The Noel Bridge

Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

T he next morning, Alicia awoke to a tiny break of sunshine streaming in through the guest-room window and a voicemail from Mr. Fairlane, telling her that the parking lot had been cleared and she could get her car out anytime. She rolled over, stretched, and rubbed her eyes. When she peered at her phone screen again, she counted the hours—nine—and couldn’t believe how long she’d slept.

Her mind had been quiet last night, but it was back at full speed this morning. She got out of bed, pondering what she wanted to do after she caught her flight on Friday. She knew she’d go back to her condo and the next week she would start training for her new position—all that was fine. But what did she want to do outside of work? She continued thinking about it as she walked into Evelyn’s empty living room. Evelyn had left a note on the counter that said to call her if Alicia wanted a ride. She went into the kitchen and pulled a bowl from the cabinet, then opened the pantry for a box of cereal.

She had some nursing friends in Savannah she could do things with. Most of her friends had been hers and Bo’s—other couples. Seeing them was difficult because conversation always moved to their concern about her losing Bo, and without him to carry the conversation, she didn’t really know what to say to them. She needed her own friends—friends like Evelyn. Perhaps she could start a book group at work or something.

She got out the milk and prepared her cereal, relishing the quiet. Before coming to Noel, she’d hated the silence, but now she felt comfortable in it. It didn’t remind her of the voice that was missing anymore. Instead, it wrapped her up like a warm embrace.

As she munched on breakfast, she decided to call her mom. She grabbed her phone and sat crisscrossed on the sofa.

“Morning, honey,” her mother answered.

“Merry Christmas,” she said.

Her mother let out a sweet chuckle. “Merry Christmas. How are you?”

“I’m surprisingly well.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Hellooo,” her sister’s voice came through the phone.

“Your sister says hi.”

A plume of happiness swelled within Alicia. Her family was pretty great, and she hadn’t really taken time to notice lately. “Tell her I said merry Christmas.”

Her mother called the message out to her sister who returned, “Love you!”

“So how’s the tan coming along?” Alicia asked before taking a bite of her cereal.

“Mm. It’s all right. More red than tan. My winter skin wasn’t quite ready for all the sun.”

“I can imagine. I’m as white as the snow outside. ”

“How is Noel?”

“Also surprisingly good. I can’t help thinking I’d rather stay here than fly back home.”

“Oh?”

“But staying here doesn’t make any sense. I have that promotion starting in January, and I’ve just finished decorating the condo. I have no idea if there are any jobs in Noel that pay what I need, and I have nowhere to live.”

“Sounds to me like you’re trying to talk yourself out of it.”

Alicia shifted the bowl on her lap. “I’m just trying to be rational.”

“Rational can be noble. It helps us make good choices. But you seem so much happier and more at ease since you’ve been in Noel. You also have to listen to your gut. Sometimes, that voice gives you crazy advice, but when you follow it, you see what God had actually intended for you.”

Alicia wasn’t sure if she should listen to her gut today. Maybe it was the joy of the holiday or the absolute bliss of being distracted from her grief. “What if I give up everything and realize I’ve made the worst choice of my life?”

“If it’s from your heart, it won’t be the worst choice.”

Alicia let the words sink in. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course.”

They sat in silence for a moment, and Alicia heard her dad and brother-in-law laughing in the background.

“What are you all doing for Christmas?” she asked.

“We’re going out for brunch in a little while and then spending the day on the beach. Santa brought Oscar some new sand toys.”

She smiled. “Sounds wonderful.”

“How about you?” her mother asked .

“I’m going to spend the evening with Evelyn and her parents.”

“Oh, tell them I said hello.”

“I will.”

They chatted a little longer, then Alicia finished the call and scooped up a few more bites of her cereal, her mind on the little voice that wouldn’t leave her alone. Bo, I need an answer , she thought. But as she sat there, nothing came.

She needed a sign. But she deliberated over visiting the one place she knew was known for signs. It sure seemed like a lot had gone right since she’d visited the bridge. Should she give it one more try?

