Jingle Bell Blessings (13 page)

Chloe blinked.

The waitress brought the tea, caught Grace's expression and disappeared.

“Let me talk to him first,” Grace explained. “Right now you're both raw, in pain. I'm not. I won't fall apart if Evan loses his temper, says something he'll regret. And I won't hold it against him.” She picked up her cup. “Now, drink your tea while it's hot.”

Chloe reached for her cup. “You never impressed me as being the bossy sort.”

“Only with people I care about.” Grace sipped her tea.

“I'm going to need this. Dragons can be scary.”

 

At the end of the work day, Evan sat in his office. Chloe hadn't returned. Hadn't called. He sighed, mentally going over her words for at least the hundredth time. Hearing a soft knock, he looked up.

“Evan?” Grace Brady stood in the doorway.

He stood. “Come in.”

“Do you have a minute?”

“Sure.”

She sat in the chair opposite his and folded her hands. “I know it's been a rough day.”

Evan lifted his eyebrows.
She did?

“And I'd like to talk to you about Chloe.”

Instinctively he stiffened, his defenses kicking in.

“When Chloe told you about Mr. Wainwright's offer today, she didn't tell you why she accepted.”

“It's pretty obvious.”

“You'd think so, wouldn't you?” Grace's gentle manner was deceptively unnerving. “But did you question why Chloe needed the money so badly?”

“Same reason everyone wants money, I suppose.”

Grace leaned forward. “She's not like everyone. And she doesn't want the money—she
needs
it. Has Chloe told you about her mother?”

Evan frowned. “She's in a nursing home.”

“No. She's in an extended-care facility because she has severe chronic pulmonary disease and can't be on her own.”

“Okay.”

“Have you thought about how Chloe pays for the home?”

“I assume she's paid well.”

“Not that well. It takes every penny she makes to pay the facility and their rates are constantly rising. Evan, Chloe lives
in a cheap one-room efficiency because she refuses to allow her mother to be placed in a state-run facility. Chloe's out of choices. Mr. Wainwright's offer is the only option she has. Her father's dead. Her younger brother barely makes enough in the military to support his young family. So, her mother's care is completely on Chloe's shoulders.”

Evan listened.

Grace met his gaze, her own imploring. “What would you do? What if you were the only one Gordon had to count on?”

“That doesn't explain why she's passing on all our financial information to Wainwright.”

“No.” Grace unfolded her hands. “It doesn't.”

When she didn't say more, Evan prompted her. “So?”

“I'll leave that for her to tell. When Chloe wondered about you, we, all your friends, surrounded you with a wall of protection. Now, Chloe deserves the same wall.”

“Because she has something to hide?”

“Did
you
have something to hide?”

He didn't reply.

“Of course not. Evan, consider the woman you've grown to know. Does she have any of the qualities you think you've discovered? Is she uncaring? Selfish? Does Jimmy mean nothing to her?” Grace rose. “I know you have a lot to think about and I'll leave you to it. Just remember, you're not the only one who's hurting. And certainly not the only one who'll be hurt if you do something rash.”

An image of Jimmy's eager face flashed in Evan's mind. As quickly, he thought of Sean, how he would have done anything to spare him pain.

But what was Chloe hiding? And why did her deceit cut so deep?

T
ied in knots, Chloe waited for the other shoe to drop. That night at dinner she sat next to Jimmy, ready to protect him if there was an outburst from Evan. Gordon looked at her oddly, but didn't say anything. To her relief, Evan didn't make an appearance. She really didn't want to play out the entire scene in front of everyone.

After dinner she read to Jimmy until he was sleepy, then tucked him in, ferociously guarding his room through the night. She didn't even change into her pajamas and robe, wanting to be prepared.

By morning, bleary-eyed, her throat gravelly, she braced herself.

But nothing happened. Again, Evan was absent.

On nervous autopilot, she drove Jimmy to school, then waited until Grace's free period. Digging in her purse, she found Grace's cell number and phoned. They agreed to meet in the empty auditorium.

Watching anxiously, Chloe was relieved to see that Grace was smiling as she slipped into the closest seat.

Grace's concern filled her face. “How are you holding up?”

“I guess I'm not really sure. I haven't seen Evan since the…since we talked yesterday.”

“I'm not surprised.”

Chloe's brow furrowed. “Really?”

Grace searched her eyes. “In spite of what happened yesterday, you know what kind of man Evan is.”

Looking away, Chloe gripped the handle of her purse. “And now he knows what kind of person I am.”

“You can't go down that road. If Evan understands anything, it's family. Your reasons for taking on this job are honorable. And, I've seen how you are with Jimmy. He's not an assignment anymore—you care for him like a mother.”

“This is so silly,” Chloe wiped away the sudden tears.

“I haven't cried this much in years. Now I'm the Trevi fountain.”

“Love does that to a person.”

“I do love Jimmy,” she admitted. “Just Jimmy?”

Chloe met Grace's steady gaze. “I'm certainly not the kind of woman Evan wants in his life.”

