Homespun Christmas (12 page)

Myka stepped over Bear, who was snoozing in the hall, lost her balance, and crashed into the boxes stacked waist high against the wall. As everything tumbled down, Bear jumped out of the way, bumped into Myka and pushed her over. She careened onto the carpet, smashing more boxes as she fell.

At that precise moment the doorbell rang. Myka cursed, picked herself up and went to answer it.

“Are you okay?” Robyn asked, looking her up and down. “We heard the crash!”

Standing next to Robyn was Joshua. As Myka looked into his eyes, she suddenly realized how much she’d missed him. “I’m fine, just clumsy,” she said with a weary smile.

Robyn and Joshua looked past her and saw the dented and squashed boxes. “Okay, that’s it,” Robyn said, looking at Joshua. “We settle on a new location today.”

“I met with Mayor Allen earlier this morning. We can have one of the buildings IVA used to lease from the town—rent free,” Joshua said. “Mayor Allen will meet us over there right now with the keys if you can get away, Myka.”

“Which IVA building?” Myka asked.

“He suggested the main assembly plant. He’ll be parked next to it,” he said.

“You said rent free, right?” Myka asked, making sure she’d heard right.

“Yes, HMI will pay for utilities and taxes, which will directly benefit the town. The building is move-in ready, too. Trust me, this is the time to go for it,” Joshua said.

“Let me grab my tote and we’ll go take a look.”

“You two will have to handle that without me,” Robyn said. “I’m on my way to pick up some computer supplies. I just dropped by to let you know that we’ve been getting a record number of hits on our webpage. Orders keep flying in.”

“I know. Look at my house,” Myka said, laughing.

After Robyn left, Myka locked up and followed Joshua to his truck. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since the trip.”

“I went out of town for two days. I had an interview in Albuquerque.”

“And?” Myka pressed, looking at him.

“Turns out the job wasn’t right for me, and the interviewer and I both knew it,” he said. “Either way, I told you I wouldn’t leave before Christmas, and I meant it.”

“You know I’d never hold you to that, right?”

He nodded. “Here’s the thing, though. I’m not ready to leave yet, so I’ve put the job search on the back burner. There was a time I hated Independence, but things have changed—or maybe I have,” he said.

Myka remained silent, unwilling to let him see how happy she was to hear the news. Joshua’s future was his own, and she had no right to interfere. Even if he stayed in Independence, it didn’t guarantee they’d have a relationship. Yet it was hard to hide her elation. As she turned to look out the window, she couldn’t help but smile.

* * *

O
N
THEIR
WAY
to town, he was surprised to hear her humming. “I don’t recognize the song, Myka, but you realize you’re humming, right?”

“Too bad I can’t carry a tune.” She laughed. “I’m just happy HMI is going to have a home. When I first suggested we start our own company, I had no idea how complicated things would get. These days I barely have time for myself, but as crazy as it sounds, I’ve never been happier.”

He smiled. “I think you’re getting a taste of what I loved most about running my own firm. Knowing you’re creating a product or providing a service that will be valued is an incredible rush.”

“Do you get that same feeling working with us?” she asked.

“Yeah, but it’s not only because of HMI, or my surveying for the town. I’ve also been poring over Dad’s historical papers and trying to figure out where Brooks may have hidden his will. I’d really like to complete what Dad began,” he said.

“That would be wonderful. Everyone in town would benefit from having rail service restored, particularly HMI.”

“I’ve discovered that Brooks may have been a loon, but he was also crafty. Getting into his head has been one major challenge.”

She smiled. “Right now you sound just like your dad. Adam’s face would light up just like yours when he talked about that will. Neither of you can stand unanswered questions. They drive you nuts.”

He laughed. “Busted!”

They arrived at the old compound, but Mayor Allen was waiting by the redbrick building that housed IVA’s business office and custom order shipping department, not the assembly plant next door. Her stomach clenched as she climbed out of the pickup. This place still held too many bad memories for her.

The mayor came to greet them, then led the way to the main entrance. He looked up at the piece of plywood that had been nailed over a busted window and turned back to Myka.

“At first I thought you’d need the bigger building, but then I realized this overgrown office would serve HMI better. For starters, it’ll cost a lot less to heat and cool than the assembly plant. That one’s basically a big room configured for massive machines and wired mostly with two-twenty outlets. This one, on the other hand, has an emergency sprinkler system and already meets workplace safety standards,” he said. “What do you think?”

She swallowed the enormous lump at her throat. “This is the building where Tanner died. I worked here, too, before and after. Let’s just say it wouldn’t have been my first choice.”

