“Who thinks like that? See why I care for you.” John arched his brows and winked. “I believe you’re beginning to like me, Doctor Legend.”
“You are insufferable! You’ve got two hours here, that’s it.” Pam grabbed a book. “What are you reading? Might as well join in the research.”
The time passed quickly, and Pam jumped when her phone tinged. It was Denise. The text read: Where are you? The play is about to start.
Pam jumped to her feet. “Time’s up, John. If we don’t hurry, someone will nab the seats Denise and Tom are saving for us.”
“It’s the Christmas story of Jesus, right?” John asked holding up the one book called, Nativity, that he’d already devoured.
“That would be the one.”
The couple dropped into their reserved spots, out of breath from rushing, and just time to watch the heavy stage curtain open. For Pam, the portrayal of God’s gift of unconditional love in the form of baby Jesus always touched a place in her heart. It had been the one part of the holiday permitted by her father, and only because his wife insisted. Pam had clung to the tradition for it supplied something that she lacked – unreserved love. Now, if only that divine intervention would transfer into her physical life, in the form of a husband, her happiness would be complete.
Pam glanced at John several times throughout the presentation and watched as his keen interest kept him alert and drinking in the ultimate miracle of Christmas. When it was over, a huge smile covered his face.
“I think I know Him,” John said. “My heart responded naturally to His story.”
“You mean the same one that plays tunes for heartbeats? I’m sorry I missed it. Where’s a girl’s stethoscope when she needs it?”
“Smarty! Yes, you did miss it, Doc. But I think this particular melody was meant for my ears alone.”
“Good. At least we’re on the same page as far as believing in the true meaning of the season,” Pam said.
John appeared ready for more. He jumped to his feet. “What next? This day just keeps getting better.”
“Stacy’s Christmas tree farm is selling trees. Let’s get one for your tiny storage room so you can enjoy it this weekend.”
“Okay. Lead the way.”
George Stacy had his display set up in the Center’s parking lot. John grabbed her hand, and they raced into the spectacular land of trees the owner had created, complete with fake snow on the ground and sprinkled across the branches.
“Wow! How’s a guy to choose?”
Pam tugged him closer to a small display. “I think you should look for a miniature one that we can place on your night table.”
He felt the needles and leaned in to get a whiff of its scent. “But these are fake. They don’t smell like anything outdoorsy.”
“We can spray them with a pine scent. The others are far too big for the cubby space you call home. You need to compromise with me here.” Pam sounded firm, and although John did not look pleased, he reluctantly agreed. She tried to encourage him. “You can come to my apartment and smell my real tree later tonight. Maybe have some eggnog and then we can dream a few dreams together – if you’d like?”
“This date keeps getting better.”
“You are like a kid in a candy store today.”
“Candy canes! Little ones for my tree! I can get those at Denise’s Christmas store, right?” John asked.
“You can.”
“Well, let’s get to buying.” John stopped, and Pam nearly collided with him. “I don’t have money for the tree let alone candy canes! I need to get a job.”
“My treat. Merry Christmas, John.”
“I’ve done nothing but leech off you and your friends since I got to Cedar Springs.” He appeared disheartened with that idea.
“That attitude only proves you are not normally a freeloader.”
Pam purchased the small tree and John carried it proudly to the shelter. They stretched the branches out fully and created a bushy little evergreen then placed it where John would see it best when cooped up inside the tiny room.
“Perfect,” Pam said.
“Not so. I need decorations.”
“I have extras in my storage tote at home. I always buy more than I need. Even the largest tree on Stacy’s lot could not hold them all.”
“Promise to return them all next week,” John said. “By December I’ll have a place of my own and a job, hopefully.”
“So you’re planning on staying?” Pam asked.
“Where else would I go? I know people in this town. Especially you. And I’m not quite ready to give up on us yet.”
Pam was happy to hear that. “I’m not either. Let’s go get those candy canes and grab a late lunch. I’m starved.”
“The next show starts at seven. I’m up for seeing the jolly man in red tumbling around on stage.” John puffed his belly out and laughed. “I’ll be able to audition to play the Santa role next year if I keep eating all this rich food you’re jamming down my throat.”
“Me, jam it down your throat? I think you are just as guilty as I. Besides, Tuesday is coming, and the doctor in me will think healthy then, maybe.”
Back at the Christmas store, they picked up a package of twelve small candy canes for John’s tree. Afterward, they sat at the café and munched on a Mediterranean salad and warm rolls. While conversing, Pam caught a movement to the side, and she saw the baker watching them from behind the swinging kitchen doors.
“That baker, Cassie, is the nosy sort, isn’t she?” Pam asked hoping to root out his inner thoughts.
When John looked toward Pam, she saw a shadow flash across his face. John fought to maintain his good mood. “Suppose so.”
