Chapter 6 #2
“Oh no, nothing like that,” Vanessa said quickly. “I’m so sorry to bother you in your off-hours. I know this is presumptuous, but I was hoping I could talk to you about a potential project?” She bit her lip, looking at him hopefully.
Henry cocked his head curiously. “Sure,” he said finally. “Come on in, it’s warmer in here.”
There was a space heater set up next to the worktable, she saw.
The interior of Henry’s shop was exactly what Vanessa would have expected—meticulously organized, with tools and components arranged in careful rows along the walls.
Everything was clean and functional, with a few personal touches: a display of vintage electrical fixtures that had been restored to beautiful condition, and several framed photographs of houses decorated with elaborate light displays that were clearly examples of Henry’s work.
She wondered if her house would be up there, after this year.
“What kind of project did you have in mind?” Henry asked, gesturing for her to take a seat in a worn leather chair near his workbench.
Vanessa took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts into a coherent explanation.
“Well, you probably know that Jackson and I bought the house on Birch Street a few months ago. And I’ve just learned about the annual Christmas decorating competition that the whole neighborhood participates in. ”
Henry nodded silently.
“The thing is,” Vanessa continued, feeling slightly foolish but pressing on, “I really want our house to look amazing. I want to fit in with the neighborhood, to show that we’re committed to being part of the community.
But Jackson and I, well, we’re not exactly experts when it comes to Christmas light displays.
” She bit her lip, smothering a small smile.
“He’s more of a ‘throw a bunch of things up and hope it looks good’ kind of guy. His words.”
Henry chuckled. “That’s true. I’ve seen the diner.”
She gestured toward the window in the general direction of her neighborhood. “Jackson’s been working so hard to put up lights, and I appreciate his efforts, but what we have so far just isn’t going to compete with what our neighbors are planning. It’s going to look like we didn’t even try.”
Henry nodded, his eyes twinkling slightly. “And you’re wondering if I might be available to help with your display?”
“Exactly!” Vanessa looked at him hopefully. “I know you’re probably so busy, but if you had the time, and you were willing to help—”
“I do have a pretty full plate most days,” Henry said finally, his voice thoughtful. “But I might be able to work something out. Would you be looking for a completely new installation, or would you want to incorporate what Jackson has already put up?”
“Whatever you think would work best,” Vanessa said eagerly. “I want it to look impressive, but I also don’t want to completely disregard the work he’s already done.”
“Okay.” Henry nodded. “I could come over this week, if you’re really serious.
Talk with the two of you, figure out what you’re going for, come up with a shopping list. We’ll get your house spruced up in no time.
It would mean some long days to get everything completed before the rest of the neighborhood is already done, but it’s doable. ”
“Really?” Vanessa had to fight the urge to jump out of her chair. “You’d be willing to take on our project?”
“I’d be happy to,” Henry said, still calm and quiet despite her enthusiasm. Vanessa couldn’t stop the smile that was overtaking her face.
Without thinking, she leaped from her chair and threw her arms around Henry in an impulsive hug. It was only after she’d already embraced him that she realized how presumptuous the gesture was—Henry was a reserved man who probably didn’t love being abruptly hugged by acquaintances.
But if Henry was uncomfortable with the unexpected hug, he didn’t show it. He simply patted her shoulder gently and then disentangled himself with a small, understanding smile.
“It’s no trouble at all,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a warmth that hadn’t been there before. “I’ll come by tomorrow morning to take a look at what we’re working with and discuss some options with you and Jackson. We’ll figure out something that works for both of you.”
“Thank you so much,” Vanessa said, trying to contain her excitement to a more appropriate level. “This means more to me than you know. I feel like I’m still figuring out how to be part of this community, and participating in traditions like this feels really important.”
Henry’s expression softened slightly. “I understand. It takes time to find your place in a small town.”
“I should let you get back to your work,” she said, moving toward the door. “And I should get home to tell Jackson the good news. Thank you again, Henry. I really can’t express how grateful I am.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” Henry replied, already moving back toward his workbench. “We’ll start planning something special.”
As Vanessa drove back toward Birch Street, her mind was racing with excitement.
She could hardly wait to see Jackson’s reaction to this development. He’d probably think she was crazy for approaching Henry on such short notice, but she had a feeling he’d also be relieved.
More than that though, Vanessa felt a deep sense of satisfaction at having found a solution.
This was exactly the kind of problem-solving that had made her successful in her previous career, and it felt good to apply those skills to something that mattered to her personally.
Sometimes she felt like she’d been a completely different person before moving here, lived a completely different life, and it was nice to feel like the parts of herself that had done well in her old life weren’t completely wasted on the new one.
As she pulled into their driveway, she could see Jackson still standing in the front yard, now examining his light installation from various angles.
The sight of him—her perfect husband who was willing to climb ladders and string lights just to make her happy—filled her with a rush of affection that made her chest tight with emotion.
They were going to have the most beautiful house on Birch Street.