“I understand, but think about it. This really is the best place for HMI,” Phil said. “It’s got storerooms, an attached loading dock, and defined work spaces.” He paused a moment before continuing. “This building was also the heart of a company that once defined Independence. It would be wonderful to rewrite its history and see it become a symbol of renewal and our return from extinction.” He smiled. “That’s part of our new town logo. Did you know that?”

The abrupt change in his tone and subject threw her momentarily. “What is?”

“Back from extinction. We’ve erected a new sign above the entrance to town hall—a dinosaur inside a circle with a red line drawn through it. It’s a daily reminder that we’re coming back to life!”

“HMI’s still growing. With the woodcraft workers, we have nearly a hundred people involved, but we’ll never rival the auto plant,” she said.

“You’re right, but HMI’s success has given our town a badly needed shot in the arm. Every day people are coming up with new business ideas. The biggest stumbling block we’ve faced so far has been access to funding.” He looked directly at Joshua. “That’s where your ideas really helped out.”

“How so?” Josh asked.

“You’d mentioned special grants. I found out that the state’s rural development council supports efforts to promote Rio Grande traditions. So far two locals have received financial help. We’ll have a New Mexican
panaderia-
style bakery opening next to the Blue Spruce Inn, and Mr. Mora, our saddlemaker, will open a shop across the street from the feed store.”

“I had no idea!” Myka said. It all sounded great, but it was way too early to know how HMI would do in the long run. If they went crashing down, then what? She’d started this journey to help her town, but now it was possible she’d end up financially devastating the very people she’d tried to help.

Determined to hide her fears, she braced herself and tried to focus on the reason they were there.

Mayor Allen took them inside the building, then handed her the keys. “Take your time. Of course you’ll need business insurance and liability to protect everyone concerned. I’m ready to offer you the best rate, so talk to me when you’re ready.”

“We will, but first, I want to look around. After that, I’ll need a day or two to think it over,” Myka said. “I have to make sure this place will suit HMI.”

“Of course.” The mayor looked at his watch. “I’ve got to get back to my office, but feel free to poke around. Just be sure to lock up when you leave. You can return the keys later.”

Once he left, Joshua and Myka walked through the empty building. Myka avoided the area near the small loading dock and focused on the administrative and employee space.

Aware of Myka’s tense silence, Joshua took her hand and brought her around to face him. “Okay, talk to me. I know Phil changed which building we’d be touring at the last minute. His motives were good, but we don’t have to stay if you’re uncomfortable.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine,” she said. “I worked here after the accident—but I won’t go near that freight elevator.”

“All right.”

Knowing in her heart that Tanner would have approved of her using this building, she took a breath. Ready to move forward, she nodded. “Come on. Let’s go verify that this place can be adapted to HMI’s needs.”

She reached into her tote and brought out a folder with pages of notes. “I’ve discussed things with Sophie and Robyn, and this is a list of what we’ll need. First, a large processing area where we can prepare the wool for spinning, which means access to hot water and space that can hold the drying racks. I’m thinking that the kitchen and cafeteria upstairs might be best for that. We’ll use hand carders as much as possible to work the wool into rovings, then set up adjoining rooms for spinning wheels.”

Myka went down the long hall, glancing into each of the former business offices. “Some of these will become our administrative offices. The meeting rooms can be used for storage, packing and shipping.”

“This way. Let’s take the stairs,” he said, and pointed directly ahead.

As they reached the second floor, Myka glanced around. The tiled floors made their steps echo with a hollow emptiness as they walked. It was as if the building itself were calling out to them, demanding to be filled with the sounds of life.

She walked into one of the large executive offices and looked around. The empty walls still held the outlines of paintings, diplomas and photos long gone. The carpet also showed the ghostly indentations of file cabinets and desks.

“They didn’t take all the furniture,” Josh observed, pointing to a few metal desks and file cabinets. “HMI could make good use of those, I’ll bet.”

“Absolutely.”

They walked down the hall and went inside the kitchen facility. Joshua pointed to the large stoves still in place, though the electricity and gas had been turned off long ago. “Water needed for scouring could be heated here and with some remodeling, that bread storage bin would make a perfect drying rack,” he said. “Wool could be hung from racks attached to the ceiling, too”

“It makes sense,” she said, then looking around, she took a shuddering breath.

“Myka, are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded. “It’s not the past I’m worried about, Josh. It’s the present. A lot of our people have gambled everything on HMI’s success. I’m really afraid I’ll become the proverbial lemming that led the others off a cliff.”

“People make their own choices, and you’re a good bet,” he said, taking her hand and brushing a gentle kiss on her palm.

