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Valerie had wanted to talk to Damon, but wasn’t it best to let people have their space? It wasn’t as if any of her adult relationships had ever been as deep as the one she had with him, so she wasn’t sure what to do. But she didn’t want to make her impatience to be the thing that drove a wedge even further between them. He obviously had a lot of unresolved negative feelings toward her. It made her sad, and she hoped that he would someday come to forgive her actions and, at the very least, they could be friends again.
Martha and Kenzie’s father were talking a few feet away, and Valerie headed toward them.
Behind her, she heard a yelp from Damon. A high-pitched cry of fear that made Valerie whirl and race back into the room. What had scared him so badly? She was frightened to find out.
Inside the room, he was hopping around, slapping at himself like he was on fire. She stepped forward, hand outstretched as if there was something she could do to help him, and saw something tiny drop off his arm and onto the floor. It started crawling away. Damon saw it and gritted his teeth, snatching a paperweight off the shelf and throwing it violently onto the spider.
He was breathing heavily when he finally looked up and met her own wide eyes.
“Was that...a spider?” she asked incredulously.
He shuddered. “Yes, and it’s dead now, no thanks to you.”
She couldn’t help it...a giggle escaped. He sent her an unamused look. “Spiders are not a laughing matter. They’re hideous and nasty.”
This time she broke into full gales of laughter, bending over and clutching her aching sides as tears squeezed from her eyes.
“You’re...over six feet...tall.” She swiped at her wet cheeks. “And that teensy thing had you screaming?”
“I was not screaming,” he informed her curtly. “I was yelling in a manly way.”
“What was all the commotion in here?” Martha came in and eyed Valerie warily. Still bent over, clutching her side, her aunt’s question made her giggle again.
“Your irreverent niece is guffawing at a frightening attack on my person,” Damon said, straightening his clothes as if he’d been in a brawl.
“Yes, it was quite serious. The spider was as big as a pinprick. It was horrible.”
Damon continued to scowl at Valerie as Martha turned to him, face full of sympathy. “Did you succeed in destroying the beast?”
“Barely.” He shuddered again and brushed his shirt roughly in emphasis. The broad shoulders and pronounced biceps that his long-sleeved shirt hugged made his fear of something so small all the more hysterical. Valerie braced her hands on her knees and tried to catch her breath.
Martha nodded her sympathy. “Those vile things are fast and hard to kill.”
“I can’t believe you two are so scared of something that small.” Valerie shook her head.
“This is Alaska. We deal with the long, cold winters, so we don’t have to deal with any bugs! With the exception of our giant mosquitoes. That’s why we live here. The lower forty-eight is filled with awful bugs,” Martha said.
Valerie was shaking her head, but Damon’s nodding caught her eye, causing her to smile in spite of herself. It should worry her that these oddballs were becoming her type of people more and more. But it didn’t.
Martha seemed to have an idea, and she was not good at hiding it as she stepped toward the door. “I’m going to bring you two some of that delicious punch to try before the service. Wait here for me.” She disappeared out the door. Nothing about that exit was sneaky, and Valerie almost blushed as she looked up at Damon. He avoided her gaze.
“I...” What could she possibly say? She looked down and wrung her hands.
After what felt like an eternity of awkward silence and refusing to look at each other, where she was trying to figure out what would be proper to say to him, Damon spoke. “It’s too bad you’re leaving so soon.”
Frowning, Valerie met his gaze. It was guarded and...was that hurt?
“What do you mean?”
“Your new job.” He said it as if she was slow. “You’re leaving right after Christmas, right?” At the word “leaving,” he dropped his gaze and swallowed.
“Damon...” Valerie stepped to him and put her hand on his arm. “I was offered a job, yes. In fact, it’s a company I would have killed to work for when I was just getting out of college.”
“You should be joyous to leave then.” His words were gruff.
“Hey.” Valerie steeled herself. She had to be brave. This was her chance to make things right. She reached up and touched her fingertips to his jaw, the stubble brushing enticingly against her as she tenderly turned his face to look at her. His breathing was ragged at her touch, and his eyes were on fire as they gazed into hers. He felt it too. “I turned down the offer. I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I...” She paused, nervous now. Would he think her idea stupid and impractical?
