Her mother scowled. “Very funny. Come on, silly."
Heather and Daniel exchanged looks and laughed.
The ride to her house was cordial. Mostly Heather stared out at the beautiful countryside. Snow blanketed the ground, trees, and mountains in all directions. She didn't miss the frostbite, scraping windshields, and below zero wind-chill, but she did love a white Christmas.
She just hoped her family would behave themselves. Make it an enjoyable vacation. Not the dreaded one she was envisioning. Heather reached out and squeezed Daniel's hand. She couldn't be more grateful to another human being. He'd bailed her out at the best possible time. She'd owe him big time.
"You okay?” he whispered in her ear.
She pushed against him and whispered, “Thanks for being here."
"I wouldn't miss it."
* * * *
Daniel had expected Heather's family to be a bunch of grumpy ogres, but they seemed nice. He walked in their front door and instantly felt at home. Never had he seen such a comfy house before. The living room consisted of a large stone fireplace, shelves of glass dolls, blue-flowered wall paper, a matching couch, two rocking chairs, an enormous Christmas tree decorated in white glass bulbs and gold bows, and a train that ran overhead around the room. He stood with his mouth open. “Wow, that train even blows smoke."
"My wife gave me that for our twenty-fifth anniversary,” Dwaine said. “I repaid her kindness with shelves for all her dolls."
Daniel glanced to the walls on the right, covered in porcelain ladies.
Roberta, a warm, heavy set woman, came on the other side of him. “I have a doll from almost everywhere in the United States. However, I still need Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. Then I'm starting a European collection.” She turned to her husband. “Right, honey?"
He rolled his eyes. “Anything to get me to spend money and travel."
Heather laughed. “We joke that her dolls will take over this house one day."
"Like in Toy Story.” Jayne walked to the shelf and picked up a doll with long, curly red hair. “You think they're innocent because they look so sweet, but imagine what they do when we're sleeping."
"You're ridiculous.” Roberta playfully slapped her hand, snatched the doll and put it back. “They're always messing with my dolls."
Jayne flopped to the couch and smiled. “About two years ago.... “She touched her chin, a dazed look on her face. “Yeah, it was two years ago, because it was the night I turned eighteen.” Her eyes registered again. “Anyway, we took all the dolls, faced them backward and taped ‘kick me’ signs on all of them. It was so funny to see Mom's face."
"Yeah, real funny.” Roberta turned to Daniel. “You probably want to get settled into your room. Come on, I'll show you the way."
Daniel glanced at Heather.
She smiled. “Join me after you're done, in the kitchen, for some coffee."
He nodded and followed Roberta down a long hallway to a room on the end. It was small and definitely looked like a woman's room. Big flowers covered the walls, a sewing machine sat in the corner and scraps of material were stacked all over the room.
"This doubles as a sewing room, but the couch makes into a bed and it's comfortable enough.” She lifted a cushion to reveal a bed underneath. “There is a bathroom right next door and clean towels under the sink. It's pretty quiet on this side of the house, so you'll have plenty of privacy."
"Where does Heather sleep?"
Her brown eyes narrowed. “I don't know how serious you are with my daughter, young man, but we'll have no hanky-panky in this house while you're here. We're a Christian family. You understand?"
Daniel held up his palms in surrender. “No, I didn't ... you don't have to worry ... trust me, Mrs. Waterston, that's not a problem."
"Good to hear.” Her smiled returned. “Her room is upstairs."
He tossed his bag on the floor next to the couch. “Thanks for letting me stay here."
A big smile encompassed her face. “Are you kidding? This is the best gift my daughter could have given me.” She grabbed him in a hug and squeezed tight. “And please, call me Roberta. Mrs. Waterston is my mother-in-law."
He could barely breathe.
Heather walked in and giggled. “So, are you settled in yet?"
Roberta let go, crossed to her daughter and kissed her cheek. “I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning. Glad to have you home, sweetheart."
"Night, Mom."
Daniel waited for Roberta to disappear before turning his attention to Heather. Her face only inches from his. His heart accelerated.
"So, coffee?"
"Absolutely,” he said.
She walked out.
He took a deep breath and followed her. There was no waiting any longer. He had to get this off his chest and soon. Every time he looked at her, he wanted to kiss her. If he didn't say something, this was going to be a long week.
* * * *
"Do you want any creamer in your coffee?” Heather held up a carton of French vanilla flavor in one hand and hazelnut in the other.
"Nah, I'll take it with just sugar this time."
She cupped her hand around her green mug and motioned with her head for him to follow her into the living room. Walking into the dark room, she switched on the Christmas tree lights and turned the key on the gas fireplace, filling the room with a peaceful amber glow. Outside, the wind howled and the shutters shook; her dad had said there was an incoming storm. But inside was perfect. “I love this time of year here. So peaceful. Well, once the family has gone to bed.” She laughed.
"Yeah. Though I still don't get what your problem is with your family. Your parents seem nice. Not the bad guys you made them out to be."
"It's only the first day. Give them time."
He chuckled.
"Oh, just wait. You're getting the ‘I just met you’ treatment.” She sat on the couch.
"Seriously?"
