by Mimi Barbour
Tee pursed her lips. “We’ve discussed this enough. Evie, would you like another cup of coffee? Perhaps you’d like to take one with you to the shop.”
Evie decided to take a coffee to go and tried not to think about the conversation about Frank. What did she need to change? Fortunately, traffic picked up in anticipation of the festival, and she was so busy the next few days, she had to focus on the shop. Every night before she went to sleep, however, she thought about Michael.
On Sunday, she got the opportunity to sleep in since the store didn’t open until after noon. Alas, a knock on her door awakened her. “Oh, Frank, go away. I’m not answering the door.”
The knock sounded again. “Evie, this is Tee,” a woman’s voice called.
Surprised, Evie got out of bed and went to the door. “Yes? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, it is. I just thought you might like to join me for church this morning,” the older woman said.
Evie blinked.
“Our worship service is held in a beautiful historical building. Muffins, coffee, tea and juice are served. Would you like to come?”
“I need to open the shop,” Evie managed.
“After noon, though right? This service will only last about forty-five minutes. Thank goodness, our pastor understands how important festival season is to the parishioners. Do you think you can be ready in thirty minutes? We can walk together.”
Evie opened her mouth to refuse, but the words just didn’t seem to want to come out. “I think I can. I’ll get in the shower right now.”
“Excellent,” Tee said. “Don’t worry if you have wet hair. You won’t be the only one.”
Except for a wedding or funeral, Evie couldn’t remember the last time she’d attended church. She wondered if that made her the worst kind of sinner, but the truth was she hadn’t been raised in the church with the exception of a few times her grandmother and aunt had taken her when she was a child. She believed in God. She just figured He had bigger things to spend his time on than her.
She took a micro-shower and even managed to mostly blow-dry her hair. Pulling on a sweater, long skirt, her jacket and a scarf, she stepped into a pair of boots and hurried down the steps to the foyer where Tee was waiting for her. Tee nodded in approval. “You look lovely. I hope you’ll enjoy the service.”
As she and Tee made their way to the church, Tee pointed out several bits of history about Mistletoe. Evie climbed the steps to the brick building and saw a large crowd in the foyer crowded around several tables loaded with muffins, fruit, and hot beverages.
“We’re friendly,” Tee said. “Go ahead and grab a bite. Then we’ll go into the sanctuary.”
Her stomach growling, she grabbed two of the muffins and a cup of cider. The piano played as she joined Tee in a pew. The pastor led the congregation in prayer and just as he said, “Amen,” someone gave her a slight nudge.
“Can we sit with you?” Michael whispered, pulling Will along with him. “Running late this morning.”
Tee scooted further into the pew and Evie followed. There wasn’t a lot of room, so Michael’s side was pressed against hers which made her very aware of him. She took a small breath and caught a whiff of his shower clean scent. It made her think of the time they’d shared in the car when she’d wanted him to kiss her and the dreams that had bothered her since.
Will waved at her with a big smile on his face. “Hi, Miss Evie,” he said in a stage whisper that drew several gazes.
Michael pressed his finger to his own lips in a shushing motion then ruffled Will’s hair. The congregation was directed to stand for the singing of a hymn. Evie fumbled with her napkins of cupcakes and the hymnal. Michael helped her find the page number then held another hymnal for Will. The tune was familiar, but the words weren’t, so Evie fudged her way through the song.
Afterward, they sat down and the Pastor prayed again then began to deliver his message. Within moments, she noticed that Will grew squirmy. She couldn’t blame him because she was too distracted by Michael’s closeness that she could only concentrate on every other word the pastor said.
Evie took pity on the boy and passed him one of her cupcakes with a napkin.
“Thank you,” Will said, again in a loud whisper.
She gave a silent nod and slid a glance at Michael. She pointed to the other cupcake and lifted her eyebrows, silently asking if he wanted it.
Michael shook his head, but she broke the cupcake in half and gave it to him anyway. He must have been hungry because he gobbled it down and lowered his mouth to her ear. “Thanks,” he whispered quietly.
His whisper sent a ripple inside her. Her response was crazy. After all, she was in church, she told herself sternly. But a few moments later, she noticed Will squirming again. Pulling a small pad of paper and a pen from her purse, she passed it to Michael.
Is this for me? he wrote.
Evie swallowed a chuckle and shook her head and pointed at Will.
Michael nodded and gave Will the pad and pen.
By the end of the service, Will had covered nearly every page with scribbling marks. She could hear Michael breathe a sigh of relief after the pastor gave a final prayer.
“Lovely to see you both, this morning, Michael,” Tee said then glanced at Evie. “You’ll excuse me if I speak to a few of my friends.”
“Of course. I need to get ready to go to the shop. Thank you for inviting me this morning,” Evie said.
Evie turned to find Michael gazing down at her. “Thanks for the contributions of food and entertainment material.”
“You’re welcome. Sitting quietly can be hard for all of us,” she said.
“Can I have another muffin?” Will asked Michael.
“Please,” Michael said.
“Please,” Will echoed.
“Yes, but stay in the foyer. We’ll be leaving soon.”
“Okay,” Will said and raced down the aisle.
