Chapter 12
Bailey groaned. “This was a bad idea.”
The wind pushed the snow sideways and created drifts. She barely made it to Bridge Point's downtown area, when the snowflakes grew larger as she drove down the street. What was her plan again?
She didn't know where Jackson lived. Mac's Nightclub and Lounge was in the opposite direction. They scheduled to leave for New York didn’t they? Was it today or tomorrow? Why didn’t she ask?
Bailey blew out her cheeks as she pulled into a parking space in front of Edna’s Flower Shop. Should she wait out the storm? Grabbing her phone, she checked the local weather. A blizzard? Just great.
Bailey exited her car and dashed for Edna’s place. She pounded on the door, grateful that Edna lived upstairs. Bailey then peered down the street. All the other businesses were closed. Her eyes watered as the wind picked up. The trees shivered like phantoms. The flakes stung her face pelting her already frozen cheeks.
Edna opened the door, wearing a duster, pink slippers, and rollers in her hair. “Get lost on the way home, dear?” She closed the door behind Bailey.
“Sorry, Ms. Edna. The storm caught me off guard.” Bailey shook her arms out. A few snowflakes fell to the floor. She flexed her fingers to bring back the feeling.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll make you some hot tea. Come upstairs with me.” Ms. Edna led the way up her creaking stairs. Bailey sat at her table, her chair scraping the vinyl floor. She rubbed her hands together, listening to the clink of dishes as Ms. Edna retrieved her a teacup.
Bailey pulled out her phone once more. Her eyebrows etched together as another story trended in her news feed. Tapping on the video, she heard the reporter.
“We've been waiting it out along with the passengers of Bridge Point Airport. With a week before Christmas, they were hoping their travel plans would come through, but with this blizzard in the forecast, it's a different story.”
Bailey covered her mouth. Did Jackson make it to New York? Would he be able to return home soon?
The reporter continued. “There is a bright side to this dreary tale. A local band, Infinity Signs, is sharing the Christmas spirit by providing some needed entertainment.”
Bailey's mouth dropped as the camera shot to film Jackson, Tommy, and Alex playing music at the airport. She blinked. Jackson's smile beamed as little kids gathered around them and clapped their hands to “Jingle Bells.”
More than anything, she wished she were with him. She smiled at the screen as her chest swelled with pride. Would he forgive her? Was there anything to forgive?
Her body tingled, recalling their kisses. She had a choice to make. The sensations of warmth and the chest flutters were one thing, but the thought of making music together with Jackson brought a wave of heat over her.
It was more than the music. She sensed it in her heart and felt it in her soul. She couldn't deny the look in his eyes. She had to tell him. Could they build something together? Was it love?
“Here you go,” Ms. Edna said.
Bailey took the hot cup of chamomile tea. “Thank you so much.”
Ms. Edna peeked outside. “I hope this snow slows down soon.”
Bailey opened her mouth to respond but her phone rang. She saw her mother's face flash on the screen. She hadn't been gone long. The thick lump in her throat didn't go away, no matter how much she swallowed.
“I’ll let you take that,” Ms. Edna said. “I’ll be watching Murder She Wrote.”
Bailey smiled at Ms. Edna. Then she answered her phone.
“Please tell me you're safe,” her mother said.
Bailey clutched her phone. “I'm waiting out the storm at Ms. Edna’s Flower Shop.”
“Do you need rescuing? I'm worried sick over here.” Her mother's voice sounded strained.
“I didn't mean to worry you. I went...”
“Went where?”
Bailey's vision blurred as fresh tears surfaced. “I went to... Dad's gravesite.”
“Bailey, I'm so sorry.” Her mother's voice trembled.
Bailey wanted the pain to end. “Stop apologizing. You did what you thought was best.”
“But what I've done to you, I never meant...”
“I know you didn't.”
“I don't want this to come between us, Bailey,” her mother said.
“It won’t. You're my mother.” A feeling as if someone had lifted a load relieved the ache in her chest. It wouldn't heal overnight, but she couldn't lose her family. They were all she had. All except... Jackson.
“Sweetie, I want you to know you have my support. I meant what I said before. If you want to sing, I'll be in the front row cheering you on.”
Bailey wiped her damp cheeks. “Thanks Mom.”
“Now, I only have one more question,” her mother said.
“What's that?”
“When will I meet Jackson?”
Bailey lifted her gaze and looked out the window. The snow slowed. Could she make it home?
“Bailey?” Her mother sounded concerned.
Bailey swallowed the last of her tea. “I'm on my way, Mom.”