Beth stammered. “If you’re sure, I’m obliged.”
“I’m positive. All I ask is that you help me with the meals tomorrow. I doubt my chef will make it here in the morning.”
Landon held back a smirk and exchanged a glance with Jessa. Mrs. Addy didn’t employ a chef and did all the cooking herself, which led him to believe she’d made the stipulation to give Beth a measure of dignity. He admired the elderly lady’s discernment and tact.
“I’d be happy to.” Beth rubbed an eye, and Landon didn’t doubt she knew and appreciated the gift Mrs. Addy had given.
Mrs. Addy addressed him next. “I have several foldaway cots in the game room closet. Pull one out for yourself and set it up in the library—it will be more comfortable for you than a chair.”
A chair would have been sufficient but arguing with Mrs. Addy was pointless. She had a strong will to match her big heart, and itwasher home. “How many are there? Should I set up others in case more people show up?”
“That’s a good idea.” She crooked a finger under her chin. “There are four of them in there. If you don’t mind, go ahead and dust them off, so they’re ready if needed. I’m praying there’s no one else on the roads at this point, but I’ll welcome anyone who comes.”
Jessa sat forward. “What can I do?”
“Could you help me gather linens for the cots, please?” Mrs. Addy rose from her chair. “Then I’m going to pull out the flashlights and candles. I have a feeling we’ll lose power before the night is over.”
Landon caught a glimpse of the fireplace. “Do you have enough wood?”
“Yes. Mr. Bill took care of that this morning. With or without power, we’ll be warm.”
He squeezed Jessa’s shoulders. “I need to move my truck, and I’ll be back to take care of the cots.”
Jessa spun around to face him. “Where are you going to move it? It’s too far to walk from the lot back here when you can barely see your hand in front of your face.”
“I have to.” He wished he didn’t. He only now had warmed completely. “It’s in the middle of the road, blocking any plows that will come through.”
She sighed, unhappy with the idea. “Be safe and hurry back.”
“That’s my plan.” He left the room and grabbed his coat by the front door, took the time to ensure no part of him was exposed to the weather.
Jessa appeared with a flashlight in hand. “Take this. You’ll need a light, and it’s easier to hold than your phone.”
“Thanks.” He breathed in deeply, bracing himself for what lay ahead.
“Be careful, please.” Her features pinched with concern.
“I will.” He kissed her cheek and walked out the door.
Immediately assaulted by stinging squalls, he hunched his shoulders and used his own mass to shield his body. He finally reached his truck, and carefully climbed the icy steps to get into the cab. He made itto the library and let out an unabashed sigh of relief. The wheels slipped—he’d spoken too soon. No matter what he did, the truck wouldn’t make it up the slight hill into the back vacant lot. He couldn’t stay on the road, so he’d have to use the main library lot. With no other cars there, he could fit, and he couldn’t imagine anybody would complain considering the circumstances.
His trek to park was over but now came the hardest part—a half-mile walk back to Addy’s. Before he left, he scanned the truck for anything he might need overnight. He grabbed his phone charger and tucked it into his interior coat pocket. His logbooks and everything else could stay.
Man, I don’t remember it ever being so cold. The frigid air seeped through his steel-toed work boots. Thick and heavy snow crunched under his feet, and the several inches already on the ground gave the illusion of wading through water.
The street lights turned off, cutting out his main source of illumination. Any light given off by his flashlight struggled to break through the barrier of snow. Even the few lights he’d seen on buildings on the way were now dark, giving a strong indication that electricity had given up.
Frustrated, he reminded himself that Jessa waited for him at the end of the task. He found his way to the sidewalk, and the edge that tightened his muscles faded. All he had to do was follow the pavement to Addy’s.Think of the days before electricity. People had to find their own way in blizzards with only a lantern if they were lucky to have that.Put into perspective, his situation wasn’t so bad.
He could still be on the road. His truck could be broken. He could have been in an accident.
Thank You, God, for the protection You provide all the time. And for using me to help this family
A quick jaunt in the snow was nothing. He had this.
One foot in front of the other, he fought his way through the elements. Eerie silence took over the town with nothing to hear but the howling winds. Not a dog barked, nor bird sang. No one was outside to greet him with a smile or wave. If he wasn’t so cold and the gusts weren’t so strong, if the snow wasn’t blinding him, he might find it a peaceful setting. He pictured what the town would look like in the morning, and he clung to that image as he trudged through the snow.
He came to the gate for the bed and breakfast and let out a loud, “Hallelujah” and pumped his fist in the air. Unsure how long the trip had taken, he felt he’d lived a lifetime. Either way, he’d made it to his home for the night and had zero intentions of entering the mad outdoors again until the morning at the earliest. He turned the doorknob, not bothering to knock or ring the bell. Thankfully, no one had locked it behind him.
