Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses (Kringle Falls #1)

10. Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

B eep. Beep. Beep.

“The National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont, has issued a Severe Winter Storm Warning for Addison County, Bennington County, Caledonia County, Chittenden County, Essex County, Franklin County, Grand Isle County…”

“That includes us.” Michael spoke over the radio. “Looks like Mother Nature isn’t done dumping snow on us just yet.”

The weather alert continued, “The severe winter storm warning is in effect until six p.m. Thursday. The winter storm is capable of producing winds of at least thirty-five miles per hour. Visibility will be reduced to less than a quarter mile. Whiteouts are to be expected. This storm system is expected to produce up to six inches of snow. The storm is currently located in New York and moving northeast at twelve miles per hour…”

Michael turned off the radio.

“Hey, what did you do that for?”

“Because we heard everything we needed to know. Besides, it’s not like you can go anywhere just yet.” Michael reached over the snoozing dogs to lay his hand over hers. He gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Everything is going to be all right. You and the puppies are safe. That’s the most important part.”

Where his hand touched hers, it felt as though static electricity arced between them. The sensation sent a wave of goosebumps over her flesh. The reaction was unexpected and intense. She told herself she was worked up about the storm warning, and it had nothing to do with Michael’s hand on hers.

She noticed how his hand lingered longer than necessary. Her gaze lowered to where they were touching. She should move her hand, but she didn’t want to. Not yet.

Instead, she averted her gaze to the lazy river flowing through the valley. “I just feel like I’m letting people down.”

“You had an accident. I’m sure they’ll understand.” As though he remembered his hand was still resting on hers, he moved it.

Immediately, she noticed the distinct coldness where he was touching her just a moment ago. She missed the warmth of his touch, but she resisted the urge to reach out to him. “I guess. I just wish my phone was working.”

“Sorry you can’t charge it in here. This truck was around long before cell phones.”

“Your grandfather must have thought highly of you to leave it to you.”

”Or he figured I was the only one in the family who knew how to keep it running.”

She glanced around at the interior, noticing that nothing looked worn out. Michael had taken loving care of it. “Have you done much work on it?”

Michael nodded. “After all of this time, I don’t think there’s a part of the truck that I haven’t cleaned, fixed, or replaced.”

“I guess your grandfather knew what he was doing when he left it to you.”

Michael didn’t say anything, but she noticed how his chin lifted ever so slightly, and the slightest of smiles lifted the corners of his lips. Happiness looked good on him. He should definitely smile more often.

Not sure how to keep the conversation going, she asked, “Do you mind if I turn on the music again?”

“I guess not.”

She turned the knob and heard the click before the Christmas music came through the truck’s speakers. She leaned back against the seat and stared out at the passing scenery. It was then she noticed snowflakes begin to fall.

It appeared they had gotten the forecast right. More snow was on the way. She would be stuck in Kringle Falls until it passed over. It also meant she would be spending more time with Michael. She couldn’t deny the idea appealed to her. She enjoyed spending time with him.

And then she had a thought. “I suppose this means I could paint more of those ornaments.”

He gave her a quick sideways glance. “You want to?”

She nodded. “I enjoyed it.”

“Then it sounds like a plan.” He was quiet for a moment before he said, “But first we need to swing by the market and pick up some groceries.”

“And the pet store,” she reminded him.

“How could I possibly forget? These little ones have quite the appetite.”

“That’s because they’re growing.”

“Is that what you think? I think it’s just because they need the energy so they can play all of the time.” His tone was light and teasing.

If she didn’t know better, she’d think the pups were growing on him. Tank was still pressed up against Michael’s leg, as though he belonged there, and there was no other place in this world he wanted to be.

The radio crackled. She couldn’t tell if it was the distance or the bad weather. Maybe it was a combination of both.

“Deck the Halls” came to an end, and the radio announcer’s warm, deep voice came through the speakers. “With another storm on the way, it looks like there’s going to be a run on bread and milk. Stay tuned for any weather updates.”

