Chapter Text
Daisy was running late; she had forgotten to grab her folder for her computer class before lunch and had to stop after lunch which meant going to the other end of the building where her locker was. She grabbed it and realized the halls were mostly empty and she still had to go back to the other end where she had just come from and go upstairs where her classroom was. So, she started running. Not fast. It was more like a jog. Unfortunately, as she passed an open doorway, someone stepped out right into her path, and although Daisy saw him at the last second and was nearly able to go around, her shoulder hit the side of his arm. He spun around and Daisy’s feet tangled, and she tumbled to the ground. His books, her folder she’d been holding, and her backpack flew across the hallway.
“Hey are you okay?” The boy ran to her looking down at her concerned.
“Yeah.” She looked up at him and started laughing. He looked so serious and worried. “Sorry, it’s just I must have looked ridiculous. “I’m fine. Nothing broke except my dignity.”
He offered his hand to help her up. “You sure?”
“Yup. Sorry. It was my fault for not looking and running down the hall. I was trying not to be late for class.”
He laughed then. “You messed that up. Now you’re going to be later.”
She grinned. “Good thing I have a charming personality and the teacher likes me, huh.” She started picking up the contents of her folder which were thrown across the hall.
He bent down to help her. “I’m Daniel. Daniel Sousa.”
“Daisy. Daisy May.”
“I know. You’re the new Sheriff’s daughter. We have a couple classes together. He held out his hand. “Nice to officially bump into you.”
She laughed, shaking his hand. “Nice sense of humor. And very cute.”
He grinned and kept staring at her.
“Wait. Did I just say that last part out loud.”
He nodded. “Yes. Yes, you did.” He grinned then. “I was trying to figure out a good way to bump into the girl with such a charming personality, but you made it easy.”
“Now you’re being facetious.”
“Ah smart too. Or you just know big words.”
She laughed again. “Both actually.”
“Good to know. Here.” He handed her the last of her papers from her folder.
“Thanks.” She put all the papers inside the folder and picked up her backpack. She started to walk down the hall.
“Hey, let me know if your charming personality gets you out of being marked for being late to class or not.” He grinned as she turned around.
“Why?”
“My sister is the librarian here.”
She stared at him quizzically. “And?”
“Nothing really. She really has nothing to say about it.”
She shook her head. “You’re a little weird.”
“Thanks. But remember I’m also very cute. And funny.”
She let out a slight giggle. “See you around Daniel Sousa.” She walked down the hallway and did not look back.
He watched her walk away and smiled. “I certainly hope so Daisy May,” he said very quietly.
Melinda was on the phone talking with Sharon Carter about Daisy’s request when Jeffrey Mace knocked on her office door. She motioned for him to come in and after finishing her call, turned to him. “What can I do for you Jeffrey?”
“You can go out with me.”
She laughed. “No really, what’s up?”
“I’m totally serious. How about this weekend. We’ll go out to dinner, maybe go dancing, reminisce about high school. Not that many graduates from back then still live in this area. It’ll just be 2 old friends catching up.”
Melinda looked at him and smiled. “Okay. But not Friday or Saturday. I have plans. How about an early Sunday evening dinner, drinks and talking. We can talk about going dancing another time.”
“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up around five this Sunday?”
“Sure. I know you know the address, since you sold me the house.”
“Yeah” He laughed “I actually do have some business to discuss too. I wanted to talk about the squatters over on the old Perkins farm. My company owns the property, and we’d like for someone to go out there and talk to them, to get them to leave without causing any problems before we start renovations.”
“I’ll have someone look into it today.”
“Thanks. See you Sunday.”
“I look forward to it.”
Maria picked up Daisy and Bobbi from afterschool practice, dropping Daisy at the station and then taking Bobbi home to Phil’s place. Phil was still out of town, and Maria was spending the night with Bobbi at his place.
On the way home, Melinda stopped to pick up take-out platters from a chain restaurant in town. After she got back into the car and started driving, she casually mentioned she was going on a date with Jeffrey Mace.
“I guess you should be okay alone for a few hours on Sunday evening?”
“Why? Where are you going?” Daisy questioned knowing Melinda was supposed to be off from work the whole weekend. “You don’t have to work now, do you?”
“No. I’m going on a date with Jeffrey.”
“A date?”
“Yeah. He came to my office today to inquire about some business, but also asked me out. I told him I was busy Friday and Saturday, but that dinner would be nice on Sunday.”
“You’re going out? On a date?”
“Yes. Why not, right? He’s an old acquaintance, he’s single, and he’s handsome.”
“Alright, Mom. I’d like to think my matchmaking helped this along.”
“Are you sure you’re good with this? With me dating?”
“Of course. I mean you dated before, back in LA.”
“That was more group events with fellow officers, but yeah, I know I went out. You want Maria to hang with you?”
“How late will you be?”
“Not very. I have to work Monday morning.”
“I should be good Mom. I’m not a little kid. I’m fourteen.”
“Okay. He’s picking me up at five and I should be home no later than nine o’clock.”
The next day, Melinda caught up on paperwork all day, until her stomach rumbled. She looked at her clock, seeing it was almost two o’clock and she hadn’t eaten lunch yet. She had been caught up in trying to get everything finished before the weekend so she wouldn’t have to do anything at home. She got up and opened the small fridge in her office and made a face at the salad she had brought. She wasn’t in a salad mood. She decided to go to the Lighthouse Café for lunch.
As she arrived, she noticed Phil was there, sitting at a table drinking coffee with papers spread on the table and his computer open. She walked over to him. “I see you’re back.”
