Christmas Therapy

Did her skin flush? Did a smile build on his lips?

“Oh, dear,” Heather’s mother said, interrupting the moment. “Your sister needs a ride home. Her car won’t start.”

“Okay let’s go.” Heather hobbled past her mother.

“I’m taking you home first. You need to get off that leg. I shouldn’t have let you talk me into bringing you here.” Her mother’s lips pressed into a thin line.

“Mom, I’m fine. Let’s go get Sonia.” Heather needed to get away from Allen. Whatever was brewing between them, she didn’t like it.

“Allen, would you be a dear and take Heather home?” her mother asked.

His lips parted. “Ms. Diana I—”

“I don’t know him.” Heather pointed to Allen as her eyebrows shot up.

Her mother dismissed her comment with a raised hand. “I know his father and that’s good enough for me. Besides, he’s the reason you made it to the hospital after your accident. I know I can trust him.” She averted her gaze to him. “Will you? Everyone else here has to get their children home.”

Heather stared at her mother. “Mom, I don’t think Allen wants—”

“Sure. No problem.” Did he agree? Why?

Heather sucked on her bottom lip. Her mother kissed her cheek and headed out the door.

Allen gestured for them to follow. “Shall we?”

For a minute, Heather shook her head. “Fine.”

The walk to his truck was a silent one. When they came to the passenger door, Allen opened it for her. She handed him her crutch.

“I’ll help you up.”

“Thanks.” She forced a smile.

“Are you always like this?” he asked.

“Like what?”

His mouth slackened. “Nothing. Will you let me help you up?”

“Sorry.”

“You don’t have to go through it alone.”

Heather lifted her bad knee and grabbed the handle above to pull herself up. Allen’s hand touched the middle of her back for support and her breath hitched. She coughed as a reaction and settled into the passenger seat.

He handed her crutch to her and closed the door. Her palms sweated as she waited for him to join her inside. Once she gave him directions to her house, Allen pulled out of the school parking lot.

Heather swallowed. “So how are you liking Maple Meadow?”

“Not bad.”

“You thought it would be?”

“Sometimes change takes time. You always liked it here?”

That was an understatement. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Maple Meadow is a great place to grow up.”

”It’s just you and your sister?”