"No. They're great. I just get tired of everyone deciding they know what's best for me. Always picking out a guy for me. I think I'm capable of finding one on my own, thank you."
Daniel glanced around the room. “So, this is where you grew up?"
She smiled. “And it looks exactly the same as it did then. Well, there are a few more dolls."
Daniel eyed one of the glass girls. “Your mom really loves her dolls. They are a little creepy, but I like your dad's train."
Heather leapt up. “Hey, how about we tie one of them to the track."
Daniel laughed, shaking his head. “That's not nice.” He crossed to her and pushed her back to the couch. “Be respectful of your mother."
"I'm trying.” She forced her lip into a pout. “She just makes it so hard."
"I really don't get it.” He sat next to her. “Why do you have such a problem with her?"
How did she explain the pressure her mother and brother put on her. “It's not just my mom. She is determined to see me married, that part you know. But there is my brother, also. You'll meet him tomorrow. He has a way of making me feel bad about everything I do."
"How so?"
"I don't know.” She sipped her coffee. “He just says whatever comes to his mind, and before you know it, I'm in tears. You'll see."
"Well, not on my watch.” Daniel lifted his chin and puffed his chest out.
She laughed, and he exhaled.
"Funny.” She knocked her head to his. “I'm so glad you're here. Thanks for coming."
"I'm not the hero you think I am. I just didn't want to spend Christmas in my apartment alone.” He winked.
"Yeah, well, I wouldn't want that for you either. I want you here with me."
"Speaking of that...” He set his cup on the coffee table and angled toward her, his expression serious. “I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure, what's up?"
He exhaled out loud. Whatever was troubling him, it must be bad.
She squeezed his hands. “You can tell me anything. You know tha
t."
A nervous chortle came from his throat. “Yeah, well, this could send you over the edge.” He shifted forward. “You and I never talked about the reason Claudia broke up with me, and we need to."
"I didn't think you wanted to talk about it. I understood, so I didn't ask."
"It kind-of has something to do with you."
"Me?” Heather scrunched her eyebrows. “I don't understand. Why?"
"She has this crazy idea that you and I should be together."
Heather stared at him, the words not computing. “What do you mean?"
"Apparently, when she observed us over Thanksgiving dinner, she determined that you and I are more compatible than me and her."
Heather shook her head, angry. “She broke up with you because we're close? That's stupid. I'm so sorry. You want me to talk to her?"
"No.” His eyes met hers. “She's right."
Heather's heart leapt in her chest, followed by panic. “I don't understand."
He shifted closer to her. “I'm saying I love you, and she's right—we belong together."
This is insane. She jumped up. “Please, Daniel. Don't do this."
He rose to join her. “Do what? Be honest with you about how I feel."
"Ruin our friendship on a rebound."
Dejection was evident in his expression. She didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but this friendship meant too much to her. She wouldn't allow him to throw it away.
"That's what you think this is?” He inched closer to her. “Me on the rebound?"
She stepped back with her arms crossed. “You proposed to another girl less than two weeks ago, so yes, I most certainly do."
He mirrored her step. “And that kiss we shared in your apartment, was that not real?"
"No, of course not. You said it yourself. You were feeling bad about Claudia not calling you.” Heather's voice wavered. She didn't believe that anymore than he did. But she couldn't let him know it. “And once again, you're turning to me because you were rejected."
He took her hand. “Whatever made that kiss happen is not the important thing, what is important is what I discovered the minute it happened."
"And what was that?” Her voice cracked.
He drew her to him and spoke softly. “That I've never felt this way about any other woman. That I believe you are my soul mate."
Heather didn't know what to say. Her legs wobbled, her body trembled. She couldn't deny the chemistry between them. But was it all right to embrace it? Was it worth risking their friendship? She panicked and spat out, “What about Steve?"
His expression soured. “Steve? Are you kidding me? You just met the guy a few weeks ago. You barely know him, and you're not even officially together."
"So?"
"So, you can't tell me you feel for him what you feel for me."
"What I feel for you?” She pursed her lips and moved away from him toward the hearth. “What I feel for you right now is too hard to describe. Maybe anger. Frustration. And confused about why you're trying to destroy a friendship that I've never had with anybody. I won't risk that."
He came behind her and kissed her neck. “I'm offering you so much more."
Her skin tingled. She closed her eyes, almost giving in. She did care about him, but she was scared. Frightened that she'd lose the one true friend in her life. “I can't. I'm sorry.” She ran to her room, and allowed the tears to fall. Everything inside her said to go back down and make it right, but she couldn't face him again. Because ration might give way to illogical emotion and that just might ruin everything.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Ten
Daniel draped an arm over his aching head. He didn't sleep well at all, and when he finally managed to drift off, he was woken by the sounds of chopping wood outside his window.
The blinds did little to block out the morning sunlight and the smell of coffee filtering through the house made his stomach grumble. It was Christmas Eve and all of Heather's family would be here today. All he wanted to do was melt back under the covers and remain asleep until the day his plane left.
Someone knocked at the door.
"Come in,” he rasped, as he pulled the covers up to his chin.
