A Christmas Kind of Perfect

by Christine Schimpf

  Lila paused. “OK, close your eyes for a moment and picture a horse, a buggy, and a rider.”

  Conrad followed her instructions, but Lila wasn’t prepared for her impulse to kiss his full lips.

  “Ah, how long do you want me to stand around like this with my eyes closed?”

  “Right, sorry. Try to imagine the horse as the characters in your story and the rider in the buggy as the writer. There are times the story takes off all on its own like a horse trotting down a road. The writer follows behind like the buggy rider. Every so often, the story needs a little guidance or a plotline—like a tug on the reins.”

  Conrad opened his eyes. “Sounds as if you need an organized mind to keep that all straight. Outside of that, it doesn’t seem too hard.”

  Lila stared, open mouthed. She never expected that response from him. “Oh, is that right? You ought to give it a try sometime. And as far as being organized goes, I may be able to help you out with that. You seem to be running around like a chicken with your head cut off.”

  Conrad shook his head. “Oh, really? So now you’re claiming to be able to run my business as well as Melanie’s?”

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake, I’m only suggesting…” Lila turned from Conrad to find Cathy and Mrs. Hamilton wearing a couple of satisfied grins. How much of the exchange had they witnessed? Enough by the looks of them. They huddled together like two fat cats that managed to finish a generous bowl of milk.

  Lila leaned toward Conrad. “I’d better get back to socializing with the other guests.”

  Conrad grinned. “If you have trouble pawning off the rest of the scones, I’ll be happy to take them off your hands.”

  Lila rolled her eyes and turned away from him.

  A woman, in a smart business suit and wearing high heels sashayed toward Lila.

  “Suzanne,” Lila swallowed back the surprise and kept her voice even.

  “Well, isn’t this like old times?” Suzanne entered the group, and the attention of those in the gathering, focused on one of the most beautiful women in Sister Bay. Her sleek blonde hair tinted with the lightest of copper red highlights was tied in a Celtic knot at the nape of her neck, giving her flawless complexion no competition. High sculpted cheekbones glittered in soft peach, and she wore a little darker shade on her full lips. The icy coolness coming from Suzanne was undeniable, yet even Lila couldn’t take her eyes off of her. If she didn’t understand what drew Conrad to her before, she did now.

  Aunt Cathy took a step back while Lila scanned the group. Conrad’s face was tinged red, and his eyes were wide.

  “What a nice surprise.” Lila forced as much politeness into her voice as she could manage.

  “Is it? What a turnout. I must admit I’m surprised.” Suzanne’s green eyes remained flat. Her intention cutting to the quick. Conrad stepped forward, his shoulder brushing Lila’s, as if he were protecting her from the first blow in a battle. “I thought you were booked with a meeting tonight. You were more than welcome to come with Mom and me.” He extended his hand, and Suzanne walked toward him as if accepting a dance request.

  “That was this morning, darling. It’s all right. I don’t expect you to remember my schedule.”

  “How is business, Suzanne?” Aunt Cathy asked. “I suspect it’s as slow for you as it is for every other shop in the village.”

  Much like the moment the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was plugged in for the first time of the holiday season, the shift in expression on Suzanne’s face went from anger to joy. “That may be true for some, but our business is booming. With the new Ski Hill going in, there’s more interest in second home purchases, which means more business for Hamilton Construction.” Suzanne’s eyes shifted at Conrad with an implied meaning for him and him alone.

  Now Lila understood the alliance that acted like cement between Conrad and Suzanne. She was not only his intended, but she managed to wiggle her influence to financially help out Hamilton Construction, as well.

  Mrs. Hamilton stifled a yawn. “Conrad, I think it’s time.”

  “OK, Mom.” Conrad turned a shoulder facing Suzanne. “I’m going to take Mom home. Where are you parked?”

  Suzanne stepped into the small circle of people and laid a pretty manicured hand on Conrad’s shoulder for support, kissing his left cheek. “Always the gentleman, Conrad. I’m a few blocks down the street.”

