CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The day after Christmas, Lindy had promised to take Peter to the park for fun in the snow. This time of year, there was rarely a lack of the white powder in Wenatchee.
Knowing Peggy was anxious to hear from her, she sent her friend a text.
Out with Peter and Billy. Promise to connect soon. And yes, I am considering what we talked about. Still unsure what’s best.
A decision this big couldn’t be made on impulse or on the spur of the moment. Lindy needed time to consider her options. In addition, she felt it was necessary to hear the feedback on the project she’d submitted through Media Blast before she could make a decision either way. Yes, it was tempting to give in, but she needed to analyze the ramifications. Peggy was right, Billy would play a part in her decision. Living closer to family, too, of course. Nevertheless, the lure of success, of seeing her work on websites for major businesses, tugged at her. This had been her dream. Her goal from college, and she didn’t know if she was ready to give all that up.
Although Peggy had mentioned she would wait on Lindy’s decision before finding a roommate, Lindy realized she wouldn’t be able to put Peggy off for long. One thing was sure, she couldn’t give her friend a definitive answer this week, or probably next week, either.
An entire day spent with Billy and Peter filled her with eager anticipation. How quickly her thoughts had become entangled with him. It was as if they were meant to be together. It felt as if she belonged with Billy.
“Morning, sunshine,” she said when he picked up. It was barely eight, and she wasn’t sure if he was even awake yet. He hadn’t left her parents’ house until well after midnight. He’d had a long week, with late hours, and she hated to wake him.
“Morning,” he grumbled back. He yawned into the phone, which told her either he’d just woken or he’d recently gotten out of bed.
“Was thinking we should get an early start.”
“Good idea. The hills in the park are sure to be busy.”
Especially in the week between the holidays with a cover of fresh snow. As a teenager, Lindy and her friends spent nearly every day of their winter vacation from school in the snow. Lindy used to ski at Mission Ridge as often as she could. She was eager to introduce Peter to the fun that could be had in this winter wonderland, although she was fairly certain Chad had taken his son sledding more than once.
They set a time to meet. Billy volunteered to drive, and then they would collect Peter together. Lindy connected with Ashley, who promised to have Peter ready before they arrived.
Thirty minutes later, Billy picked up Lindy. He greeted her with a warm kiss and hugged her mother. “My sister Dede’s bringing her two little hellions and will meet us there,” he told Lindy.
“What a great idea.” She wished she’d thought to invite Dede herself. She’d seen Billy’s sister at the Wine Press that one day, but not since then, and was eager to connect.
Her mother followed them to the front door and handed Lindy a thermos of hot coffee. “Have fun and stay warm,” she said, sending them off.
When they collected Peter, the four-year-old was as excited as Lindy had ever seen him, running around Lindy like a cat chasing a mouse. While Billy moved Peter’s car seat into his vehicle, Ashley gave Lindy an extra set of clothes and other essentials she thought Peter might need. Ashley figured Peter’s energy would last until around noon, and then he’d be more than ready for his nap.
“Have a great time,” Ashley said, standing in the doorway, waving to Peter as he dashed to the truck as fast as his short legs would let him.
“You ready for fun in the snow?” Lindy asked Peter, as she strapped him into the backseat.
Her nephew nodded vigorously. “I want to slide down the hill with the big kids.”
“You got it, little man,” Billy assured him.
“Billy,” Peter innocently asked, as they headed across town, “are you going to be my uncle?”
Billy looked to Lindy and smiled. “I think your aunt should be the one to answer that,” he said.
“Is he, Aunt Lindy?”
“Who told you that?” She had no doubt this came from Chad and Ashley.
“Daddy. He said Billy looked at you the same way he looks at Mommy.”
“That’s true,” Billy said. “Your aunt Lindy is beautiful. It’s hard for me not to look at her.”
“I think you’d make a good uncle.”
“Thank you.”
Eager to change the subject, Lindy asked, “Where will we meet Dede?”
“I’ll text her once we arrive at the park.” Billy reached over and squeezed her knee, letting her know he recognized what she was doing.
It was a good thing they left early, as the parking surrounding the city park was at a premium.
Within minutes after their arrival, they found Dede and her two children. Davey was eight and Lily six. Lindy vaguely remembered Dede from her childhood.
“So glad we had a chance to connect,” Dede said, once they were all together.
“I am, too.”
When he was first introduced to the other children, Peter was shy and clung to Lindy. Before long, he was on the large sled with Billy and the other two children, squealing with delight as they soared down the slope. They repeated the ride several more times.
“My turn,” Lindy cried, as she helped Billy haul the toboggan back up the hill. By cramming together, they were able to squeeze both adults onto the sled, along with the three children, with Billy taking up the rear position. When the sled started down the hill, she felt Billy’s arms loosen from around her and then a cold blast of air as he tumbled off the back end, crashing into the dry snow.
