by JoAnn Durgin
Julia’s message stirred Jake’s heart. Crazy as it sounded—and maybe it had everything to do with not having a woman in his life—he’d tucked her words away in a special place inside him. The compassion and love in Julia’s voice—for the Lord and her brother as well as a little boy named Brandon—moved him in a way not much else could.
Jake raised his face to the sky. Airy snowflakes landed on his lids and kissed his cheeks. Lord, I can’t believe she’s here. Give me the right words, and help me to not make a fool of myself.
4
The rush of warm air greeted Jake as he entered the building. Man, it felt good. The cold night hadn’t been good for his back and shoulder, but no way would he ever complain. Removing his jacket and hanging it on a hook inside the door, he focused on the tall Christmas tree. At least they’d sprung for a real tree this year instead of the old artificial one. Surprising, considering so many people had allergies these days. The scent of fresh pine was refreshing. Combined with the inviting aromas of hot chocolate, cider, and baked goods, it was beginning to look—and smell—a lot like Christmas, and he loved it.
Jake spied Nicole in one corner talking with Henrietta Watkins, Starlight’s self-proclaimed expert on everything. Why should he be surprised his ex-girlfriend had shown up here? Nicole was pretty stubborn and single-minded. When Henrietta made a weird cooing noise and waved to catch his attention, Jake pretended to have something in his eye. Turning aside, he prayed for someone to rescue him.
“Oh, Jake, honey!” Angie Goodwin said, flying toward him with a harried look. “I need your help.”
He mustered his best smile. He’d never been so thankful to see the longtime town clerk in his entire life.
“I need you to put Millicent on top of the tree, if you’d be so kind,” Angie said, lowering a shopping bag to the floor and pulling out the town treasure. “You’re the tallest man here, and the only one who can do it without a ladder. You might want to hold her from the bottom, though. She’s pretty delicate these days.”
“Sure thing.” Jake suppressed a smile as Angie handed him the angel, which had been around since he was a kid and definitely needed to be retired. One arm dangled and was in imminent danger of falling off altogether. Jake made a mental note to reattach it after Christmas, but it would require stitching, his least favorite fix-it project. Asking one of the ladies in the church sewing circle seemed a better idea. Being careful not to further sever Millicent’s arm, Jake reached for the highest bough.
“Afraid I’ll need the ladder, after all,” he said, lowering his arms. Was this tree taller than the artificial one or was he already shrinking? The ladder sat propped against a wall since it’d been used earlier when they decorated the tree. Jake flinched as he scooted it across the floor and perched himself on the lowest rung. Balancing Millicent on the top, satisfied she wouldn’t take flight, he stepped back down.
“Millie may be old, but she’s special. I can’t bear to replace her. So many memories.” Angie handed him a steaming cup of hot chocolate with a mountain of whipped cream—exactly the way he liked it—and a reindeer-shaped cookie on a napkin. As if he needed a reminder of reindeer. At least Julia hadn’t said a word about those stupid boxer shorts, but she must have seen them. Thanks, Lord. Way to keep me humble.
Angie’s brow furrowed with concern. “I heard you took a nasty spill at that fire over on Center Street, you poor man. Are you feeling better now?”
“A little but it’ll take time. This cold weather doesn’t help, but ‘tis the season.” Jake sipped the hot chocolate and nibbled the cookie. “Martha’s outdone herself this year. Tastes better than ever. Thanks.” He should stop by Martha’s Bakery and order her specialty Christmas cookies—a tradition in his family since he was a kid—and have them shipped to his parents.
“I’m making beef stew and biscuits tomorrow for supper,” Angie said. “I always have enough to feed an army, so don’t you worry about cooking.”
Jake hoped his smile conveyed his gratitude. “I appreciate that, Angie.” Except on occasional Sundays when he was invited for an after-church meal, he didn’t enjoy a home-cooked dinner as often now that his mom, dad, and sister lived in Florida year round. Even though he knew how to cook a few things—and the guys at the firehouse scarfed down his chili—cooking for one wasn’t any fun. Neither was eating in a restaurant by himself.