  Cathy rolled her eyes, and Lila exhaled. Was it the same relief filling Lila with the news Suzanne was leaving?

  “Are you ready, Mom?” Conrad’s words cut the air as thick as Lila’s scone batter.

  Mrs. Hamilton gave the group a courteous smile. “Good night, everyone.”

  “Good night and thank you again for coming,” Lila said.

  Suzanne’s appearance had snuffed out the magic left in the evening and managed to take it right along with her. Lila’s heart gave a tug as Conrad helped his mother slip on her coat. The best part of the signing was about to end.

  “Good night, ladies.” Conrad’s eyes moved across the group delivering a quick wink of thanks at Lila.

  Cathy shared a sleepy smile. “I’ll watch for you on Sunday in church, Mabel. Always good to run into you, Conrad.”

  Conrad eased his mother through the crowd on their way to the checkout counter, his hand on her back as he navigated the room, Suzanne at his side. The effect of his absence from the room was immediate like a balloon gone flat. There was a chance she’d run into him tomorrow if he remembered she’d be working in the afternoon. She placed the scone platter on a nearby stand and looped her arm with Cathy’s, grateful for the comfort of someone who loved her. Things were changing between her and Conrad. She could sense it, and she didn’t need to ask.

  Her aunt believed it, too.

  14

  When Lila arrived at the store the following day, she found Melanie behind the counter, seated on a stool. The lines around her eyes deeper than the night before.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re sitting down.” Lila tried her best to sound upbeat.

  Melanie rubbed her forehead. “Not much choice. My ankles are swollen to twice their size.” She lifted her pant legs to reveal two puffy ankles.

  “Ooh, that must hurt.” Lila placed her purse and lunch bag under the counter.

  Melanie groaned. “It’s more of a throbbing pain and only when I’m on my feet too much. I think I overdid it last night, but I couldn’t help myself. What a fantastic turnout. The sales made the whole difference.”

  “I’m glad, but that means today you take it easy. I’m here now. You tell me what needs to be done.”

  “We expect Conrad sometime today to disassemble the riser. Our job is to get the store back into shape. We can start by folding up the chairs. After that, it’s Thanksgiving decorating time—my favorite time of the year.”

  Lila folded the chairs, starting with the back row, and placed them in the corner away from customers. She’d find out where Melanie wanted them placed when she had them all folded.

  Conrad walked through the back door, bringing with him a gust of wind. Dried, withered leaves followed his footsteps into the store. The warm weather they’d enjoyed over the weekend gave way to a late-night cold front with an early prediction of snow.

  He wore an insulated jacket, one typical of men who worked in the outdoors. It added a layer of brute force to his already Herculean attractiveness. His dark curls peeked out from a black knit hat that bore the Sister Bay Bowl logo on the front, a reminder for Lila that he was taken. She folded the next chair in front of her and tried to keep her mind and body busy.

  Conrad walked toward the front of the store. “I came down from Ellison Bay. It’s already snowing up there. They’re preparing for five-to-six inches of the stuff.”

  Melanie beamed a bright smile that breathed life into her face. “Oh, how wonderful. I want plenty so I can cuddle with my boys inside and watch the snowflakes fall.”

  “Mel, you’re such a romantic.” Lila clasped her hands together.
“That does sounds lovely, so I’ll agree with you but only if the snow comes in small doses.”

  Melanie smiled. “It would help the Ski Hill and the store to have a good snow year.”

  Conrad turned to Lila. “I wouldn’t expect you to say you’re looking forward to snow after remembering how afraid you are of the storms.”

  He remembered.

  “Well I’m all grown up now and I love the winter months as much as summer. Most New Yorkers complain about it because of the inconvenience for them. Snow melters march in and it’s soon gone and never enjoyed like we do here at home.”

  Conrad crossed the floor, closing the gap between them. He brought with him the smell of freshly cut evergreen boughs. His cheeks were flushed. “Melanie’s right. It will definitely add to the excitement for the new Ski Hill.” He slipped off his coat and hat and walked toward the front of the store where the riser waited for him. “Melanie, I’ve scheduled a month for the ski chalet addition. Are we still moving forward?” he asked as he withdrew a screwdriver from his utility belt.

