Chapter 14
Tinsel barked at the front door as the doorbell rang. Heather didn’t want company. She slumped on her couch flipping the channels on her TV. The doorbell rang again. She didn’t want to hear it again, so she wobbled to the door, adding a little pressure to her bad leg.
Heather opened the door to see her neighbors, a few of her Pilates students, along with the Christmas fair volunteers at her front door. Her mother held up a box.
Heather’s mouth hung open.
“Are you going to let us in or let us freeze to death out here?” her mother asked.
Heather stood off to the side, inviting her friends and family into her home. Sonia entered through the door along with Morgan. They both gave her a hug.
“What’s all this?” Heather asked.
“We’re here to decorate your house for Christmas. We heard you couldn’t come to the tree lighting.”
Heather squinted her eyes. “I didn’t tell you that. I only found that out today.”
Morgan winked. “Word travels fast in this town.”
“Now, Heather I’m thinking lights around the mantle with the garland.” Her mother pointed to the front door, which was still open. A few men stood in it including Desmond and Terrance. “You can start hanging the lights outside.”
“Mom, I was going to—”
Her mother motioned for her to sit down. “This is our gift to you.”
Heather settled on her couch just as little Emily came to sit next to her holding Tinsel in her arms. “Open your present.”
Heather opened the black and white box filled with green tissue paper. Inside, she found journals, scented lotions, homemade cookies, and Christmas glitter ornaments. She gave a side hug to Emily who ran then ran after Tinsel as he jumped off her lap. Heather touched her temple as she closed her eyes.
“Surprised?” Terrance asked.
Heather lifted her chin. “I am.” She looked outside. “You guys finished already?”
Terrance held up another handful of lights. “Far from it. How are you doing?”
“Better. I’m grateful to you all for doing this.”
Terrance gestured to her mother. “I’m following directions from your mother.” He then clasped her hand. “Merry Christmas, Heather.”
“Same to you,” she said.
He returned outside just as Morgan played Christmas music on her phone. Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” filled the air and Heather sneaked a homemade Christmas cookie into her mouth. Laying a hand on her chest, she looked about as her house transformed into a winter wonderland. This was usually her project, but thanks to the people of Maple Meadow, she could sit back and enjoy her favorite treat.
“Now tell me what Dr. Boyer said.” Her mother sat next to her.
“He wants me to take it easy. Nothing’s wrong.”
“Are you sure?”
“I had a minor setback. I felt some pain and I told him so he thinks I need to rest.”
“You do,” her mother said, her forehead wrinkled.
“I’m okay, Mom.”
“Heather?”
She patted her mother’s hand. “I’m sure. He says I’m doing well overall but not to get overambitious.” Another smile built on her face. “Thanks, Mom. This means a lot to me.”
Her mother hugged her. “Don’t thank me.” She pulled away and pointed to the window.
Heather followed her mother’s gaze and spotted Allen through her curtains. He was helping Terrance and Desmond with the lights.
“Allen? He did this?”
“He called me after he dropped you off.”
Heather stared out the window again. “Allen? My physical therapist called you? Mom, he doesn’t even like Christmas.” He didn’t do this for her. It meant too much.
“Maybe he likes you,” her mother said with a raised eyebrow.
Heather dropped her gaze to her braced knee. “He’s only here to help my knee get better.”
Her mother lifted her chin. “I’ve got eyes and I’ve got ears. He sounded so sincere when he called me. He didn’t like that not coming to the ceremony disappointed you.”
Heather tucked in her upper lip. Could she believe what she was feeling? It never got this far. Allen saw past her wall. She always wanted to appear confident, but he saw her disappointments and vulnerabilities.
Allen only laughed at her antics when she wanted to appear strong—or he challenged them in his own quiet way. They were opposites. She was an extrovert and he was an introvert. Could she complement him and vice versa? As much as her head screamed no, her heart shouted yes!
“That was nice of him. I’ll thank him.” Heather hoped her mother would get off the subject.
