Chapter Three
Michael nudged the small plastic hanger into place, tried to keep his attention on the eight or so inches of white stuff piled precariously on the roof over his head and failed. His gaze slid to the woman clutching the gutter lip with what appeared to be all her strength. Why didnt she just let him do this? Are you always this stubborn?
Usually more. If she gripped the gutter any tighter, something was going to break. Rumor has it, stubborn is my middle name.
Hey, mine too. His own laughter surprised him, causing him to almost lose his balance. The ladder wobbled, his hand shot out, hit the snow on the roof and a cold avalanche rained over him. Icy stuff hit him in the face, slid down his coat collar and kept coming in a glittery white fall, blinding him. He probably looked like an idiot.
Good one, she quipped. Now who has a death grip on the gutter?
Im usually more suave than this. Smooth. Debonair. He batted snow out of his face.
I noticed that the first instant we met. Humor laced her words.
She had to remind him of that, didnt she? Not that he could see her just now because another wave of falling snow smacked him in the face.
Need any help? she asked.
No. Debonair he was not. He blinked snow out of his eyes. This looked easier from the ground.
It always does.
The avalanche finally stopped and he ran a gloved hand over his eyes, able to blink. Ice clung to his lashes and gleamed in the sun so when he looked at her, she seemed framed by light, surreal, a vision come to life.
Maybe it would have been smarter to let the sun melt some of this before we started, but did I think of it? No. She clipped her string of lights into the plastic hook. My sisters wanted to get the lights up before Dad gets home.
So hes usually on light duty?
True, but one of us always helps him. The job goes faster that way and besides, you cant help wanting to spend time with Dad.
So this time you want to surprise him? He cringed when a trickle of ice slipped between his shirt and his collarbone.
Something like that. See, Dad always put up the lights with Moms supervision. Since shes been gone... There were no words to describe the loss. She focused on stringing the lights, getting them to sit just right in the clips. Mom was big into Christmas. Lights and decorations and Christmas carols playing. The works.
You dont want your father to feel her loss while hes hanging the lights. Understanding softened his granite features and warmed the low notes of his voice. Its easier to go on when you dont stop to feel the loss.
Exactly. Interesting that they had this in common. She didnt like that her estimation of him crept up a notch. Is that what you do? You try not to feel the grief?
I try to forget it. Bury it. Psychologists might not agree, but it works for me.
Me, too. Last Christmas we couldnt put up as much as a tree. She thought of the seasonal cheer, the festive joy, the touches of caring her mother had brought to the holiday and to her family. This year, were trying to do Christmas the way she would have wanted.
Its a tough thing to do. Two Christmases have gone by for us, this will be our third. He hung another length of lights. It was hardest on Macie.
Im so sorry for that. Do you have other family in the area?
My folks live in town. They moved here after I set up practice, to be closer to their granddaughter. The wind gusted, ruffling his sandy brown hair. Mom always does Christmas right, and she can cook. Cant wait for her turkey and stuffing.
My mom was a good cook, too. But me? Not so much. She clipped more lights in place, ignoring the fact that her fingertips were numb with cold.
You? A bad cook? I dont believe that. You look like theres nothing you do badly.
She would not be charmed by his compliment and a hint of a dimple. Im too clinical. I approach cooking like a lab experiment. Exact measurements with the potential of anything going wrong.
But the outcome is edible.
Mostly, but its been frozen dinners for years. Med school, intern, resident. No time.
I remember well. His gaze met hers, zooming across the distance between them as if there were no distance, as if they were no longer strangers, as if he were way too close.
Shyness swept through her and she jerked her gaze away. Her forearm bumped the gutter and snow tumbled onto her head, momentarily blinding her.
Dont worry. His words carried on the wind. Eventually the ice melts and then youre just wet.
Something to look forward to. The snow just kept on coming. She sputtered, held onto the gutter for dear life and thought she heard the rattle of a ladder that sounded suspiciously closer than it used to be. Sure enough, the avalanche stopped and there was Michael so near she could reach out and push him.
At least the lights look good. He leaned across the foot and half of space between them to brush snow from her face.
