. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll be my girl.”

  “I’m your girl.”

  ***

  Ghost Lake Bistro proved every bit as charming as her dinner companion. Special lighting cast a halo effect on the water. Dorie could almost see Bad Henry Logan on his knees, contrite and ready for God to fill him with purpose.

  Would she ever know that kind of peace?

  Too bad the evening had to end. Gabe needed to get up exceptionally early for rounds at the hospital before his first office appointment. One last toast to her new job and Gabe’s Porsche before they headed home.

  When Gabe helped her out of the car he pulled her against him
, his kiss eager.

  Dorie pulled away.

  “Too much?”

  “A bit.”

  “I won’t pressure you if you’re not ready. And when you are, I’m willing to get married, if that’s what you want.”

  “I don’t know what I want. I like being with you. I suppose I should consider getting married again, but—”

  “I’m sorry for rushing you. Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Well, I am. I’m going to bed.” She kissed him on the cheek, then turned to go inside.

  “Can I pick you up for play practice tomorrow night?”

  She shouldn’t have laughed, but giggling eased the tension. “The Porsche doesn’t have a back seat. Where would I put Josh?”

  “Guess I didn’t plan ahead when I bought this car. When we get married, it’ll be SUVs for the duration.”

  “We should drive in separate cars tomorrow anyway. I thought I’d bring Emma too. She’s been begging to come.”

  Gabe forced her into an embrace, from which Dorie wriggled free. “When can I see you alone again?”

  “How about Saturday? Daddy’s going away on a men’s retreat. Mom wants the kids to keep her company.”

  “I’m not on call, so that’ll work. How about a movie? Haggerton Mall has a Cineplex and it’s only an hour away. I know a great Italian restaurant nearby.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” She thumbed the necklace. “I’ll treasure this.”

  He kissed her, this time with less determination, got in his car, and drove away.

  Dorie stepped inside and Mom rose from the couch. “The kids were good tonight. They’re asleep. Boomer’s been fed, and he just came in from outside. It’s late. I’m going home to bed. I’ll catch up on the news tomorrow.”

  Mom let the door shut a little louder than normal.

  Dorie turned off the lights, then went upstairs to check on the kids. Emma was sound asleep and covered to her chin. Josh, on the other hand, had kicked off his comforter, blanket, and sheet, tiny and innocent in his Spiderman pajamas. His eyelids twitched. What did little boys dream about?

  As she undressed and climbed into her own bed, she wondered about her subdued reaction to the necklace. Shouldn’t she have at least pretended excitement? She hadn’t dared show it to Mom.

  Gabe had declared his love—a brave and wonderful gesture. Dorie had answered him with uncertainty.

  She should take the time to evaluate her less than enthusiastic reaction to Gabe’s gift. She yawned. But, for the moment, sleep seemed a more urgent consideration.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dorie roused from nothingness to Boomer’s wet smooches on her face. She opened her eyes. Josh stood by her bed, thumping the wall in rhythm with Boomer’s wagging tail. “Emma threw up all over my Legos.”

  Dorie tossed back the covers and grabbed her robe. “What’s she doing in your room this early?” Dorie glanced at the clock. Nine? How could she have slept so late? Good thing it was Saturday.

  Josh crossed his arms. “I told Emma to be quiet so you could sleep. She kept making a noise, so I let her in my room. Then she threw up all over everything. I’m sorry, Mom.”

  “It’s not your fault, sweetie.” Dorie got out of bed and went into Josh’s room. Emma was sitting on his rug holding Mr. Bear to her chest. “I threw up, Mommy. I’m sorry.”

  “You don’t have to apologize for feeling sick. Josh, go downstairs and turn on the television while I help Emma. Then I’ll make breakfast.”

  Josh’s head dropped to his chin. “I don’t want to play with these Legos anymore.”

  “I don’t blame you. I’ll wash them and put them away. We can buy new ones, if you’d like.” She felt Emma’s forehead. Clammy but no fever. “I’ll let Boomer out, and then I’ll help you get these smelly clothes off. After you take a shower, you can bring a blanket and Mr. Bear downstairs.”

  “Mom, I already let Boomer out and back in.”

  Boomer wagged his tail as if to agree.

  Once downstairs with Emma, Dorie put her on the couch. Josh had already turned on the television, practicing Ninja Warriors with the living room curtain. Boomer got in the action, a superhero’s sidekick.

  “Please leave the curtains alone, Josh. Find something else to watch.”

  “I never get to watch Ninja Warriors. Emma’s not allowed to watch anything I like. I hate watching her baby shows. It’s not fair!” Josh clicked off the television and threw the remote on the couch. Crossing his arms, he plunked into the recliner.

  “We don’t throw remotes or anything else in the house. Go to time out.”

