Chapter Five

 

 

An old pick-up rumbled into view with an older man behind the wheel. He was wearing a hat with flaps that hung over his ears and a sour expression. He parked next to my car and slammed his door when he got out.

“Hey, Cameron.” Nate raised an eyebrow at me and smiled as if to say, sorry.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Nate! You not takin’ care of this place like you’re supposed to?” The old man was thick through the waist, with a white mustache and bushy eyebrows. “You got trees down all over my fence!”

“That’s not your fence, Cam, but they’re your trees.” Nate shook his head and walked back into the barn.

“The hell they are.” Cameron barely spared me a glance before marching after Nate.

“The roots are on your side of the property line.” I followed after him, irritated that he was being so rude.

“Who’s this?” He jerked a thumb in my direction.

“Molly, this is Nick Cameron, your neighbor. Cameron, this is Gertie’s niece.” Nate winked at me.

“I heard about Gertie. I hated to hear that about the old bird.”

“Old bird?” I put my hands on my hips.

“She was a feisty broad.” Cameron glared at me. “I guess you’re all for that women’s rights mumbo-jumbo, huh? Don’t like the word broad.”

“I’m all for that being respectful mumbo-jumbo.” I narrowed my eyes. Was he trying to test me or was he really that pig-headed? Nate snorted and I looked at him to see that he was smiling.

Cameron snorted. “Are you gonna clean up that mess then?”

“No. We’re going to set up a temporary boundary until you can get it taken care of.” I walked up to him, my hands still on my hips. “And you’re going to get it taken care of quickly, because that’s what my aunt would have expected.”

“You aren’t your aunt.” He glared at me from under his thick eyebrows. “But you sure do sound like her.” Something in his eyes brightened and his mouth curved just a bit.

“Thank you. I think.” I let my hands slide off my hips.

“Well, Nate. Looks like you got a spitfire on your hands.” The old man laughed like that was the funniest thing in the world. “Got your Christmas present early, huh?”

“Looks that way.” Nate’s eyes gleamed as he watched me and I felt heat wash over my face as I remembered his hands on my body.

“Okay.” Taking a deep breath I shook my head. “We were about to head to town for some supplies. When do you think you’ll be able to get the tree removed?”

“Well, the snow’s gonna make it hard. And tomorrow is Christmas, of course.” Pulling his cap off, Cameron scratched at the bald spot on top of his head. With the hat off, he looked a bit like a gnome and I chewed my lip to keep from laughing.

“You know I’ll help, old man.” Nate slapped his shoulder.

“You aughta.” Cameron mock glared at Nate, making him laugh. “You sure you gonna have time? When I pulled up, it looked like you might have your hands full.”

My eyes widened when the old man waggled the furry caterpillars on his face. I covered my mouth with my hand, frozen in place. Nate’s smile never changed, he just shook his head.

“Get outta here, old man. Before you chase her away.”

“I’m going.” Pulling his hat back on, Cameron winked at me. “I remember what it’s like to be young!” The old man laughed all the way back to his truck, as if that had been the funniest joke in the world.

I wanted to melt into the ground. Not only had he seen my make-out session with Nate, he thought it was funny.

“C’mon.” Nate grabbed my hand and tugged gently. I followed him around the side of the barn to where a large truck sat under an awning. He walked to the passenger side door and opened it for me. The truck was gigantic and I had to jump to reach the sidestep.

“Geez, Nate. Why didn’t you get the bigger truck? This one seems a little small.”

“Well, I wanted something bigger, but I didn’t think it would fit on the road.” Nate picked Remy up and handed him to me.

I shook my head at him and tucked my dog close to my side. Nate swung into the driver’s side with a goofy grin before turning the key in the ignition. With an ease I didn’t feel, he reached over and laced his fingers through mine as we drove down the driveway. Butterflies flipped in my stomach as his fingers traced over my knuckles.

“So, Christmas Hill. How does it provide for itself?” I angled my body so that I could see him clearly, even with the seatbelt on.

“Gertie sold cookies.” Nate adjusted the dials on the dash, sending more warm air out over our legs and feet. “A lot of cookies. But from what I can tell, things just took care of themselves. She paid me a salary, and that’s been taken care of for the next two years.”

