18
The next week Madison fell into a comforting routine. She spent most of her days outside, wearing Grandpa’s old red-checked Filson jacket and using his old tractor to pull out Christmas tree stumps. She wanted to prepare the ground for the next planting. Hopefully in the spring. On days the weather was bad, she’d hole up in the barn making wreaths and garlands. On most days, Lily popped in after school to help with the wreaths, creating some very interesting ones too.
When they felt their inventory was sufficient, they decided to make the place look even more festive by hanging Christmas lights all around. Lily had unearthed several boxes of light strings in the loft. The same ones Grandpa used to put out to make the property cheery and bright. After they strung them on the barn and house, they cut down a tree that was too tall for most homes. Madison tied it to the back of the ATV and transported it to a spot beside the camping trailer. While Gavin was inside and unaware, they quietly set up the tree and strings of lights. It was just getting dusky when Lily plugged it in. They both stepped back to admire it. Against the deep blue sky, it was magically stunning. Lily knocked loudly on the door to the trailer, then they both ducked behind the tree to hide, trying not to giggle. A surprised Gavin emerged.
“Ho ho ho.” He gave a hearty Santa impression. “Looks like my elves have been at work out here.”
Lily popped out from behind the tree. “Do you like it, Dad?”
“I love it, honey. Thank you!”
“It was Madison’s idea.” Lily grabbed her hand and tugged her into view.
“I thought we needed to make your place more Christmassy.” Madison grinned at the fifteen-foot-tall tree. “And we figured it might be too crowded in your trailer.”
“That’s for sure. Can I express my gratitude by cooking you gals dinner tonight?”
“Oh, that’s not necessary.” Madison waved a hand.
“But I just happened to get three beautiful T-bone steaks today. I was going to fire up the grill.” He looked up at the cloudy sky. “Hopefully the weather will cooperate.”
“Come on,” Lily urged her. “Eat dinner with us. I’ll set the picnic table.”
“Only if I can bring something. I have pasta salad already made up at home. How about if I bring that over?”
“Perfect.” Gavin smiled. “I’ll start the charcoal.”
“And I’ll be right back,” she promised.
When she returned, the picnic table was set, complete with a tablecloth and oil lanterns. “This looks wonderful, Lily.” Madison set her bowl on the table. “So fun.” She sniffed the air. “And those steaks smell fabulous.”
“Almost ready. And I grilled a few veggies too,” Gavin called over his shoulder.
“A December barbeque. It’s a first for me.” Madison helped herself to a potato chip, then sat down by the crackling campfire. By now it was dark, but that only made the lights on the Christmas tree that much prettier.
Dinner was perfect. The people, the setting, the conversation, the food—it was one of the sweetest meals Madison could remember. But as they were finishing up, big fat raindrops began to splat down.
“Let’s get these things inside.” Gavin began to gather plates and bowls. The three of them scrambled to grab everything, but by the time they got in the trailer, they were all rather damp. Madison piled some dishes in the sink, then looked around. She’d never been inside before. It was surprisingly nice.
“This place is roomier than I imagined.” Madison took in the sofa and recliners and big-screen TV. “All the comforts of home.”
“Yeah, the slide-outs make it bigger.” Lily explained how they went in and out.
“Have a seat.” Gavin pointed to one of the recliners. “I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee.”
“It’s actually pretty cozy in here.” She peeled off her soggy jacket and sat down. “And comfy too.”
“It’s better than tent camping, that’s for sure.”
“And I have my own space,” Lily told her. “Two bunks. One for my junk. And one to sleep in.”
“And a desk for homework,” her dad pointed out. “As in, hint hint.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“You get started and I’ll make you a cocoa,” he told her.
After Lily got her cocoa and Gavin gave Madison a mug of coffee, he sat down. “I wouldn’t want to live in this trailer forever, but for the time being, it’s just fine.”
“The way Lucy described it, I thought it would be unbearable with three people.”
“I originally thought Lucy could take one of the bunks. Of course, she wasn’t having that.”
Madison just smiled.
“I hope she’s not too much of a burden to you.”
“Oh, not at all. I think Addie loves having her around. My mom too. In fact, I’m sure they’d trade me for Lucy.”
“No, not really. But Lucy seems to fit into their lives better than I do.”
“Or maybe they just don’t fit into yours.”
She sipped her coffee. “That’s true. In fact, despite Addie improving her attitude, she still hints about selling the farm in the spring. I know she wants out.”
“Where does your mom stand on it?”
“Well, she doesn’t really have a say. Addie and I both own half. Mom’s just a bystander, but I’m sure she thinks it’s ridiculous to try to bring it back now. She never approved of Dad returning to help his parents.”
“Reminds me of how Lucy feels about me being here.”
“Fantastical dream chasers?”
