On Christmas Avenue Read online

  “Yeah, yeah, of course. I know that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have the tiniest bit of fun while I’m here.”

  “Just be careful, all right? I’d hate to see you setting yourself up for disappointment like you did the last time.”

  Mary gulped past the lump in her throat, which felt awfully sore. “Ben was another story.”

  “So were Caleb and Will.” Judy sighed. “You can’t keep doing this, Mary. Forming attachments and dropping them.”

  “I don’t do that.”

  “With me, no. But with men, um, yeah.”

  “Ouch. Way to be harsh.”

  “I’m just trying to protect you, you know,” Judy said. “From yourself.”

  “Well, maybe I don’t need protecting.”

  “Maybe not.” Judy sounded weary.

  Mary hated stressing her best friend. And maybe Judy was right. All that stuff she alluded to about her fear of commitment. But why was that even relevant here? She clearly wasn’t committing to anybody in the town of Clark Creek.

  “Hey, listen,” Judy said, “I know that at the end of the day, you’re going to do what you want to do. I’m not trying to butt in, just advising. You know it’s because I care.”

  Mary’s heart swelled with affection for her best friend. “Yeah, I know. I appreciate you looking out for me.”

  “Good luck solving that lodging problem.” This time Mary would take Judy’s good luck wishes, because she truthfully had no idea how she was going to pull this rabbit out of a hat.

  After Mary signed off, she stewed over the conversation. Judy had good intentions and had only spoken out of concern, but she’d really hoped her best friend on earth would be happy for her. She’d made a bold move in asking Evan to go ice skating with her, and Judy had shot her assertiveness down. So okay, maybe she wasn’t seriously interested in Evan. Because, yeah, Judy was right. Seriousness and romance didn’t exactly match up in Mary’s world.

  She did have difficulty sticking with relationships, because she definitely wasn’t ready to settle down with a life partner. She liked staying on the move. Experiencing new places and things. She’d only wanted to go ice skating with Evan on friendly terms, so both of them could have fun. Just like they had during their snowball fight. There was obviously nothing wrong with that. It was okay to be congenial with someone you worked with. In most cases, that sort of professional camaraderie was seen as a plus.

  Mary snuggled under the covers with her laptop, checking her streaming watchlist. Romantic comedies perfectly fit her mood tonight. She needed something lighthearted and entertaining, with a happy ending guaranteed. Mary scanned through the choices and selected a new release, which had recently been in theaters and which she’d heard was good.

  What she needed was a brief escape to feed her soul and clear her head. Tomorrow, she’d focus on finalizing details for the parade and decide how she wanted to handle things with Evan. Maybe Judy was right. Maybe deepening her connection with him at this point in time was a bad move. Particularly in light of her pending relocation to Seattle.

  Mary suddenly felt exhausted. The past week’s cumulative pressures were taking their toll. Yawning, she started the movie.

  She woke a 3:00 a.m., after sleeping more soundly than she had in months, to find the that her movie had ended hours before. The lights in her room still blazed and she rubbed her eyes, trying to recall the dream she’d had. It was something about the parade and—yes—lodging.

  Oh wow. She’d had an inspiration. And it was…brilliant.

  Homeowners renting out rooms had been a growing trend for years. With so many people in Clark Creek invested in the parade, maybe at least a few of them would be willing to offer lodging temporarily?

  She set her laptop on her nightstand, knowing exactly how she was going to proceed. She’d call Judy first thing in the morning to see if Davenport Development Associates could lend home office support to any townsfolk interested in participating.

  Mary reached for her phone on the nightstand and set its alarm.

  Yep. This is perfect.

  Things are going to be good.

  The next morning, Evan opened his door to find his mom standing on his front steps holding a brown grocery bag.

  “Mom? What are you doing here?”

  He owned a Craftsman-style home behind the courthouse, which he’d bought and refurbished when he returned to Clark Creek to be the sheriff. As many renovations as he’d done, there was always more work to do.

  His mom handed him the bag. He peeked inside and saw two food storage containers. She said, “Your dad and I had Brunswick stew for supper last night and there was a ton left over.”

