Page 19 of Chasing Mr. December

“She doesn’t. Joy’s Ian’s kid.”

My mouth instantly goes dry. I do the math and realize the child was probably conceived not long after our breakup.

Layton pipes in, “Ian’s a full-time single dad. He’s great with her. But Quinn and their dad try to help out where they can.”

My eyes lock with Layton’s, not knowing how to ask.

“She has cerebral palsy. She’s smart though. And the happiest kid you’ll ever meet.”

I refuse to say her name. “Her mother isn’t in the picture at all?”

“No.” Layton looks as if he wants to add more but thinks better of it. Knowing Corinne, she wants no part of a child that doesn’t fit her picture-perfect lifestyle. It should be comforting that I dodged that bullet. Because I don’t believe she has the capacity to love anyone if she can walk out on her own daughter.

John doesn’t hold back, however. “If you ask me, she did them a favor, leaving. Good riddance. Ian and Joy deserve better than the likes of that heartless, self-centered witch.”

The following day, I still can’t get the image of Joy and the story John and Layton shared from my mind. It’s replayed throughout the day as I’ve worked up a sweat, cutting down trees, attaching them to wooden bases for display on the farm, caring for the poinsettias, and winter plants in the greenhouse, and gathering wreaths to put by the front register. My mind has been a whirl of unexpected emotions.

Anger at his betrayal or not, my heart goes out to my old friend. Knowing what’s become of his life is causing an unease I wasn’t prepared for. I know divorce and raising a child alone weren’t in his plans for the future.

In search of additional garland to place near the register, I amble through the greenhouse for the umpteenth time today. Stroking the soft needles between my fingers, I close my eyes and inhale. Yet it’s not the aromatic pine I sense. It’s my mother’s presencehere. She loved it so. Her dying so soon after moving here wasn’t in the plans, either.

Life moves so quickly. I need to find a way to push past my bitterness and enjoy it before it passes me by. “Speaking of which,” I say to myself as I wipe the sweat from my brow. Time to make use of the pool on this unusually warm fall day. Climbing into the golf cart, I ride it down the path to the other lot, hoping I can calm my mind and my body after a long day’s work.

As I walk to the pool’s edge, I can just make out my father as he walks away from my mother’s old greenhouse by the vegetable garden. Dad’s making steady progress. He’s able to get up and about, prepare easy meals, and perform many of his household chores. I can’t help but question whether I really need to stay. Yet given it’s prime season for the Christmas tree farm, I’m committed to doing the right thing.

Even if my constant exposure to Quinn Patterson is starting to take its toll.

Quinn

I know this is risky. Jason has already gotten testy with me for pushing on this. Putting my car in park, I retrieve my keys from the ignition, grab the takeout container from Just in Queso, and head toward Calvin’s front door.

Calvin Bristow and my dad have been close friends for years. Sure, even their relationship took a hit after my brother’s poor choices. Yet, as the dust settled, the two were able to put it behind them. And I’ve tried to do the same. I frequently visited Calvin’s place when I was home from college. Initially, it wasbecause my father was there so often. I’d bring dinner or a treat and reminisce.

Eventually, he’d hired me to help with the Christmas tree farm on winter breaks. Yet, in all of that time, I never crossed paths with Jason. I could sense Calvin was lonely with Lacey and Jason so far away. Not that he’d ever admit it. So, I tried to check in on him whenever I could, whether Dad was here or not.

I’d never want him to think I’m taking advantage of the relationship we’ve built. Yet, I’m praying he’ll be able to encourage his son to help us with the calendar. Surely Calvin can see how much the Magnolia Point fire department could benefit from this.

Looking around, I don’t see Jason’s truck. Hopefully, I’ve planned this visit well and can avoid any further outbursts. I nervously knock on his door, silently willing my heart to calm the heck down.

“Quinn, my dear. What a pleasant surprise. Come on in.”

Following nervously behind him, I again worry I’ve taken this a step too far. “How are you feeling?”

“Better than I deserve, young lady.” He grins. “With good friends like you and your dad, and my devoted son helping me out, I’m doing splendid.” Eyeing the food container, he gives me a broad smile. “Is that for me?” I nod. “You didn’t have to bring more food.” He shakes his head. “You’re too good to me, darlin.”

“It’s no trouble.”

Calvin places the food on his kitchen island before returning to his recliner. “Come, come, Quinn. Have a seat.”

I take a deep breath and decide to just dive headfirst. “Well, as you know, I’m working with Dad to try and increase tourism and bring some positive exposure to our beloved fire department. We’re working on a firefighter calendar. It’s all in good taste,” I quickly add. “I’m hoping we can sell a lot of these at the festival at the beginning of December.”

“Your dad mentioned you’d been working on some things, but I had no idea it would be this elaborate. He’s so proud of you, honey. And so am I. Why, you’re like an adopted daughter to me. Seeing you grow into such an accomplished woman does this old man’s heart good.”

“Well, I haven’t done much yet. There are a lot of wheels in motion.” I hesitate, hoping he’ll appreciate my plea in the spirit it’s intended. “I could use your help. We’re one month short for the calendar. And if push comes to shove, I guess I can use a shot of one of the pups to make December. But…”

“But a firefighter here on loan for a few weeks would be the better option.”

Nodding, I give him an imploring smile.

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