12. Luke

12

LUKE

J ust before noon, Luke and the three kids walked past the festive shops toward the Moose, the local bar and grill. He’d received a text from Abby that she’d finished her interview and would meet them at the grill. By the time they’d reached their destination, all of the kids were hungry and ready for lunch.

The sign for The Moose that hung above the awning swayed in the breeze. The “new” sign, as his father referred to it. Apparently, the bright yellow lettering against a red backdrop had been offensive to some of the old-timers, thinking it too modern-looking. Luke could remember the controversy when he was in high school. Some of the locals had demanded the new owners put the rustic wooden sign back in its rightful place. Soon, however, the arguments had died down and most people under the age of sixty could barely remember the original one.

Luke loved this place. He had many fond memories of nights out with his brothers and lunches with the whole family for one special occasion or the other. The Moose had been a meeting place for the residents of Sugarville Grove for sixty years. Although it had gone through some remodels in that time, there were certain elements that remained, including a moose statue carved out of wood, standing proudly near the red double-door entrance. Someone had stuck Santa hats on the antlers. Another had wrapped a red scarf around his neck.

A sign was one thing. The wooden moose quite another. If the moose were to be replaced or taken away, an outright war would surely ensue.

Jack ran over to give the wooden moose a hug, with Lily not far behind. Sophie stood near a short, potted fir covered in white lights, watching them with an indulgent smile, as if she were eighty years old instead of nine.

“Come on, guys. Time to eat.” Luke held open the door for the kids, then followed them inside. “Can I get grilled cheese?” Lily asked.

As if he ever said no.

“You betcha,” Luke said.

Ah, yes. He breathed in the familiar scent of The Moose. Beer, grilled burgers, and this time of year, pine needles from the garlands and two decorated Christmas trees, one prominently placed near the entrance and another on the upper level. Dark wood furnishings plus a gas fireplace in the center of the room created a rustic, old-timey lodge vibe that made Luke feel right at home.

A young woman greeted them right away and took them to a booth near the fire. The kids all slid into one side, so he sat opposite, secretly glad he would get to sit next to Abby. They all wanted a Shirley Temple and he agreed, even though his mother wouldn’t have approved of all the sugar. It was a holiday weekend, after all. Not that he needed to—he’d been here enough times to have the menu memorized—but he looked over the menu. Although he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but crave one of the appetizers. They had all his favorites here: chicken wings, pretzel bites, poutine, and Moose Antler Nachos.

“You guys want pretzels or nachos to start?” Luke asked.

They unanimously voted for pretzels.

“No Antlers.” Lily made a face and shuddered. She’d had a rude awakening last time they’d been here when she’d bitten into a jalape?o.

It was a little after noon when Abby came bouncing into The Moose. Luke knew immediately that it had gone well by the smile on her face and the lightness that emanated from her. She hurried over to them, cheeks flushed. “Hey, guys.” She shrugged out of her long black coat and unwound her red scarf, hanging both on the hook at the side of the booth. “You won’t believe it.” Abby scooted onto the bench next to him. “He offered me the job. Salary and benefits, and best of all, he’s going to be flexible on hours so I can drop you guys at the bus in the morning and get home in time to make dinner.”

“That’s great.” Luke smiled back at her and squeezed her hand under the table.

“Doc Ford is a kindred spirit. I’m so excited to get started.” Abby turned toward Sophie. “Can you believe it?”

Sophie smiled and lifted one shoulder. “I’m not surprised. I knew you’d get it.”

“Me too,” Luke said.

“Well, I didn’t. I was a wreck. And have you guys met Mariah?” Abby asked.

Luke chuckled. “Everyone knows Mariah. Did she tell you about her filing system?”

“Yes. I didn’t know what to think or say. She’s something else,” Abby said. “But she made me feel right at home. And Doc Ford’s the cutest man I’ve ever met.”

“Don’t let his goofy grin fool you,” Luke said. “He’s smart as a whip. We couldn’t get on without him here in Sugarville Grove.”

“I’m feeling blessed,” Abby said. “And frankly, relieved. I hope I won’t let him down.”

“You won’t,” Luke said.

“What have you all been up to?” Abby asked.

The kids told her about their visit to the bookstore and that Luke had let them each pick a book. Sophie mentioned seeing a friend from school.

These were all ordinary events, but somehow, given what they’d all been through, the morning had been poignant. Sitting here now, with the five of them cozily tucked into a booth, they looked like a regular family. No one would guess their stories, all the tragedy and heartbreak that had led them each to this moment.

Was it possible there was something special brewing among them all? He imagined each as a puzzle piece, lost in a pile on a coffee table until all the mess had been set aside and it was only the five of them, each with parts that fit perfectly into the others.

When the server brought their appetizer, Luke asked her to take a photograph of them using his phone. Abby glanced at him with a surprised expression on her pretty face but didn’t say anything. They all smiled as the young woman took their photograph and then handed the phone back to Luke. He would look at them later. Not now, or he might give himself away.

Was it possible to fall in love with a woman over the course of a long weekend?

