CHRISTMAS IN A NEW TOWN

chapter four

"Daddy you are here?" Hariel said running to her dad
"Mh" Eddie said as he picked her up kissing her
He went around to his grandmother to kiss her,
"Well come home how was your day?" Dorothy asked
"It was good I got through the lighting system at Toni's but tomorrow I'll go back to fix her garage door and help her with her pavement" Eddie said
"Can't I skip school tomorrow and come see her, she did stop by today but I wasn't here" Hariel said Her great grandmother had told her,
"No skipping of school you'll be out in a few days"
"Alright" Hariel said
Eddie set her down he went in his pocket to hand her the jewelries Toni has sent for her,
"Wow these are pretty daddy for me?"
"Toni send them she send a kiss too" he kiss her forehead she giggle,
"Wow nana just look what Toni had sent for me aren't they beautiful?"
"Very" Dorothy said looking them over
"I want to wear them" Hariel said
"I'll help you" Eddie said putting then on for her, she ran off to look in the mirror
Eddie and Dorothy were left alone when she turn to him, "I hope that you remember she's married and no funny move" Dorothy said she was smiling when she said that
Eddie remember the kiss it flashes back to him he thought how sweet her lips were, "I remember I won't do nothing funny he smile, "be side that she leave next week" ,
Dorothy nod but she can actually see it in his eyes he's falling for her,
"Set the table please" Dorothy said
Although in her eighties Dorothy was still strong and briskly but because she was in that age Eddie just wanted to be home with her glad he decided to come he had left his job he haven't found anything permanent he just help his grandmother ran the business and take care of the ranch home they live
He was comfortable doing so he didn't really have a lot of money but he could get by, he planned on going  to the electricity company and seek a job but he wasn't going before the season are up that will be some time in January,
They sat for dinner but shortly after he left to see Peggy for the kiss with Toni have him heated and he needed  to get some love,
"You think dad is going back to see Toni?" Hariel asked her great grandmother
"I wouldn't think so, dear Toni is married so your dad can't get in to a relationship if that what you think"
"I'm not thinking that nana" Hariel said but that was exactly what she was thinking,
The garage was well clean before Toni fresh up and climb into bed it was around ten but she call her husband since Sunday he said it was raining and he couldn't hear she was expecting to hear him call but he didn't she ring he picked up he said hello he was at Emma's so on hearing Toni's voice he roll over, "Did I wake you?" She asked
"What happen?" Chris asked
"I was just calling to check on you"
"It's late"
"I know I'm sorry as I said I was just checking"
"Ok I'm ok I was tired so I went to bed early"
"Ok sorry to wake you I'll call you back tomorrow" she said
"Yeah yeah do that" he said  disconnected the call
Toni sigh she slide down into bed think it just didn't felt the same with her and her husband he was distant it make her wonder if it was wise to leave but it didn't seem he wanted her to stay he didn't try to stop  her instead he left and didn't csme back, she sighed once more settled in bed as her thoughts shifted she started thinking about Eddie, thoughts that made her nervous afraid to have such thoughts but they felt so good have her swelling with heat in places it shouldn't be "Oh stop it!" She scold herself, "You're a married woman for God sake" she grumbled growls and roll to her belly buried her head in the pillow as she force to go to sleep,
Eddie lay awake he couldn't shake the feeling that he was developing for this woman he know she's married but he can't help it some how he saw something special in her something he saw in no other woman,
Toni was up early she started the raking very soon as she wanted to complete it before Eddie got to the house she finished and make piles of rubbish in garbage bags she was just in time for the garage truck she was able to get all the things she was to throw out, out she wants now to get rid of the things off the porch so she can clean it to have it fresh, the next thing she wants done is the pool fix  and pave around it get some pool side plants and even make a gazebo a small one having the place looking as though it's own by someone, she was going to talk to Eddie and see,
Eddie went to get a Christmas tree for the lounge and one for the house so it took him a while to get to Toni's for before he dropped Hariel off at school them when looking for the locks to put on the garage door for Toni he got there at noon, he smile on seeing the lawn sweep and clean,
"I was thinking you changed your mind" Toni said coming out on the porch after hearing the van,
"I said I would be late"
"You didn't say this late"
Eddie smile "I promise to get the thing done I'm going to whether I'm late or not"
"Don't you have to make it home to dinner?"
