Chapter 11 #2
“Oh, I know.” Henry chuckled. “I’m glad I could help.”
As they stood there in the growing dark, Vanessa couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would be if Henry could find love again.
He deserved it. He was such a quiet man, and kept to himself so much that she didn’t know him all that well, even though she’d lived in Fir Tree Grove for two years now.
But she found herself developing a soft spot for him, after spending more time getting to know him as they’d worked on the house.
She wished he could find a new start like Mabel had, a love to keep him company in his golden years as well.
“It’s getting dark,” Henry said, glancing at the sky where the first stars were beginning to appear. “I can turn on the lights, let you get a look at the full effect.”
“Absolutely,” Vanessa said, her pulse leaping with excitement, and she stepped back as Henry went to plug in and turn on the lights.
Henry walked over to what appeared to be a master control switch near the front porch. “Ready?” he asked.
“Ready,” Vanessa confirmed.
He flipped the switch, and instantly the entire yard was flooded with a bright, warm Christmas glow.
Vanessa gasped audibly, her hands flying to her mouth in amazement.
The house, which had looked beautiful in the afternoon light, was absolutely magical in the darkness.
Every part of the house was accented and outlined perfectly, making it look as if it was dripping with light.
The trees twinkled and the snowflakes in the hedges glowed, the candy canes on the path glittered and the illuminated deer and twinkling garlands added a soft, rustic touch.
The reindeer display, now illuminated against the dark sky, looked like it might actually take flight at any moment.
It all worked together perfectly. It looked utterly magical, and in that moment, Vanessa didn’t even care about how it stood up to the rest of the decorations on Birch Street, even though she was sure theirs was the best. It was everything she could have dreamed of and more, and that was all that mattered.
Her dream home with Jackson was perfect for their first Christmas as a married couple, and that was the most important thing of all.
“Henry,” she breathed, still staring. “This is absolutely beautiful. It’s even better than I could have imagined.”
“It’ll be even better when it’s fully dark,” Henry said with pride. “The best display on the street, if I do say so myself.”‘
“I can’t believe you did all this,” Vanessa said, turning to face him. “And on such short notice.”
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” Henry said with a smile. “I enjoyed having a project like this to work on. I know it means a lot to you both. I was happy to do it.”
They stood together in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, both of them taking in the full effect of the display. Vanessa noticed neighbors beginning to slow down as they drove past, some even pulling over to get a better look at the spectacular light show.
“Well,” Henry said finally, “I should probably head home and let you and Jackson enjoy your evening. But if you think of any other adjustments you’d like me to make, just give me a call.”
“Henry, wait,” Vanessa said impulsively as he started to gather his tools. “Would you like to stay for dinner? Jackson should be home soon, and there’s chili in the crockpot. You know Jackson’s pumpkin chili is amazing.”
For a second, she thought she saw something that looked like a faint longing in his face, and then it disappeared as he shook his head. “That’s very kind of you, but I should get out of your hair. You two probably want some time together after a long day.”
“The invitation stands anytime,” Vanessa said firmly. “You’re always welcome. I hope you know that.”
“I appreciate it,” he said, giving her a faint smile before gathering up the rest of his things and heading to his truck.
As Vanessa watched him go, she felt her heart twist with a hint of sadness.
He’d worked so hard to make everything perfect for her and Jackson, and she wished he had someone to do the same for him, to appreciate what he could do for his own home and someone who loved him and lived with him.
She watched him leave sadly, unable to stop thinking about it.
He’d worked tirelessly to transform their house into something that would bring joy not just to them but to everyone who passed by.
He’d moved heavy decorations multiple times without complaint, been patient with her indecision, and somehow managed to create a display that exceeded her wildest dreams.
And now he would go home to an empty house.
She couldn’t help but think of how many lonely years he’d passed already, and how many more were to come.
It would be so wonderful if Henry could find love again, if someone could see past his quiet exterior to the warm, generous man underneath.
Someone who would appreciate his patience, and his creativity.
The sound of Jackson’s truck pulling into the driveway interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see her husband getting out, his expression shifting from tired to amazed as he took in the glowing lights.
“Wow,” he said as he came to join her. “This is incredible.”
“Isn’t it?” Vanessa linked her arm through his, leaning in to rest her head against his shoulder.
“Henry did an amazing job. And he was so patient. He moved that reindeer display so many times until I decided where I wanted it, and he never complained. Also—” She grinned up at him.
“He told me you helped with the sleigh. It’s beautiful. ”
“Well, I couldn’t be as much help with the decorations as you needed, but I can be handy with woodwork. I was glad to chip in.”
“The reindeer are perfect now too,” Vanessa said with a smile. “I’m glad Henry was willing to get it just right for me.”
Jackson whistled low under his breath as he studied the intricate details of the light work. “The man’s an artist.”
“He said his late wife used to rearrange their furniture every other month, so he got plenty of practice moving things around,” Vanessa said. “Jackson, did you know Henry was a widower?”
Jackson glanced at her. “Of course. I’ve lived here a long time. Why?”
“I didn’t know. It’s so sad.” Vanessa looked at the lights again, still leaning against Jackson. “They didn’t have enough time together.”
Jackson leaned down, pressing a kiss against her hair. “All the more reason to appreciate it all while we have it.”
Vanessa nodded, her chest tightening. “I keep thinking about him going home to an empty house after spending all this time creating something so magical for us.”
“Maybe we should invite him for Christmas dinner,” Jackson suggested. “I mean, really invite him. Not just a casual ‘you’re welcome if you want to come’ but actually ask him to be part of our celebration.”
“I already tried to get him to stay for dinner tonight,” Vanessa said. “He said we probably wanted time together, but I got the feeling he was just being polite. I think that’s a good idea.”
“Well, I’ll work on it.” Jackson leaned down, giving her a gentle kiss. “I love you.”‘
“And I love you.” She kissed him back, a smile on her lips. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
“And I feel the same.”
They stood there in the cold for a little longer, enjoying the glow of their newly decorated home, and Vanessa promised herself that she would make sure to never take any of it for granted.
And she hoped that sometime, in the not too distant future, Henry would have someone who felt the same about him, once again.