A Christmas Duet

Chapter Twelve

With a sense of anticipation, Hailey woke, thinking about the night before with Jay. The Podunk Winter Festival had awakened her to all that was Christmas, bringing up fond memories from her childhood. The best Christmas of her life was the year her parents had given her a guitar. She’d been so happy she’d burst into tears. Somehow, over time, she’d lost the joy of the season as she buried herself in work, as she struggled to find the confidence to create again.

The idea of cutting down her own Christmas tree excited her, even if she didn’t have the traditional decorations. She had paper and scissors and popcorn, which were more than enough. It seemed cleverly cut snowflakes and strung popcorn were in her future. For years, until they were in high school and too sophisticated, Daisy and Hailey had insisted they wanted their own Christmas tree. With great enthusiasm, they decorated it with items they’d made themselves. Their parents put up a designer artificial tree that was a showpiece and prominently displayed from the living room window.

The idea for their own tree, a real one, had been Daisy’s, and Hailey had readily agreed. They’d taken pride in it, although, in retrospect, it resembled one Charlie Brown might have owned.

Daisy had crocheted snowflakes, which their mother starched, and they were lovely. Not nearly as crafty as her sister, Hailey bought Christmas-themed wooden pieces she picked up at the local Hobby Lobby and painted them. She didn’t know what had happened to their decorations after junior high, and suspected their mother had likely saved them in a box in the attic.

With her heart full, Hailey reached for her guitar as the words to an extra verse of the Christmas song floated effortlessly into her mind. Then another tune came to mind and she immediately set to work, letting her fingers find the notes.

Lost in a creative mist, she was shocked when there was a knock on the door. She couldn’t imagine who would visit, especially this early in the morning.

To her delight, it was Jay. The night before, they’d agreed to meet in the afternoon.

“Hey,” he said, and glanced toward the sofa where she’d left her guitar. “I see you’re at it again.”

Her gaze followed his. “That’s why I’m here.” She was about to mention the new song she was writing when he spoke again.

“Are you ready to take a break and find your tree? I’ve discovered breaks to be good for my creativity.”

“I wasn’t expecting you this soon.”

He gave her a weird look. “It’s nearly one. I thought that was the time we agreed on.”

“No,” she argued, “it couldn’t be. I’ve only been working a little while.” Sure enough, her watch confirmed the time. “Wow, my morning completely vanished.”

Jay nodded as if he understood all too well himself. “That happens to me when I get in the zone.”

“The time simply flew. I woke up this morning thinking about a Christmas tree,” she told him, as the enthusiasm for their venture returned. Excitedly, she recounted how she and Daisy had insisted they have their own tree and how they’d enjoyed decoratingit.

He listened and grinned when she mentioned the year she’d gotten the guitar. “My parents gave me one around the same time, only it was for my birthday.”

“Best Christmas of my life,” she said.

“Best birthday of my life,” he added.

They shared a smile and their eyes locked. Hailey couldn’t help thinking about the kisses they’d shared and how she hoped their short time together would be the beginning of something lasting and meaningful. She felt like she’d found a kindred spirit in Jay. He seemed to be everything she hoped to find in a relationship, and she didn’t want it to end. Already her mind was coming up with ways for them to stay in touch after she returned to Portland. Jay lived in the Seattle area, and that was only a three-hour drive from where she was.

He broke the spell when he said, “I brought a snowmobile.”

Hailey had never ridden on a snowmobile, but that wasn’t going to stop her. If Jay was inviting her, she was going. Since she’d taken a job at the high school, she’d become staid, caught up in routine and rarely venturing beyond what was comfortable. Being with Jay felt like she’d walked from winter into spring, where everything felt fresh and new.

“I’ll grab my coat.”

“Dress warm, the temperature is below freezing.”

Thankfully, Hailey had packed gloves and a purple crocheted hat that Daisy had crafted. Portland’s climate was mild compared to that in the eastern half of the state. Finding what she needed, Hailey returned in short order, eager to be on their way.

Jay studied her, then shook his head. “You’re going to need more than gloves and a hat.” He removed the wool scarf from around his neck and wrapped it around hers. Then, to her surprise, he kissed her. It was a simple peck on her lips, but the way her body responded, it felt like so much more.

“Come on,” he said, taking hold of her hand. “We’ve got a Christmas tree to find.”

With a happy spring to her step, Hailey followed him down the porch. The snowmobile rested on a trailer behind his truck. As if he’d done it a thousand times, he geared up the engine and expertly backed it off the trailer. He motioned for Hailey to get on behind him.

Hailey tossed her leg over the seat and adjusted herself until she was comfortable. It was natural to wrap her arms around Jay’s middle. He was solid and muscular. Unable to resist, she pressed her head against his back. Savoring his closeness, she briefly closed her eyes.

“Ready?” he asked after a moment.

“You bet.”

He gave her hands a pat and the snowmobile shot forward, nearly unseating her. The unexpectedness of the speed caused Hailey to gasp with delight. If she’d ever doubted her decision to accept the invitation to the cabin, it was quelled by this experience alone. The sky was clear blue, the air crisp and clean. As they moved toward the trees behind the house, the scent of the thick forest filled her senses. She breathed deeply, wanting to take it allin.

She felt a twinge in her heart as she realized how tightly wound she’d been with her responsibilities at school, disappointing her parents and stifling her need to be creative. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt free. Tossing her head back, she smiled up at the blue sky, grateful for this moment. This man.

They rode for several minutes, weaving among a thick grove of noble fir trees. The evergreens were weighed down with snow, their branches bowing to the forest floor. Jay slowed the speed a few times, pointing out options. Hailey rejected them all, not wanting the fun to end too quickly.

