this isn’t a good idea. I’m here a limited amount of time to get the cabin in shape. I can’t do that with a houseful of kids underfoot.” While Star’s Bethany could be counted on to behave herself, little sister Savannah was only three and would be at that better-watch-her-every-minute stage. Then there was sister Ronda’s four-year-old, Henry, who, from what she’d been told, was still a rambunctious handful.
“We can help,” Star continued. “The kids will play outside most of the time, especially if it snows. You do have snow already, don’t you? I think I saw that on the news.”
“Yes, there’s snow, but—”
“Perfect. They can go sledding and build snowmen like we used to do. And what was that game we played with the paths made in the snow? Fox and geese or something like that?”
“Yes, but—”
“Ronda and I were reminiscing last night about all the wonderful times we had at our grandparents’ place up there. Amazing summers and fun-filled Christmases. Stringing popcorn for the big tree. Opening grab-bag presents. Finding baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning. Remember?” She sighed happily. “We were so fortunate to experience that—something our kids have never gotten to enjoy. Something that they’ll never have the opportunity to experience when the cabin sells.”
“Star—”
“This is it, Jodi, our last chance.” Her sister’s voice now openly pleaded. “I know you can pull something amazing together for the kids’ sake. Our last big Christmas together at the cabin. One like Grandma and Grandpa used to give us.”
Would kids that young actually make any lasting memories from a family get-together at the cabin—or was this a front for her sisters’ own nostalgic journey?
Still trying to take in all her sister was saying, Jodi stared blankly down the hallway, then caught movement out of the corner of her eye—Garrett, who’d stepped to the dining room door, his eyes filled with concern.
“Everything okay?” he mouthed.
Oh, sure. Everything was fine. Just fine.
“Thanks again, Garrett, for the loan of the pickup.”
Jodi’s words warmed him as he sat across from her in a cozy corner of his book-lined church office Monday morning, the soft strains of “Joy to the World” wafting from the open door that led to his now-absent assistant’s work area, manned today by Dolly.
The grateful smile of his childhood friend was enough to tempt even the most determined man to rethink his priorities. But being tempted and following through on temptation were two different matters. He’d committed to a plan for his future, and not even Jodi reappearing in his life could stop him now.
Besides, undoubtedly she still thought of him as a big brother. She had no idea how he couldn’t get her out of his mind for months after that amazing kiss he’d recklessly drawn her into. How he’d tried to shrug it off. Joke it off. Run other guys off. He’d never forget, either, the shock in her eyes. Big brothers didn’t kiss little sisters like that. He’d broken a trust.
Did she think, by his asking her to help on the church project, that he still had designs on her? If so, no wonder she’d looked dazed after he’d all but twisted her arm to “volunteer.”
“Rio’s more than happy to lend you her truck since she’s out of town until Christmas.” Having Jodi on foot would have been problematic, but driving her around town and to neighboring communities could only lead to being targets of gossip. So he’d gotten in touch with his cousin Rio—Grady and Luke’s little sister—and found a solution.
Jodi shook her head as if in wonder, the burgundy shade of a cable-knit sweater lending an attractive glow to her fair skin. “It’s so funny to think Rio’s all grown up now. I remember when she was competing at the county fair kids’ barrel-racing division in elementary school.”
“Twenty-one next spring and still barrel racing.”
“Makes me feel old.” A shadow that troubled him flickered momentarily through her eyes as she shifted in the wingback chair to look out the window beside them. Rio’s red pickup, parked in the gravel back lot next to his SUV, already sported a light layer of snow. It looked like the lingering effects of an El Niño weather pattern were going to make themselves known this winter.
She again turned her attention to him, holding up the compact spiral notebook in which she’d been writing as they’d talked. “It sounds as though there’s still a lot to be done.”
In the past hour, they’d gone over the budget and checklist, and brainstormed strategies—over which they had opposing ideas—to meet the looming deadline. Not counting today, there were only eleven days until everything had to be delivered before Christmas Eve. Had his powerhouse office assistant actually thought it could be pulled together in such a short time?
Now he’d unintentionally dumped his own headache on Jodi.
“I apologize for that. Melody’s usually on top of things. One of the most organized people I know, and she keeps me organized, too. But with her mother passing away last spring and then trying to keep tabs on her father’s welfare from a distance, I don’t think her focus was on the project as it usually is much of the year.”
“There’s a lot of solicitation yet to be done for both monetary and physical item donation. Then supplementary purchases to be made. And distribution.”
“That sums it up.” He ran his hand through his hair. “You know, though, Jodi, like I said yesterday when you told me about your family coming, you don’t have to do this. It’s certainly a worthwhile project to help out unwed moms in the area, but Georgia was right. This isn’t your responsibility. Church members need to pick up the ball and run with it.”
Or he’d have to.
He couldn’t risk a dark blot on his performance evaluation right here at the end of the year should the annual Christmas project flop. But he’d do all he could not to call on Sofia. Neither of them needed to encourage the matchmakers.
“Grandma’s friends said they’d help.” Jodi’s chin lifted as she offered a determined smile, reminiscent of childhood days when she’d set her mind to something. “I’ll make getting funding and donation commitments a priority this week, then leave it to the others if it comes down to that.”
He squinted one eye. “From what you shared with me this morning, though, this is the first real vacation you’ve had all year. Maybe in several years.”
“I’m good with it.” She tapped the notebook now on her lap. “I have Melody’s cell number, checklist and contact numbers of past donors. I can take it from here.”
It sounded as if she wanted him to stay out of the way. Why should that disappoint him? Wasn’t that what he wanted—someone else to take over the project and free up his time for other demands?
“Okay, then, if you’re sure.” He stood to look down at her, noticing how her hair glinted softly in the lamplight. “Did you want to take a look at the storeroom? See what has already come in?”
“Good
