An Aspen Creek Christmas

by Roxanne Rustand

  Molly shot a look at Cole, who was lying on the floor drawing pictures with Maisie sleeping at his side, then she directed a fierce, accusing glare at Hannah. “Even Maisie is in here,” she demanded in outrage. “How could you do that? My brother loves her. Doesn’t that matter? I suppose you’re going to put poor Belle on the list next.”

  “You are absolutely right about Maisie. He not only loves her, I know he needs her. Especially right now. It’s been so busy around here this past week that I wasn’t even thinking about the website.” Hannah pulled the computer over and deleted Maisie’s listing. “There. Done. Now—let’s go decorate the tree before it gets too late.”

  * * *

  An instrumental Christmas CD provided soft background music as Ethan wound the final string of white lights around the tree, plugged it into the surge protector with the others and flipped the switch. The tree came alive with a bright glow—as if covered in stars.

  Cole stared at it in awe. “It’s the prettiest ever. And it smells so good!”

  “Now we need to open those other boxes and hang the decorations,” Hannah said. “But, first, here are the ones you kids picked out at the Christmas Shoppe. Maybe they should go on first so you can find the very best spots.”

  She handed them over and watched the children ponder their great decision. Then each hung their decoration at eye level. “Absolutely perfect.”

  Ethan watched as three big totes were opened and the ornaments added to the tree one by one, the kids entranced by the sparkling, shiny baubles. Many of the decorations were whimsical animal figures, Santas and angels, some were miniature nativity sets—an array of unmatched memories from Christmases over the years—so unlike Cynthia’s annual white tree with silver ornaments and metallic silver bows.

  After he helped hang the highest decorations on the tree, he joined the kids in stepping away to take in the full effect. “I agree with Cole. This is indeed the most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen. You all did a super job.”

  “And now I have something else to hang up,” Hannah announced, pulling a large paper sack from behind a chair. “Hmm. I wonder what these could be? I’ll hand them out, then we can open them all at once. Okay?”

  She looked into the sack and made a production of lifting out something wrapped in green tissue and tied with a red ribbon. “I think this is for Molly!”

  She handed it over and then pulled out a similar package in red tissue and tied with a green ribbon. “This is for Cole!”

  She frowned, tilted her head, and reached into the sack again. “I think there’s something else in here, but I’m not sure. Yes! It’s for Ethan!”

  He hesitated, so she leaned over and thrust it in his hand. The brush of her slender fingertips against his hand sent a sizzle of warmth up his arm.

  He looked at her in surprise, painfully aware that he hadn’t brought gifts for anyone else. A little shocked by his physical reaction to her touch. “I...I didn’t realize that I should have brought something. I’m sorry.”

  “No, don’t be. This is just something everyone needs before Christmas. Okay—ready, set, open!”

  He held his own package and watched the kids tear into theirs, trying to remember if he’d ever experienced a real family Christmas—with a fragrant, fresh tree or such beautiful music. Certainly not after his mother had walked out...and before that there’d been the endless tension between his parents.

  “Wow!” Cole exclaimed, unfurling a big red-felt Christmas stocking covered with dogs and cats and Christmas elves, and dusted with sparkling sequins. “Now Santa can come!”

  Molly’s was the same, only in green with a big silver bow at the top. Her eyes sparkled when she looked up. “It’s so pretty, Aunt Hannah. I love it! But what about you—don’t you have one?”

  “I’ve had mine since I was a little girl, and it’s somewhere in the Christmas decoration boxes. I’ll get it out tomorrow.”

  Hugging his stocking to his chest, Cole eyed the package in Ethan’s hands. “Open yours, Uncle Ethan. Maybe you got dogs, too!”

  The fire crackling in the fireplace and the Christmas tree lights were now the only illumination in the room, creating a cozy, festive air. It was like being in the midst of a Norman Rockwell painting, surrounded by a deep sense of family, celebration and love. Something so foreign to his life that he could barely name the emotions welling up inside.

