The Christmas Kiss

by Virginia McCullough

  “Good question.” Emma bristled, knowing full well it wasn’t fair. But maybe it was a little singing to him, but to her it was a statement, a sign. The volunteer organizers felt the same way. Bluestone River was taking something cherished in the past and polishing it up and bringing it out as a showpiece again.

  Suddenly, Mike’s laughter pierced the air and drew her attention to the other boat, facing toward the house again.

  “I wonder what Ruby said to get Mike laughing,” Emma mused. “This time. She makes him laugh all the time. I think that’s half the reason he’s so in love with her.”

  “Not a bad reason at all.” Parker smiled and picked up the oars.

  Emma was glad Parker rowed away from the shore rather than toward it. She was enjoying this too much to head back. She was curious about a remark Nicole had made earlier, but wasn’t sure how to broach it. Emma wasn’t even sure why it stuck in her mind or had any meaning at all.

  “I’m curious,” Emma started. “Nicole mentioned that it was snowing in Colorado and about going to another college. Is her mother moving there?”

  Parker adjusted his sunglasses, one of his nervous habits, she’d noticed. He kept his focus on the water, not on her.

  “No, that’s where she expected to go to college. I’d accepted a job to start a new avian rescue center. Nicole planned to move with me. Actually, we were all going. Jackie hadn’t left yet.” Parker scoffed. “To be honest it was one of those offers that sounded too good to be true, and it turned out to be just that. The whole thing fell through last spring.”

  “I see.” But she didn’t. Or maybe she didn’t like what she suspected was true. “So, we were your second choice?” If that.

  Parker abruptly stopped rowing. “When you put it that way, then yes. That’s how I landed here.” He began rowing again. “Emma, surely that would make sense to you. You knew I wasn’t a young guy looking for his first job.”

  “I just hadn’t thought of it that way,” Emma said, confused by a barrage of contradictory feelings. Parker was right. What had she expected? That someone with his experience would make their small center his last stop? She knew better.

  “Look, I won’t lie to you. I wanted that move to Colorado. I’d prepared my whole career for a job like that and had all the credentials for it. Anyone in my field would have jumped at the chance. But it was more or less a house of cards. I hadn’t signed a new contract at the center in North Carolina. Nic was finishing senior year and we were going to leave after graduation. End of story.”

  Knowing the question was out of line, she stumbled into it anyway. “Then do you plan to leave when another opportunity comes up?”

  Parker frowned. “Emma, these questions aren’t relevant now. Have you seen even one sign that I’m not committed to the sanctuary? One hundred percent?”

  “No, not really. But...” She searched for the words to make herself understood.

  “So far, I’ve done everything asked of me.” Parker’s voice rose as he spoke. “And more. Much more.”

  “Yes, you have,” Emma said. “I’ve enjoyed watching what you’ve done. Anyone can see all the time and energy that’s gone into the sanctuary. I’m not criticizing.”

  “You’ve played a significant part, too, Emma.” Parker nodded. “Look, let’s settle this. I committed to the board for a year, with an optional automatic renewal if I want it. Beyond that, we’ll see. But if you’re wondering, I’m not actively looking for another job.”

  Emma ignored that grudging, frustrated tone that she’d also detected on other occasions. “Okay, my mistake. I never should have questioned you.”

  He studied her face. “Then why did you?”

  A stark and frank question. An equally stark answer was on her tongue. “I really don’t know.” She stopped short of admitting she was drawn to him. That she selfishly didn’t want him to leave. She settled for making a couple halfhearted remarks about the beauty of the land and its role in the town’s renewal. It sounded like brochure copy, even to her. Finally, she more or less gave up explaining. “All that aside, you and Nicole seem to fit right in here.”

  In a gentler voice, Parker said, “And don’t get me wrong. Even Nic noticed how nice you’ve all been.” He raised his brows. “Not to mention an apartment all to herself.”

  “I’ll bet.” She glanced at the pinkish ripples of light on the water. The sun was fading now. “It’s going to be dark soon.”

