Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Joann Durgin Page A

the state finals, but we didn’t win. I cried for a couple of days, but it was a good lesson that you don’t always get what you want.” He took a deep breath, thinking of the irony of that statement.
    Keep going. “My mom never let us kids drink anything other than water, milk, or juice until I was about ten, but I sneaked in some pop here and there, stubborn rebel that I was. My grandmother on Mom’s side taught me to knit, but I stunk at it and kept getting everything all knotted up—maybe on purpose.” He raised a brow, noting her amusement. “Should I go on?”
    She shook her head but appeared a little dazed. “I think that’s enough for now. To be continued another time. I take it Kristin is Ben’s daughter?”
    “His youngest, yes. He has seven kids, five of them daughters.”
    “Really? That’s a surprise.”
    Jake laughed. “Could be one reason he’s so crotchety.”
    She mock pouted. “Are you saying girls are trouble?”
    “Never.” That wasn’t the entire truth, but he couldn’t spoil the moment.
    “Where’s Kristin now?”
    “Married in California with a whole bunch of kids.” He chuckled. “All boys.”
    Her slow smile was quite possibly the loveliest sight he’d ever seen, and he’d witnessed a lot of the grandeur in God’s creation. “Care to guess what I want to do now?” Her lips were only an inch away. You shouldn’t have said it. Back away. Remember your promise. Don’t do it.
    Julia moved closer. She couldn’t have a clue as to the warring emotions inside him. Again, he reminded himself that he’d made a promise to the Lord, and she was promised to another man. “Julia, I—”
    She put one hand on his chest and stepped back. “Jake, I need to tell you something.” When she looked up at him, Julia’s eyes filled with tears of…regret? Sadness? Unhappiness? He wasn’t the only one struggling with some kind of inner turmoil. What’s going on? His heart sank. Perhaps it was best not to know.
    “Hello there, youngsters!” Dylan flung the front door open wide and glanced from him to Julia and back. They both jumped, and he wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or grateful for Dylan’s interruption.
    “Thanks for bringing her home, buddy.” Dylan raised his arms high in the air accompanied by an exaggerated yawn. “It’s been a long day, don’t you think? Time to say good night, Jules.” His voice sounded more fatherly than brotherly.
    Those mesmerizing eyes lifted to his. “Thanks for bringing me home, Jake. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    He nodded. “Good night, Julia. Are you helping out at Ed’s Christmas tree farm tomorrow?”
    “We sure are,” Dylan answered as Julia moved past him and into the house. “We’ll see you there, bright and early. Sweet dreams. Say hi to Bailey for me.”
    Headed back to his truck, Jake raised his face to the night sky, inhaling deeply and blowing it out. As he climbed inside the cab, he heard the carolers singing “Silent Night.”
    “Lord, please give me strength.” Starting the engine, he drove off without looking back. As he often did while driving, he launched into a prayer, eyes wide open. I’m glad You’re in charge, Lord, because I don’t understand what’s happening with Julia. OK, that’s a lie. I know what’s happening, but it can’t happen. “It can’t,” he murmured. His heart sank even lower.
    Bailey was going to get a whopping earful tonight.
     
     
     
     

15
     
    Jake always enjoyed helping customers at the tree farm. Dylan and his two boys worked alongside him while Julia helped the ladies serve food and refreshments to the workers. Talking with the townspeople who’d come to pick out a tree, he kept one eye on her. He overheard Dylan introduce her around, but wasn’t surprised most already knew her. Seemed she’d spent her time in Starlight helping several groups with something or other. The winks and knowing glances sent their way didn’t help his cause of trying to keep his distance.