Chapter 14
EVE
Iwas hoping dinner with Maddox and Sofia would be a turning point. But then when we parted ways on the sidewalk, he'd leaned over to mention that it counted as being seen around town together. He muttered something about it not looking like a work thing, but my breath was caught in my throat.
I'd thought us going out to dinner meant he was ready to move on. That he was interested in dating me. But instead, he'd brought up our fake arrangement.
It was a good reminder that my place in Maddox's life was limited to the work we'd done together and a physical release.
The realization didn't stop me from answering his text and showing up at his house around midnight any night he was off work.
I was dragging most days at work, but I couldn't seem to break the habit. I had a feeling none of this was good for me, but my heart hoped something might change. That Maddox would want to have a relationship. But I had a feeling I was dead wrong about that.
I was also worried about Natasha. Ford had flown to the East Coast to be with a veteran friend who was going through a tough time. I understood that it was important and was suitably impressed that he was being a good friend. But I didn't like how he hadn't talked to her before he left.
Natasha said he'd texted, but it hadn't gone through. I believed his explanation, but I wondered why he'd texted at all. Why not talk to Natasha in person? I think that would have been better, and there wouldn't have been a miscommunication.
Natasha didn't know how long he'd be gone, and she was upset, thinking he was pulling away from her. It was similar to something he'd done when they'd dated as teens. I'd hoped that he'd grown up, but now I wasn't so sure.
I was willing to hear his explanation if and when he ever got back, but Natasha was panicking and ready to call it quits.
It meant that the bulk of town planning was falling to me.
I made sure I didn't discuss things with her because I didn't want to stress her out when she already had enough going on.
We had the tree-lighting ceremony coming up; we'd moved it back by one week because of the addition of the Christmas parade. I had notes from last year's event, but we'd never hosted it ourselves.
It meant long days talking to owners and longer nights working on the logistics. I'd hired a band, carolers, and convinced the shops to use their trucks to serve hot chocolate, popcorn, and roasted nuts. I'd never planned something like this, so I hoped it went okay.
The only thing that relieved my stress was midnights at Maddox's. I could let everything in my daily life go.
As soon as I texted him, the door swung open, and he tugged me toward his bedroom. When he locked his bedroom door, clothes were quickly removed, and he was on top of me. It was always quick. We couldn't seem to get enough of each other.
As soon as we were done, I'd get dressed and slip out.
Since Maddox lived with his daughter, there were no overnights.
I wasn't sure how Sofia would feel about him dating again.
I was more than a little worried that he had no plans to bring it up to her.
Things would stay the same. I'd be his fake girl in public, and his dirty secret in private.
But it was too early to jump to any conclusions. I enjoyed being with him, and for now, that was enough.
Town events and Natasha's stress over Ford kept me occupied.
The lighting ceremony was supposed to be date number two. We hadn't discussed whether we would hold hands or kiss in front of Sofia. When we were together at night, there wasn't much talking involved.
There were almost no words spoken when I stepped into his house. It was partly because we had to be quiet. But I wondered if it was a good excuse for him to keep me regulated to midnight dates.
But he had Sofia and had gone through things I couldn't contemplate.
Maybe this was normal when you dated a widower.
I had no experience with something like this, and I wanted to be sensitive to what he was going through.
I didn't want to rush him, but deep down, I didn't feel great about only seeing him at midnight.
When I woke up each morning, I felt like I'd dreamed the whole thing. It was so fast that I could easily conclude it was something that only happened in my imagination.
There was too much going on right now, between the holiday events in town, the renovation at the inn, Ford's absence, and Natasha's pain.
I couldn't make any decisions on what was going on with Maddox.
I'd give him some time to figure things out.
If it didn't get better by New Year's, then I'd have to make a decision.
Could I live with being Maddox's secret, or would I need more? Was he even capable of giving me more?
I considered the parade to be a success.
There weren't any major problems other than Ford not showing up for the toy drive.
But the fire department quickly stepped in to help.
I'd done what I set out to do. I developed a relationship with the fire department where we were working together.
I'd gotten what I wanted out of the deal.
I was sitting at my desk in town hall when I felt compelled to create the light trail I'd been thinking about. I'd thought about it before as something we'd do in the future. I could get the blowups fairly quickly and line the trail with them.
I could buy them and ask the fire department to help us set them up. Part of the proceeds could benefit the fire department. As soon as I thought of the idea, I texted Maddox.
Maddox: You should talk to Frank about it. I'm sure he'd be on board.
I showed up at the department at lunchtime with subs from a local deli. I dropped the wrapped subs and chips on their kitchen counter, and Steve escorted me to the chief's office.
Frank stood with a smile. "Eve, what can I do for you?"
I handed him a bag with a sub and chips. "I was hoping you could help me with something."
He smiled. "I loved the piece the local newspaper did about the fire department and the toy drive.”
"Your department came through for us that day.
They deserved the recognition." Not only had they participated in the parade; they'd stepped in to help with the toy drive.
I'd sent the pictures I'd taken to the paper, and they'd done a nice little write-up on it: "Local Fire Department Brings Holiday Magic to Christmas Town. "
He sat behind the desk, and I wondered if I'd be visiting Maddox here eventually. "What do you need from me?"