  “We should probably get back.” He pointed with his chin to the shore. “Mike is dragging the other boat up on the beach.”

  “It’s been fun out here rowing around,” she said, trying to lighten up her tone. “Thanks.”

  “I’m glad we grabbed the chance.”

  The dull ache in her hip distracted her when they fell into an awkward silence. She shifted her position and bent her knee and tucked her left leg behind her right. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Parker watching, a small wrinkle forming between his brows. It took an effort to keep her expression neutral.

  When they reached the shore, Parker grounded the bow and jumped out. “Let me pull it up so you don’t get wet.”

  Emma gripped the sides as she tried to figure out a way to gracefully lift herself up and off the boat. For the moment, though, she was stuck. Avoiding Parker’s eyes, she saw Nicole watching while she pushed Jason in the tire swing. Emma had spent way too much time trying to dodge moments just like this one.

  “Can I help you?” Parker’s voice was casual.

  She smiled up at him. “Um, thanks, but I can manage.” She pushed off from her good leg, and almost got to both feet as she reached across the seat for her cane. Big mistake. The ache in her bad leg turned into a bolt of unexpected pain streaking down her thigh. She gasped and let herself drop to one knee to avoid falling over.

  Parker’s arm circled her waist and he steadied her. “That hurt, huh?”

  “A little bit, but I’ll be fine.” As she started to straighten up, he held on with a looser grip but didn’t move away from her. He kept his hand on her arm as she stepped out of the boat.

  “You kind of had me worried there,” he said, trying to keep his voice light.

  She pulled her arm out of his grip. “Please, I can manage to take care of myself. I’m not helpless. I’m not one of your wounded birds.” She gulped air and covered her mouth with her hand. An apology, an explanation, started to form, but Parker was faster.

  “You? Helpless? Right.” He turned away abruptly and took long strides toward Nicole.

  Her expression troubled, Nicole caught her eye. She owed Parker an apology. But now he was talking to Mike and Nicole. Jason and the dog were running in circles around the three them.

  Ruby hurried toward her, beaming, which meant her best friend hadn’t seen her struggle to get out of the boat. Good. She would hide the ache in her leg long enough to say her goodbyes. Once she got home, she’d soak in a hot tub and the pain would go away.

  “It was gorgeous out there, wasn’t it?” Ruby asked. “Mike and I haven’t been out much by ourselves. Jason is usually with us—and Peach.”

  “It was a gorgeous day.” Emma put her arm around Ruby. “Thanks so much. Another special holiday with you.”

  Ruby pulled away. “Wait a minute. I’ll get you some leftovers.”

  “No, don’t bother now,” Emma said. “I’ll stop in tomorrow. I’m going to be at the sanctuary most of the day anyway.” And she’d get Parker off by himself and apologize properly. Profusely.

  Ruby eyed her suspiciously. “Are you hurting?”

  She tightened her mouth and nodded. “A little. I probably didn’t stretch enough this morning.” A harmless little white lie.

  “If you’re sure,” Ruby said, looking skeptical. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow one way or the other. If I’m not here, I’ll be on the boardwalk.”

  Emm
a gave Ruby a quick one-armed hug and shouted goodbye to everyone. “See you tomorrow.”

  Jason ran toward her with Peach following. “You going to walk me to my car?”

  “Uh-huh. Dad said we’re going to be in the woods tomorrow. But our feet won’t touch the ground.”

  Emma laughed and stroked Jason’s brown curls. “That’s right. You come visit me in the office. I have a slideshow. You can see pictures I took of lots of stuff. Would you like that?”

  “Yep. Bye.” With that he ran off to join the others.

  Still angry with herself, Emma walked away as fast as she could.

  When she got home, she peeled off her clothes and sat on the edge of the tub while it filled. Her cheeks were wet with the tears that had started the minute she closed her front door. Over what? Her thoughtless remark? Her tears certainly weren’t about Parker. Well, maybe a little. No, this was all about her. She started her day with energy and anticipation, but now all that had drained away and this sense of defeat had taken over.