Air stalled in her throat, choking her. Really, she could do it herself, but she didnt move. She blinked, able to see the shaven texture of his strong, square jaw and flecks of ice blue in his irises.
Are you okay? Concern crinkled pleasantly in the corners of those irresistible eyes.
Sure. That was invigorating.
Nothing like a snowy winters morning on the roof. His glove swiped snow away from her coat collar.
That was really nice of him, but he was making her dizzy. Somehow she managed to draw in air. Thanks, but Im not Macie.
Right, got it. He handily grabbed the end of her lights dangling from the clip and plugged his string in. The icicle lights dangled and glowed, lovely even in the daylight. I just didnt want you falling.
I appreciate that. She cleared her throat, surprised that her words came out a little strained. Falling would be a bad thing for many reasons. Just think, if I landed in the rosebushes, theyd never be the same.
A dogs happy bark rang like a bell from beneath the porch, scattering sparrows away from the bird feeder. Dee pranced down the steps and down the walkway, head held high, tongue lolling, as excited as if she were leading a parade down Main Street. Macie followed with a few telltale cookie crumbs on her coat, flanked by Sara Beth. Meg shut the front door and trailed down the porch steps after them.
Finally, her sisters had come to rescue her. Not that hanging around with Michael Kramer had been so terrible. No, she certainly couldnt say that. Looks like your daughter has come looking for you.
So I see. I guess thats my cue to leave, unless you want me to stay and help.
Oh no, I have plenty of help, if I can motivate my sisters, and you have a daughter to take care of. She gripped the top rung and moved carefully down one step and the next. Plus, Im anxious to see what shes done to her cast. Let me see, Macie.
Its all Christmassy now. The girl held her arm up for all to see. They had lots of stickers, Dad. It was awesome.
But in the end we went with an animal and Christmas theme, Sara Beth explained, folding a lock of straight dark hair behind her slim shoulder. Doesnt it look stunning?
I think the color scheme works, Meg added, her dark eyes twinkling.
I think the color scheme works, Meg added, her dark eyes twinkling.
Do you like it, Dad? Macie beamed, her pink cast artfully decorated with candy cane stickers, white snowflakes and gold stars, Christmas trees and cats and dogs. And I got to pet Burt.
Whos Burt? he asked.
Burt liked that, Im sure. Chelsea leaned in to check out the stickers. Her light chestnut hair tumbled across her face, shielding her as she admired Macies sticker choices. Now thats one fantastic cast.
I know, she said in her high, sweet voice. Burt is a cat, Dad. You know, what Im asking for Christmas.
Im well aware. No secret there. He caught hold of his childs shoulder, nudging her toward the car.
I was going to ask for a white kitty, but now I want a gray striped one like Burt. Macie crunched through the snow with her pink boots.
That was already on his Christmas to-do list. Find a kitten for Macie. Not that he knew where to find kittens. The pet store? Ads in the paper?
The Lab gave a cheerful bark and loped ahead, glancing over her shoulder to smile at them in her doggy way.
And I want one that hugs me, Macie reminded him for the fiftieth time.
I know. He yanked open the SUVs passenger door. Im still planning on giving you a stocking full of coal. No presents at all.
Oh, Daddy. Macie rolled her eyes, not believing him. He couldnt imagine why.
He swung her up onto the seat. Time to go, little one. Youre looking a little pale around the gills.
Fish have gills. Not me.
Sure you do. He helped her buckle up, aware of the women standing nearby, especially one woman, although he couldnt explain it. He didnt have to turn around to picture her standing ankle deep in snow in her navy coat and with her wavy chestnut hair dancing in the wind.
Thank you for the stickers, Macie called over his shoulder.
You let me know if you need more. We have plenty, Sara Beth answered, although it wasnt her that he noticed as he turned to close the door.
The icicle lights look the best. You were right, Macie. Chelsea gestured toward the house where two strings of lights flashed in the glancing sunlight. Thanks for the help, Michael. Its more than my own sisters would do.
Hey, I could have done it, Sara Beth corrected good-naturedly.
But I just didnt want to, Meg confessed with a smile.
This is what I get for being the oldest. Its a burden. Chelsea rolled her eyes, feigning displeasure, but her smile gave her away.
