The Christmas Plan Read online

  “How about some of…” She glanced at the wide variety of flavors for a moment. “I’d like the cookies and cream in a wafer cone, please.”

  “Oh, how perfect!” She looked over at Gabe. “Your usual for you, too, Gabe?”

  He nodded and while Nikki started making their order, Aspen walked over to make sure he was okay.

  “What’s going on?” she whispered.

  “Nothing. Why?”

  “Are you sure? Because you seem a little miffed.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I’m not miffed. I just wasn’t sure what to say, so I thought it was safer to just smile and nod.”

  “You left out the smiling part.”

  “Ha, ha. Very funny.”

  “Not funny. Just pointing out the obvious.”

  “Here you two go!” Nikki called out. Aspen walked over and gently took the cone she ordered and Gabe stepped up and grabbed his.

  They were the same thing.

  “Thanks, Nikki.”

  “They’re on the house,” she said before looking at Gabe. “Go take her for a walk around the square and tell your mom I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” And with a smile and wave, she moved on to the next customers who had just walked in.

  Quietly, the two of them walked outside and Aspen couldn’t remember ever feeling so cold. She seriously considered going to the car to fish out her gloves, hat, and scarf. “I can’t believe I’m eating ice cream outside in this weather!”

  “We don’t have to walk around. We can eat in the car and then head to my parents’ place.”

  “No, no. I’ll be okay.” But she moved in close and hooked her arm through his and laughed softly. “I’ll just lean on you for a little body heat.”

  “O-kay…”

  They walked past the hair salon and an Italian restaurant when someone else called out Gabe’s name and she heard him softly groan. Pausing, they turned and Aspen saw a police officer walking toward them.

  “Hey, Josiah,” Gabe said, unhooking his arm from Aspen’s and shaking the man’s hand.

  “Hey!” he smiled at Aspen and shook her hand after Gabe’s. “I’m Sheriff Josiah Stone. Welcome to Silver Bell Falls.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled up at him and was a little in awe of how handsome and rugged he was.

  “I know your dad’s looking forward to having you here to help with the trees,” Josiah said to Gabe. “Seems like we’ve had a ton of people from miles around coming and buying trees like they never have before.”

  “Oh…wow. That’s a good thing, right?”

  “Absolutely! But I just want you to know I got everything set up for you over at your mom’s so the two of you should be all set.”

  “Um…what did you set up?” Gabe asked.

  Josiah took a small step back and gave them a sheepish grin. “Oops. I think it was supposed to be a surprise. I’m really sorry. Just…pretend I didn’t say anything.”

  “C’mon, Jos. Just tell me. You know I hate to be ambushed,” Gabe begged.

  “Sorry. I never should have mentioned anything. My bad.” Then he grinned at Aspen again and she felt herself blush. “It’s really great to meet you Aspen and I hope you enjoy your stay.” Then he was gone.

  “Okay, something’s up,” Gabe said as they started walking again. “I think we should go back toward the car and…”

  “Gabe!” This time it was a female voice calling out to him and Aspen had to stifle a laugh as he hung his head.

  “So this is what it’s like to live in a small town, huh?” she murmured.

  “Not normally…”

  “Gabe Andrews! I was hoping to run into you!”

  “Hey, Abby,” he said easily. “How are you?”

  “Right now, a little frazzled.” She paused and smiled at Aspen. “Hey! I’m Abby Hayes. I own the dance studio.”

  “Nice to meet you, Abby. I’m…”

  “Oh, you’re Aspen,” Abby said, her smile growing. “Everyone’s talking about the two of you coming to town.”

  It was all starting to make sense. No doubt Gabe’s mom had told her friends how she was joining them for Christmas and the small-town grapevine had taken over.

  She’d seen it a hundred times in some of her favorite holiday movies.

  “You were saying, Abby…?” Gabe prompted.

