Snowfall on Cedar Trail, page 8
Halona returned her attention to the potato soup that she was cooking. It was one of Lula’s favorite Cherokee dishes. She’d passed it on along with a few dozen other recipes, including her Three Sisters Stew, to keep their heritage alive. Whenever someone in town got sick, Lula was there with a big pot of the stew. Whenever someone lost a family member, Lula brought them a meal. Whenever a young couple got married, it wasn’t long before Lula showed up with something delicious tasting in tow. Following in her mom’s footsteps, Halona did the same with her flowers.
Theo put his pencil down loudly on the table, a cue that he was finished.
Halona wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to inspect his work. “Good enough,” she said. Then she grabbed another piece of paper and handed him the pencil again. “Now write a letter to your classroom teacher. Then it’ll be time for dinner.”
Theo nodded dutifully and started writing. He was such a good boy. He always did as he was told and rarely asked for anything. Once upon a time, Halona and Ted had wanted a large family with four or five children. Halona had changed her mind about that, however. First off, Ted was no longer in the picture. Secondly, Halona already had the most amazing little boy in the entire world. She didn’t need more children to make her heart feel any fuller. She had everything she needed right here in this kitchen.
After dinner, Theo took his bath and then got ready for bed. Halona read a chapter from the Harry Potter series that they had started right after Thanksgiving and then turned off his nightstand light.
“Good night, sweetheart,” she said as she made her way to the door. “Sweet dreams.”
As she walked down the hall, she sent up a little prayer that Theo would actually have a good night and sweet dreams. For his sake and hers.
* * *
Summer Rivera stood across the counter from Halona the next day. “I’m doing the finishing touches on this year’s events,” she said, “and, as you know, this weekend is Lights on Silver Lake.”
Halona nodded. “Yes, I’m ready for it.”
“I’m sure you are. That night is good for business owners like you.” Summer’s smile stretched impossibly wide. “It won’t be long after that and we’ll be doing the annual Hope for the Holidays event to give back and support people other than ourselves.”
Halona nodded, feeling somehow like she was being lectured.
“We’re choosing between two community members in need right now, and I know this year’s event will make a huge difference in their holiday.” She pulled out a notepad and pen. “So how many plants can you donate for the cause this year?”
“Oh, um, probably the same number as last year,” Halona said.
Summer looked up from her writing with a disapproving face. “I don’t mean to be pushy but we usually like for our donators to increase their donations every year. It’s for a good cause, and it benefits the giver as much as the receiver,” she said, her voice climbing the octave scale with each word.
Halona held her tongue for a moment. No, she wasn’t needy by any means but she was a single parent and a small-business owner. The amount she gave last year had been a stretch for her. “The same as last year will work for me again this year,” Halona repeated, keeping her smile secured in place.
“I see.” Summer’s expression turned crestfallen. “Well, we’re thankful for everything that’s given, of course. No matter how big or small.”
Was it just Halona or was Summer calling her donation small?
She sucked in another deep breath as she listened to Summer drone on about Kaitlyn Russo making her grandma Mable’s famous gingerbread cheesecakes for the benefit. Brenna was offering catering services to not one but two recipients this year. Bo Matthews was offering a free architectural consultation, and Paris Montgomery was offering his graphic design services. The list went on.
“You’ll be there, I hope,” Summer finally said.
“I’ll try. If I can find someone to care for Theo.”
“Oh, bring him with you. He’s no trouble,” Summer insisted. “Even though I hear he landed himself in Principal Nelson’s hot seat.”
How would Summer even know that? The gossip chain in Sweetwater Springs never ceased to amaze Halona, even though she’d been born and raised here.
“Well, I need to get started on arrangements for this weekend’s upcoming ceremony,” Halona said, prompting an end to the visit.
“Oh, for the Landemyers? I’m so excited for this wedding that I can hardly stand it. Aren’t you?”
“Mm-hmm,” Halona said, disappointed that the conversation didn’t seem to be wrapping up. Instead, she’d unintentionally segued into a new topic. Save me!
As soon as she’d had the thought, the bell above the entry door jingled, announcing a new customer.
Halona could kiss whoever was coming to her rescue. Then her thoughts stuttered to a halt. As luck would have it, her rescuer was none other than Alex Baker. She should’ve known he’d be the one to hear her silent SOS. He was always the one.
* * *
“Good morning,” Alex said as he stepped inside the Little Shop of Flowers. He immediately regretted doing so when he saw Summer Rivera. She was nice enough but she could be a little pushy, especially this time of the year.
“Oh, Chief Baker,” Summer exclaimed, turning to him. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I was just asking Halona about the Hope for the Holidays event and what she was willing to donate this year.” Summer glanced over her shoulder at Halona and then returned her gaze to him. “We encourage you to offer as much as you can. It’s for a good cause, you know.”
“I know.” He shared a glance with Halona as well. There was more to what they’d been discussing than Summer had divulged.
“And what will you be offering this year?” Summer asked.