Eddie  look at her he got caught up in his admiring that he lost words,
"I don't want work here to keep you from your daughter, especially now I'm not paying for it"
Eddie smile he shook his head, "I'll be done before you know it" he said
He took the lock out a box straight away he puts it on, he noticed how clean the garage was smile to himself he turn to look her way "you don't waist no time do you?" He shoot his mouth inside the garage
"Yeah it's free now, the next time you can just park ŕight in" Toni said
Eddie smile,
He set the automatic system that the garage door could open when she was detected coming in,
"Want to give it a try?" He asked
Toni nod Eddie followed her to the van where she tried it it work greatly she giggle feeling excited
She just left the van there they both went into the living room,
"Now for the driveway" he said
"Would you like a beer before?" She asked
"Thanks" Eddie said sitting on the large sofa
Toni went to get it she hand it to him sat across from him,
"My daughter says to tell you thanks" Eddie said
Toni smile, nodding her head,
"Why is it that you're so good and you don't have a full time job?" Toni asked
"I plan on getting one at the company"
"The one over five hours out, Is  that wise it's too much  hours from home, you have so much, why not start your own company?" She asked
"You think I'm that good?" Eddie asked
"From what I've seen"
Toni said
Eddie smile but he said nothing
"What you think?" Toni asked
"I've been thinking about it"
"Yeah it's not a bad idea"
Eddie nod, he got up off the sofa to go out he rest his beer on the banister of the porch took up the bag of pavement mixture he found a clean spot at the gate  to mix it it was mix to set then he started to use the hoe to clear the part to the garage  taking it to the gate, there were two large gates but one have to open automatically it works with the garage but the next with your hands, he lay the pavement mixture on the ground spread it nice and neat it was completely made into a drive way he did both parts as the gates were wide the same he did them to match
Toni look at him when he was done the black substance has left him messy even to his face,
"You might want to give it a few hours before you drive over it" Eddie said
"I have no where going today" Toni said
"Good even better, then I'll see you tomorrow"
"You're leaving?" Toni asked
It was only four he usually leaves between five and six,
"I thought that you would come in and clean up" she reach up to brush the spot from his cheek but it going to take more than a finger tip to remove the tar stain from the pavement mixture,
What he wants to clean up she's not going to let him for it is for another man not just any man but  her husband,
"I'll just jump in the shower when I got home" Eddie said
Toni didn't want to force him, maybe it is better  when he's not around  so much for she's going to fall for him more than she is to, "Ok see you tomorrow if you happen to stop by the coffee lounge bring me back a coffee" Toni said
Eddie nod he left because he said give it some time Toni went walking down the road looking around. before going back the pavement was almost dry but she try to walk more to the side she got to the front porch looking back at it, it was looking so good she felt please of it having Eddie to thank she wondered how she'll ever repay him,
Eddie walk in the kitchen to his daughter and his grandmother
"Hey daddy" Hariel said covering her mouth to giggle "You have some tar on your face"
You think it's a joke because your dad is messy ah?" He asked tickling her she laughed hard,
"Did Tony asked about me today?" Hariel asked when she has stop laughing and was clining to her father
"She always asked about you" Eddie said
Making her smile,
Dorothy smile at them
"Dinner is ready go shower and get yourself together"
"I'm on it grandmother" Eddie said 
"My dad seems to like going over to Toni's he never work for anyone this ĺong" Hariel said
"The house haven't been use for a while there must be a lot to do over there" Dorothy told her
She smile and kept that smile Dorothy wonder what thoughts were going through her head,
"Daddy we haven't decorated the tree yet can we do it after dinner?" Hariel asked
"We can I have no engagement tonight" Eddie said
"Yes!" Hariel said
"But sweet heart remembered it's a school night so you can't stay up too late" Dorothy said
"I know" Hariel said
"Fine we will do it then"  Eddie said
Eddie took the decorations out he help them both to set up the tree he let Hariel hang the angel when they were finished give her time to admire it before she was send to get ready for bed,
"Daddy can you come get me after school so we can decorate the tree at the lounge?" Hariel asked
It was going to be Friday the last day of this school week and she has the weekend to do anything she hope her dad will take her to see Toni but she wasn't going to asked
"Mmh" Eddie said
"You're the best dad" Hariel said hugging him, he kiss her forehead then left her there going back down to sit and talk with his grandmother for he didn't think he was going out tonight,
When Toni had got back inside she went straight into cleaning she did the upstairs passage and the three bedrooms upstairs she had took the sheets off and took down drapes what couldn't be used the garbage truck took them away so she used fresh spread and drapes all of every thing were sets designed with nice materials that were hard to wash out and tore up she clean the balcony and the windows now the upstairs was all clean, except for the walk in closet that she wasn't sure she'll get to touch before she leave, she have a few more places down stairs to deal with but for tonight she took a shower and climb into bed by midnight.