He looked up and smiled at her. “Just a few hours ago. Now I have bunch of paperwork from here to catch up on.”
“I just finished doing paperwork at the station. Took me nearly six hours to just make a dent. Then I realized how hungry I was, and my salad was not looking all that appetizing, so here I am.”
“Here you are indeed. Sit. I’ll order lunch for us both. I haven’t eaten yet either. Did you see today’s menu?”
“No. I came right over here. Just something lighter. A sandwich and soup with tea and water would be fine.”
“I know just what to get.” He walked to the counter and ordered for them both, then walked back to sit down. He cleared the table, placing his computer and papers on a chair. “Shouldn’t be too long, as you can see, we are not busy. The lunch crowd had everyone hopping though. Thanks for taking care of Bobbi the other night.”
“No problem. We were happy to have her. We watched another Christmas movie.”
“Of course, you did. Bobbi is really liking them now. Hey, are you and Daisy still planning to see that Christmas movie over at the theater tonight?”
“We are. You and Bobbi are welcome to join us.”
“Thanks. We will. Bobbi really wants to go. Honestly, she hasn’t been this happy about the holidays in a very long time. Since Jen – well this time of year has been hard for her. I appreciate that you and Daisy seem to have given her back some happiness.”
“It’s just the movies, Phil.”
“Nah. It’s more than that. Daisy’s excitement, and her wonder at everything. It’s contagious.”
Melinda smiled. “It is. Last year was the first holiday I’d cared enough to not want to work on for a long time. I’d always volunteer to work full, even double shifts. But with Daisy,” she laughed, “I almost feel like a kid again. Seeing things through her eyes; the wonder and the fun and the excitement, has just reminded me more and more of who I was. Who I am.”
The waitress brought them their drinks.
Phil smiled. “Kids at this time of the year tend to do that to us old, jaded people.”
Melinda nodded. “She is so looking forward to tomorrow too. She wants a huge tree. She’s actually been looking them up online, all the different kinds and which ones shed pine needles the slowest.”
“What’s the consensus?”
“Scotch pine. She says they don’t shed their needles as much, and they hold heavy ornaments. And they are a lovely shade of bright green. Daisy wants a bright green tree.”
He looked at her and raised his eyebrow, “as opposed to what?”
“Well, they have blue spruce, which is more blue than green. And there is lighter green, even pale green and medium green and too dark green trees that look more black than green Phil.” She grinned.
“Ah of course. Silly me.”
“That’s what I said when she told me.”
“So, we will have to definitely find Daisy the ‘very best bright green tree that holds heavy ornaments and doesn’t shed many pine needles’ that they have at the farm tomorrow.”
Their food was brought out just then, and Melinda thanked the worker named Jessi. She turned to Phil, “this looks great.”
“My famous cream of carrot soup with a chicken avocado wrap with all the fixings for two.”
Melinda nodded and started eating. She was hungry. After a few moments she started speaking again. “Daisy really likes you.”
He looked over at her. “That’s good. I like her. She’s a great kid.”
Melinda nodded. “She’s not usually as open with people as she has been here in Shiloh.”
“That’s a good thing that she is, isn’t it?”
“It is. It means she’s less guarded, and more open to – not closed off as much.”
“She was closed off?”
“Yeah, for a while. Even with me when we first met. It usually takes Daisy a little time to warm up to people. But I think this place, everything – the people, the school, the town – it’s just been good for her. Like she was waiting to meet it and it was waiting to meet her. Does that make sense?”
He nodded. “It does.”
“She’s also a very good judge of people’s character. I think it’s an intuitive trait that was honed by things she has gone through in her past. Some people – let’s just say she’s met quite a few that had less than stellar character.”
“I’m sorry. No kid should have to deal with being hurt by adults. I wish we could shelter them forever.”
“Me too. One thing is for sure. I will never let anyone hurt Daisy in any way ever again. Not if I have anything to do or say about it.”
“You’re a good Mom. You put her first.”
“I will always do that.” She changed t4he subject. “So, your business trip was sudden.”
“Yeah. I had to negotiate a few things. But it looks like now the sale of my last restaurant in Seattle is going to go through.”
“You have to make concessions?”
“A few. But nothing I didn’t figure on having to do.”
“Good. I’m glad it worked out.”
“Me too. Looks like I will be able to expand the café now like I want to.”
“Expand?”
“Yeah, I’ve been looking to buy the property next door. I want to add on this place – make the dining area bigger, so I can enlarge the counter space area as well. It’s pretty crowded back there, workers running into each other and that way I can purchase more equipment too, so customers don’t have to wait as long. I need the yard area next door to do that.”
“What are you going to do with the building?”
“It used to be a pizza place. But it’s been empty since before I opened the Café. They thought they had a buyer, someone was going to try to open a bar there, but the building is not up to code, and they backed out. It would take a lot to invest in it to bring it up to code and fix it up and clean it up. I’m thinking of having it torn down and making a picnic area so people can sit outside after the purchase breakfast or lunch or even just coffee.”
“That sounds great.”
“Yeah, since I decided to stay here in Shiloh long term, it makes sense. Plus, we are trying to revitalize downtown. Bring in more small businesses and more people invested in the community.”
Melinda nodded. “I heard you were the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce.”
“Yeah. That’s only because no one else wanted the job.”
“Well, there are a few more empty lots and buildings. I see them when I’m out on patrol. Hopefully someone like you sees their potential.”
“A few already have. Colleen Wing owns a dojo near the end of the town line, near Red Bluff. She’s going to purchase the large building in the middle of Pine Street.”