An advertisement for a local hardware store played, followed by “Let It Snow.” Someone had a strange sense of humor.

She continued to stare out the windshield as the snowflakes grew in size and intensity. With the temperature hovering just below freezing, it wouldn’t take long for the roadways to become covered.

When the truck veered away from the river, she was disappointed. She wanted to see Kringle Falls. “Will we be driving past the waterfall?”

He gave her a quick glance. “Curious, huh?”

She nodded. “It must be impressive for an entire town to be named after it. But it’s okay. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.”

He didn’t say anything, but at the next intersection, he put on the turn signal and turned to the right—back in the direction of the river. He was taking her to see Kringle Falls. She was touched by the gesture.

She peered out the window at the passing houses all dressed up with strings of unlit lights. There were deflated characters just waiting for evening to settle in and their fans to be plugged in so they could wave at passersby.

She really wanted to see this town in the evening, when it came to life. But she would have to be content with this short tour.

He pointed in the direction of the passenger’s window. “Over there is Kringle Falls Park.”

She whipped her head around to stare out the window. She couldn’t see anything. She sat up taller, hoping it would help her see better. “I don’t see it.”

“Hang on a moment.” He pulled up to a stop sign. Then he made another right turn. “Look out your window as we cross the bridge.”

She kept her gaze focused out the window, and then she saw it. It was nothing as grand as Niagara Falls, but it had its own beauty. The water dropped about thirty or forty feet. It was beautiful as the water rushed over the numerous rocks. All too soon they exited the bridge, and the waterfall was out of sight.

“Thank you,” she said. “It was beautiful.”

“If there wasn’t snow on the ground, I’d take you over to the platforms that overlook the falls.”

“I would have liked that.” She meant it. “But sadly, I’ll be gone long before the snow melts.”

“Maybe you could stop back sometime.” His tone was casual, as though he knew it would never happen, and it was just wishful thinking.

“Maybe.” The thought appealed to her more than she was expecting. “We’ll see.”

The layer of snow that was already on the ground made this small town look like it was something straight out of a Christmas movie. The rooftops were covered with fluffy white snow. The porches were strung with colored lights. And the street lamps all had big red bows.

She couldn’t believe how many Christmas decorations lined the street. Every house and storefront was decked out for the season. It would take a real scrooge not to feel the holiday spirit here.

“We’ll stop at the pet shop first.” He slowed the pickup for the one stop light in the town. “Will you need help picking up the dog food?”

“Uh, no.” She wondered what that meant. Was he planning to drop her off and keep going? But going where?

As though he could read her thoughts, he said, “I need to run to Nutz.”

Surely, she hadn’t heard him correctly. “You’re running where?”

“To Nutz Hardware. I need to pick up some more sandpaper for the ornaments.”

“Oh. Okay. Do you think the pet store will mind if I take the three musketeers with me?”

“No. Merry Kringle owns Purr ’n Woof Supplies. She loves animals. I’m sure she’d love to meet these three.”

Another unique store name. She was intrigued by the unusual names. Something told her that Kringle Falls was as unique as their store names. She really wished she had more time to explore the town.

Michael pulled his pickup into the first available parking spot. It was a few spots down from the pet store. To her surprise, Michael scooped up Tank’s leash. He moved swiftly, placing the pup under his arm as he exited the truck. With long strides, he rounded the front of the truck before she was able to untangle the pups from their leashes.

He opened the door for her and reached out to take Odie from her so she only had Tater Tot to manage as she stepped out of the vehicle. Not wanting the pups to get salt on their feet, she suggested they carry them to the pet shop. Michael didn’t look happy as Tank licked his face, but with a pup in each arm, he set off for the pet shop.

As they made their way along the sidewalk, she noticed that most of the buildings on the street were painted in shades of red, green, and lots of white. It was all very Christmassy. This town certainly took the holiday seriously. Maybe a little too seriously.

