Page 27 of Threads of Kindness
“Hang on to it as long as you like,” Jeff said. “I promise I’ll put Christmas lights on the house next year. It looks a little forlorn.”
They stood, gazing at the street below, waiting for the stroke of midnight.
A couple walking two large dogs stepped into view. Jeff and Judy watched as they strolled past the Olsson House, crossed the street, and stopped in front of Judy’s old home. They slippedtheir arms around each other’s waists and stood gazing up at the house as the dogs sat calmly at their sides.
The woman pointed to the chimneys on the roof, then to the diamond-paned window and the arched front door. The man nodded, inclining his head toward the woman.
Cheers and whistles erupted from partygoers on the next street. A few small fireworks popped nearby.
The man on the sidewalk stepped in front of the woman. She tilted her head back, and he wrapped her in his arms.
“I think I’d like a buyer likethatcouple,” Judy whispered.
A muffled series of booms echoed in the distance.
Jeff and Judy scanned the horizon, but didn’t see any fireworks. They turned their attention back to the couple below.
The woman stepped deeper into the man’s embrace, and they melted into a kiss.
“I think they’ve got the right idea,” Jeff said, gently turning Judy to face him. “A year ago, my current life would have been unimaginable to me. I’m so happy here—with you, Judy. I hope I make you as happy as you make me … and that all your dreams come true.”
“You do—and they have,” Judy said. She reached up, caressed his cheek with her hand, and rose on her toes to kiss him.
CHAPTER 13
Gordon cupped his hands around his face and pressed them against the plate-glass window.
“They’ve papered over the inside of the window,” Anita said. “You won’t be able to see anything.”
“I know,” Gordon murmured. He didn’t move. “There’s a tiny tear in the paper, and I was hoping to get a glimpse inside—but it’s too dark.”
They stepped to the edge of the sidewalk and looked up at the building formerly occupied by Candy Alley.
“It’s a handsome old façade,” Gordon said. “With a thorough cleaning, repairs to the window trim, and a fresh coat of paint on the front door, this building will be beautiful. I understand why you’d want to open your museum here.”
“I’m happy you agree,” Anita said. “Ican’t waitto get inside and see what shape it’s in, now that it’s been vacant for so many years.”
“I’m sure Tim will contact the owners after the holidays,” Gordon replied.
“I don’t want to wait that long,” Anita said with a sigh. “IwishTim would call me.”
The phone in her purse rang before she’d even finished speaking. She retrieved it and swiped to answer the call.
“Tim!” she exclaimed, pivoting to face Gordon as a grin erupted across her face like last night’s fireworks.
“Oh my gosh,” Anita said, laughing. “Gordon and I are standing in front of the building! I was just saying how anxious I am to take a look.”
She listened for a beat, then tapped the screen to place the call on speaker.
“That’s right,” she continued. “Gordon came in on New Year’s Eve to surprise me. Tell us—how did you get in touch with the owner so quickly?”
“I’m in Rotary with the attorney handling Charlotte’s estate,” Tim explained. “I called him on New Year’s Eve, right after I saw you. He said he’d contact his client before he left for the day. Turns out, the owners got back to him first thing this morning. He called me straight away. I knew you’d be happy to hear the news. Our kids and grandkids are coming over soon to celebrate Nancy’s birthday, but I had time to let you know first.”
“I’mglad you did,” Anita said. “Thank you so much.”
“I’ll have the keys in hand first thing tomorrow morning,” Tim continued. “The fact that the owners got back to their attorney so quickly tells me they’re motivated sellers. This could be good for you.”
“I need to open the shop at ten tomorrow morning,” Anita replied. “I’m available any time after ten thirty.”
