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Whenshe’d lefttwo and a halfweeks ago, there hadn’tbeenmuchsnow onthe ground, a factthatgreatlypleased her. After spendingfourteendays ona Caribbeancruise withher best friend fromcollege where Olivia soaked up everybit of sunshineshecould,itfeltlikeshedroveintoanarcticlandscapeasshenearedPinehill.
Itwasn’tlike the snow was unexpected Pinehill was a shortdrive fromMountHood where skiingwas the activityof choiceinthewintermonths.
Still, so many days of beautiful ocean water, amazing beaches, warmth, and sun had left her ill-prepared to return to temperatureshoveringbarelyabovezeroandwhatappearedtobeatleastthreefeetofsnow.
NotthatOliviawouldcomplainabouttheinfusionoftourismdollarsthatkeptPinehillthriving,butitwasnicetobeable to drive through townwithout crazy tourists darting between movingvehicles, or clenchingthe wheel as she anticipated a cluelessdriverpullingoutinfrontofher.
WhenOliviahadleftPinehillateighteen,she’dneverplannedtoreturn.She’dmovedtoCaliforniawhereshe’dremained all throughcollege, her residency, and thenworkingina practice witha dozenother doctors Then, a year and a half ago, Doctor Howard,who’druntheclinicinPinehill for whatseemedlikeforever,calledOliviaoutofthebluetoannouncehis planstoretire He’daskedifshe’dliketotakeoverhispractice
She’d spentChristmas lastyear drivingto Pinehill and movinginto the house she’d inherited fromher grandfather. Her parentshadn’twantedit They’dsoldtheirhomeinPinehillandmovedtoVirginianotlongafterOliviahadlefttown
Now, after a year of being back in Pinehill, Olivia found herself still struggling to adjust to small-town life and cold winterweather HeryearsinCaliforniahadthinnedherblood,orsohernosyneighbor,TonyMendive,hadtakengreatdelight ininforminghereverytimehesawhershiveringinthecold.
Olivia refused to think of how often she’d been part of their speculation She’d probably die of embarrassment or be utterlyappalledifsheeverbecameprivytothatinformation,whichwasonereasonshekeptherdistancefromthebarbershop, evenifit was just around the corner fromthe coffee shop She generallywalked three blocks out ofher wayjust to avoid appearinginviewofTony’swindows.
The jingle of sleigh bells signaled the approach of one of the Sleigh Bell Tours sleighs. Olivia smiled and waved at BowenJensenashegaveatourtoayoungfamilyoffive.Bowasarancherwhoownedandoperatedthesleightourbusiness duringthewintermonths,ashadseveralgenerationsofhisfamilybeforehim
Oliviadroveafewmoreblocks,turnedontoasidestreet,andthenparkedatthemedicalclinic.Adoctorwhoworkedina neighboringtownhadfilledinforherwhileshetookhermuch-neededtwo-weekvacationovertheChristmasholiday She’d timed her return to make sure anyone who’d been ringing in the New Year would be long gone before she came back to Pinehill
Oliviagrabbedagiftbagoffthebackseat,slidher pursestrapover her shoulder,wrappedascarfaroundher neckand overherface,thenhoppedoutofhervehicleintothecold.
“Brr, brr, brr,” she chanted as she picked her wayacross the parkinglotina pair offashionable high-heeled boots she wouldnormallyneverwearinPinehill,butshe’dboughtthemonhertripandhadnowheretopacktheminherluggage.Ifshe managedtomakeithomewithoutbreakingherneck,she’dcountitasavictory.
The clinic’s door still held a big evergreen wreath with a fluffy red bow. Olivia smiled as she glanced at the cheery decoration,andopenedthedoor,rushinginsidewithadraftofnippyair.
Before she could reply, the office nurse screeched inexcitement. “It’s you!” StacyMillesonranaround the receptionist deskandgaveOliviaatighthug “Welcomeback!”
“You’re welcome” Olivia removed her coat, thenlooked around the emptyroom “Where’s Madge? Don’ttell me you droveoffourreceptionistwhileIwasgone.IsDoctorPattersonheretoday?”
“Madge’s husband had a doctor’s appointment in Portland this morning, and she didn’t want himto go alone As for DoctorPatterson,hewasherethismorning,buthehadhisownpatientstoseethisafternoon.”StacyfollowedOliviadownthe halltoheroffice
“I’vesortedthemail,tookcareofwhatIcould,andDoctorPattersonhandledtherest Heleftthefilesofregularpatients onyour deskfor review. If youever go onvacationagain, he was fantastic to workwith.” Stacyshrugged. “Too bad he’s happilymarried He’dbeafabulouscatch”
Olivia rolledher eyes.Stacyhadtriedtosether uponsomanydates,she’dfinallylostcount.Typically,Olivia hadan excuse at the ready to wiggle out of going, but a few times, Stacy had tenaciously prevailed Olivia had suffered through numerousmiserableeveningswithguyswhoclearlyhadnointerestindatingher.