“Okay.” How do you process an answer like that? Things just take care of themselves? Yeah, right. “She already paid you for the next two years salary? What if I decide to sell? What will you do?”

“I really hope you don’t sell Christmas Hill, but if you do, I will be okay. There are lots of people out there that need stewards for their properties.” Nate squeezed my fingers before letting go of my hand so he could drive.

“I don’t bake.” There I said it. “Trust me, there is no way I can support Christmas Hill on my baking skills. I count my blessings when I don’t kill people with something I cook. It’s scary.”

“Baking was Gertie’s magic, not yours.” Nate didn’t look at me as he maneuvered around a steep bend. “There will be a way for you to take care of things with your own gifts.”

I huffed and forced myself to not cross my arms. This magic business was starting to get on my nerves. Even if he was hot, his faith in Christmas magic was a bit much. Thankfully, it wasn’t long until I saw Silver Town in the distance. Soft snow fell through the air, and everything glistened from the fine dusting. The buildings ranged in shapes and sizes, most of them having an old English cottage look. There was a long line of row houses that seemed to house shops and the closer we got, the more details I could make out on their signs. Smoke billowed from chimneys and holiday lights were strung everywhere. People crowded the sidewalks, while very few cars actually drove down the main drag.

“Wow.” There wasn’t much else to say. It did look like something out of a Christmas card, complete with shiny decorations and bundled up tourists.

“Welcome to Silver Town,” Nate said.

He drove down the main drag, I assumed to let me have a good luck of the area. People waved at the truck as we passed them and Nate nodded his head to each one that acknowledged us. After driving a short ways, he pulled into a small parking lot tucked between some of the shops. I cringed, not sure how he managed to get the massive truck into one of the tiny parking spots and then cringed again at the thought of trying to exit said parking spot.

As soon as we were still, I grabbed the handle of the truck and opened the door, letting it swing free so I could hop down. Nate managed to make it around to my side before I had figured out where to put my feet and I was grateful for his assistance. Grabbing a leash out of the glove box, Nate attached it to Remy’s collar and we were off.

We didn’t say much as we walked, I was intent on taking in the sights. A candle shop, followed by a leather store, and a home goods store flanked one side of a block. Across from that were the ornament shop, a seamstress, and a bakery. I could smell the baking bread on the cold wind and my stomach growled. Remy was obviously impressed by the smell too, because I had to tug on his leash to keep him walking.

“Do you think we have time to eat before we head back?”

“Sure. Mattie’s is around the corner and next to the hardware store.” Nate reached down and grabbed my hand, his fingers warming mine. Tugging gently, he pulled me closer to his body as we walked. “I hope you like home cooking.”

“I have a great appreciation for home cooking, since I can’t do it.” I smiled up at Nate.

“No wonder you were so impressed with my chicken,” Nate chuckled.

“Well, there is something doubly impressive about a sexy man that can cook.”

“Sexy, huh?” Nate stopped and pulled me against his chest. “I’ll remember that when we get back. What do you want for dinner?”

“Hot dogs.” I laughed at the face he made.

“I’m a bit insulted that the bar is so low.” He tucked some of the hair under my hat.

“My dad and I used to roast hot dogs in the fireplace.” I wasn’t sure why I was telling him this. Part of me really wanted to keep up the tradition. “Drove my mom crazy, but I looked forward to it every year.”

“Hot dogs it is.” His face softened for a minute. “I’m sorry he’s gone.”

“It’s okay. I mean, it’s not okay. But, it is what it is. Christmas hasn’t really been the same though.” I stepped away from him and started walking in the direction we’d originally been headed. “I think that’s why mom’s trying something different this year.”

“What’s that?” Nate stayed close as we dodged the people walking along the sidewalk.

“She’s going skiing with some friends. She’d always wanted to go, but dad hated leaving home for Christmas and time off was far and few between at the holidays.” I shook my head. “I guess that’s a family trait, huh?” I couldn’t help but wonder if dad knew about Christmas Hill; if he believed in everything that Aunt Gertie and Nate believed.

“You didn’t want to go skiing?”

“Not really. I just wanted to stay home, but then I got the call about Aunt Gertie.” I frowned. “I wish I had met her in person, had been here when she needed me. I wish Dad had told me more about his family. I wish… a lot of things.”

“You’re here now.”

