4

Heather hummed as she swallowed the cookie mixed with her favorite ice cream. She relaxed in her overstuffed chair, with a throw blanket over her feet. The fire popped in her fireplace, but it only brought tranquility. She inhaled her scented candles as they burned. This was peace. This was home.

“Are you serious about this abdominal challenge tomorrow?” Sonia asked.

“It’ll be fun.”

Her sister narrowed her eyes at her. “Planks are never fun.”

Heather waved her spoon at her sister. “You’ll thank me later, especially when your core is nice and strong.”

Sonia groaned. “You’re such a fitness nut.”

“I’m eating ice cream, there’s shepherd’s pie on the counter, so I have my moments.” Heather swallowed another spoonful. Chestnut eyes flashed in her memory. He swept her off her feet and saved her from falling flat on her face.

So what? She could appreciate him being a gentleman. They were scarce. Then to see him at the diner only made her mouth fall open. It was Maple Meadow. People ran into each other all the time. What made her eyebrows raise was seeing him at the table with another woman.

Morgan was sitting with her boyfriend, Desmond. Then she recognized Allen at the table. If only she didn’t know the woman sitting next to him, but Portia Barnes was a new student in her Pilates class. With a pleasant personality, Heather could see her getting along with Allen. What did she care if they did?

When their eyes locked from across the room, an almost electrical feeling went through her. Then he stood and walked over to her. She touched a hand to her hair, waiting for her order of to-go shepherd’s pie. Her body temperature rose, but that didn’t mean a thing. He was handsome with piercing eyes. She met plenty of men with those qualities.

Why did he talk to her though? Why didn‘t he pass by and leave her alone? Even if she attracted him, he wasn’t her type. Did she attract him? Men gave wrong signals all the time. He was on a date with someone else, but he talked to her. He even flirted with her. She knew that much.

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Are you smiling?” Sonia asked.

Tinsel jerked in his sleep in Heather lap, so she patted his back. She swallowed another spoonful. “No, why?”

Sonia grinned. “Did something happen?”

“You’re nosey.”

Sonia’s mouth slackened. “Sorry. I know I can be overbearing like Mom.”

Heather’s heart sank. She reached for her s ister’s hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t mind you asking. You’re not overbearing; you worry as mom does.”

“Can you blame us? Heather you’re—”

“I’m fine. I promise. When I’m ready to get back out there, I will.”

Sonia sighed. “Okay, I won’t say anymore tonight.”

“Thank you,” Heather replied.

She breathed a little easier for the rest of the night as they ate ice cream and watched Sense and Sensibility, the one with Emma Thompson. By the time the end credits rolled, her sister hugged her goodnight before heading over to their mother’s house.

Heather locked her door after her and strolled to her bedroom. Tinsel hurried past her to his bed in the corner of her room. Heather grabbed her pajamas from her closet, her eyes skimming the unopened shoebox on the floor. She rolled her eyes and changed for bed.

***

Allen pulled up into his driveway of his father’s Cape Cod house. He exited the car and climbed the few steps to the front door, using the spare key his father gave him, Allen entered his childhood home. The sounds from the television pulled him to the living room.

“Pop?” he called out.

“Shhhh,” his father said with a wave of his hand. “Law and Order is almost over.”

Allen proceeded to the kitchen, smelling the scented soap from the sink. He placed the cart of ice cream in the freezer.

“Okay, what now?” his father asked.

Allen walked back to the living area. His father reclined in the overstuffed chair. His favorite mug sat on the coffee table along with the latest puzzle.

A corner of Allen’s mouth quirked up since he gave him the “Best Dad Ever” mug as a little boy one day for Father’s Day. He then reached down and added a piece to the puzzle. Vivid blues and greens were coming to life. A lake surrounded by lush green grass with white puffy clouds in the pale blue sky.

“Are you alright? I replaced the ice cream,” Allen said.

“I got everything I need. What took you so long?”

Though burly shouldered with a serious face, his father looked tired. Allen hoped he was getting enough rest. Surviving the heart attack was one thing, but recuperating was a different story. At least it was minor. He could have lost his father had it been worse.

“What’s that look for?” his father embraced him when he came over to hug him. His father held him for a second before letting him go. “How did a trip to the grocery store depress you that quick?”

Allen shook his head. “I’m not depressed. Just a lot on my mind.”

His father then faced the mantle of his fireplace. Allen’s eyes followed, spotting the photo of his mother.

“I know that feeling.” His father rubbed at his chest. “I know it well.”

“You sure you don’t want me to stay the night?” Allen asked, ignoring the heaviness in his heart.