“Uh-huh.” He sighed and sipped his coffee.
They visited for a while, then things got quiet and Madison realized it was getting late. “I better get back.” She got up and put her coffee mug in the sink.
“I’ll drive you.” He handed her jacket to her. “It’s still raining out there.”
The rain continued to pour down as he drove her home. In front of her house, which glowed prettily despite the rain, she thanked him once again for the perfectly delightful dinner, and he thanked her for the beautiful tree. Then she got out and dashed up onto the porch, pausing there to watch him pull around the circular drive and go home.
“Have a nice evening?” Addie asked from somewhere on the shadowy porch.
Madison jumped. “Holy cats! I didn’t realize anyone was there. What’re you doing out on such a wet night?”
“It’s dry up here on the porch. I wanted to see the lights in the dark. They look nice. Good job.” Addie’s tone sounded flat as Madison approached the front door. “Mom said you had dinner with Gavin tonight.”
“Gavin and Lily.” She explained how it was his thank-you for the tree.
“That was nice. But I’m curious, was it more than that? Just a thank-you dinner? Or is something going on?”
“Nothing but neighborly friendship,” Madison assured her. So maybe she was wishing it was something more. But it wasn’t disingenuous to call it just friendship. That’s all it was. “My jacket’s still wet from the rain and it’s getting late,” she told Addie. “I want to get inside.” She hurried in and up the stairs, going straight to her room to avoid having to explain herself to anyone else tonight.
The next weekend was too soggy to encourage U-cutters, but during the week, the weather improved. Despite being caught up with wreath making, Madison used her free time to pull stumps and mulch the new trees. And when Lily got home from school, the two of them went dirt bike riding, creating new trails on the Thompsons’ property and even exploring some other trails. With her newfound confidence in handling her bike, Madison realized how much she loved the thrill of the ride.
Today’s ride along the river trail had been the best. As usual, Madison cleaned off her bike afterward before taking it into the barn to recharge. She was just finishing when Lucy came strolling up to her. It was rare to see this girl outside of the house, but maybe the late afternoon sunshine had enticed her.
“I didn’t know grown women rode dirt bikes,” Lucy said in a snarky tone.
“You should try it sometime,” Madison challenged as she wiped the shiny fender dry. “It’s pretty fun.”
“I have tried it.” Lucy turned up her nose. “I hated it. Noisy, dirty, and the helmet gives me a headache.”
“I guess it’s not for everyone.”
“So are you telling me you honestly like it? Or are you just doing it to impress my dad? Or maybe you think the more attached you become to Lily, the more it’ll endear you to him.”
Madison bristled, silently counting to ten to calm herself down. Between Lucy and Addie and her mom, she was more than fed up with catty judgments. Whether they were critiquing a less-than-glamorous contender on a Bachelor rerun or complaining about the mud or the food or the washing machine, it seemed there was always something wrong with something or someone. She cleared her throat and stood up straight. “I ride my bike because I enjoy it. Not everyone likes the same things, Lucy. For instance, I like to get up early. I like being outside.” She held up her hands. “I like getting my hands dirty.”
“Right . . .” Lucy lifted one eyebrow.
“And there are things you enjoy that I don’t. So viva la difference, okay?”
“Okay.” Lucy actually backed away now.
“Look, I’m not trying to offend you, but I really don’t enjoy your insinuations, you know, that I’m chasing after your dad.”
“Fine. I get it.” Lucy’s tone sharpened. “But FYI, I’m not the only one who thinks that.”
Madison couldn’t control her eye roll. Lucy was obviously referring to Addie. That wasn’t surprising either since Addie had been going to great lengths to be around Gavin lately, taking him “homemade” cookies that she’d gotten from a bakery and set on a plate, inviting him for dinners of take-n-bake pizzas, and using every opportunity to get his attention.
“Can I speak candidly with you?” Madison asked cautiously.
“Sure. Why not?”
“Well, I know you love your father, Lucy, but how would you feel if he did find someone to be happy with? You don’t expect him to remain single the rest of his days, do you?”
“No, of course not.” Lucy folded her arms across her chest.
“But you’d prefer he found someone, well, more like your mother?”
Lucy brightened. “Yeah. That’d be cool.”
“Maybe someone like Addie?”
“I wouldn’t mind if they got together. I mean, if they were in love.”
“So what you really want is to reestablish your old status quo? Perhaps your dad would give up his river dreams and go back to city living? Like when your mom was alive? Would that make you happy?”
“I wouldn’t mind.” Lucy’s countenance faded as she gazed down at the ground, scuffing the toe of a pretty boot into a lodged stone before she looked up again. “I’m not stupid. I know I can’t turn back the clock. But life really was good back then. I mean, for the most part.”