And then she saw a white wooden sign hanging in front of the pet store. It had painted in black letters: Purr ’n Woof Supplies . She couldn’t wait to see the interior.

She opened the door for Michael. There was the jingle of bells. When she glanced at the door, she noticed a silver jingle bell tree hanging from it. Adorable!

Tater Tot wiggled in her arms. “Okay. Okay.” She moved farther inside and then put the pup down. “There you go. Now behave.” She made sure to shorten the leash. She knew too well how excited these little guys could get. And that couldn’t happen in there, because she noticed the sign just below the jingle tree that read: You break it, you buy it . And she was already stretching her savings as far it would go.

Michael stepped up next to her. “Everything okay?”

“Uh... Yes. I was just telling Tater to behave.”

Michael nodded in understanding. “These pups definitely like to get into mischief.” He glanced at Tank. “And you’re the ringleader.”

Tank barked as though he understood what Michael had said.

“Welcome.” An older woman with short curly snow-white hair approached them. She wore gold wire-rimmed glasses. Her cheeks were rosy, and her blue eyes were attentive. “I’m Merry Kringle.”

“Hi.” Candi couldn’t help but imagine this woman was Mrs. Claus. If the town were to put on a play, she’d most definitely fit the part. Of course, the woman’s red dress and white apron helped perpetuate the idea.

The woman knelt down to fuss over the puppies. They all seemed to love her, except for Tank. He was more standoffish. He preferred to remain by Michael’s side than to meet someone new.

Michael cleared his throat. “Merry, could you help Candi pick out some dog food? I need to run over to Nutz for some sandpaper and I need to get a few groceries. I won’t be gone long.”

“Oh, sure. No need to rush. We’ll be just fine. Won’t we?” She continued to pet the dogs, and in return they climbed on her in order to give her a kiss.

Candi was happy that Odie and Tater Tot were so outgoing. It’d make it so much easier to find their forever homes. However, it was Tank that concerned her. He was determined to stay with Michael, but so far Michael hadn’t reciprocated those feelings.

When Michael turned to walk out the door, Tank yanked hard on the leash. Candi hadn’t expected such a hard tug, and she almost lost her balance. Tank barked and whined. It was as though the pup feared he wouldn’t see Michael again.

“Tank, it’s okay,” she said. “He’ll be back.”

Tank continued to carry on.

“Why don’t you let me take these two?” Merry held her hand out for Odie’s and Tater Tot’s leashes.

“Thank you.” Candi handed over the two leashes. All the while Tank continued to yank on the leash, trying to follow Michael.

Candi scooped up Tank, who was all worked up. “It’s okay, buddy. He’ll be right back.”

Tank wouldn’t take his gaze off the door. She knew then and there that leaving this small town—leaving Michael wasn’t just going to be hard for her but for Tank too. Her gaze moved to the now closed door. Too bad Michael couldn’t see that he and Tank belonged together. But she wasn’t giving up on convincing him of this notion.

“Is this your first visit to Kringle Falls?” Merry Kringle asked, drawing Candi’s attention.

“Yes. But it isn’t exactly a visit.” When Merry sent her an inquisitive look, Candi explained about her accident.

“I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank goodness you and the pups are safe. So, will you be in town long?”

She shook her head. “I’m hoping to get on the road soon. I wanted to leave today but with the van in the garage and another snowstorm on the way, I’ve had to delay my plans.”

“That’s a wise suggestion. In these parts, you can never be too careful when it comes to winter storms.” When Merry straightened, she asked, “What can I help you with?”

“I’m out of food for the pups. I brought just enough for the trip, not thinking we’d get stuck in the snow.”

“I understand.” She gestured for Candi to follow her.

They talked about the dogs, the town and the weather as they slowly picked out food for the puppies. Merry was in no hurry and for the moment, neither was Candi. She enjoyed the woman’s company.