Her mother opened her mouth to respond but then stood to order the arrangement of the Christmas placemats on Heather’s dining table. Heather blinked. Was that a keyboard?
She didn’t play the piano so why in the world would anyone bring that to her house of all places? Tinsel scurried back to her only to jump on the couch. Her eyes examined the room as her fellow townspeople decorated her house.
She heard hammers and spied the stringed lights being hung from her house. Were those net lights tossed over her bushes? Heather cuddled Tinsel. Her bottom lip trembled but she wouldn’t cry.
“I have lasagna for you,” Abigail said. “All you have to do is put it in the oven for forty-five minutes. Would you like me to heat it now?”
She shook her head. “Not yet, but thank you.”
Abigail smiled just as her husband Nick plugged in the keyboard.
Nick rubbed his hands together. “Who wants to hear some Christmas carols?” His eyes diverted to Heather on the couch. “Any requests?”
She bit her bottom lip. “Joy to the World.”
Nick wrung his hands together and sat to the keyboard. “Alright, everyone. Heather’s made the first request.” He touched his fingers to the keys and played one of her favorite carols. Heather sang along with the people inside her home. She swayed back and forth with Tinsel in her lap. Her house came to life.
By the time they finished “Joy to the World,” her brick fireplace shined with lighted garland. Her fireplace blazed with a fire, bringing even more heat to her chilled home. She secured the blanket around her shoulders as Tinsel jumped off her lap once again.
Her heart hammered as she felt a familiar presence. She pivoted to see Allen behind her, and upon eye contact, he smiled at her. She blinked and licked her lips. He was here. Despite his attitude towards the season, he came to help. She touched a hand to her chest. Then he sat beside her.
“Having fun?” he asked. His smile reached his eyes.
Heather glimpsed around her living room. “I love it. I only wish I could help. I do this every year so it’s weird to be on the sidelines.”
“It’s coming together.”
She nudged his shoulder. “Thank you for coming.”
He stared for a moment. “You’re welcome.” Was there more?
She didn’t ask but turned to see Nick leaving the keyboard. Heather nudged Allen’s shoulder again. “Want to play?”
His eyebrows shot up. “I don’t think—”
“Teach me then?” she asked. It was a long shot, but she wanted to try. She didn’t want him to leave yet. His eye contact wasn’t as strong so perhaps a change of subject was easier.
Allen blew out his cheeks and stared at the keyboard. Then turning back to her, he held out his hand. “I hope the bench is big enough for the two of us.”
He helped her to her feet, securing one arm around her waist. Heather walked next to him, avoiding eye contact. Why did she fit next to him? For a moment, she forgot the twinges of pain inside her knee.
Time slowed. Everything around her faded as her eyes zoned in on Allen’s strong chin. Her hands itched to touch the stubble on his face. It would be easy to reach for his cheek and turn his face towards her. Her insides quivered at the thought of him kissing her.
As they approached the keyboard, he helped her to sit.
“Okay?” he asked.
She bobbed her head, fearing her voice would squeak if she spoke too soon.
Allen didn’t sit next to her. Instead, he stood behind her and leaned in, bringing his chin to her shoulder. Heather exhaled. How would he teach her like this? She didn’t ask questions, but her body went still.
“Give me your hand,” Allen said.
Heather raised her right hand, only to have him place his strong hand on top of hers.
He set both of their hands on the keyboard. “The right hand plays the melody. See this note?”
Heather stared at the keyboard, spotting the middle white key. “This one?”
“That’s middle C.” He moved her finger to the next key. “Followed by D, E, F, G—”
“H?” She couldn’t resist teasing him.
Allen chuckled. “Not on this scale. Instead, there’s A, B, and C. That’s the key of C.”
He led their fingers back to C and played each note with her. Heather followed, hearing each key play.
“That’s the tone of scale,” he said.
His breath on her ear made her shiver. Did he notice?
“I see. So how would I play a song?”
He moved her finger to rest on three notes at a time. “This makes a basic chord.”