“I don’t know how my brother and sister-in-law managed. It’s like trying to train a wolf to have manners,” Michael said.
“He’s not that bad. He’s just noisy and enthusiastic. Most of us could use a little more enthusiasm.”
“I guess,” he said. “Speaking of enthusiasm, do you plan to go the square tonight after you close shop?”
“Why?” she asked.
“There will be music and food,” he said. “We could meet there.”
Her stomach gave a sudden dip. “I--uh, it will have to be after six because of the shop.”
“That’s fine,” he said. “Meet me at the corner of Main and Holly,” he said. “I better check on Will to make sure he hasn’t raided the muffin table.”
Evie stared after him wondering why she’d agreed. She shouldn’t make any attachments. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t have any fun at all, did it?
That night, Evie left the shop late. She didn’t want to lose a single sale and she suspected Monday would be a slow day. She couldn’t help feeling a surge of anticipation as she locked up and went to meet Michael. Snow flurries danced in the wind and she pulled on a cap to keep her warm.
Sure enough, at the corner of Main and Holly, there stood Michael in a coat and cap. His presence, tall and strong, grabbed at her like no other man’s had. She’d dated other men, but something about him seemed deeper, more substantial.
“Hi there,” she called.
He turned and his gaze skimmed over her in approval. Then he smiled at her. “I was starting to wonder.”
“No need. I had a few last-minute shoppers and I was happy to relieve them of some of their money.”
“Good for you. Hungry?” he asked.
“I am,” she admitted.
“We have some food trucks with hot dogs, hamburgers and barbecue.”
“Barbecue sounds great,” she said.
He nodded. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Where’s Will?” she asked as they walked along the street.
“He’s with Jenn. She likes to
give me a break when she can. Plus, we want him to bond with his cousins.”
“That sounds good.”
“What about your cousins?” he asked.
She grimaced. “My family isn’t really the bonding type.”
“Do you ever see your mother?” he asked.
“Maybe twice a year for brunch or lunch. My grandmother passed away and I haven’t seen the rest of my family in quite awhile except for a couple of funerals. I know that sounds depressing especially at Christmas-time.”
“You seem different than that. You’ve been very generous with Will. And with me,” he said.
“How can I not be? The two of you are fabulous. I’m sure you already know it, so stop begging for praise,” she managed.
“Are you flirting with me, Evie?” he asked, sliding his arm through hers.
“I thought we were going to get barbecue,” she said, evading his question.
The night went on and the music, setting and Michael made it the best night Evie could remember. Normally, she would want to escape the chilly weather as quickly as possible, but now she just wanted it to go on and on. They watched the band play in the gazebo.
“Last song. Grab the person next to you and dance,” the band director said.
Evie felt a jolt of surprise at the instruction and slid a sideways glance at Michael. Dance?
She heard the first few strains of Edelweiss and her heart turned to mush.
“Do you waltz?” Michael asked.
“It’s been a while,” she said.
“Same for me. Just enjoy it and try to avoid my feet.” He extended his arms and she stepped into them and they danced. It wasn’t perfect and their moves wouldn’t earn them rave reviews in a dancing contest, but they both laughed when they stumbled, and it was the most magical moment of her life.
The song sadly came to an end and he held her in his arms. She couldn’t look away. “This has been almost too wonderful,” she whispered.
“Yeah, for me too,” he said and lowered his head, but instead of kissing her, he hugged her.
A stupid shot of disappoint nicked at her She took a deep breath and gave herself a mental shake.
“I guess it’s time to call it a night. I’ll walk you to your place,” he said.
Despite the fact that shop was crazy busy the next few days, Evie felt like a lost puppy. Her feelings for Michael overwhelmed her and she didn’t understand the intensity. Maybe it was because she was alone here in Mistletoe without her usual friends. Maybe she was more vulnerable. Her distraction with him irritated her. He hadn’t called her since that evening. It had just been a nice night, nothing more. She shouldn’t care because she was leaving anyway.
With Thanksgiving arriving tomorrow, she planned to celebrate with a quiet day and a book. Perhaps she’d get take-out tonight on her way home and heat it up tomorrow. It might sound pathetic, but Black Friday was right around the corner and there would be no slow-down after that.
Tidying the shop and preparing it for Friday’s big shopping day, she shut down the train, remembering Will’s fascination with it. She smiled and felt sad at the same time. Suddenly, she heard a blaring horn and screeching brakes. Racing to the window, she saw a car and a small figure underneath its front wheels. She ran outside and realized that the small figure was Will.
Her heart stopped.
Chapter Five
The next hour passed in a whirlwind. Numb with terror, Evie dialed for an ambulance. Jenn ran into the street screaming and sobbing. The man driving the car was tortured with grief. Evie dialed the number Michael had added to her phone.
“You have to come right away. There’s been a terrible accident. It’s Will,” she managed.
Jenn sank onto the street next to Will. “Please be alive,” she said. “Please,” she said, stroking his head. “It’s my fault,” she said. It’s my fault. He saw a dog on the other side of the street.
Evie sat on the street with her. She put her arm around Jenn. ”It’s not your fault. Will is curious. The ambulance should get here soon.” Evie couldn’t remember praying much in her life, but she started that moment.