  If he lived to be a hundred, he would never forget this moment. And he would wish for it again, every single year.

  He opened the package slowly, expecting that maybe Hannah had found a stocking in camo print. But when he unfurled it, his breath caught on the lump in his throat. It was black felt, with shiny silver, gold, red and green ribbons sewn in a crisscross pattern on its front surface. “Uncle Ethan” was written across the black cuff at the top in elegant silver script.

  “It’s beautiful, Hannah. Just...beautiful. Thanks.”

  How did he begin to thank her for this evening? For what she was awakening in his solitary, guarded heart?

  Chapter Sixteen

  The following week passed in a blur of running errands, sledding, skating and a Christmas party at the church for the kids.

  Ethan was with them more often than not, which delighted the kids and—Hannah had to admit—warmed her heart, too.

  Watching him out on the ice with Cole and Molly under the lights on Friday evening, she could well imagine him as a watchful, loving father someday.

  “So how’s it going?” Keeley strolled up to Hannah and gave her a friendly, teasing shoulder bump. “And why aren’t you out on the ice, too?”

  “I’ve never been good on skates. Weak ankles,” Hannah admitted. “I’m less danger to others if I’m right here along the fence. How about you?”

  “I’m beat. I spent an hour after closing restocking the store shelves and now I just want to go home.”

  Keeley followed Ethan and Cole’s progress as they slowly made their way around the edge of the rink, Ethan holding Cole’s hand. “He’s sure good with the kids,” she observed quietly. “How are you two getting along?”

  Hannah shrugged. “Fine, I guess. The kids seem to really like him.”

  Keeley gave her a sideways smirk. “And how about you?”

  “It’s...complicated.”

  “How so?”

  “He understandably wants to spend time with the kids, and how can I say no to that? They deserve to know their only uncle now that their dad is gone. And being difficult about it could have a negative impact when custody is reviewed.”

  “No...how about you?” Keeley repeated.

  Hannah swallowed.

  “If you were ready to elope with him, you must have been head over heels for him back then. Who wouldn’t, with those heartthrob looks?”

  “And don’t forget the charisma,” Hannah added with a resigned sigh. “He drew me like a magnet and I never thought twice.”

  “And no one else ever compared?”

  Hannah gave a helpless shrug. “No one else even came close. But it isn’t just that superficial appeal. Maybe I only sensed it before, but now I see it. His gentleness with the children, the rescue animals. His quiet sense of humor. Lots of things. Important things. But none of that changes anything.”

  “Maybe if you tried...”

  “I’m doing my best to keep my feelings out of this. Soon he’ll be gone. End of story.”

  “Maybe not.” Keeley pursed her lips. “Did Beth tell you that her husband wants to talk to Ethan?”

  “Whatever for?” Turning to face her, Hannah rested an elbow on the top of the ice-rink fence.

  “A business opportunity of some kind. Something about selling and installing home security systems. Alarms, I think.” Keeley lifted an eyebrow. “If it interests him, maybe he’ll want to stay.”
<
br />   Molly thudded into the solid-wood fencing next to them and flung her arms over the top rail. Her pink hat was askew, her cheeks rosy with the cold.

  “I’m ready to go,” she said breathlessly. “Joanie went home and my feet are cold.”

  Keeley grinned at her. “You’re doing great on those skates. Next year maybe you’ll want to start figure-skating lessons.”

  Molly rolled her eyes. “I’m only eleven and I think it’s already too late. Have you seen those little kids twirling and going backward? Some even do jumps.”

  “Never too late to start, kiddo. Well, guys, I think I’m heading home.” Keeley slanted a grin at Hannah. “That goes for you, too, girlfriend. If you really want something, it’s never too late.”

  * * *

  Hannah’s heart stumbled whenever she slowed down enough to glance at the calendar. Each day meant precious time with Molly and Cole, and she wanted to savor every moment. So how had the week flown by so fast?