“Anything for our men in uniform. You do so much for the town, Jake. It’s the least I can do. I’ll have Harry bring some over for you. That’ll warm you up. Don’t forget.”
Angie wagged a finger at him, making him feel like a kid in school. “I won’t forget. I’ll look forward to it all day.”
After Angie moved on to her next task, Jake nodded at Charlie Davidson and Jon Marshall. From the corner of his eye, he saw Nicole chattering away with a couple of the ladies. She’d come back for him, or so she said. He wasn’t any good at discussing his feelings, and he sure didn’t know what to say to Nicole. His gaze fell on Julia, who was talking with Hannah. He tried not to stare. Maybe Dylan was right, and the time had come to jump back into the dating pool—headfirst or feetfirst was the bigger question, leaving his heart floundering in the middle. Even if he wanted to strike up a conversation with a woman, he’d probably turn into a pile of empty-headed, tongue-tied mush.
“Admit it. You’re fascinated with her, aren’t you?” Dylan walked over and stood beside him, finishing off a tree-shaped cookie.
That question sounded odd coming from the woman’s—the engaged woman’s—brother. Might as well be honest since Dylan could see through him, anyway. “Why wouldn’t I be? She’s interesting…and yeah, a whole lot more than pretty.” Gorgeous was more appropriate. Sensitive. Caring. A loving sister. He could add plenty more adjectives to the list, but he turned to face Dylan. Shoving the last bite of cookie in his mouth, he resisted licking his fingers and wiped them on his napkin instead.
“It’s obvious she came here tonight for you.”
Jake almost choked. “Excuse me? What do you mean?”
“Look at her. She can’t keep her eyes off you.”
“Me?” This whole conversation was getting stranger by the minute.
Dylan rolled his eyes. “Nah. Millicent. Get a grip, man. You’re not half bad to look at when you haven’t been on duty for twenty-four hours straight.” He nodded in Julia’s direction. “I think you should give her a chance. Hear her out.”
Jake shook his head. “About what…exactly?”
“What she wants, for one thing. In a man, a relationship. I’m sure she has regrets.”
He snorted at that one. “Sounds to me like she’s already found what she wants, and we all have regrets about relationships.” He angled his head toward Nicole. “Mine’s standing right over there as we speak.” He narrowed his eyes. “And why are you the love fairy all of a sudden?”
“Never mind,” Dylan said. “It’s not a crime to wanna see you happy. And Nicole seems to want to make amends.” His eyes met Jake’s. “Question is, do you?”
Jake gaped at his friend. “Wait a minute. This whole conversation’s been about Nicole?”
“Yeah—” Dylan stopped, his eyes widening. “Who’d you think I was talking about?”
“Never mind.” He avoided Dylan’s piercing stare.
Jake turned when he heard his name. Sure enough, Marge Kennedy, the mayor’s wife, waved her arms. “Jake and Dylan, would you please help us hand out these gifts to the kids? The Lord’s blessed us with more than ever this year, and—”
“Happy to oblige, Marge.” Jake pasted on a smile for Dylan’s benefit and tossed his balled-up napkin in a nearby trash can.
“This conversation’s not over,” Dylan said under his breath, walking close behind him.
That’s what he was afraid of, but Jake pressed his lips together and pushed the thought aside as Marge clapped to get everyone’s attention. He liked her careful explanation of the gift giving without making specific mention of Santa. His gaze
skimmed the small crowd and his heart swelled at the beaming faces of the kids. A number of these youngsters wouldn’t get much else this year considering the downturn in the economy and a few long-term family businesses being forced to close their doors.
Jake startled when he realized Marge was talking about him, calling him Starlight’s resident hero. For whatever reason, people seemed to like it, so he might as well humor them—within reason. Marge went on to introduce Dylan and their three comrades from the station. The guys exchanged sheepish grins as they moved forward to help gather the wrapped boxes and bags under the tree. He appreciated how the ladies of the church sponsoring this event worked hard to get a uniquely personal gift, and not simply a token, for each child.
