Page 19 of Christmas Cove

“Edwin,” Leo said. “I’d like to introduce you to America Greene. She’s staying in the cabin for a few days.”

“So, you’re the writer from the big city.” He chuckled in a friendly way. She hoped. “Enjoying your time in Christmas Cove so far?”

“I only got in two nights ago. But so far, yes.”

“Ha!” He laughed and walked past her towards the Christmas decorations. “I know you’re fibbing. No one enjoys themselves here anymore.”

“I can’t tell if he’s grumpy or funny,” America whispered to Leo.

“No one can,” Leo said and nudged her.

“What are the two of you planning to do with all this?” Edwin said as he rifled through a box of lights. “Wait. Wait. Don’t tell me. You came for a Christmas soiree, and you won’t leave until you get one.”

“Not exactly,” America started, and admitted to herself that the man was partly correct.

“Edwin, I asked you here to help us because I know you have nothing better to do today.”

“I disagree with your assertion.” Edwin rolled his head and turned towards the open double doors as though he meant to leave them to their own designs.

“And...” Leo caught up with the elder man and took him by his elbow. “And because out of all the people in town, you miss Christmas the most. The way it used to be.”

Leo’s statement must have hit Edwin in the softer side of his heart because when he turned back, he had a gleam in his worn eyes and wore the grin of a bested man.

“Please, Mr. Edwin,” America pleaded. “Will you help us bring Christmas back to the Cove?”

“It’s Pa. You can call me Pa,” Edwin said. He made his way back to the boxes of wreaths and ornaments and picked up a carved star with a black-and-white checkered bow tied to the string on top. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Too long,” Leo said. “Will you help us?”

Edwin placed the star back on to the straw inside the box. “You two aren’t gonna take no for an answer, are you?”

“Afraid not.” Leo took America’s hand. “This town needs this more than ever.”

“And it might be our last chance...” Edwin added.

“Might be,” Leo said, and America sensed there was something more, like when he had mentioned something bad happening with the dam.

Edwin stood straight and pulled his shoulders back as though he was preparing for a battle and saluted. “Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Corporal Edwin Kupa is at your service.”

“At ease, soldier,” Leo said and returned the man’s salute.

“Mayor, huh?” America asked.

Leo shrugged.

America recalled the conversation she had had with her editor. He had mentioned that it was the mayor who had requested the magazine send someone to write a feature about Christmas Cove in the first place. It was all making sense now. How attentive Leo had been, how he had taken the time to show her why the cove had dried up, and why he was so enthusiastic about bringing Christmas back to Christmas Cove.

“I didn’t think it was relevant,” Leo said as though he sensed her questions. “Plus, it’s basically a ceremonial position at this point. Not much to govern around here, if you know what I mean.”

America couldn’t argue with that.

“So, what are my marching orders?” Edwin said.

“You’re up,” Leo said to America.

Her hand went to her chest. “Me?”

“Yes, you. This is your brainchild.”

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