Perhaps oneofher new year goals shouldbetosuccessfullythwartall ofStacy’s ridiculous matchmakingefforts onher behalf Ifanyoneneededtomeetaniceguy,itwasStacy Shedeservedtoloveandbelovedasmuchasanyone,evenifshe claimedherex-husbandhadcuredherfromthedesiretodatefortherestofherlife.
“Whatdoes thatmean?” Stacyasked,appearingconfusedas she movedOlivia’s purse over one chair andthenplopped
ontotheseat.
“It means Della and I were stuck in a cabin between two of the nosiest busybodies on the whole ship. They were unbelievablyobnoxious,stickingtheirnoseintoourbusinessuntilIwantedtopushthemoverboard”
“They didn’t just bug me and Della They were horrible and relentless It got to the point Della and I had to employ evasive maneuvers thatwouldhave made the militaryproudjusttogetfromour cabintobreakfasteverydaywithoutfacing their versionoftheSpanishInquisition”Oliviatookher letter opener fromthedeskdrawer andbeganopeningthemail that Stacyhadleftthere.“Thatwasbadenough,buttheykepttryingtosetusupwiththecheesiest,tackiestguysontheship.Oneof themwalkedaroundwithhis shirtunbuttonedtohis hairynavel while wearinga thickgoldchainaroundhis beefyneckthat matchedhisgoldfronttooth Welaterfoundouthewasanephewtooneofthebusybodies”
“Well,therealdampercamewhenanastystomachvirussweptthroughtheshipandmorethanhalfofthepeopleonboard got sick Of course, I ended up helping take care of people, and then I got sick To thank me for my assistance, I was quarantinedtothecabinwithDellawhenwereachedthetwoportsIreallywantedtovisit.”Oliviasighed.“Theweatherwas great.Our cabinwas nice.The foodwas delicious,atleastwhenIwas able toeatit.ButIhave nodesire togoonanother cruise Ever It’slikebeingtrappedinatinytownwithnoplacetoescapeandallthegossipingtongueswatchingyourevery move.Ihatedit.”
StacygaveheranI-told-you-soglanceasshesatbackinthechair “IwarnedyounottomesswithSantaClaus Goingona Caribbean cruise during the holidays is not my idea of a holly jolly Christmas. Next time you want to run away fromthe holidays,atleastgosomewhereSanta-approved.”
“Icanalreadyseethecoal fillingyour Christmas stocking,myfriend.”Stacystoodandshookher headatOliviabefore she walked to the doorway She glanced backwitha smile “I’mreallyglad you’re back, Liv Thankyoufor the wonderful gifts.”
For thenextthreehours,Oliviaracedfromonepatienttothenext How couldsomanypeopleneedassistancewhenall had beencalmand quietwhenshe’d arrived? She setthe armofa skier who’d brokenitina fall. She tended to a cutona teenager’s cheekwhere anice ball thrownbythe guiltyfriend who accompanied himhad lefta deep cutthatrequired four stitches.
“Girls like a scar or two, you know,” she told the boy after giving himinstructions for keeping the wound clean and makinganappointmentforhimtocomebackintendaystoensureithadhealedwell.Shewalkedthemtothedoor.“Justtryto bemorecarefulandnomoresnowballsmadeofice.”
Feeling his annoyance beginning to rise, he pushed it down, patted her shoulder, kissed the top of her head, and then extricatedhimselffromhertightgrip,nudginghertowardhisfather.
Sincehe’dbeenhomefortheentireholidayseasonforthefirsttimeinyears,hismotherhadtakenadvantageofthefacthe had nothingbetter to do thanhelp her prepare for Christmas. She sent himonendless errands and immersed himinevery festivityshecouldthinkof Alexhadfelttensioncoilingtighterandtighterinsidehimeverytimeshesenthimtothestoreor insistedheaccompanyherandhisdadtosomeeventwherethenoisewastooloudandthecrowdsmadehimwanttoraceto thenearestexit.
Two days before Christmas, his mother had sent himto the grocerystore witha list of essentials she just had to have beforeshecouldfinishbakingpiesforChristmasDay.Whilehewasallforherbakingmorepies,hehadtriedtoexplainwhy hecouldn’tmakeanothertriptothestore
The smart thingwould have beenfor himto walkawayand tell his momshe could skip makinga banana creampie Instead,alltheangerandfrustrationhe’dbeentryingtotampdownexploded.He’dgrabbeddozensofbananasandthrewthem inthewoman’scart,causingherchildrentofallintoterrifiedsilencewhilethewomangapedathimlikehe’dlosthismind Perhapshehad.Thelastfrayedthreadsofhisrestraintwereallthatkepthimfrompeelingabananaandsmashingitinthe woman’sfaceasthevoiceinhisheadhadshoutedforhimtodo.