“I’m fine. I’m a grown man and I don’t need a babysitter.” Then his father’s gaze softened. “I’m alright. What took you so long?”

Allen swallowed despite the thickness in his throat. “Dinner with Desmond and Morgan.” He wouldn’t tell his father about the blind date. Not yet anyway. “I got an early day tomorrow, so I’ll see you later.”

His father replied, “I’m glad you went out. Desmond thinks you’ve become a homebody.”

“You would think he’d give me some time to get used to Maple Meadow. I enjoy being at home. What’s so wrong with that?”

“Nothing, but not if it’s keeping people out of your life. Your cousin wants to introduce you around. You know, have you to meet some new people.”

Allen mumbled under his breath. “He sure did that tonight with Morgan.” Then again, his cousin did give him a way out. He looked like a calf at a new gate seeing Portia at the table.

“You say something?” his father asked.

“I meant, I can do that on my own. Can I get used to being here? Please?”

“My son. The one who always wants to do things in his own time.”

Allen winked at his father. “You taught me that. Remember?” He headed for the front door.

“Just like you to throw that back in my face.”

“Goodnight Dad. Love you.”

“Love you too, son.”

The sounds of Motown accompanied him inside his truck on the way home. Rubbing his chin, he drove home with one hand on the wheel. The night’s events flashed in his memory.

His mouth went dry despite bobbing his head to the music. Pulling into his driveway, he cut the engine, ready to call it a night. His phone buzzed and he knew without picking up it was Desmond was calling. He didn’t blame his cousin or Morgan. They meant well and wanted to see him happy, but dating was not a priority.

Chapter 3

“Just a few more steps Mrs. Weiss,” Allen encouraged his seventy-three-year-old patient. Her knee recovered well after her surgery and she was a trooper during her exercises. The curtain framed windows let in natural light. He smelled the potpourri mixed with the furniture polish. A noise chugged in the background. Was it the washing machine?

“Are you sure you’re not trying to send an old lady back to the hospital?” she asked, quirking a thin eyebrow at him. She dragged her feet forward the last few steps to her sofa, and then Allen helped her settle back on her couch.

“I’m sure Mrs. Weiss, but you did great today.”

“You really are a handsome young man,” she said with a wide grin.

Allen chuckled. “I won’t tell your husband that.”

She waved away his comment. “Oh, please. There’s a Christmas party tonight at the Sawyer’s. You should go.”

“I’m still getting settled into my place Mrs. Weiss, so I won’t be able to.”

She planted her hands on her hips while sitting. “Not go? Son, how old are you?”

“Twenty-nine.”

She pointed at him. “You need to enjoy yourself and live your life while you still can. Don’t wait until you’re older and need a cane to walk around.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Is your wife going crazy with the decorating?”

Allen’s eyes widened. He hadn’t thought of Crystal since finalizing their divorce. “No ma’am,” he replied to Mrs. Weiss. “Divorced.”

She pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m sorry. I should bite my tongue. I assumed.”

Allen twisted at his ring finger, though nothing was there anymore. All he had left was the letter she left on their breakfast table eighteen months prior. He cleared his throat as he gathered his things to leave. “That’s alright. I’ll see you next week okay. Take it easy.”

She nodded. “I will.”

He proceeded out the door and paced to his car. Crystal. Her name brought memories that stung like a dagger to his chest. After two years of marriage, he thought for sure they had their whole lives ahead of them with happiness waiting in their future.

They were happy at first, but Crystal’s high maintenance lifestyle and career motivations took a toll on them. Then the fateful day came. He lost twice that night and it left him heartbroken.

It wasn’t until he had returned home to their ranch-style house in Houston, Texas, that a note in scripted handwriting crushed his world.

I can tell you’re a good man, but I can’t change what happened. I’m sorry. I can’t.

Crystal

That’s all he had left of her, a measly piece of paper. Did he try to change her? Weren’t they on the same page when they got married? After everything they’d been through, she wanted to walk away. He understood, but he thought for sure she still cared. Her parents always had an equal vote in their marriage. He never cared for their opinions but Crystal insisted that they meant well. Allen disagreed, but they overruled him. He couldn’t win.

Allen slid into the driver’s seat of his truck and cranked the engine. He couldn’t think about her now. He wished his college sweetheart well. Despite the anger and resentment, maybe they weren’t meant for each other.

If only he didn’t listen to their friends and family. He had his doubts on their wedding day, but when Crystal glided down the aisle on her father’s arm, his heart melted. He assumed he felt wedding jitters. He had been wrong. Then his cell phone rang. Desmond was more of a brother than a cousin growing up and Allen was grateful for their brotherly bond.