Michael arrived and immediately began to examine Will. “He has a pulse, thank God.”
“I’m so sorry,” Jenn said. “It’s my fault.”
“It’s not.” Michael shook his head. “Where’s the ambulance?”
It felt like forever, but the ambulance arrived five minutes later and loaded Will into the back. The paramedics immediately went to work on him. Michael rode in the back with him. He turned to Evie. “Can you look after Jenn?”
“Yes, of course,” she said and put her arm around Jenn again. “Come on, we need to get you home.”
“I can’t go home,” Jenn said, her voice breaking in a sob. “I have to go to the hospital. I have to know if Will is going to be all right.”
Unable to imagine not going to the hospital, Evie helped Jenn into the truck and followed the woman’s directions to the hospital, which was in the next county. On the way, Jenn called her husband and spilled out the terrible story in fits and starts. He wanted to join them, but Jenn insisted that he remain with the children.
At the hospital, she sat with Jenn, holding the woman’s ice cold hands as they waited for news from the doctor. It felt as if they waited forever. Close to midnight, a doctor walked toward them.
“I’m Dr. Prillaman. William is stable, but he’s not out of the woods yet. He has had a lot of internal bleeding. We performed surgery to stop it, but we’re concerned about his concussion. He hasn’t woken up yet and it may be sometime before he does. Mr. Benson plans to stay the night.”
“Oh, dear Lord,” Jenn said, trembling.
“Thank you,” Evie said to the doctor. She didn’t know where her strength was coming from, but she couldn’t break down even though she felt like screaming and crying. The doctor walked away and Evie hugged Jenn. “We have to have hope,” Evie said. “Will needs our hope. Michael needs our hope. Everyone does.”
Jenn sobbed against her for another moment then sniffed and took a shaky breath. “Michael’s trying to watch over Will. He doesn’t need to help me with my hysterics.”
“I’m sure he would want to help you, but Will needs him more than ever. Would you like me to take you home?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Jenn said, shaking her head.
“Your family is going to need you.”
Jenn took another breath. “I guess you’re right. Yes, take me home. You can keep the truck for now. I’m sure we’ll come back tomorrow. We can use our other truck.”
Evie drove Jenn to her home, but couldn’t make herself go to the rooming house. Instead, she returned to the hospital and dozed off and on in the waiting room.
“What are you doing here?” Michael asked, jarring her fully awake.
“How is Will?” she asked. “Is he awake yet?”
Michael’s mouth tightened and he shook his head. “I came out for a moment to clear my head.”
“Oh, no,” she said, her heart twisting. “Can I get you some coffee?”
“I guess,” he said as she rose to get a cup for him from the machine.
She could feel him studying her as she gave him the coffee.
“You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”
“I couldn’t go back to my room. I just couldn’t.”
“But why?” he asked. “You’re temporary. You’re not going to stay. What does it matter to you?”
His question felt like a slap to her face. “Because I care about Will. I care about you. I care about your family. Is that wrong?”
“No,” he said with a shrug. “Sorry. I should go. Thanks for looking after Jenn.”
Evie watched him walk away and wished there was some way she could help, but maybe he didn’t want her here. The notion struck her to the core, but she decided to stay at least until Jenn arrived tomorrow.
Evie drove back to the rooming house the following evening. Despite her
lack of experience with children, she’d watched Jenn’s while Jenn and her husband stayed at the hospital. When they returned, they were clearly exhausted with no news to report.
Climbing the stairs to her room, she heard footsteps behind her. She glanced around to find Tee in her robe.
“My, you’re home late. I heard the terrible news about William. Is there any improvement?” Tee asked.
“Not yet,” Evie said. “I don’t have the heart for it, but tomorrow is a big day for the shop, so I have to show up.”
“Oh, dear, that’s true. I don’t keep track.”
“The only good thing is that I’m not opening until nine. I’m hoping I can sleep, but I’m so worried about Will.”
“Of course, you are,” Tee said and gave her a long thoughtful glance. “Please see me before you leave in the morning. Now try and get some rest.”
Evie showered and fell into bed, but she kept seeing Will’s too-still body on the street pavement and Michael’s expression of devastation. She finally fell asleep.
A knock on the door sounded and she wondered if it was Tee. Dragging herself from the bed, she looked outside. No one. And the sweet scent of pipe tobacco. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Frank. Now is not the time.”
Forcing herself to get ready for the day, she dressed and went downstairs. Although she wasn’t hungry, she decided she’d better eat a few bites to help her last through the day.
“Scrambled?” Stella asked.
“Thank you. I’ll just eat a piece of toast with them.”
Tee entered the kitchen and sat across from her. “Stella and I have discussed it and we would like to do something to help.”
Evie’s eyes filled with tears for the first time since the accident. “That’s so wonderful, but I can’t think of what anyone can do.”
“We think it would be best for you to go back to the hospital today. Stella and I will cover the shop,” Tee said.
Shocked, Evie shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that. It’s going to be a madhouse.”
“We can handle it. We’re up to the challenge. Both of us have worked at different shops over the years. We’re stronger than you think,” Stella said.