“You're so sure?”

“I told you before. Even if he did, I have to go home. Besides, right now I'm the last person in the world Evan wants to see.”

Grace remained quiet a few moments. “I'm guessing you don't want to go back to his office to help out anymore.”

“The welcome sign's been removed.”

“Would you like to volunteer here? The younger grades can always use adults to help with reading, that sort of thing. Or in the library—even grading papers would be appreciated.”

Chloe thought about it. “I do need to stay busy.”

“Let's get some coffee in the teacher's break room, then why don't you stick with me today?”

Glad for the reprieve, Chloe agreed. “Oh, Grace. Was Evan furious when he found out why I'd contacted Mr. Wainwright?”

“Guess you'll find out when you decide to tell him.”

“You didn't?”

“He needs to hear it from you. I just told Evan that he had the wrong idea about the money Mr. Wainwright offered to pay you.”

Absorbing her words, Chloe rose, following Grace from the auditorium. So, she still had to face Evan. Something told her he wouldn't be any happier about the second portion of her news than he'd been about the first.

 

In the spring, Lark's meadow was a stunning mix of bluebonnets, bright orange paintbrush and golden coreopsis. Now it stood fallow, the wildflowers tuckered down for the winter, the grass withered, yellowing. Yet, to Evan's way of thinking, it was still beautiful in a different way, standing solid, nestling the seeds of the perennial flowers. It was in its keeping mode. Just as he was.

Evan looked upward, into the sky, searching the heavens. It had been so long since he'd whispered a prayer or even believed God was listening. Yet, now his heart told him he needed to try, to seek the light in his darkness. “I still don't understand about Robin and Sean. But this time I'm not asking for me. Lord, these are good people and they need Your help. There aren't other jobs for them to get. You know that. And You know that the older ones will be the worst off. I've poured everything I've got into keeping the place alive and I won't be able to help them. But You can. At least that's what I always believed.” Evan felt his throat working and he paused. “I'll accept whatever direction You guide us in.” Again he had to stop, to fight against the shaking in his chest. “And, I'll try to understand why You took my boy so soon.” Evan bent his head as he appealed to the Lord's gift
of grace. Around him, the wind whistled, picking up faded petals, scattering them upward and away. Taking his plea, Evan prayed silently. And bringing back hope.

 

Chloe kept busy between volunteering at school in a few classes, and with the Christmas play.

Then she helped Thelma prepare and deliver numerous Christmas baskets. No one was overlooked. Shut-ins, the people from Thanksgiving dinner, others on their own, aging couples, and some large families. In addition, a basket was prepared for each employee and his or her family. Chloe felt the most emotion when they reached Melanie's house. The woman threw her arms around Chloe in a spontaneous hug, thanking her for keeping her job available. Proudly, Melanie showed her the new baby who happily kicked his chubby legs in greeting.

Now, the play wasn't far away. It was held in the week school let out for Christmas break, giving families time to gather.

And they were gathering. Chloe had seen some unfamiliar faces in the stores recently, Rosewood descendants who had moved away, but returned to celebrate with their families. If Rosewood were her home, Chloe mused, she would never leave. It had everything. All except one very important person, her mother.

In numerous phone calls, her mother assured Chloe that Christmas was celebrated fully at the care facility, that old friends might visit, that she would be completely all right. But Chloe couldn't stop worrying.

Combined with waiting for Evan's confrontation, she was on edge when her cell phone rang. Seeing that it was Mr. Wainwright's private number, Chloe answered on the first ring.

“Mitchell's loan has been approved,” he began without wasting time on small talk.

Relief flooded her. “That's wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Wainwright.”

“What about Jimmy? Has Mitchell made his decision?”

Chloe bit down on her lip.
Not officially.
“Not yet. Mr. Wainwright, if he does say no, will the loan be withdrawn?”

“No. I won't blackmail the man. And Jimmy certainly wouldn't have a happy home under the circumstances.”

She closed her eyes, remembering Evan using that same awful word.
Blackmail.
“Thank you.”

“Let me know as soon as you can about Jimmy.”

Agreeing, she bid her boss goodbye.

Now she just had to tell Evan.

 

Evan stared at the pile of envelopes stacked neatly on his desk. Christmas bonuses. Each and every employee had returned what most certainly could be their last bonus. Their sacrifice touched him greatly. While they were all paid well, each could use the money to provide Christmas for their families.

Hearing a stir in the hall, Evan glanced up. Chloe stood hesitantly in his doorway.

He rose, staring while she reached his desk and faced him. Belatedly, his voice returned. “Sit down.”

She did, perching on the edge of the chair. “I suppose you wonder why I'm here.”

Evan sank down into his own chair, wondering that and so much more.

