The Christmas Quandary: Sweet Historical Holiday Romance (Hardman Holidays Book 5) Read online

  “The trick is that you carefully scrape just a bit of the crayon as they are pulling it out of your hand. I started with my index finger for Milo, and so on.” Tom gave her a solemn stare. “But you are sworn to secrecy, Miss Granger. No one can know about this, is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir!” Lila stood at attention and executed a salute that made him laugh.

  “I’m serious, you loon,” Tom said, grinning at her tomfoolery. “When Alex first started showing me how to do magic tricks, she threatened to sell me to the gypsies if I ever told anyone how she does her tricks.”

  “Maybe the woman who cursed the police chief will come claim you, now that you showed me how to do the magic crayon trick,” Lila teased. She wiped off the blackboard while Tom gathered his papers and stuffed them into a leather satchel.

  “You better hope not. Otherwise, Luke will cajole you into taking over teaching duties for Alex again.” Tom closed the satchel and handed her a handkerchief to brush the chalk dust from her hands.

  She took it with a grateful nod then returned it to him. “Oh, I hope not. I’ve got enough to do now that I’ve promised Chauncy and Abby to help with the Christmas program.”

  “The Christmas program?”

  “Yes. At church. Abby has more than she can handle right now and Ginny is rather indisposed. Since she and Blake usually oversee the program, Pastor Dodd asked if I would help.” Lila walked to the back of the classroom and lifted her coat from a hook.

  “I see,” Tom said, wondering what Chauncy was up to, since he’d also asked Tom if he’d help with the Christmas program. He kept his thoughts to himself as he banked the stove and followed Lila outside.

  “You know, Miss Granger, I feel I owe you a debt for all your assistance here in the classroom. Would you at least allow me to take you to dinner at the restaurant?” Tom wondered where the words that tumbled out of his mouth came from. He didn’t need to spend any more time in the alluring woman’s presence. She drove him daft as it was. That truth was evident in the fact he’d just asked her to dinner.

  “That sounds lovely. I can’t tonight, but perhaps tomorrow?” she asked, turning to him with her wide gray eyes.

  It would be so easy to bend down and kiss her, but Tom resisted the urge. “Tomorrow it is. I’ll call for you at five-thirty, if that suits you.”

  “I look forward to it,” Lila said, motioning for Maura and Erin to join her. “Have a nice evening, Mr. Grove.”

  “I will, Miss Granger.” He watched her take the hands of the little girls in hers and head toward the boardwalk. “Remember what I said about gypsies.”

  She glanced back over her shoulder at him and laughed. “I won’t forget.”

  Tom sighed and walked over to the teacher’s house. He opened the door, stoked the stove, and made a pot of coffee. An hour later, he finished grading assignments for his students and set the papers back in his satchel. He prepared an easy to cook dinner comprised of a slice of fried ham with eggs and toasted two pieces of bread from the loaf his mother gave him.

  As he ate, he did his best to jot down his lesson plans for the following day with his left hand. Once he finished washing and drying the dishes, he found himself bored and restless. Slipping on his coat, he tugged on a hat, wrapped a scarf around his neck and ventured outside, deciding to go for a walk.

  He hoped the cold, bracing air would clear his head and chase away thoughts of lovely Lila Granger.

  Just that morning, she’d happily prattled on and on about receiving a letter from Emerson. It was apparent she looked forward to seeing him again when they both returned to New York.

  Tom snorted, thinking of how ridiculous it was for Lila to wed the man. The woman surely hadn’t given due consideration to the absurd change it would bring to her name. Lila Lylan. The name made it sound as though someone stuttered.

  Lila Grove had a much better ring to it, in his opinion.

  Frustrated with how his every thought circled back around to Lila, Tom strode down a side street then turned and walked along the main thoroughfare of town. He admired the greenery and festive bows some businesses had already hung in their windows to herald the approaching Christmas holiday. He wondered if Filly would bedeck Granger House with oodles of garlands as she had in the past. Perhaps he’d have a chance to see the inside of the house, too.

