What if he never came back?
No. She would not let those fears have a place in her heart. She laid the Bible on his nightstand, sank onto the edge of his bed and lowered her head. Father, please help me have faith in Your plan and in Alex and the promises he’s made. Please give me strength to believe the best about Alex. Give our love a chance to grow, for all our sakes.
She was just about to whisper “amen” when Irene called her name from downstairs.
“Did you find that box?”
Annie rose from the bed. “Yes, I’ve got it. I’ll be down in a minute.” She turned and smoothed the wrinkles out of Alex’s bedspread. If only she could smooth out the wrinkles in her life as easily. With one last glance at the Bible on the nightstand, she turned and walked out of his room, her heart still playing a game of tug-of-war between hope and doubt.
Thirty minutes later, Irene sank into her recliner with a satisfied sigh. “My goodness, I didn’t realize how many decorations I’ve collected over the years.”
Annie looked around with a smile. Little white lights twinkled in the evergreen and holly branches they’d laid across the mantel. Irene’s angel collection filled the top of the dining-room buffet, and three unique nativity sets held places of honor in the living room. “The house looks beautiful, Irene.”
“Thank you, dear. I never could’ve done it without you.”
“I’m glad to help.” Annie glanced at Emma. She lay on the living-room rug, wearing a red plush Santa hat and playing with a child’s plastic nativity set, lost in her own world.
Irene nodded toward Emma. “It’s good to see a child playing with that set again. Leslie bought it for Alex and Steven when they were boys.”
Annie sat at the end of the couch closest to Irene. “Leslie was Alex’s mother?”
“Yes. She and my son, David, were wonderful parents. They made sure the boys knew the true meaning of Christmas.” Irene pressed her lips together, and tears glistened in her eyes. “Even though it’s been sixteen years, it’s still hard to believe they’re gone.”
Annie reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Irene. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to lose your son, daughter-in-law and a grandson all at once like that.”
“Thank you, dear. You’re very sweet.” She sniffed and reached for a tissue. “I’m not sure how we made it through that time. But we had to take care of Alex. I suppose that’s what kept us going.”
“He’s only mentioned it to me once. I could tell it’s hard for him to talk about it.” She hesitated, then lifted her gaze to meet Irene’s. “If it’s not too painful for you, I’d like to know what happened.”
Irene clutched the tissue. “Yes, you should know so you can understand Alex better.”
Her gaze drifted to the front window. “They were on vacation in northern California, camped in the forest by a small stream. One evening there was a heavy storm, and it turned that little stream into a raging torrent. A flash flood swept through their campground. Alex grabbed hold of a tree and screamed for help. His father tried to reach him, but he was swept away while Alex watched.” Irene dabbed her eyes again. “Such a tragedy, and such a burden for Alex to carry.”
A dreadful shiver raced up Annie’s back, and she swallowed. “What about his mother and brother? Did he see...” But she couldn’t finish her question.
“No, he never saw what happened to them. God spared him from that.”
“I’m so sorry,” Annie whispered.
“It was very difficult for Alex. He was only twelve at the time.”
Annie nodded, trying to absorb the story. Her father had left her mother when she was young, but at least she heard from him once or twice a year on her birthday or Christmas.
“I’ve often wondered if losing his parents and brother is the reason he’s been so focused on his career rather than settling down and starting a family.”
Annie tipped her head. “You’d think losing them would make him want a family more than ever.”
“I believe down deep he wants a family.” She shook her head sadly. “But I’m afraid the possibility of losing someone he loves has made him hesitant to commit to a relationship. In Alex’s eyes, the risks are too great, and it’s safer to pour himself into his job.”
Annie sat back, considering Irene’s words. Had Alex returned to San Francisco to distance himself from her and short-circuit their relationship?
Irene reached for her hand. “But don’t worry, dear. I’ve been praying about this for a long time, and I believe the Lord is finally answering my prayer by bringing you here.”
“Really?”
Irene nodded. “Alex needs to work through these issues, and I think you might be just the woman to help him do it.”
Annie let that thought settle in her heart. Could she help Alex put his painful past to rest? She certainly could relate to the losses and feelings of anger and rejection that went along with them. She’d struggled with those very issues for a long time. Only in the past couple years had she allowed the Lord to comfort her and begin to heal those wounds. If she shared what she’d learned with Alex, would it help him find the healing he needed?
But putting her heart on the line for a man who didn’t have a history of commitment was a risk—a huge risk.
She settled back on the couch, pondering all that Irene had told her. If she truly loved Alex, then she should be willing to do whatever she could to help him, even face the possibility of a broken heart.
Emma hopped up and joined her on the couch. “Can we put up the lights now?”
Annie blinked and turned to her daughter. “What?”
“You said we could put lights around the window.” Emma pointed to the two strings of Christmas lights that lay on the floor by the couch.
Annie brushed the curls back from her daughter’s face, thankfulness filling her heart. “Sure, let’s put up those lights.”
