Page 60 of Christmas Cove

“Edwin told you?” Carol turned off the water and dried the mug with a red and green plaid dish towel.

America nodded. “You wish things would have gone differently?”

“I wish I would have at least told him about my father’s temper. But you know, time passed, and we never spoke of it again. Seems odd that he would bring it up after all these years.”

“It’s my fault. I was curious and asked why they call you Scrooge,” America admitted. “I was nosy, and I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Carol laughed it off. “You live in a small place like this, and soon enough, everyone knows everything about everybody. Heck! You’re the first new thing we’ve had to talk about in years.”

“I’m glad I could serve some purpose, then.” America laughed.

“One thing everyone is going to ask is, why did you come back here? Just for Leo?”

America stood and walked to the front room. Pulling back the edge of the red sheer drapes, she pointed to the row of buildings across the street. “See that one, there? The Victorian one with pink trim?”

Carol craned her neck, as the building was slightly down the street from her own house. “The old Manner Manor?”

America giggled just as she had when the realtor had told her the name of the home three days earlier. “I bought it. It needs some renovations, you know.”

“You mean...we’re going to be neighbors?”

This revelation had already put a pep in Carol’s step, and she seemed to be standing straighter than before. America smiled and nodded her head.

“But, why? For Leo?” Carol asked.

“I can’t lie and say he had nothing to do with my decision, but it’s more than that. I’ve fallen in love with this tiny town, and as strange as it sounds, I know somehow that I’m a part of its future.”

“I think so too.” Carol took America’s hands in hers. “And wait, that means we only need four more residents. I heard a rumor about some family wanting to move in.”

“My parents are also moving here. That means we only need two more.” America announced. “After I got them up to speed, they didn’t hesitate to come with me. They really are the best parents. You’re gonna love them.”

“I can’t wait to meet them. Where are they now?” Carol asked.

“Here. At the cabin.”

Carol clapped her hands in excitement. “What a merry Christmas!”

“I hope so,” America said. “Now, about Leo.”

“Just tell him how you feel, and everything will work out. Have some faith.”

“Then wish me luck,” America said and put her coat back on. “Feels like snow out there.”

“Feels like magic in the air.” Carol smiled and gave an exaggerated wink as she shoved America into the cold.

CHAPTER32

As soon asAmerica’s feet hit the crest of the dirt road, she stopped walking. The fog had stayed away for now, and the view of the countryside was spectacular from the vantage point. So was the view of Leo’s red truck parked at the bottom of the drive, in front of the cabin. She fidgeted with the coat’s fit and smoothed the front as though she were donning armor. The next encounter with Leo could go one of two ways in her estimation: either unbelievably bad, or not that bad. No matter the outcome, the conversation would start with honesty.

With the attitude of a sailor walking the plank, she headed for the inevitable. Her steps quickened, and she soon found herself at a full gallop towards destiny. Stomping up the front steps, she slowed and took a deep breath before letting herself through the front door. Her eyes scanned the living room and kitchen in fast repetition but only spotted her mom sitting on the sofa, and her dad with his head buried in the fridge.

“You’re back,” Dad said as he peeked above the fridge door.

Still out of breath and regretting having run, America said, “Truck. Leo.” She pointed and hoped her parents would know what she wanted.

“Oh. That. Yes. Leo, the mayor, was just here. Nice fellow,” her father said.

America’s mother came to the kitchen and sat at the counter. “I like him a lot. Genuinely nice to look at, too.”

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