Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

NEELY KATE

I felt a little foolish insisting Rose and Hope stay with us. I really did want a photo of my family, but Rose didn’t need to be here, especially since Joe was going up to handle the trees. Yet, something deep inside said I needed her here. Maybe it was the panic roiling in my gut.

I’d spent all last night and today letting Carter’s news fester inside me. If I thought I was panicked last night, it was even worse in the light of day. For most of the day, I’d convinced myself that Carter was only speculating—he didn’t know anything for certain, but then when I least expected it, a fresh wave of terror would wash over me, making me feel like I was drowning. Having Rose and Joe with us made everything seem more normal, like Carter’s news was just a bad dream. Being alone with Jed only made the fear worse.

But Jed was no fool. He knew something was up, and he’d asked me several times if I was okay. I’d tried to assure him without outright lying, but he knew me well enough to know I wasn’t acting like myself.

I couldn’t lose Jed. I just couldn’t. I’d finally gotten the family I’d yearned for. I couldn’t lose it all now.

So, I was desperate to keep Rose with me as long as possible, because ever since she and Joe had gotten here, I hadn’t been so scared. Like everything was going to be okay.

She gave me a strange look as we got in line for our photos. She knew I was off today and I’d all but confirmed it earlier, so I offered her a weak smile, then turned to Daisy, who was back in Jed’s arms. I told Daisy she was gonna get her photo taken with Rudolph, and then with Santa, and wasn’t she excited? She cooed in response, and I grabbed her tiny hand in mine and thanked God for the billionth time for letting me have the blessing and honor of being her mommy.

What if Jed went to prison and I became a single mother, just like my own mother had been? Would I turn out like her too?

A sharp spike of fear shot through me and my body literally jerked.

Jed’s forehead creased as worry filled his eyes. “I know I’ve asked a million times today, NK, but are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I lied, hating that I was lying, then I added, “I just have a headache.” Which was true. It felt like tiny elves were pounding away in a workshop in my head.

“Do you want to go sit down?” Jed asked, pointing to the other side of the lane. “You can sit on that bench by the hot chocolate stand over there, then come back over when it’s our turn.”

“I’m fine,” I said with a small laugh. “It’s nothin’. I’d rather be here with you guys. Besides, we’re next in line.”

I had to admit that the teenage boy taking the photos with a digital camera seemed to be taking his time helping the people in front of us get set up for their shoot.

The family consisted of a man and a woman and three kids who looked like they were between the ages of two and six. The father tried to set the smallest kid on the back of the reindeer, and the photographer’s eyes widened.

“Don’t do that, sir!” he shouted, as the middle of the reindeer began to sag even more.

The father jumped back as though a monster was going to crash out of the plastic decoration, and in his haste, he left his child on the reindeer’s back.

The mother had been sitting on a hay bale with the middle child on her lap, but she jumped to her feet, flinging the child onto the ground as she reached over to grab the toddler. The child on the ground began to cry, so now two of the three children were wailing. The oldest child stood behind the hay bale looking bored, making me wonder if this was a frequent happening in their household, although, I had to admit I hadn’t seen this reindeer at the hardware store or Walmart.

“What were you thinkin’ , Ron?” the woman screeched, not that I blamed her for being irate. He had abandoned his child in fear of his own safety.

“I … uh …” Ron stammered.

“That’s the problem, you don’t think , now, do ya?” She turned her ire to the photographer who was staring at them, looking stunned. “What are you lookin’ at?”

The teenager grimaced as his face turned the color of a ripe tomato. “Sorry, ma’am, but I have to look at you to take the photo.”

“Do we look like we’re ready to take our photo?” she demanded.

“No, ma’am.” Then the teenager rushed over to help the middle child who was still on her hands and knees in the fake snow scattered around the bale.

“Don’t worry, Daisy,” Jed murmured under his breath. “ I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“He better not call Neely Kate ma’am,” Rose said, also under her breath.

Jed let out a snicker, but I ignored them both. Sure, I was known to get a little heated when called ma’am, but the family in front of us was causing enough drama on their own.

The photographer hurriedly got the family situated and didn’t even bother to wait for the kids to stop crying. He just snapped a few photos then turned to us with pleading eyes. “ Next! ”

Jed and I moved over to the hay bale, and the photographer had Jed sit down with Daisy on his lap and me stand behind them and to the side, next to the reindeer that looked like a pinata that was only a couple of swings from busting open and spilling its contents onto the stuffing-covered ground.

