Читать книгу His Holiday Matchmaker - Kat Brookes - Страница 11

Chapter Two

“You aren’t by any chance a traveling Slinky sales rep, are you?” Nathan Cooper asked as he followed Alyssa inside.

“Excuse me?”

“The suitcase,” he said, with a charming grin. “I’m guessing you’re in toy sales of some sort.”

She laughed softly at his teasing. “Not even close. I’m here to see Mr. Clark.”

He nodded.

“Look, Daddy!” his daughter exclaimed as she pointed to the collection of animated figurines strategically placed in the storefront window. “It’s Rudolph.”

Alyssa stepped closer to watch the musical display. “You know, Rudolph’s story was first told by Robert L. May in 1939 in a booklet he created for a department store called Montgomery Ward. That was over seventy years ago.”

The little girl tipped her tiny face upward in wide-eyed amazement. “Rudolph’s that old?”

“The story is that old,” Alyssa explained with a smile. “But Rudolph is a very special reindeer,” Alyssa said. “He doesn’t get old. In fact, none of Santa’s reindeer do.”

“Because they’re special, too!” Katie exclaimed.

Alyssa nodded. “That’s right.”

Nathan called out to his daughter. “We don’t have much time, Cupcake. You’d best get started on that list.”

His daughter, needing no more coaxing, scurried away to disappear between the aisles. Alyssa had spent enough time in physical therapy not to miss the slight limp to the little girl’s gait. Probably nothing more than a bruised knee, but it brought Alyssa back to a time in her life she’d just as soon forget.

She turned to the girl’s father. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to distract her.”

His gaze shifted in the direction his daughter had gone. “It’s all right. Katie tends to get sidetracked easily and we don’t have much time. I have to get back to work soon.”

“Daddy, look at this!” His daughter hopped across the wood floor on a white stick pony.

Nathan Cooper smiled at her lovingly. “You’re a regular cowgirl.”

“Can I have it?”

“Not today, Cupcake, but we’ll put it on the list.”

“We can’t put it on the list until you try it,” she told him, worry creasing her tiny face.

“Me?” he replied, clearly confused by her request. “Why would I need to try it?”

“To know if it’s a good horse or not.”

“Honey...”

“Please, Daddy. You know everything about horses.”

He glanced in Alyssa’s direction. “I’m keeping you from your appointment.”

“I’m a few minutes early, actually.”

“You’ll probably find Rusty in the back room, watching The Weather Channel.”

Her smile faded. “Why? Are you expecting bad weather?” That would make getting around on foot so much harder.

He shook his head. “Nothing more than a light, though undoubtedly cold rain. And not until later this evening. Rusty just likes keeping up-to-date when it comes to the weather.” That said, he reached for the toy pony his daughter was holding out to him.

Completely understandable, she thought, considering what the town had gone through. Reaching out, she retrieved the handle of her suitcase from his grasp. “Thank you so much for your help.”

“My pleasure,” he told her with a tip of his coal-black cowboy hat. One just as dark as the five-o’clock shadow on his firm jaw and midnight hair.

She parked her suitcase up against the wall next to the opening that led to the store’s back room. A glance back over her shoulder found Nathan Cooper straddling the painted stick. His large frame making the toy appear even smaller.

He raised the horse’s head with an impressively realistic whinny, eliciting laughter from his little girl and a smile from Alyssa. Turning away, she stepped into the smaller room in search of Mr. Clark.

Having seen the playful, loving interaction between Nathan Cooper and his young daughter, she now knew what a true knight on a white horse was. Even if this particular knight was dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt and the horse had mop strings for hair.

“Mr. Clark?”

The leather chair creaked in protest as it spun away from the paper-strewn desk. A compact television with The Weather Channel playing on it sat atop a smaller table next to the desk.

“Forgive me,” the older man apologized as he pushed his portly form out of the chair. “I didn’t hear the front bell ring. Then again my hearing hasn’t been the same since the tornado.”

“It’s quite all right,” Alyssa replied with an empathetic smile, speaking slightly louder than she had been. She stepped forward, extending her hand. “I’m Alyssa McCall. We spoke on the phone.”

“Ah, yes,” he replied with a nod as he shook her hand in greeting. “So glad to have you here.”

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this.” More than he could ever know.

He stepped past her to a small table by the window to pour himself some coffee. “Would you care for some?”

“No, thank you.” It was too late in the day for caffeine. She’d be up all night. And after the keyed-up day she’d had so far, she was going to require a good night’s sleep in order to give her all to the job the next morning.

