Page 155 of The Blessings of Christmas
Today the tree bristled with colorful construction paper ornaments. “Looks like you're continuing the Christmas Wishes tradition.”
Smiling, Phyllis glanced over at the tree. “You bet. But those wishes have to be taken to Sweetwater Creek to make them come true. Victoria's been so busy.”
“I'd be happy to do that today. I'll take them over when I leave.”
“Are you sure?” Phyllis glanced at her crutches. “Looks like you had an accident.”
“Don't be silly. Gathering these paper ornaments is no big deal.”
Phyllis glanced over at Malcolm, who shrugged. “Don't look at me. I learned a long time ago that you can't tell this woman what to do.” But he was teasing and Josie, to her embarrassment, loved it. “I'll help her.”
In no time at all Malcolm was spooning pasta salad onto plates. He was a natural at greeting people, singing along to “Jingle Bells,” which was playing somewhere. Despite protests from both Phyllis and Malcolm, Josie insisted on doing the dishes. She figured she could lean against the sink and not put weight on her foot. Because they had no dishwasher, plates were piled high in that kitchen.
Tying on one of the long white aprons, Josie got to work. Christmas carols kept playing and she could feel her shoulders relax as she listened to “Silent Night,” and then “O, Holy Night.” Wasn't this season all about peace and love?
She hoped she would like Darcy. That would make this whole thing easier, since her futile attempt at fashionable clothes and makeup didn't seem to be making the differenceEmily had hoped for. Malcolm deserved a good wife, even though the situation was difficult.
After a while Malcolm came up behind her, a stack of plates in hand. “That doesn't look comfortable, Josie. Why don't you go sit at one of the tables? Get off your feet and talk to people. You're so good at that.”
“I'm also good at washing dishes.” Josie was feeling cranky. This had been a long day, and her ankle was throbbing.
Malcolm wasn't having it. “My turn,” he said, tugging her apron ties in the back as if they did this every day. A chill slid down her back as he slowly maneuvered the apron over her head. This felt way too familiar… and wonderful. But one glance at Malcolm told her that he wasn't feeling that way. She had to stop dreaming. “Go on. I know you’re my boss, but right now, I'm asking you to listen to me. You'll just make things worse standing around on that foot.” He gave her one of his no-nonsense looks.
The man had a point. And looking up into his eyes, she felt so flustered that she could hardly breathe. Grabbing her crutches, she thumped back into the dining area where “Jingle Bell Rock” was playing. Somehow she maneuvered herself into a seat at one of the long tables. Taking out her phone, she checked with the library. But everything was fine and that was no surprise. The library ran like a clock, and Eileen was there today. They'd be closed on Sunday. While she was checking her messages, Phyllis came to sit next to her. “I sure like your young man,” she said.
How could words feel wonderful and terrible at the same time? Pocketing her phone, Josie turned. “Oh he's not mine. He just works with me.” She sure hoped her cheeks weren't red.
“Is that so?” Drawing in her chin, Phyllis gave her a strange look. “Just friends? I don't think so. He's so sweet with you.”
“What do you mean?” The words sounded pathetic, as if Josie was fishing for compliments.
“The way he looks at you.” Phyllis shook her head. “The whole time he was scooping up that food, his eyes kept going to the kitchen door. He was worried about you. So darn cute.”
Really?Josie dropped her eyes to her locked hands. “We're just friends.” Wanting to steer the conversation in another direction, she began talking to Phyllis about the center. But the manager’s words remained in her head and in her heart. How was Malcolm looking at her? She peeked over at the kitchen door. Although she couldn't see him, she could hear his voice. Deep and gravelly, chuckling now and then. That man could talk to a tree and it would answer.
After a while Derek arrived and disappeared into his office. The door remained open and pretty soon people who’d come for medical care lined up, waiting in the chairs along the wall.
Malcolm must have finished with the dishes because he soon appeared. She wasn't surprised that he had no problem mingling with the group. Maybe his comfort level was the result of being in the Peace Corps. He moved through the room, scratching the ears of an old man's dog or asking a little boy if he could have some of his peanut butter sandwich. The boy shook his head slowly but his dark eyes glowed. Smiles followed Malcolm wherever he went.
One mother had five children. The two older kids were busy playing ping-pong in the corner. But the three younger ones were eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches under their mother’s watchful eyes. It was fascinating to watch Malcolm strike up a conversation with them.
He would make such a good dad. The thought brought an ache to her throat and she coughed. This wasn't the time to think about that, not when Christmas joy floated on the air. Peace and joy. She wanted only the best for him.
“Looks like you're Mr. Popularity today,” she told him when he finally broke away and circled back to sit next to her.
“I'm just getting a feel for these folks, especially Ana. Believe it or not, she's a single mother.” One of her children, a darling little girl with dark braids came running over and plopped a piece of paper in front of him. “For you,” she said.
“Why, thank you.” He gently tugged one of her braids. The girl giggled and dashed back to her mother.
“Can I see?” Josie asked. Malcolm shoved the paper her way. The man in the drawing was obviously Malcolm––very tall with the shock of brown hair. He was petting a dog.
“Did you eat some lunch, Malcolm?” Phyllis asked, coming over. She was always mothering people. He glanced over at the table where there were still some sandwiches and pasta salad left. “I'll get a plate. Josie, how about you?”
“Whatever you're having, I'll have the same.” Her stomach was growling. She’d hardly had anything for breakfast, and she'd been busy with her ankle when she got home from running. Once they got here, she’d thrown herself into her work.
Watching Malcolm walk away, Phyllis glanced over at her. Josie avoided her eyes. Clearly this woman was imagining things. Wasn't she?
Pushing up from the table, Josie grabbed her crutches and made her way to the tree. “I'm going to grab those Christmas wishes and get them back to Victoria's Pantry. The customers will want to get a jump on their shopping.”