“You’re being so picky,” Jay complained after a while.

Hailey laughed. “Okay, okay. How about that tree?” she said, pointing to a beautifully shaped evergreen.

“You’re joking?”

“No, it’s exactly what I have in mind. Look how perfectly proportioned it is.” To her eyes, it was the best one she’d seen.

“Hailey, that tree is a good ten feet tall. It’ll never fit with ceilings that are seven feet.”

He was right. “Oh…It didn’t look that big.”

“Choose another, something around five or six feet.”

Climbing off the snowmobile, she quickly surveyed the area, jumping from one tree to another, gauging their suitability by her own five-foot-five height. After checking several possibilities, she came upon a noble fir that was shorter than her original choice and just as lovely. Having made her decision, she turned to Jay, seeking his approval.

“That’s more like it,” he assured her. He climbed off the snowmobile and removed a handsaw.

“It looks so small,” she said, comparing it to the grand firs that surroundedit.

Jay got down on his knees and instructed Hailey to hold on to the middle of the tree while he cut it down. The house was in sight, which was a good thing, as they would need to haul it back on foot.

Once the tree was clear from its base, Jay bounced it against the ground a couple times to shake off the accumulated snow. The snowflakes cascaded from the limbs so Hailey could give it a better look.

“It’s perfect,” she said, grinning so big her cheeks hurt.

They left the tree behind, as there was no way to get it back to the house while on the snowmobile.

After he parked close to the trailer he said, “Go inside and warm up while I collect the tree.”

No way was she letting him take that walk alone. She was determined to enjoy the full experience, even if that meant carting the tree to kingdom come. “I want to go with you.”

He looked surprised. “You sure? It’s a trek uphill.”

“I’m positive. Isn’t that all part of the fun?” No way was she missing out on a single minute of this adventure.

“All right, if you insist.” He took hold of her hand, and they started back up the hill to claim the tree. By the time they arrived, Hailey was breathless, reminding her it was time to get back into a regular exercise routine. With the two of them each holding one end, they were able to lug it back to the house. Hailey was completely worn out but ecstatic. Jay wasn’t kidding when he mentioned it was a hike.

He set the tree on the porch, balancing it against the railing. “I was able to find an old tree stand in the garage.”

“Great.” Hailey had been wondering how they were going to set the tree up once it was inside the house. “I have popcorn to string. How are you with cutting paper angels?”

“Best in my first-grade class,” he boasted.

“Let’s warm up first,” she suggested, eager now to rest a bit and chase away the chill. He might not need a breather after the long walk back carrying a heavy tree in the snow, but she did.

“Good idea.”

Hailey brewed cocoa while Jay lit a fire. They sat next to each other on the sofa, her shoulder touching his as she stared into the flickering flames. His arm came around her and she leaned her head against him. Tranquility filled her. Rarely had she experienced a time like this. It felt as if her anxieties had vanished and all was right with the world. Well, with her world, anyway. It was an amazing feeling and she treasuredit.

Jay set the empty mug aside. “I’ll get the tree.”

“What can I do to help?” she asked, unsure if there was anything she coulddo.

“Just tell me where you’d like it placed.” His gaze went around the room.

Glancing around, it seemed like the perfect spot was in front of the window, overlooking the yard and driveway. She hesitated, dismissing the most obvious site. “How about there,” she said, pointing to the wall in the dining room.

He nodded approvingly.

“While you’re getting the tree in the stand, I’ll pop the popcorn.”

“Don’t salt it,” he advised. “Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to eat it. Little in life smells or tastes better than buttery, salted popcorn.”

She agreed with a smile. Jay headed outside and she went into the kitchen.

Soon the tree was set in place and watered. While Jay dealt with that, Hailey accumulated what they’d need to create their own decorations. She felt as giddy as she had as a preteen, working with her sister embellishing their own special tree.

Sitting across from each other at the table, they went to work, Christmas music blaring from the Bluetooth speaker she’d added at the last minute while packing. Occasionally, one or the other would break into song. Jay had a deep, melodious voice. His talent was obvious.

Because she hadn’t packed thread—and really, why would she?—Hailey was forced to improvise with dental floss to string the popcorn. It wasn’t nearly as easy as she remembered. Nevertheless, she labored away until she had a reasonable length. She made several popcorn strings while Jay went to work, proving he hadn’t been teasing about his first-grade paper angel and snowflake skills.

An hour later they had the tree looking as festive as they could with their less-than-optimal supplies.

Standing back when they’d finished, Jay placed his arm around her shoulders as they surveyed their work.

“It looks good,” he commented.

Hailey couldn’t keep from giggling. “I guess that’s what it means when people say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Jay chuckled, too, then sighed and said, “I suppose I should get back to the store.”

Hailey hated to see him leave. “Does your mom need your help?”

He shrugged indecisively. “She said I should take the afternoon off, even though she’s short-staffed.”

The temptation was to urge him to stay so she could play him the song she’d started that morning and get his feedback. Sharing her music with Jay had been freeing and exciting. She craved his encouragement and he never disappointed.

“I could probably stay a bit longer.”

“Wonderful. I had an idea for another song this morning and—” She was interrupted by the sound of a car door closing in the distance.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Jay asked, frowning.

“Heavens, no. The only people who know I’m here are Katherine and…” Hailey gasped as she realized what she’d done, and placed her hand over her mouth. No, please no, she silently prayed.

“And?” Jay prompted, waiting for her to continue.

A loud knock came from the front door. Even before Hailey could answer, the door flew open.

“Surprise!” her sister cried. Daisy dropped her satchel onto the floor and hugged Hailey.