Aimee Thurlo - Homespun Christmas

The last stop was a hallway access point to the attic. Joshua climbed up the ladder, then spent several minutes overhead before finally coming back down.

“What’s the verdict?” Myka asked as Joshua pushed the folding ladder into place and closed the access panel.

“From what I’ve seen, the inn’s had at least two additions over the years, but the work was well thought out and it’s in good condition. Before you knock out any walls, I suggest hiring an electrician to check out the wiring and help you decide how to reroute what’s there.”

“I’ve been trying to find an electrician, but Harry Westin moved away last month,” Betty said.

“Harry’s shop is closed, but his daughter Molly took over his business part-time,” Myka said. “She’s a teacher at Independence Elementary, but she’s also a licensed electrician. She works after hours and on weekends.”

“So, Joshua, how soon do you think you’ll have those plans ready?” Betty asked.

“In a day or two I can tell you which walls in the guest rooms can be taken out or fitted with passageways. The downstairs portion will require a bit more work. I’ll have to do some calculations and take measurements. We’ll also need to discuss design options within your budget before I draw up the specs, and that’ll have to wait until my New Mexico license comes through. Will ten days be okay for everything?”

“Sure. Take longer if you need to. I’ve got a ton of work to do first—everything from removing wallpaper to refinishing exterior trim. After that, I’ll tackle the big jobs like knocking down walls,” she said. “Grandma passed on five months ago, but she let things slide here after IVA closed down. Seeing Independence die a slow death and watching Mom go downhill every day took its toll. Her heart was broken.”

“Early onset Alzheimer’s,” Myka said, answering Joshua’s unspoken question about Betty’s mom.

“What about your dad?” Joshua asked.

“Dad passed on three years ago, before IVA closed. He couldn’t cope with what was happening to Mom. One day his heart just stopped beating,” Betty said. “Mom lives in a private nursing home over in Painted Canyon. She doesn’t know us anymore, but we visit once a week. Last time I took Evie to see her, she thought Evie was me,” Betty added.

“I’m sorry,” Joshua said. “That’s got to be tough.”

“You accept it and go on. What else can you do?” Betty said. “When Grandma left the place to the three of us, Will figured we’d close it down till we could find a buyer, but I couldn’t let go. I love this place. I always have. I used to do my homework here after school and I helped at all the big Christmas parties Granddad used to host. You should have seen it back then! Only the North Pole had better decorations.”

“Maybe it’ll be that way again, once the inn reopens.”

“I sure hope so,” she said with a wistful smile.

As the phone rang and Betty went to answer it, Joshua asked Myka, “You ready to go?”

“I think I’ll stick around. I can catch a ride home later,” she said, “but let me walk you to the door.”

They stopped in the entryway, and Joshua glanced back into the room. “Now I understand why Betty’s so invested in this place. The inn is part of her personal history.”

“The Blue Spruce is also her and Evie’s future. It’s a good place for them.”

He brushed his knuckles against her face in a gentle caress. “Myka, it may be too late for Independence, but not for you. Think of your future. You still have your whole life ahead of you.”

His touch sent warmth all through her. A fleeting touch, the tenderness of a caress, those had been missing from her life for so long she’d forgotten what a sweet thrill they could bring.

“You put on a brave face for everyone but keep the real you out of reach,” he said, his voice quiet.

The way his eyes held hers was mesmerizing, but the spell broke instantly when something clanged onto the tile floor back in the kitchen.

As Myka turned toward the sound, she saw the photo of Tanner, Will and Betty that hung behind the front desk.

“I better get to work,” she said. “I promised Betty I’d help her put a coat of varnish on one of the armoires upstairs.”

“See you later then,” Joshua said.

As Joshua left, Betty walked over to join her.

“Pants warm?” she asked.

“Huh?” Myka turned around and looked directly at her.

“Liar, liar, pants on fire. We’re not varnishing anything today.”

Myka gave her a thin smile. “Oh, that.”

“What are you worried about, Myka?” she asked. “What people will think if you spend time with a man? Tanner’s gone. I loved my brother dearly, but he’s not coming back.”

“I know, but...”

“There are no ‘buts’ about this...except maybe Joshua’s exceptional one,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Myka choked.

“What? I’ve got eyes. You thought I didn’t notice?” she asked, laughing.

“I hadn’t.”

“Baloney,” Betty said.

Myka grinned. “Okay, maybe.”

“Will’s being a jerk, but he’s right, you know. Joshua has a thing for you. It dates all the way back to elementary school.”

“Why on earth would you think that? Because he’s nice to me? By that definition, he has a thing for everyone.”

“No, it’s in the way he looks at you—when you’re not looking.”

“Betty, we’re just old friends.”

Betty shook her head. “It goes beyond that.”

“You’re wrong, but even if we were both wild about each other—and we’re not—it couldn’t go anywhere. Sooner or later he’ll leave Independence, and I belong here.”

Myka swallowed hard and continued. “Joshua’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, and life’s hurt me enough. I don’t want any more pain.”

“Maybe you’re right. Josh is destined for city life, and you can’t change a man.”

Myka heard the pain laced through Betty’s words. Reaching out, she gave her a hug. “You and I bend, but we never break. That’s what makes us who we are.”

A few hours later, Myka left the inn and headed home. It was a pleasant afternoon, and the mile-long walk back would do her good. She needed time to think. She and Betty were both strong women, but being around Joshua had reminded her that even the strongest among them needed gentleness, too.

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