The unexpected, tender gesture made her ache for more. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“As I told you from the start, I’ve got your back. Life never comes with guarantees, but you can count on that.”

She smiled, but before she could even say thanks, he continued.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s fear of failure that’s really troubling you. Success can be just as scary—but take it from me, it’s a lot more pleasant.”

Myka laughed. “Yeah, you’re right. Maybe I just need to relax. The company’s growing, and people have extra money in their pockets. Not a bad deal at all.” She glanced around and after a long beat, added, “When you first came to town, I remember saying these abandoned buildings would make a great business opportunity for someone. I never figured I’d be taking advantage of it.”

He laughed. “You’ve surprised yourself, but not me.”

“Aw, come on.”

“No, really. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever known.”

For a moment they stood face-to-face, his steady gaze holding her spellbound. At that moment all she wanted was to feel his strong arms around her and rest her cheek against his hard chest.

“Myka,” he whispered, and cupped her face in his hands.

A delicious warmth spread all through her as his mouth closed in over hers. He coaxed her lips open and kissed her deeply.

When he drew back and eased his hold, she sighed softly, disappointed it had ended so soon.

“Kiss me like that again.” It was a new time in an old place...life in a building of shadows.

The taste of his mouth and the tenderness of his kiss left her weak at the knees.

After a moment, Myka moved away from him. Was she crazy? Sooner or later, Joshua would find the job he wanted and leave Independence—and her—far behind. She needed to remain on her guard. Loss cut deeply, and a heart that had been repaired, like hers, was never quite as strong as one that hadn’t been wounded at all.

CHAPTER TWELVE

A
S
MUCH
AS
he wanted to take her in his arms again, Joshua remained where he was. Myka was right to step away. He was a bad bet for anyone, particularly her. She needed security, and he had no idea where his life was headed. He couldn’t offer her anything except more risk and uncertainty, and she already had enough of that in her life.

“Myka, this building is all but perfect for HMI. You and Robyn could both have proper offices and the crafters can all work here if they choose, including the woodworkers. The basement has enough room for their tools and working underground will take care of the noise issue. The best part is that you’ll finally be drawing a line between home and work.”

“You’re right. HMI would become my job—separate from my private life. Maybe I’ll even find ‘me’ time now. It’s hard to get away from work when it’s right there in your living room, kitchen and bedroom.”

“Exactly,” Josh replied. “Getting a company off the ground is really a challenge. Working impossibly long hours is part of the process, but we all need downtime.”

“I give work one-hundred-percent, but I’ve missed being able to leave it at the office when I go home,” she said. “There’s still a problem, though. I don’t want our people to be reminded on a daily basis that their former employer sold them out. I want everyone focused on what we’re trying to accomplish now.”

“Then let’s do something to change the look and feel of the building. We can paint some of the walls with cheerful colors, arrange for background music and maybe even use the mayor’s logo—that ‘no dinosaurs’ thing. We’ll remind people that the past is gone and we’re moving toward the future.”

“I like that.” She smiled broadly. “Let’s place that logo on the entrance doors so it’s the first thing people see when they come in.”

He nodded. “I’ll make sure the inspections are done and that the utilities are up and running ASAP. In the meantime, you can decide what layout you’d like in the wool processing rooms and other specialized areas. Have Henry Vaughn check out the basement for his people, too. Then get your combined wish list to me. I’ll draw plans based on the feedback you give me.”

“Let’s take one last walk through,” she said.

“Good. As we go along, tell me what you’re envisioning for each of the rooms.”

As they explored the building, including the basement, they brainstormed different possibilities. Finally back on the ground floor, Joshua pointed to a closed door beside the stairs.

“What’s in there?” he asked. “More electrical panels?”

“I don’t remember.”

Joshua tried the knob, but it was locked. Finding the right key, he unlocked the door and looked inside. The small closet was filled with brooms, mops, buckets and other janitorial supplies.

Joshua’s gaze was drawn to the faded jacket hanging on a hook behind the door. The name tag over the breast pocket read Nez.

“Dad’s,” he said, his voice quiet. “I guess he didn’t want to bring home any reminders.”

“I’m sorry, Joshua.” She looped her arm around his and held on to him. “It’s hard, I know. You miss him.”

“I wish we could have had one more talk. Something haunted him throughout his life and I think that’s what ultimately held him back, but I never figured out what it was. I remember trying to convince him to work smarter, not harder, and go up the next step in the ladder. I wanted him to start his own janitorial firm, but nothing I said ever got through. He’d given up wanting anything other than what he already had.”