Alexendedupgivinghis cartamightyshove,stormingoutofthestore,anddrivingtohis therapist’s office Doctor Jay Tenleyhadinformedhimhehadtogetawayfromhisfamilyandspendsomequiettimefindinghiscenterifheeverhopedto movebeyondthemomentintimethathadendedhismilitarycareerandkilledtwoofhisclosestfriends
“Ididn’tname him, Mom. He came withthatname, and Idon’tsee a reasonto change it.” Alexjogged around the car, climbedinside,startedtheengine,thenstuckhishandoutthewindow towavebeforeheshiftedintogear anddroveoffinto whathehopedwouldbeabetternextchapterinhislife.
Hehatedfeelingthisway,likehewantedtopummelsomethingallthetime.Ithadbeenworse much,muchworse since Thanksgiving AccordingtoJay,whichwaswhatDoctor Tenleypreferredtobecalled,thechaoticnoiseoftheholidayshad caused him to regress. Between being dragged to concerts and school plays for his nieces and nephews, there had been caroling,twopartieshismotherhadhosted,churchactivities,andasteadystreamofrelativespoppingbythehouse WhileJay assuredhimsocializingwaspartofthecopingmechanismsheneededtouse,thedoctordidagreethathisfamilyseemedtobe atrigger.
Alexcravedquietandpeaceandcalm Hewasn’tcertainhismotherevenknewthedefinitionofthosewords She’dbeen raisedinaloud,boisteroushomeandlikedherstobethesameway.ItwasfunwhenAlexwasgrowingupandcouldrunoffto playwithhiscousins,butasanadult,he’dalwaysfoundfamilygatheringstiring Hissisterswereeightandelevenyearsolder thanhim,andhehadnothingincommonwitheitherofthem.Thefactthathealwaysreturnedfromleavemoreexhaustedthan when he left the Marine base where he was stationed finally made himrealize his noisy, nosy, bossy family depleted his reservesandmadehimgladtogetbacktowork.
Theonlyonewhoseemedtounderstandwas his quiet,soft-spokenfather,whorarelygotawordinedgewise.Whenhe didspeak,though,hismotherandsistersusuallylistened
Jayhadassuredhimhewasn’tcrazy,butdoingthesamethingseverydaythatmadehimfeelworsewasn’thelpingmatters. It hadn’t surprised AlexwhenJayhad heartilyapproved of his plans to spend the remainder of the winter inhis aunt and uncle’s remote mountaincabin. Fromwhathe could recall, the townofPinehill was small and quiet, located as itwas near MountHood.
Ifitbecamenecessary,Alexhadsavingshecoulddipintountilhecouldgethimselfsortedout,buthefigureditwouldn’t be too hard to live frugally in a rent-free cabin in a place where there wasn’t anywhere to go and nothing to do beyond choppingwoodforthefireandwatchingsnowfall
IttookeverycopingskillhehadtodriveonthefreewayfromTacomathroughPortland.Hehadtostopeveryhalfhourand givehimselfafewminutestodecompress Dudeenjoyedthefrequentbreakstorunoffsomeofhisenergy OncetheywereoutoftheheavyPortlandtraffic,Alexstoppedatadiner andhadalatelunch.After fillingthecar with gas, he whistled atDude to load up, thentheycontinued ontheir way Ittookmore thananhour to reachthe turnoffonthe highwaythatwouldtakehimtoPinehill.
“Almost there, Dude,” Alex said when he saw the Pinehill sign at the edge of town Pauline had written detailed directions,butthecabinwasn’thardtofind.Heturnedleftatthefirstroadpastthesign,followeditforahundredyards,and turnedontothelanethattookhimtoacabinthatsatbackinthetrees Thesnowwasdeepandthecaralmostgotstucktwice, buthemanagedtomakeittothecabin.Itwasn’tallthatisolated,sincetherewereotherhomesaround,butthecabinsatinthe middle offifteenacres, whichmeanthe wouldn’tfeel like anyone was peeringathimfromclose by, and Dude would have roomtorunandplay
The two-storycabinlooked like somethingfroma winter storybook, dusted withsnow and the trees around ittipped in frost
Dudewhinedatthedoorintothegarage,lettingAlexknowhe’dreturned Hegrabbedatowelfromthestackinthelinen closetinthe utilityroom, thenkneltinthe garage to drythe snow fromDude’s fur before he letthe doginto the house. The floorsdownstairswereallhardwood,soitwasn’tlikeDudecoulddriponacarpet,butAlexwantedtotakegoodcareofthe househisauntandunclehadsograciouslyallowedhimtouse
Before he settled in for the evening, Alex knew he’d need groceries He left Dude in the garage while he drove into Pinehillandwenttothegrocerystoreatthefarendoftown.PaulinehadtoldhimGimble’swastheplacethelocalsshopped, andthepriceswerebettertherethanatthetrendymarketlocatednearthedowntownarea.
