Snowbound with Mr. Right

by Judy Christenberry

  She began pacing the break room, trying to think about what else she had to do today. Her cousin, Penny, had promised to donate the Christmas tree for the Festival. Sally would have to get Billy to put a stand on the tree and get it secured in the town center. Then she’d need help decorating it, which would probably take up a lot of her time. She’d have to make sure that the store had enough cover whilst she was busy doing that.

  Billy brought in several boxes of ornaments and Sally knew there would be several more, at least. The ornaments were large-size so they would show up on the tree.

  “Thanks, Billy, You’re a real help!”

  “Okay, Sally.”

  Fortunately, okay was Billy’s favorite word. He used it anytime she asked anything of him and she smiled. Too bad Hunter didn’t adapt Billy’s agreeableness.

  “What’s causing that smile?” Hunter suddenly asked, stepping into the break room.

  “Just a pleasant thought,” Sally said. “Is there a problem out there?”

  “No, not really. The ladies said I should ask you, but I think I already know the answer.”

  “What’s the question?”

  “Do I work on the weekends?”

  “Did you have other plans for this weekend?”

  “No.”

  “Then yes, it would be great if you could work on Saturday.”

  “Okay.” He stared at her when a big smile appeared on her lips. “Why such a big smile?”

  “I was, uh, thinking of something else.”

  “Is Saturday your busiest day?”

  “Yes, it is. Also, we should get the town tree early next week and I’ll probably need Billy’s help with that. If we get deliveries, you might need to handle those.”

  “Okay. So I’ll need to wear rough clothes then?”

  Sally fought the smile that wanted to meet his remark. He had dressed in nice slacks and a dress shirt in the store. She guessed rough clothes meant jeans, which almost everyone who came into the store wore.

  “You might want to wear jeans.”

  “All right. I can do that.”

  “Thank you, Hunter.”

  He turned to go back to the main part of the store. She watched him go, wondering what he’d look like in jeans. He had a body that he’d obviously developed through workouts. She felt sure he’d look very good in jeans.

  There she went again, her mind on Hunter, rather than her work. She had a lot to do today so they’d be ready for the Christmas Festival. But she really wasn’t in the mood for Christmas.

  It would be her first one without her parents.

  Billy entered the room with more boxes.

  “Put them over here, Billy. We’ll make stacks of them so I can go through them and check on all the ornaments.”

  After Billy left the room, Sally took the lid off the top box. Each year, her mother would pack the ornaments to be used the next year. And each year, she, with her mother, had added several ornaments. They made most of them themselves. The large ornaments weren’t easy to find.

  The top ornaments, wrapped in bubble wrap, were the new ones they’d made the year before. Those ornaments were in good shape. She smoothed her fingers over her favorite one. She’d made it in November last year, with no knowledge of the events that would follow and ultimately end her parents’ lives.

  Tears filled her eyes. She’d been so happy last year. It had been a good Christmas for all three of them. Her parents had always made her feel so loved. They’d wanted more than one child, but her mother had had several miscarriages and the doctor had warned them that another pregnancy would be difficult. So Sally had been their only child, well loved, but taught the responsibility of being the future owner of the store. She hoped her parents had taught her everything she’d need to know. She wanted to make them proud of her.

  “What’s that?” Hunter asked as he returned to the break room and broke her daydreaming.

  “These are ornaments for the town tree.”

  He moved to her side to be able to see what she was holding. “That’s beautiful. Where do you buy them?”

  “Mostly we make them. I made this one last year, but I may not get any made this year.”

  “Why not?” Hunter asked softly.

  “It—it’s too time-consuming. I have a lot on my plate this year what with—with all that’s happened. I think we’ll have enough anyway. We’ve made quite a lot the last few years and replaced the old ornaments along the way.”

  “How can I help?”

  Sally sniffed and fought off the tears that had earlier threatened. She didn’t want Hunter to see her upset. “Once we have the tree up do you think you could help me decorate it? We could start on Thursday and Friday of next week and have it done in time for the Festival on Saturday night.”

  “Okay. Do you put lights on the tree?”

  “Yes. That’s the trickiest part of decorating the tree. We leave them on until January 2. It’s a little more expensive, but Dad thought it would be nice to have the lights on until then.”

  “Who pays the bill?”

  “We get a discounted rate, but we pay the bill.”

  “Does that come out of the profit of the store? Can’t you write it off as a business expense?”

  “Of course. It is a business expense, but we feel it is important.” Sally was again reminded of the difference between Hunter and herself. He seemed to be always thinking about how things affected the business, instead of doing it just for the sake of doing it. Maybe that was the difference between big city living and small town life. Sally knew which she preferred.

  “I need to decorate the store, too,” Sally continued. “We have to have a store tree, as well as garlands and wreaths. I’ll ask Billy to bring that out, too. It will take up a lot of space in here, but it shouldn’t be for too long. I hope you and the ladies won’t mind a little crowding.”

  “Of course not. I’d wondered about the store—I thought maybe you’d forgotten about it. Granddad always puts up elaborate decorations, too. I guess it’s expected.”