Merry had indulged the pups by giving them a couple of treats each. This totally won them over. Merry had been elevated to one of their favorite humans; well, at least that was true for Odie and Tater Tot. Tank was still looking longingly at the door, hoping Michael would walk through it.

Candi glanced around the shop, loving how it had a fenced-off training area in the back. Then she imagined Michael and Tank taking a class together. A smile pulled at the corners of her lips. They’d both be fighting to be the one in charge.

“Something amusing?” Merry arched a brow.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Feeling Merry’s curious gaze still on her, she said, “I was just trying to imagine Michael and Tank taking an obedience class. They are both so stubborn.”

“It looks like Tank has already picked out his human,” Merry said as a matter of fact.

“You noticed that?”

Merry nodded.

“The only problem is I don’t think Michael got the memo.”

Merry rang up the food. “You have to give Michael some time. He’s been through a lot.”

Candi nodded. “He told me about his family.”

“It was a huge blow to the whole community. But it decimated Michael. His whole family was really concerned about him, but eventually he was able to pull himself out of that dark hole.” Merry told her the total for the food.

Candi withdrew some cash from her purse and handed it over. “I can’t even imagine what he went through.”

“What he needs is someone to come into his life and remind him that there’s more to life than his work.”

If Candi didn’t know better, she’d think Merry was referring to her. But that wasn’t possible, because she was just passing through town.

Candi swallowed hard. “I’m sure it’ll all work out when he’s ready.”

“Oh, I don’t know. That man is really good at dragging his feet when he wants to. But I think Santa has something special in mind for him this Christmas.” Merry counted out the change and handed it over.

Immediately, the thought of Michael with another woman flashed in Candi’s mind. They were smiling at each other, and then they kissed. She dismissed the image, but it left behind a sour feeling in the pit of her stomach. She refused to admit what it meant because soon she was leaving Kringle Falls in her rearview mirror.

“You should consider hanging around town.” Merry’s voice drew her from her thoughts. “There’s something magical about this place. People don’t always get what they want for Christmas, but they get what they need.”

Before Candi could ask what Merry’s cryptic message meant, the front door jingled. She turned her head to see Michael enter the store.

Merry bagged the food. “Make sure you stop back.”

“I wish I could but I won’t have time. I’m already late to make it to the shelter.”

“You don’t always need to be in a rush. ’Tis the season to slow down and enjoy the blessings around you.” Merry gave her another knowing look. “I’ll be here when you need something.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” She had a feeling Merry was implying she knew something that Candi did not. She wanted to ask her about it, but Michael stepped up beside her and she lost her train of thought.

Tank rushed to Michael’s side and pawed at his leg. Michael bent over to pet him. When he straightened, he asked, “Are you ready to go?”

Candi turned to him. “We are. Merry helped us find everything we needed.” She turned back to the woman. “Thank you so much. You have the nicest pet store.”

“You’re welcome. And make sure you come back.”

When they stepped outside, she noticed the snow was falling fast and collecting on the sidewalks and roadway. She had to move carefully because the sidewalks were slick, and both of her arms were around the pups. Thankfully, Tank preferred to have Michael carry him because he was the heaviest of the three pups.

Once all five of them and the dog food were situated in the pickup, Michael’s phone rang. She couldn’t help but feel a wee bit jealous since her phone at the moment was little more than a paper weight. She couldn’t wait to get back to the house so she could charge it and be in contact with everyone.

Michael’s phone conversation was quite brief. When he ended it, he said, “I’m afraid that I am needed at work.”

“I thought it was your day off.”

“It was until it started to snow again.” They pulled out onto the now quiet road. He turned on the windshield wipers. “But don’t worry. I picked up some groceries. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just got some of the basics. Feel free to use any of it while I’m gone.”

“I just feel bad that you have to go to work now after being up early because of me and the van.”

“I’m good. Nothing a thermos of hot coffee and some sandwiches won’t take care of.”

It gave her an idea...