“Really? That’s great. Less driving for us. Daisy takes lessons at her dojo.”
“So, you’ve already met. Yeah, the sale is pending but should go through. She’s hoping to open it next spring. And over on Maple there’s a new IT support and repair shop.”
“I saw that as well. The grand opening was a few weeks before we moved here. Fortunately, I have my own IT support person living under my roof.”
“Daisy. She did mention she’s super good with computers.”
“She is.”
“She made her own video game.”
“Several actually. But the newest is apparently the best. Anyway, Phil, I have to go back to work. What do I owe you for lunch.”
He shook his head. “Nothing. It’s on me.”
She looked like she was going to argue for a moment and then smiled. “Thanks. I’ll buy popcorn for everyone at the movie tonight. See you at the movie theater in a few hours.”
“We’ll be there.” He watched as she left the café, and then cleaned up the dishes, got another cup of coffee and went back to tackling his paperwork.
Phil saw Daisy waving at them from the snack line when he, Bobbi and Hunter got inside the theater. Maria was with them. Melinda let a few families go in front so Phil and his crew could catch up to them. They got popcorn, candies, and drinks for everyone, Melinda purchased all three bowls of popcorn and then they went to sit in the theater. The kids moved down toward the front where there were six seats together and Melinda and Phil ended up on the end seated next to each other.
Melinda shared her popcorn bowl and her junior mints with Phil. He shared his peanut M&M’s with her. They laughed at the movie, Phil especially did at the ridiculous antics of the Tim Allen character. Once in a while they would whisper to each other and giggle. Everyone enjoyed the movie, even though all the adults had seen it several times before.
They met up at a chain restaurant after the movie. The girls both got hot chocolate, Melinda got tea and the others got coffee. Daisy got banana cream pie, Melinda opted for chocolate cream pie and they shared them. Bobbi ordered apple pie ala mode, Hunter got chocolate cake, while Maria got a hot fudge sundae. Phil didn’t get dessert, instead he opted for a plate of cheese fries.
As they ate, Bobbi and Hunter told Daisy all about the Tree Farm/Shoppes they were going to the next day. Then Daisy explained that they had already decorated their house except for the tree and outside decorations.
“I don’t know Daisy. We don’t have outside lights, remember I tossed them because too many bulbs weren’t working, and I don’t have an outside ladder. Maybe we’ll skip the outside decorating this year.”
Daisy looked at her as though she had just taken a puppy out of her hands and said she couldn’t keep it. “We can’t skip it, Mom. “Daisy declared. “We have to put up outside decorations.”
“Geez Sheriff May, didn’t you learn anything from watching that movie?”
Melinda scoffed. “We don’t have a Frosty, Hunter.”
Phil grinned. “But we could get one.”
Melinda glared at him. “Phil.”
“Okay maybe not a glass Frosty on the roof. But a blow up one in the front yard.”
“They have those?” Daisy said excitedly.
“They do. And Santas, and sleighs and elves and reindeer.” Bobbi answered.
“Penguins and bears and dogs and cats.” Hunter added.
Maria spoke up next, “Star Wars characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.”
“Snoopy, nutcrackers, dinosaurs, Olaf, Minions. I even saw Harry Potter once.” Phil added, grinning at Melinda. “I think they probably make a ninja too.”
Melinda kept glaring at him.
“And a Grinch.” Maria said with a straight face.
“We should definitely get that one for Mel.” Phil burst into laughter. Everyone else laughed and even Melinda couldn’t stop the small smile from forming.
“You better be buying one of those for me now, Phillip. I don’t expect to be disappointed.” She joined in their fun.
“Well, we can’t have the Sheriff being disappointed now, can we?”
“Wait, did you say Star Wars?” Daisy exclaimed.
Melinda pulled into the parking lot of the tree farm at five minutes until ten o’clock and the lot was already getting full. They parked and got out of the car and walked toward the entrance. Phil was already waiting there for them, with Bobbi and Hunter.
Melinda smiled at them. “Looks like this is the place to be this morning.”
“Seems so.” Phil smiled back. “We should probably pick out our trees first and then look around at everything else. Wouldn’t want all the best ones gone before we check them out.”
“You think they’ll sell out of the Scotch Pine trees. Phil?” Daisy was concerned.
“No. I was mostly kidding. But, come on. Let’s find that perfect tree for you.” He led the way, and they all followed him to the cut tree area.
“Why don’t we all look around a bit first and see what catches our eye.” Phil suggested.
“Cool. I’m going to start over there, okay Mom?”
“Sure. I’ll go down this row.” They all parted except Hunter who stayed with Bobbi and they all walked down a different row of trees.
Daisy looked to see if they were grouped by kind of tree, and seeing they were, she looked for a worker to ask them where the Scotch pines were. Seeing a man dressed in the red vest that the employees were wearing at the end of the row, she started running down to him, hoping to catch him before he turned the corner.
As she got halfway, she noticed a blur as someone stepped out from between two rows of trees. She screamed and was able to avoid a direct collision but still managed to bump their leg. She twirled and nearly fell but managed to stay upright. She turned to see if the other person had fallen or was hurt, and to offer an apology but was shocked to see Daniel Sousa standing in front of her grinning from ear to ear.
“Not bad Daisy May. Nice spin move, I give it an 8 and a half. Much more graceful than your sprawling on the floor move the other day. But I must say- you really should stop running in to me. Maybe call next time warning me you are in the vicinity?”
Her initial shock turned into whining. “You did that on purpose.”
He held up his hands. “I swear I had no idea you were running around in the trees Daisy May.”