  Poor me, she mocked. I couldn’t get myself out of the boat.

  Big deal. She’d stayed in one position too long and her hip and leg were like a frozen hinge that kept her from unfolding her body. If she’d laughed at herself and accepted Parker’s help, it would have been a light moment between friends.

  Emma thought she’d adjusted to her situation. Accepted that she had this one physical limitation. A minor one that had no real consequences in her regular life other than not being able to walk long distances. She needed a cane to ease the pressure off her lower back and hip. That was it.

  And maybe occasionally, she had to grasp an outstretched hand to help her. She submerged into the water and let the heat do its magic.

  * * *

  PARKER WAS NOT about to apologize to Emma. He wouldn’t back down and pretend he did something wrong. He left the treatment cabin and was on his way to the pier in the dark when his phone buzzed in his pocket. A call, not a text.

  “Am I calling too late? Oh, why am I bothering to ask that. You’d deny it if it were true just so I wouldn’t feel bad.”

  “Luckily, I don’t have to deny anything. And it’s not exactly the middle of the night.”

  “You know why I’m calling.”

  “I can speculate, Emma, but I’d rather not.”

  “I had no right snapping at you the way I did. I’m truly sorry. I hope you believe me.”

  “Of course, I believe you, Emma,” he said, realizing his voice had softened nearly to a whisper.

  “I was completely frustrated with myself, Parker. It had nothing to do with you.”

  He didn’t believe that. He’d triggered something. And that’s what he wouldn’t apologize for.

  “I know exactly how fortunate I am to be walking around at all. I don’t wear self-pity well and I don’t want to start now.”

  “Can I say something now?” Parker asked.

  “Uh, okay.”

  “Well, I’m not going to lie and tell you I’m sorry for reaching out to steady you or help you get out of the boat. I’m just not. If Ruby tripped, or Jason got hurt, I’d jump in.”

  “I know, Parker. That’s why I feel bad about what I said.”

  “It’s not about intruding in your space, Emma. Maybe you would have righted yourself. Maybe not. But I wasn’t going to wait around to see. But please, it’s done now.”

  “And I can sleep,” Emma said clearly sounding relieved. “I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.”

  “Consider it done.”

  “Thanks. So, see you in the morning?”

  “First thing.”

  She said a soft goodbye and ended the call. He went down to the pier, smiling to himself.

  * * *

  EMMA CRAWLED INTO BED, relieved by her conversation with Parker beyond what made sense. She’d blown this all out of proportion. Nearly asleep, she heard the signal alerting her to a text. She rolled over and grabbed the phone off the nightstand. She laughed out loud at the message: U r no wounded bird.

  Sighing as she snuggled under the covers, phone in hand, she considered typing a reply, but couldn’t come up with anything witty enough. Somehow, a simple “thanks” wouldn’t do.

  If more needed to be said to clear the air they could do it in person. Tomorrow.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  STANDING ON THE pier, Parker looked through the trees to watch the growing slice of reddish light eerily tint the horizon marked by heavy, dark clouds. He turned to the sound of footsteps behind him. It was barely dawn, but Nicole had her travel mug in one hand and her backpack hanging off one shoulder. He remembered now she’d taken an extra shift at the bakery this weekend. As she got closer he could almost feel the heavy gloom she brought with her that morning. Out of duty, but not desire for an answer, he took a chance and asked if she was okay.

  She avoided his gaze and shook her head. “Not really. It’s Mom again.”

  “Oh? Did she tell you about her Thanksgiving?”

  “She doesn’t like some of Ben’s old friends.”

  Too bad. He couldn’t dig deep and locate sympathy.

  “She hasn’t made any women friends yet. She sounds kind of lonely.”

  Parker held back angry words and coughed like he’d swallowed wrong. Why was Jackie playing such games with Nicole? She’d never been that kind of person, not until she’d started sneaking around with Ben.

