Chapter Six

Valerie usually liked to sleep in on her days off, but this Tuesday morning, she was awake before Sophie left for work. Today was the sixth day of Valentine’s Day, according to her Cupid—Joe—and she wondered how he’d go about delivering his gift today.

The last couple of days, her gift had already been at the diner before she arrived. Sunday evening had been a small teddy bear and Monday she’d received a bangle bracelet with a heart pendant. She loved them both. When Joe had come in for dinner the night before, he’d been so sweet. He played it off in front of everyone else like it wasn’t a big deal, but the glances they exchanged as he ate at the counter confirmed for Valerie that she finally wouldn’t have to spend Valentine’s Day alone. Before she went out to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast, she slipped the bracelet on her arm and squeezed the teddy one last time.

Sophie was making toast and running around like she was late. A glance at the clock as she sat down at the table told Valerie her roommate needed to leave in about five minutes. “Do you need me to do anything?” she asked.

Sophie jumped. “Oh, I didn’t know you were up,” she replied, looking over her shoulder while she pulled a butter knife out of the drawer. “No, I’m okay. I just don’t want to be late. Dr. Mitchells hates it when we’re late. And I think it’s snowing again, which means the roads could be bad.”

“Luckily, you’re only going a few blocks,” Valerie reminded her.

“Still, you know me. If there’s a ditch nearby, I’ll find it.” She finished buttering her toast and took a bite of it. Flinging open the refrigerator door, she shoved the butter inside and grabbed a few items, carrying them to the counter where her lunchbox waited. “What are you doing today?”

“Probably nothing until I go to the dance committee meeting this evening,” Valerie said with a shrug. “Do you want to come?”

“No, thanks. I’m not any good at stuff like that. I can help you decorate, though, if you need a hand. Assuming no Prince Charming comes and sweeps me off of my feet.”

“Thanks,” Valerie said with a giggle. She hadn’t thought she’d have one of those this year either, but now it looked like she would.

“Is Joe going to go to the dance with you?” Sophie asked, her mouth full of toast, as she carried some containers back to the refrigerator.

“I don’t know,” Valerie admitted. She’d asked him again the night before, but his answer was a sort-of grumble. “I think he hopes I’ll skip the dance, and we can go do something together.”

Sophie just shook her head. She’d already told Valerie she didn’t know how Joe could possibly be her Cupid. It was very clear Sophie wasn’t a fan of Joe’s, but Valerie thought if she got to know him, if she could stop and consider the sweet gifts and messages he’d been giving her, she’d understand. There was definitely more than one side to Joe.

After another race around the kitchen grabbing the items she’d need to take with her, Sophie said, “Well, I’m off. Have a good day, sweetie.”

“You, too, hon” Valerie replied as Sophie headed out the back door. “Don’t freeze!” she called after her. A sharp wind came through the door, spraying snowflakes all over the linoleum, and Valerie stood to watch Sophie fight her way to her car. She could see that it was already running, which had helped clear the windshield, but she was glad she wouldn’t have to drive in this until later, especially since she didn’t have one of those automatic starter thingies Sophie did which allowed her to start her Honda Pilot from the warmth of the kitchen.

With the house empty and no errands to run, Valerie pondered what to do with her day. She decided a tour of Pinterest to see what was “in” for Valentine’s decorations this year was in order, followed by some reading, and possibly a nap. Lazy days at home were rare, and with the weather as bad as it was, she was glad to have one today.

A few hours later, after a relaxing bath and a few hours on the Internet, Valerie was curled up on the sofa with a book in her hand when the doorbell rang. It took her by surprise, since she wasn’t expecting anyone, and by the time she’d set her book aside and stood, it was ringing again.

Bracing herself against the cold, she pulled the door open to find a FedEx delivery man shivering, a scarf pulled tightly across his face. He had a large envelope extended to her. “You Valerie Thomas?” he asked.

“Yes.” She took the envelope, glancing around behind him. The snow was beginning to accumulate in the yard, but the road still looked fairly clear.