The photographer still looked frazzled from the previous family, but he still spent several seconds trying to get Daisy to smile. I wasn’t surprised she wasn’t smiling. She was typically wary of strangers, but Rose moved next to him, calling Daisy’s name. Daisy looked up at her and Rose began to make silly faces. Seconds later, Daisy giggled and the photographer got several photos.

“Next!” he called out, sounding weary. “Y’all can move to your left.”

“Oh,” I said, motioning to Rose. “We’re gonna stay and have our friend join us.”

Rose grimaced. “You don’t have to do that. We don’t need one.”

“ Come on . Jed, you get up and stand behind the bale, and Rose and I will sit with the babies.”

Jed looked like he wanted to protest, but he was a good husband and did as I said as Rose walked over and reluctantly sat on the hay bale, next to Rudolph. I sat down too and noticed Hope squirming on Rose’s lap, her little hands reaching up to try and touch the reindeer’s faded red—now pale pink—nose. I supposed it was a distraction to her, given she was merely inches away from it.

Rose was trying to hold her still while the cameraman shook a bell. “Little baby, look over here.”

But Hope was even more determined to touch the nose, and threw her head back into Rose’s chest and practically launched herself at the reindeer.

Rose nearly lost her grip on Hope, but the baby got enough space to grab the reindeer’s nose in both hands. Rose pulled her back while Hope still held on, and when Rose gave a hard yank, Hope let go and the reindeer toppled on to its side, the middle splitting in half.

The crowd let out cries of surprise. A kid called out “Cool!” while a few more began to cry.

Rose bolted upright. “I am so sorry!”

“You broke the reindeer,” the photographer said in dismay as he moved toward it.

“We should just go,” Rose said, propping Hope on her hip.

“We didn’t get your photo taken yet,” I protested.

“What do you want us to do?” Jed asked with a grin. “Should I put my foot on its rump and look like I brought it down with a machete like in those safari photos?”

I gasped. “Don’t even suggest such a thing.”

The teenager was still looking at the plastic pieces. “I wonder if I can put it back together with duct tape.”

“Duct tape has a multitude of uses,” I said. “That’s not a bad idea.” But the boy gave me a dark look, so I quickly followed Rose who had already bolted a good ten feet away.

“Rose, hold up,” I called after her.

She slowed down and when I caught up, her face was red with embarrassment.

“It wasn’t your fault,” I assured her.

“She’s right,” Jed said. “Hope did the thing a favor by putting it out of its misery.”

“Jed,” I reprimanded him.

Jed shrugged. “Well, she did. That thing looked like it should have been put out to pasture decades ago. I’m surprised a few families of mice didn’t come scurrying out when it broke in half.”

Rose looked up at him and the corners of her mouth lifted into the hint of a smile before she said, “It’s not funny.”

“But, it kind of is,” Jed said.

“He’s right,” I conceded. “It is funny.”

Rose took a breath then looked around. “Where’s Joe? I’m ready to get out of here.”

“You can’t go yet,” I said as the panic started to reignite. Even the disaster that had happened behind us distracted me from the cloud hanging over me. “You didn’t get your photo!”

“No offense,” she said, “but it looks like they really are putting that poor reindeer back together with duct tape, and I don’t need a photo of that thing in my house. It’ll give Hope nightmares.”

She had a point. The kid had gotten a roll of silver tape, and was struggling to hold up both ends of the plastic statue so he could tape it back together.

“I should go help,” Rose said, looking like she was none too eager to do so. “It is my fault, after all.”

“Nonsense,” Jed countered. “If it hadn’t happened with Hope, it would have happened with the next kid who tried to sit on its back, and they might have gotten hurt. You saved a kid from injury.”

Rose snorted. “That thing is three feet off the ground. The worst that could happen is they’d get scraped up by the plastic.”

“But think of the emotional damage,” I said. “Something like that could ruin Christmas for a kid. Can you imagine a small child thinking they killed Rudolph?” I gave her a pointed look. “You did a public service.”

Rose shook her head, making it obvious she wasn’t buying it. “I’m still gonna go anyway. Before we get banned from Ned’s tree lot.”

