Page 49 of Christmas in the Shadows

“But what about Gilbert?”

“Look, I’m not his biggest fan. But what if he’s a victim in all this also?”

“It’s a possibility . . .” She glanced around. “What are we going to do now?”

Tex stared into the distance, clearly thinking things through. Finally, he said, “We could call for a ride. But your car is probably only parked about a mile from here, and it’s not terribly cold outside. How do you feel about walking?”

“I’m okay with that.”

With one more glance at the truck, they headed from the parking lot to the sidewalk leading from the hospital.

Chelsea stuffed her hands deep into her pockets as they walked. “I know this isn’t the way you envisioned your visit going. I’m so sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. And I really had no expectations of what was going to happen when I got here. I was mainly curious. I hadn’t talked to Gilbert in years, and I was surprised that he’d contacted me.”

“I can imagine.”

They walked a few more minutes in silence before Tex asked, “Say, where are your parents? I’m kind of surprised they haven’t popped up since I’ve been here.”

“Ever since my dad retired from the railroad, they’ve decided to live life to the fullest. They’re actually vacationing in the Mediterranean right now.”

Tex’s eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

“Really.”

“I’m surprised they left you behind at Christmas.”

Chelsea sighed, a weight pressing on her at the thought. “They invited me to come with them, but I thought they should do this trip by themselves. They deserve to pamper themselves some.”

“So you’re going to spend Christmas alone?” Surprise laced his voice.

Chelsea shrugged. “I’ll be okay. I thought about volunteering at the homeless shelter. And I have friends who’ve invited me over, but that feels intrusive since they’ll all have family visiting—although I know they’d welcome me with open arms.” She shrugged again. “I guess I’m just still trying to figure everything out.”

“That makes sense. But I’m sorry. I know how much you enjoy Christmas. And even though you’re being very understanding, I know this has to be difficult for you.”

“If spending Christmas alone is the most difficult thing I experience this year, then I’ll be okay.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I’ve always liked that about you, you know.”

She stole a glance at him. “What’s that?”

“You’re always so positive and optimistic. You want to believe the best in people. I admire that. I really do.”

“I try to look for the best in situations. Honestly, it makes life so much better.”

“I can see that.”

They reached Main Street, and Chelsea subconsciously slowed her steps.

There was something about this town that was meant to be enjoyed and not rushed through. Which seemed crazy considering everything that was happening. But maybe she needed a moment to catch her breath.

“Listen, Gilbert insisted I have dinner with him tonight,” Tex stated. “And I do feel bad because he invited me for Christmas, and I’ve hardly seen him.”

“It makes sense that you’d want to eat with him.”

“Have dinner with us.”

She inwardly cringed—both because she wasn’t sure she’d be welcome by Gilbert and because Gilbert wasn’t her favorite person. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

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