“Of course! You missed all the excitement by a week. Everyone gets off work early on the second Thursday in November, and the elves come out and decorate that night. By Friday morning, Jasper Lake is a small mountain town straight out of a fairytale.”
“Sounds pretty.” He loved listening to Jessa when she talked about Jasper Lake.
“Come see it. If you’re serious about Saturday, I’d like the company.” Her voice dropped, took on a bittersweet edge. “Things haven’t been the same the last two Christmases.”
“What do you mean?”
“Life changes, that’s all.”
There was more to her life than she let on, and he wished she’d confide in him as he had with her. Yet, he realized that she owed him nothing of the sort. All he could do was be a friend, and if she wanted to talk, he’d be there. “What time should I plan to be there? Once you’re free or earlier to see more?”
“I’d say nine or ten if you’re able. They’ll have demonstrations throughout the morning, and by afternoon, the crowds will grow and you’ll not get a good spot for viewing.”
“I’ll aim for nine-thirty. How late do the activities run?”
“Oh goodness, the festivities will go on all night, but the official activities end with the flotilla at eight.”
“Flotilla?” He knew the word but associated it with military use.
“A parade of boats. Anyone who has a boat and wants to participate lines up in the lake. There’s a contest for the best-decorated vessel.”
“How long does it last?”
“Anywhere from a half hour to an hour.”
He did a brief mental calculation. If he stayed for the flotilla, he’d get home late on Saturday. Was it worth losing a little sleep? Absolutely. “I’ll plan to come around ten and leave after the flotilla.”
“Do you know where Frog Bottom Park is?”
“Yes.”
“Most of the events and vendors will be set up in the municipal buildings there. A few will be outside, but the forecasts call for below freezing temps, so we’re keeping as much indoors as possible.”
“In other words, wear layers that are easy to trade out?”
“That’s what I’d suggest.” She groaned out of nowhere. “I’m sorry, but I have a call coming in that I have to take. I’ll text you later to finalize plans.”
She ended the call abruptly, leaving Landon to wonder if she’d changed her mind or had doubts about his coming. He shook his head, even as he replayed their conversation. That couldn’t be it. She’d sounded eager for him to come and spend time with her, plus she said she’d contact him later to finalize plans. That didn’t sound like a woman unsure.
Rather than drive himself crazy forming hypotheses, he accepted it wasn’t his business. He didn’t need to know every facet of her life, and if he did, that would take the fun out of getting to know her. He’d rest in anticipation of seeing her in a few days, and pray the unsettled feeling went away.
Chapter Seven
Since the doors opened at seven a.m., only ten families had stopped by Jessa’s booth. Granted, the primary people who came to the festival this early were town regulars who already knew everything that Jasper Lake had to offer. Around ten or so, visitors would stroll by, then stop for more information. She’d hand them a pamphlet, offer them suggestions on what to do while in town, and ask for an email or physical address so she could add them to the town’s mailing list.
During the lulls, she browsed the tables near her, remaining close enough she could hop back to her place if anyone came within a few feet of stopping.Too bad all the craft tables are on the other side. Those were the big draw for her. She could spend hours examining each handmade piece of art, whether a trinket only good for display, or a functional creation like the embroidered hand towels she’d purchased as a Christmas gift for her aunt last year.
She believed in putting thought into every gift she purchased, no matter how small or large, and she loved the personal touch of crafted gifts. Although she’d teased Landon for not being ready for Christmas, she didn’t have much room to talk. So far, she’d only bought a present for Aunt Ruth and Phoebe. She saved a solid seventy percent of her Christmas shopping to do at the Lakeside Christmas every year.
Once her thoughts traveled to Landon, she had trouble not thinking about him. At nine o’clock, give or take a few seconds, Jessa began the lookout. He wasn’t due for another hour, but that didn’t stop her eyes from wandering around the building in search of him. She forced herself not to read a deeper meaning into his visit.
After spending Wednesday evening, the night of his call, pondering it, she concluded she’d have to wait and see. Maybe he wanted to see her again, maybe not. Perhaps he needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and sought respite in Jasper Lake. Whatever his reason, it would be revealed in due time, but her heart preferred one particular explanation.
She wanted to be his motive. Was that so wrong? She didn’t think so.
A family she didn’t recognize slowed down at her neighboring table for The Museum of the Frontier. She listened to Adam Hauck give a rundown of exhibits and invite the family to the living history display outside starting at noon. After several minutes with Adam, the family moved to her.
They could have been her family twenty years ago. Three girls, one boy, and the age differences appeared to be steps of two like in her family. The parents smiled and interacted joyfully with their children, no signs of strain. By all appearances, they genuinely enjoyed family time.