  “Thanks.” Evan wasn’t much of a cook, but he did have a hearty appetite, which he’d inherited from his dad. Luckily, he was also in the habit of regular exercise thanks to his time in the Army. He could eat what he wanted, as long as he didn’t go crazy about it.

  His mom stepped inside, removing her gloves. “Brrr. Why is it so chilly in here?” A swirl of snowflakes blasted toward her and she gawked at the opening at the back of the living room. “Evan! You’re missing a wall!”

  He chuckled at her horrified expression. “Nope. Just installing a French door to lead out to the deck.”

  She eyed his jeans, sweatshirt, and work boots. “You’re not dressed warmly enough for letting Old Man Winter indoors.”

  “I’ll have it done by later today.” He set the bag down on the small table in his dining area and strode to the gaping hole, taping down the heavy plastic sheeting that had been blown out of place.

  She frowned and then said, “I was almost hoping not to catch you at home. I was thinking you might be with Mary.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Why?”

  “I got a call from Vivi Torres…” Her light eyes twinkled. “She and Shirley Watson saw the two of you together on Main Street yesterday evening.”

  “We were walking the parade route.”

  “Oh? Is that all that it was? Business? Because Vivi said the two of you were looking very couple-y—almost date-like.”

  Evan raked a hand through his hair. “Mom.”

  “I wouldn’t be opposed if it happens. I mean, it’s not like you work together permanently in the same office. You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed she’s pretty? And very smart. And she’s talented—”

  “And she’s only here until Christmas,” he reminded her pointedly.

  “Maybe she’ll decide to stay?”

  “Big-city gal like her?” Evan shook his head. “Don’t think so.”

  His mom wore a glum expression. “Maybe you’re right.” The next instant, she appeared perky again. “In the meantime, I’m glad to know you’re getting along better.”

  “Yeah, we’re getting along great.”

  Evan recalled the moment in the gazebo when he’d nearly bumped into Mary, and his heart beat harder. There’d been a tension between them—chemistry, even. It wasn’t the first time he’d noticed it, either, although he’d tried to pretend that he hadn’t.

  “We’re getting our town tree delivered today,” his mom told him.

  “That’s what I hear.”

  “Are you going to come and see it?”

  “Yeah, but it will have to be later,” he said. “I’m going over to Nash’s to help him move some stuff.”

  “Stuff?”

  Evan’s shoulders sagged because he knew this was painful for his big brother. “Becca’s stuff.”

  There was a sad glimmer in her eyes. “Yes, I remember.”

  “Anyway, with Christmas coming, he decided maybe he should donate some of her things to charity. There are a few special items he’s saving for Chloe, but other than those…”

  “You’re very good to help him. I can come too, if—”

  “I don’t think he wants too many people underfoot. He only tagged me because of my brawn,” he joked.

  His mom smiled softly. “What about Chloe?”

  “Itze
l’s taking her ice skating.”

  “How sweet! You know what I think?” There was a knowing look in her eyes. “I think she might have a thing for your brother.”

  “Marshall?” Evan said, playing purposely obtuse, and his mom swatted his arm.

  “You know which one I mean.”

  Evan laughed. “Yeah, I dunno. Maybe.”

  His mom cocked her chin. “But I don’t think he’s ready.”

  “Probably not,” Evan agreed.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Yes! That’s perfect!” Mary grinned at Ken as he and his buddy, Wayne, steadied the tall Fraser fir in its designated spot in the town square facing the courthouse.

  Ken gave a thumbs up, and then he and Wayne got busy anchoring the tree in place. Another man, Ed, and a woman, Janie, hauled items from the bed of a pickup truck, carrying them toward the gazebo. Mary went to thank them for their efforts, and to help direct where everything went. The square already looked magical in the lightly drifting snow. It was going to appear even more spectacular once it was all decorated.

  There were built-in benches hugging the inside perimeter of the gazebo, and Ed and Janie had laid out several strands of greenery there to use as garlands. They began carting over more Christmas trees. Two. Four…Wait a minute. And two more? Mary was almost sure she’d only asked for five to fit in the spaces between the gazebo benches.