The sound of Julia’s soft laughter captured Jake’s attention. He spied her across the room where she worked alongside Andrew, Hannah and Dylan’s youngest son, to distribute gifts. Nicole huddled with Henrietta Hen again in a corner of the large room, probably getting an earful of the latest town gossip. At least she’d been occupied, so he could concentrate on his task without interruption. Knowing Nicole, she’d make her way over to him before the evening ended.
One of the kids pulled on the sleeve of his shirt. “Mister Jake, is that one for me? I think it has my name on it.”
“Sorry, Sammie.” He focused on the clear blue eyes of the curly-haired blonde moppet. What a cutie. “This one is yours all right.” He figured a battery-operated furry friend was nestled inside that box, since the whole town knew she’d lost her favorite stuffed animal last summer. Maybe Sammie’s family also had a kleptomaniac canine. The thought made him smile.
The little girl bobbed her head and clapped her hands with delight before reaching for her gift. “Thank you!” Judging by her happy squeal a few seconds later, she’d indeed discovered a new best friend wrapped inside that box.
Amidst the smiles and buzz generated from the kids and their parents, Jake felt a twinge in his back and headed toward the refreshment table. Limped was more like it. After being on his feet the better part of the last couple of hours, he needed to sit and rest for a few minutes. Finding a chair, he collapsed, releasing a light groan. He pulled himself out of the seat not long after when a group of children wanted punch, and the ladies were busy elsewhere. “Hold up, kids. Let me pour it for you.” Biting back a wince, Jake forced slow steps as he put one hand on the table, steadying himself. Don’t let them see your pain.
He grabbed a foam cup, filled it a little more than half full, and handed one to Sammie while a short line formed behind her. Hannah talked with another young mother nearby, and he cocked his head to catch her eye, silently pleading for help. He’d overdone it. What a wimp he was. Falling in a crumpled heap with practically the entire town watching wouldn’t be good, especially in light of his newly-elevated status as Starlight’s so-called resident hero. Yeah, right.
Busy with his task, he breathed a sigh of relief when she came to stand beside him. Handing over a stack of cups, Jake grabbed a second ladle and leaned close, lowering his voice. “Here, make yourself useful. Thanks for saving me. I’m dying here.”
“I’ll take over, but you need to go sit down. Now.”
Whoa. That wasn’t Hannah’s voice.
5
Jake jerked his head so fast he popped his neck as he locked eyes with Julia once more. “Sorry. I thought you were someone else.” Man, he’d sounded obnoxious.
“I know, but Hannah needs to stay off her feet, too, so you’re stuck with me.” Her smile was warm as she motioned for him to sit. Winsome came to mind. He’d never used—much less thought—that word before, and he could think of a lot worse predicaments than being “stuck” with Julia.
With a goofy grin, Jake took a few steps back and slumped into the chair. He watched in appreciation as Julia poured cup after cup for the ever-growing line of kids and adults. She didn’t seem to mind and laughed and talked with them like an old friend, but the bowl would soon be empty. At one point, he caught Marge’s attention, and feeling like an armchair quarterback, asked her if there was more punch. She scurried off to do his bidding and returned a few minutes later with a fresh batch of juice mixed with sherbet, pouring it into the bowl.
“Mister Jake!”
Katie Simms ran toward him, tears streaming down her cheeks, with her mother close behind. “My new pony broke!” She thrust the brown plastic horse into his hands and buried her face against her mother, her little shoulders racked with heartrending sobs.
“Don’t cry, Katie. Give me one of your super-duper smiles, and I’ll see what I can do.” Jake waited until the girl lifted her head and swiped the wetness from her face. She gave him a nod, her eyes bright. The corners of her lips quivered before he saw the slightest upturn.
“That’s better. Gotta see those dimples God gave you.” Jake pulled a tube of fixative from the pocket of his jacket and set to work. Seconds later, he pushed the two pieces of the broken leg together and held it tight. “I’ll wait a couple of minutes, and then it’ll be good as new.” He tried to reassure the child with a smile.
Katie stepped closer and touched the side of his hand. “I can’t even see where it broke anymore. Thanks, Mister Jake.” Leaning forward on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. Something inside him melted. When Katie turned adoring eyes on him, he was a goner. He blinked hard and turned his head. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he was turning into a sap. Could be the pain medication making him loopy.