“Sign here,” he said, pointing to the exact spot on the clipboard. She hastily scrawled her name, and he muttered a thank you before taking off across the yard back to his truck.

Valerie didn’t hesitate to slam the door shut behind him. Her yoga pants and sweatshirt were no match for that biting wind. Crossing back to the sofa, she studied the envelope. The return address only said, “Charles Town, WV,” which she found odd. Why didn’t Joe just start signing everything himself? He could’ve put his own address. It’s not like she didn’t know it was him.

Sitting down on the edge of one of the cushions, she tore the envelope open. Inside, she found another pink card and a large bar of chocolate. It was a Hershey’s Symphony bar with toffee chips, her favorite. “How would Joe know my favorite candy?” she muttered as she opened the card. Was it possible he’d asked one of her friends?

On the inside of the card, still on a typed and pasted sheet, it read:

On the sixth day of Valentine’s

Cupid gives his Valerie

A giant bar of your

Favorite candy

This was the first confirmation that Cupid was a guy, so at least Joe had admitted to that in writing. She wondered if maybe he had all of these notes typed out ahead of time and couldn’t change them now. Maybe he’d arranged to send this week’s before? She looked at the box, but there was no indication of when it had been sent.

Setting the gifts aside, Valerie stared at her phone on the coffee table. She’d gotten Joe’s number from him at the diner yesterday. Maybe she should call him and say thank you. A quick look at the clock told her he’d still be working as it wasn’t even 2:00 yet. She decided not to bother him, but she definitely planned on talking to him later, before she left for the committee meeting. She had to let him know how much she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Valerie nestled back into the corner of the couch and opened her book. The chocolate kept calling to her, and even though she’d decided to cut back on sugar so she’d look her best for the dance, eventually she gave in and ripped open the paper. The taste of toffee and milk chocolate exploded in her mouth, and she somehow felt even more thankful to have such an awesome Cupid to share this Valentine’s Day with.

***

The roads were growing slick as Alec pulled out of his drive and headed for the Methodist Church, which wasn’t that far away, but in bad weather, he still needed to be cautious. Luckily, there weren’t too many other cars on the road.

For once, he’d skipped dinner at his parents’ house. He’d just been too anxious about the meeting to eat. Not only was it the fear of sitting around with other people who expected him to talk and contribute, he was nervous about seeing Valerie. Though their phone conversation had been short, he couldn’t get her off of his mind.

Erin had come back from bowling and told him a story about how Valerie was receiving gifts from a secret admirer. Sophie had given her friends the scoop while they hung out. Apparently, Valerie had no idea who was giving her the gifts, and as far as Alec was concerned, it could stay that way. As much as he wanted to see Valerie happy, he was glad they’d be spending Valentine’s Day together, even if it was at a senior citizens dance.

There were two other cars in the parking lot when he pulled in, and neither of them was Valerie’s Bug. He was pretty sure one of them belonged to Mrs. Gregory, which meant the other was likely Mrs. Carpenter’s. He decided to wait a moment to see if Valerie showed up. The weather was so bad, he thought she might have trouble navigating the roads in her little car. As soon as he saw her headlights, he breathed a sigh of relief. She pulled into a spot a few down from his, and Alec got out of his SUV, headed for the door to the church so he could hold it open for her.

Valerie had her arms wrapped around her body as she slammed the car door and ran for the church. He couldn’t help but laugh; she looked so cute with the snowflakes sticking to her blonde hair as it danced around her shoulders. “Hey, Alec, thanks!” she called as she skirted past him into the warmth of the vestibule. “It is freezing out there!” He caught a whiff of cupcakes, a smell he’d always noticed whenever Valerie was around, and he wondered if she liked to bake or if there was some other reason she always smelled so delicious.

“It’s really coming down,” he agreed, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. She stomped the snow off of her black boots, but clumps of fluffy white hung to the shoulders of her gray coat, melting as the heat from the building overwhelmed them.

“I think tomorrow is supposed to be just as bad,” she replied, swiping at her hair. One curly lock was on the wrong side, and she couldn’t quite seem to get it.

