My Greatest Joy (Maplewood Falls #2)

Chapter Fourteen

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FALLON

DAY 10

I type away on my laptop and sip my coffee between my thoughts.

Yesterday, while Levi was at work, I drove into Maplewood Falls and met the mayor. He took it upon himself to give me a personal tour, picking up right where Levi left off.

To be honest, it was hard to take him seriously when he was dressed like Santa Claus. He was in good spirits and sang ho, ho, ho to each child who walked past. I tried to smile when I was supposed to, knowing how much my mother would’ve loved this place.

It’s amazing to see so many welcoming of his presence. If the previous mayor of Seattle walked into my office at work, I’d have some choice words. This community acts like a big family, even when Levi isn’t around.

I can’t count how many times people have asked about me staying at Levi’s. News spreads fast in small towns.

As I continue typing, I’ll randomly glance at all the notes I took on my phone. Even though that was yesterday, my brain is still full and overwhelmed. My fingers fly across the keyboard, the sentences pouring out of me like water. I’m trying my best to stay professional and keep my personal bias out of my prose. However, it’s hard at times.

Before I start my next paragraph, there’s a knock on the door. Dasher lifts his head but doesn’t get up. Levi was going to take him with him today, but I asked if he could stay with me. He was shocked, but I didn’t want to be alone.

I see an old work truck outside and open the door.

“Hey, I’m Jasper. Here to fix the furnace.”

“Yeah, Levi told me you were stopping by.” Stepping aside, I allow him to walk in. He’s carrying a toolbox in one hand and a clipboard in the other, reminding me of my dad.

“Do you know where you need to go?” I ask.

“Yes, I do. Thanks,” he says and makes his way to the utility closet.

I return to the couch and get settled, rereading what I wrote before I stopped. Dasher repositions himself and plops down. I add a few more words but then get distracted by an incoming email. It’s my travel itinerary for my January assignment.

I’ll be writing an article about small coffee roasters in Washington, which I’m looking forward to. Can’t wait to drink my weight in dark roasts.

When I see I’m staying at a well-known hotel chain, I let out a sigh of relief. Not sure I could survive this rental mix-up again, even if it ended up working out.

After an hour, Jasper returns and tells me it’s fixed. He adjusts the thermostat, and the heat immediately kicks on. I scrunch my nose when the smell of burning oil surfaces.

“That’s normal since it hasn’t run in a while. It’ll go away,” he reassures me.

“Thank you so much,” I say as I follow him to the door.

“Tell Levi I’ll bill him,” he says, then waves.

“Sure will.”

When he’s gone, Dasher rushes past me before I can close the door. Quickly, he goes outside, does his business, and then returns.

I look at him with my jaw on the floor. “Seriously?”

I swear I can’t figure this dog out.

After I lock the deadbolt, I feed Dasher a few treats, then make myself some soup. As I sit down to eat, I hear my phone buzzing in the living room and rush to grab it.

“Sis!” Taryn says, laughing. “I sent the picture of that guy you’re staying with to my mom-friends group chat, and they want more.”

“How did you get a picture of him?”

“I looked up the Christmas tree farm on Instagram and sleuthed around until I saw his name. Levi White. I’d let him play lumberjack and climb me like a tree.”

I groan. “He doesn’t climb them. He chops them down.”

“Well, whatever. But I need you to give me all the details because my friends are highly invested.”

“There’s nothing to share.”

“Why do I suspect you’re not telling me the truth? Let that man eat you like a candy cane. We’ve all been living vicariously through all the scenarios we’ve made up about you two. We’ve even started a pool of money.”

“For what?” If only she could see my face.

“For when you two finally become a couple.”

“That’s not happening.”

“But it’d be cool if it did,” she says. “Imagine your beautiful children. My future niece or nephew would be gorgeous. Big green eyes with dark hair. I’m picturing it now.”

“You’re ridiculous. And a little weird.”

“Maybe a little. So how’s the writing going?”

“Okay, I guess. I did a lot this morning. Now I’m eating,” I tell her, settling back at the breakfast bar. I catch her up, explaining the nuances of this town and the things I find interesting.

When our conversation comes to a lull, I change the subject. “Have you talked to Dad lately?”

“A few days ago,” she tells me. “He was doing okay. Why?”

“I was just thinking about him.”

“Should give him a call,” she suggests.

“Yeah, maybe I will,” I offer. “How are my favorite nieces?”

“They’ve been extra good, but that’s what happens when Christmas is in less than two weeks. All I have to do is mention the naughty list or that godforsaken elf, and the fighting stops. I’m going to be sad when I can’t use that to my advantage anymore.” She laughs.