“I want to explain why I collected the information about Mitchell Stone.” Chloe swallowed visibly. “When you told me that the financing fell through and that you didn't believe you could secure it anywhere else, I had an idea.” Glancing down, she took a deep breath. “I remembered that one of our clients at the law firm is a privately owned bank and that Mr. Wainwright is a member of the board there. After I got all the
data together, I called him and asked if he thought the bank might finance your deal.” She heard Evan's sharp intake of breath but didn't dare stop. “He agreed to present it to the loan committee. And…” She took a deep breath. “I heard back from Mr. Wainwright. The loan's approved. You have your financing. No strings attached.”

You have your financing.

Lord, can this be so?

Chloe scooted forward another inch or so. “As I said, no strings attached. The loan isn't dependent on your answer about Jimmy. Mr. Wainwright…and I…know that wouldn't only be unfair, it wouldn't be in Jimmy's best interest.”

Evan tried to collect his thoughts. “Are you sure you told him how large a loan we need?”

“I confirmed it with Perry…. Mr. Perkin.”

“Perry didn't say anything.”

“I didn't tell him why I needed to know,” she admitted. “I didn't want to raise any false hopes, just in case….” Chloe opened her purse and pulled out an envelope. “Mr. Wainwright had the loan package faxed to me. The contact person and phone number at the bank are on the cover letter.”

For once in his life, Evan could not think of a single thing to say. Chloe had just presented him with the means to save his business, his employees. And, the first time he had prayed since the accident, the Lord had answered loud and clear. He had forgiven Evan's railings, blame, accusations of betrayal. In His grace, He had taken care of His children.

It was too much to take in at once.

“Well, then.” Chloe stood. “I have to get back to the school. I'm helping out with the rehearsals for the Christmas play.”

She reached the doorway before he found his voice. “Chloe.”

Pausing, she turned back to face him.

“You don't know what this means.”

Her eyes darkened and a surprisingly sad smile tipped her lips upward slightly. “I think I do.” Spinning around, she hurried out of his office.

Evan watched even when he couldn't see her any longer. Still mesmerized, his gaze fell on the neat envelope sitting on his desk. Emotions crowded faster than shoppers at a discount sale. Why hadn't she told him when he first confronted her?

If Grace hadn't explained the reason Chloe had been so desperate for money, he
still
wouldn't know about her sacrifices. As the impact continued reverberating, Evan picked up his phone, knowing there was one thing he could do.

 

A few nights later, Chloe was surprised when Evan appeared for dinner, his mood calm. Jimmy chattered at him, pleased that he was there.

After they ate, Chloe expected Evan to disappear into his study. Instead, he accompanied them into the den while Jimmy told him every tiny detail about the play.

“And Susie Brady's gonna be the lamb. But
I
get to sit on the big rock. I'm the only one who does in the
whole
play.”

“I'm the one who gets to move that boulder,” Evan reminded him.

“So you'll be there?” Jimmy asked excitedly, his eyes lighting up.

“Of course. Would I miss seeing you play the shepherd boy?”

Chloe nearly dropped her cup of cider. Perhaps her imagination had run amuck. Evan couldn't have actually said he was attending the play.

Jimmy bounced in his chair. “Do you want to see my costume?”

Inwardly Chloe groaned. She had hoped to herd Jimmy upstairs before he latched on to Evan.

“Sure.” Evan leaned back in his chair.

Jimmy ran from the room, his sneakers hitting the stairs in rapid succession.

Immediately, Chloe felt the pressure of Evan's gaze. She hadn't been alone with him since the day in his office when she'd told him about the loan. Since then she rationalized that he wouldn't choose that particular time to get into the subject of her deception. Not when he'd been presented the critical financing on a platter. But nothing was stopping Evan now.
Except possibly his father.

Gordon emptied his pipe, then placed it in his lips without adding any tobacco.

“Running low on tobacco, Dad?”

“Just need it for thinking.”

“Anything in particular?”

Gordon hesitated, then glanced up at the portraits lining the mahogany walls. “Just missing your mother.”

Chloe sighed. She certainly was missing hers.

“Chloe?” Evan asked.

She jumped. Embarrassed by the reaction, she felt her cheeks flushing. “Yes?”

“Does Jimmy need help with his costume?”

“Just with the head covering and belt. The staff he'll carry that night is stored at school.”

Only minutes later, Jimmy pounded down the stairs. As Chloe predicted, he wore the one piece shepherd's robe and carried the accessories. He ran straight to her for help.

Smiling, she adjusted his cotton hat and tied the rope that served as a belt. Then she winked. “All set.”

He grinned and turned to Evan. “I get to carry this stick thing while I talk.”

“Do you know all your lines?”

“I should say so,” Gordon replied for him. “He's practiced all afternoon, every afternoon, since he got the part.”

Evan's expression grew reflective, almost nostalgic.

Chloe guessed he was missing his son.

“And everybody's coming to see me,” Jimmy declared. “Thelma's gonna make a special cake.”

“Sounds good. Thelma makes the best cakes in town. Maybe the world.”

“It's gonna be chocolate and have lots of frosting. Thelma said,” Jimmy confided.

Looking at and listening to the child she had come to love as her own, Chloe hoped the night of the play wouldn't be the last that she and Jimmy stayed in this house. Or the last they were together.