Chapter Four
Derek stretched his arms and yawned. Coming to his office at the nursery this morning had been a bad idea. No matter how he worked the numbers, they didn’t add up to a positive outcome.
For the first time in thirty-three years, his parents’ business had operated on a negative profit for November. If it continued, they’d have to make hard decisions about the nursery’s future. Mom and Dad had poured years of sweat equity and sacrifice into the business. He’d hate to see the nursery close, but his parents deserved to enjoy the money they’d saved over the years—not throw it back into a stumbling business.
He closed out the books and pushed aside the worries. He’d talk to them tomorrow and deliver the bad news, but today he had other plans. In less than an hour, he’d pick up Brenna, and they’d go to Portland, armed with wish lists and shopping apps. They’d purchased what they could from Noel’s stores, but the variety was limited. Decreased sales meant decreased inventory.
An image of Brenna materialized in his mind. While they shopped on his lunch break yesterday, several flurries escaped their cloud’s hold. Brenna, dressed in a down jacket and a powder blue knit cap with one of those ridiculous pompoms on top, had stopped what she was doing to catch a snowflake. Once she had, she continued on with her routine without skipping a beat.
How had he forgotten her zest for life?
He shut down his work computer and straightened his desk. The only good part about this morning’s work was that he wouldn’t have to come in tomorrow night to do the month-end reports. He rubbed his eyes then pinched the bridge of his nose, said a prayer for Noel.
His church had prayed for months on end for Noel’s restoration, and he assumed the other churches, along with individuals, had as well, but God seemed silent on the matter. Derek struggled to understand why a town like Noel had to go through this.
Life happened, sure, but it didn’t seem right that a once-thriving, Main Street America town could be reduced to a small fraction of its identity. As mayor, he carried a responsibility to Noel, but he doubted his capabilities. Many of his ideas were only bandages that would prevent further desolation, not heal the wounds.
At least the children would have presents under the tree. They shouldn’t have to lose their innocence of the world’s harshness at a young age.
He left the office, and with it his worries. For the rest of the day, he’d only allow his brain to entertain positive thoughts. It shouldn’t be hard with Brenna—she had a way of bringing joy to every situation.
When he pulled into her Mom’s driveway forty-five minutes later, he smiled. The familiar plastic nativity scene was displayed in the front yard, and garland wrapped around the porch rails and eves. It hadn’t been there when he’d last driven by a week ago. Mrs. Forsythe might have put them out, but if he were a gambling man, he’d put his money on Brenna insisting they decorate.
Leaving the car running for warmth—Noel had its fair share of problems, but crime wasn’t one of them, and his car would be safe for a few minutes—Derek shoved his hands in his pocket and walked to the front door.
Before he could knock, Brenna opened the door and greeted him. “Let me grab my coat, and I’ll be ready.”
She spun around and disappeared beyond the foyer.
Mrs. Forsythe came from the dining room. “How was your Thanksgiving, Mayor Thomas?”
He raised his brows and sent her a smile. “I told you to keep calling me Derek. I don’t need a fancy title.”
“I know, but I’m so proud of you.” She brought him into a motherly embrace then let go. “A young man like you is what this town needs.”
“I’m trying.”
“You’ll succeed.” She leaned in to whisper though no one was around. “That’s why I voted for you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” He glanced over her shoulder to Brenna returning. If she ever decided to move back to Noel, she’d make a better mayor. He kept the thought silent, lest he scare her away.
Brenna fastened her buttons as she walked. “Sure you don’t want to come with us, Mom?”
Mrs. Forsythe shook her head. “I already told Beth I’d help her pack. You two go and have fun.”
“Okay. I love you.” Brenna kissed her mom’s cheek then looked at him. “Do you have our list?”
“In the car.”
“Let’s go shopping.” She threw her purse over her shoulder, waved goodbye to her mom and pushed past him outside.
Amused, he watched her rush to the car, and then he sprinted to catch up and open the door for her. “Excited?”
She pinched her fingers together. “A little. Christmas shopping makes me happy. It’s like a scavenger hunt for all the right gifts.”
“I never thought of it that way.” He closed her door after she’d sat in the passenger seat, circled the car and took his place. “Where to first?”
“The game store. I called this morning to reserve the consoles we needed.”
