Читать книгу Christmas Wish Come True - Jaimie Admans - Страница 14

Chapter Six

“Miss Stevens!” Tyler’s excited squeal cut through the heavy snow that had begun to fall.

Isabella rushed to keep up with him as he ran through the Christmas tree lot. “Tyler, wait for me! I don’t want to lose sight of you.”

Jordan trailed behind, telling them to go ahead, and he’d load the tree as soon as they picked one out. Isabella didn’t argue, and he assumed she was just as uncomfortable as he was over their encounter a few hours earlier. Emily and Tyler had returned while Isabella was getting dressed from her shower, and thanks to her efforts at decorating, Tyler’s uncharacteristic excitement pushed their steamy kiss to the back burner. However, they had yet to look each other in the eyes since then.

Jordan took his time catching up to them. He wanted to think about what had happened between him and Isabella. The refreshing winter air helped to clear his head, without feeling as if the walls were closing in on him. Ever since Isabella had moved next door, he’d tried to be on his best behavior, both in spending time with Tyler, and in reining in his attraction to her. But he couldn’t fight the fact that he was completely uneasy – with all of it.

He’d put all his survival instincts on the shelf and was doing exactly what he knew he shouldn’t – looking forward to seeing them every morning, and every night when he came home from work. He couldn’t help but worry that he was coming dangerously close to forming some sort of attachment to them. And that couldn’t possibly end well for him. But he asked Isabella to move in, and he trusted her advice where Tyler was concerned. He had to put his nephew’s happiness ahead of his own. And as excruciating as it had been, he’d done that today.

It had taken all of his willpower to leave the ravishing Isabella lying there on her bed, all soft and willing, after that mind-blowing kiss.

Oh, man. This was going to be a long month.

Maybe if he concentrated all his attention and frustrations on trying to restore light and laughter into his nephew’s childhood, he’d forget about how much he wanted to kiss Isabella again, among other things. And, he might even be able to make Isabella forgive his actions this afternoon by trying to get into this festive Christmas outing. He’d do exactly what he’d agreed to do – make an effort.

And he’d pretend their hotter than hot kiss this afternoon had never happened.

***

Isabella trudged through the lot, keeping a close eye on Tyler’s red hat through the blowing snow. When she caught up to him, he was standing in front of what had to be the largest tree there. “Can we buy this one, Miss Stevens?”

The hope in his eyes warmed Isabella’s heart. He was doing better this week, rarely falling into his somber moods, acting like a normal six-year-old most of the time. She wondered if Jordan had noticed the change in him, as well.

“Well, it’s a big one, Tyler.” Isabella followed his gaze to the top of the nine-foot tree. She returned her attention to him, catching the touch of uncertainty fleeting across his features, not wanting to do or say anything to set his progress back even a little bit. “But, you’re right – it’s the only tree on the lot we could possibly consider taking home,” she reassured him quickly. To her delight, he threw himself at her, hugging her tightly. She bent to reciprocate, laughing gleefully.

“I see you found the one.” Jordan’s voice cut through the wind and their laughter. Isabella’s head jerked around at the warm sound of it, catching the surprise in his eyes as he witnessed their embrace.

“Uncle Jordan! I found our tree!” Tyler pulled away from Isabella, pointing and jumping as Jordan walked over to him, effortlessly scooping his nephew up into his arms.

“It’s big,” he said with false concern.

“Miss Stevens says it’s the only one we can con…sitter,” Tyler insisted, worried Jordan would disapprove of his choice.

“Ahh, but…” Jordan suppressed a smile at his nephew’s pronunciation, pretending to reason with him. “Miss Stevens doesn’t have to load it, unload it, or carry it into the house.”

Tyler wiggled in Jordan’s arms. Jordan put him down, then walked around the monstrous tree, rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger. Tyler watched him, intent on his uncle’s every move.

“Can we have this one, Uncle Jordan? Please?”

Jordan shook his head again, staring at the tree as if sizing it up. Isabella caught on immediately. She knew it was all a show, and Jordan seemed to be enjoying it. So, this afternoon wasn’t a total disaster, after all. He was teasing his nephew, and actually engaging him. Isabella smiled quietly. Well done, Jordan.

“Please, please,” Tyler begged.

Jordan turned to his nephew now. “It’ll be a lot of work getting this tree home, Tyler. But…” he knelt down to the boy’s level “…I’ll make a deal with you.” Tyler nodded his head quickly, looking as if he’d explode from anticipation. Jordan glanced briefly at Isabella before continuing. “If I agree to carry it all the way to the truck, then into the house, then set it up…you have to do the most important job. Once it’s decorated, you have to put the star on top. Okay?”