“You got time to hang out later?” Desmond asked.

“Man, no. I’m still unpacking boxes.”

“You’ve been in that house for six weeks.”

“I’ve been working. You think I sit around all day telling people what to do?”

“Yeah.” Desmond chuckled.

“Well, I don’t. My work is important, and this is a small town so I want a good reputation to spread around.”

“Okay, fine ‘Mr. Honorable.’ Always wanting to do the right thing,” his cousin teased.

“And that’s bad?”

“Only if you keep yourself in a box and not try new things. Come on, Al. Live a little. There’s life after…”

Allen exhaled. “Life after what?”

Desmond sighed. “Man, I’m sorry. That was too far. I can’t imagine how you felt when she left.”

Allen gripped the steering wheel. “You can push too hard.”

“Guilty. I’ll work on it. Will you at least come to the party tonight?”

“What party? Didn’t I do enough meeting Portia? This is the second time today I’ve heard of a party.”

Desmond laughed. “You have been away too long. About five years ago, the town added an annual Christmas party to its list of traditions. Everybody looks forward to it. It's black tie and everything in between.”

“I don’t feel like dressing up in a tuxedo.”

“Okay, if you don’t come, Morgan will be angry with me. She says I need to spread the Christmas spirit and invite someone to her event for a change.”

“When will you propose?”

“Christmas Eve, if not sooner. Come on, Al. I’ll stick with you if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’m a grown man. I can handle myself.”

“This party isn’t like Times Square on New Year’s Eve in New York, but it’s not small either.”

Allen scratched the back

of his head. Sometimes being an introvert had its downsides. He didn’t mind people, just not too many at once. “I’ll think about it. Will that satisfy you?”

“You’re the best, man. If I ever break my arm and need therapy, I’m coming to you.”

“You’re crazy,” Allen said.

“I’ll text you the address, just in case.”

“Yes Heather,” a sweet voice answered the phone.

“Mom? What’s this about a date?” Heather fastened her black pumps after her nail polish dried. She returned the small bottle to her dresser, decorated with perfume bottles. Though the news predicted fresh snow, she decided on her black-and-white floor-length strapless gown. “Who is this guy?”

“So you talked to your sister. Between the two of you, it’s no wonder my gray hairs came early.”

“I’m just curious to see who this new man is in your life.”

“What if I asked you the same thing?”

Heather coughed. “What?” Even Tinsel perked up on her queen-sized bed.

“You didn’t tell me how things went with Derek.”

“Nothing. It’s over. We’re getting off-topic Mom—”

“I know you want to protect me, but you don’t have to. It’s my job as your mother to look after you. So, I will ask again. What was wrong with him?”

“We weren't on the same page.”

Her mother sighed. “Sweetie, you’ll never know what it could be if you keep finding ridiculous reasons to dump a man.”

“I don’t—”

“What about Hank?”

“I can’t help that he wanted to move to France.”

“Ronald?”

Heather rubbed her forehead. “He was still in love with his ex-girlfriend.”

“My point is you ended those relationships without giving them a chance.”

She didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “Just be careful, Mom. Promise?”

“I promise. I know what I’m doing. Have you opened the letters yet?”

“No, and I’m not going to.”

It sat with the rest of them in a shoebox in her closet, never to be read.

“Heather?”

“Have fun on your date. See, I can be supportive.”

“I’ll let it go for now. Have fun at the party.”

“I will. Love you.”

“I love you, sweetie.”

Hanging up with her mother, Heather pivoted to face her puppy on her bed. “Am I being unreasonable?”

Tinsel tilted his head to the side.

Heather sighed. Why would she ask about the letters? They came about a year ago. It had shocked her to see his name written on the envelope.

What did she do? She stuffed it in a shoebox, including the ones that followed. Even if her mother forgave him, Heather didn’t have to. Why should she? He left. How did he explain that?

She pressed her fingers against her temples. Tonight would be fun. She would celebrate the upcoming season with fellow townspeople. Tonight she would forget, as she did most days.

Zipping the back of her dress, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She pirouetted, tucking the stray tendrils behind her ears. She looked over at Tinsel who jumped to the floor from her bed, and wagged his tail.

“What do you think?” she asked.

He barked.

She squatted and scratched behind his ears. “You be good for the Coleman’s. They’ll be over soon.”

Her phone dinged with a text. It had to be Sonia wondering where she was. Grabbing her coat, gloves, and purse, and strolled out the door. What would the night bring?