“Your firm’s offer to help out with the finishing touches on the recreation center was quite generous, Mrs. McCall. On behalf of the town council, we are truly grateful.”

“It’s Miss,” she gently corrected. “And my company was more than glad to be of part of such a positive undertaking for your community.”

“I have to admit,” he began as he took a sip of the coffee he’d just poured himself, “that we never expected to have a professional interior designer join us on this project. I’m beyond thrilled.”

She just hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed. While she wanted to believe her skills were still sharp, not having as much opportunity to make use of those skills as she once had meant there was a possibility that her expertise might have diminished somewhat.

“Miss McCall?”

Alyssa snapped out of her thoughts with an apologetic smile. “Yes?”

“I was just saying that Myrna and Doris have a room for you over at The Cat’s Cradle.”

“The Cat’s Cradle?”

“It’s the boardinghouse they run at the far end of town. I’m sure you’re aware the town agreed to take care of your accommodations during your stay here. The Wilson sisters have very generously offered to provide your lodgings at no cost to the town.”

“That’s so kind of them, but isn’t renting rooms at the boardinghouse their livelihood? I’m more than willing to pay for my stay there.”

“Nonsense.” He waved the suggestion off. “In fact, the council already offered to pay them, but they refused to accept any money. This is their contribution to the rebuilding of our town. Besides, those two run the boardinghouse because they rarely venture away from The Cat’s Cradle and welcome any and all company that comes their way. Neither one of them is in need of money. Trust me.”

So far every person she had met or heard about in Braxton was unbelievably kind and giving. That eased her worries about being in a town where she knew no one. “I look forward to meeting them.”

“I’m sure that goes both ways.” The words had barely left his mouth when his smile faded, replaced by a worried frown. “You aren’t allergic to cats are you?”

She shook her head. “Not that I know of. Why?”

“Because Doris has a real soft spot for felines.” He started back to his desk. “I’ll call and let them know you’re on your way. You can stop by the rec center in the morning to see how things are coming along and decide on its finishing touches. Light fixtures, paint, trim and furniture of some sort.”

“I’d like that. Is the boardinghouse within walking distance?”

“Maybe when the sun’s shining. But there’s the possibility of rain moving in. You’d be better off driving there.”

“I’m afraid I don’t own a car.”

“Then how on earth did you get here?”

“A friend of mine drove me here,” she explained. “She’ll be back to pick me up once the job is finished.”

“Which should be just in time for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. You and your friend are welcome to join us for it if you have the time. And while I’m at it, I would highly recommend seeing the reenactment of our Savior’s birth the local church here puts on Christmas Eve afternoon. Brings tears to a grown man’s eyes I tell you.”

“It sounds wonderful. But Erica has family in San Antonio she’ll be spending time with over the holidays. She’s not scheduled to pick me up until the day after Christmas. But even if she can’t make it for the church’s program, I’ll be certain not to miss it.”

He sipped at the steaming coffee, studying her curiously. “No holiday plans for you?”

She lowered her gaze to the papers on his desk. “No.”

“Well, we’re glad to have you join us here in Braxton for the holidays.”

“Thank you, Mr. Clark. I really appreciate that,” she told him with a smile. “Now, can you tell me how to get to The Cat’s Cradle?”

Rusty Clark’s gaze shifted past her and a smile moved across his weathered face. “This here young man can take you there.”

She turned to find Nathan Cooper’s broad shoulders filling the open doorway.

“Take her where?” the cowboy replied, his gaze meeting hers.

“To The Cat’s Cradle,” the elderly store owner said. “Now that the sun’s gone down, it’s sure to be too cold for our town’s guest to be walking that far.”

Nathan nodded. “You’ll get no argument from me there.”

“I don’t mind the cold,” she insisted. “Besides, I’d rather not impose.”

“It’s no imposition” came his husky reply.

“Miss McCall,” Rusty said, “I’d like you to meet Nathan Cooper.”

“We’ve already met,” she said, her gaze fixed on the man in the doorway. His face wasn’t as clear as it had been when she’d looked up at him out on the sidewalk outside, but that didn’t matter. She recalled every chiseled contour of his handsome face. The startling blue of his eyes. The slightly crooked hitch of his smile.

Rusty Clark clapped his hands together. “Wonderful. It saves me the time of making introductions. Something tells me the two of you are gonna work real good together.”

“We’ll what?” Both Nathan and Alyssa replied in unison.

“I assumed you already knew, seeing as how the two of you are already acquainted. Nathan and his brother’s company is in charge of construction for the rec center.”

