Chapter Sixteen
Noel didn’t want to worry Mary and spoil their first evening spent alone.
Totally absorbed in precious moments of closeness and discovery, he held off explaining what he’d set in motion that day.
She didn’t need to know that the next morning he’d be starting work at the warehouse where he would be snooping to find evidence against the people in charge.
If he were caught, as uncomfortable as he suspected things could become, he had no reason to believe he was in any real danger.
Instead he’d kept things light and was thrilled when she’d offered him a last cup of coffee in her private apartment.
Shyly, she’d shown him where she lived at the top of the house, a lovely three-bedroom apartment displaying fabulous views of the river and city lights.
The homey surroundings, full of lightness and wonderful artwork, surprised and delighted him.
“Make yourself comfortable and I’ll put on some coffee.” She left him to wander the delightful, soft-lit room.
Her blazing Christmas tree, decorated in the way he’d seen in photographs of older times, with tinsel hanging from the ornament laden branches and small multi-colored lights brilliant in their numbers, the smell of the pine needles wafting in the air – he observed and breathed in Christmas in a way he never had before.
Everywhere he looked, she’d set up holiday arrangements. His favorite display was the fuzzy white owls arranged on branches in an alcove in her wall with twinkle lights and artificial snow that looked so real, like a fascinated child, he reached out to touch.
At the top of the branch sat one tiny, golden bell. His finger reached out carefully but he hesitated, and shock ran rampant when it rang softly all on its own.
No! He shook his head; he must have been closer than he thought. Strangely, the tiny sound seemed familiar and a vision of an old man soaking wet came to mind. Shaking off the sensation of wonder, he continued to discover more delightful holiday arrangements.
His mom had always embellished their house with expensive and modern lushness rather than the old-fashioned approach. He preferred Mary’s decorations; they were beautiful memories saved and not bought new every year.
Drinking coffee together, they watched as the city shut down, various businesses closing their doors and the traffic waning.
Snuggled close on the sofa placed strategically to watch the view of the old-fashioned city, they talked, holding hands and sharing, learning secrets and kissing spontaneously when amused or just overcome.
It was a night Noel would never forget, a night of discovery and soft happiness.
Watching Mary’s expressive face as she explained about her vision of a future she’d always dreamed of sharing with a man who was like-minded, gave him hope.
He knew deep inside she was describing a life he yearned to be a part of.
Every word she uttered in her sweet husky voice gave him a jolt of happiness he couldn’t ever remember feeling before.
Her intention of making a difference to as many young people as possible lit a passion inside he’d never experienced.
How wonderful to really make life bearable, to help shape the future for kids who others had given up on.
It was Mary, her head on his shoulder, her hand held warmly in his, who first saw the flames. And it was Mary who dove for the phone. But it was Noel who fetched their coats and helped her through snowbanks to reach their friends.