* * *
Alex looked out the side passenger window of the cab as it turned down his grandmother’s street. The wet pavement glistened in the reflective glow of the streetlights. Raindrops splashed against the window, blurring his view of the Christmas lights the neighbors had strung across their rooflines, porches and yards.
“It’s the fourth house on the right.”
“Okay.” The cabdriver slowed and pulled into the driveway. He looked over his shoulder. “Bet you’re glad to get home before this rain turns into sleet or snow.”
“Very glad.” Alex grabbed his computer bag from the seat and climbed out of the cab. He’d prayed the storm wouldn’t delay his flight or strangle traffic between the train station and his grandmother’s home, and his prayers had been answered.
The driver lifted Alex’s suitcase from the trunk and extended the handle. Alex handed the man two twenties. “Keep the change.”
“Thanks.” The driver tapped the bill of his Seattle Seahawks cap in a jaunty salute and hustled off.
Alex gazed up at Irene’s house. Golden light glowed in the windows, sending out a warm welcome. He towed his bag across the stone walkway, torn between running up the stairs to see Annie and hanging out on the porch for a few minutes to figure out what he was going to say to her.
He hadn’t told her he was coming home, even though they’d talked on the phone last night. He’d told himself he wanted to surprise her, but the truth was he didn’t quite know how to explain they’d let him go.
What would she think of him now? And how could they make plans for the future when he didn’t have a job?
A silhouette rose in the front window, and then a string of white lights flashed on, revealing Annie’s face and lovely form.
His breath snagged in his throat, and his hesitation faded. Coming home to Annie was definitely better than sitting alone in his San Francisco apartment trying to fig
ure out what came next. There was nothing to hold him in San Francisco now, and there were so many reasons to come home.
He carried his suitcase up the steps, pushed open the front door and strode into the living room.
* * *
Annie plugged in the string of lights and stepped up on the chair. If she strung the lights over the end of the curtain rod and wrapped them around again in the middle, maybe she could make this work.
“Be careful, dear. I don’t want you to break your neck,” Irene called from her recliner. “Do you want me to come help you?”
“No, I’m fine. I’ll get it.” She rose on her tiptoes, straining to reach the rod. If only she were a little taller.
The front door opened, and Alex walked into the living room. Annie gasped and teetered toward the edge of the chair.
“Whoa!” Alex rushed forward and steadied her with a firm grasp around her waist.
Annie blinked as the warmth of his hands traveled through her, heating her all the way to her toes.
“Alex!” Emma ran to him and wrapped her arms around his legs.
“For goodness’ sakes,” Irene said. “You’re going to give me another heart attack, surprising us like that.”
“Sorry, Gram.” He took Annie’s hand and helped her down from the chair.
Annie could barely find her voice. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned. “I was hoping for a little more of an enthusiastic greeting than that.”
“Sorry.” She hugged him, closing her eyes and taking another moment to let the wonderful surprise sink in. Finally she stepped back.
Emma tugged on his pants leg. “Do you want to see where I lost my tooth?” Without waiting for his reply, she opened her mouth and pointed to the empty spot.
He leaned down and tipped up her chin. “Well, look at that.” He narrowed his eyes. “I can see all the way to your tonsils.”
Emma’s mouth snapped closed. “My what?”
“He’s teasing you, sweetie.”
“Oh...well, the Tooth Fairy left me a whole dollar.” She smiled at Annie, looking as if they shared a delightful secret.
“That’s great.” He gave her a gentle pat on the head. He took off his jacket and walked over to the front closet.
Annie followed him. “I’m glad you’re here, but I don’t understand. When we talked last night, you didn’t say anything about coming home.”
“Things have changed. And I thought it would be best if I explained them in person.”
Annie read the truth in his eyes. He’d lost his job. That had to be a terrible blow. But like the fog slowly lifting, another truth became clear. If he was no longer tied to his job in San Francisco, he was free to stay in Fairhaven. He could oversee the renovations, be here to help with the transition as they reopened, and maybe...just maybe he’d stay and partner with her to manage the new Jameson’s Bakery Café. A surge of hopefulness flooded her heart.
“Let’s sit down.” He took her hand and led her back to the couch. After they settled in, he poured out the story.
“So they let you go after all the hard work you’ve put in the last seven years?” Irene glared toward the fireplace. “Ungrateful tyrants.”
“It’s business, Gram. The guy who runs marketing for Wyndham is related to the CEO. Once I heard that, I knew the chances of them keeping me on were slim.”
Irene huffed. “Well, you deserve better treatment than that.”
“Maybe.” He looked off toward the window and rubbed his chin. “But they can’t keep people on the payroll they don’t need.”
“They’ll be sorry they let you go.”
“Thanks, Gram.” Alex shifted his gaze to Annie. “My lease is up at the end of the month, so I packed up yesterday and turned in the key.”
She pulled in a quick breath. “You moved out of your apartment?”
