Homespun Christmas

They heard footsteps, and Will appeared from around the corner. “You trying to talk up the price?” His voice boomed in the small room.

Joshua turned around, and to Myka’s surprise, didn’t react. “I’m just here to offer free professional advice.”

Will’s eyebrows went up. “Betty, I thought you were going to pay him.”

“I’ve already been compensated,” Josh said. “My payment came in the form of the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.”

“You can count on a full spread every morning you come by, if you agree to help me out,” Betty said.

“Deal,” Joshua answered. “Relax, Chief. I miss my work and I’m a darned good architect.”

“Best one in town,” Will muttered.

“Will, can I have a word?” Myka led him to the alcove, out of hearing range. “Listen to me, and listen good, Will,” she said in a harsh whisper. “I’m not going to stand around while you continue to make a fool of yourself. Joshua’s here and he’s helping. You’re here, and all you’re doing is causing trouble. That sum it up for you?”

“Myka, face reality. Do you really think he won’t want something in return?” Will scoffed, not bothering to keep his voice down. “I did a little checking up on Nez and he’s broke. He lost his business. His only assets are his pickup and his father’s house, and you know how much property around here is selling for these days, if it sells at all.”

“Be careful how you measure someone’s value, Will. You don’t own a house, you drive the town’s car, and you’re forced to work ten hour days or more to pay the bills,” she argued back.

“At least I have a job,” Will replied. “And the town needs me.”

Joshua came over and joined them. “If you don’t want my help with the renovation, just say the word and I’m out of here, Will. Your call.”

Betty came in and glared at Will. “Just so you know, I was getting ready to knock out a load-bearing wall.”

“Picture it, Will. The second floor could have become a permanent addition to the first. That what you want?” Myka said.

Will’s face turned red, but he held Joshua’s gaze for several seconds, then nodded. “Okay. It’s clear we can use your help, but no favors. We need an architect—you need the money. Set your fee.”

“All right. After I get your design ideas, Betty, I’ll inspect the building and draw up plans that’ll include several options on how to expand the rooms safely.” He ignored Will completely while he quoted her a very low flat fee, then added, “Plus a loaf of that bread you made, say once a week for the next month?”

Betty shook Joshua’s hand. “You’ve got a deal. I’ll boost the bread offer through December, too.”

“So Betty and I vote yes, Will,” Myka said.

“All right then,” he said. “If things go well, you can use us as references for future jobs.”

“I’ll take you up on that,” Joshua said.

“So what’s next?” Betty asked Josh.

“I’ll need to look upstairs, then crawl into the attic and check the roof structure.”

“Come on. I’ll take you,” Betty said.

“I’m on duty. I have to get back to work,” Will said.

“Go ahead, Will. We’ll handle things here.” Myka smiled. “Don’t worry.”

“That’s not going to happen. You, Evie, Betty and Mom are all the family I’ve got left. I worry.” He turned and walked away.

Betty found a flashlight and led Joshua upstairs. Myka followed and watched Joshua work. His gaze took in everything as he concentrated. A shiver ran up her spine. To have him look at her like that... She sighed softly.

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.