“Let’s go, buddy,” Alexsaid, openingthe front door and grinningas the dogpracticallyranover the top of himinhis excitementtogoforawalk.AlexfollowedDudedowntheporchstepsandstrolledtowardtheroad.Whentheyreachedit,he clippedaretractableleashontoDude’scollar TheymightaswelltakeawalkaroundPinehill Ithadchangedsignificantlyin thetwentyyearssincehislastvisit.Backthen,he’dmostlybeeninterestedintheshopthatsoldicecreamandtherestaurant thathadthick,meatysandwichesandhomemadepotatochips
Asheturnedatthecornerandwalkedintotown,hecouldseeresidentialareasfilledtheoutskirtsofPinehill.Thefurther hestrolledtowardthecenter oftown,themorebusinesses hesaw.Downtownlookedlikeatouristhaven,withanumber of boutiques,giftshops,andspecialtystores HismotherwouldlikelyspendafortuneintheChristmasstore Alexstoppedjust longenoughtopeekinthewindow.
His father texted backa thumbs-up icon, and Alextucked the phone into his pocket. Itwas his dad’s wayoflettinghim knowtheywouldn’tpesterhim Atleasttonight
The old gentwho waved athimpushed outofhis chair and ambled toward the door, opened it, and gave Alexa long, studyingglance.“Howdy,stranger.Youneedahaircut?”
“I’mTony, and this is mybarbershop” The barber motioned behind himto the other occupants ofthe barbershop “The baldoldgoatisEd,andtheonewhothinkshe’sstillatopcowhandisJohn.”TheoldmansmirkedandpointedtoAlex’shead. “Whatbranchareyouin,son?”
“Peace and quiet?” The manTonyhad referred to as Ed cackled and slapped his overall-clad knee “Youcame to the wrongplacefor that,kid.IstronglyrecommendavoidingtownonThursdaysthroughSundays.Thetouristswill driveyouto drinkifyoudon’talready”
Ed thoughtfullyrubbed his chin, thenlooked backatAlex. “Avoid drivingor parkingdowntown, never assume a crazy touristispayingattentiontotraffic,andshopatGimble’sifyouneedgroceries”
“Istockedupthereearlierthisafternoon.Isthereanywheregoodtoeatintown?”heasked,likingthethreeoldguyswho looked like they regularly got involved in harmless shenanigans They all had weathered faces that made it impossible to determinetheirexactages.
“ThedelibytheChristmasstorehasgoodsoupsandsandwiches,andexcellentcookies,”Tonysaid.“KylanSnowmakes the bestice creamintown.Youcangetitatthe antique store outathis Christmas tree farm.He andhis sweetwife,Sierra, offernewflavorseveryweek.”
JohnremovedtheworncowboyhatfromhisheadandpointedittowardAlex.“Ifyoulikebarbecueandburgers,there’sa place that looks like the healthdepartment should shut it downabout sixblocks fromhere, but that’s just to discourage the tourists Insideisadifferentstory,andtheyhaveexcellentgrub”
“Thanks for sharingthat withme. I’ll let youget backto ” The sound ofDude coughingdrew Alex’s attentionto his caninecompanion Helookedovertoseethedogwheezingandhacking,likehecouldn’tbreathe
Alexshouldn’thave letDude wander unattended as he visited withthe locals Since the dogwas ona leashand justa dozen feet away, he hadn’t worried about anything happening to him, but he should have been. He rushed over to Dude, uncertain what to do, but the poor dog looked like he was terrified. Alex tried to peer in his mouth, but Dude wasn’t cooperatingintheleastashewheezedandcoughed Afraidtotipthedog’sheadbackandmaketheproblemworse,Alexknew heneededprofessionalhelp.
“Thanks,”Alexcalledoverhisshoulderandbrokeintoajog,prayinghe’dgethelpforDudebeforehechokedtodeathon whatever it was he’d swallowed “Hang in there, buddy,” he said, hoping to reassure the dog as he raced along the icy sidewalk.Healmostlosthisfootingonce,butregaineditbeforehefell.HeturnedatthecornerTonyhadindicatedanddashed towardthemedicalclinicsignhecouldseeupahead
The woman was tanned, dressed in fashionable high-heeled boots and skinny jeans, along with a sweater that hugged decadentcurves.Ifhehadn’tbeensooverwroughtaboutDude,hemighthaveevenindulgedinamomentofallowinghimselfto gazeatsomethingsobeautiful Hedoubtedsheworkedthere,butshepossessedanairofconfidencethatmadehimhesitateto discounther.
She appeared to be consideringhis plea, and he saw compassioninher hazel gaze Inthatmoment, he knew everything wasgoingtobeokay.
“Fine, but don’t you dare tell anyone we treated your dog. Just stay where you are. I’ll be right back.” The gorgeous womantossedher coatandpurse ona chair,thenrusheddownthe hallwayhe couldsee behindthe receptionist’s desk The nursescowledathim,thenhurriedbehindtheblonde.
Alexdropped to his knees, setDude onhis feet, and held the dogclose to his chest “It’s okay, buddy It’s goingto be okay.”
