“Au contraire,my dear. I thought I did, but this old heart of mine has never felt more alive since you happened into my life. I’m grateful for these changes, although I do feel quite out of step at times.”
“You can lean on me,” she said.
“I do. More than you realize, my dear.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sunday morning, Sheila and Natalie drove over to Paul’s before church to put up signs directing people to the chapel house. Paul’s property had been off-limits to this town for so long. Now that it would be opened up, Natalie wanted to be sure people still gave Paul his privacy.
“Paul has been so gracious, but I don’t want people to overwhelm him either. He’s really used to his solitude,” Natalie said.
“I can understand that.” Sheila held the sign that readWELCOME, JACOB FAMILYwith an arrow to the turnoff to the gravel road.
They pushed the sign into the hard, dry ground, then rode up the driveway and set out two more. “I think that should do it?” Natalie straightened the sign.
“I’m sure people will respect his privacy,” Sheila said. “This should help, though.”
Randy arrived with a huge artificial Christmas tree in the back of his truck. “I hope it’s okay that I brought this over. It was an old one at the sheriff’s office.”
“A fake tree? I thought those were taboo in this town,” Sheila said.
“They are, sort of, but after what just happened to their house, I’m thinking eliminating any chance of a fire might be comforting,” Randy explained.
“That’s a really good point,” Natalie said. “How tallisthat tree?”
“Apparently, the old offices had really tall ceilings. They can’t get but a six-footer in there now, so this one was in a closet in two pieces collecting dust.”
“Doesn’t matter. We have plenty of room for any size with the cathedral ceiling,” Natalie said.
“It’s pre-lit, so it won’t take as long to decorate either. Fake trees are my thing,” Sheila said. “I’ll fluff it out so pretty no one will even be able to tell the difference.”
“We can put it up right after church,” Natalie said. “We were just on our way to pick up Paul now.”
“I didn’t want to add more to your plate,” Randy said. “A couple of the deputies offered to come help me decorate. Y’all go on to church. We’ll be done by the time you get back.”
“You sure?” Natalie asked.
“Positive. You’re not the only ones that want to help this family,” he said.
“You’re right, honey.” She walked over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, you sweet man.”
“I’d do anything for you.”
“You’re the best.” She turned and Sheila walked outside with her to go get Paul. When they drove up, he was already sitting out front on the bench by his front door, dressed in a suit and bright red holiday tie.
“He isalwaysearly,” Natalie said to Sheila.
“No wonder you two get along so well. You’re the same person.”
“No,” Natalie said. “He’s even earlier than me. The first week I was driving for him, before I knew he was Jeremy’s grandfather, he was waiting on me every time I came. It became like a battle of the wits for me to get here before he was outside waiting on me.”
“That’s hysterical, and you’re so competitive. I bet it drove you nuts.”
“It did.” Natalie got out of the car to help Paul in.
“Have you been crying?” Paul asked Natalie.
She patted her fingers beneath her eyes. “It’s okay. They were thankful tears.”