“Here, let me help,” Alec said, cautiously stepping forward. He took the rogue curl and carefully flipped it back the other direction.

“Thanks,” Valerie said, her blue eyes catching him for just a moment. He inhaled the sweet smell of vanilla and smiled at her shyly. After a moment, Valerie took a step backward. “I think the conference room is this way.”

He followed her down the hallway, not even caring if his own hair was full of snowflakes. Neither of them attended this particular church, but she seemed to know her way around, and he assumed she’d been in here several times for various events. He knew she went to a church on the other side of town, a mere two miles away, and he attended the Catholic church downtown. But in Charles Town, denomination didn’t matter. Everyone worked together to better the community.

The conference room door was ajar, and he could hear Mrs. Gregory’s voice inside. It sounded like she was filling Mrs. Carpenter in on Valerie’s acquisition of Delaney’s Delights as the official caterer. As soon as they walked in, Mrs. Gregory stopped mid-sentence. “Here they are,” she said with a smile. “I was hopeful that the storm didn’t blow you both away.”

“Are we late?” Valerie asked, approaching the table where the ladies sat side by side, a plate of Mrs. Gregory’s famous sugar cookies in front of them, as well as some papers and a notepad in front of each of them.

“No, no, dear,” Mrs. Gregory assured them. “I was just beginning to worry because of the snow. That’s what us old folks do.” She giggled, but Alec knew some even not-so-old folks, like his mom and sister, would be worried if he wasn’t home before the roads had a chance to freeze over.

Valerie sat down in the chair next to Mrs. Gregory, which happened to be the head of the table, hanging her coat on the back of her chair, and Alec went around to the other side, taking off his coat as he did so and placing it on the chair beside him.

“I made cookies,” Mrs. Gregory said, pushing the plate in their direction.

“Oh, I really shouldn’t,” Valerie said, though her eyes said otherwise. “I’m trying to watch what I eat.”

“Why?” Alec asked. It had just slipped out before he even had a chance to question and re-question whether or not he should say anything.

Valerie looked at him, wide-eyed. “I, uh, just want to be healthier,” she stammered.

Alec shrugged and picked up a cookie. Valerie was absolutely stunning, but he was aware that she never realized that. She’d always seemed a bit self-conscious about the way she looked, and he never understood why.

“I won’t push them on you, dear,” Mrs. Gregory said, sliding the plate back a bit.

“Well, maybe a little nibble won’t hurt,” Valerie said, taking one of the smaller cookies and placing it on a napkin before breaking off a piece and taking a bite. They really were delicious, and Alec finished his before Valerie even got through the first piece.

“Now, I was just telling Elvira that Delaney is going to help with the baked goods.”

“That’s wonderful,” Elvira nodded, her orangey hair bobbing about her head. “And I have a list of other women who’ve agreed to help.”

“We can give them each an assignment and then see what’s left for Delaney,” Mrs. Gregory said.

“Great. I can let her know what we need,” Valerie said, taking another little nibble of her cookie. “She will probably need the weekend to prepare, though.

“I’ll have it to you by Friday.” Elvira Carpenter was definitely the type of person who would follow through with her promises, and Valerie nodded.

Valerie leaned over to pull out a notepad from her large purse and dug around for a pen. Since Alec had an extra in his pocket, he slid it across the table to her. “Thank you,” she said with a warm smile, and Alec felt as if he’d just given her a valued possession instead of a Bic. He fought the blush growing in his face and focused on Mrs. Gregory instead of the pretty blonde to his right.

“As for the music,” Mrs. Gregory was saying, “what did you have in mind, Alec?”

He cleared his throat. This was the part he’d been dreading all day—having to really talk about how he planned to contribute in front of other people. “Well, like I said, I can play whatever you’d like. I have everything I’ll need and can access whatever songs you think the crowd will want to hear. It’ll take me about an hour to get set up.”

“We’ll have the ballroom at the center all afternoon, so you can come in whenever you’d like,” Mrs. Gregory assured him. “As to music, well, I think music our generation grew up listening to would be best. Oldie goldies as they call ’em.”

