Joy glanced at Seth, who shrugged. They pushed through the crowd and paused at the base of the stairs. With snowy boots, Joy didn’t want to risk Chantal slipping on the stairs.
“Let’s have a big hand for team Triple Threat who have successfully met their challenge,” Jenny called. The crowd roared and cheered. Cameras focused on them. Joy smiled proudly; they had done this. She’d conquered her fear and gotten through their challenge. After a few other announcements, the mayor stepped on stage.
“Welcome everyone. It’s good to see so many locals out tonight. I know that there are several passengers from The Rocky Mountain Christmas Train here. Thank you for coming out.” He paused and scanned the crowd. “Usually, I hit the switch and light the tree. But in honor of their success, I’d like to invite Team Triple Threat up on stage to do it for me. Come on up.”
“The stairs might be slippery,” Joy whispered to Seth.
“Can we go, Mama? Please.”
Who was she to deny her daughter this opportunity? “Okay, be careful,” she warned.
“I’ve got this,” Seth said. “You ready?” He asked Chantal. When she nodded, he scooped her into his arms and carried her onto the stage. Joy followed behind. He did seem to be one of the good guys.
“Do you have anything to say?” the mayor asked.
Joy swallowed and stepped forward. “We’re honored to be here. Thanks to The Rocky Mountain Christmas Train for making this happen for us. Lyons is a lovely town. We’re enjoying our visit.”
Seth stepped up beside her and slung his arm around her shoulder. “We’re thrilled to have passed our challenge and while we wish the other contestants the best, we’re hoping we make it through to the end and earn the prize for our charities. I want all of you to know that we wouldn’t have gotten this far without the help of Miss Chantal. She’s been our cheerleader and has come up with several winning ideas that propelled us along. She also stepped in tonight, by going on stage for the first time in her life, taking the place of an unwell choir member and saving the play. Let’s have a big hand for Chantal.”
The crowd roared as Joy’s heart soared. Her heart blossomed with warmth and caring for Seth. He was an amazing man.
After some quick instructions from the mayor, they counted down, and Chantal hit the switch. The tree quickly lit from bottom to top as the speakers blaredWe Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Chapter Eleven
Sethwasn’tentirelycertainhow it happened, but to his surprise, they were standing just outside the area roped off for the bonfire.
“Can we go warm up?” Chantal asked.
As promised, she’d been the picture of obedience tonight. She’d done well at the lighting and exceptionally on stage. She was adorable and had stolen a piece of his heart. Joy, on the other hand, perplexed him. She was an upbeat woman who obviously cared about her child. She was generous and giving. He’d seen that a few times over the past two days. But she ran hot and cold. One minute she seemed attracted to him, the next she was backing away like he was on fire.
“Please, Mama. I’m getting cold.” She didn’t whine, she just asked nicely and waited.
Joy looked at her daughter and then at Seth. He shrugged. She was going to decline; it was written all over her face. She leaned close to Seth and raised on her toes. “Will you keep her safe?” she whispered; her breath warm on his cheek. He knew he should answer the question, but for a moment, he was caught up in the warmth of her breath and the desire to kiss her.
“Um. Yes. I’ll do my best to keep her out of harm’s way.” He turned slightly and looked down at Joy. “From my perspective as a firefighter, I’ll tell you what I see. firefighterOf course, there’s a danger here. There always is when fire is present. But look around, all those people in vests are here to supervise. I’ve seen at least five local firefighters as well. The crowd is calm. This is about as safe as a bonfire gets. It’ll be okay.”
She looked at him, her eyes doubtful. He wondered what she saw as she studied his face. After a moment, she nodded. “Thank you.” Her voice was filled with gratitude but still held a quiver of nerves. She turned away. “Come on, Chantal. You listen to me, and to Mr. Mathison, okay?”
“Yes.” She bounced in place without lifting her crutches from the ground. She had the winter traction spikes firmly dug into the snow.
Chantal’s sweet excitement and the trust on Joy’s face gave him a funny feeling in his chest. He rubbed at the unfamiliar sensation as they walked to the opening in the ropes surrounding the fire. A uniformed firefighter let them in after consulting a clipboard.
“Limited entry,” he explained. “We only allow a set number of people in at once. We ask that you limit your visit to fifteen minutes and to please leave if you see a line forming; that allows us to make room for everyone.”
“Thanks,” Seth said. “We’ll do that.”
“Okay, be careful,” he warned.
“We will.”
Joy led the way. Chantal followed her and Seth brought up the rear. They were able to get right to the chain fence surrounding the fire, and that was at least four feet from the fire to where they were standing. It was a neatly controlled fire and, at this distance, the perfect warmth. He wasn’t particularly cold, but the blaze’s heat was welcome.
Chantal laughed. “This is ah-may-zing.”
Seth had to agree. Joy smiled, but looked unsettled. He could tell every minute they spent here was agony for her. As much as he wanted to fully enjoy the fire, he barely paid attention to it. He kept his eyes open for potential dangers. Running kids, someone slipping, or an over-zealous log throwing could all spell trouble. He wanted to be ready. He had to protect the people he cared for.
Cared for?He blinked several times, but the thought was stuck. He did care for them. How had he come to love the courageous Chantal in only two days? She was a special kid and already dear to him. And Joy? Joy had somehow wormed her way into his heart as well. Love popped into his head. Did he love Joy? Naw, too soon for that, but he knew he was falling.