Alexdid as she said, movingso bothhe and Dude were inthe middle of the plastic while the nurse went over to the windows,closingalltheblinds Heassumedshedidn’twantanyonelookinginsideandseeingadogintheclinic
“Trytoholdhis mouthopen,” the doctor saidas she bentdownwiththe tweezers inher righthand.The nurse edgedin closebesideherandheldthelightasAlexliftedDude’sheadandtriedtoopenthedog’smouthwider
“Idon’tlethimeatoutofthe garbage.We were ona walk,andthe oldgents atthe barbershopstoppedme.Theyare a talkativebunch Anyway,DudefoundthebonebeforeIrealizedhewaseatinggarbage”
Alex thought he heard the doctor utter something about gossiping old geezers, then she offered hima chagrined look. “Pretendyoudidn’thearthat”Sheremovedtheplasticglovessheworeandheldoutahandtohim “WelcometoPinehill”
Alexstoodandtookherdelicatehandinhis,feelingazaptingleuphisarmatthecontact.Unsettled,hereleasedherhand and took a step back, almost tripping over Dude. He kept fromfalling to the floor only by catching himself on one of the waitingroomchairs.
Normally,shewouldhaverefusedtoseeananimalintheclinic.Shewasaphysicianforhumans,afterall,andshe certainlydidn’t want anyone gettingthe idea she would welcome pets, but the poor doghad beenchoking, and his ownerhadlookedsodesperate.
As Stacytookthe tweezers and flashlight backto the supplyroomto be sterilized, Olivia studied the guywho clearly lovedhisdog Alexlookedrattled,upset,andinneedofagoodrest
Fromhis croppedhair tothewayhecarriedhimself,sheassumedhewas either currentlyservinginthemilitaryor had servedinrecentyears Hewashandsome,evenwithagrowthofbrownscruffonhisface Hisnosewasalittletoowideonthe end,butitwasstraightandcentered.Darkshadowsrimmedeyesthatwerealovelyshadeofsummerskyblue.Aleanphysique andbroadshoulderscausedhertowonderifhewassomeonewholikedtoruntostayinshape.Thewayhe’dsoeffortlessly carriedthe bigdogthathadtoweighsomewhere inthe ballparkofseventytoeightypounds made her imagine well-defined musclesinhisarmsandchest.
Whatever was goingonwithhimwas none ofher business. Her immediate attractionto himwas nothingmore thanher ownweariness,causinghertothinkthingssheshouldn’t.
Oliviaslippedonhercoat,wrappedherscarfaroundherneck,andmotionedtothedoor.“Dudeshouldbefine.Justkeep aneyeonhimthis evening Ifyouhavemoretrouble,AngelaMiller is afineveterinarian Her practiceis inFaraday When youheadbackdownthemountaintowardPortland,youcan’tmissit.”
“Mypleasure,Liv!”StacycalledasOliviarushedoutside,wishingitwasn’tsocold Oliviawasalreadycountingthedaysuntilspringarrived.Sheslidonapatchoficeandflailedherarmstomaintainher balance as she reached the SUV Alex was halfway out of the front passenger door, as though he intended to offer his assistance,whensheopenedthedriver’sdoor.
Hewasanicedog,evenifhisownerwas shewasn’texactlycertainwhattosayaboutAlexAdams Shesensedhewas troubled,butkind.Thenagain,herpastwouldindicateshedidn’talwayshavethebestjudgmentwhenitcametogood-looking men
Fromthecornerofhereye,Oliviasawthedoglicktheman’sfingers.Shemightbewrong,butshethoughtthetwoofthem shared a special bond Maybe theybothneeded eachother Dude didn’t have the telltale signs of beinga service dog, but perhapshewasmorethanjustapettoAlex.
“Once. Ispent the summer withmyaunt and uncle and cousins at the cabinwhenIwas eleven. It was one ofthe best summersIeverhad.”Alexlookedoutthewindow,andOliviawonderedwhathesaw.Asmalltownwithbigdreams?Aplace hecouldgetlostinthecrowds?
“Twooldersisterswhothinktheyknoweverything.AndIdohavealotofcousins.Mymomhasfoursisters,andmydad has two brothers So I have six aunts, six uncles, three great-aunts, one great-uncle, and forty-seven cousins if I count my cousins’spousesandtheiroffspring.”
“Onlytomywork.”Oliviasighed.“Ihaveanolderbrother.BaxterandhisfamilyliveinPhoenix.Mygrandparentsareall gone Mymother’ssisterpassedthreeyearsagofromarespiratoryinfection,andIdon’tknowofanyotherauntsoruncles My parentsmovedfromPinehilltoVirginiawhenIwasincollege,andIdon’tseethemoften.”
Olivia crept through the turn onto the lane and poked along toward the cabin “I did grow up here Left when I was eighteenandhavebeenbackaboutayear.Thedoctorwho’dbeenattheclinicforwhatseemedlikeforeverwantedtoretire, soItookoverhispractice.”