  “Oh! Right. My girls have their annual recital next weekend and my videographer broke his leg skiing! I know it’s a lot to ask with the two of you being here for a visit, but would you possibly consider helping me out and…”

  Gabe held up a hand to stop her. “Not a problem. How about I come by the studio tomorrow after lunch and you can give me all the details?”

  She grabbed him and hugged him. “You are a lifesaver! Thank you so much!” Pulling back, her smile only seemed to grow. “You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Dean said he’d be willing to do it if I couldn’t find anyone, but he runs the lights for me so…it would have been awkward.”

  “It’s really not a problem, Abby. I’m happy to help.”

  Turning, she smiled at Aspen. “Thanks for letting me borrow your guy here. You got one of the good ones!” Before Aspen could respond, Abby said, “I need to get going. I have to go and pick up Maya from a friend’s house and make sure she gets her homework done before dinner. See you both tomorrow!”

  Finishing her ice cream cone, Aspen was about to ask if they could go into the stationery store when Gabe spoke.

  “I think for my own sanity, we need to get to my parents’ place. I have a feeling if we keep walking, the whole town will want to stop and talk to us.”

  “Sure. That’s fine. I’m a little cold anyway.”

  “That’s what happens when you eat ice cream and walk around outside on a cold winter’s day.”

  They turned and walked back toward her car. “I still enjoyed it thoroughly.”

  “Weirdo,” he said, laughing.

  They were beside the car when an older couple approached and welcomed them. Aspen was convinced this was the friendliest place in the world, but Gabe didn’t seem to be feeling it. Once they were finally in the car, she decided to float her theory by him.

  “I’m guessing your mom told everyone about my visit, huh?”

  “Seems like it.” He sighed wearily and pulled out of the parking spot and made his way down the street.

  “Are you mad at her for it? Because, really, it’s not a big deal. It’s kind of nice how everyone’s so friendly and welcoming.”

  “I guess.”

  It was her turn to sigh. “Gabriel Andrews, you are going to have to speak in full sentences! You’re being ridiculous!”

  “You don’t understand, Aspen.”

  “Then explain it to me! From what I saw, everyone was super nice, super friendly, and super excited about us being here! How can any of that make you moan and groan?”

  They pulled onto a dirt road that was lined with trees before opening up onto a large piece of property. Aspen gasped at the white farm-style house with a two-story detached garage. There were several smaller structures on the property that looked like a couple of storage sheds, but nicer.

  “Oh, Gabe,” she said with awe as the car came to a stop in front of the garage. “I had no idea the property was so big! This is amazing! So the trees grow right here? Do you have any animals? Or…?”

  There was a knock on the window and they both jumped when they spotted Gabe’s mom waving excitedly at them and Aspen couldn’t wait to get out of the car and hug her.

  Three

  Something was up and Gabe didn’t think for one minute it was just that his mother had told some people that Aspen was joining them for the holidays. He just needed to get her alone for five minutes to find out exactly what it was.

  If only she would stop talking to Aspen and sharing recipes!

  “Which way to the ladies' room, Mrs. Andrews?” he heard her ask and was thankful when she finally left the room.

  That’s when he swooped in.

 
“Hey, Mom,” he said sweetly, coming into the kitchen and hugging her.

  “This is going to be such a treat to have the two of you here for the next six weeks!” She kissed him on the cheek and gave him one more squeeze before stepping away. “I’ve got a wonderful pot roast for us for dinner with potatoes, carrots, and gravy. And I’ve got a batch of your favorite biscuits ready to go in the oven. I hope you’re hungry!

  He had to hand it to her; she was good at distracting. But Gabe always could tell when his mother was nervous. First, she was overly chatty. Second, she never made eye contact. Third, she was constantly on the move.

  And she was currently doing all three right now.

