| |
“So, you’re going to give up?” Sage set the bowl of steamy potatoes on the small round table. “Just let her go?”
Leon had been invited to the Winter’s Christmas meal, but he’d not felt like getting out. If Nikolai and Sage hadn’t come banging on his door, he wouldn’t have bothered changing out of his pajamas at all. The third round of It’s a Wonderful Life played non-stop on his big-screen television. Some channel was having a marathon. Kenna had loved the movie, even shedding tears at the end when the bell rang.
He’d loved it and had felt a tug at his own heart.
Nikolai passed him the plate of turkey pieces. “We promised him that we’d not bring that up, Sage. Remember?”
She fell into her chair with a frustrated sigh. “I know, but...she was so good for you, Leon. I’ve not seen you so happy in some time. You’re not the most demonstrative fellow we’ve ever met, you know.”
Leon only glared at her while forking a piece of white meat onto his plate.
Sage took the turkey platter in one hand while passing the potatoes with the other to her husband. “Just tell me you really didn’t care about Kenna and I swear I’ll let it drop.”
He spooned a portion of baked creamy green beans, remaining quiet. Sage wasn’t going to let this drop, no matter what he said or didn’t say. “It doesn’t matter. She’s gone. I don’t even know where her tree farm is.”
Nick handed over the potatoes. “Would it make a difference if you did know where she lived? Would you go after her?”
“Listen you two, I’ve tried calling, and it goes straight to voice mail. I left an explanation about what happened. I’ve apologized and have begged her to call me over and over. It’s no good. I don’t think she was ever interested in me.”
Nikolai and Sage glanced at each other. Sage bit back her growing smile. “Yes, she was. I don’t think she believed she was your type. And seriously, I remember the girls you took on dates before you and Marcy got serious.” Sage scooped a spoonful of vegetables onto her plate. “Like my college friend, Moi? Who is now off working on her doctorate at a fancy college.”
Sage rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Kenna is not at all the type of girl you normally date. That’s why we’ve been so stumped over all the attention you’ve paid to her. But then I saw how you danced with her at the Hoopalooza and I knew. You were completely taken. This time, your feelings are real.”
“You don’t think I’ve had real feelings before?” He sat up straighter in the chair and poked his fork at the wrinkly green beans.
“No.” Both Sage and Nick said at the same time. Nick added, “You would have already left for New York if you loved Marcy.”
Leon couldn’t deny his friend’s observation. He was right. Marcy wasn’t the one for him. He still wasn’t sure if Kenna was, either, but he certainly wished he’d had more of a chance to find out. Unfortunately, she had cut him out of her life.
“Sage,” Nick said. “Didn’t you say she exchanged phone numbers with you? Maybe if he called her using your phone—”
“No way, I don’t want her to block me, too.” Sage shook her head, causing her red curls to bounce around her freckled face. “I like her and hope we can keep in touch. However, if you really want another chance, Leon, you should go see her.”
Leon laughed as if she’d told him one of her dumb jokes. “Wish I could. She took all the ornaments that she made for me.” He sighed. “I should have taken them out of the trash bin before leaving. But I was exhausted and not thinking clearly.”
Nick brought his fist down on the table. “Bro, you should so go get those ornaments back.”
“Right.” Leon poured the dark brown gravy over his potatoes. “Weren’t you listening? I don’t know where she lives.”
Sage hopped out of her seat and ran from the dining room. A moment later, she returned with a small brown tag like the ones that had been attached to all of Kenna’s trees. “Here’s the name of the farm and the town. I bet if you search on the Internet...oh, wait. Never mind. Baby, look this up for me while I grab the bread rolls. The oven just dinged.”
Nick was tapping away at his phone before Leon could make a protest. “Hey, it’s only an hour and a half drive. And the nice weather is supposed to hold out for another day.”