she was up early Friday morning she water her plants before drinking some juice she would have some coffee but wait for Eddie to bring one from his grandmother's lounge,
The two bed rooms a long with  the guest bedroom and the family room Toni took on this morning cleaning away Eddie  got there at ten she went out when he come from the looks of her he could see she has started cleaning she wipe the sweat from her nose  some hair from her forehead, Eddie noticed she mainly swear on her nose she's so attractive he just can't get enough of her pretty looks,
"Morning" Eddie said
Toni smile lift her hand
He was park by the gate for he didn't want to mess up the pavement he knew by this it must be dried,
"Coffee" he said holding  it up,
"Bring it on" Toni said
Eddie took some things out the van a fork and a spade Toni noticed he brought them to her a long with the coffee,
Toni smile "you seems to have everything" she said
"I live on a farm" he said
"Fair enough" she said
She smile
"I'm going to get started right now, I have a deadline"
"A date?" Toni asked
"You could say that, my daughter and I we are getting together to decorate the tree outside the lounge today, but before I'll have to get her at school"
"Ok, a Christmas tree decorating event Oh nice am I invited?" Toni tease
"You are invited of crouse coming?" He tease back
Toni giggle,
While Eddie fixes the driveway Toni finished inside she was done with the cleaning of the bedrooms and the bathrooms but leave the library  for another time,
Eddie finished the last of the decorative blocks laying them at both side of the pavement by one he was done, he was going to pick his daughter up from school so he didn't want to do so dirty he clean himself up change his shirt, "I'll see you a little later" he told Toni
"Later" Toni respond
He left to get his daughter Toni did some hoing at the place where she's going to fix her garden she got it done, she took a shower got ready herself to go meet with Eddie and Hariel at Dorothy's place,
"Toni" Hariel said running to her, "you came?" She asked
Toni hug her "you didn't hear I was coming?"
"No I'm glad you're here"
Toni smile and cuff her cheek
"Thanks for these I love them"
"I know you would, you're welcome"
"Are you here to shop will you stay to help with the tree?" Hariel asked
"No not shopping today, I might stay to help with the tree"
"Yes!" Hariel said
Toni smile "so how is school?"
"It was good I don't have to go to school tomorrow" Hariel said
"That I'm sure tomorrow is the weekend
"Yes" Hariel said
"So don't  your dad  let you do extra classes?" Toni asked hugging her so they could walk to Dorothy and Eddie
"Extra classes!? Man" she frowned holding her head
Toni laugh,  "I know, right? it's already so stressful to sit in school a whole day, I've been there" She  said
Dorothy smile "Hey Toni how are you?"
"Hi Dorothy I'm doing OK, you?"