  “I must have baked a dozen different kinds of cookies already, but I’m really looking forward to spending some time with Aspen and learning how to make some of her famous chocolate candies. She mentioned that she brought some of her stuff with her and I hope we can get to add some holiday candy to my usual gifts. You know how I love to give tins of cookies to all our friends and family,” she was saying. “Did I mention that your grandparents are coming early this year?” She let out a small laugh. “Funny story, your grandmother got a little miffed when she caught grandpa flirting with one of the ladies at the senior citizen luncheon. She swears if someone isn’t there to stop her, she’ll have to beat him with her cane!” Another laugh. “Can you imagine?”

  Time was running out. Aspen would be back soon and as humorous as the story about his grandparents was, he needed some answers.

  “Mom, what did you tell everyone about me and Aspen?”

  She froze for only a second and then turned her back to him and began wiping down the countertops. “What do you mean?”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Gabe tried not to be disrespectful. “Everyone we ran into today knew who Aspen was.”

  “Well, I may have mentioned to some friends about Aspen joining us for the holidays.” She shrugged. “I didn’t think it was a big secret.”

  “No, it’s not a secret. But I got the distinct impression that they were looking at us like we were…a couple.”

  There. I said it.

  More scrubbing of the same spot and Gabe knew she was stalling. Walking over, he firmly placed his hand over hers and waited for her to look at him. “What did you tell everyone about me and Aspen?” he repeated slowly.

  “Honestly, Gabriel. I think all your filmmaking has your imagination running wild!” She let out another laugh. “I don’t know why you would think I said something that I didn’t.” Straightening, she placed her hands on her hips. “When did you get so suspicious?”

  “When everyone in town seemed to know who Aspen was and then gave me very knowing looks.”

  She made a tsk-ing sound at him. “You know how friendly everyone is. I think you’re just imagining it.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Although…”

  Here we go.

  “The two of you have been friends for such a long time and you’re closer than most couples. I just don’t understand why this relationship hasn’t blossomed into more.” Then she gave him a patient smile. “Even if I didn’t mention that Aspen was coming here, you’ve talked about her often enough that people probably recognized her.”

  “Maybe.”

  “And if they’re anything like me, they’re probably wondering when you’re going to admit that there’s something more than friendship there.”

  Off in the distance he heard Aspen talking to his father and knew this conversation was going nowhere. Maybe he was being overly suspicious. Maybe everyone was just being nice. Maybe…

  “Hey! Did you hear that I get to stay in the tiny house out back?” Aspen announced happily as she walked back into the kitchen.

  “Um…what?” Gabe asked with irritation. “Why…I mean…why is Aspen staying in a tiny house? And when did we even get a tiny house?”

  His father walked into the room and clapped a hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “It’s Josiah’s old place. He and Melanie have used it as a guest house and when we mentioned that we needed more space this month, word got around and Josiah offered it to us.” Smiling with pride, he continued. “It has everything you could need and the heat is great in it. It’s very well insulated.”

  Forcing himself not to pinch the bridge of his nose again, he opted to mentally count to ten. “That’s all great, Dad. But why do we need it? There’s more than enough room here for Aspen! We have two guestrooms!”

  “Sweetie,” his mother interjected. “I told you your grandparents were coming and your Uncle Ed is going to be here…”

  “So? Grandma and Grandpa always take the guest room down here. We discussed this. Aspen was going to take the guest room upstairs and…I guess Uncle Ed can bunk with me.”

  “Well…”

  He was unable to stop the groan of frustration before it was out.

  Paul Andrews squeezed his son’s shoulder again. “Your mother went a little overboard with opening the house to family and friends this month. We figured the tiny house would give Aspen some…you know…privacy.”

  “That is so sweet,” Aspen chimed in, smiling at him. “But really, I would have been fine sleeping on the couch. I hate that you’re making such a big fuss for me.” She paused. “Although…with my own little kitchen, I could set up my tools for the candy.”

  “Yes!” his mother cried out happily. “That was exactly what I was thinking!”

  Yeah, Gabe didn’t think that was quite what his mother was looking out for. And when he glanced at her, she guiltily looked away.