Her mind not entirely made up, she finished eating, rinsed out her bowl, and got ready for the day. By the time she’d dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, curled her hair, and applied a little makeup, she’d decided. She left and went down to the local bus stop. When it pulled up, she climbed in.

“What stop, ma’am?” the driver asked.

“The Noel bridge, please,” she said, deciding to get her car afterward.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She went to the middle of the empty shuttle and sat close to the window. The driver pulled away from the curb and drove down Main Street toward the fork in the road. After a few turns, they’d made it. He maneuvered around the piles of snow and parallel parked on the side street.

“This is the last stop before I turn around and head back into town. What with it being Christmas day, it’s been empty. If you won’t be long, would you like me to wait for you?”

“Yes, please. Thank you so much,” she said as she got out. She pulled her coat tighter to keep herself from shivering and walked to the opening of the bridge. She stepped onto the path that led to the other side, where light streamed through the trees. With the sun shining today, it was brighter inside, and she could see where she was going.

She leaned against the wooden wall of the bridge and closed her eyes. I don’t know what exactly to ask for. I guess I need to know if I should stay in Noel because, while it seems crazy, everything about it feels right. Could I have a sign?

“Alicia?” A familiar voice broke into her thoughts.

She opened her eyes to see Leo walking toward her.

“Hey,” she said. Can it really be that easy?

The corner of his mouth twitched up. “Hey.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I’ve been trying to call you, but you didn’t answer.”

She patted her pockets. “It looks like I left my phone on the sofa back at Evelyn’s. I called my mom and must have forgotten to grab it before I left.”

“Ah, well, that explains it.” His brows pulled together. “I have no idea why, but I had a feeling I’d find you here.”

Her breath caught, and she looked around the wooden structure. If she concentrated hard enough, would she see angels or something?

“Why were you trying to call me?” she asked, not wanting to admit that Leo was a big, fat sign.

“Dad wanted to see you. He asked for you this morning. Since you don’t have any family here, I thought I’d invite you over.” He pointed to the wide mouth of the opening in the bridge. “He’s in the car.”

“I took the shuttle bus here. If I go back with you, I’ll need to tell the driver. He’s waiting.”

“All right.” As she turned to walk toward the bus, he caught her arm. “Hey, what were you wishing for when I walked up? Your eyes were closed, so you were wishing, right?”

She peered into his blue eyes. “I was asking for a sign to let me know if I should stay in Noel.”

A grin emerged on his lips. “You don’t need a miraculous sign. How about I just ask you to stay?”

“Why would you want me to stay?”

He took a step toward her, closing the space between them. “Because my life got exponentially better the minute you walked into the diner that first time, and I barely slept last night because I couldn’t stop thinking about you leaving on Friday.”

His honesty surprised her. And… she felt the same way. She wanted to stay with him. That little voice telling her to stay was her heart.

Leo tentatively reached out for her hand, and she let him take it. The feel of his masculine grip on her fingers gave her a flutter. He looked into her eyes and she swallowed, unable to keep her pulse from rising. A gentle smirk formed at his lips as his gaze gave away his question: Was she thinking the same thing he was? The tiny lick of her lips must have given him the answer, because he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, careful, as if he were trying not to give her too much to ponder, but wanting her to know that he cared for her.

“I’ll walk you to the shuttle,” he said. “Then will you come home with me?”

“Of course. I need to get my car from Fairlane House, though,” she replied, trying to slow her pattering heart.

“That’s no problem. I can take you to get it later.”

“Okay.”

They let the driver know she had another ride and went over to Leo’s SUV. Dean lit up from the passenger’s side when he saw her, opening his door and calling hello.

She waved to him.

“Found her,” Leo said as he opened the back door to let her in.

“I’m so glad,” Dean said. “I was hoping you’d come back and help us eat those Christmas cookies. And I want to show you some photos.”