Nicole dropped into an adjacent chair a few minutes later. “That was a great thing you did for Katie. You’re always so good with the kids, Jake, and they obviously love you.”
He’d been avoiding her all evening but didn’t know what to say. She was the one who’d let the relationship go. The line for punch had finally dwindled, and Jake was thankful Julia no longer stood nearby to witness this little reunion. A number of the families began gathering their belongings, and more than a few of the ladies sent curious glances his way.
“Just doing my job.” He worked the muscles in his jaw and trained his eyes on the Christmas tree, its multi-colored lights winking at him.
Nicole nudged his shoulder in a too-familiar gesture. “It’s not your job, but one of the things I most admire about you is your willingness to help others. Even though it makes you more open to being hurt, it’s also one of your most endearing qualities.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” How ironic considering she’d once expressed her dislike of his profession. He watched Sammie’s mom, Sandy, bundle her son Travis into a sorry-looking coat and attempt to zip it up. It had to be at least a size too small for him. Jake made a mental note to look through the station’s clothing drive donations. One of the guys with kids could help him find a coat, and he’d leave it on Sandy’s porch. She was a prideful woman, especially since her husband ran off with a waitress from a neighboring town last summer. At least she’d brought the kids here tonight. Beside Sandy, Sammie clutched her new animal friend in her arms like she’d never let go.
“Can we get out of here, Jake? Maybe go grab a cup of coffee and talk privately?”
“Not tonight, Nic—ole.” He didn’t want to use his nickname for her. She’d lost the right.
“Then how about dinner tomorrow night?”
“Busy.” He wasn’t about to share Angie’s home-cooked stew with her, especially in his kitchen. He’d meet her, but on neutral ground.
Nicole smoothed her palms over her jeans a few times. “I know you’re still mad at me, but I thought I was doing the right thing for both of us at the time.”
Jake waited. She’d finish that thought, but he wasn’t about to prompt it.
“Now, I’m wondering if I made a huge mistake.” She put one hand on his arm. “It wasn’t until I left—”
“Until you went out into the ‘real’ world, you mean?” Jake carefully extracted his arm from her grasp, his mind going in ten different directions. Although he knew his words sounded harsh, he couldn’t hel
p himself.
“I miss you, Jake. That’s the bottom line.”
He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. That wasn’t the whole truth, and they both knew it. She wanted him back, but he didn’t think that’s what he wanted. A couple of months ago, maybe, but things were different now. His gaze strayed across the room to Julia.
“I like your hair longer, and I’ve always loved the color—such a rich chocolate brown. It matches your eyes.” Nicole twirled a curl at the base of his neck. When he moved out of her reach, she dropped her hand and pouted. “You don’t trust me.”
“You didn’t give me a reason to trust you.” Jake made sure to keep his voice low. “This isn’t the right place or time for this discussion.” Rising to his feet, he tried not to grunt from the pain making itself known in his shoulder. “I’ll meet you tomorrow night at Barney’s. After dinner.”
Her big blue eyes welled with tears. He knew the routine all too well: first came the pout, followed by the waterworks. Genuine or not, he wasn’t in the mood. His emotions were a confusing, tangled mess. He’d pull out his Bible, talk to the Lord, and do some serious soul-searching tonight.
“Fair enough, but I thought you had other plans.”
“I’ll rearrange my schedule. Seven o’clock?”
“I’ll be there. Thanks, Jake.”
He nodded and walked away, knowing full well she watched.
****
Julia stole glances over her shoulder at Jake every now and then during the short trip back to his house. His face was shadowed, but the moonlight illuminated the high cheekbones and full lips. She’d glimpsed the barely-concealed pain in his eyes, the vulnerability in his expression when he’d talked with his ex-girlfriend. The taut lines around his mouth gave him away, as did the horizontal line marching across his brow. Even though she’d never experienced a long-term relationship, she’d been around enough men—namely Dylan and the guys at the hospital and in her church—to know how they could be tight-lipped when they were emotionally wounded.