Bythe time she reached her home two miles outonthe opposite end oftown, Olivia was exhausted. She parked inthe garage,carriedherthingsinside,kickedoffherstupidboots,andheadedstraightforahotshower Twentyminuteslater,when herheadhitherpillow,sheclosedhereyesandpicturedAlexAdamsashesmiledather.
The few times she’d stopped bythe coffee shop, she’d looked for him, buthis face wasn’tamongthose inthe crowds. She’davoidedbeingintownovertheweekend,butshe’dstudiedeveryfacewhenshe’dgonetothegrocerystoreyesterdayin hopesshemightrunintohim.
Her unreasonable attractionto someone who was essentiallya stranger lefther irritated and unsettled. Other thanbeing privyto how manyrelatives he had, where he currentlylived, and his devotionto his dog, she didn’t know anythingabout Alex.
Justthatmorning, she’d assumed she wouldn’tsee himagain, butevidentlythatwas aboutto change She gave Stacya concernedlookassheroundedthedesk.“Hedidn’tbringthedogbackinhere,didhe?”
“No Dude is outside with his leash tied to the bicycle rack Mr Adams asked to see you, though, if it isn’t an inconvenience.”
AtleastOliviathoughtitwasAlex.Thehandsomemanwithsmooth-shavencheeks,acleftinhischin,andfulllipsmade her stopinher tracksandstarefor amomentbeforeshegatheredher witsandsteppedbehindtheemptydesk Itwasagood thingMadgewasonherlunchbreakorshe’dhavebeengrillingthepoorguytofindouteverydetail,fromhisbirthdaytowhat brandofsockshewore.
Olivia drew ina deep breathand caught a whiff of fragrance that smelled masculine and tantalizing She twitched her nose,annoyedwithherselfandthegood-lookingmanstandingdevoidofexpression,asthoughheawaitedaninspectionfroma drillsergeant
“CallmeOlivia AndIdointendtohaveagoodday”Sheedgedtowardthedoorwhileherbrainscrambledforsomething tosay,or somereasontolinger.Althoughshe’dbeenattheclinictendingtoanemergencyonSundayandmissedthechurch service, she wondered if Alex had been there “I hope I’ll see you around, Alex If you haven’t yet discovered it, the communitychurchserviceisSundayatten.Anyoneiswelcometojointhecongregation.”
Dude woofed as theywalked up the lane to the cabin. No doubt the dogwould be readyfor his breakfast. Alex certainlywas.Hethoughtaboutthecontentsoftherefrigeratoranddecidedtoactuallycooksomethinginsteadofeatingcold cereal.
After feedingDudeandfillinghiswater bowl inthegarage,Alextookashower,shaved,anddressedinapair ofjeans andathermalshirt.Hetossedaloadoflaundryintothewasherbeforehetookouttheingredientstomakeanomelet,fillingit withmushrooms,spinach,peppers,onions,andshreddedcheese Whenitwasready,hesliditontoaplate,pouredaglassof orangejuice,andtookaseatatthecounterthatseparatedthekitchenfromthegreatroom.
Alexbowed his head and offered a word ofthanks for the meal and another daythathe woke up onthe top side ofthe ground,thenatehisbreakfast.Thedaystretchedbeforehim,andhetriedtothinkofwaystofillit.
Hefeltuselesssincehehadn’tyetfoundajobhecoulddowithouttriggeringaPTSDepisode,ashissisterLauracalled them Sinceshe’dbeenemphaticaboutwhatastupidideaitwasforhimtojointheMarinesinthefirstplace,she’dshowna decidedlackofsympathywhenhe’dcomehomelastyeartorecoverandregroup.
Alexwished he could slumber so easily Ifhe gotmore thanthree hours ata time, itwas a greatnight Often, he found himselfawakeandpacingthefloor,tormentedbydreamshecouldn’tseemtobanish.