“I love the music Frank likes to play in the diner of an evening,” Mrs. Carpenter said, a dreamy look on her face. “The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Elvis.”

“That would be perfect,” Valerie nodded. “Some of my favorite songs are from that era, too.”

“Really?” Alec asked, suddenly having a new appreciation for her. “You don’t get tired of it?”

“Who could get tired of the classics?” Valerie shrugged. “’Can’t Help Falling in Love’ is probably my favorite song of all time. I used to listen to my grandpa’s vinyl, and he’d dance me around the room.” She had a far off expression in her eyes, like she was remembering something from ages ago.

“You can do that, Alec? Play those types of songs?” Mrs. Carpenter wanted to know.

“Of course.” He picked up his other pen and wrote down a few notes, including the title Valerie had just mentioned. “Are there any other specific songs you’d want?”

“Oh, ‘Unchained Melody’ for certain,” Mrs. Gregory said.

“And ‘Funny Valentine,’” Mrs. Carpenter added.

“Ella Fitzgerald’s version?” he clarified, realizing that was a bit earlier than the other songs they’d mentioned.

“Is there any other?” the older woman shot back, a teasing look in her eye.

“Some big band music might be fun, too,” Valerie said, leaning forward in her chair a bit, as if she’d just gotten excited. “Some Glenn Miller, maybe Duke Ellington.”

“Oh, we’ve got to have some Sinatra, too,” Mrs. Gregory said. She closed her eyes and started swaying back and forth as she hummed, “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Alec couldn’t help but chuckle. He waited for her to finish before he clarified. “Okay—oldies and big band. Anything else?”

“I think that’ll do it,” Mrs. Carpenter confirmed. “Do you think we need a theme?”

“Isn’t Valentine’s Day the theme?” Alec asked, confused.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Mrs. Gregory said, ignoring his question, her face beaming. “Something our generation can really appreciate.”

“Something about love being eternal might be nice,” Mrs. Carpenter offered.

“That might make people who’ve lost their spouse or loved one all depressed.” Mrs. Gregory’s warning seemed to agree with Mrs. Carpenter as she nodded her head.

“Maybe something more inspirational?” the orange-haired woman suggested.

“How about Timeless Memories?” Valerie offered. “We could do pocket watches as accents, maybe a few old grandfather clocks, even make some sort of a display for the dancers to have their picture taken in front of if they choose.”

“What a perfect idea!” Mrs. Gregory gushed. “We can check with Sarah at the antique store and see if we can borrow some of her old clocks for table pieces. There’s already a grandfather clock at the center, and I have one we can borrow.”

“Me, too,” Mrs. Carpenter offered.

“I’ll see if I can’t get Reid to move them for us.” Reid was the town handyman, and Alec was aware that he’d recently started dating one of Valerie and Erin’s high school friends, Melody, whose mother happened to own the antique store. It was becoming a family affair.

“I have tomorrow off, so I can run by and talk to Sarah if you’d like,” Valerie said.

“That’s perfect,” Mrs. Gregory said as Valerie made a note. “Otherwise, I could give her a call.”

“It might be better if I go in person so I can see what she has,” Valerie replied. “Also, what about flowers?”

“There are quite a few silk flowers we can borrow from the church.” Mrs. Carpenter turned to look at the closet behind her, insinuating they must be in there.

“Our church has some, too,” Mrs. Gregory nodded. “Plenty of red ones.”

“What if I asked Macey if we can have whatever she has left after Valentine’s Day?” Valerie asked. “I don’t know if she’ll have much, but it might be nice to have some live flowers.”

“What a wonderful idea,” Mrs. Carpenter agreed. “Do you think she’d mind?”

“I don’t think so. But I’ll stop over and ask tomorrow.”

“Okay!” Mrs. Gregory exclaimed, looking down at her list. “We have music, food, decorations. Anything else?”

“Do we have help decorating?” Valerie asked, pushing her hair back over her shoulder. A new whiff of cupcakes hit Alec’s lungs as she did so, and he almost forgot to listen to what she was saying. “I have Valentine’s Day off, so I can be there as long as we need.”