Alex scratched the side of his face where new hair was growing despite having shaved this morning. He considered telling her he’d offer up a puppy. Depending on the court’s decision, Officer Chew would need a forever home. Alex wanted to make sure Officer Chew went to responsible and loving owners though, especially after all that the little dog had been through.
“Some of the ladies suggested that you might want to offer self-defense lessons. Several of them said they would bid a lot of money to get private lessons with you.” Summer winked.
Yeah, that sounded like a way to land himself another nickname among the ladies and possibly another reason to ruffle feathers among his critics. “The truth is I’m very busy this season.”
Summer looked disappointed. Then her face lit up. “I know,” she said, lifting her index finger. “How about you make a batch of homemade cookies? The people in town will go crazy to know that their own chief of police put on an apron and baked a batch of special Christmas cookies. Oh, and we can even take pictures of you in the apron to help make the donations go even higher. It won’t take very long. You can even use ready-made dough, although homemade is always best.”
Alex was just about to protest when Halona spoke up.
“I think that’s a fantastic idea,” she said, sliding her gaze to meet his. There was a playful twinkle in her brown eyes that told him she knew he was very uncomfortable with the request, and she was loving every second of it.
He shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t have an apron. Sorry to disappoint.”
“Don’t worry,” Halona said. “I have lots of aprons. And I think I know just the one for you.”
“I really don’t—” Alex began to argue.
Summer cut him off. “Great!” She clapped her hands together in front of her with excitement. “Oh, this is going to be the best Hope for the Holidays event ever! I’m so excited.” With that, she waved and walked out, leaving Alex alone with Halona in the flower shop.
“Thanks for throwing me under the bus,” he said.
“It’s for a good cause.”
He nodded and shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I guess so. I’m not really much for baking cookies though.”
“Do you know how to turn on an oven?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Then you’ll do fine. And I just ordered a new cookbook. I’m sure there are some great cookie recipes in there to choose from.”
Alex lifted a brow.
“I’m eager to try the Triple-Chip Chocolate Cookie recipe, and it would be perfect for the auction.”
“That does sound good.”
“Well, if you want, you can come over and Theo and I will help, seeing that I kind of volunteered you.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Kind of?”
She laughed. Then she looked at him for a long moment, as if waiting for him to say something more. “What brought you to my shop? Was there something you needed? Flowers?” she asked.
Alex shook his head. “No, I was just passing by and thought I’d stop in. I felt like you needed me, to tell the truth.”
Halona laughed quietly. “Well, Summer was grilling me pretty good about not upping my donation this year.”
“She’s a bulldog, that one. Guess that’s good for the charity. It seems to keep growing every year. Mary Beth might not be able to help her this year either.”
“How is she?” Halona asked.
“She’s doing well, but I highly doubt she’ll be participating in the event.”
“I guess I can just be thankful that Summer didn’t try to recruit me for help, then.” Halona laughed. “I really do have an apron you can borrow. Christmas trees or reindeer? Which do you prefer?”
Alex grimaced. “Got anything more masculine? Maybe with mountains, bears, or a pack of wolves?”
“Now what fun would that be?” she asked. “I think Summer would agree that people would pay more money to see you in an apron with Rudolph on it. For charity.”
“I guess the chief of police doesn’t need to act like a scrooge. Just let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll come do my part.” Even though he didn’t have time for baking cookies. Or for fostering puppies and entertaining young mentees, for that matter. There were cases on his desk that required his attention. “I guess I better get back to work.”
“Thanks for saving me,” Halona called.
“Anytime.” With a wave, he walked outside and got back into his SUV. Since he was on Main Street, he completed a few errands before heading back to the station.
“You just missed Summer Rivera,” Tammy said as he walked inside.
“I saw her at the flower shop already.”
Tammy pointedly looked down at his hands and back up at him. “Obviously the flowers weren’t for me. Who were they for?”
“I didn’t buy any,” he admitted.
Tammy simply nodded. “I guessed as much.”
Alex didn’t take the bait. “What are you donating to the Hope for the Holidays charity?” he asked instead.
“My home cooking, of course.”
Alex nodded. “I might be bidding on that.”
She laughed. “Don’t be greedy, Chief. You get my home cooking for free all the time.”
“Can’t get enough,” he called, heading down the hall toward his office.
* * *
Later that evening, when Alex finally got home, he grabbed his Mentor Match file and took it inside.
Officer Chew barreled toward the back door. The pup had spent all day at the police station, splitting his time between Alex and Tammy. Now he turned circles and barked, begging to go in the backyard, which appeared to be his favorite place here.
“Let me grab a Coke first, will you?” Alex said, heading toward the fridge. He grabbed a cold can from the bottom drawer and popped the top. Then he took the large manila envelope, flipped on the outside light, and opened the back door. He sat at the patio table and finally turned his attention to his Mentor Match. After leaving Jessica’s office to go on a call yesterday, the day had only gotten busier. Then he’d accidentally left the envelope at his office. Today had been just as busy and he still hadn’t gotten to peek inside to see who his young mentee would be.
