Chapter 13

Allen smiled at the ten-year-old boy who lifted his arm during his therapy reps. A few more patients worked around them at work tables, parallel bars, and adjustable staircases. Young Theo’s arm was in a cast because of a broken arm, but he was on the road to recovery.

His family was in a car accident. While his parents suffered from minor injuries, Theo endured the most since a car hit them from behind coming into Maple Meadow from out of town.

“Are we through yet?” Theo asked through gritted teeth.

“One more and that’s it.” Allen gave the boy’s good hand a fist bump once he finished. “Good job.”

Theo smiled back as his mother walked over. Allen shook her hand, and she walked with her son to the front door. As he faced the entryway, he saw Heather with her one crutch at the reception desk. Though she’d been there before, seeing her at his job was new. What was worse? He looked forward to seeing her over his other patients.

A lump formed in his throat as he watched her interact with Maggie the receptionist. Heather was natural at conversation, making those around her comfortable. Then she turned to face him and she tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Then Heather leaned into the crutch and walked towards him.

Allen met her halfway as he did the time before. “Welcome again to Maple Meadow Physical Therapy.”

“Some welcoming committee.” She winked at him.

Another thing he liked. She never ceased to speak what was on her mind.

“Are you ready?” Allen asked.

“Yeah, and I’m ready to get off this crutch.” Heather wobbled some, but she steadied herself and followed him.

“Where’s Tinsel this time?”

“Keeping my neighbors company again. Why? Is he growing on you?”

“Some. I didn’t grow up with dogs.”

“Why not?”

He shrugged. “Never came up. Between the books and sports, I didn’t have time to be responsible for a dog.” He led her into the room with plain walls, an exam table, and fluorescent lighting. He helped Heather up, ignoring the ache in his arms to hold on to her longer. He did his best to ignore the sensations the last time she was here, but if she kept coming back, could he keep his focus on work?

“Ready?” he asked.

“Let’s go.” Heather stared down at her hands. Her demeanor differed from the friendly smile he saw her give to Maggie.

Allen didn’t ask questions but led her into the exercise using a stretch band. Heather pushed through each one as she always did. She never backed down. Her determination moved him.

“Good work.” While he complimented and encouraged all his clients, Heather’s inner glow enchanted him.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She shook her head. “No really. I know I wasn’t easy to get along with before, but I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. I owe you one, especially for letting us have some sessions here.”

Allen sucked in a quick breath. “It’s all you, Heather.”

“But someone once told me, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.”

With that, the sound of blood rushed to his ears. His heart seemed to freeze and then pound in his chest. Heather.

He never met a woman like her. She thrilled him. Challenged him.

If only he wasn’t to blame for his failed marriage. Crystal was responsible for her share, but he lost himself in her. He would have lassoed the moon if that’s what she wanted. He couldn’t get lost in someone else again, but with Heather, he edged toward another cliff.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Allen didn’t respond but his gaze dropped to her lips. He had moved close to adjusting the stretch band. He then caught her floral scent once more and his hands moistened.

“Allen?”

Even the way she said his name undid him in her smoky voice. Heather furrowed her eyebrows at first but then released them, tilting her head to the side. “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee blasted through the speakers. It startled them both and Heather pressed a hand to her chest.

“Is that another dance party?”

Allen chuckled. “Sounds like it.”

Heather smiled. “You do this all the time? I thought it was for special occasions.”

“I think it’s becoming a regular thing for the patients to unwind and have fun with each other. The staff doesn’t mind it. Last week it was Amy Grant’s ‘Christmas to Remember’.”

Heather beamed. “Do you mind if I take a break to watch again?”

Allen helped her down and she peeped out the door. He stood behind her, ignoring the desire to erase the distance between them.

***

Heather giggled at the mock Soul Train line as the patients took turns dancing on crutches. Even one patient made his way down the line in his wheelchair. Laughter filled the air.

Heather touched a hand to her lips. “You have to join them.” Then she reached her hand to push him in the hallway.

Allen didn’t move. “I told you I don’t dance in public.”