“Mr. Gregory and I will be there, and there are a few people from church who said they’d come by.”

“I’m bringing my daughter,” Mrs. Carpenter added. Her husband had passed away a few years ago. “I will see how many volunteers I can get from the church.”

“We can ask the other churches in town, too,” Valerie said.

“I’ll ask at mass on Sunday,” Alec offered, writing it down. He had a Bible study group that day, too. He was fairly certain he could get some volunteers to come help.

“What about Mr. Nelson?” Mrs. Gregory’s question came out gingerly. “Any luck?”

“Not yet,” Valerie admitted. “Every time I try to bring up helping with the lights, he just seems too distant to understand what I’m asking.”

The older women tsked their tongues and let out sighs. “I could try talking to him,” Alec offered. “I know him from when my dad’s company did some work on his kitchen last year.”

“Would you mind?” Valerie asked, her blue eyes imploring. She reached over and gently rested her hand on his arm, and even resting on his sleeve, he felt tingles shooting through his body from her touch.

“Not at all,” Alec stammered, holding her eyes again for a moment before she grinned and broke away, removing her hand.

Mrs. Gregory’s eyes were on her list, but a little smile broke out on her face, and Alec couldn’t help but wonder if that was directed at them. She was known as a bit of a matchmaker. Surely, she didn’t have anything in mind for him and Valerie? Although, it would be nice to think she might.

“I believe that covers it,” Mrs. Gregory said, looking up from her list. “Now, tell me, Valerie, any clues as to who your secret Cupid might be?”

Valerie looked surprised. She glanced at each of the other women and then briefly at Alec before returning her gaze to Mrs. Gregory. “Actually, yes. He’s come clean.” Her voice wasn’t very loud, almost as if she was embarrassed to talk about it. She fumbled with a silver bracelet on her wrist, the little heart attached to it bobbing up and down.

“Really?” Mrs. Carpenter asked. “So soon? It’s only the sixth.”

“I know,” Valerie replied, her face turning a bit pink. “We went out Saturday night, and he told me then.”

“What?” Mrs. Gregory asked, clearly shocked. “You went out with your Cupid? On a date?” She looked perplexed.

“Yes. I don’t think he intended to tell me. But he did.”

“Who… who did you go out with?” Mrs. Carpenter asked. Alec was biting his tongue, trying to stay out of it, but he certainly wanted to know, too.

Valerie cleared her throat, her eyes on the table. “Joe,” she said quietly and then looked up and caught Mrs. Carpenter’s eyes.

“Joe?” repeated Mrs. Gregory.

“Joe?” echoed Mrs. Carpenter. “Joe who?”

Before Valerie could answer, Mrs. Gregory said, “You mean Joe Brighton? The vet tech?”

“The one who works for the clinic?” Mrs. Carpenter wrinkled up her nose. “Really?”

Valerie’s eyes were wide, and she looked slightly offended. “Yes,” she nodded. “Why are you making that face?”

“No reason, dear,” Mrs. Carpenter shrugged. “I’m just… surprised.”

“Me, too,” Mrs. Gregory agreed. “I never took Joe as the romantic type. I’ve heard… some things.”

Alec had also heard some things and was more than a little stunned that Valerie would go out with Joe in the first place, let alone believe he was thoughtful enough to be her secret admirer. The thought of Valerie with Joe made him nauseous, and he took some deep breaths to keep from reacting too emotionally.

“Look, I know it is surprising,” Valerie admitted, still playing with the bracelet. “But he’s different once you get to know him.”

“Oh, Valerie, are you sure it’s him?” Mrs. Gregory asked. “I just can’t picture it.”

“Yes,” she replied just as firmly as before. “He says it’s him, and I have no reason to think he’d lie to me.”

“I think he would.” Mrs. Carpenter’s comment was under her breath but audible enough for all of them to hear.

“I’m having lunch with him tomorrow. I can ask him more questions then about exactly how he’s doing it.” There seemed to be a tinge of doubt in her voice now, and Alec wondered if Mrs. Carpenter’s utterance hadn’t gotten to her a bit.