  Christmas Eve was now just thirteen days away.

  No matter how much she tried to make this a happy holiday season, no matter how much she planned and prayed and shopped and baked, she didn’t know how the children were going to feel during this first Christmas Eve without their parents.

  It might be okay, or they could feel an overwhelming sense of loss, experience a huge meltdown and be swamped with grief. All of the long talks and compassionate hugs in the world could not replace what they’d lost.

  Worse, the children’s caseworker was technically supposed to come at thirty days, which fell on the day after Christmas. But the woman had just called to say she would be traveling over the holidays and would come to Hannah’s sometimes before Christmas Eve.

  What if she came on a bad day—when the kids were distraught and inconsolable, and could only talk about going back to Texas?

  The thought of losing them tore at Hannah’s heart and made it impossible to sleep. On those nights, she just hit the carpet on her knees and begged for the wisdom to make the best choices for the children and the strength to face whatever was ahead.

  Hannah shook off her thoughts, finished her coffee and squared her shoulders. “We’d better get going. Is everyone ready? It’s time to go get Belle.”

  Molly shot out of her bedroom like a rocket, with Cole close at her heels. “I can’t believe she can actually come home!”

  “Remember, guys. She’s had to fight a very serious infection where the vet had to cut away that metal choke collar. She’s been very ill, and she’s still weak. She might just want to be left alone. So you can’t rush her. Promise?”

  Her coat half on, Molly gave Hannah a stricken look. “But today is the Advent Blessing of the Animals at the town square. She needs that, Aunt Hannah. Trevor and Joanie are bringing their dogs, but Belle is the one who truly needs it. Please?”

  “And I want to bring Maisie, ’cause she’s old. Can I please? She needs it, too.”

  Belle was such a wild card that Hannah didn’t know what to say. She was thrilled the kids had made friends at church and that their childlike faith was so firm and trusting.

  But Belle had been as fearful as a feral animal when first dumped in the front yard. After twelve days of being cared for by the veterinary staff, she might now be an entirely different dog. Then again, a crowd of strangers might be the worst possible situation for her.

  “I can’t risk anyone being bitten. Not you two, not anyone at the ceremony. So, first, we need to talk to Dr. Leighton about what she thinks. Unless she feels Belle would be totally safe, I just don’t think it’s a good idea. And it isn’t fair to the dog to bring her into a situation she isn’t ready for. Deal?”

  Molly thought for a moment. “Maybe we could park close and leave Belle in a kennel in the car. I could stay with her, while you and Cole are at the service. I’ll bet God will know that we tried, so he’ll bless her, too.”

  “What a wonderful idea.” Hannah gave her a quick hug. “I’m proud of you for thinking of it.”

  “Is Uncle Ethan coming?”

  “He said he would try, but I’m not sure. Do you remember my friend Beth who owns the bookstore? Her husband Devlin was in the army, like Ethan was, and Beth thought the two of them should meet for coffee. I imagine they’ll have a lot to talk about.”

  At the vet clinic, Dr. Leighton confirmed what Hannah had already guessed. While all of the daily handling had calmed the dog down, her quieter behavior had been within this close environment. Out amid the bustle of crowds and the pets brought for the service, Belle’s behavior might be unpredictable.

  The vet tech brought Belle out on a leash. Tentative, watchful, the dog tensed when she saw Hannah and the kids and tried to turn back to the kennel room.

  “My goodness—she must have gained five or six pounds already!” Hannah exclaimed.

  “Not quite, but she’s doing better. She’s just receiving smaller feedings four times a day, dry kibble without any canned food mixed in. I’ll send home some cream for her hips.”

  “How is her neck?”

  “Still healing, so I need to see her again in a week. This dog harness doesn’t hit those raw areas so it works better than a standard collar.”

  Molly edged closer and the dog froze, but soon her tail began waving slowly. “I think she remembers us. Can I lead her to the car?”