“I wasn’t – you were – you were in there. Hiding.”
“Uh, no I was actually working.”
She finally noticed his bright red vest. “Oh.”
“I’m fine by the way. You have a knack for avoiding actual full contact. Must be a gift.”
She managed to look contrite. “I’m sorry. I was trying to catch that other worker. I should be more careful.”
“It’s fine. What did you want him for? Maybe I can help you. That’s my job.”
She sighed. “I was going to ask him where the Scotch Pine trees are.”
“Good choice. They are over two rows. Come on. I’ll show you.” He smirked. “But only if you promise not to run.”
“Haha.” She finally looked right at him and then grinned. “You’re still cute. But that vest does absolutely nothing for you.”
He laughed. “And you still have a charming personality.”
“I know. I’m actually awesome.”
He laughed louder. “I think maybe you’re running into me has been the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in a while.”
“Dude. You really need to get out more.”
“But I already work outside. Here at this farm.”
“That was lame.” She turned to walk down the path.
“Wow. How’d you know?”
She stopped and looked back at him. “What?”
“How’d you know I was lame.” He knocked on his prosthetic leg. “Who told you?” He grinned at her.
She looked at his face and then at his leg. “I – I didn’t know. I would - I’m so sorry.”
“Awe hey, it’s cool. I was just trying to be funny.” He saw the discomfort on her face and tried to assure her he was fine. “Judging by your expression, I failed badly.”
She looked back at him and sighed. “No, it was kind of funny. Just unexpected.”
“Yeah, it sure was. Didn’t see it coming.”
Daisy groaned. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Another big word. But it didn’t even sound pretentious.”
“Of course not. Cause I’m phenomenal. Do I have to keep reminding you?”
He laughed. “No, that point is definitely axiomatic.”
She laughed loudly. Just then she heard her name being called and saw Melinda heading toward them. She waved. She turned to him. “My mom.”
“Your mom, the Sheriff.”
Daisy gave him a look, as Melinda came up to them. “Hey how’s the tree hunting going.”
“Uh – well – I actually was...”
“We were just headed over to the Scotch pines to have a gander. Daisy was unsure where they were, Sheriff May, and so she ran into me” (Daisy’s eyes grew big and she coughed to keep from laughing), “and I was about to take her there. I’m Daniel. Daniel Sousa. I work here.”
“I see that.” Melinda looked at Daisy. “You haven’t looked yet?”
“Um – no – I saw Daniel and he’s from school, so I stopped to say hi, and we got talking a little bit. We were headed over there when I heard you calling my name.”
“Okay. So, Daniel, why don’t you show us the way? You know I went to school with your mom, and your dad.”
“Right. They mentioned that actually Ma’am. Follow me.”
“It’s seven and a half feet tall Daisy. I’m not sure that’ll fit in the family room. And it’s big around too.”
“About five feet at its fullest. Most ceilings are nine or nine and a half feet Sheriff May. But if you want to measure first, I can hold it for you. You could come back tomorrow?
“You didn’t measure Melinda?” Phil asked.
“No, I guess I didn’t think to. Thank you, Daniel. I guess I can do that. We could come back tomorrow.”
“I’ve seen your family room Mel. It’ll fit.” Phil had noticed the disappointment on Daisy’s face. “And I have a saw if we need to trim it down a bit, which I don’t think we will have to. Actually, I think it will look really good in that room, I assume you’ll put it in front of the bay window?”
“Yes. That’s the plan.” She looked at Daisy and grinned. “Okay. We’ll take it. But we want to look around this place before we leave.”
“That’s fine. I’ll place a sold tag and we’ll move it down to the pick-up area. Here’s your ticket. You can pay up at the entrance to the cut tree area.”
“I have one too Daniel. Can you put them together? Both will be going on my truck.”
“Sure. No problem. I’ll get right on that.”
“Good.” He turned to Daisy. “Come on. Bobbi’s already out in the back checking out the large train layout. See you, Daniel.” He turned to Melinda, “I have my ticket to pay to, come on, I’ll show you were to go.”
“Thank you, Daniel.” Melinda nodded to the boy and turned with Phil to walk down the path.
Daisy lingered. “So, I guess I’ll see you around Daniel. Thanks for helping find the best tree here.”
“You’re welcome. That train layout is amazing by the way. And don’t forget to try the hot apple cider. They have donuts at the cider stand. I recommend the blueberry with lemon custard filled one. I think you’ll like it.”
“Blueberry and lemon custard donuts?”
He nodded. “Oh yeah. I figured you’d be interested. Pair it with hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks. A true delight. My sister Annie works there. Tell her to give you what Daniel always gets on his break.”
“How many sisters do you have?”
“Five.”
“Brothers?”
“Nope.”
“I don’t have any siblings.”
“You want some of mine?”
She laughed. “I bet you say that to everyone.”
“Just the girls who run into me.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe I did that twice.”
“Well, you are getting good at it. Like I said your pirouette was better than sprawling on the floor.” He grinned.
She grinned back. “Maybe I should practice at home.” Daisy looked over at Phil and Melinda who had stopped about fifteen feet away and were looking at them curiously. “I got to go. See you around Daniel Sousa.” She paused a few seconds. “I mean how could I miss seeing you with that red vest.”
He smiled. “See you around Daisy May. I’ll keep on the lookout. It’ll be safer that way. Perhaps I should wear this vest everywhere, so you see me?” He smirked at her.
She shook her head and grinned. “Have a good day.” She turned and walked quickly away to meet up with Phil and Melinda. Neither said anything, but Daisy knew her mom would do so later. And she was actually fine with that.