  “No, I hadn’t forgotten. I’d just put it off. Everyone’s been very understanding, but life goes on. I have to decorate, just like Mom and Dad did. I’m glad you’re willing to help.”

  “If we’re too busy tomorrow because of customers, we can decorate it on Sunday. I won’t have anything else to do and I’ll be honored to help you out.”

  “Thanks, Hunter. That’s very generous.” Sally smiled and felt a warm feeling in her stomach. Maybe this Christmas wasn’t going to be too bad after all.

  He turned to go back to work. “It’s beginning to get pretty busy. Do you want to take a moment alone? If you’d prefer, I’ll tell the ladies you’re busy back here and you can’t come.”

  “No, I’m fine and I’ll be right out.”

  It didn’t take long helping customers to find out that a snowstorm was expected sometime in the early morning of Saturday. That explained the rush. A snowstorm would mean almost no customers tomorrow. In fact, she might not open the store until the storm ended. She’d have to warn the others not to come until they could travel to the store in comfort.

  When closing time came, there were still a number of customers shopping. Sally asked them politely if they could decide on their purchases so she could close the store.

  “Your daddy never rushed us,” a lady complained.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am, I guess I’m not as patient, but there’s only one of me. Before we had three people who could stay as long as you needed us to.”

  “No, I’m sorry, Sally,” the lady said, flushing slightly. “It’s hard sometimes to think that your daddy is gone and that they are really dead. I guess you don’t usually forget that, do you?”

  “No, I don’t. But I’ll try to be more patient, like Dad was. He loved running the store.”

  “Yes, he did and we know you’re doing the best you can.”

  “Thank you, Mrs Crawford. You’re being very generous.”

  The lady p
aid for her purchase and smiled at Sally. “You know, each day will get easier. That old sun keeps coming up, no matter what.”

  “Yes, it does. Good night,” Sally said, and watched as the last customer left the store.

  “Was she giving you a hard time?” Hunter asked softly, pausing beside Sally.

  “No, she was just remembering how it used to be when my mom and dad were here. I hadn’t realized how much their deaths had affected other people in the town.”

  They were both silent for a moment and then Hunter spoke. “Well, one thing we can do to make things easier for everyone is to get this store decorated. We can put most of them up tomorrow if there’s going to be a snowstorm. We won’t have that many customers.”

  “That’s true, but don’t try to come to work until the storm has blown through.”

  “Hmm. I’ll see.”

  “Hunter, what do you mean?”

  “I’ll probably come over at the regular time, which is nine o’clock, right?”

  “But I might not be here. At least call before you come.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that. Now, how about dinner?”

  “Do you intend to bring your dinner tomorrow?” Sally asked, not sure what he was asking.

  “No. I mean will you have dinner with me, tonight?”

  “Oh, no, I don’t think so, Hunter.”

  “Oh come on, you know I don’t like to eat alone. Won’t you take pity on me?” He looked at her with a pleading look and Sally smiled despite herself.

  “I don’t think you’ll be alone very long. I think you’re already meeting a lot of people. I’m sure someone will join you.”

  “You’re telling me that you prefer to eat alone? I don’t believe you.”

  Sally stared at him in frustration. “No, I don’t like to eat alone, but it’s not good to eat out all the time.”

  “Then let me cook for you. I’ll use your kitchen and make supper for both of us.”

  “You can cook?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I’m pretty good, too. I’ll pick up some things and then I’ll meet you back at your house. Deal?”

  “I—I suppose so.”

  “Good.” To her surprise, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  She didn’t move for several minutes. She’d been used to loving parents who hugged and kissed her frequently. But, with their deaths, no one touched her, unless she visited Penny. And certainly not another man! She thought she should tell Hunter that he shouldn’t kiss her, but she knew she liked it.

  Too much. But she knew she would have to say something to Hunter. He couldn’t go around kissing her like that and she didn’t want him trying to get close to her because of the store.

  But he was leaving in two weeks. Sally thought how her mother would have teased her about falling for someone who wouldn’t stay around, and her father would give her a stern lecture.

  But they weren’t here and she was on her own. Should she let Hunter get close to her, share time with her? No, of course not. Not when there was a chance, a big chance, he would disappear, returning to the big city, and she’d never see him again. Sally had suffered enough loss recently, and she didn’t want to go through that ever again. She knew that she and Hunter would have to keep things strictly business.

  Fortunately her sad thoughts were interrupted by Mary and Ethel, coming to retrieve their coats and say goodbye. She told them to feel free to stay home until the storm ended.

  They agreed and departed.

  Sally looked at the empty store, things in disarray, shelves needing to be straightened, dressing rooms needing to be cleaned. She made a quick check of the dressing rooms, returning merchandise to the open floor and then she turned off the lights, locked the front door and slipped out the back entrance, locking that too. Slowly she walked across the street to the big house. It was such a nice house, made for a large family. Maybe someday she’d have children. She hoped so. She could take the baby to the store with her and take care of it and the store at the same time.

