Chapter Two
Derek Thomas tossed the blighted properties report in the trash. Yes, his position as Noel’s mayor occasionally required unpleasant tasks, but today wasn’t the day. Only a cold-hearted monster would send out letters the day after Thanksgiving informing the residents they must clean up their properties or face repercussions.
On second thought, he retrieved the list from the top of the trash pile. He had first-hand knowledge that most of these families couldn’t afford the needed repairs, or they’d have taken care of them already. Going down the list, he noted the skills and tools needed for each home. Some were as simple as overgrown yards that hadn’t been cut all summer, and now foot-tall, dead grass draped in heaps.
Why hadn’t anyone stepped in and helped Mr. Werther? The ninety-year-old World War II Veteran shouldn’t be on this list—his yard should have been taken care of months ago and on a regular basis. And why hadn’t any of the neighbors helped Stephanie Norville tear down the dilapidated shed that collapsed? The single mom of four had enough other problems to worry about.
Come Monday, he’d call the local churches and civic organizations and arrange what help he could for these families. Noel faced hard times, but the only way they’d make it through was to stick together.
He tidied his desk, prepared to leave for a few hours. Most shops in town offered Black Friday specials, and he wanted to check them out, or rather, he planned to scope out the foot traffic. Once upon a time, not that long ago, Noel’s Main Street sidewalks had been jampacked, not just on Black Friday, but all through November and December.
Not anymore. He almost dreaded going out and facing the dwindling crowds—if they could be called that. Either way, he’d do his part in supporting the small businesses in town. By day’s end, he hoped to complete his Christmas shopping.
“Hello,” a disembodied voice called out from the lobby of City Hall.
Derek left his desk to greet the visitor and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw who it was. He should have recognized the voice, could only blame it on the walls muffling her tone. “Can I help you?”
Brenna Forsythe spun around to face him. Her face reflected the same surprise his must have registered moments before. “Derek?”
“In the flesh.” He couldn’t keep a smile from forming. No matter what had happened between them, it was good to see his old friend.
“I haven’t seen you in forever.” Her eyes traveled over him. “You look good.”
“So do you.” Despite years of living in the city, she hadn’t lost her girl-next-door charm. Her blonde hair was as natural as it had been when they were kids, a shade many paid hundreds to achieve at salons. Her hazel eyes had lost the sparkle from their younger days but none of their depth. “What brings you back to Noel?”
She took a breath and glanced around the room, seeming to hesitate in answering. “It was time.”
“How long are you home for?”
“Indefinitely.” Sadness flickered in her eyes before an indelible smile reached across her face. “Is the mayor in? I actually stopped by to speak with him.”
Derek waved his hands inward, pointing to himself. “You’re looking at him.”
“You’re the mayor?” Her eyes nearly popped out.
He let out a chuckle, glad to know she hadn’t lost her inability to hide her emotions. “Is it that hard to believe?”
“No, I…” She trailed off and shook her head. “My family tells me nothing.”
Although curious about her statement, he moved the conversation forward. “What can I help you with?”
“This town. I hadn’t realized Noel suffered so much.” She turned her neck and gazed out the side window, to where the festivals were once held.
“We’ve had a rough few years.” He blew out a sigh. “Morale’s at an all-time low.”
“There has to be a way to revitalize the town.”
“I agree.” He gestured toward the door. “I was on my way out to see how the shopping looks. Care to join me, and we can chat as we go?”
“Sure. Maybe that will help me brainstorm.”
“Brainstorm what?” He grabbed his coat and slipped his arms through the sleeves.
“A plan to restore Noel to its glory.”
He nodded slowly, a smile curling the corners of his mouth. “If anyone can accomplish that goal, you’d be the one.”
“I still don’t understand why no one told me.” A cloud hung over her, dampening her natural glow.