After they paid for the trees, they all walked to the back area behind the buildings, where the outdoor displays were set up. They met up with Bobbi and Hunter, and Daisy was quite impressed with the train display. She also spent a lot of time looking at the inflatables they had set up and managed to talk her mom into buying four. A snowman, a Santa, a penguin and an elf, buying more traditional ones, but Daisy said next year they were going to get the Star Wars ones too.
Phil did buy a Grinch inflatable for them as well. They went inside the shop then to see to the light displays and Melinda bought a new set of indoor light sets for the tree, and a bunch of outside sets as well. Everyone shopped for a while in the various gift shops and then they went to the food stands for a snack.
Daisy found the stand Daniel told her to look for and spoke to the woman with the name tag that said Annie. “Daniel said I should just tell you to get me what he always gets on his break.” She spoke to the young woman, hoping she would understand.
The woman grinned at her and nodded at her and Melinda. “Of course. And Sheriff, what can I get you?”
“I’ll have whatever she just ordered.”
“Good choices.” She rang up the order. “So, you must know Daniel from school?”
“Yeah. And he helped us find a good tree. I’m Daisy.”
“Nice to meet you, Daisy.’ She looked at Melinda. “My mom tells us she went to school with you Sheriff May.”
“She did. And with your dad, although he was a few years ahead of me, I believe he was a senior when I was a sophomore.”
“Well, nice to meet you both. You can pick up your order right over there.” She pointed and smiled as they moved away, and Bobbi and Phil and Hunter stepped up next to order.
Daisy sat down with the tray of food. Melinda sat next to her. “What did you get us, kiddo?”
“Apple Cider with cinnamon sticks. You ever have it before?”
“Lots of times. It’s good. Although on occasion I prefer my cider with a bit of a kick.”
Daisy looked at her puzzled.
“With alcohol. Whiskey preferably.”
‘Oh. Like when you put it in eggnog last year?”
“Exactly. What kind of donuts are those.”
Daisy handed her one. “Blueberry and lemon custard filled. Daniel said they were awesome.”
“Oh, he did, did he?”
“Yeah.” Daisy bit into the treat and sighed contently.
“I take it you like it?” Melinda took a bite of her own donut and nodded at Daisy, sighed in contentment herself.
Phil, Bobbi and Hunter joined them at the outdoor table. Phil spoke, “I see you found out about the blueberry and lemon custard donuts. Aren’t they great?”
“Mmmmmm....” was Melinda response.
“Daniel said to try them.” Daisy answered, then took another bite.
“They are good. All the donuts here are good.” Hunter replied. “I got a lemon with lemon glaze, and a maple bacon.”
“They make a bacon donut?” Daisy’s eyes lit up.
“Yup. You want to try it?” He pulled a piece off and handed it to her.
She took it and ate it, turning to her mom, “I need one of those. Please?”
Melinda laughed. “Here,” she handed her some money she dug from her pocket, “you can get a dozen of mixed kinds to take home.”
“Thank you.” Daisy started to leave but turned to Melinda. ‘What kind do you want?”
“I’ll try one of those lemon and maple bacon as well as another of this blueberry one. Oh that looks good to Phil. What is it?”
‘Key -lime coconut.”
“Get one of those too Daisy.
“The pineapple upside down ones are good too.” Bobbi held hers up.
“And one of those. Here Dais, get one and a half dozen.” She handed her more money.
After they finished their drinks and donuts, Phil went to get his truck to go to the pickup area to get the trees. Hunter went with him. Bobbi went with Melinda and Daisy to shop a little more, since Phil was taking his tree to his place first. Then Melinda drove them back to the house where Phil would meet them. They arrived a few minutes before Phil and had just taken all the packages to the house when he pulled up in his truck.
Phil had stopped at a local grille shoppe and had brought along burgers and fries for everyone since it was lunch time. After eating they wrestled the tree into the house and got it set up in the family room, in front of the bay window. It did fit with enough room so that the star could be placed on the top. They had to move some furniture out of the room first, putting Melinda’s desk and a chair into the downstairs storage room, just off the dining room.
They then all went to work putting up the newly bought lights using Phil’s ladder and one he borrowed from his neighbor.
“You know Mel, you really should get one of these. You never know when you might need a ladder.” Phil spoke down to her as he hung up a string of lights as she held the ladder.
“I know. It’s on my list. I need a bunch of things for the outdoors too. I guess I should make a list and hit the store.”
“Beckers Hardware will have good ladders at a decent price. And some basic outdoor tools. I can go with some time if you want.”
“Are you saying I need a man’s help to go to the hardware store?”
“What? No. I’m saying you aren’t and never were exactly the fixer upper kind of person. And I’ve had to do it for a while now back at our place.”
“Relax Phil. I was kidding. You’re right, I never liked any of that outside work, or fixing up anything. I did like watching you fix up your dad’s old car though.”
He laughed. “Good times. Hey, at least you were a good assistant, handing me the tools I needed.”
“Yeah, I had no idea what any of them were.”
“I remember clearly. I had to describe them, like that long-handled metal rod with the clasp on it.”
“Well, it didn’t interest me Phil. You know how I never pay attention when I am bored.”
“I do. I know all too well. You nearly burned the house down.”
“Oh, don’t exaggerate. It was just the kitchen.’ She laughed. “Took two full days to get that smell completely out of the house. My mom was more than annoyed.”
“Didn’t you get grounded for a week?”
“I did.”