  “Honey, I’ve told you a million times, your mom can take care of herself,” he said. “Your mom absolutely knows how to make friends.”

  “But what if she and Ben break up or something?”

  “She’ll make another plan. She’ll find a teaching job somewhere.”

  “What if she wanted to come here?”

  “You aren’t suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, right?”

  Nicole snickered and gave him a pointed look. “No Dad, I know you two aren’t getting back together. But maybe she could live near here. Like over in Clayton. That’s not far from my school.”

  It wouldn’t matter to him one way or another. He also wasn’t about to argue about some hypothetical breakup. “You know what I hope for? Whatever makes you happy.”

  Nicole nodded. She stared out at the water, dark and still under the thick clouds forming now. “I better go. But I’ll be back to help you if you need it.”

  “No rush,” he said. “Between you and me, I don’t see this place overflowing with visitors. A cold front is coming through. It’s probably going to be busier in the bakery than it will be here.”

  “Wow, aren’t you the optimist? I hope you’re wrong.”

  “Me, too, but I don’t think so.”

  She started down the path, but turned back. “Is Emma mad at you about something?”

  “No. We’re fine.”

  “She seemed to rush off. Like she didn’t hang around to say a proper goodbye.”

  “We had a little misunderstanding, that’s all.”

  “Okay, I believe you.” She grinned. “I think.”

  He waved her toward the vehicle. “Get outta here.”

  Parker went back to his cabin. Between thinking about Emma and worrying about this open house weekend being a bust, he’d barely slept and finally gave up and stood under a stream of hot water.

  His hair was still damp when he went to pay a visit to the owl. Because of how protective Emma felt about the owl, it was hard to think that the time was coming soon when he’d need to let her go back to the woods. She’d likely stay in these woods through the winter, probably with her mate, along with a good number of cardinals and juncos. Crows might happen by as well.

  “Okay, my friend, wake up and smell the coffee,” Parker said, raising the dark fabric cover and eying the owl. The owl spread her wings and lifted her feet. The bird had a way of staring back.


  “I promise not to treat you like my pet bird for much longer,” he said. That’s not to say Parker wouldn’t think about his first patient in his new home. There were a couple of eagles that had long stays at the rescue center and the memories of watching them heal still lingered in his mind. Even Jackie and Nicole sometimes struggled to say goodbye to one of the creatures he’d saved.

  Heading to the center, Parker debated calling Jackie. If he was going to make that call, he had to do it soon or postpone it another day. Once inside, he turned on the heater, and he set up chairs in the alcove for visitors to watch Emma’s slideshow. By next year, one of the larger cabins would be converted to a classroom with benches, tables, a whiteboard and screen.

  As he worked he rehearsed what he’d say to Jackie if he reached her. Finally, knowing he’d regret not trying to make the call, he went into the office and hit Jackie’s number.

  “Parker? Is that you? Do you know what time it is?”

  “Yeah, I do. An hour later than it is here.” Whoa, he sounded colder than he meant to.

  “Is Nic okay? What is it?”

  “Nic is fine. This isn’t an emergency, Jackie. At least not on my end. It’s you I’m concerned about. Nic is...” He searched for the right word.

  “Nic is what? Is she unhappy out there?”

  Anger started to build inside. “No, Jackie, she’s not unhappy.” He told Jackie about everything Nic liked about her life, from school and her job to Jason and Peach. “I don’t want to blame you, but she’s kind of gloomy about you. She thinks you’re unhappy.”

  Silence.

  “Uh, Jackie, I’m not saying it’s your fault.”

  “Yes, you are.” She spoke in her no-nonsense teacher’s voice.

  “Why don’t you just explain yourself? Why are you telling her you don’t like Ben’s friends or you don’t have your own friends?”

  “Oh, Parker, she’s eighteen. Just because Nic says something that doesn’t make it...entirely accurate.”

  “So it’s only sort of true?”

  “Let’s just say I’m adjusting. New place. New...”