Leon started to shake his head. He couldn’t possibly simply show up on Kenna’s doorstep. On her family’s doorstep, no less! On Christmas day! That was insane.
Sage returned with a basket of rolls. “Stop acting like you’re not going to do this. Listen, Nick and I have been friends for a long time. It’s the basis of our marriage. Kenna and you were starting to become great friends. If for no other reason, then go for that reason. To let her know that she really does matter to you.”
“Okay,” Nikolai said, putting his phone face down on the table. “I just sent you the address and directions. The ball is in your court, buddy. Now, can we let this matter drop and enjoy our holiday meal? There’s a slice of Jovino’s famous cheesecake waiting to be devoured. I’m determined to fill my stomach all the way to the top today.”
Leon’s smile grew wider and more genuine. His phone vibrated from inside his pocket. The ball was now in his court. For a while, he ate in silence while Sage and Nikolai got into a discussion about the latest video game to be released. Evidently, she’d purchased it for her husband and they intended to spend the evening trying to beat the game.
“Do you enjoy video games, Leon?”
He considered his friend’s question for a moment. He’d played before, but was often too busy working to spend time in front of the television. Marcy certainly wasn’t interested. “Well, now that it seems I’ll have more time on my hands, maybe I’ll have an opportunity to finally play.”
Sage began gathering their empty plates. “You know Haley will hire you back in a heartbeat, don’t you?”
He nodded. “She’s already called and said the Winter’s Lodge needs help this time of year. I’m fine for now. Uncle was generous with my severance pay, and I have savings. I told her that I’d talk to her after New Years about it.” He twisted the paper napkin between his hands. “You know, she does matter to me.”
“Haley?” Nikolai asked.
“No! Kenna. Well, we all love Haley and Ethan. But I was thinking about Kenna. However, I’m also thinking about how different we are. And she’s still going to college.”
“Last semester. That’s only a few months and it’s also not too far from here. A little farther than her family’s tree farm, but not much. You’re kind of a free man now, you know?”
“Yeah, I know.”
Nikolai slapped his shoulder. “Then what’s stopping you, bro?”
* * * *
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight.
Kenna stared up at the darkening sky, her heart heavy and spirits low. Mom and Dad already had a business accountant, they’d said during dinner. One that had been working faithfully with them for the past twenty years. They couldn’t dismiss him to make an opening for her.
Of course, why hadn’t Kenna realized that before she even brought it up?
Mom had encouraged Kenna to start finding a real job somewhere that she’d like to put down roots. “Sweetheart, we’ve promised the family business to Murry. He’s the eldest, so of course, it’ll go to him. But you...”
Daddy finished, “The world is open to you, honey. Find somewhere that you think you’d enjoy living. Hopefully not too far away from us. Start a life for yourself.”
Mom had added, patting her hands, “You’ll soon meet the one. You’ll see, dear. Some fella will come along and sweep you off your feet and, well? Eventually, you’ll want the freedom to go and start your own family.”
First star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might...
“I could wish upon a thousand stars and my wish would still be impossible,” Kenna said with a heavy sigh.
Returning to Madison Creek was out of the question now. She’d not even bothered to listen to the messages that Leon had left. Darn her phone for not completely blocking him from her life! She didn’t want or need any excuses or explanations. She knew when she’d been played for a fool.
Be nice to the simple-minded country girl. That had been his only motivation. Kenna was not someone’s charity work. No, thank you.
“Hey, Squirt.” Murry opened the back door and gave a shiver. “You’re going to freeze out here.”
“I’m fine.” She answered, not looking at him.
“Come inside, Sis. Dad is getting ready to announce the bonus winner, then we’re going to have dessert.”
“You’ll win, as usual,” she simply answered, hugging her arms around herself. “And I’m not really hungry.”
She could hear her oldest brother slipping on his boots and the ruffle of him putting on his jacket. She closed her eyes, wishing for once in her life they’d all leave her alone to enjoy her sulk in private.