“Okay this one is up. Coming down.” She got out of his way as he got close to the bottom. He moved the ladder and took another string of lights and climbed back up. “Only three more to go. How do you think the kids are doing on the side of the house over there, blowing up the inflatables?”
“Must be going fine. No one has come asking for help. Hunter seems to know what he’s doing.”
“Yeah. He’s a good kid.”
“Good thing you had an air pump and thought to bring it from your place.”
“Well, I did kind of start the whole inflatable thing with Daisy. I felt it was the least I could do.”
She laughed. “Oh, you have Daisy already talking about next year’s inflatables I absolutely have to buy. For years to come actually. Four per year mom, we can add four per year she said.”
“She really loves the holidays. It’s fun to watch her excitement. Remember when we were like that?”
“Who says I’m not still like that? I don’t know, Phil, Daisy has brought so much back into my life. I can’t tell you how much joy I’ve re-discovered about just normal everyday things.”
He looked down at her and smiled. “That’s a blessing then. You know when Jen died, and I took Bobbi – she did the same for me to an extent. She is part of the reason I needed to reconnect to things and why I moved back here. I’m glad you moved back here too.”
Just then Daisy came from around the corner on the opposite side of the house. “They are all blown up. Hunter’s moving them to the front. Well, we are going to put the penguin on that side of the front and then the elf and Santa one on each side of the driveway. The snowman over there by on the right of the porch and the grinch right there on the left by the steps.”
Melinda smiled. “Sounds good.”
Phil yelled at her. “House lights are nearly done. Then we just have the ones to put over the bushes in front of the porch yet to do.”
She grinned and gave him a thumbs up before running back around to the side.
It was nearly five-thirty by the time they finished. They were all gathered at the end of the driveway, looking at the house. It wasn’t completely dark yet, but the sun had set and they could see the lights and lighted up decorations pretty well in the twilight. They had placed the lighted up inflatables exactly where Daisy had said, and the white icicle lights Phil had hung looked great across the whole house and garage. The bushes in front of the porch were covered in red twinkling lights. There were two spiral lighted Christmas trees on each side of the driveway with a path of lighted candy canes on each side added every 3 feet.
“Oh, it’s spectacular.” Daisy exclaimed. She hugged Bobbi and then Hunter who was a bit surprised but just went with it. Then she turned to Phil, “thank you so much Phil.” She hugged him as well, “thanks for the grinch and the snowman and putting up the icicle lights and helping with the tree and just everything.”
Melinda was slightly surprised at Daisy comfort with initiating a hug with Phil. But then again, she knew him pretty well now, he did go out of his way to help her and be nice to her, so it made sense. A moment later, Daisy hugged her, tightly holding her.
“Thank you, Mama. This is going to be the very best Christmas I’ve ever had. I love you so much.”
Melinda tightened her arms around Daisy and held her there for a few moments.
“It does look pretty cool.” Hunter stated. “I’m going to live in a house like that someday and decorate it bad ass too.”
“You don’t live in a house?” Daisy asked.
“Apartment. With my cousin. She’s a biochemist with that new company over near Red Bluff. I came over here with her when she did two years ago. Her parents took me in after my folks died. They’re a bit older and Jemma thought I should come with her here to the states. My dad was American. But we lived in Northamptonshire. He met my mom while he was stationed there. I like it here.”
Melinda smiled at him. “Thank you, Hunter. I really appreciate all you’ve helped with today. All of you. You too Bobbi. Phil I’d like to take you all out to dinner tonight, a small thank you.”
“Well, we aren’t really dressed for...”
“So go home, shower and get dressed. There’s a that Italian Restaurant in town I’d like to try.”
“Bellissimo Ristorante?”
“That’s the one. Have you been there?”
“Yes. It’s good. The food’s very good. But it’s kind of expensive.”
“Phil. You let me worry about that.”
“Do I have to get dressed up?”
“Yes, Daisy. A little bit.”
“Okay. I’ll drop Hunter off so he can get ready at his place and then we’ll go home, get ready and I’ll pick him up and meet you there. Around seven? “
“Sounds good.”
“Don’t we need reservations if it’s fancy? I mean pizza would work too.”
“No reservations. It’s not that fancy Daisy, it’s more like business casual. Basically, anything without holes, and no jeans or sneakers.”
“Do I need a collar shirt?” Hunter asked. “A tie?
“No. A polo will be fine. With khakis.”
“Cool. I have those. And loafers?”
“That would be fine.” The five walked back down the driveway, entered the house and after getting their things, Bobbi and Hunter got in Phil’s truck with him and left.
“I have nothing to wear Mom.” Daisy whined as soon as the others walked out of the house.
Phil got to the restaurant before Melinda. They went in and requested a table and were told there was an hour’s wait. So, Phil, Bobbi and Hunter sat down and waited in the designated waiting area. A few minutes later Melinda and Daisy arrived, and a minute later the hostess came over to them.
‘Sheriff May. So glad you joined us here at the Bellissimo Ristorante. Your table is ready. Won’t you and your party follow me.
Phil looked at the hostess, “I thought there was an hour wait?”
“Oh yes sir. But something opened sooner. Please follow me.” The hostess led them to a table off to the corner, slight secluded from other tables. “I hope you enjoy your meal Sheriff May.” She walked away.
Phil laughed. “I guess we know who has pull around here.”
Melinda shrugged. “Hey, a little perk now and then is fine. I’m also very hungry.”
They sat down and looked at their menus the hostess had given them. Bobbi spoke to Daisy, “You look very nice.”
Daisy grinned, “you too. And Hunter you look – different. But nice.”