I waved my hand. “They’d likely forget and let you back next year. You’ve been banned from the Piggly Wiggly multiple times and they always let you back.”

She didn’t argue, because she knew I was right.

Jed patted Rose’s arm. “How about I go see if Joe’s still dealing with the trees?”

Relief washed over her face. “Thank Jed.”

I watched him walk toward the front of the lot, and I tried to figure out a way to keep Rose from leaving. “You still need a photo,” I said, “so let’s go see Santa.”

Rose made a face. “Hope saw Santa in Little Rock last weekend with Ashley and Mikey,” she said, then paused. “It did not go well.”

She’d said their Santa trip had been a disaster, but hadn’t elaborated. “Did she cry?” I asked.

She hesitated. “Something like that.”

“Well, don’t you think it would be cute to get photos of the two baby cousins together? Who cares if she cries. We can laugh about it years from now.”

“So, you’re encouraging me to let my baby cry?” she said with a grin.

“Well, of course not. I’m hoping she’ll be distracted by Daisy and won’t cry. Then you’ll get an even better picture.”

Rose took a deep breath and glanced to the front of the lot where Joe had gone to take care of the trees. There was still no sign of him. “I really wish Mike’s parents would have let the kids come,” she said. “Joe asked them yesterday, but Mike’s dad hung up on him.”

I bounced Daisy on my hip. “I can’t believe they’re being so spiteful. They’re only hurtin’ the kids.” Then I realized what she wasn’t saying. “You want them in the Santa photo too.”

Her eyes turned glassy. “I don’t want them to feel left out.”

“I understand,” I said, and I did. I knew what it had been like on the outside of the Rivers family, wishing I was in the center. “But we can tell them that we had the babies take a photo together. Mikey won’t care and Ashley will think they’re cute.”

“True,” she said, but the frown on her face proved she wasn’t convinced.

“I understand if you don’t want to do it,” I said, realizing I was being selfish. “I didn’t mean to push.”

She turned to me and studied my face. “What’s goin’ on with you today? I mean, I know you want this Christmas season to be perfect since it’s your first with Daisy, but you seem a little manic about it. You said you’d tell me what was bothering you later. Can you tell me now?”

Tears sprung to my eyes. I wanted to tell her—I needed to tell her, but it felt like a betrayal to tell Rose before I told Jed. Still, this was too big to deal with on my own.

Rose put a hand on my arm. “You can tell me anything , Neely Kate. Lord knows I’ve told you a million things that have bothered me in the past.” A warm grin tipped up the corners of her mouth.

I glanced toward the parking lot, looking to see if Jed was within earshot. I definitely didn’t want him walking up and overhearing. “You can’t tell anyone—especially Joe,” I said. “I haven’t even told Jed yet.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Okay. I promise.”

I glanced at the crowd around us and pulled her over next to an inflatable snowflake. When I was sure no one would overhear us, I lowered my voice and leaned in close. “I saw Carter Hale at Nicholson’s Farm Supply last night.”

“Okay…” she said hesitantly.

“I think he followed me there so he could tell me something important.”

Her forehead furrowed with confusion. “Why wouldn’t he just call or drop by the office?”

“I suspect he didn’t want to tell me on a phone call in case it was being tapped, and I also suspect he wanted to tell me on my own and let me decide what to do with the information.”

“You mean, he was worried I’d be there.” Her face paled. “Was it about James?”

I was surprised at the niggle of irritation that burned in my chest. “Not everything is about Skeeter Malcolm,” I snapped more forcefully than I’d meant.

Her cheeks flushed as contrition filled her eyes. “I’m sorry, Neely Kate. That was incredibly narcissistic of me.”

I shook my head as I felt the familiar sting of unshed tears. “No. I’m sorry. Of course you’d think that. Skeeter and Carter are practically married at hip.”

A half-hearted grin spread across her face. “I think it’s joined at the hip.”

“Whatever,” I said with a wave. “That’s not the point.” I stopped and looked around again then turned back to her. “He was there about Jed.”

Her brow shot up. “Jed!” she whisper-shouted. “What about him?”

“Carter said the Feds are gonna question him after the first of the year. He wanted to warn me so that we could get a good attorney and prepare for it.”

