Page 36 of Missile Tow
There was that name again,mister.How did this stranger know I’d respond to the word so strongly? How did he knowevery single quality I adored in a man he appeared to possess in abundance? He was drawing me in, and I felt helpless to resist.
“Did I tell you I liked you?” I asked, gazing into his brown eyes, and fishing for confirmation that he felt the same.
“You did mention that,” he chuckled. “And the feeling is quite mutual.”
We remained still, our eyes searching the other’s for something unspoken. He’d mentioned the night before about the universe speaking to him. Funny, but I didn’t feel as bothered by his admission this morning. In fact, I wondered about such possibilities myself.
“I have an idea for after breakfast,” I said, moving unruly strands of hair from the corner of his eye. His eyes widened, and he waited expectantly. “Would you like to go into those woods,”—I pointed through the window behind him—“and cut a Christmas tree for the cabin?”
Van instantly turned to look outside. “Really?” he asked, gripping my hand in excitement.
“Yep! And I have tons of decorations in the garage,” I said.
“Hang on a sec,” he demanded. “Lemme ask you this. Do you have outdoor lights for the house?” he grilled, lighting up like a Christmas tree himself.
“I have millions.”
“Millions?”he whispered, in awe of the exaggerated number. “Clear or colored?”
“Colored, of course,” I stated. “Who hangs boring, clear Christmas lights on their house?”
“You are my Christmas hero!” he exclaimed.
Van leaned forward and gave me a peck on the lips. The childlike expression on his face broke me. I’ve never seen such wholesome joy on another person’s face in my life. I’d loved Christmas before having my life upended and my heart broken,and here was a person who was resuscitating the holiday spirit that previously lived inside me before losing John.
“Youtrulylove Christmas, don’t you?” I asked.
“I used to,” he admitted. “Last year was tough, and being alone wasnotfun.”
“Same for me. But we could help each other out of our funk,” I stated. “We are Christmas babies, after all,” I added.
“And I am looking for my Christmas miracle,” he said. “Disregard that,” he quickly added.
His expression suddenly darkened. I assumed he recalled our discussion the night before regarding the ‘husband journey’ he’d disclosed he was on, and now regretted saying such a thing. Not to mention disclosing that I might be the man the universe was speaking to him about.
I didn’t want to kill the happy vibe we were creating, so I ignored what appeared to be apprehension on his part and decided to join him in his search.
“The two of us getting back on track with our love for Christmas can be our shared miracle,” I stated. I winked at him while grinning. “And if we happen to discover that man the universe spoke of, all the better.”
“Now you’re just being kind, mister,” he said, tugging on my thumb. “I sounded silly last night, didn’t I?”
“Who am I to deny the universe?” I teased. “Besides, I’m single too. Maybe the universe has a guy for me. Whaddaya think? May I join you on this important journey of yours?” I asked, tilting my head in question. “We could celebrate Christmas together to give the plan plenty of time,” I added.
His brow furrowed. “That’s almost two weeks away,” he pointed out.
“And?”I asked. “You got something orsomeonein Denver that can’t wait?”
“Well… not really,” he agreed. “I do need a job, though.”
“Help me with the mercantile during the holidays. We can decorate that as well,” I suggested. “I could even pay you for your time.”
He stared at our joined hands for a long moment before looking up. “It’s not the money,” he began. “Plus, where would I stay during the next two weeks?”
“With me and Pooch, silly. He wants you here. Can’t you tell?”
Pooch was asleep across the room. “Really?” he joked, motioning toward the sleeping pet.
“Okay,” I began. “Iwant you here.”