“Joshua, you’re forgetting something important. Your dad worked very hard, that’s true, but he was living the life he chose and was happy. Isn’t that what we all want?”

“That’s just it, Myka. I don’t think he was happy. To me, he seemed like a man who’d given up and accepted his fate. I know he loved woodworking, but he’d come home too tired to do anything except sit in his easy chair.”

“Your dad was an incredibly skilled woodworker. He could carve a piece of wood and give it life. I remember seeing some of his animal figures.”

He sighed. “I’d fish them out of the trash and try to get him to sell them, but he wouldn’t allow it. He said it was just whittling. Most of those I saved are still on the windowsill in his library.”

“Your father seemed like a man at peace with himself, Joshua. That’s worth something, even if you don’t agree with his choices.”

He looked at her, her words slowly sinking in. “You may be right. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ve always focused on finding what’s at the end of the rainbow, but maybe his rainbow was different from mine.”

Joshua closed and locked the door. “We need to get this building move-in ready, so let me start right away. Which office do you want?”

“I’d like the upstairs office that’s down the hall from what will be the wool processing area. Robyn will have to choose the one she wants. We’ll also need internet connections, battery backups for the computers and an emergency generator. Without functioning dryers the wool could be ruined by a power outage.”

“Okay then, we’ve got a plan,” he said. “Let’s get going.”

* * *

L
ATER
THAT
AFTERNOON
Myka was back home, balancing HMI’s books. After finishing her work and backing it up, Myka lingered over a cup of her favorite vanilla cinnamon tea. These little pleasures were rare for her these days.

She’d just finished the last sip when the doorbell rang.

Bear looked up at her and sighed.

She laughed. “Bear, that’s positively anti-social of you. Let’s go say hello to our company.”

Myka opened the door and waved Robyn inside.

Reaching into her purse, Robyn brought out a huge rawhide bone and gave it to Bear. “Here you go, pal.”

“You’ve made a friend for life,” Myka said as Bear took the bone to his bed and started chewing it.

“We need to talk, Myka.”

“This sounds serious. How about we sit down and I’ll make some tea?”

“Perfect.”

Robyn took a seat at the kitchen table, staying silent while Myka boiled the water.

“You’re starting to worry me, Robyn. What’s wrong?” Myka asked, bringing the teapot and two mugs to the table.

“It’s not
bad
news. I’ve just got a concern.” She waited as Myka poured the tea. “I’ve been doing a lot of free online publicity, but I’ve taken that as far as it can go. Traffic on the webpage is good, but analytics tells me we’re getting more repeat business than new. To generate more traffic, I need an advertising budget, even if it’s small. We’ve got to tell the world that HMI is here. That means special targeted promos, and those cost money.”

“We can squeeze some money out of the budget, but you’ll have to think small scale.”

“I’ll make every dollar stretch, I promise.”

“So what are your plans?”

“For starters, I’d like to run a few online ads. I’ll design them and write the copy myself, but I’m going to need new software...and a real office. I’ve been contacting specialty stores who might be willing to carry our merchandise, particularly our large tapestries. We haven’t sold many through the site because shipping is expensive,” she said. “The problem is that at Mom’s, no matter which room I choose, the customer I’m talking with through Skype sees a family photo collection on the wall behind me.”

“Working from home has been tough on a lot of us,” Myka said, “but I’ve got good news. We’ve found a home for HMI!” Myka told her about their plans for the former IVA office building.

“Great! One more thing. I hate to push, but how about a new computer? Can we afford it? Something with more RAM, storage and a faster processor for multitasking would make my work a lot easier.”

“Come up with several computer choices that’ll meet your needs and I’ll see what I can do. Joshua is going to make sure we get good internet.”

Robyn sat back, now more relaxed. “We’re all working hard, but it’s exciting, isn’t it? Each day is filled with challenges, and there’s a surprise around every corner.”

“All that can also be exhausting,” Myka said with a thin smile.

“True, but I’ve never been happier. I love networking,” she said. “Speaking of that, did you know J. R. Vega came back into town?”

“Who?” Myka asked.

“We knew him as Jerry Vega.”

“I remember Jerry,” Myka said. “He was super smart but lived in the shadow of his big brother.”

“J.R. started out as an IT tech at Insomuch Software in Albuquerque, then he hit it big.”

“How’d that happen?”

“He invested heavily in the company, which became a major player in the business software market. By the time Jerry sold his shares, he’d already made a small fortune. Now he can do whatever he wants.”

“Wow, and he’s back home?”

Robyn nodded. “You know what a great artist Jerry’s father is, right?”

“Yeah, he painted a lot of murals in public buildings until the funding dried up.”