  Melanie eased off the stool, walking on tentative feet. “I’ve got the permit and can picture it already—a big gas fireplace, oversized pillows on comfy extra-wide couches, a cozy gathering place. I’ll make a point to go over the numbers again tonight.”

  “How did you ever think of the idea?” Lila asked.

  Melanie’s face colored with excitement. “When I found out the village wouldn’t be building a lodge of its own, I seized the opportunity. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. The sled riders and skiers will be seeking a warm place to congregate after a day on the hill to enjoy a hot chocolate and something to eat. You know my philosophy about feeding my customers.”

  Lila smiled. “It might lead to another sale.”

  “Right and a whole new stream of income.”

  “When does construction begin?” Lila was beginning to inherit some of Melanie’s enthusiasm for the project.

  “Our sales doubled since your arrival, and the signing last night pulled us out of the red. But finances are still tight. I may not be able to swing it this year.”

  “I have an idea. How about I pitch in and finance the addition?” Lila offered. She lifted her gaze to the corner of the room, weighing the impulsive suggestion, and nodded.

  Melanie’s mouth dropped open. “What do you mean?”

  Lila’s heart fluttered. “I can easily cover the cost, and I’d love the opportunity to help.”

  Melanie stared openly at her and appeared to be at a loss for words. “That’s an extraordinary offer but I’m not sure when I could repay you.”

  Lila waved a hand. “We can work that out in the new year.”

  “If I were you, I’d grab it.” Conrad shot a wink in Melanie’s direction. “It’s awfully generous of you, Lila.” He placed one of the wood planks on the floor.

  “I believe Melanie and the store are two solid investments. There’s really nothing for me to even think about.”

  Melanie gazed down at the rug beneath her feet. It appeared she was giving Lila’s suggestion serious consideration. She met Lila’s gaze with moistened eyes. “I’m flabbergasted. All I can say is yes, yes. Yes! That would be fantastic, and the job is already on Conrad’s schedule. The concrete was poured back in August.”

  Lila held her breath. Spending time with Conrad was not a good idea. Not for her. If only the world wasn’t so right when she was near him. Goodness, he was about to propose to another woman!

  How would she abandon her foolish thoughts of wanting more? She’d find a way to ignore him and her growing desire. She exhaled, almost resigning herself to the truth. Conrad was taken and wishing it could be different would get her nowhere.

  Melanie walked toward Lila. “Conrad, let’s move forward,” she said. “All systems go.”

  He gave her a thumbs-up. “We’ll get it done in time for the Ski Hill’s grand opening. I’ve got a small job over in Bailey’s Harbor for the next couple of weeks, but after that I’m all yours.”

  Conrad’s words swirled in Lila’s head. I’m all yours. How she wished that was true.

  15

  As the weeks in October faded away and November rolled in, Lila couldn’t remember a time in her life so physically exhausting, nor could she recall loving it as much as she did.

  She stole a peek at the calendar when she checked someone out at the store. If not for that, she’d have trouble believing so many weeks had passed. She’d reported to the store in the afternoons and worked until close. Each day, she tackled the milestones of small business management—from customer service to inventory maintenance to stocking the kitchen and baking scones. Melanie wanted her to have a level of confidence in running the store in case she needed her to step in.

  In the evenings after supper, Lila started her new book and also began to chart out a children’s mystery series she hoped to pitch to her agent. The little girls she’d met at the signing inspired her in a whole new direction. She only hoped Andrea and Jim would be as excited for that project as they would be for her next women’s fiction story.

  The pounding of nails announced Conrad’s hard work. He’d been busy on the addition, trying to keep his promise to Melanie to have it done mid-December.

  Melanie had decided to work the afternoon so she and Lila could finish inserting feathers into a five-foot-tall wooden turkey destined for the display window, their last task before closing.

  Melanie let out a shriek. Her eyes rounded.

  Lila spun in her direction. “What is it?”

  Melanie leaned back, sucking in a deep breath.

