he giggled a little, tugging at Emily’s skirt to follow him back to the box and dig around for the lights. Isabella caught and held Jordan’s gaze.
She searched his eyes for a clue to what was bothering him, but his expression was guarded. There was no sign of joy or even the sparkle she’d seen in them this afternoon. She wondered if he was thinking about his brother.
“I have to go out – will you look after Tyler?” Isabella nodded and he went to Tyler and ruffled his nephew’s hair. Thankfully, Tyler was absorbed in his treasure hunt and barely noticed Jordan leaving.
Emily shared a look with Isabella. It seemed she’d noticed the sudden change in Jordan’s mood, as well.
“Work again?” Emily asked as Jordan found his coat and walked to the door.
Jordan’s answer was coy. “Don’t hold dinner for me; I don’t know how late I’ll be.”
Isabella joined Tyler’s search as the door closed behind his uncle. “I found the lights, Miss Stevens!” He held up a bag full of tangled strings in every style of bulb you could imagine. Some were traditional, some were shaped like icicles, some were small, multicolored twinklers.
“Oh my! They’re beautiful, Tyler! I can’t wait to see what they’ll look like on the tree. But first, we have to test each strand, to make sure they work.”
Emily stood, brushing her hands over her skirt. She was obviously disappointed by Jordan’s abrupt departure. “I’ll finish warming the casserole,” she said, exiting the living room quickly.
Isabella wanted to talk to her. After all, the more information she could collect from Emily, the better equipped she’d be to help Tyler – and Jordan. But, for now, she put her concerns aside. Because they had a beautiful Christmas tree, and Tyler was happy tonight.
And she was thankful for it.
***
“I’m so happy you stayed for dinner, Emily.”
“No, no,” Emily protested. “I’m being selfish.” She winked at Tyler. “It’s my favorite… How could I resist?”
Tyler nodded his head happily, scooping another bite of macaroni and cheese into his mouth. Isabella chuckled. She’d lived here long enough to know that it was Tyler’s favorite dish, too. And, he’d worked up quite an appetite decorating the enormous tree. He was anxious to put the star on top, but Isabella stalled him, telling him dinner would get cold, hoping Jordan would return in time to share the simple, but special task.
Isabella moved her attention back to Emily. The older woman had been unusually quiet since Jordan left. “It’s very admirable that you dedicate a big part of your life to helping others, Emily. You spend so much time at the shelter, yet you drop in on Jordan and Tyler as often as you can. You’re a true blessing.”
Emily’s hazel eyes warmed as they regarded her. “Don’t be silly, dear. I know Jordan is perfectly capable of taking care of himself, but coming here is a joy to me. I love my boys.” She referred to Jordan and Tyler with a smile. “And the shelter, well…it’s in my heart. I have to do it.”
“That’s wonderful,” Isabella responded. She thought about the Angels on Earth project Tyler had been working on. Isabella assumed Emily would be his subject again. She wondered how he was doing with it. But she let it be, allowed his creativity to flow, maybe bring on the healing he needed. He was very secretive about it anyway, the few times she’d offered her help.
“So, dear,” Emily broke into Isabella’s thoughts. “Would you help me with the dishes?”
“Certainly.” Isabella stood, collecting the plates as Tyler finished drinking his milk. She quickly settled him on the couch, switched on the TV, and found a coloring book to keep him busy. When she was sure he was content, Isabella returned to the kitchen. To her surprise, Emily had already finished washing the dishes.
“Oh – you’re quick! Let me dry and put them away.” Isabella found the towel in the drawer, and began the chore. “Tyler’s watching a holiday cartoon,” she said, making conversation.
“You’re very good with him, you know,” Emily replied.
Isabella was touched by the compliment, but wondered what was really on Emily’s mind.
Emily didn’t waste time, or words. “You’ve gone above and beyond a teacher’s duty, though. Moving into the guesthouse, helping to fill the void in Tyler’s life.”
Isabella hesitated slightly, then continued drying the dish in her hand. “What are you trying to say, Emily?”
“Oh, I’m not insinuating anything.” The older woman smiled kindly, patting Isabella’s arm. “I certainly understand the desire to help others, without wanting anything in return.”
“I don’t want anything in return,” Isabella repeated Emily’s words. “Except for Tyler to be happy.”
“We all want that. But…” Emily hesitated.
“Please, Emily,” Isabella prodded. “What’s on your mind?”
Emily took Isabella’s hand, leading her to the dining room table, speaking in a hushed tone as she looked past Isabella to Tyler, who was still engrossed in the holiday TV special.
“Tyler has suffered an unthinkable loss,” she said. “But he seems to be doing much better, thanks to you.” Her smile didn’t hide the concern lurking in her hazel eyes.
“What is it then, Emily?”
“You’re Tyler’s teacher, and he’s your priority, of course. But Jordan…oh, my.” She sighed sadly. “He’s a lost soul. Sometimes I think he’s in a much worse state than his nephew. He refuses to live, Isabella. All he does is work. He’s been hurting for a very long time now and, even though he says he doesn’t care about Derek or…Tyler’s mother, I know their sudden deaths were a shock to him. So, I won’t deny that I’m delighted you’re here for him, too. I’ve seen how he looks at you…”
Emily smiled at the surprise in Isabella’s eyes. “He likes you, Isabella,” she continued. “That’s a big step for him after…what he went through.” She shook her head and sighed but forced another smile to her lips as she covered Isabella’s hands with hers. “For years, I’ve prayed for someone like you to bring him back to life.”
“Emily,” Isabella rose from her chair. “This arrangement is nothing like that!”
Emily stood, too. “But you are helping him, my dear,” she insisted, then shrugged sadly. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. I hope you’ll forgive an old romantic?”
Isabella felt guilty for being secretly thrilled. Jordan liked her? Well, if their kiss was any indication, he was as attracted to her as she was to him – but she was certain his feelings ended there.
“Don’t be silly, Emily,” she reassured her new friend. “You care about Jordan. I understand that you want him to find happiness – I want him to be happy, too. But…he’s not looking for a relationship. And, quite frankly, neither am I.”
Emily sighed again,
