My Greatest Joy (Maplewood Falls #2)

Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

FALLON

We continue down the trail, jingle bells jangling, and I feel as if the elephant that’s been sitting on my back for the past twenty years has moved over a little.

“What are you thinking about?” Levi asks before I get too lost in my head.

“I’ve never shared that about my mom with anyone outside of my sister and dad,” I admit.

“How come?”

I shrug. “I guess it felt like a lot of emotional baggage to throw on someone. It’s always an awkward thing to bring up, and people usually don’t know what to say or how to act. So I keep it to myself. Plus, it’s always been so hard for me to articulate how I’ve felt over the years.”

“That makes sense.”

“Once my mom was gone and my sister moved out, my dad fell into depression and so did I. Neither of us talked about it, and I guess we thought that if we ignored it, it’d disappear. The holidays were always a reminder of what we lost. I asked him if we could stop celebrating because it was too painful, so we pretended it didn’t exist. We should’ve gone to therapy, but my dad is very stubborn when it comes to talking about his emotions or problems.”

“Sounds like you two have a lot in common,” Levi says with soft eyes, and I smile.

“I’m more like my dad than I like to admit sometimes. My sister is just like my mom.”

“I know you don’t need rescuing, Fallon, but damn, I’d take away the pain if you’d let me.”

My heart flutters, and I don’t know what to say. I touch the necklace around my neck, and he smiles. “My mom’s.”

He nods. “I figured it was.”

“I never take it off,” I tell him. “I’m always scared that if I do, I’ll lose it. My sister has one too and hasn’t taken it off since the day she got it.”

“So you don’t have to answer this question if you don’t want to, but has your sister canceled Christmas as well?”

I slowly exhale. “No, she has kids and loves Christmas as much as our mom did. While it took a lot for her to get there, she eventually came around. Her husband helped her through everything. My dad eventually remarried when I was twenty-two, and my stepmom pulled him out of his shell, too. Then there’s me. The single Scrooge.”

“I can think of a few other names to add to that list,” he teases.

I laugh as snow falls on my eyelashes. “Scrooge. Grinch. Christmas Karen. I’ve been called them all over the years. But I guess if the name fits. I’m the only one who’s stuck living in the past.”

“I was going to say kind, beautiful, inspiring, strong . You’re not a hater because the happiness of it annoys you. It goes deeper than that, and I understand now. I’m sorry if I’m over the top.”

“Don’t apologize for being yourself, Levi. You’ve made me see things differently. Out of all the places in Maplewood Falls, the scammers sent me to Mr. Holly Jolly’s house. Ironic, right?”

He chuckles. “It is, but I’ve been saying that since the beginning.”

“Do you think it’s divine intervention or something?” I ask as snow flurries surround us. The horses’ hooves kick up the snow. Dasher doesn’t seem fazed as he looks around.

“Maybe it was guardian angels,” he says. I look up at the sky, wondering if my mom is somehow responsible. It’s a nice thought and makes me smile.

“Well, if that’s the case, mine sure do have a weird sense of humor.”

He chuckles. “I like to believe that everyone comes into my life for a reason—either as a lesson or long-term. Only the passing of time reveals that. Like Finn. We’ve been friends since we were kids. The majority of the women I dated were nothing more than a lesson.”

“And what did you learn?” I ask.

“If you have to chase someone for their attention, they aren’t interested in you. Love has to go both ways for it to ultimately work out. It’s why I don’t waste people’s time if I don’t feel a connection.”

“That’s a nice perspective—learning a lesson. I’ve never thought about it that way.” My ex comes to mind, but I keep that to myself. I’ve already spilled enough of my heart today, even if he’s a great listener with zero judgment.

I glance at him at the same time he looks at me, and I smile but nervously turn my head. My body heats, and I know it’s not from the blanket wrapped around me.

When the barn comes into view, I’m somewhat disappointed because I’m not ready for our time to end.

Levi pulls the reins until the horses come to a stop and then helps me off the sleigh. An older gentleman walks out of the barn and unhooks the horses while chatting with Levi.

Dasher runs around as Levi says his goodbyes, and then we walk to the truck that’s parked on the side. Like a perfect gentleman, he reaches for the handle of the door but stops before opening it.

“Fallon,” he mutters in a hoarse whisper. Carefully, he places his gloved palm on my cheek, then leans in and paints his lips across mine. I nearly melt as our tongues swipe together, and I groan against him. As much as I try to hold back, my body gives me away.

When we push apart, both gasping, I meet his gaze. “What was that for?”

He gently smiles and shrugs. “You looked like you needed it.”

I lick my lips, wishing I could taste him again. “I did or you did?”

Levi leans in and nibbles against my ear. “Well, considering you reciprocated…that’s a question you need to ask yourself.”

His scruff brushes against my neck and goose bumps trail along my skin.

Words escape me as Levi opens the door. Dasher climbs inside, and I follow. After we’re buckled, we take off.