Heather smiled, biting at her lower lip. “You sure you don’t want to teach piano? I think you’ll clean up in this town.”
Allen chuckled. “I don’t think so.”
“You’re doing a great job with me,” Heather said.
“It’s different with you.”
She leaned into him. Did his breath hitch? Her body went still again, with her hand still underneath his on the keyboard.
Heather couldn’t help but ask. “Different with me?”
He sighed. “Everything’s different with you.”
He tilted his head to the side. His eyes yearning. He would kiss her. She could feel it in her bones.
“Allen! We need your help with the lights outside?” a male voice called out.
Heather winced as Allen straightened on his feet, removing his hand from hers. “Maybe we can finish this later.”
She gave a faint smile. “Sure.”
***
Allen spotted Desmond on the ladder as he handed him more lights. He kept the metal structure steady. The men kept their conversation to a minimum since Ms. Diana said she didn’t want them distracted. Allen laughed at the idea since he and Desmond could go on about ESPN.
He worked with the rest of the men, grateful he could do something for Heather. He saw her face lit from afar when she opened her front door. He heard the blasting of Christmas music and what made him laugh was him humming along to Bing Crosby’s “Let it Snow.”
Allen reminded himself he was only being a good neighbor. It was a thoughtful gesture, but when he saw her through the window with Terrance, his chest burned. He only knew the man for a short time after Desmond introduced them, but Allen’s stomach hardened.
Then he showed Heather a few things on the piano. He told her things were different with her. They were. It wasn’t a lie.
Walking beside her, did she sense his knees wobbling? He never thought a woman could fit in his embrace, but Heather fit him. Was that even possible? He didn’t know her. Could he base something between them on feelings alone?
Allen didn’t want to repeat those mistakes, but she was different. Heather Shaw affected him in ways he never experienced before. She respected him. What man didn’t appreciate that? Even if she said things out of turn, she wasn’t too proud to apologize.
He thought standing behind her at the keyboard was a good idea, but it only worsened the situation. He leaned in closer to show her a few notes, only to breathe in her essence. Then she turned only to graze his cheek with her supple skin. He lost his sense of time.
His plan was to back away but when her soft eyes met his, his pulse raced. With very little blinking, she stared at him. His eyes lowered to her lips and his own mouth flooded with moisture. Did he lean in? Would she have pulled away?
“Okay people,” Ms. Diana said walking out of Heather’s house. “I think the men are ready for us.”
Desmond descended the ladder. His eyes widened. “Sure, Ms. Diana. Whatever you say.”
“Everything’s plugged in, right?” Terrance's forehead furrowed.
Allen walked over to the surge cord. “I guess we’ll find out.”
“Shall we do a countdown?” Morgan asked.
Heather came outside behind her sister wrapped in a throw blanket. She glowed in the moonlight and her smile made his breath quicken.
Morgan held up her hand for the countdown. “Five. Four. Three. Two. One.”
Allen flipped the switch and Heather’s house twinkled in lights. The crowd cheered and a few ladies hugged her. Some waved goodbye while her mother and sister took turns hugging her. Allen shook the hands of those that said goodnight, but Ms. Diana caught him off guard with another hug.
She patted his back. “Thank you for making my daughter happy today.”
“Anyone would have done it.”
Ms. Diana looked back at her daughter who was hugging Emily. “I don’t think so. Have a good night.” She walked away.
Allen then faced Heather who called Tinsel back inside. He waved, and she motioned for him to come closer. He needed to leave—now, but like a moth to a flame, he walked closer.
Heather rubbed at her arms. “This is so beautiful.”
She was too, but he didn’t say it aloud. Instead, he looked around. “It is nice.”
“And I hear you had something to do with this.”
Allen’s smile gave him away. “Small town news travels fast.”
“If it’s my mother, even faster.”
They both laughed, but then Heather teared up. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He froze at first, but then his arms wrapped around her waist. Their height difference didn’t matter because she fit his frame. He held her close, breathing in her familiar floral scent.