"I'm pretty fine" Dorothy said
Toni smile she nodded at her turning to look at Eddie with a smirk one Dorothy saw as lovingly she look at her grandson who has the same smirk she roll her eyes
"Shall we get started?" Eddie asked
"Yes daddy yes toni is going to help make it quick before she has to leave"
Toni laugh, "I'm not in a hurry" Eddie went to get the box of decorations from inside the coffee lounge as they were putting it out side the entrance,  a door down a man was decorating his tree before his antique shop while another was already up,
"The joy of Christmas ah" Toni said
"Tis the season" Dorothy said
"Tis the season" Toni repeats
The tree was done they each played an active part to have it done, they finished have a meal together they close the place at about eight  Dorothy can't remember closing this late,  it was only on Christmas eve by nine they were ready to leave
Toni stood to admire the place reminded her of Manhattan when ever Christmas was coming some decorates soon as it approaches Thanksgiving the Friday after the tree lightening ceremony
She always like to bring in a tree no matter what she love to celebrate Christmas last year her husband asked why she did it "there's no child here to enjoy it normally children are the ones who crave Christmas, the whole santa clause crap and so on" but she love Christmas just the same as a little child would, it was to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, some might say he didn't born  that day but wether it be so the fact to know that this season is dedicated to the lord of lords it's what make it so very special, she didn't think she get this excited about her own birthday although she was glad for it for she's a live she gets to see another unexpected day which was good but she love Christmas,
"You'll be OK to drive home by yourself?" Eddie asked
"I think I'll find my way" Toni said hugging Hariel at her side
"Call me in case" Eddie said
Toni nodded "See you later Hariel" she hug her a little tighter kissing her forehead
"Get in the van let's go" Dorothy said taking Hariel
"Remember to shout me up" Eddie said
Toni take his hand the touch shake them both she pulled away "have a good night" she said
Eddie nod he wait for her to get in the van before getting in his they left at the same time,
Toni took her time to get to the house it was her first time coming out at night since she got here eight days ago it was pretty in Texas she wish she was getting to stay more time, she wishing her husband come so they spend Christmas here,
Eddie mind was on Toni as he drove home with his daughter and his grandmother
Dorothy could tell that was why he just kept his focus he haven't said much,
"Go freshen up young lady and get ready for bed, it was sometime after ten when they walk in the front door,
"Ok nana" Hariel said running up the stairs
"I'm sure she is ok" Dorothy said behind Eddie's back,
Eddie turn to look at his grandmother, "What you saying?" He asked
"You're thinking about Toni aren't you?" She said
Eddie shook his head then lowered it, "just hoping she's home safe" he just said it when his phone rang he went in his pocket and quickly answered
"Eddie" Toni said wanting to be sure she dial it right
"Hey" Eddie said
"It's Toni" she said
"I know that"
Toni grinned like a little child, "I'm home and I'm fine"
"Did the garage work?" Eddie asked
Dorothy was hearing their conversation
"Oh I almost didn't get in it kept going back and forth back and forth as if in a jam, you going to come over and look at it now?" She tease,
Eddie didn't speak he look at his grandmother,
"Have a goodnight" Toni said with a laugh
"So it's working?" Eddie asked
"It's fine just teasing you, funny ah" she said
Eddie chuckle,
Toni hang up she shook her head smile to herself she kicked her shoe off at the bottom of the stairs took them in her hand as she climb up some how the place feel so free she love it, she fall in bed on her back she didn't even bother to remove her clothes she woke early on Saturday have some coffee then do more gardening she managed to square the area off do some digging them transplant the flowers one of each on each side she get done with garden at about ten she went in to fix something to eat her mine ran on Eddie wondering if he's going to come over a part of her wish to see him the other part don't for she have to be cautious she's married and is in love with her husband, she didn't think he'll come anyway for he had helped her to do most of everything apart from cleaning the few places left to be clean it's only the house that needed painting  she had bought paints enough to do the out side hoping she won't need more, she didn't asked that he paint the outside so she wasn't expecting him to come for that purpose she didn't  get to ask him about the pool he kind a left in a hurry yesterday because of engagement with his daughter, she smile thinking how nice it was she can tell they love each  other she wondered if the mother doesn't miss her especially now it's coming on Christmas she don't have anyone other from her husband and it's always good spending the holidays together, she thought of him and called him he was on the road he didn't say why or where she knew his job can get him out the house any day or any hour so she didn't question it, she asked if he was going to come on Thursday so they could drove down on Saturday or Sunday but she thought Sunday might not be a good day for him since he have to work he have to get home from Saturday she try to work it out with  him how it will go,
"So you pick a time of when you'll come?" She asked
"It's hard to say but I'll let you know by Thursday morning" Chris said
"Fine I'll send the address then" Toni said
"Ok" Chris said
Toni hang up she told herself he doesn't seems to want to come she'll just go home on Saturday if so be the case.