  Dorie turned the television to the Disney Channel, stormed into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, and made scrambled eggs. She dumped Boomer’s breakfast into his bowl, and he gobbled it down before she could throw the can away. She should write a dog food commercial and call it “Gone in Sixty Seconds.”

  Should Emma eat scrambled eggs after being sick? Anything might have set her off, since she’d inherited her Grandma Fitzgerald’s delicate metabolism. The woman’s stomach turned with the wind.

  Dorie peeked into the living room. Josh sat on the first step. Even though he tried to hide his face, he kept one eye on Emma. She’d abandoned the television, opting instead to dance in the living room with Mr. Bear while she sang an assortment of songs from her Toddler’s Favorites CD. She would probably be fine with scrambled eggs. “Emma, turn off the television. Both of you come into the kitchen.”

  Josh scurried into a chair. “I’m sorry I made a tantrum, Mom.”

  “Had a tantrum.”

  “Had a tantrum.” When he took a big bite of toast, a dot of butter stuck to his chin.

  “Napkin, kiddo.”

  “I forgot.” He giggled as he wiped his face. “Mom, is Emma all better?”

  Emma nodded.

  “Appears so.”

  Josh waved his fork in the air like a banner. “I’ve got an idea. Let’s have a family day.”

  Dorie hadn’t spent special time with the kids since before Josh’s operation. Dates with Gabe and play rehearsals kept her away most nights.

  Carpe diem.

  On impulse she grabbed the phone and dialed Gabe’s landline, his recorded voice far too cheerful. “This is Gabe. Don’t hang up. I’m a great doctor but a lousy mind reader. So please leave a message at the tone. Won’t guarantee I’ll get back to you, but I’d like to know you called.”

  Should she leave a message? She couldn’t call his cell phone since he’d be making rounds. What if he didn’t check his messages before coming over?

  She’d risk it. She would also leave a note on her door, to be safe.

  “Gabe? This is Dorie. I need to break our date today. I’ll explain at church tomorrow. Don’t pick me up … I’ll have the kids with me. I’ll meet you there.” Shouldn’t she sound a little warmer, apologize at least? “I’m sorry.”

  She called her mother next. “Mom, would you be terribly disappointed if I don’t bring the kids over today?”

  “Something wrong?”

  “Not at all. I haven’t spent much time with them lately. Now that I’ll be working, special days will be at a premium.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll call Gillian and see if she’d like to meet me for lunch.”

  Josh beamed. “Does that mean we’re going to have a family day?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Emma jumped up and down. “Will Mr. Bear be okay all by himself?”

  “You don’t want to bring him?”

  “I think he might be bored.”

  “We’ll set him up with a pile of books to read while we’re gone.”

  Now, where to go? Dorie looked outside. The day promised to be clear and sunny. Haggerton Mall would be a great choice. Guilt niggled. That had been Gabe’s suggestion for a date. Wouldn’t he be insulted if she went without him?

  When she went back downstairs,, Josh stood ready to head out the door. “Where are we going?”r />
  “How about a new place? A mall where we can play video games and get new Legos and some clothes for Emma.”

  Emma slid down the steps. When she reached the landing she stood and twirled. “Hurry up, Mommy!”

  “I need to grab a few CDs for our trip.” Dorie crammed the discs into a backpack along with wipes and a change of clothes for Emma in case of another upset. “I need to make sure everything’s turned off before we leave. Go ahead and get into the car. I’ll be right there.”

  She pushed a resistant Boomer into the cellar, then grabbed a coat from the closet. The phone rang as she opened the door. Should she answer it? Two beautiful people waited for her outside. If she didn’t, she’d worry all the way to Haggerton that she’d missed an important call.

  “Dorie, it’s Gabe. I got your message. What’s wrong? Are the kids okay?”

  “I think so. Emma had an upset stomach this morning. She seems okay now—”

  “I don’t understand. Why are you breaking our date?”

  Could he possibly understand this need? “I wanted to spend some special time with the kids today. I’ve been too busy lately.”

  “Well, let’s leave now and take them with us. I finished my rounds a few minutes ago, so I’m done for the day. Haggerton Mall has an indoor miniature golf course. Would they like that?”

  How could she make him understand she didn’t intend to include him? His feelings would be hurt, especially given how he doted on the children. He’d even brought over dog biscuits for Boomer. How could she tell him she wanted the kids to herself? “I thought, at least for today, the kids and I could go solo.”

  “You don’t want me around your kids?”

  Did Gabe sense what she didn’t want to admit? They hadn’t spent time as a potential family since the steak incident. “That’s not the point. We’ve been dating only a few weeks, and the kids need to be eased into this. Why don’t you come over after church tomorrow? I’ll make dinner for all of us.”

  “Fine.” Anger hitched on the hem of his agreement.