  He didn’t want to wear out his welcome at their home, but Luke and Filly had both reiterated their invitation for him to join them anytime for supper.

  Perhaps he’d take them up on it a few times.

  Alex and Arlan insisted he join them for dinner the previous evening. He’d enjoyed visiting with them both. After dinner, he and Alex thoroughly trounced Arlan in a game of cards. Alex had asked him about the students, offered suggestions for some individual attention, and encouraged him to let her know if he needed help with anything.

  Tom breathed in the crisp, clear air and turned his gaze up to take in the blanket of stars above him.

  When he was in Portland, he kept so busy, he often forgot to admire the beauty around him. And the air there certainly wasn’t as clean and refreshing as it was in Hardman.

  Tom hadn’t realized how much he missed the small town where he’d grown up. For the most part, the people were friendly and welcoming. Hardman felt like home.

  His thoughts drifted to his parents’ home. He’d enjoyed spending the weekend with them, helping his father with a few projects in the barn. His mother made chicken and dumplings for supper Saturday. It was one of Tom’s favorite meals. For dessert, she baked a chocolate pie, also one of his favorites.

  None of them mentioned the upcoming arrival of a baby. However, while he and his father talked about farming practices and new inventions, his mother’s knitting needles flashed in the firelight as she worked on a small blanket made of buttery yellow yarn.

  Happy for his folks, he also realized the baby would drastically alter their family dynamic. Uncertain where he would fit into it, especially when he spent so much time gone, he hoped they could all make a smooth transition from a family of three to four.

  The thought of having a younger brother or sister who grew up not knowing him caused Tom to pause in his walk. He hadn’t given any thought to not returning to the city to work, but if he remained in Portland for too many years, he’d be a complete stranger to his younger sibling. He didn’t want to be someone the child barely recognized or hardly knew.

  “You look like you’re thinking heavy thoughts,” a soft voice spoke from beside him.

  Tom whirled around and looked down into Lila’s smiling face. “What are you doing out here in the cold?”

  “I just needed a little quiet and some fresh air. Dora and Greg came over for dinner, along with Blake and Ginny. Ginny and Luke spent the entire time arguing over one thing or another while Dora kept insisting they behave. If it wasn’t so comical, it might get annoying.”

  Tom grinned. “I’ve noticed Luke and Ginny like to bicker, just for the sake of opposing one another.”

  “Oh, they do,” Lila agreed. “Filly said they’ll both be old and gray, shaking their canes at one another and shouting into each other’s ear trumpets, trying to get in the last word.”

  Laughter rolled out of Tom. “I could picture that.” He held out his left arm to Lila. “May I escort you back to Granger House, since it appears you were headed that direction.”

  “You may, kind sir,” Lila said, looping her arm around his.

  Together, they meandered down the boardwalk. Neither felt the need to speak as they ambled along. Rather, they soaked up the companionable silence as they both feasted on the site of the twinkling stars overhead.

  “It’s so peaceful here,” Lila whispered, as though speaking any louder would somehow disrupt the calm atmosphere.

  “It is,” Tom said in a deep, rumbling voice. “Mama always says a little peace is balm for the soul.”

  “Your mother is a smart woman, and such a lovely one, too.” Lila grinned at him. “If I did
n’t know she was your mother, I’d never believe her old enough to have a grown son.”

  “She and Dad married young. Mama was nineteen when I was born.” Tom expelled a long breath. “If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you something else about them.”

  Lila gazed up at him with a sparkle in her eyes. “I promise I won’t tell a soul.” She wrapped both hands around his arm and gave it an encouraging squeeze. “I love secrets. What is it?”

  Tom glanced around to ensure they were alone, strolling in the frosty air beneath the stars. Assured they were the only ones out and about at that moment, he bent down until his mouth hovered above her ear. “They’re going to have a baby.”

  Lila squealed and enthusiastically shook his arm then glanced around wide-eyed to make sure no one heard. Tom hurried her down the boardwalk and around the corner of the newspaper office into the shadows.