They’re the perfect little family, and while I never try to compare myself, my sister makes me feel like I’m being left behind in the game of getting married and having a family. It’s great being independent and doing what I love, but I still wish I had more purpose in my life.

She continues on as I finish my soup, and when she gets another call, we say our goodbyes. Dasher lazes by my feet. Instead of moving back to the living room, I decide to stay and work from here.

There’s a perfect view of the pond, and now that the furnace is working, the entire house is toasty warm. As I stare out the window, letting my mind wander, I decide to call my dad. It rings a few times, and I almost expect him not to answer, but he does.

“Hey, honey. Happy holidays.”

I scoff. “Bah Humbug.”

“Somehow I knew you’d say that. How have things been going?”

We’d briefly chatted before my trip here, so I fill him in on the latest but leave out the parts that would make him worry.

“Everyone is very nice here. The town is like the North Pole,” I explain. “And the mayor dresses like Santa and hands out candy canes.”

Dad chuckles. “That sounds like your own personal hell.”

“Oh, it is,” I admit. “But it’s not as bad as I thought it’d be. Or maybe I’m warming up to it now.”

“That’s good, at least. Maybe you’ll find the Christmas spirit while you’re there.” He muffles like he’s holding back laughter.

“Yeah, yeah.” I swallow hard, thinking about what Levi said about Christmas spirit the night we slept together. I ask about my stepmom, Shannon, and I can hear the smile in his voice when he talks about her.

“She’s great now that I let her decorate the house for the holidays. Honestly, I’m still getting used to it.”

My dad met Shannon while I was in college eight years ago, and they hit it off immediately. I don’t have a relationship with her, but she’s always been kind. Plus, my father seems happy and that’s all I want for him.

“Yeah, I understand that,” I say, scanning Levi’s house. My mom was the only other person I knew who loved Christmas as much as him.

“Well, sweetheart, I should probably let you get back to your writing. Keep in touch, okay?”

“I will. Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, my little grinch.”

Laughter escapes me as I end the call, feeling much better now that I’ve heard his voice. This time of year is always the hardest for me, and I usually dive into work without a second thought. My sister has her family and my dad has Shannon, and then there’s me, the scrooge who refuses to celebrate. Before they take hold and ruin the rest of my day, I push those thoughts away.

Wanting a mindless task, I scroll through my social media feeds. Eventually, I pull myself away, then work for another hour before I realize my bladder is about to explode. I get up and rush to the bathroom. When I return, the back door opens and closes, and I smile, knowing Levi’s home.

I hate to admit it, but I miss him when he’s gone.

“Hi,” I say, keeping my tone flat.

“Damn, it’s hot in here. Guess Jasper stopped by?” He strips off his gloves, jacket, and hat.

“Yep, around lunch. It’s a perfect seventy-five degrees,” I say, returning to my stool.

He adjusts the temperature, and I scold him. “Hey! I’m making up for lost heat.”

“Woman, my balls are sweating. I know that’s too much information, but I can’t breathe in this heat. I’m suffocating. I’ll have to walk around naked, and you’ve already warned me against doing that.”

I hold back laughter. “Fine.”

Dasher gets up and Levi lets him out. I put in my earbuds and turn on some calming sounds.

My fingers fly over the keys. I do everything I can to smack down my inner editor and move forward. As I’m writing about the mayor, I feel Levi hovering.

I take my earbud out and slightly close my screen, then glare at him. “What are you doing?”

“You can’t publish that.”

My face transforms into the dirtiest look I can manage. “Excuse me?”

“It’s too bland. Are you writing a history piece or an article about a Christmas town?”

This pisses me off. “I didn’t realize you were an expert. Why should I listen to you?”

He laughs, which only annoys me further. “It’s lacking the feel of Maplewood Falls. No magic is pouring from the pages.”

“Well, maybe that’s because I haven’t felt anything remotely magical.”

“Liar.”

“The people I’ve met have been kind and helpful. My integrity is on the line, and above anything, I’m honest. Maybe it doesn’t have magic , but this is my first draft, and I haven’t edited it yet. Maybe my opinion will change after the festival, but right now, I don’t see how it’s any different from any other wintery ski town I’ve been to.”

“That’s it.”

My brows crease.

“Guess I’m gonna have to bring it up a notch then.”

“What does that even mean?”

“You’ll see. When do you leave again?”

“Sunday, the day after the festival.” I’ve already been here for ten days, and it’s crazy to think I only have four left.

He rubs his palms together, then pulls his phone from his pocket. “Guess I better get to work then.”

“Explain.”

He flashes a shit-eating smirk that I don’t like. “You’ll see, Little Miss Seattle. You’ll see.”