Christmas In Icicle Creek: Home For The Holidays Page 10

  “Yep. That’s our hike. We’re heading to Tumbling Falls.”

  A slow smile spread across Noelle’s face. “I love waterfalls.”

  “I thought you might.” Tristan shouldered his pack. “You ready?”

  Noelle grinned. “Pretty much born ready. Lead the way.”

  The trail started easily with a footpath strewn with new fall leaves and years’ worth of evergreen needles along a gentle slope.

  Tristan led and Noelle followed, taking in the pine-scented air. She appreciated Tristan’s pace. He was obviously fit with strong legs and muscled shoulders and arms. She was no slouch to fitness, either, but she appreciated Tristan’s slower clip so she could enjoy the sun-dappled glories of the late fall morning. Before too long, they entered the steepest part of the train with switchbacks that led up the mountain, but it didn’t stop their conversation.

  “I want to thank you for considering Cory and Sampson in all of this,” Noelle began. “You were a big hit with Sampson’s treats, and I know Cory is going to love the gift card from Viadolce Gelato.”

  Tristan turned and gave her a quick grin. “I knew I’d have to bribe them in order to take you on this hike alone. I figured Sampson would like special treats, and the same goes for Cory, too. He could take a date with him one evening after a movie or something.” He gave Noelle a mischievous gleam before facing the trail once again. “And since we know where he’s going to be, we can stalk him.”

  Noelle laughed at the thought of her and Tristan following her brother on a date.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Good, so far,” Noelle replied. But she was doing better than good. In spite of the sweat pouring from her and the switchbacks they were traversing, she was happier than she had been since coming home. The fresh mountain air cleansed her, and the weight of Kendall’s pendant no longer pulled at her. With each step, she celebrated her newfound sense of freedom.

  With a light heart, she turned the topic back to her brother and pup. “You don’t have to bribe them. They’d both follow you anywhere at this point.”

  Tristan laughed. “I know this may sound corny, but I like your little brother and your puppy.”

  Noelle stopped.

  Tristan turned to face her. “What is it?”

  Noelle looked into Tristan’s eyes to see if he meant his words. Transparent sincerity looked back at her through Tristan’s gaze. His quiet understanding of her and her family made her feel cherished.

  “You’re serious,” she said.

  “Of course I am.”

  “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me.” Noelle’s heart thrilled at Tristan’s words and his sweet inclusion of her little brother. It fed her budding devotion toward him. Was there something she could give him in return? “Maybe you could stay for dinner tonight,” she offered. “After the hike.”

  Tristan turned around to face her again. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose. Would it be all right with your mom?”

  “She’d love it.” Noelle grinned. “I’ll send her a quick text.” Noelle pulled her phone from her back pocket and sent a text. Her phone beeped in reply, and she turned the screen to show Tristan. “See? You’re more than welcome.”

  “That’s so nice,” Tristan replied. “I don’t get a lot of family.” He hurried on. “I mean, me and my mom are close, but I don’t have any brothers and sisters, and since Dad died … well …”

  “Yeah. I can imagine how that would punch a hole in your life. If I lost my dad, I would be devastated.” The anguish over Tristan’s loss washed over Noelle, and she longed to offer him some sort of comfort. Reaching up, she took his hand and gave him a soft smile.

  His eyes met hers and he squeezed her fingers. “Thanks,” he whispered before turning to continue their ascent.

  Noelle changed the subject. “Have you come up here often?”

  “I haven’t been up here this season. I’m glad we’re catching it before the snow closes everything down.”

  The steep trail turned arduous, shutting down all conversation. Noelle needed her strength to breathe. Following Tristan, she could hear his breath moving in and out of his body. Without any effort, she matched his breathing, creating an invisible connection between the two of them that pulled her ever closer to him with each breath of pine-scented air.

  For the next two miles, they silently hiked through the quiet beauty of a slanting of autumn sun through pine and vine maple while her misgivings about falling in love again began to slither into their black hole. With joy, she gave herself over to the subtle yet profound tenderness that was beginning to form the bedrock of their growing relationship, initiated by their shared history of Icicle Creek and love of family. Already, in their short time together, he’d offered her a safe place to land with his gentle care of Sampson and her brother. She yearned for more.

  Tristan stopped. “Hear that?”