  “That’s so wonderful, Tom! When is the baby due?” Lila gave him a hug then stepped back.

  “Early summer, or so my mother said. Both of my parents are excited about it. Mama’s waited a long time to have another baby.”

  “I should say so. Oh, you must be so happy for them, and yet…” Lila gave him an observant glance. “I’m sure it will be challenging to adjust to the changes after being an only child for so long.”

  “It’s not like I’m at home anyway.” Tom shrugged. “I am very happy for them, even if they’ve been acting like a couple of moony teens since I’ve been home.”

  She laughed and patted his arm as they strolled back onto the boardwalk. “I think it’s sweet the way they appear to be so in love. I’ve concluded there is something strange in the air that has caused a sudden swell in the population around here.”

  Tom waggled an eyebrow at her. “Did any gypsy wagons pass through town recently?”

  Lila giggled and bumped against him. “Not that anyone knows of. Although, that might explain a few things.”

  He leaned closer to her ear again. “I think there’s something in the water, so you best be careful, Miss Granger.”

  She gave him a scathing look then burst into another round of giggles. “After sharing that secret with me, I believe you better just call me Lila.”

  He nodded his head. “Then it’s only fair if you call me Tom, at least when I’m not standing in front of a classroom of students.”

  “Agreed.” Lila stopped as they reached Granger House. “Thank you for walking me home and making me laugh, Tom. I appreciate it.”

  A smile quirked the corners of his mouth upward. “You are an easy one to make laugh, Lila. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Good night.” She walked around to the back door.

  He heard her say something to Luke’s dog before she disappeared inside.

  With a lighter heart and mood, Tom whistled as he made his way back to his house.

  Chapter Eight

  Tom rushed out of the house at a quarter past five and made his way to the mercantile. Aleta Bruner smiled at him as he hurried inside.

  “Evening, Tom. How are things going over at the school?” she asked, standing behind the register at the front counter.

  “Very well, I think. Although, I suppose Percy and Alice might have differing opinions on the matter,” Tom said, grinning at the store owner as he browsed the confectionary selections. He chose a small box with three chocolates and walked over to the counter.

  “According to my two rascals, they miss Alex teaching, but have decided if she can’t be there, you fill the position quite nicely. Alice is still talking about you guessing what color crayon she held in her hand. How did you do that?” Aleta asked as she accepted the change for the candy.

  Tom grinned. “A magician never tells his secrets.”

  Aleta laughed. “I’ve heard that from Alex many times. Have a nice evening, Tom.”

  “You, as well, Mrs. Bruner.”

  Tom strode down the street to Granger House, his long legs eating up the distance in no time. Uncertain whether he should go to the front door or the back, he decided to go around to the kitchen door. Most likely, it was where he’d find Lila.

  He stopped long enough to rub a hand over Bart’s head as the dog stood and wagged his tail in greeting at the top of the back steps.

  “Are the ladies inside, Bart?” Tom asked, giving the dog a final scratch on his back before reaching up to tap on the door.

  It swung open and Lila smiled at him in greeting. “You’re right on time,” she said, stepping back and pulling the door open wider.

  “I wouldn’t dare keep you waiting,” he teased. He removed his hat and nodded to Filly. She held the baby on one arm and stirred something on the stove with her other hand.

  Maura ran into the room with a doll in her hands and beamed at Tom. “Hi, Mr. Grove!”

  “Good evening, Maura. Is that your dolly?” he asked, hunkering down to smile at the child.

  “Yes, this is Bubbie.” Maura held out the rag doll to him.

  Tom balanced his hat on his knee and accepted the doll, studying the brown yarn hair and embroidered facial features. “She seems like a very nice doll.”

  “She’s wonnerful!” Maura proclaimed, taking the doll from Tom and squeezing it against her chest. Swiftly, her attention shifted from the doll to her teacher. “Why are you here? Did you come for supper?”

  “No, Maura. I came to take Miss Lila out for dinner.”

  “Oh!” Maura tossed her doll on a chair and raced over to the pegs by the door, reaching for her coat. “I’ll go.”