Asherestedinthewarmbed,tryingtorelax,he’denvisionOliviaBurton’slovelyface He’dbeenshockedtorealizeshe was the doctor at the small clinic in town. To him, she looked more like someone who’d have a career in modeling or somethingalongthoselines Perhapsshewouldhaveifshe’dbeenafewinchestaller Heguessedhertobesomewherearound five-five.Thenightshe’dhelpedDude,she’dbeenwearingbootswithahighheel,butyesterday,whenhe’dstoppedtotake herthesucculentplants,she’dhadonsensibleshoeswithathicksolethatlookedlikesomethinghe’dexpectadoctortowear Olivia hadseemedpleasedwiththe rose-shapedsucculents.Althoughhe’dhatedtocall one ofhis relatives for advice, whenhelandedontheideaofgivingOliviasomethinginthanksforhercareofDude,heknewhiscousinSharonwouldhave goodsuggestionsbeyondabouquetofflowers Whenhe’ddescribedwhathadhappenedtothedogandthedoctor’sassistance, Sharonhadaskedhimdetailedquestions aboutwhatOlivia lookedlike,her age,whatshe’dbeenwearing,eventhe vehicle shedrove,thensaidshe’dshiphimsomething
He knew he’d pegged her correctlyas a good personwhenshe asked ifshe could checkonDude. The dogacted like they’dcometoPinehilljustsoOliviacouldbehisnewbestfriend.IttookalotoftuggingontheleashtogetDudetorunpast thecliniconthefewmorningsthey’djoggedpastit
Olivia seemedwell likedandrespectedinPinehill,atleastfromthe little he’dobserved She was friendlyandgreeted peoplesheappearedtoknowwithagenuine,warmsmile.Itmadehimwanttobeinhercircleoffriendsfornootherreason thanearningoneofthosesmilesforhimself
Not that he’d considered himself a catchbefore his world had exploded around him He’d dated some inhighschool, althoughnotextensively.Therewasanicegirlinthescienceclubheliked.Hisfriendsmadefunofhimforaskinghertothe juniorprom,butshe’dsurprisedthemallwhenshe’darrivedwithoutherglasses,wearingadeepbluedressthatwasbyfarthe prettiestoneatthedance.They’ddatedonandoffuntiltheygraduated,thenhe’denlisted.He’dseenheroncebeforesheleft forcollegeinNewYork,andthatwasthelastheheardfromher.
OncehewaswiththeMarines,Alexdatedagirlnowandthenbutknewitwaspointlesstogetintoarelationshipwhenhe was justgoingtoleave againsoon.Duringall those years he was inthe military,he feltlike he’dmissedoutonthe lessons youngpeoplelearnaboutdating Werethererulesoneneededtofollow?Andifso,wherecouldhefindthem?
Alexsighedashesettledintoareclinerandlookedoutthewindow Fluffysnowflakesbegantodriftdownfromthesky Thebeautyoftheareawasbreathtaking.Oneafternoon,he’dtakenahikeupamountain,andtheviewwhenhereachedthetop was unlike anythinghe’d ever seen Snowcapped trees, a frozenlake, and snow as far as he could see were dazzling He’d snappedseveral photos withhis phone andsenthis favorite image tohis father.His dadhadtextedbacka briefreplyabout God’shandiworkthathadmadeAlexgladhe’dsentit
AlexthoughtaboutOlivia’s invitationto church. He hadn’tfeltlike goinglastSunday, butmaybe he’d give ita trythis week.He’dseenthe churchonone ofhis walks throughtown.Perhaps itwouldgive hima greater sense ofnormalcytotry attendingtheservice
“Iwantyouto putyourselfinto atleastone social situationbefore we talknextweek. Itcanbe one-on-one or a group setting.Youmentionedattendingthechurchservice.Thatwouldcount.”
Alexdisconnected the call and turned so he could watch the snow for a while. Just sitting like a lump wasn’t getting anythingaccomplished.HewentovertohislaptopandsearchedthroughonlinejoblistingsforPinehill.Hedidn’tseeanything hethoughthecoulddo.Ratherthandwellonit,hegotupandtossedhisclothesintothedryer,foundabookhehadn’tyetread, andreturnedtotherecliner
Alexpulledonastockingcapagainstthefreezingtemperaturesandstarteddownthelanetotheroad.Hewalkedintotown andmadehiswaytothedowntownarea He’davoideditallweekend,liketheoldguysatthebarbershophadadvised,buthe wascurioustoexploresomeoftheshops.AstorenamedTheMadHatter offeredeverytypeofhatanyonecouldever want, from cowboy hats and fleece-lined stocking caps to top hats, fedoras, bowlers, and even some lace-covered bonnets that lookedlikesomethingfromtheVictorianera
He stopped inthe Christmas store and found a woodenwinter wonderland signthat made himthinkof Olivia Burton, although he had no idea why it brought her to mind By the time he’d wandered through the store twice, his stomach was growling.
“He’sathome,napping.”AlexlookedfromOliviatothemenuboardbehindthefrontcounteronthewall. “Napping?” Olivia asked, then placed her order since it was her turn She waited until Alex had placed his order to resumetheirconversation.
“Notparticularly.Dudeisfineinthegaragefor awhile.He’sgothisfood,water,bed,andsometoystheretokeephim busy” Alex felt like he was rambling, and he never rambled In fact, he generally erred on the side of saying too little Somethingaboutthedelightfuldoctorseemedtothrowhimcompletelyoffhisgame.Notthathehadanygametostartwith. “Ishedoingwell?”Oliviaasked,lookingconcerned.“Nomorechokingincidents.”
“The old guys fromthe barbershop mentioned this was a good place to eat, butit’s the firsttime I’ve beenhere,” Alex said,takingabiteofhissandwich.Itwasevenbetterthanhe’dhopeditwouldbe.