“Hey,” Murry was at her side, leaning against the porch railing. “I overheard your talk with Mom and Dad.”
“Nosy.”
“I was in charge of basting the turkey. If you wanted privacy, you should have waited until after Christmas day to talk to them when we all headed back home.”
“Right. I misjudged the situation on so many levels. You have no idea.” She was becoming rather good at misreading people.
“I have a couple of job leads for you, if you’re interested. Seriously.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “Listen, Mom and Dad said the same thing to me when I asked them about working for the farm.”
“You? But they’re leaving everything to you.”
“Eventually. And not until they are ready to retire which Lord willing, should be years from now. I do help tend the trees, but I earn most of my money by building websites for people. This,” he waved his hands at the forest of pines that surrounded the house. “Is pocket change for us. Besides, let’s admit it, Lucy brings in the bucks for our family. I’m a glorified housekeeper.” He chuckled at his joke.
It was true. Murry’s wife was a doctor in town. Since he could work from home, he took care of the kids and managed the house and helped with the tree farm.
“I have no idea what to do, Murr.” When she thought about her future, all she saw were gray clouds.
“That’s no biggie. Keep praying, a path will start to reveal itself. Check out the job leads I have. See where they might take you. Mom and Dad have never wanted any of us to feel like we’re trapped here. They’ve always encouraged us to fly from the nest. Not too far, but far enough that we’re able to stretch our wings.”
Kenna nodded. He was right. Of course.
His arm went around her shoulders. “That’s right, Murr is wise. Murr is witty and handsome.” He grinned, lifting his whiskered chin, which was the only place that still grew much hair. The top of his head was kept shaved because there was no point in growing the sparse hairs still left.
“You’re pushing it.” Kenna narrowed her eyes on her brother.
“Whatever. Still. What’s important is realizing how blessed we are. They want us to fly, but if we fall, we will always have a safe place to land. This is still your home and always will be. Even when I’m reigning king of all our domain.” He stretched out his arm and threw out his chest. “You’ll still have a little nook to land in if necessary. It might be out in the barn, but there will always be a place.”
Murry was a crack-up. Kenna was laughing before she knew it and feeling a little better. Even if her heart was riddled with cracks and nicks. She’d recoup. And she’d be wiser next time.
“Come on, let’s go inside and see how badly I beat you.” His grip on her tightened as he half dragged, half pulled her back inside.
“Oh, yippie. I can’t wait.”
When she entered, the family table was empty. Murry wondered out loud over where everyone had gone to. From the living room, Mom called out, “McKenna, are you back inside? There’s someone here to see you.”
“Me?” she glanced quizzically at her brother who shrugged in response.
“Like I’m supposed to know? Is there something you didn’t tell us?” His brow rose, crinkling his wide forehead.
“Please,” Dad was saying, “Come in, young man. Can I take your coat?”
Her nieces and nephews, and younger siblings were all blocking the dining room archway. Kenna decided to take the detour route back through the kitchen, along the L-shaped hall which led into the foyer.
There stood Leon Jovino, looking refined and handsome as ever. He handed his leather jacket to her father and a white box with a large red bow to Mom.
“I’m the reason your daughter wrecked her VW, I’m afraid. She left town before I could give her her Christmas gift. So....” His gaze met hers and Kenna stood frozen and completely shocked to see him standing in her living room.
“So,” he continued his smile widening. “I decided to deliver it personally. You have such a lovely home. She never mentioned your property was so large. It felt like I had to drive a half-mile to reach your house from the entrance.”
Murry was beside her, his eyes widening. He whispered, “Is this the fellow who helped you sell all those trees?”
When she nodded, he laughed and pushed past her, extending his hand toward Leon. “Any friend of Kenna’s is always welcome. I hear you’re the one who gave me a run for my money this year, huh? She’d mentioned that she’d had some help.”
Leon shook Murr’s hand. “Well, it was my fault she’d been hurt. It was the least I could do.”
