Her plea was hard to resist. “Let’s just eat and see what happens. We can take our time. I’ve got all day.”
He ordered black coffee and the Mountain Man breakfast special. Three eggs, three sausages, and three slices of bacon on a waffle, with a side order of fruit and rye toast. He’d been so nervous about the contest that he’d eaten very little all day yesterday, though he had tried. He worked hard physically and normally had an enormous appetite. The delicious treats from the food truck were not enough to sustain a man his size.
He thought about his nieces and nephew and wondered if she liked dogs. “Want to see a picture of my puppy?”
“Yes, please!”
He pulled out his phone and scrolled to one of his rescue mutt. Pugster had shaggy black and white hair with weird brown paws. He was patchy and looked rather like he’d been through a blender. Despite his unfortunate appearance, he was the best dog he’d ever had.
“This is Pugster. I call him Pugs. He’s kind of the fire station dog. He’s mine, but he goes with me to work and hangs out in the hall when I’m on calls.”
“Where is he? Isn’t he lonely? I’d be lonely if Mama wasn’t around. ’Cause I don’t have a dad.”
“Sorry about your dad.” Her sadness broke his heart. “Pugs is staying with my neighbor. They’re great friends.” He scrolled again. “Here he is with my nieces and nephew. That’s Jada, Marnie, and Ryan. If you swipe, you can see more pictures of them.”
She scrolled through pictures for a few minutes, commenting on them. He wasn’t worried about her seeing anything she shouldn’t. “Who is this?” She turned the phone so he could see.
He swallowed hard. “That’s Gwyn. She was my niece. She’s gone to heaven.”
“How did she die?”
God, he’d never get used to that question. His eyes burned and his throat tightened. “She died in a fire.”
Chantal’s eyes lit with understanding. “That’s why you picked the burn place.” She patted his hand, exactly as her mother had. His heart swelled. “I think she’s in heaven with my gramma and grampa and they’re watching us and keeping us safe,” she declared matter-of-factly.
“I sure hope you’re right.”
Something jittery inside Seth settled down and an unfamiliar calm washed over him. There was an absolute rightness to being with Chantal. With sudden clarity, he realized it was exactly what he felt around Joy.
Peace, contentment, and absolute love. Granted, it was early for that, but he vowed to win Joy’s forgiveness, and from there…well he had the rest of the trip to convince her he was worth the risk. All he had to do was get her talking to him.
They ate and chatted while Jenny dealt with her staff. He was lingering over his coffee, and Chantal over her juice, when Jenny bustled up to the table, her Mrs. Claus glasses crooked and her wig askew.
“I have to go see Santa. Did you want to come?” she asked Chantal.
“I know he’s not real Santa,” Chantal said. “But Mama says he knows real Santa. So yes!” She fist-pumped the air and scooted out of the bench with amazing speed.
“Mind if I tag along?” Seth asked. “Maybe I’ll get a chance to tell Santa what I want for Christmas.” He grinned at Jenny and winked, after being certain Chantal wouldn’t notice.
“Sure, tag along. Since it’s in the caboose, why don’t I run ahead, and you follow with Chantal?” There was an underlying subtext in her voice. She was a busy woman and having to wait for a girl on crutches would slow her down.
“Is that okay with you, Chantal?” Seth asked.
She grinned and nodded. “Yup.”
Jenny bolted, and the duo set off toward the caboose. The slight swaying motion of the train didn’t seem to bother Chantal much. He was extra vigilant as they passed between cars. When they reached a public area near the center of the train, he said. “I could use a rest.”
Chantal turned and gave him a pinched look. “I’m not tired.” Implying that there was something wrong with him if he was. “I want to see Santa.”
She didn’t say it, but her exasperation at his suggestion was clear. “Carry on then. I’ll manage.” Truthfully, his body wasn’t tired, but his nerves were stressed beyond anything he’d ever experienced. How did Joy handle her nerves, living like this day in and day out? His respect for her grew. He also admired Chantal’s stamina. It couldn’t be easy to walk with her crutches. Pride for her abilities filled his heart.
Chapter Thirteen
Joywasn’tsleeping.Shewished she could doze off, but her heart ached too badly. She fluffed her pillow and rolled onto her left side. Closing her eyes against the morning sun peeking around the roll blinds, she found herself wondering how it was possible that she felt worse after a fight with Seth than she did when her ex abandoned them. She still wasn’t over her betrayal at being ditched by her ex. Maybe she never would be. But this pain from her fight with Seth felt like losing a loved one.
She studied their relationship and what she’d learned about him from all sides. He’d never been less than kind. Though they didn’t need help, he’d stuck up for them on the platform. He’d encouraged Chantal to try new things. Not that she needed the push.
She winced at the realization that he’d been right and that she was more capable than Joy believed. “Am I holding on too tight?” she muttered aloud as she tried to get comfortable again.
