Page 14 of The Christmas Keepsake
“The entry talked about her first love, and I don’t think that person was my grandfather.” Mallory pressed her lips together. “Hollis, I came here tonight to ask you for a favor.”
Hollis already knew, whatever Mallory’s request, his answer would be yes.
“I need a tree for Nan’s room.”
“In Memory Oaks?” Hollis blew out a breath. “There’s no way Francis is going to allow you to put up a live tree in one of the resident’s rooms. Trust me, I asked about putting one in Pop’s room. How can a lifelong tree farmer possibly have a room without a Christmas tree during the holidays?”
A thin sheen of tears formed in Mallory’s eyes. “I just have this feeling it’ll help her. Is there anything you can do?”
“Aside from smuggling it into Nan’s room?” He rubbed a hand along his short beard, letting the sensation distract him from soaking in Mallory’s eyes. The shine of her hair. The little freckle at the far edge of her right cheek.
“If you can bring a dog into Memory Oaks, I’m guessing you can find a way to bring a tree.” She leaned toward him, her hands folding in front of her in a pleading gesture.
Did Mallory Blue know that he would do just about anything for her? He cleared his throat. “Meet me at the tree farm tomorrow. I’ll be out there all day. We’ll walk around and find a Memory Tree–size blue fir. Not too small, not too big.”
Mallory’s face lit up. “What about Francis?”
“Fran owes me a favor. I do my best not to collect on favors, but in this case, I think it’s appropriate.”
Mallory’s gaze searched his. “Why does Francis owe you a favor?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “I may have built a wheelchair ramp overnight when her husband had his accident last spring. I donated my time and even the lumber. That’s why I did it instead of Matt’s crew. Love Matt, but pro bono isn’t his thing.”
“No, but it is yours.” Mallory gave him a knowing look. “You’re still trying to make up for things long forgiven and forgotten.”
Hollis leaned over his knees and clasped his hands. “Maybe. For the record, good deeds don’t make a good man.”
“Well, that’s exactly what you are. Thank you, Hol.”
“Don’t thank me yet.”
Mallory’s hands stopped wringing, and her shoulders hung relaxed at her side.
Hollis had noticed she’d been tense lately, as if carrying the world on her shoulders, which was typical for the Mallory Blue he knew. Lately it had concerned him though. Sometimes a person’s world got too heavy, even for the strongest person to bear. That’s why Nan had called him into her office last year as well, and just like Mallory tonight, Nan had asked for a favor that he couldn’t deny. “I want you to know I’m here for whatever you need. With Nan or the play. You have a lot on your plate.”
When Nan had met with Hollis last Christmas, she’d warned Hollis that Mallory would shy away from confiding in anyone about how overwhelmed she was. Nan had said Mallory would also hesitate to ask for help.
Mallory looked down for a moment, avoiding his gaze. “It’s not that much. The play pretty much runs itself at this point. I’m just a warm body who can open the theater doors and make sure everyone has their lines and costumes. At least that’s what I’m hoping.”
“People underestimate how big an ask it is just to show up sometimes,” Hollis said quietly.
“Well, my sister certainly does.” She exhaled and held up a hand. “She’s the one with a lot on her plate. Me? I’m fine.”
Her words didn’t match the tension rolling off her.
“Thank you so much, Hollis.” Standing, she turned and headed toward the door.
Hollis followed her onto the porch. “I’m glad you know you could ask me for whatever you need.”
Mallory looked at him. “Sometimes you’re too nice for your own good. People could take advantage of that.”
“Not you,” he said quietly. “I could count on one hand how many times you’ve asked me for anything.”
“Maybe I’m setting myself up for disappointment, but some part of me hopes that creating this Memory Tree will help Nan remember. This afternoon, I learned something about her I didn’t know. I’m excited to see what else I’ll discover. But also kind of scared.”
“Even the best of us have skeletons in our closets.” And he of all people was in no position to judge. Nan had shared a few of her secrets when he was at his lowest points just to show that change was possible and no one was beyond reform. Mallory seemed to have her grandmother on a pedestal. He didn’t think that would change, but she was in store for a few surprises.
Mallory tilted her head as she looked at him, her eyes subtly narrowing. “I’m sorry. I burst right in and didn’t even ask how you’re doing. Everything okay?”