  “No, you won’t, little busybody,” Filly said, setting Cullen into his cradle then swooping Maura into her arms. “I need you to stay here and help me with dinner. Your daddy will be in from doing chores any minute and be ready to eat. A big girl like you can help set the table, don’t you think?”

  “Okay!” Maura clapped her hands together and squirmed in her mother’s arms. Filly set her down and they watched as Maura raced over to a drawer and took out a fistful of forks.

  “You two better go while she’s occupied,” Filly said, quietly nudging Lila toward the door. “Enjoy your meal.”

  “I’m sure we will,” Lila said, quickly slipping on her coat with Tom’s help. “We won’t be gone long.”

  “Take all the time you like. No need to rush back.” Filly gave Tom an encouraging look as he opened the door and Lila breezed outside. “It’s not like you have any engagements to attend to.”

  Uncertain whether he should be amused or concerned by Filly’s behavior, Tom gave the dog another pat on the head then cupped Lila’s elbow in his hand, escorting her down the steps and out to the boardwalk.

  They strolled through town and turned down the side street to the restaurant. Clouds hid the stars and Tom wondered if it might snow again. The air held a certain bite to it that almost guaranteed a storm.

  At the restaurant, he held the door while Lila hurried inside out of the cold. “Oh, it is freezing outside,” she said, rubbing her hands on the arms of her coat sleeves as they stood at the entry waiting to be seated.

  Tom stepped closer behind her, hoping to block the frigid air blowing around them. When he did, Lila’s fragrance filled his senses and addled his thoughts.

  Before he could act on any of the inappropriate impulses flooding his brain, a waitress motioned for them to follow her to a table.

  Tom helped Lila remove her coat, admiring her rich burgundy gown. The color made him think of cranberries and Christmas.

  He smiled as he draped her coat over the chair next to him and removed his own. “That’s a lovely gown, Lila. You look like a dish of delicious cranberries.”

  She gaped at him then glanced down at the expensive dress, embellished with jet beads and a black satin sash at the waist. “That’s the first time anyone has compared my attire to food, particularly one of such a festive nature. I’m not sure if I should be insulted or amused.”

  “Definitely amused,” Tom said, winking at her.

  They ordered their m
eals and discussed the students, the upcoming Christmas carnival, and the Christmas program at church.

  Tom cleared his throat. “I don’t know if Chauncy told you, but he also asked me to help with the program. Is that okay with you?”

  Befuddled, Lila gaped at him. “Why on earth wouldn’t it be okay with me, Tom Grove? In fact, it’s fantastic. You know all the children quite well from school. Who better to help with the program?”

  Relieved, he leaned back in his chair and relaxed. “I’m glad you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. Truthfully, I’m pleased. I can handle the music part of the program with my eyes closed, but the rest of it seemed a daunting task to undertake on my own.”

  “We’ll do it together,” Tom said, reaching across the table and squeezing her hand with his.

  Lila tossed him a saucy grin. “I like the sound of that. Now, tell me the truth. Do Percy and Anna always play Mary and Joseph?”

  Tom nodded. “Since they were six. Percy begs and pleads to reprise their roles every year. I think that boy is going to insist on portraying Joseph until he’s too old to be in the play.”

  “At least he’s consistent,” Lila said, taking the last bite of her roasted chicken.

  “Would you care for some dessert?” Tom asked, watching her dab at her lips with a napkin. He wondered what she’d do if he slid around the table into the chair next to hers and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

  Most likely, she’d slap him silly and never speak to him again.

  The thought of doing something to damage their friendship kept him in his seat. Acutely aware he had no romantic future with Lila, he hoped they could at least maintain the friendship that had developed between them over the course of the last week.

  If Lila had been available and Tom hadn’t been leaving right after the holidays, he would have poured every ounce of his energy into courting the woman. She was everything he could ever want in a wife: articulate, amusing, witty, fun, kind, and intelligent. Then there was her outward beauty. She had to be one of the loveliest women he’d ever seen.