Mrs. Gregory closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. Once she was looking at them again, she said, “Do we want to meet one more time to make sure everything is in order?”

“That sounds good to me,” Mrs. Carpenter nodded. “When would be a good time?”

“Besides tomorrow, I don’t have another day off until next Tuesday, and that’s the day before the dance,” Valerie replied. “But I can get together Saturday after work.”

“I have a DJ gig I have to be at that evening,” Alec explained, finally finding his voice again, his feelings about Valerie seeing Joe pushed below the surface. “I could meet before 5:00 though.”

“I get off at 4:00, so we could meet then. I could just come over right after work.”

“That sounds good to me,” Mrs. Gregory said. She looked at Mrs. Carpenter who was nodding along. “All right then, kids. Thank you for coming. Take a cookie for Sophie, won’t you dear?”

Valerie smiled and wrapped a cookie up and stuffed it in her coat pocket.

“Be careful going home,” Alec said, smiling at the older women as they stood to put on their coats and collected their belongings. Valerie was checking her phone, so he took his time picking up his pen and notepad, hoping to have the chance to walk her out. Once the older women were gone, he slowly stood and slipped his coat on.

Valerie let out a sigh and shoved her phone into the opposite coat pocket of the cookie. She came to her feet and pulled the coat off of the back of the chair, running one arm through and then the other. The collar was stuck up, and she began to fight it, much as she had the lock of hair earlier.

“Let me get that,” Alec offered, pulling her collar out where it was stuck and straightening it. He couldn’t help but breath her in; she smelled almost the same as Mrs. Gregory’s sugar cookies.

He realized she was looking at him funny, and she must have noticed he had taken a whiff of her hair. “Sorry,” he said, stepping back. “You smell… good.”

“Thanks,” she said, her cheeks pinking just a bit. “I have this… cupcake spray I put in my hair. It’s just something… fun, I guess.”

Alec couldn’t help but smile. That’s why she always smelled so yummy. “I like it,” he replied.

“It’s for little girls,” she admitted as she grabbed her notepad and his pen and shoved them both in her purse.

“You’re only as young as you feel.” The cliché had come out before he’d had a chance to weigh his words, and he felt a bit like an idiot. That’s not the sort of thing you said to a woman in her mid-twenties.

Valerie giggled, though, which made him feel a tad less stupid. “True.” She began to walk toward the door, and he followed, hoping she didn’t think he was stalking her. “Where are you performing Saturday?”

The word performing threw him off just a bit. He’d never really thought of what he did as a performance before, but he supposed it could be considered one. “Oh, a Valentine’s Dance at the high school in Berryville.”

“That sounds fun,” Valerie replied, zipping up her coat.

“It usually is,” Alec said, holding his notepad under his arm as he put on his gloves. They could see out the windows in the double doors now, and the wind seemed to be blowing even harder now than before. “I really like interacting with the teenagers.”

“You always were so good at getting the crowd excited.”

Alec couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. “How’s that?”

“I mean, I remember when you performed at that talent show, when we were in high school. It was great.”

“Oh, thanks,” Alec nodded. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Um, you know, you could come sometime. If you want. I mean… maybe not to a high school dance. But some other time.”

“Really? That would be great.” Valerie stopped just short of the door and turned to look at him. “Thanks. I’d love to.” Turning back to the door and peeking out the window, she added, “I’ll see if Joe wants to come.”

Alec felt every fiber of his being implode. He’d finally sort of gotten the nerve to ask her out, after all these years, and she wanted to bring a date on their date. “Okay,” was all he could manage.

“Well, be careful going home,” Valerie said, looking back at him and smiling.

“You, too.”

She pushed the door open and hurried to her car. Alec noticed the other two cars were gone, which meant Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Carpenter must have made it out safely, but there was another car parked in the lot toward the other end of the building, so he didn’t worry about leaving the door unlocked behind him.