Tyler threw his arms around Jordan’s neck, hugging him fiercely. Isabella saw Jordan hesitate, then he put his arms around the boy and squeezed him back. Isabella watched Jordan’s features soften before Tyler pulled away.

“I’ll do it, I’ll do it! Yay!”

Jordan continued his pretend concern, and Isabella stifled a chuckle. He must have read her smug satisfaction. Their recent avoidance of each other was all but forgotten as he pinned her with a stern look.

“As for you, Isabella. I know you decorated the entire house but, if I have to do all this heavy lifting, there’s one more thing you have to agree to.”

Tyler stared at her expectantly. “Of course,” she agreed slowly. “What is it?”

Jordan seemed to enjoy her uncertainty. “Well, Tyler has the most important job.” He winked at his nephew, who visibly puffed up. “But…” he pierced her with his gaze “…you must agree to do the most difficult part.”

He paused for a moment. The snow was coming down even harder and there was an announcement over the speakers piping Christmas music through the lot – they’d be closing soon.

“Hurry up,” Tyler urged him.

“All right, it can wait until we get this monster home,” Jordan declared.

“Yippee!” Tyler went with Jordan, adorable as he tried to help his uncle hoist the gigantic tree into the truck.

Isabella took the ticket to the attendant. “It’s already been paid for, ma’am,” the young man said.

“Who…?” She looked toward the dark truck in the parking lot.

“Your husband – who else? He more than covered the price of any tree on the lot.” The attendant smiled at her quick glance. “Merry Christmas to you and yours.”

“He’s not – I mean, they’re not…”

The attendant had already started ringing up the next customer and Isabella shrugged. “Yes, Merry Christmas,” she replied, tucking the receipt into her pocket, pleased by Jordan’s generosity and thoughtful participation in his nephew’s quest for a Christmas tree.

And strangely, not as upset as she should be by the attendant’s incorrect assumptions.

***

“It’s a perfect fit.” Emily smiled, standing back to watch Jordan, Isabella, and Tyler struggle to stand the very large Christmas tree in the living room.

Jordan looked at her over his shoulder. “Straight?”

Emily nodded enthusiastically. “Perfect,” she said again.

Jordan finished tightening the bolts in the stand and Isabella and Tyler let go of the tree, joining Emily.

“Tyler picked the best tree on the lot,” Isabella declared.

“He did, indeed,” Emily agreed.

Tyler beamed as he ran to the box of ornaments Isabella had retrieved from the guesthouse. He excitedly began pulling the shiny baubles out, one by one.

“Whoa, buddy.” When Jordan spoke up, everyone turned around. He winked at Tyler, smiling wickedly. “Miss Stevens hasn’t fulfilled her part of the bargain yet.”

All eyes went to her, and Isabella felt the heat crawl up her neck. Finding her voice, she said, “I have to know what it is before I can do it.”

Jordan walked over to the box, then hesitated. His expression changed from playful to serious in mere seconds. He turned around, a blank expression on his face. “The lights,” he stated. “Tyler found the tree, I…” He stopped, then corrected himself. “Tyler and I loaded it, and…” He looked at Isabella for a long moment.

It was obvious he’d lost his enthusiasm for the project, and Isabella remembered he had his own issues to deal with. She finished for him. “My job is to string the lights on the tree.”

She made a face for Tyler’s benefit, and he giggled a little, tugging at Emily’s skirt to follow him back to the box and dig around for the lights. Isabella caught and held Jordan’s gaze.

She searched his eyes for a clue to what was bothering him, but his expression was guarded. There was no sign of joy or even the sparkle she’d seen in them this afternoon. She wondered if he was thinking about his brother.

“I have to go out – will you look after Tyler?” Isabella nodded and he went to Tyler and ruffled his nephew’s hair. Thankfully, Tyler was absorbed in his treasure hunt and barely noticed Jordan leaving.

Emily shared a look with Isabella. It seemed she’d noticed the sudden change in Jordan’s mood, as well.

“Work again?” Emily asked as Jordan found his coat and walked to the door.

Jordan’s answer was coy. “Don’t hold dinner for me; I don’t know how late I’ll be.”

Isabella joined Tyler’s search as the door closed behind his uncle. “I found the lights, Miss Stevens!” He held up a bag full of tangled strings in every style of bulb you could imagine. Some were traditional, some were shaped like icicles, some were small, multicolored twinklers.

“Oh my! They’re beautiful, Tyler! I can’t wait to see what they’ll look like on the tree. But first, we have to test each strand, to make sure they work.”