Rose’s face paled and she squeezed my hand. “Oh, Neely Kate!”

“I know.” I brushed a tear away.

“Are they questioning him about …” She grimaced. “You know who?”

I snorted. “You can say his name. And yeah, I think so. Carter thinks they’re hoping to build a stronger case to convict Skeeter.” A lump clogged my throat. “What if Jed has to incriminate himself?”

A fierce look washed over her face. “Carter’s right. You need an attorney. Is he gonna help Jed?”

“No, he said he can’t. It would look bad, not that Jed would probably want him to anyway. Carter said he tried to call Jed to tell him, but he’d blocked his number. Carter suggested I ask Mason for recommendations, because he thinks the questioning will take place in Little Rock.”

“Mason?” She drew in a breath and let it out. “Oh, Neely Kate, I’m so, so sorry.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks. “I can’t lose him, Rose. I just can’t.”

She pulled me into a sideways hug, so we didn’t smash our babies. “You won’t. Mason will know someone who will get him out of this.”

“Carter couldn’t get Skeeter out of his mess, and even Mason says that Carter’s good. Really good.”

“Well,” she said with a sigh. “I think Carter had helped him, and James threw it all away.” She dropped her gaze to Hope, then kissed her head as tears filled her eyes.

“You can’t feel guilty about that, Rose,” I said insistently.

She nodded, but didn’t look convinced, but then she forced a smile. “I have faith that Mason can help. The real question is why you’re confiding in me and not telling Jed.”

“I wanted this Christmas to be perfect, and if we have this hanging over our heads …”

“It’s already hanging over your head,” she said, squeezing my arm. “Besides, Jed has the right to know.”

I swiped a tear from my cheek. “I know he does. And I’ll tell him. Just let me have this weekend.”

“Okay.” She hugged me again, holding me tight until Hope began to squirm. “But you have to tell him next week. Joe and I will be happy to watch Daisy when you interview attorneys in Little Rock.”

“Little Rock?” I heard Joe say behind me. “Are you talking about our trip last weekend?”

Rose pulled away, but before either of us could answer, Jed said, “I thought you were supposed to be standing in line to see Santa.”

“You’re gonna let Hope see Santa?” Joe said in amused disbelief. “After what happened last weekend? I haven’t bought that umbrella insurance yet, so I’m not sure we should risk it.”

Eager to turn attention away from my conversation with Rose, I asked, “What happened last weekend?”

Joe’s eyes lit up. “I can’t believe Rose didn’t tell you. Hope was terrified of Santa, and when he leaned down to talk to her, she head-butted him in the face and busted his nose.”

“What?” I said, turning to Rose in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She grimaced. “It’s not exactly something to be proud of.”

“His nose started gushing blood,” Joe said. “It looked like a crime scene. Ashley freaked out—as did all the kids waiting in line—but Mikey thought Hope was pretty badass.”

Jed burst into laughter, choking out, “That’s because she is. Maybe we should start calling her slugger.”

“Do not call her slugger,” Rose hissed. “It was awful. Over a dozen kids thought our sweet baby killed Santa.” She gave me an apologetic look. “So… I think we’ll skip another Santa visit.” She glanced up at the sky. “In fact, it looks like some storm clouds are rolling in, so maybe we should get home before the rain hits.”

“I’m gonna agree with my wife on that one,” Joe said, lifting Hope out of Rose’s arms. “We got the trees all paid for. I just need to pull up the truck and load it up.” He turned to Jed. “You need help getting your tree home?”

“We got it covered.”

I felt something wet hit my hand and realized it was a raindrop.

“Right on cue,” Rose said, then she pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear, “I’m just a phone call or text away if you need me.”

I squeezed her back then pulled away. “Get goin’ before you get soaked.” I watched her and Joe hurry to the parking lot, as Jed said, “You want to wait in line to see Santa? I can get an umbrella, so you and Daisy don’t get wet.”

I shook my head, most of my Christmas spirit fading. Now that my buffer of Rose and Joe were gone, all I had left was my fear and the giant chasm of my lie of omission. I knew I should tell him, but I just couldn’t do it. Not yet.

I had someone else I needed to talk to first, because I knew Jed’s pride would keep him from doing it.

I needed to have a face-to-face chat with Skeeter Malcolm.