“I’m sorry.” Heather drew back but was still in his embrace. She wiped one cheek. “I’m not this emotional.”
Allen reached and stroked her cheek. “It’s okay.”
Heather’s eyes dropped to his lips. “I... I don’t think this is a good idea.”
Allen’s rational ways screamed for him to hurry to his truck, but holding Heather felt like home. “Probably not.”
“This could get complicated.” She looked up at him, her eyes were still damp.
“I know.”
“But…”
He cupped her cheek once more and then rested his hand on her shoulder. Heather leaned into his touch and Allen pressed his forehead against hers. The alarms went off in his head like sirens, but when Heather leaned in further, Allen didn’t pull back. Their lips met, and he cupped her face in his hands. Heather pressed her hands against his back, sinking into his body.
Her mouth was as sweet as he imagined. Her lips were soft. He deepened the kiss as she caressed his back. His hands ran down her neck and she shivered. Soon they switched with her arms around his neck and his around her waist. Heather’s blanket fell to the porch.
Did he hear bells? Who heard bells when they kissed? That only happened in movies, right? If only the skeletons of his past didn’t creep inside him.
Pulling away was best, but his lips relished in her taste. Heather’s mouth opened but nothing came out. He watched as she poked her tongue into her cheek. Would she understand his reasons? Was he ready to talk about it? Allen instead bent and picked up her blanket. He handed it to her.
How did he explain? “Heather I—”
“Don’t.”
Being with Heather was surreal. Perhaps that was the issue. Talking to her came as easy as breathing. He didn’t deflate with her as he would with Crystal. Coming from money, his ex-wife always voiced what she wanted.
Some called her spoiled, but Allen at the time was too in love to see red flags. It didn’t matter now. A beautiful and vibrant woman stood before him and he froze.
“Maybe you should go.” Heather wrapped herself in the blanket again.
Allen’s lips parted to reply but… he inhaled. Was something burning? Tinsel barked.
Heather wrinkled her brow at first, but then her mouth fell open. “No, not the lasagna!” She hurried to the kitchen hopping on one foot. Allen rushed after her.
***
Heather's fork scraped her plate as she cut into her mother’s pot roast. She detected the black pepper her mother added as her final ingredient. Her eyes then diverted to the black-handled kettle on her mother's stove. Heather didn’t say much in the car when Sonia picked her up, nor did she mention anything when her mother noticed her frown. She wished she could erase the last few days.
She wouldn’t see Allen until their next appointment—she didn’t want to see him then. His face said it all. He regretted the kiss. Was she not good enough for him? Perhaps he got caught up and didn’t realize what he was doing.
Why did she lean into his touch? It made her good knee wobble. Her breath caught in her throat and all she wanted to do was kiss him. He’d been so sweet, having her mother rally the townspeople to decorate her house for Christmas. While it wasn’t the same as being at the actual ceremony, she smiled a little more about her situation.
Heather lifted her head to see her mother and Sonia staring at her in mid-bite. “Something wrong?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” her mother said.
“Are you okay?” Sonia raised her eyebrows.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She hated being on display. All they asked her about was Allen. She would see him tomorrow for their session. Could she cancel? No, it didn’t work the last time, and she didn’t want to explain her reasons to his supervisor.
How would they act around each other now that they’d kissed? She thought of nothing else. It grated her nerves. Though he offered his help to salvage the lasagna Abigail made for her, she asked him to leave. She then curled into bed that night recalling how secure she felt in Allen’s arms only to berate herself afterwards. The way he kissed her stole her breath.
“I think you do,” her mother said.
“Enough about me. What about you, Mom? I have yet to meet your mystery man.”
Her mother tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Was that a frown?
“You okay?” Heather asked.
Her mother put on one of her famous smiles. “Yes, and I’m happy that you’re spending the night.”
It was the least Heather could do after what her mother did to help decorate her home. Thanks to Allen. Would she stop thinking about him or the sensation of his mouth on hers? This would not end well for her. It never did.
“I’m happy to,” Heather said.