Donald greeted him next since Kenna hadn’t been able to move from the shock of seeing Leon in her home. Donald introduced the rest of the Allender brood, “Kenna is third in line, followed by Greg, Donna, Michelle, Michael— the twins — then Logan, Madeline, and April. Who was actually born in April. Mom and Dad were running out of names by that time.”
Leon’s mouth dropped as the younger teens surrounded him. “Ten, for real?”
Kenna bit her thumbnail. “I told you that I came from a big family.”
Eventually, the fuss over a visitor dimmed and Mom invited him to join everyone for desserts. “We were just about to start serving hot chocolate and announce this year’s bonus winner. Have you eaten, Leon? It’s a bit of a drive to Madison Creek, from my understanding. I could fix—”
“No need. I had a big holiday lunch with some friends before...well, before they coaxed me into driving out here to see Kenna. She left before I had a chance to tell her goodbye.”
Kenna bit her upper lip and finally made herself move from her spot. She had no words. He’d been trying to call, but she’d ignored his messages. Fine. She’d let him have his say, plaster on a smile, and then send him back home.
As they all headed toward the dining room, Leon caught Kenna’s elbow. “Should I not have come? Was this a bad idea? I wanted to explain what happened in person. And ask for your forgiveness.” He stared down his black boots. Were they alligator hide? “And, I was hoping to get my ornaments back. They were special to me, despite what you might be thinking.”
“Wait, you came all the way out here for...? How did you know where I lived, anyway?”
“Sage kept the tag that was on the tree that she bought from you. Nick looked you up and sent me the directions.”
“You came because they pressured you?” That made more sense. He was here out of obligation.
The rest of the family was already gathered in the dining room, leaving them alone in the foyer.
“No, because they helped me realize the truth. That you matter very much to me.”
Her breath caught, causing her to feel lightheaded. She was about to ask if he meant it, when Dad’s voice boomed through the house, “Hurry up, kiddos. This cheesecake looks delicious.”
Kenna gasped. “You brought... cheesecake?”
“I made cheesecake because someone was going on about how it’s their favorite dessert.”
“Oh man, you really make it hard to stay mad at you. Very well, let’s go watch Murry win his bonus. At least I have the cheesecake to console me. And...” she slid her hands around Leon’s arm. “I’m glad you came.”
He rested his hand over hers. “Me too. I’ve really missed you this week.”
Had he? Kenna had a million questions. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so rash about deleting all his messages without bothering to listen to at least one. Except, each call had only brought another stab to her heart. But he was here. Really here. In her house. Meeting her family.
She would definitely have to listen to him now and was eager to do so.
All the chairs were filled by excited kids and the few adults who were already seated. Kenna and Leon wedged themselves into a corner between Murry and Donald.
“Here we go,” Dad started from his spot at the head of the table. “It was stiff competition and I’m pleased to announce we sold more trees this year than ever before. Murry, Donald, Kenna, and Greg who took on Donna as his apprentice, this year. You all did wonderfully!” Dad smiled down at the younger ones, “And so did all of you who were a big help here at the farm. The twins and Logan were all invaluable in taking customers out on hikes to find the best trees. Maddy and April, we appreciate all your help in keeping the shop and house clean. All of you will be given a hundred-dollar bonus for your hard work.”
A cheer rose up around the room. Kenna would be grateful for whatever extra she could get. The more she could stuff into her savings, the more she could put toward a new car.
“Even with a few mishaps,” Dad continued, his eyes locking on her across the room. “I’m thankful to the Lord for keeping everyone safe and for bringing us to the end of another blessed year. We all have much to be grateful for.” He pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket. “Now, for the big bonus award.” He waved the envelope over his head. He always gave cash inside a pretty golden envelope tied with a fancy red ribbon. He opened another folded piece of paper that Mom had handed to him.