Alicia climbed into the vehicle, shut the door, and fastened her seat belt. “That sounds wonderful. Have you had a good Christmas so far?”

“Oh, yes,” Dean said. “I got some lovely gifts. One is a photo box, which is why I wanted to show you some pictures.”

“We’ve been labeling them all morning,” Leo said.

“Yes,” Dean added. “It’s such a blessing to know they’re all dated and identified.”

“I’ve been learning about my great aunts and second cousins. Apparently I have a ton of family I had no idea about,” Leo said as he turned on the main road. “I have a lot of people I’d like to meet one day.”

“You definitely should,” she said.

After a short ride, they arrived at her childhood home. Alicia got out and she and Leo helped Dean across the icy drive to the door. Once inside, Alicia was filled with happiness. Wrapping paper was strewn across the floor, just like it had been on Christmas mornings when she was growing up. A plate of cookies and a glass of milk sat on the coffee table, and while it was probably Leo’s or Dean’s, it reminded her of when they used to leave out a treat for Santa in the exact same spot. With the tree lights shimmering in the corner, the house felt like home again—more like home than her condo in Savannah .

“Come in, come in.” Dean ushered her to the sofa. “Have a seat.”

“Want any coffee or hot cocoa?” Leo asked.

“Coffee sounds wonderful.”

“I’ll get us each a mug. Dad, you want some?”

“No, thank you, son. I’m okay,” he said as he pulled the wooden box with his initials toward him, his face alight with joy. He opened the box and began thumbing through the pictures.

“Alicia,” Leo called. “Do you mind helping me in the kitchen?”

“Not at all.” She followed him into the other room.

“Sorry in advance about all the pictures you’re about to see,” Leo whispered, making a face.

She chuckled. “It’s fine.”

“Hours of stories about perfect strangers? Doesn’t sound all that fun.” He took the coffee out of the pantry and filled the coffee maker, then walked over to her and took her hands. “But spending time with you, even if we have to endure all the stories, sounds pretty great.”

She smiled up at him, feeling happy.

“I want you to stay. I want to see you again,” Leo said.

“Same,” she said. They’d only just met. Could she uproot her life to be close to him?

“I feel as if you dropped out of the sky for the sole purpose of making my holiday. Ever since you got here, I’ve hoped to run into you again. I even asked for it at the bridge the other day,” he said.

“You did?”

“Looks like the magic worked. You’re standing in my kitchen on Christmas Day.”

“How long does it take to make a cup of coffee?” Dean called from the other room, cutting through their conversation.

Leo gave Alicia a we’d-better-get-in-there look.

An electric charge buzzed between them as they prepared their coffees. Her mind spinning, she took her mug, warming her hands with it, and followed Leo into the living room.

She sat on the sofa beside Dean and peered over his shoulder as he pulled a photo from the box that showed two men standing proudly against a fence. Dean squinted at the image, his lips pursed.

“I can’t remember who these two are.”

He flipped the photo over and Leo read the names.

“Oh, yes. They’re my cousins.” Dean placed the picture on the table, frustration showing between his brows. He pulled out another photo of a beautiful young woman with long dark hair the same color as Leo’s, and he smiled.

“This is Maryanne, Leo’s mom.”

As Alicia peered closer at the woman, she recognized Leo’s cheekbones and the same curve of his eyes. “You look like your mother,” she told him.

“Thank God for that.” Dean chuckled and then sobered as he leaned over the photo. “Maryanne took my breath away.” He put his hand to his heart. “Everyone should feel the feeling of knowing someone’s inner beauty so strongly that they steal the air from your lungs. Don’t you think, son?”

Alicia glanced at Leo.

“Yeah,” he said, his gaze on her. “Everyone should.”

As she looked in his eyes, she felt that undeniable feeling too.

Dean seemed to notice, his gaze darting between them, a knowing smile on his lips .