Emily stood, brushing her hands over her skirt. She was obviously disappointed by Jordan’s abrupt departure. “I’ll finish warming the casserole,” she said, exiting the living room quickly.

Isabella wanted to talk to her. After all, the more information she could collect from Emily, the better equipped she’d be to help Tyler – and Jordan. But, for now, she put her concerns aside. Because they had a beautiful Christmas tree, and Tyler was happy tonight.

And she was thankful for it.

***

“I’m so happy you stayed for dinner, Emily.”

“No, no,” Emily protested. “I’m being selfish.” She winked at Tyler. “It’s my favorite… How could I resist?”

Tyler nodded his head happily, scooping another bite of macaroni and cheese into his mouth. Isabella chuckled. She’d lived here long enough to know that it was Tyler’s favorite dish, too. And, he’d worked up quite an appetite decorating the enormous tree. He was anxious to put the star on top, but Isabella stalled him, telling him dinner would get cold, hoping Jordan would return in time to share the simple, but special task.

Isabella moved her attention back to Emily. The older woman had been unusually quiet since Jordan left. “It’s very admirable that you dedicate a big part of your life to helping others, Emily. You spend so much time at the shelter, yet you drop in on Jordan and Tyler as often as you can. You’re a true blessing.”

Emily’s hazel eyes warmed as they regarded her. “Don’t be silly, dear. I know Jordan is perfectly capable of taking care of himself, but coming here is a joy to me. I love my boys.” She referred to Jordan and Tyler with a smile. “And the shelter, well…it’s in my heart. I have to do it.”

“That’s wonderful,” Isabella responded. She thought about the Angels on Earth project Tyler had been working on. Isabella assumed Emily would be his subject again. She wondered how he was doing with it. But she let it be, allowed his creativity to flow, maybe bring on the healing he needed. He was very secretive about it anyway, the few times she’d offered her help.

“So, dear,” Emily broke into Isabella’s thoughts. “Would you help me with the dishes?”

“Certainly.” Isabella stood, collecting the plates as Tyler finished drinking his milk. She quickly settled him on the couch, switched on the TV, and found a coloring book to keep him busy. When she was sure he was content, Isabella returned to the kitchen. To her surprise, Emily had already finished washing the dishes.

“Oh – you’re quick! Let me dry and put them away.” Isabella found the towel in the drawer, and began the chore. “Tyler’s watching a holiday cartoon,” she said, making conversation.

“You’re very good with him, you know,” Emily replied.

Isabella was touched by the compliment, but wondered what was really on Emily’s mind.

Emily didn’t waste time, or words. “You’ve gone above and beyond a teacher’s duty, though. Moving into the guesthouse, helping to fill the void in Tyler’s life.”

Isabella hesitated slightly, then continued drying the dish in her hand. “What are you trying to say, Emily?”

“Oh, I’m not insinuating anything.” The older woman smiled kindly, patting Isabella’s arm. “I certainly understand the desire to help others, without wanting anything in return.”

“I don’t want anything in return,” Isabella repeated Emily’s words. “Except for Tyler to be happy.”

“We all want that. But…” Emily hesitated.

“Please, Emily,” Isabella prodded. “What’s on your mind?”

Emily took Isabella’s hand, leading her to the dining room table, speaking in a hushed tone as she looked past Isabella to Tyler, who was still engrossed in the holiday TV special.

“Tyler has suffered an unthinkable loss,” she said. “But he seems to be doing much better, thanks to you.” Her smile didn’t hide the concern lurking in her hazel eyes.

“What is it then, Emily?”

“You’re Tyler’s teacher, and he’s your priority, of course. But Jordan…oh, my.” She sighed sadly. “He’s a lost soul. Sometimes I think he’s in a much worse state than his nephew. He refuses to live, Isabella. All he does is work. He’s been hurting for a very long time now and, even though he says he doesn’t care about Derek or…Tyler’s mother, I know their sudden deaths were a shock to him. So, I won’t deny that I’m delighted you’re here for him, too. I’ve seen how he looks at you…”

Emily smiled at the surprise in Isabella’s eyes. “He likes you, Isabella,” she continued. “That’s a big step for him after…what he went through.” She shook her head and sighed but forced another smile to her lips as she covered Isabella’s hands with hers. “For years, I’ve prayed for someone like you to bring him back to life.”

“Emily,” Isabella rose from her chair. “This arrangement is nothing like that!”

Emily stood, too. “But you are helping him, my dear,” she insisted, then shrugged sadly. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. I hope you’ll forgive an old romantic?”

Isabella felt guilty for being secretly thrilled. Jordan liked her? Well, if their kiss was any indication, he was as attracted to her as she was to him – but she was certain his feelings ended there.