“Exactly. Jerry set up a website for his dad, and since then, Mr. Vega has been selling his paintings all over the world.”

“That’s great! What a wonderful idea.”

“I’ve got a lunch date with J.R. today. I’m hoping he’ll give me some ideas on how to market our brand.”

“Good thinking!” With a mischievous smile, she added, “Back in high school, you told me you had a thing for Mr. Vega’s son. At first, I thought you meant Luke, the hunk. I never dreamed you liked Jerry.”

Robyn laughed. “Luke’s muscle and charm, but I was always in awe of Jerry. I remember him going into these long discussions about algorithms and abstractions for manipulating data structures. Half of what he said was over my head, but I’d pretend I understood because I loved listening to him.”

“You’ve always picked brains over brawn.”

“I still do.”

Myka blinked. “Wait—do you have a crush on him?”

“Maybe,” she said. “We’re not kids anymore, but that just makes things spicier. You know what I mean. Look at you and Joshua.”

“There is no me and Joshua.”

“Sell that to someone who doesn’t know you, Myka.”

“No, I’m telling the truth. There’s nothing between us. He’s here for now, but once he lands a job, he’ll disappear again,” she said. “I don’t need that kind of heartache. I’ve had it with goodbyes.”

Robyn gave her an impromptu hug. “You’ve been through hell and back, honey, and I’m so sorry!”

“I’m fine—now.”

“But you’re lonely,” Robyn said.

“Not really. I’ve got Bear, and once I start working in an office again I’ll be around people all day long.”

Bear looked up at her and stopped chewing.

“Don’t worry, big guy. You’re coming to work with me. You can even have your own official title. How’s ‘Security’ strike you?”

Bear gave her a huge panting grin and they both laughed.

“I better get going, Myka. I’ll let you know how things work out with J.R.”

After Robyn left, Myka decided to fix herself a sandwich. She opened the cupboard, then the fridge, and realized she was out of everything except tea, coffee and one pint of emergency ice cream. The milk was sour and the few slices of bread that were left were trimmed in gray fuzz.

“You have plenty of food, Bear, but I’m out. Wanna go for a car ride?”

The dog got up, a two-step process due to his size, the rawhide bone sticking out of his mouth like a cigar.

“Okay, you can take it with you, but just so you know, that makes you look far less ferocious.”

The dog wagged his tail in response.

As Myka walked outside she saw Josh loading up his truck. Deciding to offer her help, she walked over.

He set a box down on the tailgate and smiled at her. “I’m glad you came over.”

“Need a break?” Myka glanced down and saw that he’d packed up many of his father’s books, maps and papers. “Are you giving those away?”

“Yeah, I’m taking them over to the library in Painted Canyon. They can use reference materials.” He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “I’ve cleared out most of Dad’s things, but this part takes longer.”

“Are you sure you won’t need them in the search for Brooks’s will?”

“I’ve already read them over, and they’re no help. It should have been a snap to pack them up and give them away, but they’re part of Dad’s collection...”

“I hear you.” He sat down on the porch’s front step, and she took a seat beside him. “Some things are just harder to part with than others. That’s how it was for me, too. Tanner’s favorite book, his class ring, his special tie...”

“I can see that with a spouse,” he said, “but a parent... It’s different. It’s the natural order, you know? Why does giving these things away bother me so much?”

“Maybe you’re just not ready,” she said, putting a hand on his arm.

He covered her hand with his own and didn’t say anything for several long moments. “Maybe it’s the act of saying goodbye...I think the reality of it is just hitting me.”

“Grieving is tough, Josh. Those emotions don’t come when you think they should.”

“Maybe that’s it. I never got a chance to make my peace with it.”

“You need time,” she said. “There aren’t any shortcuts to something like this.”

He took a deep breath then let it out slowly. “There’s one thing I have to do.” He showed her a small leather pouch. “This belonged to my dad. It was his
jish,
his medicine bag. These can hold a variety of things, but Dad’s held only corn pollen, which brings peace and signifies the continuity of all life. It was a gift from Uncle Rudy, given to him after Mom died. I’ve held on to it, not sure what to do, but as I was packing up Dad’s maps and books I got an idea.”

She looked at him, waiting.

“I’m going to scatter the pollen at Dad’s special place.” He met her gaze and held it. “I think he would have wanted you to be part of that.” He looked at an indeterminate spot across the yard, then back at her. “It’s not just that. I want you there, too. Will you come with me?”

“I’d like that.” This was the first time he’d ever asked her for anything. More importantly, he’d trusted her to see a side of him he never showed the world.

“You don’t even know where it is, yet,” he said with a ghost of a smile.