“Yeah, I don’t dress in much but jeans and T’s mostly. But Jemma made me buy some nicer stuff when I first got here. Neither of us knew what Americans wore for school. Still fits although slacks are a bit shorter now.”
“Still works though.” Bobbi added.
“You look nice too, Melinda.” Phil spoke.
“Thanks. As do you. You don’t wear suits with a tie as much as you used to, do you?”
“No need. I mean not really. I still occasionally do.”
“Well, the business casual looks good on you.”
Daisy spoke up, “so Phil, what’s good here. You said you’ve been here before, right?”
“He took Roz on a date here. What did you have Phil?” Bobbi asked.
Melinda looked over at him. “Yeah, Phil. What did you have?”
“Veal scallopini.”
The girls looked up from their menus. “What is veal scap- uh veal scapi -what is that?” Daisy questioned.
“It’s tender thin slices of veal cooked in sauce. In this case, I got mine with lemon and capers. You can also get it with piccata sauce. It was good. came with linguini and a Caesar salad.
“That sounds good. But I’m getting veal marsala with fettuccine and an Italian side salad with garlic cheese bread.” Melinda said.
“I’m having veal parmesan. Comes with spaghetti and I guess I’ll have a caprese salad. And the garlic cheese bread sounds good too.” Hunter declared as he closed his menu.
“Good choice Hunter.” Melinda nodded at him. “Daisy, have you decided.”
“Not yet. What are you getting Bobbi?”
“I think I’ll get the Tortellini Alfredo. It comes with a salad and breadsticks. I’ll get a Caesar salad.”
The waiter came over to their table. As everyone gave their order. Daisy made up her mind. When it was her turn, she said, “I’ll try the veal scallopini with piccata sauce, with linguini and a caprese salad. And garlic cheese bread.”
Melinda smiled at her. “Always good to try new things.”
“Yeah. If it sucks, you’re stopping at Mickey D’s on the way home”, she whispered. Melinda laughed. Soon enough the waiter brought out their salads and bread and they were quiet for a while but then the conversation started up and they talked about the upcoming basketball tryouts.
“I mean I don’t like to brag or anything, but I’m fairly certain I’ll make the Varsity team. I’ve been on the team two years now, when I was a sophomore and junior.” Bobbi said.
“And you are really good.” Hunter declared and smiled at her.
“And tall.” Daisy added. “Like really tall.”
“She must get that from her dad’s side of the family,” Melinda joked.
“Hey. I’m not short.” Phil interjected.
“Really Mom. You actually went there. You are like shorter than me.” Daisy grinned.
“I am not.”
“No not when you wear heels. Which by the way, you should wear pretty high ones on your date tomorrow evening. The guy’s like six- two. Maybe even taller.”
Phil looked at her. “You have a date?”
“Yes. It’s not uncommon.”
Daisy laughed. “Yes, it is. You haven’t gone out since you broke up with Felix.”
“I didn’t break up – we weren’t together that long. Felix and I only want on three dates.”
“Felix?” Phil asked.
“Felix Blake. He worked with Mom. You also went to a bunch of places with him with others too. So more than three times, Mom.”
“Well, anyway, that wasn’t that long ago.”
“It was last fall. Over a year ago.”
“It was October which is barely a year, and I’ve been on dates since then.”
“Yeah. A few. When Maria was around to stay with me.”
“Anyway, how are you feeling about basketball tryouts?”
“Me?” Daisy grinned. “I figure I’ll be put on one of the club teams. Bobbi said they call it intramurals. Everyone gets put on a team of some sort. The seventh thru tenth graders who don’t make the travel school teams get put there; to learn and play and they play each other a couple times a week after school over at the Jr high.”
“Yeah there are four teams, they even them out by age, so all four have a fair number. About 7 or 8 each team.” Bobbi added. “But I think you’re wrong. I think you will make the JV squad.”
“I never played until a month ago Bobbi. I’m sure there are other kids more deserving.”
“Hey. Don’t do that, Dais. You go do your best and whatever team you are on will be fine. You deserve a shot just like anyone else.” Melinda stated.
“She’s right.’ Phil said. I bet there are other kids who are new to the sport too.”
“I guess. I am a little nervous. Although I did make more foul shots at practice than ever before on Friday.”
“You did. Sixteen out of twenty.”
“That’s eighty percent.” Hunter declared. “That’s good, isn’t it Bobbi?”
“Yup. You just play like I taught you, and you have a good shot. Pun intended.” Everyone laughed.
“Thanks Bobbi.”
The waiter brought their hot food out and placed it on their table and everyone oohed and awed over all the platters. They were most quiet while they all dug in but soon, they all began talking again while they ate and shared tastes of each other’s food choices.
Phil watched Melinda as she ate and talked and laughed. She was dating someone. That was fast, he thought. Actually no, not really. She’s been here for what now, six to seven weeks. But who is she dating? One of her fellow officers? Probably not. She was everyone’s superior so that would seem highly unlikely. Mel knew the dangers of that. Someone at the prosecutor’s office? That would make sense she would have to deal with them all the time, but that also would probably be a conflict of interest potentially. Unless he would not be working with her on any cases. Someone in her neighborhood? He couldn’t think of any single men that lived right around her, on their road close by.
Maybe Maria set her up. She was always trying to do that with him, so that would make sense that she tried it with Mel too. Maybe one of Daisy’s teachers? Nah, she probably had little interaction with Daisy’s teachers. Maybe it was someone for another town. After all. Melinda said she did go to the other stations sometimes, like the one in Red Bluff and Silver Falls. He looked at her again, as she was laughing about something Hunter and Bobbi were talking about. He should just ask her. He should just casually bring it up while everyone is talking. After all he was her friend again, right?
