Christmas Snow Page 6

  "The boys have been waiting patiently for you before they open the rest of their gifts. I don't know if I can hold them off any longer," Ron said from his relaxed position on the floor.

  Three eager little faces grinned impishly at the girls.

  "Well," Elise said to the boys. "We're here now. How about we get right to it? Hmm?"

  "Yeah!" They all jumped up and down.

  "Okay," Ron said. "Gather round and grab a seat. Here we go!" He pulled a few gifts from under the tree and passed them to whoever's name was on the tag. When all of the gifts were given out, each of the boys had a nice little stack and everyone else had a few to open also.

  "Go ahead," Ron said, grinning. "Dig in."

  Watching the little ones in their excitement kept the adults busy but before long, all the gifts were opened, and the new games were spread out along with a pile of stuffed animals.

  "In case anyone is interested we do have plenty of food to eat," Nora said, getting up off the floor.

  "Sounds good to me," Ron said and headed for the kitchen. "I'm thinking about a ham sandwich."

  When they all filled their plates and chose a seat at the large dining room table, Laura spoke up. "Are we missing someone?"

  Ron shook his head. "If you mean Brett, he said he'd stop over later. He's waiting on a call from his folks." He put up a hand as if to stop any comments. "And not to worry, he has plenty of food. Honest. Nora loaded him up yesterday when he left. I'm sure he thinks all we do is eat." He chuckled.

  "Just once a year," Kristen replied, then reconsidered and said, "Maybe twice. Thanksgiving's a pretty big deal too."

  The conversation easily turned to the amount of snow they'd been getting and wondering how long it would continue. The large window that faced the drive and the Andersen home on the other side cast a bright glow into the room. Elise studied the front porch for any sign of movement while the conversation around her bounced from one topic to another which was common with their growing family. Tuning them out was easy and she let her mind wander off in the direction of "what-ifs." It was a rabbit hole that she shouldn't go down, but what if they hadn't broken up? Very likely they would have married and had small children by now and their house would be filled with a sort of happy chaos similar to what was going on around her at the moment. She smiled, thinking that would be nice. Then her attention was drawn toward the driveway where Brett stood with his feet buried in snow clear up past his shins. He pulled at his gloves as he surveyed his surroundings for several minutes then made his way to the shed in back. Elise adjusted herself on the chair to get a better view of what he intended to do. After a few long minutes, he emerged from the building with a shiny new snowblower which he studied carefully from one end to the other.

  "What are you looking at?" Ron asked as he turned to follow her gaze toward the back of the Andersen house. "I think he's bored," he said with a grin. "But he's got the right idea. I think I need to get busy with ours too." He pushed away from the table. "If you'll excuse me," he said formally with a bow.

  "You're just trying to get out of dishes," Elise teased.

  "It works every time," he replied with a wink at Nora.

  Chapter Seven

  Brett had made his decision after going for a walk around the block the night before and ending up on the sidewalk in front of Elise's house. Under cover of darkness as giant-sized snowflakes landed on him, he studied the large house. It was lit up from the roof to the ground including the shrubbery that encircled the wraparound porch. He remembered how the Martins had always been one of the first in the neighborhood to put up their lights and decorations. Their intent, as far as he'd been able to tell, had been to spread joy and cheer. He had enjoyed his visits and overnight stays at Ron's and they always made him feel welcome, practically like family.

  A sense of guilt had fallen on him as the chilled air settled across his shoulders. If he did nothing else on this trip, he'd find a way to apologize to her. Why had he let it go on for so long? He'd known that he had taken the cheap and easy way out, but the more time passed, the more he'd dodged facing his mistake. How it all turned out wasn't the point. Maybe they weren't meant to be together, he'd probably never have the answer to that, but the way he'd done it was wrong. And adding to the guilt, was the fact that she was his best friend's sister. This unusual Christmas presented an opportunity that he didn't dare pass up. Somehow he'd find a way to let her know how sorry he was for the way he'd handled it.

  On his way back to his home, he had considered how he'd be able to have a few private moments with her. He could take her to dinner or a movie, but that would likely set off warning bells to her and her family. He already got the impression she was skittish of being around him, so he immediately scratched that as a dumb idea. Maybe they could just go for a walk around the neighborhood, stop at the little café for some coffee on their way, not that he had any real destination in mind. It was a simple thing to do and didn’t give any sense of obligation to either of them. When he'd finished taking his walk, he stood at his front door no closer to a solution than when he'd left. He turned the key in the lock and went inside, realizing he'd better give his ideas more thought and maybe by morning he'd know what he should do, if he should do anything at all.

  When Christmas morning finally dawned, it was cloudy but not gray because the thick blanket of snow seemed to cast its own bright light. Outside he heard the roar of a snowblower going down the sidewalk and he smiled when he saw a man all bundled up clearing the length of the walk along his street. A good Samaritan, he thought to himself. Then he checked out Ron's drive beside his own and realized nobody was going to be able to go anywhere for quite some time unless both driveways were shoveled. And that brought to mind something his dad had said about getting a new snowblower a month earlier. He’d mentioned it during one of their phone calls. So, he could clear Ron’s drive and sidewalks as one way to return their kind gestures of hospitality which he had appreciated in spite of a few awkward moments. On top of that, walking behind a snowblower was far better than sitting in the house all day, and he could do both driveways easily. He'd wait till after his folks called and that would give him an excuse to decline the invitation to have lunch at Ron's place.

