“Oh, that would be lovely, dear,” Grandma Jean said with a knowing look.
Jack’s stare hardened, and he shoved the cap on his travel mug. “I'm heading into town. I have to stop at the hardware store, and then I'll be back later to open the farm for tree sales.”
Grandma Jean cleared her throat, but I was way ahead of her. I planted a wool hat on my head and pushed out of my chair.
“Perfect. You can give me a ride. I have a list from the hardware store too.”
“And don't forget my bakery order!” Grandma Jean called after us as Jack barreled out of the house with me on his heels.
Rock salt crunched under my precarious boots, and I lifted a brow as Jack wrenched open the passenger side of his truck.
“I didn’t want to get sued. Get in.”
I cleared the amusement from my throat and eyed the rundown pickup. It was slightly dented and splattered with mud. The inside wasn’t much better, sporting ripped upholstery, and more gravel in the foot well than there was on the driveway. I just hoped the heat worked.
Gritting my teeth, I climbed inside and waited for Jack to start the engine. The radio came on, blasting a version of The Twelve Days of Christmas as we pulled out of the drive and onto the main road. Jack reached for the dial, muttering a curse at every station playing holiday music.
“Why do they insist on playing Christmas carols the entire month long?” he grumbled.
“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. They’re classics. There must be at least one holiday song you enjoy.”
Jack hit the dial on the dashboard, cutting off the music. “I prefer silence.”
Of the Lambs…I rolled my eyes and faced the window, stuck with the soothing sounds of the rumbling engine. Thick pine trees dusted with snow flew past as we left the rural side of town and turned onto Main Street. Neither of us spoke, but I was too busy taking in the cheerful scene. It was as if we’d left the forest and entered Santa’s Village.
Wreaths hung from wrought iron lamp posts, and shop windows were decked out with hanging balls, strings of lights, and paper snowflakes. We passed the town square with a giant gazebo and a platform waiting for the town Christmas tree to arrive. I craned my neck to count the number of skaters on the small rink set up in the square.
Snow flurries blew in the air as Jack parked the truck in front of the hardware store. He steeled himself before getting out of the vehicle, almost as if he was preparing for battle. The creak of the truck door drew every eye in sight, and a flush that could have been the cold, but was more likely insecurity tinted his features.
“Is everything all right?” I asked, as a couple sipping hot drinks bent their heads together and started whispering.
Jack ignored my question and hunkered down in his coat, taking the steps to the shop two at a time. I followed him into the rustic store and wrinkled my nose at the scent of paint and oil that hung thick in the air.
An older man stood behind the counter and he greeted me with a warm smile as I grabbed a basket by the register. Jack didn’t receive the same welcome. I watched as the man’s smile turned down and his arms crossed rigidly over his chest.How strange…
A few of the customers gave Jack a wide berth, some even changing directions to go down another aisle so they wouldn’t cross his path. It was hard to watch. Especially the way Jack seemed to ignore the looks, keeping his head high, even though there was the tiniest falter in his step.
Jack’s file had notes about the townspeople giving him the cold shoulder. His father had been a pillar in the community and was liked by everyone. The same could not be said for his son. I assumed it was because Jack was Scrooge incarnate, but there had to be more to it.
I filled my basket with a few items, keeping close to Jack as if my presence could somehow lighten the hostility shooting his way. I wasn’t sure why I felt so annoyed. Jack had been trying to drive me from the inn, but somehow, my feelings had shifted. That or I was delirious from lack of sleep.
Either way, Jack was my responsibility, and there had to be a way to not only help him find love but also change the attitude of the town. But first things first. I checked the time, surprised to find it was already past nine. We were burning daylight, and I had a match to make.
Jack pulled a new saw off the shelf and hoisted it over his shoulder. I wondered if I’d be neutralizing that one tonight as well. I hoped he had store credit. Our stalemate was going to get expensive.
“Do they make silencers for those things?” I joked, tossing a handful of disposable ear plugs into my basket. “Or maybe I should get one for myself and we can do dueling chainsaws at midnight?”
Jack’s mouth hitched as he headed toward the register. “After the last few days, I wouldn’t get within twenty feet of you and a blade.”
“Hmm…smart man.” I placed my basket on the counter and spoke to the older man ringing up our order. “Have you picked out your Christmas tree, sir? You should check out the selection at the Bradley Farm. I hear they’re the best in town.”
The old man grunted at my sales pitch and gave Jack a dark look. “That farm’s still running? I thought it died with your father.”
I swallowed against the sour taste in my mouth from the man’s retort. But Jack just snatched the receipt and our purchases from the counter and nudged me toward the door. He was silent until we were back out on the street.
“Don’t do that,” he muttered, locking the saw in the back of his truck.
“I’m sorry.” My throat felt tight as I followed him down the shoveled sidewalk. “I didn’t realize…”