  Noelle came up behind him. She stood close as to feel the heat from his body. He looked at her, and Noelle understood he was just as aware of her as she was of him while the music of rushing water surrounded them. “It sounds as if we’re getting closer.”

  Tristan gave her a serious look as he drew a step toward her. “We are,” he whispered.

  Noelle matched his step and lightly placed her hand on his chest. “I’m glad for that,” she murmured as she gazed into his deep blue eyes. Then, she gave him a mischievous look as she stepped away. “But we’re not there yet.”

  Tristan smiled at her, and Noelle noticed how the corners of his eyes crinkled whenever he appeared happy or jovial. He wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve. “No more than a half a mile.” Concern etched into his face. “We can stop now, though, if you need. This is a tough hike.”

  Noelle offered a lighthearted laugh. “Are you kidding? And miss the falls? No way. C’mon. I’ll race you.” Pulling ahead of Tristan, she grabbed his hand for a quick squeeze before she picked up her pace and began hurrying up the trail. It took all of her strength to hurry past him, and she thought her lungs might burst.

  Tristan joined in her laughter and gently took her arm as she passed. “Oh no, you don’t.”

  The heat from his touch traveled through Noelle’s arm, giving her a quick surge of energy. Laughing once again, she hurried away from him while giving him a teasing glance over her shoulder.

  “Hey! Don’t forget that you’ve never been here before, so you don’t know where you’re going.”

  Noelle slowed as the new reality set in and she caught her breath. “You’re right about that.” She stopped. “But only for this one time. When we come back—” Noelle cut short her words, surprised at her own assumption.

  Tristan moved beside her and turned to face her. He smoothed her hair away from her face and tucked a strand behind her ear before pulling her close. “When we come back, you’ll be able to lead the way and set the pace. I promise.”

  The nearness of him made her weak. “You promise?”

  “Cross my heart.” Tristan took Noelle’s hand into his and placed it on his chest. “Why don’t we walk this last bit together,” he murmured.

  Noelle’s breath caught in her throat at the touch of his hand against her skin and the feel of his heartbeat in her palm. She moved toward Tristan and tightened her grip around his fingers as they began climbing the trail.

  The sound of cascading waters filled the air and mist rose from the rocks as they came into view of the falls. From their vantage point, Noelle watched water plunge with racing force. She breathed in the mist and let it filter through her summer T-shirt and soothe her hot and tired body while cleansing her heart.

  Tristan came and stood behind her and gently removed her pack before placing his hands on her shoulders and pulling her toward him, warming her from behind. Noelle willingly gave herself to his touch as she cuddled against him. He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “Is it worth it?”

  Noelle turned to face him. Soaked from the falls, she knew she l
ooked terrible with her hair plastered to her face and her clothes sodden with sweat and water, but none of that mattered. In Tristan’s company, she was completely at ease. She grabbed him by his shirt. “It’s worth every beautiful footstep.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that,” he said as he gently tilted her head back. “Finally,” he whispered. “I get to kiss you.” He leaned in, and with tenderness, he placed his lips to hers.

  Noelle closed her eyes as Tristan’s warm mouth met hers. Her heart stood still, as if to witness this new thrill of blossoming love that was searing itself into her present moment. The pressure of his lips on hers ignited a profound yearning, and Tristan deepened his kiss to meet that desire. The sound of the falls rushed in her ears as she pulled herself close to his solid and warm body and reveled in the stable reassurance and comfort he offered as he wrapped his arms around her. His presence filled her with warm affection and a newfound devotion that tumbled through her like the falls, reaching every untouched and cold crevice from her past.

  Noelle had no idea how long she stayed in Tristan’s arms, encompassed by the mist of the falls, before he finally suggested they eat the late lunch they had packed before heading back.

  Noelle reluctantly stepped away from Tristan, who pulled her close again for another quick kiss before grabbing her pack.

  “The days are getting shorter, and I don’t want to be stumbling down the trail in the dark,” he warned.

  Noelle concurred. Even though being stranded with Tristan sounded like a dream, her parents would worry.

  Pulling her lunch from her pack, the two of them settled on a level piece of ground some distance from the falls, where they began to eat.

  Leaning her back against Tristan’s shoulder, Noelle propped her knees up and basked in the heat from his skin that penetrated through her drenched clothes. He warmed her, in spite of the cool day and frigid mist from the falls. They ate in silence for several minutes before she asked, “Did you hike this trail with your friends?”