  He still hadn't formulated a good plan for a private meeting with Elise even after a restless night of tossing and turning. Each time he had an idea he instantly ditched it, thinking it was too simplistic or bordered on a real date, neither of which suited his purpose. There was an outdoor skating rink in the town park during most winters, at least the last time he'd skated it was there. How long ago had that been? He couldn't remember, but it didn't matter anyway because it had a romantic feel to it, and he didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. When they had been dating they often carried their skates to that park and spent the evening just talking and skating around the large circle. A small bakery that used to be across the street had hot chocolate, which was a favorite of Elise's, and they’d take their steaming cups to one of the benches before walking home. They held hands or he put his arm around her to keep her warm…

  Nope, he told himself. That's the wrong path to go down. Then he went to the kitchen for a refill of coffee and one of Laura's cinnamon rolls. He sat at the table in total silence except for the loud tick-tocking of the old-fashioned wind-up clock sitting on a shelf nearby. His dad loved the old antique, so Brett had been keeping it wound while he was there. At the moment he had regrets about doing it. He left his seat to stand at the window by the sink and checked out the little shed along the fence line. Undoubtedly the snowblower was inside and hopefully, there was a can of gas too. He refilled his cup again and took it to the living room. No point in watching tv, he wasn't a fan of it anyway and besides the only thing playing was probably another version of Scrooge. He'd been trying to rid his mind of the movie ever since he'd seen part of it a few nights ago.

  Finally, he set aside his tepid coffee and stretched out in his dad's old recliner, staring at the ceiling. Ludi
crous was the word that came to mind. This whole vacation was just about laughable. And all because he had planned so poorly. He felt trapped, stranded and alone. The only thing he could do was wait it out. His eyes caught sight of a dangling spider on a strand of web and he studied the inability of the spider to make any progress as it tried to climb back up to the ceiling in a futile attempt to save itself. Abandoning the spider, he readjusted himself in the chair and brought it back to the sitting position. Was he stranded and without a purpose? No, that wasn't entirely true. He could right a wrong. He'd felt the pressure of doing just that very thing from the moment he'd stepped foot in Ron's house and the feeling had only gotten worse. His situation wasn't ludicrous, it was ironic, and he knew it.

  Later, when he called to let Nora know he wouldn't be over for lunch she refused to take that as a final word, insisting that he should drop by at any time. He could hardly say he just couldn't fit it into his busy schedule so he thanked her said and he might do that. Then, instead of waiting to hear from his family in Florida, he called them and hoped the timing was good. Their conversation turned into a video chat with the entire family, which lifted his spirits more than he'd expected. Just hearing their jokes and laughter removed him from his issues for a short time. At the end of the call, everyone agreed they should all go to Florida for Christmas the next year, and he had to agree because they wouldn't take no for an answer.

  Immediately following the call, he was hit with a double dose of cabin fever. The only way to keep the walls from closing in on him was to spend the afternoon clearing his drive and everybody else's within walking distance. His mediocre breakfast had lost its sticking ability an hour earlier, so he whipped together a sandwich then followed it with a piece of the pie. After a quick tidy up in the kitchen, he headed for the shed wearing his dad's warm coat and gloves.

  It took more time to locate the gas can than he expected but finally got everything ready to go, then pushed the electric start button and got to work. The snow was very deep, but the machine handled it easily and the work kept his mind focused away from everything except what lay directly in front of him. The cold air was bracing but not bitter and thankfully there was only a slight breeze. Nevertheless, he had almost as much snow on him as the blower was flinging out. Before as he started on the driveway, he caught sight of Ron pushing his snowblower from the garage and waved so Brett turned off his machine and met him halfway.

  "It's been a while since I've done this," he told Ron as he brushed a layer of snow from his arms and shoulders. "Things have changed a lot since we were kids. I distinctly remember using a shovel for everything."

  "Yep. We made a few bucks too." They grinned at each other while the memories came back. "I think your dad is going to want one of those shields. You might suggest that to him."

  "I definitely will. This stuff gets right down the neck of your collar," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

  Ron nodded then patted him on the back. "I'll let you get back to work. When we're done come on in and we'll have a hot drink. Nora made spiced cider and it's ready to go in the old coffeemaker."

  Brett smiled, liking the sound of that and gave him a thumbs-up as he restarted the snowblower.

  He'd been sorting through a shortlist of possible solutions for talking with Elise and was feeling anxious to get it over with. Finally, when that last strip of snow was cleared, he decided there was nothing better than keeping it simple and straight forward, so he'd just ask her to go for a walk with him. And later that day was as good a time as any. He finished the drive and started on the back patio then ended with a double wide path to the shed. During all that time his mind drew a blank when he tried to come up with a conversation starter. He'd just have to wing it even though that tactic was likely headed for disaster.