No. It was merely infatuation. He must keep his cool.

He thought back to his time with Lily’s mother. She’d been a summer worker at their farm, and he’d been attracted to her right away. Over the course of the summer, they spent time together, and his feelings slowly grew into a sureness that she was the one. By Christmas, they’d been married. By Christmas the next year, Sarah had filed for divorce and left him with an infant. At the time, he’d thought he might never get over it. However, his daughter had taken so much of his time and energy, and he’d fallen so desperately in love with Lily that the heartbreak had faded until one day, he woke up and didn’t think of his ex-wife at all. Now, she was only a faded memory from a different lifetime.

Lily had changed everything. He was a dad now—a proud dad of what he could only describe as a miracle.

Was he about to experience yet another huge shift?

With Sarah, his feelings had been more of a slow build, until one day, he’d decided he loved her. It was not that way with the woman beside him. From the moment he met her, she’d stirred emotions within him that he’d assumed were permanently muted. He’d not known that his heart could be awakened this way. And with such suddenness. Maybe it was timing? Four years had passed since his disastrous marriage ended. Perhaps that meant he was ready? Or maybe it was simply this—Abby Parker moved him and intrigued him. She was familiar yet exciting. Again, he imagined puzzle pieces. Was she the missing piece of his life’s puzzle?

“Will Rufus go to work with you?” Jack asked Abby before sticking a pretzel bite into his mouth.

“No, he has to stay home, or goodness knows what trouble he might cause me at work,” Abby said.

“He has been known to cause trouble,” Luke said, teasing. “But maybe he’s actually like Santa, bringing unexpected gifts.”

Unexpected gifts to a man who had thought himself permanently broken.

The rest of the lunch passed pleasantly, with the younger children blabbering away about this and that. Sophie was quiet but ate her lunch and answered questions when asked. From what he could observe, Sophie seemed to be warming to the idea of Abby in their lives. He knew it must feel difficult, and maybe even disloyal, to welcome a virtual stranger into the role that should have remained Ramona’s. But it was not to be. God had had a plan, one Luke couldn’t understand, but as a man of faith he knew it was not his place to question, only to trust.

Had he sent Abby for all of them?

After lunch, they all walked Sophie over to the dance studio. Abby had mentioned going in with Sophie to meet the teacher, but when they arrived, the studio was dark. A sign on the door said that Saturday classes had been canceled due to the teacher’s illness.

“I hope she’s okay.” Sophie bit her bottom lip, her expression tense.

Sophie would naturally react this way. Her mother had died from an unknown illness. She was bound to worry that it would happen to more adults in her life. What a burden to carry, this intimate knowledge of death and grief in someone so young.

“She probably has a cold or flu,” Abby said, wrapping her arm around Sophie’s shoulder. “Should we head over to see Santa instead?”

The younger children cheered.

“Santa it is,” Luke said.

“Have you been here yet?” Luke asked Abby as he parked in the dirt lot next to the country store.

“No, not since I arrived. But I remember it from when I was a kid.” Abby gestured to the sign that hung above the door in old-fashioned font.

Hearth and Holly Country Store.

“Did it have a different name back then?” Abby asked.

“Yeah, it used to be Sugarville Country Store, but Max wanted to freshen it up when he took over,” Luke explained how he and his brothers had helped him to remodel the place, making it quaint instead of just functional. The store itself had once been one of the oldest homes in the community, built at the turn of the century, making it perfect for a shop and a residence. Walter, Luke, and his brothers had spent an entire summer remodeling the store as well as turning what had been unused space into a cozy apartment.

“He brought in local products, like gourmet cheeses, wines, and crafts made by Vermont artisans.” He couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice. Max had created something special. People drove from all over Vermont for the experience, as well as the products.

Max and his team had spent the day before Thanksgiving getting the store ready for the holidays, hanging garlands, wreaths, and lights.

The storefront displayed an array of goods, with tables and barrels lined up outside, showcasing fresh produce such as apples, pumpkins, and breads, along with poinsettias. Neatly arranged baskets and wooden crates gave the space the feel of an old-fashioned general store, where customers could buy everything from fresh foods to holiday treats. Picnic tables and benches invited visitors to relax for a chat or a picnic. His father and his friends often gathered there in pleasant weather, gossiping and playing cards or checkers.

“Let’s go see Santa,” Lily said in a high-pitched squeal.

“I can’t wait for you to see this,” Luke said softly to Abby as they headed around the building to the back, where the North Pole had been created. “It’s our local postman who plays Santa every year, but don’t tell the kids. He’s also the town’s most notorious gossip, so be careful what you tell him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Abby said, laughing.

Santa sat inside a cozy red-and-green cabin adorned with colorful Christmas lights on top of an oversized, cushioned red armchair with gold trim. Small Christmas trees in burlap sacks were lit up with twinkling white lights. A giant Christmas tree decked out with sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and glowing lights created the perfect backdrop for photos. On a path lined with lighted candy canes, a dozen kids and their parents waited their turn.