No matter how Alicia felt, though, even if there was something between them, she wasn’t sure how to make staying in Noel work. While Leo looked through the photos with his dad, she looked on absentmindedly. Her only qualifications were as a nurse, and the hospital in Noel couldn’t pay her what she made in Savannah, and she needed that salary to manage Bo’s lingering hospital debt.

She looked over at Leo. Had all of this change been some sort of spell? Had the mystique around the bridge and the Christmas season romanticized their meeting?

Or were they bound by the anxiety of tragedy? Now that Dean was safe, and once the holiday was over, would she and Leo drift apart? A sudden fear gripped her. What if she picked up her entire life, let go of her job and took a lower position here, only to have everything fall to pieces? She might not recover if things changed between her and Leo. This was all moving too quickly.

She tried to enjoy the rest of her time with the Whitakers. They chatted about the photos and ate a frozen pizza for lunch while she played out scenarios in her mind. By the time it was late enough in the afternoon that she needed to say goodbye and go to Evelyn’s, she’d made a muddle of all the choices.

Leo offered to take her to get her SUV. She said goodbye to Dean and climbed into the vehicle.

The ride was quiet. Were they both thinking about what, if anything, would come next for them?

“I’ll see you later,” she said when they arrived at Fairlane House, although the words didn’t really fit. She swallowed to alleviate the heaviness in her chest as she looked into his eyes.

The corner of his mouth lifted, affection in his gaze. “My dad’s caregiver, Agnes, will be here tomorrow. Let’s do something after you finish at the hospital, just the two of us. I’ll surprise you.”

“Okay,” she said, her skin tingling with the thrill of seeing him again.

“See you tomorrow, then.”

She liked the sound of that much better. “See you tomorrow.”

She shut the door and he drove away. She was unable to stop her heart from pattering. Her mother’s suggestion to follow her heart came to mind, but she wasn’t sure leaning into her inclinations would work in this situation. She dug the rental key out of her handbag, got into the SUV, and started the engine.

“Oh, my heavens, how you’ve grown!” Evelyn’s mother, Fay, said, rushing toward Alicia with her arms outstretched. The portly woman wrapped her in a tight embrace and then pulled back. “How’s your mama?”

Evelyn made a silly face from behind her mother, causing Alicia to laugh.

“She’s doing well. She’s in Florida, avoiding the snow,” Alicia said, trying to be serious.

“Well, I see who has the brains between us,” Fay said with a laugh, finally letting Alicia loose. “Anyone with a grain of salt in their noggin would be in a warmer climate right now.” She linked her arm with Alicia’s and guided her into the kitchen where a Christmas spread of food sprawled across the table. “Eat up.”

The earlier pizza having worn off, Alicia was starving.

Evelyn passed her a paper plate while Fay fluttered off to the other room and jumped into a conversation with Roy, Evelyn’s dad.

“You’ll never believe what I got for Christmas,” Evelyn whispered as she spooned a lump of potato salad onto her plate.

“What?” Alicia asked.

Evelyn faced her, her eyes wide. “A text.”

“A text?”

“Not just any text. A text from Andy.” Evelyn’s eyebrows bounced excitedly. “He told me merry Christmas and asked when he could see me again.” She handed Alicia the serving spoon.

“That’s wonderful.” Alicia scooped some potato salad onto her plate.

“It was the bridge. I’m convinced.”

Alicia got a ham biscuit from a platter painted with Christmas trees. Could it have been the bridge? “Or maybe it was just that he decided to text you because we had fun the other night.”

“Fine, don’t believe me. But I know the bridge’s magic works. Every one of us got our wish.”

Alicia worked to push away the niggling reminder of that morning. She’d gone to the bridge to ask for a sign, and Leo had shown up. She wanted to believe the bridge had some kind of direct line to the heavens and that it could somehow grant their wishes, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t let go of her wish as a girl not coming true.

The rest of the evening, as she made small talk with Evelyn’s family, catching them up on what she’d been doing since her family left Noel and hearing their stories of the years after she’d moved, she continued thinking about the bridge, wondering what she could ask for next.