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“Hazel!” Heather exclaimed as I left the coffee booth to find Irving. “This crowd is insane!”
“I was wondering if it’s always like this because I’ve never seen anything like it before at a tree lighting ceremony.”
“The Bells Pass tree lighting event has certainly gotten bigger over the years, but this is a whole new level. It must be because it’s the fiftieth anniversary.”
“I’m still shocked that they asked us to light the tree. For such a significant anniversary, the honor should go to a pillar in the community. “
“You’re from a big city, right?”
“Born and raised in Sarasota.”
“That tracks.”
“How so? I’m completely confused.”
“In a big city, it’s always about me, you, him, her, but it’s never about us. In Bells Pass, it’s about us. It’s about the community and building it together for everyone and every future generation. While you look at it in a tunnel of, ‘I haven’t been here long enough to be given the honor,’ the truth is just the opposite. Why do you think they have the newest business owner light the tree each year?”
“To show support for them so people will go to their business?”
“Wrong. I mean, sure that probably happens, but the real reason we do it is to foster community, and to welcome someone new into the town. Someone who in some way will change the face of Bells Pass for the next generation.”
It took me a moment to think about what she was trying to say. “You’re actually spot on about the city. All my life it wasn’t about what can we do for you but what can you do for me? Wow,” I said on a breath. “That changes my whole way of thinking about this, Heather. Thank you for such wonderful insight.”
Heather patted my shoulder and offered a wink. “I’m happy to break it down for people who are new to town. We love new blood and want you to stay. I’m so excited for you and Irving to get to flip the switch this year!” she exclaimed with glee. “I did it a few years back and it’s so magical. Enjoy every moment of it!”
“Thank you,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I just have to find Irving before it gets much later.”
“I just saw him,” Ellis said as he came by. “He said he was going to the pavilion to warm up.”
“Thanks, Ellis,” I said to the young, white-haired man. From what Addie told me, as the lighting of the tree neared, he’d be preparing for his grand entrance as the big man himself.
He loped off with a wave so I thanked Heather and followed him toward the pavilion. I was concerned. If Irving was already cold, we had to be careful how much longer he stayed outside. If he got too cold, autonomic dysreflexia would kick in and we’d end up in the ER rather than his bed by the end of the evening. When I opened the pavilion door and our eyes met, he smiled. We’d agreed to keep our feelings for each other private and proceed with the public face of coworkers only, as hard as that would be. Especially since he sat next to a space heater, warming his legs.
“I heard you were cold,” I said, closing the door and walking to him. At least we were alone. “Everything okay?”
“Hey,” he said with a smile. “I’m fine, but that wind cuts right through my clothes. I had to warm up before the ceremony, or I could get in trouble.”
By trouble he meant his body would try to warm his lower extremities, but couldn’t because the messages would be transferred wrong. His other nervous systems would take over in an attempt to do what his brain was telling them to do and raise his blood pressure too high.
“We don’t want trouble,” I said, glad he’d listened to his body and did what he had to do to stay safe. “Is the wheelchair bag not enough?” I motioned at his sherpa lined wheelchair bag he used when outside for more extended periods. It looked like a sleeping bag, with a zipper down the front. He had it open now to warm his legs better by the heater.
“The wind is just too much for it tonight. The blizzard might have blown out of here, but with over a foot of snow on the ground and this wind, it’s too much. I can’t move around enough to stay warm.”
“I’m going to talk to Mayor Tottle and let him know he’ll need pinch hitters for us. We can’t risk you out there if you’re already having problems.”
He waved my suggestion away. “I’ll be fine. I talked to Gabe right before he had to start directing his choir. He sent Holly to the ambulance they keep onsite for the event and she’s bringing some heated blankets to pack around my legs. We’ll zip up the bag and that will insulate it and hold the heat in long enough to flip the switch.”
“Great idea,” I said, relieved he had a plan. After what Heather had told me, I didn’t want to let the people of Bells Pass down.
“It will work for the lighting but then I’m afraid I’ll have to head right home. I’ll need to let my body warm up slowly and then take a hot shower. If you’d like to stay, I’m sure Ivy would drive you home.”
“Absolutely not,” I said, leaning on the arms of his chair. “I’d walk right now and take you home if that’s what you said had to happen. I love you, and would never put you at risk for an event that means nothing to me if you aren’t by my side. Okay?”
“I love you too,” he said, leaning forward to kiss me while keeping an eye on the door. “I know we said we’d keep it professional last night, but it’s hard when you’re near me and we’re alone.”
“I’m glad you were alone when I walked in so I could be girlfriend concerned instead of colleague concerned.”
“Girlfriend?” he asked, a brow raised and I shrugged.
