Chapter 15
As Christmas Eve descended upon Ashwood Falls, I could feel a buzz in the air, a palpable anticipation that swept through the quaint streets and cozy homes of our small town. For as long as I could remember, Christmas Eve had been a cherished tradition in our community, a time when neighbors would come together to celebrate the spirit of the season. The evening always began with a candlelight service at our little white church, where the choir voices filled the air with melodies of hope and joy.
As the last notes of the hymns faded away, the entire town gathered in the town square, beneath the starlit sky, we awaited the grand spectacle that was the annual Christmas parade.
Each year, the parade seemed to grow more vibrant and enchanting, a testament to the creativity and community spirit that thrived within Ashwood Falls. Every shop in town crafted its own float, with shimmering decorations and filled with laughter and cheer. From the local craft store with its giant ball of yarn atop the float with the knitting circle ladies scattered across it, to the local toy store”s whimsical display of cuddly teddy bears and shiny toy trains, each float told a story of love and tradition.
And then there were the floats that represented our schools. I could still vividly recall the thrill of riding atop a float with my high school football team, waving proudly to the cheering crowds lining the streets. Dressed in our jersey’s thinking we’re hot stuff, when in reality we were probably obnoxious little idiots up to no good.
As the parade would wind its way through the heart of Ashwood Falls, I couldn’t help the swell of nostalgia mingled with excitement. For me, this annual tradition was more than just a spectacle. It was a timeless reminder of the bonds that united us as a community and the enduring magic of the holiday season.
It was an honor to serve and protect these people, this town I grew up in and despite its flaws, I loved dearly. I was thankful that I could still be around and partake in the festivities while on duty. Tomorrow, I had my guys stay home while still on call, just in case anything crazy happened. I would head to Gram”s house first thing in the morning and spend a few hours with my family before heading to the station, where I would spend the rest of the day making sure the town was safe.
”Evening, Sheriff,” Jim said with a lift of his chin.
”Merry Christmas, Jim,” I meandered my way to the table piled with food.
”Help yourself. The least we could do is feed you while you prowl around the streets looking for danger,” Jim chuckled.
”Not quite sure that”s how I”d describe what I do, but thanks. I”ll take you up on that offer,” I responded before grabbing a plate and loading it with ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
I had yet to eat today, and this food smelled amazing. I tipped my head in thanks and shoveled a spoonful of the creamy, white mashed potatoes into my mouth.
I walked around the town square, taking it all in as I finished my food. Once I was done, I tossed the plate in a nearby trash can. I brushed my hands along my pants and checked to ensure I hadn”t spilt anything on my uniform.
”Brant!” My head snapped up at my name being called from across the street.
Brock stood across the street with Brooks and our friend Ryan. Ryan worked at the fire station with Brock. He also attended high school here and had always been good friends with Brooks.
I strode across the street and pulled each of them in for a quick bro hug.
”Busy night?” Ryan asked.
”Not bad. Only had to break up one teenage fight a little while ago. What about y”all?” I asked, eyeing Brock and Ryan.
”Nothing yet. Praying it stays that way so we can sleep tonight before we get off in the morning,” Brock replied.
”No kidding,” Ryan sighed. ”We really don”t need a repeat of last year.”
An involuntary shudder passed through each of us.
Last year, we had a call out to a house on the outskirts of town that needed both fire and medical services. I stayed to make sure everything was handled and take everyone”s statements.
The couple who lived there had forgotten about the ham they had in the oven, resulting in a fire in the kitchen. If they had called us at that point, it probably would have been okay, but instead, they tried to fix it themselves. Which in turn caused the fire to spread, burning the kitchen and living room to the point it was unlivable for a few months. The lady got a little too close to the fire while trying to put out the fire, which caused second-degree burns on each of her arms.
Yeah, last year was a disaster, and I could definitely do without a repeat.
”You could say that again,” I huffed out a laugh.
”You meeting us at Gram”s in the morning?” Brooks asked with a lift of his eyebrows.
”As long as nothing pulls me away, I”ll be there,” I reassured him.
I spent the next few hours wandering the streets, talking with the town folks, and counting the minutes until I could head home and crash into bed. As much as I loved Christmas Eve, it was exhausting, and by the time the night was coming to a close, I was over it. Thankfully, the rest of the night went off without a hitch, which allowed me to get to bed at a decent hour.
Maybe I would finally be on time to Gram”s house on Christmas morning.
Pushing my way through Gram’s front door, I took in the savory smells of ham baking mixed with the hint of sweet, crisp apple pie. Gram’s famous apple crumble pie was one of my favorite parts of Christmas lunch. She had been making the same meal for years, and I didn’t think any of us would ever dream of asking her to switch it up. Gram knew how to cook and whatever she made was always a crowd favorite.
We laugh every year when her chili wins the cook-off at our annual Summer Soirée. The whole town knows she’s the best cook around, and I’m just glad she’s my Gram, so I get her cooking every week.