“Greg and Donna, you did well over in town and came in fourth place. Donald, Kenna and Murr,” he shook his head. “I must say you were all neck-in-neck for most of the sale run. Kenna, you were behind until your friend stepped in to help you out, but I believe Madison Creek should be on our yearly lists of places to put up a lot.”
Leon squeezed her hand.
Murr made a mocking scowl that she knew was a put-on. “Hey, I’m not sure that’s fair. Kenna had help. Neither Don nor I had someone who knew nearly everyone in town.”
Mom waved her hands at him and told him to hush. “Don’t be a sore loser, Murry.”
Loser? Kenna glanced over at her older brother. “You mean I beat you?”
Murr narrowed his eyes, but couldn’t hide his smile. “You sold ten more than I did, brat.”
Kenna hopped with joy. “I beat Murry! Oh man, I’m going to have a t-shirt made. First thing in the morning.”
Murry shoved her, knocking her against Leon who was laughing. “I love your family,” he whispered, catching her to keep her from tripping.
“Yeah, they’re a riot, aren’t they?” She turned back to her parents. “So, does that mean I won?”
Mom started to pout as Dad said, “You were so close, Sweetheart. But Donald beat you by three trees.”
Donald threw up his hands. “I beat Kenna and Murr. Oh man, I’m going to hire a plane to fly a banner over town so everyone will know. And I like your shirt idea, sissy. I’ll find a picture with both of your faces and have written on top, “I ruled them all—”
Everyone was laughing while Don’s pregnant wife told him that nobody liked a braggart.
“Oh man, I was so close.” Kenna would have really liked to have that bonus, but she was so happy that someone besides Murry won, she found that she didn’t really care. Well, not too much. She’d even beaten Murr. There should definitely be t-shirts made.
When Dad handed over the envelope, Don stood up on his chair and cleared his throat. “I should make a speech.”
Murr rubbed his hands over his face. “That’s not really necessary.”
“Speech,” Kenna yelled out while the younger ones joined her. “Speech.”
Don held up the golden envelope. “Dad’s right. We have been blessed this year. Our family is expanding,” he blew a kiss at his wife who rolled her eyes in response, then laughed as she patted her swollen belly. “The farm is growing and earning more than ever. And, indeed, the Lord has taken care of us and provided when we were in need. Leon, I’m so pleased you came. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are for taking care of our sister. She’s an independent one and I can’t wait to see what great things are in store for her life.” His proud wink warmed her heart.
“I also want to say,” He stared down at the envelope and closed the flap, tucking it over the bills. “That beating Murry is enough glory for me. Kenna, I want you to have the bonus money this year, sweetheart. I know you’re in need of a new car and I want to see you get something good and reliable. I’ll even foot the cost for our matching I beat Murry shirts that I’ll be ordering tonight.”
Everyone clapped and awwwed as Don offered Kenna the envelope. She hugged his neck extra hard. Tears blurred her eyes. “Thank you. But I can’t possibly—”
Donald grabbed her arms and looked her directly in the eyes. “You can and will. My job is going so well, we were all given a five-thousand-dollar bonus this year. Put this toward a car, honey.”
The tears overflowed now as she hugged her brother’s neck again.
Dad blew out a whistle. “Mom and I had already planned to put some money toward a new vehicle for you, as well, McKenna. That’s very generous of you, Don. I’m really proud, son.”
Murr, never to be outdone, “I want to put some into Kenna’s car fund.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a couple of hundred-dollar bills. “I pledge five-hundred.”
Greg stood from his seat. “Dad, can I give Kenna my bonus money?”
The others all started saying, “Me, too?”
Maddy offered half of hers, which made April also offer half. Kenna didn’t blame them. They’d probably already had their bonus spent the moment they heard they were getting it.
“Thanks, everyone!” She clutched the gold envelope to her chest. “Thank you so much.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. She wiped at her face. “Argh, you guys are too much.”