She looked his way. “I had no idea. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve done so far. I can’t wait to start on the design plans for it.”

Nathan Cooper held up a hand. “Hold up. Design plans?” He shot a questioning look in the older man’s direction.

“Miss McCall’s design firm has ever so generously offered to donate their services for the project and have sent us one of their top designers to do the job.”

“I thought I was handling the project through to completion,” he replied as he moved farther into the room to join them. “Does the council have some sort of problem with the work I’ve done so far?”

Mr. Clark shook his head. “Goodness, no. Your work, as usual, has been top-notch.”

Alyssa bit at her bottom lip. She hadn’t meant to step on anyone’s toes when she’d accepted her firm’s offer to send her to Braxton for this project. “If my helping out is gonna be a problem...”

“Nonsense,” the councilman assured her. “Your assistance is more than welcome here. Nathan has already given this town so much of his time when it comes to the rebuilding efforts, accepting your offer was the least I could do for him.”

“You might have let me know sooner,” the glowering cowboy replied stiffly, his entire demeanor changing.

“Her firm only contacted me a few days ago with their very kind offer,” Mr. Clark explained. “I had hoped to surprise you.”

“Well, you succeeded.” Some of the harshness in Nathan Cooper’s expression faded as he looked her way. “Welcome to the team.”

“Thank you.”

“Now that we have that settled, what brings you here?” Mr. Clark inquired of Nathan. “Problem at the site?”

Nathan shook his head. “No. We’re moving right along, all things considered. I just stopped by with Katie so she could add a few dozen more things to her Christmas list.”

The older man chuckled. “Just like her moth...” His words trailed off.

A deafening silence fell in the room.

Alyssa looked between the two men, unsure of what had just happened. The tension in the air was palpable.

“I really should be getting back to work,” Nathan said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. He turned to her. “Miss McCall?”

“Alyssa, please,” she replied. “And I’m ready to leave whenever you are.”

“We’ll talk more tomorrow,” Mr. Clark told her as he walked them out to the front of the store.

“I look forward to it.” She reached for the handle of her suitcase only to find a much larger hand already wrapped around it—again. The warmth of his skin soothed her chilled fingers. Glancing up, she found Nathan Cooper staring down at her.

“Allow me.”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll walk to the boardinghouse after all. The crisp air will do me good.”

He shrugged his broad shoulders, looking almost relieved. “Suit yourself.”

* * *

Releasing his hold on her suitcase, Nathan tipped his hat, then turned toward the aisles of toys. “Let’s go, Cupcake,” he hollered. “Daddy’s gotta get back to work.”

A tiny whine floated through the air somewhere in the vicinity of the doll aisle. “But I’m not done yet,” his daughter said as she stepped into view.

“We’ll come back another time,” he assured her. Right now he just had to get out of there. Away from the festive holiday music and mechanical Christmas characters. Away from the woman who was going to invade his life and stir up memories he’d just as soon forget.

He flexed his hand. The one she’d touched briefly. A light, gentle touch. Accidental. But it had been so long since he’d had any sort of physical contact with anyone other than his daughter it had taken him completely off guard.

“Daddy, what’s this?” his daughter inquired as she skipped up to him.

He stared at the sprig of green tied with a red bow, which she held pinched between her fingers. “It’s mistletoe.”

“Whose toe?”

Alyssa McCall’s soft laughter filled the room. “It’s called mistletoe. Back in eighteenth-century England, if a young woman stood under some mistletoe, brightly trimmed with ribbons, she couldn’t refuse to be kissed. In many cases, that special kiss under the mistletoe led to love and marriage.”

Nathan stared at her in disbelief. Was the woman a walking encyclopedia on holiday traditions?

“It can make people fall in love?” Katie repeated in awe.

Miss McCall nodded. “So they say. Apparently, there’s something very special and romantic about mistletoe.”

“Can we buy some, Daddy?”

“Not today.” Or ever. “Now go put that back where you found it and let’s get going.”

She scowled as she returned the sprig of mistletoe to its hook on the aisle’s end cap display.

“I’d reconsider taking that ride with Nathan to the boardinghouse,” Mr. Clark advised Alyssa as she neared the door, pulling her suitcase behind her. “It’s gonna be a mighty cold walk to the other end of town.”

“In the rain,” Katie added as she bounced over to press her nose against the store’s front window.

“It’s raining?” the woman who had so unsettled Nathan gasped.

“Big fat drops!” his daughter exclaimed.