“Yeah.” I was here now. Wouldn’t Dad have wanted me to take care of his family’s property? Their legacy?

“Nate! Nate!” Squeals interrupted my thoughts as two small bodies slammed into the back of Nate’s legs. Remy began bouncing and yapping happily. There wasn’t much Remy like better than kids willing to play with him.

“Whoa!” Nate reached behind him to steady the tiny children gripping his legs.

“I knew it was you!” The little boy looked up at Nate with large blue eyes. “Jilly didn’t think it was you because you were making kissy faces at her.” The little boy shot me a disgusted look.

“Who is she?” The little girl looked at me from where she held onto Nate. Remy jumped up to try and kiss her cheek, making her giggle.

“Jilly, Matt, this is Molly, Gertie’s niece. And that little fella is Remy.” Nate winked at me. “Where’s your dad, monsters? Have you finally finished him off?”

“They’re trying.” A deep voice drew my attention from the munchkins clutching Nate. A man walked in our direction, carrying shopping bags with a frazzled look. “I’m not sure how much more I can take.” He smiled at the kids who made huffing noises.

“C’mon, Dad. We’re not that bad!” Matt rolled his eyes.

“Says who?” The man mock frowned. “Who’s your friend, Nate?”

“Molly, this is Taylor. Taylor, this is Gertie’s niece, Molly.”

“Ah! How are you liking the Hill?” Taylor set one of his bags down and shook his hand.

“You knew Gertie?” Jilly let go of Nate’s leg and hopped up and down. “She was so cool! Do you make cookies, too?”

“Gertie was my aunt.” I smiled at the little girl.

“No way.”

“Yes, way.” I laughed. “But unfortunately, I’m not so great at making cookies.”

“That’s okay. Just put some icing on them and no one will know. That’s what we do.” Matt smiled and Taylor groaned. Matt was the older of the two and he knelt down to pet Remy, who immediately flopped over so he could get belly scratches.

“I knew there was something weird about that last batch.” Nate reached down and tickled Matt’s sides.

“Do you know Santa? Gertie gave him my letter last year.” Jilly pulled on my jacket, the nails on her little fingers painted messily red and green.

“Um, I haven’t met Santa yet.” Not wanting to disappoint her I changed the subject. “I like your finger nails! Did you do them?”

“Daddy did it!” Jilly preened for a minute. “I bet he would paint your nails too if you ask nicely.”

“Or better yet, I won’t do them if you ask nicely.” Taylor’s voice rumbled out of his chest, holding a hint of embarrassment.

“I think he did a lovely job.” I smiled at Jilly and then Taylor. I was starting to put the pieces together about their little family.

“Where are you two headed?” Taylor looked at Nate, obviously wanting to not talk about his handiwork.

“Mattie’s and then to the hardware store. Tree fell on the fence in the back of the property.” Nate shook his head.

“Would you like to come with us? Grab some food?” I asked Taylor. The poor man looked exhausted.

“Thank you, but we already had lunch.” Taylor smiled and it transformed his face. He was handsome and I found myself wondering why he was raising his children by himself. A man that looked like that and was obviously a devoted father shouldn’t be on the market for very long. “And we still have several stops to make.”

“Aw, Dad!” Matt grabbed his free hand. “Can’t we eat again?”

“Another time, Matt. We need to go get some food for the new puppies and make it home before they destroy the house.” A little bit of the frazzled look came back into his eyes and I felt sorry for him. It was obvious he was trying to do everything he could to make those kids happy.

“Next time, buddy.” Nate knelt down and clucked Matt’s chin. “Why don’t you come see the reindeer on tomorrow? Give them some treats after a long night of work and eat some dinner.”

The kids jumped up and down while Taylor looked relieved. His smile was grateful as they left.

“I hope you don’t mind me inviting them.” Nate frowned. “They usually come for dinner, but I should have asked.”

“That sounds nice, actually.” It had been a while since I had spent Christmas around children. “Should we buy some groceries?”

“I suppose if I’m going to cook we might need to buy something or there won’t be anything to eat at our place.” Nate’s eyes sparkled as he looked at me. There was something there in his eyes and his words. It took me a minute to understand why my heart was beating faster. Our place.

“Unless you all want to be sick on Christmas that might be a good idea.”