“The cold front blew through here a few hours ago. My second run for today got canceled because the company didn’t want any empty trailers on the road.”
“How many runs a day do you usually take?” Clinking noises now. Preparing a cup of coffee?
“Depends on what they have and the distance. Some weeks I’ll have an overnight run or two. Others, I can do three to four loads a day if they’re local.”
“What made you take that career path?”
“I fell into it.” He hesitated to say more. Truckdrivers had a less than stellar reputation, but he wasn’t the stereotype. Neither were most of his coworkers. They weren’t the rough and tumble type, dropping cuss words into every sentence. Most were doing what they could to provide for their families.
The noises from her end faded out, and he pictured her sitting on one of the pink chairs in the library.
“Do you enjoy it?”
“I do.” He settled in his recliner and relaxed. “Most people don’t think about where their everyday items come from, but without truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill. It might not seem like much, but I find value in what I do.”
“It makes perfect sense. Your work is important, and don’t let anyone make you think differently.”
Landon smiled—Jessa had a natural gift of encouragement. “Thanks.”
“Are you ready for Christmas? I can’t believe it’s here already.”
“We’re barely into the month. How can I be ready yet?”
“Men.” She harrumphed. “Always waiting until the last minute.”
“That’s not fair.” He pictured the gift sitting in the spare bedroom. “I have my niece’s present already.”
“Impressive.”
“She wanted one of those expensive, lifelike dolls that are all the rage right now. Her mom and dad won’t spend that kind of money on her, but told me I could if I wanted, although, by no means, should I feel obligated.”
Jessa laughed. “My parents had those conversations every year with my grandparents. I remember a few times when they actually told my grandparents not to buy us a particular item.”
“Did they listen?”
“Only once, and that’s because my parents had a moral objection to the toy.”
“Oh man, we faced that all the time growing up. Gran and Granddad were extremely generous but strict about what they let in the house.” He tried to think of an example but drew a blank. “Apparently, none of the things they denied us were that important to us since I can’t think of a single specific request.”
“Kind of like arguments that seem huge at the moment, but a week later, no one knows how it started.”
“Exactly.” He tapped his fingers on the leather armrest.ASK HER. “Hey, I know it’s short notice, but do you have any plans for Saturday?”
“I’m scheduled to man the chamber’s booth at the Lakeside Christmas event until noon, but that’s it. I’ll probably spend the afternoon there also, but not in any official capacity.”
“Would you like company?”
Her breath hitched, and then she went quiet as though contemplating his question. “On Saturday?”
Encouraged by the hint of excitement in her tone, he explained. “Yes. It’s my only day off without plans from here to the new year, and I miss Jasper Lake.”And you.
“This town is special. Few people leave without a lasting impression.”
“Says the chamber of commerce and tourism director.”
Jessa laughed heartily. “I speak from the heart. I couldn’t perform my job nearly as well if I didn’t fully believe in my town.”
“It’s a great place. I’m sure it’s all decorated for Christmas now.”