Alyssa looked his way.

Nathan shrugged. “Looks like they were wrong about the rain not moving in until later.”

“Oh, no.”

“My offer still stands.”

“If you don’t mind,” she replied, looking less than thrilled.

“We don’t mind a bit,” Katie answered for him as she opened the door, letting a gust of wind-blown rain inside. “Daddy’s got a real big truck with a real big seat.”

Rusty’s hearty chuckle followed them out the door.

Nathan swept Katie up in his arms, carrying her out to the truck. The last thing they needed was for her to slip on the wet sidewalk and reinjure her bad leg.

“How old are you?” his daughter asked Miss McCall as they settled into the truck’s roomy cab.

“Katie,” Nathan admonished. Was there ever a more inquisitive child?

“It’s okay,” Alyssa McCall replied with a smile. “I’m used to dealing with children’s questions. I teach art at a recreational center back in San Antonio.”

Her reply took him off guard. “I must have misunderstood. I thought Rusty said you were an interior designer.”

“I am. I have my degree as well as plenty of work experience in the field. However, I’m only working part-time in interior design at the present.” She glanced down at Katie. “And to answer your question, I’m twenty-seven.”

“Are you married?”

“Katie Marie!” he gently reprimanded, staring down at his too-curious-for-her-own-good little girl who was seated on the bench seat between them.

The question didn’t seem to daunt Miss McCall who answered with a simple, “No, Katie, I’m not.”

“My daddy’s—”

“Here we are,” Nathan announced, effectively cutting off his daughter’s reply. The large wooden sign welcoming guests to The Cat’s Cradle swung in the cold, wet, winter wind. It was a welcome sight as he turned into the half-circle drive. A second later, he was pulling up in front of the old Victorian boardinghouse.

Katie squirmed in the seat. “It’s the kitty house!”

“She has a thing for cats,” he explained.

Miss McCall looked down at his daughter. “Me, too.”

“Do you have a kitty of your own?” Katie asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.

“I’m afraid not. No pets are allowed in the town house I rent back in San Antonio.”

“I don’t have a pet either,” his daughter said with a sigh. “Daddy’s afraid—”

Nathan cleared his throat, cutting in. “I really do have to get back to work.” He had to make certain the rec center was completed in time. Not so much for the Christmas Eve party that was to be held there, but for the dedication ceremony that would open the festivities, honoring those lost in the storm. He hadn’t been there for Isabel that day, but he would be there to see the project through and his wife’s memory honored.

“Of course,” Miss McCall said apologetically. “I’m so sorry for throwing you off schedule.”

“It’s not a problem,” he replied as he swung open the driver’s side door. “Wait here, Cupcake. I’m gonna get Miss McCall’s suitcase and then see her to the door.”

“I wanna see the kitties.”

“Another time, honey,” he said, ruffling her hair. “Uncle Carter is waiting for Daddy to come help him with the rec center.”

She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Okay.”

“You don’t have to see me to the door,” Miss McCall told him. “I’ll just grab my suitcase and you can go.”

“Daddy doesn’t mind helping you,” his daughter cut in before he had a chance to reply. “He has really big muscles.”

Miss McCall met his gaze, the corners of her mouth twitching as if trying very hard to suppress a grin. “Well, then, I guess I should let your daddy help me.”

“Will I get to see you again?” his daughter asked, a little too eagerly for Nathan’s comfort.

Alyssa offered her a warm smile. “You can pretty much count on it.”

Not if he could help it. Not with Katie in mommy search mode. Nathan stepped out into the rain and rounded the truck. Opening the tailgate, he pulled her suitcase out from beneath the covered bed.

“Thank you for the ride,” she said as she stepped up beside him, attempting to shield the both of them from the rain with the floral print umbrella she held clutched in her hand.

“Thank you for handling my daughter’s meddling questions so well,” he said as he walked her up the wet porch steps. Reaching out, he knocked on the door.

“Children are naturally curious. I didn’t mind,” she assured him as she lowered the umbrella to shake the excess rain from it. “You’re blessed to have such an adorable little girl, curiosity and all.”

“I tend to think so, but then my opinion might be a bit biased when it comes to my daughter.”

She turned to look up at him. “About my helping out with the recreation center...”

A slight frown pulled at his mouth, try as he might to fight it. “Yes?”

“My intention in coming here was to do something to help your town,” she said, closing the umbrella. “If that is gonna be a problem for you...”

“Don’t trouble yourself any over that,” he told her. “I’ll deal with it.”