He waited for a lull in the conversation and then asked casually, “so a date tomorrow. Going anywhere special?”
Melinda looked at him and shrugged. “Not sure. I said dinner and a drink and conversation. I left it up to him to decide where that would be.”
“Up to who?”
“Are you asking me who I am going on a date with, Phil?”
“Is it a secret? You know it won’t be for long, I imagine anyone who sees you and knows who you are will include you in the morning gossip around the water cooler – or Diner counter.”
“You mean they’d say something like why is the new sheriff dating realtor Jeffrey Mace?”
“He talked to Mom at the diner the other night. He’s cute. And mom said he’s rich.” Daisy grinned. “I think I convinced her to take the hint that the guy is way into her.”
“Isn’t that the same guy who owns all that property down past Silver Falls who wants to turn that land into a horse racetrack?” Bobbi asked.
“Yeah. Lots of folks down there are against it.” Hunter answered.
“So are lots of folks here in Shiloh.” Phil added. “Mace and his partners have been buying up property there and over in Mountain Gate. They want to bring in more tourists like Shasta Lake does. Make more money.”
“I wasn’t aware of a potential racetrack being built.” Melinda stated.
“It’s just in the planning stages. They haven’t cleared the state or country hurdles. But even if the racetrack is off the table – they want to build something.” Phil spoke again. “Something to make them more money.”
“Hopefully, they don’t get it approved.” Bobbi said.
“I can’t believe you are going out with Jeffrey Mace.” Phil continued. “Back in high school, he was such a – a um...” Phil looked at the kids’ expectant faces and then at Melinda who was trying to suppress a smile.
“A what Phil?” She asked.
“Well, he was a jock.”
“So were you Phil. You played basketball, remember?”
“He was the football quarterback and captain. And baseball captain and pitcher. Always strutting around flexing his muscles. His parents had money and handed down their business to him. You didn’t even like him in high school.” He turned to the kids. “He was just – um – he...”
“I think what Phil is trying to say is he didn’t have much in common with us.” Melinda finally bailed out Phil. “He was kind of mean to some of the kids.”
“Kind of mean? He was a bully. And he and his buddies walked around like they owned the school.”
“People can change Phil. He seems fine. Grown up.”
“He asked you out in tenth grade. If I remember correctly, he didn’t take kindly to you turning him down.”
“He asked out everyone Phil. All water under the bridge. Like I said, people grow up and mature. It just took him longer.” She changed the subject. “So, who’s having dessert?”
Everyone had dessert. Melinda opted for cannoli. Daisy and Bobbi chose tiramisu, while Hunter opted for chocolate gelato with zeppole which are basically just powdered donut holes. Phil had a vanilla berry tart. After they finished dessert, the kids all went to the restroom, and then waited outside. Melinda stayed waiting for the check so she could pay. Phil stayed with her.
Once the kids were out or earshot, Melinda spoke, “My dating life is mine Phil. I know in the past Jeffrey rubbed you the wrong way, and maybe he still does, but that’s not my problem. Not anymore.”
“You’re right, of course. Who you date is up to you. I shouldn’t have made a big deal about him.”
“No Phil. You shouldn’t have brought it up at all.” She paused and then sighed. “Look Phil. What we once had was great. It was amazing. Now that we’ve reconnected, I remember how great it was just to be your friend. I think we have a connection that will always be there. And I’d like to continue that. As your friend. It seems we’ve been heading in that direction, having fun, hanging out, doing friend stuff like we used to. It’s even better that Bobbi and Daisy are becoming friends. I don’t want to lose this – lose you again.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right.”
“Besides, it’s just one date. And I mostly said yes, so he’d stop asking.”
“He’s asked you before?”
“Only about twice a week since I moved back here.”
“So, you’re just getting it over with?”
“Something like that. I know he and I are very different. And also, we are at very different stages in our lives. But as I’ve been told by Maria, every female deputy, Bobbi and Daisy: pickings are pretty slim around here of eligible single men who actually have jobs.”
He laughed. “That’s true. You know that’s true for single eligible women too.”
“Is it? Is that why you date someone from Portland? Or is she from Seattle?”
He chuckled. “I told you we are really not dating. Not anymore.”
“But you were?”
“I see. I can’t talk to you about who you date, but...”
She waved her hand. “No. You’re right. I won’t bring it up again.”
The waiter brought the check. She got out her credit card and Phil reached for his wallet.
“Don’t you dare Phillip. I told you this is on me for all your help.”
“I know. But we got dessert and you and I had a glass of wine. At least let me leave the tip.” He had his wallet in his hand.
“Don’t make me hurt you.”
He hesitated and then put his wallet back in his pocket. “If you feel that strongly about it.”
“I do. You and Bobbi and Hunter deserve this for all that hard work.”
“It’s what friends do.”
“Yes, it is. And then friends allow their friends to treat them if they want to.”
“Okay. Say, are you and Daisy stopping by the café for brunch tomorrow?” He asked as the waiter picked up the check and Melinda’s card.
“Thank you, Sheriff May. I’ll be right back with your receipt and card.”
She nodded and smiled at him. Turning to Phil, she answered. “Not sure. We plan to decorate the indoor tree, and Jeffrey is picking me up early in the evening since it’s Sunday. Maybe.”
He got up as the waiter handed Melinda her card and receipt. She got up and they walked out together. He spoke, “Thank you for dinner. The food was great, and the company was even better.” He offered her his arm and she took it and smiled.