He nodded. “I gave away some furniture to friends and put the rest in storage. I’m not really a collector. I don’t have too much there.”
Irene pushed down the footrest of her recliner. “I’m sorry about your job, but I’m thrilled to have you home for Christmas.”
Alex shifted his gaze to Annie. “Me, too.”
Her heart stirred and lifted. Having Alex home for Christmas would be wonderful, and it was only the beginning for them.
Chapter Sixteen
Alex took Annie’s hand as they rounded the corner and walked toward the bakery. Even through his black leather gloves, he could feel the comforting warmth of her hand in his. He might not know exactly what lay ahead, but he was sure of one thing—coming home to Fairhaven was the right decision. With Annie by his side, he could meet whatever challenges came his way.
“Oh, look, they’re putting up the sign.” Annie clasped his hand more tightly, and they quickened their pace.
Scaffolding had been set up across the front of the building. Two men worked up top, attaching the sign above the doorway. But that wasn’t the only change Alex noticed.
The bricks had been steam cleaned, brightening their deep red color. The trim was painted warm gold and rich terra-cotta. New awnings with bold black-and-white stripes and a scalloped edge hung above the front window and door.
“I can’t believe they’ve made so much progress in just a week.”
Annie smiled and nodded. “Wait until you hear the story about the awnings.”
“What about them?”
“They were intended for another job, but the company sent a double order by mistake. And they just happened to be the size we needed, so Jason was able to give them to us at a great price.”
“Makes you think someone up there likes us.”
She squeezed his hand. “I know He does.”
He scanned the front of the building again, trying to imagine how the bakery would look when the scaffolding was removed. “The awnings will give us some nice shade. Maybe we could offer outdoor seating when the weather warms up.”
Her eyes glowed as she looked up at him. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Well, you know what they say. Great minds think alike.”
She laughed softly. “Right.”
“How’s the progress coming inside?”
“They just started in there a couple days ago.”
“Let’s take a look.” He held open the door for her, then followed her in.
Plastic sheeting hung over the opening to the kitchen, but the rest of the room was mostly empty. The old bakery case and counters had been removed, leaving a large open area.
Jason pushed aside the sheeting and stepped through from the kitchen. “Hey, Alex, I didn’t expect to see you here.” He sent a questioning glance at Annie. His gaze dropped to their clasped hands. An undefined emotion flashed across his face, then disappeared just as quickly.
Alex held tight to Annie’s hand. It was time Jason knew he and Annie were more than friends.
“Things are looking good out front,” Alex said, glancing over his shoulder.
“I’m glad we didn’t get that snow they were predicting. I wanted to get that sign up today.”
“I told Alex about the awnings,” Annie said.
“Yeah, that saved us some time and money.”
Alex nodded and looked around. “So what’s next?”
Jason motioned toward the east wall. “We’re just about done tearing things out in here.” He went on to explain the demolition work they’d done in the kitchen, looking pleased with the progress.
Alex nodded. Even though he’d been hesitant to hire Jason, he seemed to be doing a good job. “So when do you think we can reopen?”
“January 15 is my target date, but that depends on when the new kitchen equipment arrives. I can keep my guys busy working on the floor and walls, but we
’ve got to have that equipment to get the kitchen finished. Give me another week or two, and I’ll be able to give you a firm date.”
Alex glanced around once more. “Okay. We appreciate what you’re doing.”
“Thanks. I don’t think we’ll have any trouble finishing up on time.” He shifted his gaze to Annie and smiled. “I promised Annie I’d give her my best.”
Alex slipped his arm around Annie’s shoulder. “She definitely deserves that.”
“Yes, she does.” Jason nodded. “Well, I better get back to work.” He reached out and shook hands with Alex, then nodded to Annie. “I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”
Alex and Annie walked outside and headed back to the car. When they were half a block away, Annie glanced at him. “I’ve been thinking through some of the details for reopening, and I’m not sure how I’m going to juggle getting Emma off to school and also supervise the morning shift. And what about Irene?”
“I think Gram could manage at home in the morning without you.”
“Maybe, but she can’t drive herself to therapy or appointments, or carry in groceries or climb stairs.”
“I can help her.” Alex unlocked the passenger door for Annie. “And we have at least a month before we open. That gives us time to work it all out.”
“True, but I’d like to give Harry and Janelle an idea of their hours.” She slid into the car and fastened her belt.
Alex climbed in on his side and started the engine. “Let’s look at the calendar when we get home.”
She nodded, but slight lines creased her forehead.
He reached over and took her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be here. We can tackle this together.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “That’s all I need to hear.”
* * *
Annie sat on the log and bent to unzip her boots. Uncertainty swirled through her stomach as she scanned the frozen pond surrounded by tall, frosty evergreens. “I don’t know about this, Alex.”
He settled on the log next to her. “Hey, it’s going to be fun.”
“But I haven’t ice-skated since I was Emma’s age.”
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