  “Not quite yet.” Dr. Leighton smiled. “Belle had no idea how to respond on a leash when we started. She’s finally getting the hang of it, but if she got away she’d be very hard to catch.”

  Hannah loaded Belle into the wire kennel in the rear compartment of the Subaru and then she helped Cole get into the backseat with Maisie and Molly.

  “Okay, kids. We’re off to the town square. I think Belle will be just fine in the back while we’re all gone to the service. Okay? I just can’t leave Molly alone in the car and, of course, I need to be with Cole. Can’t be in two places at once.”

  Molly nodded. “But will she be warm enough?”

  “There’s a doubled folded blanket in the cage to lay on, and we won’t be gone long.” A parking space opened up as Hannah began searching for a spot close to the service. “This is perfect. Now zip up your coats and let’s hurry.”

  The pastor was just starting when they reached the small crowd gathered in front of the old-fashioned band shell. “Some churches take a day for the blessing of animals in October, some choose other days. We thought it would be wonderful to honor our beloved pets during Advent, before Christmas, in remembrance of the animals in the stable where baby Jesus was born, and the camels that brought the wise men. We’ll have a prayer for kindness and compassion toward all animals, and a reading, and then you can line up with your pets for their individual blessing. With a forecast of heavy snow heading this way, we won’t be here long.”

  The pastor finished his prayer and gave a quick reading, then motioned for people to come forward and get in line with their pets.

  A brisk wind now funneled through the trees, sending snow swirling around their feet. Molly snuggled closer to Hannah’s side and threaded her arm through the crook of Hannah’s elbow. On her other side, Cole nestled closer, too, with Maisie pressed at his other side. “I’m c-cold,” he whispered.

  “Do you want to leave?”

  “No. I gotta stay. For Maisie.”

  “Well, keep a close eye on her. If she starts to shiver, we’ll have to leave.” She urged him toward the line of owners and pets. “I’ll be right here, watching you.”

  At the other side of the crowd Hannah spied Trevor with his parents and a black Lab. “Look, honey—it’s your friend.”

  Molly rolled her eyes but a minute later she edged through the people standing at the back and soon the two of them were laughing over something. Hannah smiled. Molly had joined the church youth group this past week, and it pro
mised to be a big part of her growing comfort in Aspen Creek—exactly what she’d needed after so much upheaval in her life this past year.

  Hannah sensed someone approaching on the sidewalk behind her and she felt a light frisson of awareness dance across her skin. She didn’t need to hear his voice to know it was Ethan. When he draped an arm around her shoulders, she felt a rush of warmth rocket through her and had to resist the urge to melt into that casual embrace.

  “Hey, stranger,” he said in a low voice. “Having fun?”

  “We’re here for a short service,” she whispered. “I think the kids expected to see more of their friends with their pets, but the forecast must have kept a lot of people away.”

  He nodded. “I just checked the radar on my phone. Looks like more snow.”

  “Yet, who knows—it could still veer off and miss us entirely. But if you don’t want to be snowbound alone in your rental cabin, you’re welcome to come out to my place.”

  “I need to pass, sorry.”

  This was the first invitation he’d turned down and she looked up at him in surprise. “Maybe another time then. You’re welcome to join us for supper tomorrow.”

  “I’ll actually be gone for a while. I need to book a flight to Dallas.”

  “Dallas?” Step by step, she’d been falling under his spell all over again, just as she had years ago. There was something about him that drew her like a magnet and made her think about a future with him.

  But was all that charm and attention just a ruse? A way to distract her while his scheming aunt and her lawyers were working on his behalf?

  With so few days left until the caseworker was supposed to visit, why would he leave now—unless it was to discuss plans to convince the family court judge about Ethan’s custody?

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why Dallas—and right now?”

  “I just met with Devlin Stone and he gave me a lot to think about.”

  “Really?”

  “He asked if I was interested in a job.” Ethan’s mouth lifted in a wry grin. “Second offer I’ve had this week.”