She didn’t realize her hand had slipped away from his face until he grasped it in his own and raised it back, pressing it against him. She leaned toward him, drawn in by the intensity of his gaze, the feel of him under her fingers. “I have something I want to share with you. If you’re willing to come to the house and see?” She wasn’t sure what to expect from him and held her breath nervously.
He turned his face and kissed her palm before releasing her and straightening, stepping away quickly. Valerie turned to see what had caused his withdrawal. Kenzie and Liddy appeared in the doorway.
“We’re all gathering for the service. I wanted to make sure to remind you not to take off without getting your items from the box for the Nativity after.” Kenzie glanced between them, while Liddy not-so-subtly edged out, tugging her friend’s arm.
“I won’t forget!” Valerie smiled and started for the door, determined to show them nothing was going on. It felt too private to share. The other women walked slightly in front of her, and a hand on her back made her pause and look around.
Damon kept his hand pressed to the small of her back and leaned down, whispering, “I’ll be there.” His breath caressed her neck, and she shivered.
Not wanting to draw attention from the people still standing around chatting, she only leaned back against him slightly in acknowledgement and then headed into the service. She couldn’t believe she’d felt so sick to her stomach these last few days, only to find out that it was a misunderstanding. What if she’d let it drive her away? The thought was a distressing one.
I’ve made my choice, and right now, it seems to be the best one yet. She pushed through the double doors and found a seat next to Martha.
There was a lovely short service with the sweet elderly pastor, Emilia Adams, her flowing grey hair coming around her like a shawl as she vivaciously told the story of Jesus. Then the children’s choir sang. Valerie was shocked that there were so many kids around here. She found herself wondering what it would be like to have her own child up there, singing so sweetly for the church. Then the entire church stood, and they sang together. Damon, Patti, Josiah and Jason stood on the other side of the aisle, a couple of rows back and Valerie found herself filled with warmth from the unity of people she knew and had come to care for.
After the songs many of the children joined together in a play acting out the Christmas story, and the applause was thunderous.
Her excitement grew as the ending of the beautiful service came. She wanted to share with Damon what she had planned for her future here, but now that time had passed between her conversation with Damon, worry crept in. Would he still want to come and see what she had to show him? Had he truly realized and accepted that what had put a wedge between them was a misunderstanding?
Martha was animatedly chatting with a group of people, so Valerie headed out alone, stepping from the warmth of the building into the quiet, but blisteringly cold, night. She pulled her zipper up to her chin and found Kenzie, so she could take some of the Christmas items to decorate the animals with. Already, she and Martha had gotten out the trailer to load the critters in the day after tomorrow.
As she approached Kenzie’s truck, a smile broke out when she saw that Kenzie had attached fake antlers to the top and a large red ball in the front on the grill.
Kenzie’s father, who was carrying a small box like it contained gold—if she had to guess, it was probably some of the leftover pastries—saw her looking at the truck as he shuffled over. “You should see how she dressed up her horses. I’m embarrassed for them.”
“She’s probably preparing them for the Nativity tomorrow. It’s good to get them used to whatever they’ll be wearing.” When had she become an expert? Oh well...at least he was nodding.
“It will be a beautiful sight. But not as beautiful as the tree-lighting ceremony. Now that is something to see.”
Valerie glanced around. She’s been to New York for their tree lighting and that was spectacular. She didn’t even see a tree for the purpose of a lighting ceremony.
“Where is the tree they’re going to light?”
The man smiled. “It’s a secret.”
Kenzie came toward them, cute mukluks with fur covering the tops making no sound as she approached. Valerie would have to chat with her about where she got those boots and what she liked about them. She imagined they were only for special occasions, since they looked to be in pristine condition.
“I was just telling the young lady about your humiliating the horses with those costumes.” Kenzie’s father said.
Kenzie smiled. “They’re not humiliating, Dad. They’re Christmassy and festive. Just like that green-and-red dog vest you knitted for Noodles.”