  “I don’t think she needs to move out there tonight, though, right?” he asked. “There’s no reason for that since we’re the only ones here.”

  “Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, sweetie,” his mother said as she began fussing with serving plates and bowls. “Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ed will be arriving in the early afternoon and staying through the weekend. It just makes sense…”

  “Mom…”

  “Plus, all the bedding for the guest room is in the laundry and the bed in the guestroom down here is essentially a hospital bed for your grandparents, Gabe. And why would you want Aspen to move twice?” his mother asked, popping the tray of biscuits into the oven.

  “I don’t want her to move even once, Mom!” he yelled and watched as three pairs of wide eyes stared back at him.

  Awesome.

  Aspen moved in close beside him, hooking her arm through his.

  And not realizing just how much she was not helping this situation.

  “It’s all good, Gabe. I can set up my equipment in the kitchen out there and not have to worry about it being in anyone’s way. And you know I’m kind of a slob, so…”

  “You’re not.”

  But she really was.

  “Besides,” she went on. “It will be like a little adventure! I’ve never been in a tiny house before. I’ve only ever seen them on TV.”

  Gabe had to wonder if she was truly excited about this or if she didn’t want to complain in front of his family. Part of him really wished she would. He hated the timing of it and how this was all playing out. One of the reasons he had invited her to come to Silver Bell Falls with him was because she was going through a rough time and he knew she’d enjoy being surrounded by his family. The fact that they specifically went out of their way to find her a space where she wouldn’t be surrounded by anyone really wasn’t helping.

  All he knew was that this wasn’t the time to argue.

  Again.

  In town less than two hours and already needing to escape. This has to be a new record.

  “C’mon,” his father said, oblivious to the turmoil Gabe was feeling. “I’ll take you outside and you can check it out. How long till dinner, hon?”

  “About fifteen minutes,” his mother replied cheerily. “Plenty of time for the kids to check out the house!”

  His father led the way and Gabe held Aspen back a couple of paces. “If you’re not okay with this,” he whispered, �
�it’s totally fine to say something. You can take my room and I’ll stay out here. Or…I don’t know…I can pay for you to stay at a hotel or something.”

  “I’m fine with it,” she replied softly, her arm still hooked through his. “I don’t know why you’re freaking out so much. Remember the studio apartment I lived in when I first moved to Atlanta? It was essentially the size of a closet and we used to hang out there all the time.”

  “It’s not the same…”

  “Sure it is! Plus, I’m not going to be in there that much. Most days we’re going to be out and about around town or working at the tree lot, so if you really think about it, it’s not going to be that bad.”

  He couldn’t believe how understanding she was being. “It’s still not right. My mother and I discussed this and she went and changed everything around without even trying to discuss it with me! Had I known she was planning on borrowing this…this…”

  “Tiny house?”

  “Yes, this tiny house–such a ridiculous name–I would have made other arrangements. Hell, I would have rented a house for us for the month!”

  “If it’s making you this upset, Gabe, then maybe we should.”

  He stopped and considered that. “You think so?”

  Shrugging, Aspen said, “Personally, I don’t get what the big deal is. But I also don’t want to spend the entire month listening to you freaking out.”

  “I’m not freaking out…”

  “You, my friend, are definitely freaking out.”

  He was about to argue but they were at the door to the…tiny house…and his father was standing there waiting for them with a big smile on his face. “You ready to stop freaking out now, Son, and have a better attitude?”

  Beside him, Aspen snickered and with nothing else to do, Gabe let out a long breath. “Sure. Let’s do this.”

  It was a good thing everyone was so focused on Gabe freaking out that they hadn’t noticed that she was too.

  Yeah, she was good at covering it and she felt bad for lying to Gabe about it all being okay, but…she was kind of feeling a little dejected.

  And rejected.

  And maybe she was overreacting; after all, it was going to be nice to have a little of privacy. But as they approached the tiny house, she realized it was quite a bit away from the main house.