“What’s the thing about the wishes and the snowman?” Alex asked He’d seenposters all around town advertising an assortmentofevents, includingeverythingfromsnow bike races to a snowman-buildingcontest. Too bad the assignmentJay gavehimtobuildasnowmanwasn’tnextweek,orhemightevenconsiderenteringthecompetition
“You didn’t? Is it a religious thing? Allergy?” As much as Alex’s family drove himbonkers, he couldn’t imagine the holidays withoutthe fragrance ofa bigDouglas fir fillingthe house, or the hodgepodge assortmentofornaments his mother insistedonhangingoneachandeverybranchthatincludedpoorlycraftedreindeerandsnowmenheandhissistershadmadein gradeschool
Olivia nodded. “I’mglad we could help him.” She pointed her spoonathim. “Tell me more aboutyou. Iknow you’re stayingatyouruncle’scabin,butwhatbroughtyouhere?Areyoustillinthemilitary?”
“IjoinedtheMarineswhenIgotoutofhighschool Eightmonthsago,thetruckIwasdrivinghitanIEDintheroadand exploded. Injuries prevented me fromreturningto mywork, so I was honorablydischarged and sent home to recuperate. I guessyoucouldsayI’mtakinglongerthansometoadjusttocivilianlife ItwasrecommendedIfindsomewherepeacefulfora fewmonths,andmyauntsuggestedIcomehere.”
Well,therewenthishopeshehadn’tnoticedhishearingimpairment.He’daskedtheaudiologisttofithimwithin-the-ear hearingaids thatwouldn’tbe as conspicuous as those thatloopedaroundbehindhis ears.Despite the sounditamplified,he stillstruggledtohear,especiallyifsomeonespokeonhisleftside
“Myleftside tookthe bruntofmyinjuries. Icanhear a little outofmyleftear, butnotmuch, and Ialso have a bitof troublewithmyrightear Thevisioninmylefteyeisvastlydiminished Icanstillseetodrive,butittookmonthstoadjustto nolongerhavingthevisioninitIoncedid.”Alexworeacontactinhislefteyeandithelped,buttheeyedoctorassuredhim he’dalwayshavealittleblurrinesstohisvision.
“Didyousustainotherinjuries?”sheaskedashereyesscannedoverhim,asthoughsearchingforvisiblescars Theworstscarshe’dgainedthatdayweren’tvisible,buthecarriedtheminhisheartandlikelyalwayswould. “Ihadsomeburns Embeddedshrapnel Nothingthatdidn’thealafteramonthortwo Iwastheluckyoneofeveryonein the truck that day. Two of the other survivors have prosthetic limbs, and one is in a wheelchair, paralyzed fromthe waist down”Alexsighed “I’msorry This is aterribleconversationfor lunch Tell memoreaboutPinehill andthis festival thing nextweek.”
“No,that’skindofyou,Alex,butit’snotfar”Shegavehimasheepishlook “IaskedifyoudrovebecauseI’dreallylike to see your car. Ialways wanted a VWBugwhenIwas inhighschool, and myparents thoughttheyweren’tsafe. Did you restoreityourself?”
“Idid.Thecarbelongedtooneofmygreat-aunts.Sheboughtitbrandnewbackin1960,butitwasleftinashedformore thantwentyyears Workingonthe car gave me somethingto do while I worked ongettingbetter after I came home” Alex shrugged.“Ihaveahardtimedrivinganyvehiclebiggerthanasmallcar.Init,IfeellikeIcanseeeverythingIneedto.Iknow it’snuts,butI ”
“I better get back before Stacy sends out a search party,” Olivia said, releasing his hand and glancing at her watch. “Thanksforeatinglunchwithme,Alex.Itwasnicetogettoknowyoualittlebetter.”
Olivia laughed as theywalked to their vehicles Stacy’s car was parked beside her SUV, and they’d started thema few minutesearliersothey’dbewarmwhentheyleftfortheevening.
“You,too”OliviaslidinsidethewarmthoftheSUV,pushedthebuttontoturnonherseatheater,andblessedtheperson who invented them. She knew she should go home and cooksomethingfor herself, butithad beena longweekand she had beencravingpizzaallday Whichwaswhyshe’dphonedinanordertopickuponherwayhome
Olivia tooka backroute to the pizza parlor but ended up havingto parkthree blocks away. She thought about double parkingorstoppinginthehandicapzonesinceitwouldonlytakeaminutetoretrieveherpizza,butshewouldn’tbreakthelaw.
She pulled her scarfup over her nose and ears, thenwalked as fastas she dared onthe icysidewalk Inside, the pizza parlor was packed, and the noise level was so loud she and the woman at the hostess station had to yell to exchange the informationthatshewastheretopickupapizzashe’dalreadypaidfor
“Oh, yeah, I suppose so” Olivia didn’t know what it was about Alex that drew her, but something certainly did She understoodmorenowaboutwhyhewasthewayhewas,somewhatreservedandwithdrawn,butshesensedagoodnessinhim akindness thatshefoundundeniablyattractive.Andthatchinwiththecleftinthecenterofitdidn’thurtanythingeither.