“Don’t be silly, Emily,” she reassured her new friend. “You care about Jordan. I understand that you want him to find happiness – I want him to be happy, too. But…he’s not looking for a relationship. And, quite frankly, neither am I.”

Emily sighed again, but didn’t pursue the subject. Instead, she stared out the window at the new-fallen snow. Isabella’s gaze followed hers as Emily asked, almost to herself, “Where has that young man gotten to?”

“I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Will you stay awhile longer and watch Tyler put the star on the tree?”

Emily nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

They went to the living room and took seats on opposite sides of Tyler. Together, the three of them became happily immersed in the animated world of snowmen and forest animals while they waited for Jordan to return.

***

Jordan wasn’t ready to go inside and face the disapproving glares from Emily and Isabella. He’d had good reason to leave over an hour ago, good reason to rethink the way he’d been conducting himself. What the hell was he doing – letting his guard down, allowing himself to begin to feel something again? This had to stop – the way he’d been running around, acting all father-like lately. And even kissing the one woman he had no business kissing.

Seeing the silver chest sitting in the box amongst the ornaments woke him up.

Maybe he should go back to the coffee shop. He’d sat in his truck across the street from it for over an hour. But he hadn’t had the nerve to go in there either. Nevertheless, it was a hard reminder of how much loving someone could hurt. He’d hoped it would stop the regret that had gnawed at him since losing his brother. Or wipe away the nighttime cries of the little boy who’d unexpectedly entered his life. And, not least of all, erase the memory of Isabella’s sweet lips.

But not even visiting the place where he’d first met Kim and began this long, sad course in his life had helped him forget any of that, or the people in his house now – happily decorating the tree, probably waiting for him. If he just hadn’t seen the jewelry box – bringing to mind the last Christmas he’d had faith in love. Seven years ago. Kim found the engagement ring nestled under layers of tissue paper inside. She said yes. He thought they were happy.

Then Derek arrived.

Jordan turned off the engine. Man up, his inner voice shouted. He heard the faint sound of laughter coming from inside the house. Before he realized what he was doing, he was at the front door, pushing his way inside, like something had pulled him there. He looked at the small group, his gaze resting on his adorable nephew sitting between the women on the couch, laughing at a Christmas cartoon Jordan remembered watching as a child. His heart did a flip. It took him by surprise. But, even worse than that, it worried him.

***

Isabella saw him first, but it was Tyler who jumped up to greet his uncle when Jordan entered.

“Uncle Jordan! We waited! We waited!” He ran to the box and retrieved the star, then went to Jordan. “Lift me up!”

Jordan dutifully obeyed, hoisting Tyler to the top of the tree. “Now the lights, the lights,” Tyler insisted, waiting in gleeful anticipation as Isabella plugged them in. They all stood together, gazing at the beautiful spectacle in the middle of the living room. Emily, pleased by the sight of the three of them looking like a happy family, decided to slip out quietly.

She stepped past the coffee table, catching her knee on the edge of the ornament box, tipping it over. The silver chest slipped out, falling with a thud on the hard wood floor. The three adults looked toward the noise simultaneously. The lock was sprung and the chest popped open. Jordan’s expression was fixed on the diamond solitaire ring that rolled out, watching as it twirled to a stop by the wall. Isabella picked up the chest, quickly tucking back some photos that peeked out.

“Oh no,” Emily exclaimed, moving to the ring and scooping it up. She stood there holding it, her eyes filled with concern. “I’m so sorry,” she said to Jordan.

Jordan clutched Tyler a bit closer, as if to shield him. “No worries. It’s not doing any good in that box anyway, Emily. You take it – sell it. Donate the money to the shelter.”

“Well, all right – if you’re sure?”

“I’m sure,” he said firmly.

“What about these?” Isabella asked quietly, holding the box open to reveal the stack of photographs. Jordan barely glanced at them.

“They belong to him.” His eyes moved to the boy in his arms. “When he’s ready.” He set Tyler down and ruffled his hair. “You did a great job tonight, buddy. I’m going to take a shower. Would you like Isabella to tuck you in?” When Tyler nodded, he said, “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

“Okay,” Tyler replied, his head down.

Isabella watched as Emily hugged Tyler. “It’s a beautiful tree, darling. Soon, Santa will come and admire it, too. Aren’t you excited about that?”

Tyler nodded again, but the familiar uncertainty returned to his face. Isabella wondered if he was remembering his disappointment over last year’s wish. Or maybe he recognized his mother’s silver chest. Either way, she was more determined than ever to make things as close to right as possible for him.