"I was thinking of creating a light trail and sharing the proceeds from the tickets with the fire department. Provided they help me with setting everything up."
He rubbed his chin. "It would be a joint project."
"Exactly. It's an attraction for shoppers and visitors to the town, and we're supporting the fire department at the same time."
A slow smile spread over his face. "I like it."
I smiled too. "I'm so glad you do."
Then he frowned. "We're well into December. Is this something you'd like to set up for next year?"
I let out a breath. "I ordered the decorations and everything we'd need. I just need a team to throw it together and get it running as soon as possible."
Frank leaned on his elbows on the desk. "You're a force. You know that, Eve?"
I chuckled. "I've been told that a time or two. When I get an idea in my head, I like to execute it quickly."
He nodded, respect showing in his eyes. "I like that about you. I don't see why we couldn't make that happen."
"Next year, we'll set things up earlier so we'll have the whole season to earn money for the department. But there's no reason why we can't do something this year. We could keep it open through New Year's."
Frank stood and shook my hand. "Just tell me when you need the guys there."
"Thanks, Frank. I appreciate it." I stood to leave, but he said, "I heard that Maddox and you were seen at Merry's Diner after the parade."
I turned to face him. "That's right."
"You're good for him."
Did he think we were dating for real or that it was fake? I was afraid to even ask. I didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize Maddox's promotion. "Thank you."
"He went through a tough time when Marla got sick, and it was rough after she died. But I think he's finally coming out of that, and it's all thanks to you."
"I don't want to take all the credit—"
"I've seen a difference since you came into his life, and everyone else can too."
"I'm glad," I said, not wanting to get into the specifics of what we were doing. He'd get his promotion, and then we'd stop seeing each other. Maddox wouldn't need me anymore. I tried not to let that bother me.
We'd accomplished what we set out to do. I should be happy. Except for once, I wanted more than to make a good deal. I wanted Maddox and Sofia.
Ispent the Saturday ensuring that everything was perfect for the tree-lighting ceremony. I'd only seen Maddox at night. I hadn't bothered to tell him about what Frank said because there wasn't much time for a conversation.
I should pull back all together. I needed to protect myself in this situation. I fell too quickly for Maddox and Sofia. But I couldn't seem to resist him when he invited me over.
The tree lighting was a formality because we always had a lit tree in Christmas Town. The event was a chance to get everyone together and celebrate the season. There would be discounts for the shops for everyone who attended and drink trucks serving hot chocolate and apple cider.
I'd give a little speech at the beginning, and then I'd light the tree. Santa would arrive, and the kids could meet him for pictures. We had carolers and a band to play music. It would be a fun night.
I just wished that this thing between Maddox and I was real. That we weren't pretending for the council or Frank.
I stood next to the tree, waiting for my turn to go to the podium. Natasha was scheduled to introduce me. While I was waiting for the ceremony to begin, Sofia ran up to me, tugging on my hand.
I leaned down to be heard over the crowd. "Hey, girl. I'm so happy you could come."
"We're so close to the tree."
I squeezed her hand. "I'm going to have to make a speech in a minute."
Sofia's eyes widened.
Maddox approached, kissing me on the cheek. I was sure it was a planned move, one to show everyone we were together. I worried what Sofia would think. "Maddox."
He smiled. "It's nice to see you."
"Same." Our gazes caught and held.
Natasha went to the podium to introduce me, and then I was speaking into the microphone, thanking everyone for coming and for enjoying the season in Christmas Town.
"It was Natasha's dream to run an inn, and I've always wanted to be a town event coordinator.
But I had no idea that it would be Christmas themed when we first realized our desires.
" There was a smattering of laughter through the crowd.
"But I wouldn't want it any other way. Thanks for coming tonight.
The holidays are about family and togetherness, and here in Christmas Town, we strive to give you a place to spend the season together. "
I moved away from the podium to turn the lights on. Then I motioned for Sofia to join me. "You should do it."
"Really?"
"Yes."
I showed her what to do, and Sofia flipped the switch. The lights illuminated to everyone's delight. The band lifted their instruments, playing a traditional holiday song, and the carolers began singing. It was a nice moment.
Sofia gazed up at the tree, the lights reflecting in her eyes. "I can't believe I got to do that."
I met Maddox's gaze over her head, and he mouthed, "Thank you."
I smiled in response. "Why don't you two stand in front of the tree? I can get a picture of you."
We had a few seconds before everyone descended on the tree for their own pictures. I stepped back, and Maddox stood next to his daughter. My heart ached for them. I lifted my phone and snapped two pictures before Frank appeared. "Why don't you get in there too, Eve? I'll take one of all of you."
I handed him my phome. "Thank you."
I moved toward them, not sure where to stand. I wasn't Sofia's mother, so it felt a little awkward to be in the picture with them.
Sofia motioned for me to stand behind her, next to Maddox.
He placed one arm around my shoulders and a hand on Sofia's shoulder. I smiled right before Frank took a few shots. What would people think of the three of us in a Christmas picture? Would they assume I was trying to replace Marla? Or that it was too soon for Maddox to be dating someone new?
Then there was the other problem. This entire relationship was supposed to be fake, a way to get Maddox in good with the town council so he could be promoted to fire chief. I had to remember that none of this was real, no matter how good it felt.