Valerie contained her chuckle as Kenzie’s father scowled. “That vest is practical. Noodles gets cold.”
“But did you need to knit booties, a mini-scarf, and a doggy hat, complete with ears shaped perfectly for him?” Kenzie put her hands on her hips.
He looked around as if for help and, seeing no one to take his side, he thrust out his chin and said, “They’re practical for keeping warm too.” Sticking to his guns.
Kenzie turned, barely hiding her smile, and opened the back door of the truck. She reached in and retrieved a box, opening it so Valerie could pull out what Martha had said she wanted for Peony and Sir Charles.
After they all said goodbye, Valerie looked around the parking lot. Martha was in the truck waiting for her, but where was Damon? Most of the vehicles had pulled out of the parking lot, with a few stragglers still chatting. Sadness crept in at the realization that he’d left without bothering to say anything to her. A feeling of loneliness nestled under her breastbone. Shoulders slumping forward, she walked to the truck.
Once she was in, and Martha had started the drive home, Martha asked, “Wasn’t that lovely?”
Valerie had been looking out the window, but she turned so her aunt could see her smile. “I honestly don’t remember ever going to anything like that as a kid. I was pleasantly surprised.”
“Your parents never went to community gatherings.” Martha frowned. “I wish I had made more of an effort to take you.”
“Someone very wise told me that focusing on the past takes away your power. So I think we should just be thankful for today.” Except that part where she’d thought she’d reconnected with Damon, and it turned out he had probably just wanted her to feel like that so he could finally be the one to leave her alone.
The house was shining with brilliant-colored lights wrapping the deck and the eaves. Blue, red, white, and green all held their own beauty, but Valerie particularly liked the wholesome green. It was the closest to nature for her, and she loved the fir trees bathed in the light, shining under a topping of pure-white snow.
“I can’t believe it’s so close to Christmas,” Martha said as she shut the door behind them. Gus came trotting over to say hello. He’d been curled up in front of the woodstove and his top lip was caught under his tooth, giving him an adorable snaggletooth expression.
“I can’t believe how happy I am this Christmastime.” It was the best she’d had. Unlike Thanksgiving, people didn’t invite the friend without family over.
“What did you do all these years for Christmas?” Martha went about her ritual of making tea.
Valerie sighed, her gaze unfocused as she remembered. “I usually took the day to work on my own designs. I guess it’s the only day I ever worked for myself. I had a little tree, but it was never significant to me.” She was about to ask about Martha’s past Christmases when the phone rang. “I’ll get it.”
She picked up the phone. “Martha’s house.”
“Hey, Valerie.” The masculine voice made her heart kick into gear. “I took Patti and Josiah home. I know it’s late...do you want me to come over still?” There was a hint of hope in his tone, and Valerie closed her eyes, smiling.
“Of course I do.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.”
When she hung up, Valerie found Martha dipping the bag of tea up and down into her cup of steaming water, an intent glint in her eyes.
“So?” she asked expectantly when Valerie said nothing.
Ah yes, Martha had left them alone, and she wanted to know if they’d been able to talk.
“We talked when you not-so-subtly left us alone. It turns out that some things were just a misunderstanding.”
Marth’s lips tilted, as if she’d known this all along. Maybe she did. She seemed to have an uncanny knack of knowing what was going on when everyone else was blind.
“And?” Martha sipped her tea.
“And he’s coming over, and I have something to show him. The notebook with the ideas I showed you the other night.”
Martha nodded her understanding. She knew how much it took Valerie to share it, to take a chance like this, and she had offered support and ideas that Valerie treasured. “I think that’s a wonderful thing to share with him. It will show him you’re serious about this new start.”
A few minutes later, Martha gave Gus a treat and announced that she was heading to bed.
It was late, the house still, and the peaceful quietness wrapped around Valerie as she fingered her notebook, her gaze on the fire dancing merrily in the woodstove as she thought about this new path she was on.
A soft knock at the door had her jumping up and nearly running to answer it. Joy filled her at seeing Damon standing there with the sweetest smile on his face. She beamed up at him as she invited him in.