Valerie was in her car by the time he made it to his own, and he sat in the driver’s seat contemplating the conversation they’d just had for a moment as the SUV warmed up. He realized Valerie must be having trouble getting her car started, and even though he wanted to run away from her as quickly as possible, he turned his attention to the green Bug for a moment, hoping the next crank of the engine would take. It didn’t, and he saw her slam her hand into the steering wheel in frustration. With another deep breath, Alec pushed open his door, leaving his SUV running, and crossed over to her.

He tapped on the window, which made her jump. She was laughing as she rolled the window down, though. “You scared me.”

“Sorry,” he muttered, hoping she could hear him over the wind. “Won’t start, huh?”

“No. This happens when it gets cold sometimes,” she said, frustration in her voice.

“Do you want to pop the hood and I’ll take a look? I can jump it if we need to.”

“That’s okay,” Valerie replied. She was digging in her pocket, and a moment later, she produced her cell phone. “I think I’ll just call Sophie and have her come get me.”

Thoughts of another young lady having to get out in this weather and drive even a few blocks didn’t sit well with Alec. “Why don’t you just let me drive you home?” he suggested.

“Oh, I don’t want to be any bother,” Valerie replied, her phone still poised in the air.

“It’s no bother,” he assured her. “You don’t live far from here, and I’d hate to see Sophie have to get out in this.”

Valerie looked at the hood of her car and then at her phone before returning her eyes to his face. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all.” He opened her door before she had a chance to protest, though he left it shut enough for her to roll the window up before she grabbed her keys and purse and clicked the lock shut.

The parking lot was beginning to get slick, so Alec took her gently by the elbow as they walked the few steps to his car. She smiled at him, and he reached up to hold the door open for her before helping her up into the seat. He made sure she was fully inside before he shut the door and bounded around to the driver’s side.

“I really appreciate this, Alec,” Valerie was saying as she buckled her seatbelt. “Thank goodness you hadn’t left yet.”

“I don’t think any man in his right mind would’ve left before you did,” he replied with a shrug.

“I don’t know about that,” Valerie mumbled. “I’m sure Sophie would’ve come and got me, but she’ll appreciate not having to get out in the snow.”

He turned out of the parking lot in the direction of her house. Alec rarely knew what to say, but this was one of those times when he felt particularly awkward. There were so many things he’d like to say to her, but now that he had an opportunity, he had no idea how to voice them.

“I think the dance is going to be a lot of fun,” Valerie said, her eyes peering out her window at the houses they passed.

“I think so, too,” he agreed, trying his best to focus on the road in front of him and not the beautiful blonde he couldn’t believe was actually in his SUV.

“I really hope the older citizens enjoy it.”

“Me, too.”

“I hope you’re able to talk Mr. Nelson into helping.” She was looking at him now, and he was careful not to turn his head in her direction for fear he’d forget he was driving. “He’s such a nice old gentleman. I’d really like to see him happy.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“He must be so lonely,” Valerie continued. “Oh, the next right.” She gestured for him to turn.

Alec couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you honestly think I don’t know where you live, Valerie?”

She smiled, and he thought he saw a little color in her cheeks when he stole a glimpse in her direction. “You never know. Anyway, Mr. Nelson is so sweet. Thank you for volunteering to speak with him.”

“No problem.” He made the right, knowing it was just a couple more blocks to her house. He really didn’t want her to leave. “If you need any help getting your car tomorrow, let me know.”

“Oh, thanks. I’ll see if Sophie can drop me off before she goes to work. Although if the snow is still so bad, I might just wait until it lets up. Maybe Joe could take me….”

Her voice trailed off, and he was glad. She was clearly thinking aloud. He couldn’t help the snicker that escaped at the mention of the vet tech’s name.

Valerie was looking at him again, this time one eyebrow raised. “What was that?”

“What was what?” Alec asked. He’d been hoping she didn’t hear him, but clearly she did. He turned onto her street and could see her house up ahead.

“That noise. That… snigger.”

“Snigger?” he asked, chuckling now. “What’s a snigger?”

“You know. This.” She made the same noise he had made, and even though her tone was one of offense, he could see a hint of amusement in her eyes as he turned to face her for a moment.