Roberta smiled from the doorway. “Breakfast is ready if you'd like to join us.” Her smile indicated she'd very much like him to oblige.
"Sure,” he said with a forced grin. “Just give me a second."
"Great.” She backed out and shut the door.
Could he face Heather now? Remain friends. That's all she wanted. But could they? Everything was different. Somehow a choice would have to be made. He couldn't possibly watch her with another guy. With that pastor ... It would hurt too much. He pinched his eyes shut and exhaled. Why was he stupid enough to say something when they were stranded together for five days? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
He pulled the pillow out from under his head, covered his face and yelled as loud as he could in the stuffing. “Aah!” He dropped the pillow to his chest and sighed. Lord, this is way out of control. I need help here. It's your birthday and I'm all disconcerted over a girl. Please help this to be a nice celebration. Help me to get through breakfast.
A moment of peace washed over him. Enough for him to kick his feet to the floor. Here I go. He glanced at a porcelain doll by the bed. Wish me luck.
* * * *
Heather was toying with a piece of bacon when Jayne saddled up next to her.
"So, who is he?"
She raised an eyebrow. “Who's who?"
"Daniel."
The subject turned her stomach. She dropped the bacon to her plate and reached for a napkin. “I told you. A friend and my neighbor."
"Right, that's what you said, but that isn't how he looks at you.” Jayne reached for a biscuit and broke it open. “Well, if I were you, I wouldn't hide my feelings for him today. I just overheard Mom talking on the phone. She has invited Martin Gooner over for dinner tonight. I'm assuming he's coming for your benefit."
Heather gasped, the color probably draining from her face. “Goonbean?"
"Pass the gravy.” Jayne pointed to the boat by Heather's elbow.
In a daze, Heather grabbed the glass pitcher and passed it to Jayne.
"Because Mom is determined to have you married and with children as soon as heavenly possible.” She smothered her biscuit with the gravy and then passed it back.
Heather rested her chin on her fist, just in time to see Daniel walk down the hall. Her eyes met his and for a second, her heart flipped.
He didn't look well. His eyes were bloodshot, his skin pale.
"Good morning,” she said.
He offered a half-smile and took a seat on the other side of Jayne.
Jayne looked from him to Heather. “Um, we're kind of a casual family. The food is out and we slowly filter in. Go ahead and eat."
"Thanks,” he said.
"Would you like some coffee?” Jayne stood.
"Yes, please."
Heather was half-tempted to jump up and get it herself, because Jayne was about to leave them alone. And she did. The barrier between them felt thick and painful. Neither acknowledged the other. She reached into the center of the table for the jam at the same time he reached for a biscuit. Their hands grazed.
She glanced at him, startled.
He looked away and attended to his bread.
Jayne walked back in and handed him the coffee, then sat down again. The rest of the family entered from the kitchen laughing.
"Oh, you're all here. Great, let's eat.” Roberta set a bowl of fruit salad on the table and then motioned for everyone to sit. “Dwaine, why don't you say grace?"
Everyone bowed his or her heads.
He cleared his throat and began, “Dear Lord, thank you for this time we have together as a family and for coming to this earth for us. Please keep Keith and Leesa safe as they drive the icy roads. Thank you for this food and the blessings you bestow on us. Amen."
Everyone said a
men in unison, then started grabbing for food. The spread looked good. Poached eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit salad, and hash browns. They passed the food around and Heather filled her plate, though she wasn't sure if she'd eat much of it. However, she was grateful for the mood of the room; it kept the focus off her and Daniel's enormous, emotional blockade.
After breakfast, they'd have to talk. If Goonbean was really coming, Daniel would have to help her. So, they'd had a disagreement, she brought him with her to do a job. And now was the time.
* * * *
"Daniel, can I talk to you outside for a moment?” Heather asked after they'd cleared their plates.
He looked at her a moment and nodded. They couldn't go all week like this. “Let me get my coat."
They both bundled up for the snow-covered grounds and walked out the back door. He glanced through the glass of the enclosed porch, mouth open, in awe at the view. Miles of tall pine trees and mountaintops were laden with snow. It was like looking at a winter-themed screensaver. Breathtaking.
He drew his coat tight and followed Heather to a veranda swing. Though it was screened in, it was still cold enough for his breath to be visible.
"Look, I'm sorry I ran away last night without talking this out with you.” Heather sighed. “You mean too much to me to just let it go."
He sat next to her and the swing moved. “I don't know where this puts us, Heather. I can't deny how I feel about you and I'm sorry you don't feel the same."
She chewed her bottom lip, something she often did when she was frustrated. “Can we not be hung up on this now, please? You came here as my friend, and I need that friend now more than ever."
He sensed concern in her voice. “Why? What's wrong?"
She rubbed her gloved hands together and stood, pacing. “There is this guy named Martin Gooner. He's a guy I went out with in my sophomore year of high school. He's a real Eddy Haskell. My parents love him and have wanted nothing more than to get us together, which once you meet him; you'll know why that is absolutely never going to happen.” She stopped and looked Daniel in the eye, her expression desperate. “My mom invited him to dinner tonight. Jayne says she plans to set us up."
Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas Page 8