Seeing Billy with his entire backside coated with snow had her bending over laughing. Lindy wasn’t the only one who found humor in his predicament. The children and Dede couldn’t contain their amusement, either. Their giggles floated in the air with the light flakes of falling snow.
“Very funny,” Billy grumbled. He had nearly been buried in the white stuff. “You should be thanking me. If I hadn’t let go, I would have taken all of you with me.”
“We’re eternally grateful, aren’t we, kids?” Lindy did her best to look sincere. It had been heroic of him to take one for the team.
“Guess we know only one adult is going to fit with the kids,” he said, as he, along with the children, continued to brush himself free of snow.
Lindy was happy to let Billy assume the duties. This gave her an opportunity to visit with Dede.
“Billy’s been wonderful with Peter,” she told Dede. Taking the thermos from the truck, she poured them each a coffee. They found a seat where they could view the hillside and watch as Billy trudged up and down with the kids. He not only hauled the toboggan, but he had both Lily and Peter on his back as he went. She was convinced this day would likely exhaust him. He was a good sport, lugging the kids up the slope.
“Billy’s had lots of practice learning patience with my two,” Dede said. She held the cup in both hands and looked down into the steaming liquid. “My brother is quite taken with you,” she said, lowering her voice, as if she was hesitant to speak her mind.
“We’ve had a wonderful week,” Lindy said, unsure where Dede wanted to take this conversation.
“So he said. I don’t remember a time I’ve seen Billy this happy.”
His sister’s words warmed her. It had been a long time since she’d been this content herself.
“I know you’re only in town on vacation,” Dede continued, “and that you’re going back to Seattle after the first of the year.”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
“And then?” She looked up and held Lindy’s gaze.
“What do you mean?” she asked, swallowing tightly.
“What about Billy? Will you continue to see him?”
Lindy could only be honest. “I don’t know. We’re talking, and with his schedule and mine conflicting, we’ll probably end up connecting via FaceTime or Zoom.”
Dede nodded, as if she’d already heard as much from her brother. “You should know my husband and I took out a second mortgage on our home so Billy could move forward with the Wine Press.”
Billy hadn’t mentioned this. “That was generous of you.”
Dede crossed her legs and her foot moved up and down with what resembled nervous energy. “He needed something after…” She paused.
“After what?” Lindy asked, certain Dede regretted speaking. She remembered Billy telling her he’d been disappointed by people he’d trusted. He’d never shared the circumstances and seemed reluctant to do so. “Did something happen?”
Dede didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “If Billy didn’t tell you, then it isn’t my place. You need to ask him yourself.”
If he hadn’t said anything, then Lindy didn’t feel it was her place to pry. Naturally, she was curious and suspected it likely involved a woman. She’d shared her own broken heart, which didn’t feel nearly as broken these days. If he’d held back his own heartache, she’d be disappointed in him.
“I’ve had my share of romances that ended with betrayals and hurts,” she told Dede, without going into any details.
“It isn’t what you’re thinking,” Dede clarified. “I was wrong to have said anything.” She avoided eye contact. “I need to be honest, Lindy. I have two major concerns when it comes to you and Billy. I hope you don’t mind my speaking freely.”
Lindy gestured toward her. “Please do.”
“Thank you. First and foremost, please, whatever you do, don’t hurt my brother. He’s had far too many disappointments in his life, starting with our father. Billy took it the hardest when our dad left. Like most children, he seemed to think it was his doing, that if he’d been a better kid, more well behaved, then Dad would have stayed.”
Lindy nodded, understanding all too well that feeling of not being wanted. Everything changed for the better when Phillip Carmichael came into her mother’s life. She had a father who genuinely loved and accepted her. Billy had never had that security and assurance.
“You said you had two concerns,” Lindy said, urging Dede to speak frankly.
“Yes, well, I feel a bit uncomfortable mentioning this. I feel selfish even bringing it up.”
“Please don’t be. I’d rather you were honest,” Lindy said, wanting to assure Dede she should speak her mind.
“I’m afraid Billy is so head-over-heels falling for you that he’ll be distracted from the restaurant. My husband and I have invested everything we have in this venture and we don’t want to lose our money.”
“Of course you don’t.”
“I feel terrible even saying anything; I hope you’ll forgive me. It’s just that I know my brother. He rarely does anything half-measure. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him like this over a woman. He isn’t going to want to let you go.”
Lindy was at a loss for words.
“With you returning to Seattle and him stuck in Wenatchee, he’s not going to be content with phone or FaceTime calls, he’s going to want to be with you. I understand. When I first met my husband, he was serving in the army, and we were separated for long periods of time. I was miserable when David was stationed across the country and had to be satisfied with phone calls and emails.” She looked up as if she expected Lindy to comment.
“I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the future,” Lindy told her, without going into detail.
“I hope you understand my fears.”
