Page 25 of The Sound of Sleighbells

“Let’s go,” he said.

They drove back to town in the truck, taking it slow because the icy road that had thawed during the day was beginning to freeze again.

“How did you learn to make saddles?” Skip asked.

“I learned the basics in prison. They had a workshop where we were trained to make saddles for a company that sold them on the outside. Sometimes bad things that happen to you can turn into good.”

“I already knew you were in prison. My mom told me. She said you killed a man in a fight.”

“I didn’t mean to. He was beating my friend with a club. I stepped in and punched him. When he fell, his head hit the curb. Do you know what manslaughter is?”

“Yes, I know. What happened to your friend?”

“He was badly hurt. By the time he got out of the hospital, I was in jail. For a long time, I lost track of him.”

“And then what? Did you ever find him again?”

“Not until last night, when he showed up at my house. You met him this morning. Digger’s friendly, but he’s done time for dealing drugs, Skip, and probably using them, too. That’s why I don’t want you even talking to him.”

“You killed a man and went to prison so your friend could live and become a drug dealer?”

“Yup. I think that’s called irony.”

They’d turned off the highway and onto Main Street. Shoppers hurried to their cars as the daylight faded. The glow of Christmas lights was reflected in the icy street.

“What time do you want me back tomorrow?” Skip asked as they turned the corner onto the side street where he lived. “I can come out to the ranch as soon as I’ve done my Saturday morning paper route.”

“That’s not up to me. It’s up to your mother. Let’s see what she says.” Judd pulled the truck up to the curb. As he switched off the engine, the front door of the house opened. A small figure stood framed by the light. It was Tammy. She was jumping up and down with excitement.

Judd had weighed the wisdom of letting Skip off and driving away. But that wouldn’t do. Ruth would have questions. He owed her the best answers he could give.

“Hurry up, Skip!” the little girl called as Skip and Judd came up the walk. “Mommy said we could get a Christmas tree when you came home.”

“I didn’t mean tonight, Tammy.” Ruth appeared in the doorway, pulling her daughter back into the room. “I meant we could go later, anytime Skip was here to help.”

“But why not tonight?” Janeen demanded. “Mr. Judd is here with his truck. He could haul the tree for us, so we wouldn’t have to tie it on our station wagon.”

Judd had entered the house in time to hear most of the discussion. “Hey, I’d be glad to help get your tree home,” he said. “It would be no trouble at all.”

The look Ruth sent him clearly said, You’re not helping. “I’m sure Mr. Judd has better things to do. Besides, I don’t get paid till Monday. We can get a tree next week.”

“I bet Mr. Miller would let you pay next week,” Janeen argued. “Please, Mom, it’ll be so much fun!”

“But we don’t have any decorations.” Ruth appeared to be weakening.

“We can get them later,” Janeen said. “Just think, with a tree inside, our whole house will smell like Christmas!”

“Something tells me you’ve been beaten, Ruth.” Judd stepped into the fray. “Come on, let’s do it.”

Ruth sighed. “All right. But only if you’ll join us for chili afterward. Just let me turn off the stove.”

“It smells delicious. You’ve got yourself a deal,” Judd said. “Come on, let’s go get a tree.”

Bundled into their coats, they piled into Judd’s truck. Since there were no boosters, Ruth sat buckled into the rear seat with her arms around the girls to keep them secure. Skip sat in front with Judd.

Christmas music was playing on the radio, the girls singing along. As he drove back down Main Street, Judd reflected that he hadn’t celebrated Christmas since before his time in prison. It had become just another day to spend at home alone, mostly working. Being with a happy family—Ruth’s family—felt strange, like stepping into the past. But it wasn’t unpleasant.

The Christmas tree lot, surrounded by a high chicken wire fence, was set up in a vacant field adjacent to the hardware store. Hank Miller, the manager, had made a festive occasion of the opening night. Strings of Christmas lights twinkled above the trees. Music was playing. Helpers passed out candy canes and free cups of cocoa. The fragrance of fresh evergreens perfumed the air.

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