“I didn’t do that,” he replied, pulling into her driveway next to Sophie’s car.

“Yes, you did,” Valerie said, crossing her arms. “When I said, ‘Joe’ you said, ’guuhhh’”

Her impression was dead on a second time. “I don’t know, Valerie. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.” He twisted in his seat so he could see her, hoping she would see his apology in his eyes.

She didn’t seem to be buying it. “So you don’t think Joe is my Cupid either then?

Assuming she was referring to the conversation the older ladies at church had been carrying on, he shrugged. “I have no idea,” he admitted. “I just… don’t think he’s right for you, that’s all.”

Her eyes were so wide now they looked like twin moons glowing in the dim light coming from the porch. “You don’t?”

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t.”

“Well, why not?”

“He’s just… there’s something shady about that guy, Val. And you deserve someone who will… fully appreciate you.”

“Do you even know him?” she asked, her arms still crossed.

“I know of him.”

“You seem awfully opinionated about someone you’ve never met, Alec O’Connell,” she said, gathering up her purse off of the floorboard.

“I’ve met him,” he revised. “I just don’t know him well.”

“Well, I do,” she said, her nose in the air. “And he has been nothing but sweet to me. You should see the cards he’s been leaving me. And the gifts.”

“I’ve heard.”

Her forehead crinkled, but then she nodded, as if she realized Erin must’ve told him by way of Sophie. “Have you ever done anything that romantic?”

“I can’t say that I have,” Alec admitted. He would never have the courage to do something like that. But then, he was shocked that Joe would either.

“So who are you to say what I do or do not deserve?”

The words, “Because I’m the guy who has been in love with you since you were fifteen, since the Homecoming dance when Billy Stetson brought you but danced with Megan Green all night while you sat in the corner with your friends and pretended it didn’t bother you. Since the time I saw you stop your car to help an elderly man pick up his groceries that had spilled on the sidewalk. Since you made those posters senior year to help empty the animal shelter. Since you are the most beautiful, loving, kind, considerate woman on the planet and you deserve someone who will love you like the treasure you are,” didn’t quite roll off of his tongue the way he imagined they might, so instead, Alec only shrugged and said, “I don’t know, Valerie.”

She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Look, Alec, I know some people are spreading rumors about Joe, but he’s never been anything but kind to me. I appreciate the concern, I really do, but do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve even had a date for Valentine’s Day, much less a potential boyfriend?”

“Why would you want to spend your time with someone who isn’t right for you?” He couldn’t believe the words were his own.

“Who’s to say that he isn’t?”

Arguing at this point seemed futile, and she seemed to be growing more and more upset. “I understand, Valerie,” he replied, quietly “Just, do me a favor. If you find out Joe isn’t really the one who gave you those gifts, remember what I said, okay? You deserve someone who will treat you like… a… queen. And anyone who would lie about that doesn’t deserve one more second of your time.”

Valerie’s eyes were wide again, and Alec knew he’d said more than he intended. His face was starting to turn red; he could feel it. He hoped she couldn’t see in the dim light.

He supposed she’d argue, insisting that she knew for a fact the gifts were from Joe, but she didn’t. She only said, “Okay.” She pushed the car door open and stepped out. “Thank you for the ride, Alec,” she called over the wind, shutting the door.

He heard her, but before she made it around the front of the car, he was out, waiting for her.

“What are you doing?” she asked as he slipped his arm through hers.

“Walking you to the door,” he shouted back.

Once she was safely on the porch, he let go. “Call me if you need help with your car,” he reminded her.

“I will. Thanks!” The door was unlocked, and she was inside before he could even back down the steps.

Alec stood in the snow staring at Valerie’s closed front door for a long moment before he finally turned to head back to his truck. The conversation he’d just had with the woman he’d secretly admired for longer than he had admitted to anyone had not gone well, and she likely thought he was a nosy buffoon at this juncture. But… she had been in his car. He’d had the chance to get to know her better. And best of all, as he backed out of the driveway and headed toward home, the lingering smell of cupcakes filled his lungs.