“Are you okay with us heading back to the shop? I’ll let my mom and sister know I’m leaving.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Before coming to Vermont, if anyone had told me considerate, sweet men like Levi still existed, I would’ve called them a liar. But here he is.

The right man at the wrong time .

Once the building comes into view, Levi slows and puts the truck into park.

“I’ll be right back,” he tells me with a wink and gets out.

I look at Dasher. “You might be the luckiest dog in the world.”

He blinks at me, almost as if he agrees. Reaching over, I take my glove off and twirl his golden hair between my fingers. He repositions himself until he’s halfway sitting on me.

“You’re ridiculous. But I’m gonna miss you, buddy.” I lift my arms, giving him the space he needs.

Five minutes later, Levi returns. “My mom and sister said you’re welcome to help out any day of the week. Apparently, they’re ready to ship me to Seattle and keep you instead.”

I chuckle. “They’re great. Your sister shared all sorts of juicy things about you.”

He looks at me incredulously. “Of course she did. Well…” He hesitates. “Are you going to share with the class?”

I pretend to lock my lips and throw away the key. “Not a chance in hell.”

“Don’t make me march back in there and demand her to tell me,” he warns.

“Go for it. Your threats don’t bother nor intimidate me,” I say with a shrug.

“I’ll get it out of you.”

“We’ll see.” I smirk, petting Dasher.

On the way to his house, I reach forward and turn on the radio. Holiday music lightly plays in the background, but this time, I don’t immediately change it.

“Oh, this is my favorite song,” he tells me, turning up the volume. “Please Come Home for Christmas” plays, and I look out the window at the piles of snow on the side of the road as Levi sings along. He makes a show out of it, reaching and grabbing my hand. I laugh at his playfulness, enjoying the happiness radiating off him.

“I have a memory of my parents dancing to this song in the living room when we were putting up the tree,” I tell him as the guitar solo starts.

“Mom was laughing so damn hard as Dad spun her around, dipping her, and then kissing her. I thought he’d drop her, but he never did.”

“I can almost picture that.”

I nod, listening to him belt out the final chorus.

“I swear that’s the shortest song of all time,” I say when it ends.

“It is.” He puts his blinker on and then kicks his truck into four-wheel drive as we turn onto his road. The cabin sits at the top of the hill, and I take in how cozy it looks surrounded by the snow-covered evergreens.

Before we get out of the truck, Levi shifts and meets my eyes.

“I’m sorry for pushing all this holiday shit on you, Fallon.”

“Oh God, no. Don’t be. I should be thanking you for putting up with my attitude and letting me stay here. Christmas still isn’t my favorite holiday, but it’s growing on me thanks to you.”

“That’s good enough for me. Ya know, since my entire personality depends on it.” He shoots me a wink, nearly repeating the words I said to him when I first arrived.

I chuckle. “I’ll never be able to change the fact that you’re a real-life Santa. It’s just who Levi White, the Christmas tree farmer, is.”

“Not the first time I’ve been told that and I’m sure it won’t be the last, either,” he says.

We make our way inside and take off our coats. Levi feeds Dasher, and I kick off my boots.

“I’m gonna go take a shower,” I tell him.

“Okay. I’ll get dinner started. What are you in the mood for?”

My eyes trail up and down his body, and I drink him in. Are you on the menu, I want to ask, but instead, I say, “Surprise me.”

“Will do.”

I go upstairs, strip off my clothes, and get under the hot water. As I wash my hair, I relax under the stream and replay my day with Levi.

His kindness and hospitality are something I don’t deserve but am so damn appreciative for them.

After I’ve finished, I get dressed and make my way downstairs.

Hearty aromas waft through the air, and my stomach growls. I enter the kitchen, and he looks at me over his shoulder. Dasher is lying on the floor at his feet.

“What did you decide?” I ask.

“I had some salmon in the freezer that my dad caught in Alaska. Serving it with black beans and roasted Brussels sprouts. One hundred percent gluten-free.”

“The beans I’m on board with, but the Brussels sprouts I’ll save for you.” I give him a wary look.

“Have you tried them before?” he asks.

“No. I don’t like the way they look or smell.”

He bursts into laughter. “Sometimes, I have no idea what’s gonna come out of your mouth.”

“They look like little alien veggies when they’re cooked.”

“You’re trying them tonight,” he orders. “But I do have to warn you…your farts might stink.”

Now I’m laughing. “And you say I’m the unpredictable one! Also, ladies don’t do that.”

He glares at me. “ Sure , right, right. If you hate them, I won’t force you to eat them all.”

“I’ll try anything once.” The words linger in the air, and that’s my rule in and out of the bedroom.

Levi flips the fish.

“Do you enjoy cooking?” I ask.

Levi laughs. “For you, I do. But when it comes to myself, I could eat a bowl of cereal and be satisfied.”

My heart flutters at the thought of him doing this for me. “Me too. It’s hard to make food for one person, especially for me. Don’t like leftovers either.”

Levi’s eyes nearly bug out of his head. “Seriously? Why not?”

“It’s never been my thing. I’ll eat them only when I’m desperate.”