He seemed adamant about his decision and wasn’t going to change. She wanted to ask if he would do it for her, but she didn’t want to go too far. She backed off.

“Well, I would but I don’t want to stop my progress,” Heather said.

“Please don’t,” he said.

Did his voice deepen? Her back tingled knowing he resumed his place behind her.

“Is that a new move?” Allen asked. He moved to stand on the opposite side, facing her.

Heather shimmied her shoulders to the music, taking care not to move her lower body too much. Allen folded his arms across his chest as he watched her. His sky-blue polo shirt with the facility logo fit his athletic frame.

A smile built on his lips. “I seem to recall running into you the last time you danced.”

She giggled. “You saved my ice cream so I’m grateful. See, I owe you another one.”

“I guess I have to think of something.”

Her body went still, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Let me know when you do.”

“I will.”

She inhaled a shaky breath. Coming to the facility the last couple of sessions didn’t help at all. Heather thought being in public would distract her from Allen. At her house, it was only the two of them.

The same thing happened at the park and she couldn’t focus. Nothing was working, and seeing him work with the little boy only made it worse. Maggie had joked with her, talking about how her three-year-old son was playing a sheep in the Christmas play, but Heather kept stealing furtive gazes at Allen. This didn’t happen to her. She’d liked guys in the past, but this man was running through her mind like a track star.

Heather ran a free hand down her neck. “Should we get back?”

“Ready when you are.”

Did that mean more than she thought? He was talking about their workouts, right? He didn’t mean them together. Allen couldn’t want anything with her. He didn’t talk about his past much the times they were together. Aside from his mother’s death and his father’s recovery, she didn’t know anything else besides his occupation and being related to Desmond.

Would Allen trust her enough to share? Heather was no better. Could she share with him? She rolled her eyes as she walked back to the exam table. There was a twinge in her leg, but she ignored it. Too bad Allen spotted her scrunched face.

“Are you alright?”

She nodded, ignoring the stinging. “Yeah. I may have pushed it today, but I’m fine.”

He helped her to sit. “That’s not good. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s nothing.”

Allen stared at her. “I want you to challenge yourself Heather, but I don’t want you relapsing. Okay?”

He sounded as if he cared, but Heather wouldn’t fall for it. It was part of his job. She had to stop thinking there was more between them.

When would it stop? Relationships complicated her life. Love only broke hearts and made people miserable. Her mother was a perfect example of that. She didn’t want to end up like her. Distraught. Alone.

Heather needed to focus. Whatever was going on between her and Allen couldn’t go too far. Did it already though? Then her cell rang, showing her mother’s face on screen.

“Heather, I can’t take you to your appointment today,” her mother said.

“Mom, is something wrong?”

“The usual last minute mishaps before Maple Meadow’s Christmas fair. I’m taking care of it, so not to worry.”

“I’ll call Sonia—no I can’t. She’s covering for a co-worker today and doesn’t get off until after six.” Heather’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’ll take care of it.”

“I hate to leave you there. You know what, Abigail can handle things.”

“Mom, you know they need you there. You keep the fair going.” She looked over at Allen. “I’ll find someone to help.”

She hung up with her mother, not wanting to argue. She didn’t tell her mother about the park incident or even today’s minor setback. Heather was getting better, and if her mother knew, she would lock Heather up in her house until Dr. Boyer removed her knee brace himself.

“Everything okay?” Allen asked.

“I need a ride to my doctor’s appointment. Do you mind? I wouldn’t ask unless it was important.”

Allen raised an eyebrow. Was that a hint of a smile? “Last time I gave you a ride, you didn’t want it.”

“I didn’t know you then.”

“You know me now?”

“I think I can trust you. You’ve been to my house a few times now. My neighbors can vouch for your character. Your eyes—I mean you look like you can be…” She was rambling. This man would ruin her if she let him.

Allen laughed. “I don’t mind. You’re my last patient for the day, anyway.”

“Thank you.” She hoped her voice didn’t squeak.

***

Heather’s mouth dropped. “Are you kidding me, Dr. Boyer? I didn't fall at the park. It just felt a little irritated later.”