  As she strolled over to talk to Ken, her gaze trailed to the skating rink, which was busy on Saturday morning. A woman skating with a little girl looked familiar. She thought it was Itzel. But who was the elfin kid in pigtails?

  Ken wiped his brow with a bandana. “Looking good,” he said, nodding toward the big community tree.

  “It’s really beautiful, Ken. Thank you.”

  “They’re all pre-strung with lights.” He shoved his bandanna back in his pocket. “That’s kind of a tricky job once a tree that tall is standing.” He motioned to Wayne, who plugged a sturdy outdoor extension cord into the receptacle box near the skating rink, and the tree came to life. Even in daylight, its sparkling lights looked amazing. Mary was so happy to get this sneak preview of the tree-lighting ceremony tomorrow.

  “I love it.” She grinned at Ken and his helpers. “Thanks, guys. You’re the best.”

  “We brought outdoor tree decorations too,” Ken said. “And our ladder. It’s probably safest if you let us hang those before we go.”

  “If you don’t mind, that would be terrific.” She glanced back at the gazebo, and at Janie who was standing there leaning the excess Christmas tree against a gazebo railing while peering around, like she was trying to decide what she was supposed to do with it. “So, I wanted to ask you about the extra tree.”

  “Extra? What do you mean?”

  “When we talked about it, I thought we discussed five for the gazebo, but now—” She shrugged. “There seem to be six?”

  He laughed. “I couldn’t remember if we said five or six, so I erred on the side of caution. Didn’t want to come up short.”

  “No. Well. Thank you!” Mary frowned. What should they do with the extra tree? “Would you like to take it back to the nursery?”

  “Not when it’s already here. Tell you what,” he said kindly. “Why don’t you keep it?”

  Well, she certainly couldn’t keep it in her room at the inn, which was already decorated for Christmas very nicely. Then another thought occurred to her. Evan. She needed to see him, anyway.

  Ken added, “Surely, a Christmas Consultant can’t have too many Christmas trees?”

  “That’s true,” she said, smiling. “Thanks, Ken. I’ll find a good home for it.”

  An hour later, Mary waved Ken and his team goodbye, thanking them again for their generosity. The town tree was gorgeous, and the decorated gazebo looked so pretty with tiny strands of lights woven through its garlands. Ken had explained how the gazebo lights and town tree lights were scheduled to go on each evening at dusk using a preset timer. All she had to do during the tree-lighting ceremony was flip the switch.

  Mary called to Ken as he sat in his truck with his driver’s window partially down. “Good luck with everything in Colorado.”

  “Thank you,” he said. “I’m hoping to make it a very merry Christmas.”

  He was such a nice guy. From their brief meeting, she believed Dusty was a great person too. She had to be, for someone as good-hearted as Ken to like her so much. No. Not like. Love. He was planning to propose, after all.

  Her heart felt light as she turned toward the gazebo, studying that extra tree. She’d need to get her SUV from the inn to pick it up. It was a good thing she’d unloaded so many of those decorations at the courthouse, clearing more space in her vehicle. She still had a handful of decorations left. They’d be enough for decking somebody’s halls and trimming this tree.

  The one minor flaw in her plan was that she didn’t know where Evan lived.

  She glanced back at the skating rink. The little girl and the woman she’d spotted earlier were stepping off the ice. They sat down on a bench to remove their skates, and Mary was now sure that the petite brunette was Itzel. She wore a trim white coat with a scarf. Her wispy dark bangs and short hair poked out beneath her matching white hat. She looked up when she saw Mary approaching.

  “Itzel, hi! I thought that was you.”

  “The gazebo looks fantastic. The big tree too.” Itzel winked at the child beside her. The darling kid wore a puffy purple jacket and a fuzzy pink hat with a big white pompon on it. “We were watching all the activity from the skating rink.”

  The little girl grinned at Mary. “Hi, I’m Chloe.”