  She unlocked her front door and entered the house, looking at it with Hunter’s eyes. He was used to Denver. Did he live in a condo, or have a house? Maybe he lived in a big family home with expensive furniture and servants. But she loved her home, with its comfortable furnishings.

  A cold draft reminded her about the storm. She put some logs in the fireplace and added kindling. It only took a couple of minutes to get a fire started. After all, she’d been taught by the best fire builder in the county, her father. He’d loved a fire and it added warmth to an already cozy room.

  She took off her coat and hung it up. Then she continued into the kitchen. She’d left it clean this morning. Her mother’s influence. She never liked to leave a mess in the kitchen. Both parents had taught her so many things.

  The doorbell rang.

  Drawing a deep breath, she turned to welcome Hunter into her world.

  She swung open the door, only to find Billy standing there.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “OH, BILLY, is something wrong?”

  “There’s a storm coming, Sally,” the elderly man reminded her.

  “Yes, I know. But like I told the others don’t try to come in until you can. We’ll manage fine.”

  “Okay, Sally. Do you have everything you need here? You’ll be warm enough?”

  “Yes, of course. You don’t need to worry about me, Billy,” Sally said, touched at the old man’s thoughtfulness.

  “I know, but your daddy said I was to watch over you.”

  Sally’s breath caught. “When—when did he say that?”

  “Oh, a few times, but we talked just before he died. It kind of got to me, especially now he’s gone.”

  Billy’s eyes misted with tears and Sally reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “Billy, I’ll be fine, I promise, but I appreciate your thinking of me.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on her for you, Billy,” Hunter said, suddenly appearing behind the older man. “I’ll make sure she’s warm.”

  “Hunter,” Billy said, spinning around to face the younger man who had just approached. “I didn’t realize you would be here. As long as I know she’s all right that’s all that matters. I’ll leave you two alone now. Have a good night.”

  “Good night, Billy, and thanks for checking on Sally.” Hunter’s face was solemn and he nodded to Billy.

  “Good night, Billy,” Sally called as he left.

  Hunter stood there on the porch, watching Billy leave.

  “Does he often come check on you?” he asked as he stepped into her home.

  “No. I think hearing about the storm worried him, especially with me being on my own now.”

  “That was thoughtful of him,” Hunter said. He began to remove his leather coat as he took in his surroundings. “This is nice, Sally.”

  “Thank you. Mom did all the decorating.”

  “You must’ve shared a lot with your mother, because this reminds me of you.”

  “Thank you. That’s a nice compliment.”

  “Not one that most women want to hear.” He retrieved the sack he’d set on the floor to remove his coat. “Lead the way to the kitchen.”

  “Follow me.” She reached the kitchen and turned on the light. “I think everything you need will be in here. Mom liked every kitchen gadget she’d ever seen. She was constantly ordering things for the kitchen.”

  “Terrific. I got us a couple of steaks, some broccoli and potatoes to bake.”

  “It sounds like my favorite meal.” She got out a grilling pan for the steaks. “The condiments are over here.”

  Then she took the potatoes and washed them and rubbed them with butter before wrapping them in tinfoil. “Would you like a steamer for the broccoli?”

  “You’re a great assistant, young lady. Usually, when I cook, the lady strolls into the living room and watches television. All that’s left to do is to get the steaks cooking. Then we can both go into the living room.”

&n
bsp; “Let me put on some coffee. It will be enjoyable sitting in the living room by the fire after we’ve eaten.”

  “That sounds terrific. This is certainly a lot nicer than the room I’m staying in.”

  “Mrs Brady has a nice bed-and-breakfast,” Sally said.

  “Yeah, but it’s not like having your own place. I have my own place in Denver, but it’s not as scenic as it is here in Bailey. The views from my condo are strictly city, except for the Rockies on the west side.”

  “You don’t live with your grandfather?”

  “No, I don’t. I used to live with my parents, but they got a divorce. My mother and I moved in with my grandparents. I moved out once I finished college.”

  She plugged in the coffeepot. “A lot of young people move out of their parents’ home after college.”

  “You didn’t want to?” he asked.

  “No. I was thrilled to come back home after college. I asked my parents if they wanted me to move out, but they both refused to even consider such a thing.”

  “That’s nice. What did you major in—marketing?”

  “Yes. But Dad was ahead of a lot of the things they were teaching us. I learned more working at the store than I ever did at college.”

  “Yeah. I majored in marketing also. My dad didn’t want me to have anything to do with Granddad’s stores. But Mom had been telling me they would be mine one day. There wasn’t anything else I wanted to do.”

  “So what are you doing here, Hunter?”

  “I wanted to experience different aspects of running a store. And my grandfather had already spoken to your father about me possibly coming here, and the rest is history.”

  “Which explains why you came to my store. It doesn’t explain why you’re staying for two weeks.”

  “Granddad wanted me to see how you operated. Your store is the best run of any I’ve seen. If you operate it differently than the other stores, maybe I can use some of your techniques. I’ve already noticed you carry better stock, in greater volumes.”