“I understand, but I recommend you skip the tree lighting ceremony. You’re making progress but we don’t want to get too ambitious. If you felt some pain after therapy, you need to slow down.”

She shouldn’t have told him about the incident in the park or the irritation she felt after her session with Allen at the facility. Heather sighed, knowing her thoughts were wrong, but why did it have to stop her from living? “I know but it’s one of the biggest events this town has.”

“Yes, but this is your health we’re talking about. We don’t want any relapses, Heather. You’re doing well in therapy but injuries like this take time. You can’t rush it. You’ve made impeccable progress already, but let’s not push our luck. Okay?”

“What if I sit in the corner?”

“Heather—”

“Please, Dr. Boyer. This is Maple Meadow's tree lighting. It only happens once a year.”

He pushed his glasses up his nose. “Heather, you're healthy and in good shape so you've already surpassed my expectations, but you need to slow down. And for the record, when have you ever sat still?”

Her ribs grew tight, restricting her breath. “Fine, but for the record, I don’t like it.”

“I know, Heather.”

She checked out with the nurse at the reception desk and found Allen in the waiting room. A sign on the wall reminded people to take their valuables with them, while a toy corner of children’s blocks, books, a coloring table, and trucks kept the few kids of visiting patients busy. Her heart felt like it was shrinking.

“Everything go okay?” Allen asked.

“Sure.” She didn’t want a conversation, so her voice sounded more clipped than usual.

Allen didn’t ask questions. Could he read her? Heather pressed her fingers to her forehead once she settled into the passenger seat of his truck.

She didn’t even look at him when he helped her inside. Then he turned on the radio. Bing Crosby’s version of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” filled the truck, easing the heaviness in her body.

“You don’t have to, Allen,” she said. “I know this is not your thing.”

“No,” he said. “But I thought it would help.”

She ran a hand down her face. “Dr. Boyer recommends I stay home for the Christmas tree lighting.”

“I’m sorry.”

She refused to cry despite her vision blurring. She wouldn’t tell him that was the first place her mother took her and Sonia after their father left. Determined to keep their family together, her mother went all out for Christmas.

Heather loved every minute as a girl. Garland decorating their fireplace, twinkling lights around their home, a Christmas tree as the centerpiece in their living room. Standing around the tree with the townspeople she loved as it glittered into the night.

They sang carols as families gathered together while fresh snow fell around them. It was her first moment of peace. Perhaps she and her family would be okay with her father gone.

“I guess that means you won’t be coming tonight to help decorate,” Allen said.

“No, I’m staying inside.”

Allen pulled his truck into her driveway. “I agree. Do you need anything? I can—”

She dismissed his response with a wave. “No, I want to be alone.” She unclicked her seatbelt but her hand trembled. The tears were coming, but she refused to cry in front of this man. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Let me help.” Allen got out of the car.

Heather wished she could disappear. “I’m fine.”

He didn’t listen but helped her anyway out of his truck as she stabled herself on her good foot. Allen handed her crutch to her, and she walked past him to her front door. She didn’t look back.

***

Allen settled back into his truck and pulled out his cell. It wasn’t his problem. He couldn’t convince her doctor to let Heather go. He’d never been to a tree lighting ceremony, but it meant the world to her. How could he fix it?

Fix it? There was no need to interfere. Yet, he saw Heather’s frown along with her slumped shoulders. There wasn’t even a smile when he turned his radio to Christmas music. Heather stared into space as he drove. How could he make this right? Was there a way?

He called her mother. “Ms. Diana?”

“Hello, Allen. Heather texted me that you took her to her appointment. Thank you so much.”

“It was no problem. I was glad to help.” It gave him time to be around her daughter. Allen squeezed his eyes shut. He needed to focus.

Ms. Diana continued. “Well, I appreciate it all the same. That’s what we do here in Maple Meadow. We’re there for our friends and family.”

He smiled, enjoying the fact that she saw him as a part of their community. “You’re welcome. I have an idea, but I’ll need your help.”

“What’s that?”

Allen rubbed the back of his neck. He hoped he wasn’t overstepping his bounds.