  Ron called to him and Brett gratefully followed him into the warm garage.

  "I think my ears are going to fall off," he said putting his gloved hands over them to warm them up.

  "You two look like snowmen," Nora stood in the doorway that led to the kitchen. "Brush yourselves off and hang up your coats before you come in." She ducked back inside, scooping up the youngest boy before she closed the door.

  "You're a lucky man," he told his old friend. And he meant it. A great wife, three healthy kids, and a good life together. The emptiness in his own life suddenly became glaringly obvious to him. Here it was the most family-oriented time of the year and he felt bereft, incomplete. The word Scrooge came to mind, but he pushed that away without a second thought.

  Ron pulled off his wet coat and smiled back. "I am lucky. Couldn't ask for anything more."

  Brett nodded and followed him inside.

  Chapter Eight

  Elise enjoyed the afternoon, playing simple board games with the boys and just relaxing with everyone. She stored up the good feelings that surrounded her, knowing she'd be leaving in a couple of days. When Brett followed her brother into the living room, she wasn't surprised but rather expected Ron would bring him in for some cider. She kept her seat on the floor and leaned against the sofa when Jacob toddled over to ease himself down onto her lap, begging her to read to him. After hugging him, she picked up one of the children's books he'd gotten as a gift. She let him turn the pages while she pointed out the bright colored pictures and read to him. For one moment, she had the feeling of being watched and glanced up to find Brett staring at her then quickly turned her attention back to reading. Within minutes, Jacob tired of sitting so long in one place and struggled to his feet to go in search of another toy to play with. His chubby cheeks were flushed with excitement and he was wearing down as he rubbed his eyes and yawned. Elise reached out to pull him and his toy back into her arms, cradling him with a slight swinging motion. She smiled and leaned down to kiss his forehead just before his eyes fluttered closed. Slowly his grasp on the toy loosened and fell away.

  “Sweet baby boy,” she said softly and kissed him again.

  Nora appeared, hands on hips, and said, “Well would you look at that.” She carefully lifted him and juggled him to her shoulder. “I thought for sure he’d give in sooner than this.” Then she carried him upstairs to his crib.

  Elise watched the other two boys as their activity also showed signs of winding down. Little Micah stretched out on the floor on his tummy playing with a toy car while his head rested on a pillow. Occasionally his eyes would close and his hands would go limp, but he managed to stay awake for a while longer. Aaron didn’t even fight it. He was asleep within minutes.

  “I’d say that’s two down for the count,” Brett said. He finished his cider then set it on the side table.

  “I think my legs are asleep.” Elise laughed as she pushed against the floor to get up.

  “Here, let me help.” In a few quick moves, Brett stood over her with his hand extended.

  She hesitated, staring at his hand offered in help then she accepted it.

  “Thanks. I think I’ve been sitting in that position for the last twenty minutes, maybe more.” She tried to laugh it off before the moment turned awkward. “I guess I need to stretch a bit and get a refill of cider.”

  He reached for his cup and followed her.

  As they walked through the dining room where everyone else was engrossed in a game of Monopoly, Julie held out her empty cup to Elise. “Would you mind since you’re already going that direction?”

  “You must be winning,” Brett replied, grinning and taking her cup before Elise could reach for it.

  “I am,” she said, barely taking her eyes off the game. Then as an afterthought added, “Thanks.”

  Elise filled the three cups while Brett stood nearby watching.

  “They play with intensity, don’t they?”

  “It’s sort of a tradition. You probably remember it.” She handed his cup to him then filled Julie’s.

  “I do but I never seemed to be able to sit still that long, as I recall,” he replied. “I preferred throwing snowballs.” He gave her a quirky smile. �
�You probably remember that.”

  “I do. You had a deadly aim.”

  He laughed. “I practiced a lot. I used to hang targets on the old fence behind the house.”

  “I’ll bet you put names on them.” She raised an eyebrow and skewered him with a look that dared him to say she was wrong.

  His guilty look said it all. “I wasn’t that bad, well, except the time I put the principal’s name on it, but my dad made me take it down.”

  “Probably because he was one of your neighbors?” She zinged him again and took pleasure in doing it.

  “Yeah.” He shifted his weight as he leaned comfortably against the kitchen counter. “Old enough to know better, just couldn’t resist doing it.” He shrugged and the tips of his ears turned pink. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t do things like that anymore.”

  “Really,” she said as if she wasn’t sure she believed him.

  “I’ve changed.”

  He studied her face for a bit too long which made her uncomfortable. This easy going conversation was exactly what she'd hoped to avoid. She held up Julie’s cup without saying a word then walked toward the dining room. Brett seemed reluctant to follow, but that was fine with her.

  The rest of the afternoon moved along smooth enough although Brett seemed restless, keeping one eye on the door most of the time. Before long, he made his departure, thanking Ron and Nora for their hospitality. Afterward, the others finally finished their Monopoly game just before the boys woke from their long naps, and Brianna announced she needed to leave because she needed to send in her paper.