“Not sure you’d survive living here. My mom makes so much food during the holidays, we’re always sent home with airtight bags full of turkey, ham, and the works.”

“Sorry, but you’ll never change my mind about that.”

“What if you didn’t know it was a leftover, though?”

“Oh, I always know,” I say matter-of-factly. “It tastes different.”

He mischievously chuckles. “Whatever you say.”

“Why are you laughing?”

“No reason,” he singsongs.

I glare at him. “You’ve fed me leftovers, haven’t you?”

“You didn’t even notice! And I didn’t know it was one of your… quirks .”

“It never came up because delivery doesn’t exist here. But if you saw my fridge in Seattle, you’d judge me. It’s where takeout goes to die.”

“Oh, Fallon Joy. What am I gonna do with you?”

I smile wide. “Remember me forever.”

“Don’t have to worry about that, babe. You’re unforgettable.”

The oven timer goes off, and Levi grabs a mitt. Carefully, he slides the tray out, sets it on top of the stovetop, then removes the skillet from the heat. I enjoy watching him plate our meal.

“Wine?” he asks.

“Sure.”

He grabs two glasses and opens the bottle. Once our glasses are filled, he slides onto the stool next to me.

“What?” he asks as I look down at my plate.

“I seriously have to eat this?”

“Just one bite.” He nudges me. “Try it. You’re almost worse than a kid.”

I playfully smack him, then stab one with my fork. Before placing it in my mouth, I smell it. Then as Levi watches me, I open wide and pop it inside. The outside is crispy, and the inside is squishy, but it tastes…not horrible.

“Well? You didn’t spit it out, so that must be a good sign?”

I pop my lips. “I always swallow the things I put in my mouth, whether good or bad. Not much of a spitter.”

Levi nearly chokes, and I love catching him off guard. I pat his back. “You okay?”

He clears his throat and takes a big gulp of wine. “You’re trying to kill me.”

“These are good. They’re buttery. Not sure why I’ve always refused to give them a chance.” I eat another.

“It’s because you’re stubborn,” he quips.

“No denying that, but somehow, you’ve managed to make progress.”

“It’s my jolly nature.” Levi shoots me a wink.

We continue making small talk while we eat. Randomly, I’ll throw Dasher a piece of salmon, which he quickly gobbles up.

“Keep doing that, and you’ll never be able to eat in peace again.”

“Like it matters,” I say with a laugh. “You’ve raised a beggar.”

After we’re finished, I offer to clean up, but Levi refuses to let me.

“Are you sure you’re the real deal?”

“Huh?” He rinses off the plates and puts them in the dishwasher.

“A man who cooks and cleans. Who’s nice to his mama. Single. Hardworking. Thoughtful. And has a Golden Retriever to match his energy. Do you realize you’re an anomaly?” I can’t even be mad or shocked at all the women who stopped him that day we went into Maplewood Falls. They already knew he was a catch.

He chuckles. “Don’t flatter me.”

“I’m serious,” I tell him. “What skeletons do you have hiding in your closet? Do you have a wife and kids in another country or something?”

Levi wipes his hand on a dish towel, then sets it on the counter. “Nope. Nothing in there but some cobwebs and handfuls of failed relationships. Probably some old ornaments and expired candy canes, too. And that’s the truth. I don’t have anything to hide from you, Fallon. I’m an open book.”

I search his face and can tell he’s being honest. He has no reason to, but I still find it unbelievable someone hasn’t won over his heart.

We go into the living room, and Levi turns on the TV but hands me the remote.

“My turn to shower,” he says, and I nod.

I flick through the channels and land on a holiday movie because that’s all that’s on. It’s not like I’m watching it anyway.

Once Levi is out of the shower, he comes downstairs to let me know he’s going to bed.

“Good night, Fallon,” he calls out.

“Night,” I tell him. Dasher looks at me, then back at him before he follows Levi up the stairs. I stare at the ceiling, hating that I’m fighting a war within myself. And for what, exactly?

When the exhaustion takes over, I turn off the TV and make my way upstairs. As my feet touch the top floor, I stop and look at Levi’s closed door. Placing my palm on the wood, I slowly turn the knob and walk in. The Christmas tree in the corner is lit, and Dasher’s asleep on his dog bed. I take a few steps forward, my nerves getting the best of me.

I haven’t walked into his room since that night we hooked up, but I’ve wanted to so damn bad.

Levi rolls over, and his eyes flutter open. He lifts the blankets without questioning why I’m in here. When I crawl in, he pulls me closer to his warm body. His strong arm wraps around my hip, but I spin around and face him.

When Levi’s lips slowly part, I lean in and slide my mouth across his. The kiss deepens as our tongues tangle together, and I’m nearly breathless by the time I pull away.

“What was that for?” he asks.

“You looked like you needed it,” I say, repeating the words he said to me earlier.

When I roll over, Levi’s strong arm captures me, and his warm breath tickles my neck. Though I live with some regrets in my life, telling him our night together was a mistake is another one. If I could take it back, I would in a heartbeat, but maybe it’s for the best.