He shrugged out of his winter jacket and, when he’d hung it up, Valerie impulsively took his hand. The surprise on his face melted away to a tender look that made Valerie feel as if she’d won the world. She led him to the living room, and they sat on the sofa together.
“I’ve been working on this, and it’s one of the reasons I felt empowered enough to turn down the job and make a fresh start.” She met his eyes, wanting her intent to be crystal clear. “Here.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, holding back whatever emotion he felt. But she could see it in his eyes.
She presented the sketchbook to him, suddenly feeling shy about sharing her sketches and notes. Would he think it was all foolishness? Criticism from him would hurt greatly, but she would not be dissuaded from her pursuit of this, she decided firmly.
He patiently waited until she released it into his hands and then gently opened it, like one would a precious package.
She sat facing him on the edge of the sofa. His face didn’t show any of what he was thinking or feeling as he carefully went through her work. Minutes went by as he looked over page after page, taking time to study the work and read her notes. Valerie tried to occupy herself with a game on her phone. It was only the second time she’d picked it up since coming here, the first time she’d connected to the town’s coffee shop wifi to find a job. When he finally got to the final sketch she was ready to wring her hands. He checked a couple of further pages, making sure there was nothing more, she guessed, and closed it.
“What do you think?” She practically threw the phone down and leaned forward, both eager and nervous.
“These are amazing.” He grinned. “Leave it to you to try and bring some fashion to the cold, rural parts of the world.”
She snorted softly, pleasure filling her at his praise. “What do you think of the technical notes?”
He thought about it for a moment, and she appreciated his taking this seriously. Her biggest fear had been that he wouldn’t.
“I have my reservations about how warm synthetic down can be, and of course, nothing is as warm as animal hide, but it’s a good start. You could also do some testing and rate each item for the level of cold and or wet it can withstand, like they sometimes do with sleeping bags.”
“I love that.” She jotted the note down.
“It’s going to be some work getting this set up. Are you going to outsource most of the sewing work?”
“I am. I also found some Alaska trade shows and even some Canada ones right across the border that I think would be excellent advertising.”
The way he tilted his head and nodded, listening intently to what she had to say, softened her heart, and she found herself pouring out more than she’d intended to.
“I will be staying with Martha and helping her with the hobby farm as my payment for staying here.” A smile tilted her lips as she remembered the conversation. “She’s the one who came up with that arrangement. I’m happy she wants me here. We have some ideas for tourism to the farm as well as opening up for summer school and camp activities so kids can come and experience the animals. Jason even said he’d be happy to do some simple vet talks for the camps, using our animals as examples.”
A lopsided smile had taken over Damon’s face, and his eyes were shining as he looked at her.
“What?”
“When you came here, did you even imagine that this is what you’d be doing?”
Valerie’s eyebrows shot up. “Absolutely not. In fact, if you’d told me this would come about, I would have never come and even given it a chance.”
They continued to talk, Damon gesturing to specific drawings and notes and collaborating with her on ideas for her menswear line as well.
A contented tiredness came over her, and she yawned, realizing it was probably very late. When she glanced at the clock, it announced three a.m. Early, then.
“I can’t believe we talked most of the night,” she murmured.
“Can’t you?” Damon was sitting close, eyes hooded.
“You are easy to talk to.” The words were barely a whisper as she leaned forward.
Their lips met, gentle and unhurried. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, his other hand tangling through her hair and caressing her neck as they continued their unhurried kiss. The kiss was sweet, and she ached as he pulled away, not wanting it to end yet.
“I should get home.” But he didn’t move, his hand caressing her face as he gazed at her like she was an angel.
She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Several minutes passed before he gave her a tender kiss on her temple and got up, saying goodnight.
After he left, Valerie gazed at the lit tree, its soft light pouring over the room gently. The crackle of the fire as the flames shifted around a particularly stout log was now audible with the coming of silence. The peaceful surroundings wrapped around her like a blanket, and Valerie rested her head on the arm of the couch and let her eyes drift closed.