The anticipation rose suddenly inside him as he unsealed the envelope. He wondered if he knew the kid already. He knew nearly everyone in town. He pulled out the papers inside, focusing on the picture of the little boy first. Confusion sparked inside him, and for a moment, he thought maybe Jessica had handed him the wrong envelope.
His mentee was Theo.
* * *
Halona had been expecting a call from Theo’s Mentor Match since yesterday. Tonight, her phone hadn’t buzzed since she’d left the flower shop. She picked it up to make sure it wasn’t dead. It wasn’t but she’d missed a text from Brenna that made her smile.
My neighbor has no idea that walking to the mailbox at the same time every day is no coincidence.
Halona lay sideways across the recliner with her legs dangling over the arm and texted back.
Maybe you should ask him out.
Nooo. He’s the look-but-don’t-sample kind, Brenna said.
Comparing men to food, huh? You work too much.
You’re one to talk, Brenna texted back along with a winking-face emoji.
Halona glanced over at Theo on the couch. His eyes were drooping as he tried to stay awake for the rest of The Nightmare Before Christmas movie. Her phone buzzed in her hand again.
If he’s so cute, why is he single? Must be something wrong with him.
You’re single, and you’re terrific, Halona pointed out. Have you found out his name yet?
Yes. Only because his mail landed in my box the other day. His name is Luke Marini.
Well, maybe Luke needs a friend. Halona sent a smiling emoji with her text.
Maybe so.
You’re the best friend I know, Halona texted, meaning it. See you for coffee tomorrow?
Sure.
Halona placed her phone back in her lap and let her own droopy eyes close. No sooner had she relaxed into a presleep state than the phone startled her back awake. She glanced down at her caller ID, squinting at Alex’s name. Maybe she was still sleeping, because it didn’t make sense for him to be calling her right now. Unless something had happened.
She bolted out of the chair and hurried to the kitchen before answering, not wanting to disturb Theo, whose eyes were now fully closed.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Halona,” Alex said, “am I calling too late?”
“No. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry if I scared you. I guess I have that effect on people.”
“It’s okay,” she said, exhaling softly. “If everything is fine, then what’s going on?”
“I wanted to talk to you about the Mentor Match program that the Eversons have started.”
Halona leaned against the kitchen counter. “Yeah. I’ve actually got Theo enrolled.”
There was a long pause on Alex’s side of the conversation.
“Is something wrong with the program?” she asked, pulling in a breath and holding it again. Had she made a mistake in signing Theo up?
“No. I’ve actually been roped into participating in it myself.”
“Oh? That’s wonderful. You’d be great with a kid shadowing you. Theo adores you.”
There was another long pause. Then Alex cleared his throat on the line. “I’m, uh…I’m Theo’s Mentor Match,” he finally said.
Halona gripped the cell phone in her hand more tightly. “You?”
“Yeah. Unless you want someone else,” he clarified.
“No. Why would I want someone else?” she asked, posing the question to herself as well. “Like I said, Theo looks up to you.” Alex was actually the perfect mentor for her son. The only reason she wouldn’t want Alex to be Theo’s mentor was because it would mean seeing him more often and feeling her heart skip foolishly around in her chest the way it always did when he was around. He would be hanging out with Theo though, not her. “You’re a busy man. Are you sure you have time to do this?”
“I’ll make time…and I’m looking forward to it.”
There was a hesitation in his voice. She knew he liked her son but didn’t think he had any real experience taking care of a child. “Maybe I could swing by and take Theo out this Friday night?”
Halona stared at the refrigerator across the room. No matter his experience or what had happened between them in the past, she trusted Alex. “That sounds perfect. I’ll be working late that night preparing arrangements for another wedding anyway,” she told him.
“It’s a date, then.”
There went that foolish heart of hers. It was a date with her son, and that was for the best. The last thing she needed was a date with Alex for herself.
So why was she suddenly jealous of her son?
Chapter Seven
Halona glanced at herself in the long mirror in her bedroom. She was being silly. Alex was coming to her home to pick Theo up, and then they’d leave. Alex probably wouldn’t even give her a second glance.
Except she’d always noticed the way his gaze lingered on her too long. Or was that just her imagination?
“Why am I wearing a dress?” she muttered to herself. Even though her outfit was casual, she was working tonight, and she never worked in a dress.
Theo entered the room and sat on the edge of her bed to watch her.
“Are you excited?” she asked, as she pulled open her dresser and grabbed jeans and a cotton shirt to put on instead.
She saw him nod enthusiastically from the corner of her eye. How she wished she could ask him what he was most looking forward to. Was it the fact that he got to spend time with Alex, or that they were going out to do something fun, whereas otherwise he would’ve been stuck at the community center while she decorated for tomorrow’s wedding?
Halona slipped into her bathroom to change. As she walked out, the doorbell rang. Her heart flew up into her throat. She took a few deep breaths as she walked to the front door and opened it. Before she could utter a hello, Theo barreled into Alex’s waist and gave him a big hug.
Alex’s eyes widened, and he laughed softly. “Hey, pal. Ready for an adventure?”