  Mary leaned toward her. “Hi, Chloe. It’s so nice to meet you. Are you Nash’s little girl?”

  The child’s grin widened, exposing two missing front teeth. “Uh-huh.”

  “I’ve heard about you from your Uncle Marshall. He says you’re a very fine ballerina.”

  Chloe held up her arms in a partial pirouette. “We’re doing The Nutcracker!”

  “How cool,” Mary said. “I’d love to see it.”

  “You should come,” Itzel told her. “It’s next Tuesday.”

  That was only two days before the parade, but Mary could scarcely say no to the precious look on Chloe’s face. “I would love to come to your ballet.”

  “Yay!”

  “I can buy you a ticket,” Itzel said. “I’ll get yours when I buy mine.” Her dark eyes lit up. “We can even go together, if you’d like.”

  “Oh, uh. Sure.” Mary was touched. “That would be really nice. Just let me know about the ticket and I’ll reimburse you.”

  As Itzel helped Chloe lace up her snow boots, Mary wondered how to approach this without making her interest in Evan obvious. Her friendship-type interest, she reminded herself. That’s all that it was. There’d be no reason for Itzel to think any different. Besides that, she and Evan were working together.

  “Itzel,” she said. “I know you know that Evan’s helping me with the parade.”

  “Yeah. How’s that going?”

  “Really well.”

  “I love the whole Christmas Avenue plan.” She nodded with approval. “My mom told me about it. Your souvenirs too. This parade is going to rock it.”

  “Rock it, rock it!” Chloe swayed from side to side, pumping her small fists, and Mary and Itzel laughed at her energy. She was an adorable little girl, and Itzel seemed to do so well with her. Mary was curious about Itzel’s relationship with Nash. Was it romantic?

  “Thanks.” Mary grinned at Chloe and Itzel. “I think so too. Only, there are a few details I need to run by Evan. Some new developments. But it’s Saturday, and his day off.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he won’t mind if you stop by his house,” Itzel said. “Evan’s very chill about that kind of stuff.”

  “Fantastic. Only…I’m not sure where he lives.”

  “No worries,” Itzel said, taking out her cell phone. “Give me your number and I’ll text you his address.”
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  Evan loaded the last box of Becca’s things in his truck. He kept his official vehicle at the courthouse and used that while he was on duty. This was family business, and he was glad that he could be here.

  “You sure you don’t mind dropping that off?” Nash asked.

  Evan read Nash’s long face. They hadn’t spent much time going through things. Mostly, Nash had said, “Yeah, take it,” in regard to clothing and personal items like Becca’s books. She’d been a schoolteacher and had a ton of them. The jewelry had consumed more time. He’d agonized over her wedding band and engagement ring, ultimately deciding to set them aside for Chloe. Maybe Chloe would have a son one day, and he’d like to use the diamond. Or maybe she’d like to reset the gem in another piece of jewelry. Nash didn’t know, but he couldn’t give the set away, or sell it.

  “It’s not that much,” Evan told him. “And I don’t mind. I’ll drop things off during my morning rounds on Monday.” He braced his hand on Nash’s shoulder. “You’re doing the right thing.”

  Nash hung his head. “Probably should have done it a long time ago.”

  “We all heal in our own time.”

  “Women.” Nash gave a melancholy smile. “You love them, then they leave you.”

  “Yeah.”

  Nash’s neck colored. “I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean…about Cathy.”

  “I know what you meant.” Evan shoved Nash’s arm.

  “She was a fool, you know.”

  “Seems happy enough now. Two point five kids.”

  Nash gave him a quizzical look. “Point five?”

  “A couple of toddlers and she’s pregnant.”

  “You need to stay off social media.”

  Evan sighed. “Doesn’t matter anyway. Time’s gone by.”

  Nash eyed Becca’s things in Evan’s truck. “It does march along.”

  “Ever going to get back in the game?” Evan asked.

  “Not sure. Maybe someday.” He met Evan’s eyes. “You?”

  Evan blew out a breath. “Hard to say.”

  “Mary’s awfully nice.”