“That stuff sold out fast before Thanksgiving, but he mentioned another shipment came in. Think I’m probably the only person in Snowdrift planning to cook a turkey for Christmas, but it’s what Trinity requested, so it’s what she gets.”
“How is Trinity?” Rachel asked over the counter, still bent down. “I haven’t seen her since graduation.”
“She’s wonderful. Gave me two precious grandbabies and the best son-in-law a father could hope for. She’s got a beautiful little life up here—a modest one, but that suits her just fine.”
Trinity had been a classmate of Rachel’s, and Rachel remembered her sweet nature and kind heart fondly.
“Always thought the two of you would’ve made good friends. Trinity’s a real gem.”
The man was probably right, had friendship been something Rachel invested in back then.
“Here it is!” Locating the bottle of seasoning, she popped back to her feet.
Joe moved for his wallet.
“Dad says it’s on the house.”
“Does he really? Well, that’s mighty nice of him. Tell him I’ll smoke a turkey just for him as a thank you.”
Rachel chuckled. “I’m pretty sure an entire turkey is worth more than a bottle of seasoning.”
“Not all exchanges of kindness are measured the same. Your father’s been good to this town. The least he deserves is a turkey.”
It was an odd way to phrase it, and the tear it brought to Rachel’s eye was even more peculiar. She pushed her palm to her cheek with a sniff.
“How long are you in town for?” Joe asked, his heel turned to go.
“Through the holidays.”
“I’m going to tell Trinity to look you up. Maybe the two of you could go to coffee or something. I know she could use some time out of the house, what with those little rascals running her ragged. I’m sure she’d love to see you and catch up.”
Rachel surprised even herself when she said, “I’d really like that.”
He pinched the brim of his hat and beamed. “Happy holidays to you, Rachel.”
“And to you, Joe.”
Even moments after the door closed behind him, Rachel’s thoughts lagged back, replaying their conversation.
How many friendships had she missed out on? How many people had she overlooked? She was still sorting through thoughts of her past when a rush of frosty air tunneled through the entrance, bringing with it two large men. The windy blast rattled the Christmas card display on the counter by the register, and several cards and envelopes caught air, sailing across the store like paper airplanes.
Rachel skirted the stall to tidy up the sudden mess. She was crouched low, gathering the cards, when a pair of huge boots planted directly in front of her. Her eyes trailed up the legs and body, her gaze finally landing on the face of yet another person from her past.
Rachel lifted to her feet. She attempted to collect her composure but found it as scattered as those silly greeting cards.
“If it isn’t Rachel Joy.”
She swallowed thickly. “Lance Major. How are you? It’s been a while.”
Turning to set the stack of cards on the counter, she fiddled with her apron strap. She could have sworn she saw two men enter the market only moments ago, but now, the other was nowhere to be found. She was honestly beginning to think this mountain air was making her loopy.
“I’ve been great. And it looks like you have been too,” he said with all the confidence she’d remembered from his teenage years. Unlike his best friend, Holden Hart, who was rail thin with glasses and a crooked smile, Lance had been one of those guys that matured early in high school, his final size and height achieved when he was merely a freshman.
“I’ve been…good,” she supplied with what she prayed was a convincing grin.
“You look it. Man, if I didn’t know any better, I would hardly even recognize you. But it is you,” he said, his volume unexpectedly increasing as he angled his head, almost calling out over his shoulder. “Yep, definitely Rachel Joy. Standing right in front of me. Rachel.Joy.”
“That’s me.” She flashed her hands in the air, jazz-hand style, and then quickly tugged them down. “Can I help you find something?”