“Of course,” Lindy said, wanting to reassure Dede she had no intention of hurting Billy. Nor was she keen on him risking his and his sister’s investment in the restaurant. She was about to say more, when she noticed Dede’s children racing toward them. Davey held on to his sister’s hand as they stumbled through the snow.
Lindy was grateful for the interruption.
“We’re hungry,” Davey said breathlessly.
“And cold,” Lily added.
“And Uncle Billy said he’s tired.” This, too, came from Davey.
Billy brought Peter with him, towing him on the sled, as he was too small to trek through the snow.
Dede immediately took charge. “Then let’s get inside to warm our hands and tummies.”
“Can we have cocoa?” Lily asked.
“I believe we can arrange that.”
Rounding up the children, Lindy and Dede took over taking care of them. By then, Billy needed a break. They crossed the street, where there was a mom-and-pop diner. They went inside, removing their wet coats and heavy boots, and sat in a large circular booth. The children ordered hot chocolate that arrived with marshmallows melting on top.
Lindy could see that Peter was completely tuckered out. It was barely ten-thirty and she wasn’t sure how much longer he’d last. Because of the other children, her nephew would never willingly admit he was exhausted.
Once everyone was warm and had their cocoa, the children were eager to get back on the sled. For another hour, they took turns riding the slopes, laughing and enjoying the day.
It wasn’t long before everyone was pooped out. Before they left, Lindy hugged Dede.
“I appreciated our chat,” she assured her, knowing Dede had been uncomfortable sharing her concerns.
Dede squeezed her back. “Thank you for listening.”
As Ashley predicted, Peter instantly fell asleep once they were in the truck again and on their way back to his house. Lindy wanted to ask Billy about her conversation with Dede. Before she did, she needed to decide how best to approach the subject with him.
“It looks like you had a good time,” Ashley commented as Billy carried Peter into the house and set him down on his bed. Peter didn’t even stir.
Back in the truck, Billy turned to look at Lindy. “I saw you and my sister with your heads together,” he said, his eyes full of curiosity. “What did she tell you?”
“As it happened, quite a bit.” It was what Dede hadn’t said that troubled Lindy.
“My guess is that she mentioned what happened in Yakima. It’s painful to talk about it, to remind myself what a fool I was.”
Lindy waited for him to continue. She wasn’t going to pressure him, especially if he chose not to explain.
“Do you remember me mentioning how my friend Dan Berghoff was a mentor to me?”
She nodded, recalling how Billy looked relieved not to answer her question the night they’d had dinner in Leavenworth.
“I’d invested everything I had in another restaurant in Yakima with a partner, who was a former schoolmate of mine. I worked my tail off, while Kent was happy to give the responsibility to me. When I got sick and ended up having my appendix out, Kent emptied our bank account and split. I was never able to recoup. I lost everything, which is why I decided, with Dan’s encouragement, to open the Wine Press.”
“Oh, Billy, I’m so sorry.”
“It was a hard lesson that I’ve put behind me.”
She squeezed his hand, letting him know she understood that kind of betrayal, although it was different between her and Celeste. “I can only imagine how difficult it was to lose something you had worked so hard to make a success.”
“I had no recourse. A legal battle would only have benefited the lawyers. I trusted someone untrustworthy and paid the price.”
“How awful, Billy.”
“I should have mentioned it earlier. Like you, I’ve had to let go of the resentment and bitterness. For a while, I decided to give up the restaurant business, unwilling to take another big financial risk. Dan was the one who talked me through my anger and frustration. Then Dede and David said they would be silent partners with me. Their faith in me to make the Wine Press a success meant the world. They believed strongly enough to give me the seed money necessary to start up. Thankfully, my reputation with the wineries in the state was enough for them to give me credit until I could repay them. And I have.”
Lindy leaned her head against Billy’s shoulder. He’d been through so much and come out both smarter and wiser. Looking back did no good. Not for Billy and not for her. They both needed to keep their eyes forward.
They both remained silent as Billy pulled into the driveway at her parents’ house.
“Do you want to come inside?” she asked.
Billy shook his head. “I should probably check in with the staff. Can I see you tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll call you.”
That suited Lindy, who was ready for a long, hot shower and some downtime. Billy must run on adrenaline. He never seemed to stop.
Lindy spent a quiet evening with her parents and slept like a lamb through the night. She woke to a text message from Billy suggesting she stop by so they could have lunch together.
When her phone rang midmorning, she thought it was probably Billy, since she hadn’t responded, wanting to check with her mother first.
Only it wasn’t Billy.
“Lindy,” her boss’s excited voice shot over the line. “I couldn’t wait to tell you. The Ferguson Group contacted us this morning and they want to go with your design.”
Lindy’s heart leaped into overdrive, roaring like an Indy 500 engine. “They did?” She could barely speak, having lost her breath.
“They loved your proposal and are hot to get started. I know this is your vacation, I know we promised you two weeks. I feel bad even asking this of you, but is there any way you can cut it short so we can move ahead?”