“Merry Christmas,” I called as I stalked into the living room to find my entire family enjoying the breakfast spread while lounging on the couches. I grab a double chocolate muffin before flopping on the sofa beside Brooks.
“Is that you, Brant?” Gram called from the kitchen.
I peered around the room, taking in the smirking faces staring back at me. Thanks to the water heater in my house going out, I was ten minutes late. I fiddled with it as long as possible before giving up and rushing through a very cold shower.
“Yeah, it’s me, Gram!” I hollered back.
“You’re late! Again,” Gram scolded from the kitchen.
Brock snickered, and my dad coughed, hoping to cover his laugh. I shot them both daggers before answering Gram.
“Sorry Gram! My hot water heater went out, and I didn’t love the idea of a cold shower,” I replied, my tone dripping with honey. I knew how to work Gram when I needed to.
“You could have showered here,” her voice was significantly closer and quieter, alerting me she was standing behind the couch.
I turned my head to the side and flashed her my best smile, “I’ll remember that for next time, Gram. Thanks.”
Gram bent down and pinched my cheek between her thumb and first finger before patting both my cheeks with her hands.
We spent the next few hours talking and laughing. We ate lunch and I helped Gram clean everything up before dropping a kiss on her cheek. I moved to Mom and placed a kiss on her cheek as well.
“You headed to the station?” Mom asked, pulling me in for a hug.
“Yeah,” I gave her a nod before turning to hug Dad.
“You be careful. I can bring you a dinner plate later if you’d like,” Mom was always worried about taking care of us boys. To me, that was a sign of a good mom, and I was beyond thankful for her.
“Thanks, Mom, I’d appreciate that!” I gave her a smile, heading to the door. “Have a good rest of the day, guys. Love y’all.”
I walked out of the house and climbed into my SUV. The drive to the station was quick and uneventful. I hoped I wouldn’t need to call any of my guys in today. I wanted them to be able to enjoy their time off with their families. I didn’t mind coming in each year and spending my holiday here. I spent a few hours with my family in the morning, and being here was better than sitting at home alone.
For the first time in a very long time, I actually longed for someone to spend the holidays with. That realization shocked me to my core. If I was being honest, there was someone specific I wanted to spend these holidays with. No matter how much I told myself to, I couldn’t seem to ignore a certain breathtaking blonde.
As if my thoughts conjured her, I watched her push through the station doors, looking from left to right. She probably wondered where everyone was. This was the only day of the year that the station was empty. I stood from the comfy leather chair behind my desk and leaned into the door frame of my office.
“Can I help you, Peach?”
Her head snapped in my direction. I watched as the pink hue danced up her neck and settled on her cheeks. The way she blushed reminded me of a peach, both in color and sweetness.
“Uh, hi. I, um, figured you’d be working today and wanted to bring you something,” she fiddled with the hem of her shirt with her freehand. “Oh! And merry Christmas!”
The shy way her eyes dart everywhere but my face pulled me in. I pushed off the door frame and stalked toward her. At my movement, her eyes popped up to mine. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, worrying it like she was nervous about what my reaction would be.
I stopped before her, close enough to smell the hints of vanilla that always seemed to cling to her.
“Whatcha got there?” I asked without taking my eyes off hers.
“Um… I tried a new recipe this week and still haven’t decided whether to add it to the rotation. I thought maybe…I could get your opinion?” She said quietly with a shrug of her shoulders.
“What is it, Peach?” The color returned to her cheeks, making me feel like a million bucks. I liked knowing I affected her.
“Carmel apple pie bars,” she breathed.
I hummed my appreciation while taking a small step forward. We were so close she had to tip her head back to keep our eye contact. My gaze traveled over her face, taking in the light dusting of freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. Her gaze dipped to my lips, causing mine to follow suit. Her tongue darted out, wetting her lips.
The urge to kiss her was stronger than I had ever felt before. Not even Olivia had this kind of effect on me. My head slowly dipped down as she raised her chin. That single movement was the only signal I needed to know she wanted this as much as I did. My lips were a whisper away from hers when someone behind Karis cleared their throat.
The sound startled us both. We flew away from each other like two kids caught making out under the bleachers at a high school football game.
When I took in the culprit of the noise, a hefty dose of panic shot through me. She couldn’t be here. What was she doing here? Of all the moments for her to show up, why did it have to be right now?
Olivia stood inside the station front door, arms crossed over her chest with a scowl.
“Here’s your dessert. I’ll… Uh… talk to you later,” Karis made a mad dash for the door before I could stop her.
“Karis, wait!” I called after her, but she was already sprinting to her car.
I was not ready for this conversation. I should have eaten one of those bars Karis made me. I should have been faster when I leaned in for a kiss. I should have done so many things, but at this moment, all that mattered was getting Olivia out of here so I could track down Karis.