Had he ever seen a day so bright? He couldnt remember one. The light blue sky shone vivid against snowy clouds sailing by in speeding puffs. The gleam and glitter of sunshine on the miles of snow stole his breath. And Chelsea shone the brightest of all, making him notice.
Two vehicles rolled into sight, cresting the roll of Wyoming prairie.
Its Dad, she announced and bit her bottom lip.
Early. Meg shook her head.
And the lights arent finished. Sara Beth sighed. Oh, well. It was a good thought.
It was. Chelsea waved to her father behind the steering wheel. The chains on his pickup chinked as he rumbled around Michaels SUV in the driveway and pulled up in front of the garage. A familiar beige vehicle lumbered into view. Hey, theres my car.
Rescued by another sister? Michael asked as he opened his door.
Yes, no idea what Id do without Johanna. She waved to the youngest of the McKaslin sisters. Johanna waved back, her neon blue mittens flashing behind the glare of the windshield before she pulled into the garage.
I hope the rest of the light hanging goes well. He folded his six-foot-plus frame into the front seat, his door thudded shut and the engine purred to life. His window rolled down. Ill see you around, Chelsea McKaslin.
Whether that was a threat or a promise, she couldnt tell.
The SUV motored away as Macie waved with her good hand, and Dee barked and whined, perhaps disappointed she wasnt the one going for a ride.
He was totally good-looking, Meg commented. An eleven on a scale of ten.
Was he? You know me. Im not looking. Although she couldnt explain why she watched Michaels SUV rumble down the road and out of sight. It didnt mean she was interested in him. No way. I have a no-man plan, remember?
I thought it was a five-year plan. Sara Beth just had to point that out, didnt she?
A five-year plan, a no-man plan. Same difference. She forced her gaze away from the swell in the prairie that had swallowed Michaels SUV from her sight and turned on her heel, concentrating on the one man she could count on. Dad.
Dee spotted him and barked, leaping to race to his side and pant up at him adoringly.
Hey, girls. Grant McKaslin patted the Lab on her head. I see youre putting up the house lights. Looks good.
His words sounded strained. Emotion gleamed in his eyes.
Love the lights! Johanna bounded out of the garage as the door lowered behind her. Time for lunch, but, Chelsea, Ill pitch in after we eat. I cant wait to see them all lit up.
Your mom would be pleased. Dad said the words they were all thinking. He held out one arm to draw Johanna close, the other to pull in Meg. Lets get in and warm up. Chelsea, we found your car at the side of the road.
Thanks for bringing her in.
No problem. I hope you girls have soup on the stove. Im frozen clean through.
Dee raced ahead, tail wagging, leading the way to the front door. Chelsea glanced over her shoulder to catch a last look at the half-finished lights dangling from the roofline. If only Mom were here, she thought, full of longing, but that was not to be. With a sigh, she tapped up the porch steps behind her sisters. As Dad held the door open for them, a gust of wind chased her inside and stirred the icicle lights above as if with a loving hand.
* * *
Michael tucked the fleece throw gently around his sleeping daughter while the TV hummed with a kids movie in the background. Clouds had moved in to dim the sun shining through the living room window, hinting at more snow on the way.
Macie sighed in her sleep, snuggling against her pillow pet. Her brown hair tumbled over her forehead, framing her face. Such a sweet girl. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, backed away from the couch and padded across the carpet, careful not to wake her.
The house phone rang. He caught it on the third electronic jingle, lifting the cordless receiver out of its cradle. He recognized the name on the electronic display. Hey, Steve.
Hey. His colleague sounded chipper. Im about to head out with my wife, but I wanted to check on your girl. Hows her arm?
Doing as well as can be expected. Shes napping now. He tucked the receiver against his shoulder and eyed the lunch dishes in the sink. What are you doing checking up on patients? You just cant take a weekend off, can you?
Im trying. Were going snowmobiling. Were just about to head out.
Sounds fun, so what are you doing on the phone with me? He opened the dishwasher.
Fine, so Im not cutting back on my workload like I planned. Steve didnt sound guilty about that, not at all. Eventually Ill have to, since the new doctor I hired to help me starts on Monday.