Her mother winked at her.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to stay here?” Sonia asked. “We can skip the tree lightning and stay with you.”
Heather waved her comment away. “No, are you kidding? I’ll be fine with Tinsel.” Her dog barked at the sound of his name.
“No, we should stay,” her mother said as she cleared the dirty dishes.
Heather swallowed the last bite of her mother’s pot roast. “Mom, it's tradition. Please, don’t worry about me. Besides, I can get around better.”
“Thanks to a handsome physical therapist.” Sonia’s grin spread across her lips.
Heather pointed at her baby sister. “Stop it.”
“Like no one else noticed how he was looking at you.”
Heather’s shoulders dropped. “I must have missed that.”
“You two.” Heather’s mother shook her head as she walked over to the sink.
Sonia scooted her chair closer. “Spill.”
“Spill what?”
“Allen didn’t leave right away when we did. Morgan and I discussed this. I should call her now and put her on speakerphone. You don’t look happy either.” Sonia picked up her phone only to have Heather snatch it away.
“No fighting.” Heather’s mom continued at the sink without batting an eye.
Sonia sighed. “Fine, I won’t call.”
“Thank you,” Heather said. She slid her phone back to her.
“You would tell me though, right?”
Heather’s stomach tensed. “I don’t know.”
“Know what?”
“How I feel.”
“What happened?”
“We… kissed.”
Sonia went still.
“Then I burned Abigail’s lasagna and he left.”
“When are you seeing him again?”
“Tomorrow for our session.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to.”
“Why not? He likes you or he wouldn’t have gone through the trouble to help.”
“It doesn’t matter. He pulled away. He looked as if he regretted it.”
Sonia nodded. “Oh boy. Did he say that?”
“It was all over his face.” Heather rubbed at her arms. “See, I don’t do this.”
“You don’t like what you’re feeling do you?”
Her sister knew her too well. “No, I don’t.”
Sonia grabbed another dirty dish and rose to her feet. “You deserve it, sis. Remember that.”
Heather didn’t respond, and by the time her sister and mother left for the ceremony, she wrapped herself in a blanket with Tinsel at her feet. Bachelor Mother with Ginger Rogers and David Niven kept her company, but when her phone buzzed, Heather looked to see a picture and a video attached. Sonia captured the moments for her so she sent plenty of kiss emojis as a thank you.
***
Why did Allen allow Desmond to convince him to attend the tree lighting ceremony? He stuffed his hands in his pockets, seeking to relieve the numbness in his fingers. The temperature dropped as fresh snow fell to the ground.
He perused the crowd as townspeople laughed and talked. Some drank hot cocoa, while others hung last-minute ornaments on the tree. Carolers on the platform, behind a podium, sang Christmas carols. A hollow feeling overwhelmed Allen’s chest. All he could think about was Heather.
“At least look like you’re having a good time,” Desmond said.
He shrugged. “It’s okay.”
“Okay? This is the event of the year and you’re not enjoying it?”
Allen rubbed at his eyebrow. “It’s nice.”
His cousin folded his arms across his chest. “This got anything to do with Heather?”
“Why?”
“Exactly, why the long face? It’s Christmas,” Desmond said.
Allen forced a smile. “I’m having a nice time.”
Morgan then hurried over to Desmond, placing a kiss to his lips. He only held her tighter and Allen’s jaw clenched.
“Having fun, Allen?” she asked him.
He nodded.
“You know there are a few single ladies out here.” Morgan gestured to the crowd.
“Morgan?” Desmond raised an eyebrow.
She raised her hand. “I know. I promised no more meddling.” She smiled at Allen. “I’m serious.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you know when I meet her.”
Desmond coughed. “I think you met her already.”
Allen’s eyes widened thankful that Morgan didn’t ask for details.
“Should we get some hot chocolate?” she asked.
“Sure,” Allen said.
Morgan kissed Desmond one more time and led him into the crowd. The wind picked up and Allen adjusted his wool cap on his head. Stuffing his hands back inside his pockets, he wished only one person was next to him.