Madison just nodded, holding her tongue.
“I know you think I’m selfish.” Lucy pulled her faux fur–trimmed cardigan more snugly around her.
“I think you just want things to be like they were before.” Madison’s tone softened. “I actually know how that feels. I often wish my dad and grandparents were still alive. I wish we could all live here happily together. Just like that old TV show The Waltons.” She smiled sheepishly. “Corny but true. Anyway, I’ve learned that the only constant about life is that it constantly changes. We have to adapt. Make the best of it. That’s what I’m trying to do, Lucy. It’s not always easy.”
Lucy’s eyes glistened. “Yeah, it’s not.”
“I remember being your age and feeling kind of lost.” Madison sighed. “Sometimes I still feel kind of lost.”
Lucy nodded. “Yeah. That’s how I feel all the time.”
“I don’t have any great advice except what my grandma always told me. It’s actually something Jesus said in the Bible. Basically, you can only live one day at a time. He said not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough problems. Just do your best here and now. Let the future take care of itself.”
“Thanks, Madison.” Lucy almost smiled. “I apologize for being such a royal pain.”
“You’re not really a pain.” Madison patted her back. “But you’ve probably had some pain.”
With pursed lips, Lucy nodded. “I think I’ll go look at the river now. Dad keeps telling me to go down and see how pretty it looks. I haven’t seen it once since I got here.”
“It’s a perfect day for it. There’s a good thinking bench down there. My grandpa built it.” She pointed to the tall firs. “Just past those trees. Follow that path and you’ll find it.”
Lily always came to help the U-cutters on weekends. It became her job to hang out the Open sign in the morning and then she’d help Madison assist customers all day Saturday and after church on Sunday. She’d even brought matching Santa hats for her and Madison to wear. Although business was good, they hadn’t equaled the post-Thanksgiving crowd yet, but Madison hoped this upcoming weekend, the last one before Christmas, would be their biggest ever. To that end, she’d run a special ad in the local papers, offering hot dogs and chili as well as cookies and drinks, for tree hunters on their last open weekend.
“It’s going to be super busy tomorrow,” Madison told Addie on Friday afternoon. “We could probably use some help.”
Addie’s mouth twitched to one side. “Well, I promised to take Mom and Lucy to do some Christmas shopping. They don’t know where the best places are.”
“Do you think your shopping day could wait until after the weekend? Early in the week maybe?”
“But that’d be just days before Christmas.” Addie frowned.
“Yeah, and this weekend is the last chance to sell trees before Christmas.”
“But we were going to make a day of it. Mom wanted to take us to lunch. I already made reservations.”
Madison knew it was pointless. Addie’s mind was made up. “Well, have a good day,” she said without genuine enthusiasm. Then she went outside, got out her dirt bike, and rode around to cool off her head. Of course, Lily must’ve heard her because she was soon riding right alongside. And then Gavin joined them. He’d been on a few rides with them, but mostly he’d just let them have the trails to themselves.
Since Madison seemed to be leading today’s adventure, she headed down the river trail. Thanks to a couple of dry days, the trail was okay. They made a full loop and finally paused at the bench by the burnt oak tree. Madison got off her bike and tugged off her helmet. Still irked at Addie, she took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
“You okay?” Gavin asked as he got off his bike. Lily, who’d taken a side trail, was still on her way.
“Yeah. I am now.” She quickly explained about tomorrow’s shopping trip. “I really could’ve used some help. Especially taking money and running cards.”
“I can do that,” he offered.
Finally Lily joined them. “Do what?” she asked.
“Help with selling trees tomorrow. Madison says it’ll be super busy.”
“Cool.” Lily nodded as she revved her engine. “It’s really fun.” She grinned at her dad. “Beat ya home.” Then she took off, spinning dirt behind her.
Gavin grinned. “My little speedster girl.”
“She sure can ride.” Madison watched as Lily tore across the open ground toward their property.
Gavin stepped closer to the old oak tree, peering around its trunk until he found the old carving. “It’s still here.” He traced his fingers over the letters.
She felt her cheeks warm but acted oblivious as she fiddled with her helmet.
“Remember this?”
“What’s that?” She put her helmet back on.
“This.” He pointed to the carving.
“Oh?” She stretched to look over his shoulder, then laughed. “Imagine that. How on earth did it last all these years?”
“Even survived the fire.”
“Amazing.” She snapped her helmet strap. “I need to get back. Still a lot to do before the weekend. But I really do appreciate your offer to help.” She smiled brightly. “See you tomorrow then.”
She felt rattled and embarrassed as she rode back to the barn. A part of her had longed to acknowledge the initials on the tree trunk, and yet she’d been too tongue-tied to respond. What had been his intention? Did he want to make her feel foolish—or was he hinting at something still between them?