There were almost no words spoken when I stepped into his house. It was partly because we had to be quiet. But I wondered if it was a good excuse for him to keep me regulated to midnight dates.
But he had Sofia and had gone through things I couldn't contemplate. Maybe this was normal when you dated a widower. I had no experience with something like this, and I wanted to be sensitive to what he was going through. I didn't want to rush him, but deep down, I didn't feel great about only seeing him at midnight.
When I woke up each morning, I felt like I'd dreamed the whole thing. It was so fast that I could easily conclude it was something that only happened in my imagination.
There was too much going on right now, between the holiday events in town, the renovation at the inn, Ford's absence, and Natasha's pain. I couldn't make any decisions on what was going on with Maddox. I'd give him some time to figure things out. If it didn't get better by New Year's, then I'd have to make a decision.
Could I live with being Maddox's secret, or would I need more? Was he even capable of giving me more?
I considered the parade to be a success. There weren't any major problems other than Ford not showing up for the toy drive. But the fire department quickly stepped in to help. I'd done what I set out to do. I developed a relationship with the fire department where we were working together. I'd gotten what I wanted out of the deal.
I was sitting at my desk in town hall when I felt compelled to create the light trail I'd been thinking about. I'd thought about it before as something we'd do in the future. I could get the blowups fairly quickly and line the trail with them.
I could buy them and ask the fire department to help us set them up. Part of the proceeds could benefit the fire department. As soon as I thought of the idea, I texted Maddox.
Maddox: You should talk to Frank about it. I'm sure he'd be on board.
I showed up at the department at lunchtime with subs from a local deli. I dropped the wrapped subs and chips on their kitchen counter, and Steve escorted me to the chief's office.
Frank stood with a smile. "Eve, what can I do for you?"
I handed him a bag with a sub and chips. "I was hoping you could help me with something."
He smiled. "I loved the piece the local newspaper did about the fire department and the toy drive.”
"Your department came through for us that day. They deserved the recognition." Not only had they participated in the parade; they'd stepped in to help with the toy drive. I'd sent the pictures I'd taken to the paper, and they'd done a nice little write-up on it: "Local Fire Department Brings Holiday Magic to Christmas Town."
He sat behind the desk, and I wondered if I'd be visiting Maddox here eventually. "What do you need from me?"
"I was thinking of creating a light trail and sharing the proceeds from the tickets with the fire department. Provided they help me with setting everything up."
He rubbed his chin. "It would be a joint project."
"Exactly. It's an attraction for shoppers and visitors to the town, and we're supporting the fire department at the same time."
A slow smile spread over his face. "I like it."
I smiled too. "I'm so glad you do."
Then he frowned. "We're well into December. Is this something you'd like to set up for next year?"
I let out a breath. "I ordered the decorations and everything we'd need. I just need a team to throw it together and get it running as soon as possible."
Frank leaned on his elbows on the desk. "You're a force. You know that, Eve?"
I chuckled. "I've been told that a time or two. When I get an idea in my head, I like to execute it quickly."
He nodded, respect showing in his eyes. "I like that about you. I don't see why we couldn't make that happen."
"Next year, we'll set things up earlier so we'll have the whole season to earn money for the department. But there's no reason why we can't do something this year. We could keep it open through New Year's."
Frank stood and shook my hand. "Just tell me when you need the guys there."
"Thanks, Frank. I appreciate it." I stood to leave, but he said, "I heard that Maddox and you were seen at Merry's Diner after the parade."
I turned to face him. "That's right."
"You're good for him."