  “Conrad! Conrad, come quick!” Lila yelled.

  Conrad ran toward them. “What is it?”

  “Oh.” Melanie inhaled and puffed breaths out a bit at a time.

  Panic threatened to cut off Lila’s air supply. “Something told me to send you home early today. Now I wished I would’ve listened. What should I do?” Without being told, Lila pulled a chair over to Melanie. “Let me help you sit down.”

  In the next moment, Conrad was next to them. He dropped to his knees at Melanie’s side. His gaze swung from Melanie to Lila. He wanted answers, but all Lila could do was shake her head. This was so out of her experience.

  “I was planning on going home, but I wanted to view the turkey in the window as if I were a customer.” Melanie moaned.

  Lila brushed Melanie’s hair from her eyes. “It’s going to be all right.”

  Conrad reached for his phone. “I’m calling Jack. Thank goodness he’s sticking close to home these days.”

  Melanie sighed. “I think you’d better. Lila, can you call Dr. Hudson for me? My phone is in my purse under the counter. He’s in my contacts list.”

  Lila bolted for the purse. Melanie warned her of complications as she neared her due date, but that was still six weeks down the road. Punching in the doctor’s number, she handed the phone to Melanie. The electricity in the room hit an all-time high while Melanie spoke to her doctor, and Conrad paced the store waiting for Jack’s arrival. Ten minutes later, Jack strode through the back door, his shoulders speckled with new-fallen snow. “I guess this means they were contractions, not Braxton Hicks?” he asked Melanie as if Lila and Conrad were not in the room.

  Melanie gave her husband a half-hearted smile. “I think so. We’re supposed to meet Doc Hudson at the hospital.”

  Conrad stepped forward. “What can we do?”

  Melanie breathed her way through another wave of pain.

  Jack took over. “Can you help me get her in the car? I’m parked right out back.” Jack slipped Melanie’s arms into her coat.

  “On the count of three, we lift her.” One, two, three and up Melanie went into the arms of the two men. Step-by-step, they walked together toward the back entrance.

  “Easy does it now, honey. Everything’s going to be all right,” Jack murmured to his wife.

  Lila sprung ahead and jogged up the exit ramp and held open the door. She shiv
ered as a burst of wind and snow whipped across her face.

  “I never thought I’d be the first one to need this ramp.” Melanie puffed through the pains.

  “You’re always one step ahead,” Jack said with obvious pride.

  Lila watched as Jack and Conrad eased Melanie into the passenger side of the car. There was nothing more for her to do. Jack promised to call as soon as he knew more, and in the next moment, they were gone, the excitement over.

  Conrad rushed back to the door Lila held open for him. “Wow!” he raked a hand through his thick hair.

  The exhilaration on his face was contagious. They experienced something amazing. Together. Although Lila hoped she was wrong, it was very possible the twins were on their way into the world.

  “Was that exciting or what?” He gripped her forearm in a gentle hold, drawing her close to him, an old habit he used often with her.

  What passed between them next told Lila she needed to be careful. Their history was snowballing to the present, the chemistry they’d been fighting taking off like the bonfires they’d attended in their youth.

  “Oh, you’re not kidding. It makes me want a baby all the more. You, too?” Lila asked.

  The weight of her words showed in his face. He released her. “That’s not part of my future. It could be down the road, but it’s a long shot. Suzanne’s focus is on her career, not starting a family. It’s part of the deal.”

  The same shadow of disappointment shrouded his face the last time they spoken of having children.

  “Most women want children at some point in their life, and you seem to be skilled in the art of persuasion.”

  Conrad pursed his lips and shrugged. “She has no patience for children. That’s not a good sign.”

  “Isn’t that something you want to have nailed down before proposing?” Lila bit her bottom lip, wondering if she’d been presumptuous.

  He lifted his shoulders in a light shrug as if it didn’t matter, but children mattered to Conrad very much.

  “You’re probably right. Suzanne’s motivated to succeed in everything she does. I get the impression that kids would get in her way. I’ve decided to let it go for now.”