Beside Santa’s workshop, a life-sized sleigh, complete with reindeer figures decked out in jingle bells and garlands, offered a place for the children to jump and play. Elves, members of the high school drama club dressed in red-and-green outfits, helped manage the crowd, offering candy canes and smiles to the kids.

“This is unbelievable,” Abby said.

“Welcome to life with my brother Max. He has a flair for the dramatic.”

“And an eye for beautiful aesthetics,” Abby said. “Everything’s so pretty.”

“No one expected Max to want to buy the old store,” Luke said as they walked over to join the children in line. “He was always the most adventurous of us. I thought he’d grow up to travel the world, which he did, but then he returned to us and said he was here to stay. My mother was thrilled to have him back.”

Jack tugged on Abby’s arm. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

“All right. No problem.” Abby looked up at Luke. “Is it okay for me to take him into the ladies’ room? Yet another thing I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take him if you stay with the girls,” Luke said. “Won’t be a minute.”

Jack placed his hand in Luke’s as they headed toward the restrooms inside the store. Something about the boy’s small hand in his big one touched his heart. Jack had never known his father, and now his mother was gone too. How could he not be damaged?

Yet he would have Abby.

And the Hayes family, too.

When they walked inside, Luke spotted Max in the wine section advising a customer. Luke nodded at him but didn’t want to interrupt or delay the restroom.

He waited outside the stall for Jack to do his business, smiling at the sound of the boy singing “Jingle Bells” to himself. A minute or so later, Jack had finished and washed his hands, and they were on their way back to the girls.

They’d made some progress in line, but there were still six families ahead of them. Seeing Abby standing there with the girls, all three of them beautiful blondes, it occurred to Luke how easily she could pass for their mother. The idea pleased him. Lily deserved to have a mother. For that matter, Jack deserved to have a father.

Had God brought them all together for a reason? Could something good come out of all the tragedy they’d all endured?

He had no idea why, but he had the feeling the answer was a big fat yes.

Finally, they reached Santa. Lily, being the youngest, was allowed to go first. She snuggled right up to Santa, clearly not realizing he was actually Kris Olaffson, Sugarville Grove’s nosy, gossipy postman.

“I’d like a dollhouse, please,” Lily said. “I saw one at the toy store, and that’s the one I want. Can your elves make it for me?”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Kris said. “I’ve seen your name on the good list, so I don’t think that will be a problem.”

“I’ve been very good,” Lily said solemnly. “Sometimes I don’t want to be.”

“I’m glad you choose to be good.” Kris belly-laughed, sounding a lot like Santa of folklore. It was no wonder the children thought he was really Santa.

Jack went next, looking slightly worried, as he climbed onto the older man’s ample lap.

“What about you, young man?” Santa asked. “What would you like this year?”

“Am I on the good list?” Jack’s chin quivered.

“You most certainly are.” Kris ruffled Jack’s hair. “You don’t have to be perfect to be on the good list.”

Jack sighed with obvious relief. Luke had to wonder what had made him so worried about making the cut.

Now that he had that settled, Jack jumped right in with his request. “I would like a bicycle. A boy’s bike. No flowers, please.”

“Any preference in color?” Kris asked.

“Blue, please.”

“You got it.”

“I may need your help picking out a bike,” Abby whispered into Luke’s ear.

“We have a great bike shop in town,” Luke said. “I’ll take you there.”

Sophie went next, perching daintily on Santa’s knee.

“I would like a new dance bag. And some new leotards and tights,” Sophie said primly. “Also, a new pair of ballet slippers. Mine are too small.”

“Will do,” Kris said. “The elves are on it.”

Sophie smiled, thanked him, and practically bounded from his knee to join the rest of them.

By the time they all got into the SUV and were headed toward home, the kids had quieted. All three had their noses buried in their new books.

Next to him, Abby yawned.

She was exhausted. It had been a big day.

“Are you tired?” Luke asked.

“A little. I’m worried about next week. What if I’m not ready for the whole school routine on Monday? There’s laundry to do and grocery shopping. And meal planning. Which I’ve never done. I can’t really cook other than heating things up in the microwave.”

The stress in her voice sent a sliver of alarm through him. She sounded like a woman on the edge. Further evidence that friendship was the right decision. For now. If he pushed, it would only drive her away. He vowed to go slowly, offering only companionship without any expectations until she was ready.

After he parked in front of the house, Luke told Lily to wait in the car while he walked Abby and the kids to the front door. Sophie and Jack thanked him politely and then went inside where it was warm.

“All right, in you go. It’s cold outside,” Luke said.

“Are you going to church services tomorrow?” Abby asked.

“Yep. I usually attend the eleven service. Why?”

“Would you stop by and get us on your way? Going alone seems too hard. All the people staring at me, obviously curious about who Ramona left the kids with—it makes me nervous.”

“I’ll be here at twenty to eleven,” Luke said.

“We’ll be ready.” She stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek and then went inside, shutting the door softly behind her.

The long game. Being here when she needed him. All good.