  Tristan finished his sandwich and placed his arm around Noelle, pulling her close. “No. Courtney would never come up here, and I never invited anyone else.”

  Noelle took a bite of her sandwich. That news was a surprise. She sat up and turned to give Tristan an inquisitive look.

  “This place is special for me,” he continued. “I came up here with my parents before my dad died. He and I used to come up here about once a year. It was kind of a father-son outing.”

  Noelle swallowed slowly as a newfound hush overcame her. “That makes it a sacred place.”

  “Yes,” Tristan said. “For me, it’s very sacred. Mom and I have been up here a couple of times since my dad passed away, but it’s hard for my mom. I mostly come alone.”

  Noelle put her sandwich down and turned to face him fully. “Oh, Tristan … I-I just don’t know what to say. I’m honored that you would even think of bringing me here.”

  “Then you’ve said it all,” he replied. “Thank you for being safe for me to share these things.”

  Humility and a sense of honor washed through Noelle with the same force she sensed from the waterfall that was just steps away. This man trusted her with something precious and fragile. He trusted her with the sacred and tender memory of his father. She would keep that memory safe.

  She would treasure his sweet sharing and hold it close. She understood its importance, because it was something Kendall would never do.

  Quietly, Noelle remembered her earlier promise that she would not bring Kendall on this hike. But for some reason, there wasn’t any resistance to Kendall’s presence. In this moment, it mattered little. He was a part of her life, and that was something to be accepted and reconciled. But his influence was beginning to recede into the long tunnel of memory. It became even smaller against the present backdrop of the transparent intimacy Tristan was offering in the full burst of an autumn harvest.

  Chapter 14

  Tristan sat at the dinner table and took in the everyday chatter of family life. Becky was serving chili and cornbread with honey butter. Cory was telling everyone about football practice and Coach Lewis’s plan for Friday night’s game. Tristan listened with the rest of the family while dinner was dished out. Then, grace was said. Tears came to Tristan’s eyes at the simple but meaningful gesture. It was something his family always did until his father died. His dad’s death took the breath of prayer right out of Tristan’s soul.

  Sitting with Noelle’s family, the strong sense of what he was missing hit him like a freight train. But in the midst of the wreckage, some part of him was safe from loss while at the Fosters’ dinner table. Even though his family was missing a third of its love, there was enough to go around right in front of him, and the Fosters were freely offering it to him, even though they didn’t know it.

  “So, tell me,” Noelle’s dad began. “How was your hike this afternoon?”

  Tristan caught his breath, hoping Noelle wouldn’t go into too much detail.

  “The falls are beautiful,” Noelle responded.

  “I’m not surprised, with all the early rain and snow we’ve had,” her father said. “I’ve never been up that way. Maybe we could make that a family outing as soon as Cory’s finished with football. Tristan can be our guide.”

  Noelle shook her head. “The snow will be falling by then, and … it’s kind of—” Noelle’s hand rested on Tristan’s leg.

  A sudden shyness rose in Tristan’s chest, along with a deepening gratitude for Noelle wanting to protect Tristan’s feelings, “It’s okay, Noelle,” Tristan said. He put down his napkin and gently took Noelle’s hand as it rested on is leg.

  Mark looked at Tristan. “Is there a problem?”

  “Not at all.” Tristan swallowed. He had never shared his recollections of his dad and the Tumbling Falls trail with anyone. Not even Courtney knew of this precious memory, but now, it was begging to be shared. “I told Noelle this afternoon that the Tumbling Falls trail is important to me because it’s where my family hiked before my father died.” A surprising and sweet release enveloped Tristan.

  Her father set down his spoon. “Oh, I’m sorry, Tristan. Of course it would be an important place to you. We can certainly find another hiking trail that all of us can enjoy. Maybe you could join us on the Icicle Ridge trail. That’s quite a challenge, and the views can’t be beat.”

  Gratitude and relief filled Tristan for the reverence Noelle’s family showed around the memory of his hikes with his father. “I would like that, sir. And maybe someday I’d be ready to hike Tumbling Falls with your family.”

  “We’ll look forward to it, but there’s no hurry,” Mark said. “Now, why don’t you tell us about those apples of yours? I hear they’re good eating.”

  “They’re the best there is.” Tristan was glad for the change of subject. He squeezed Noelle’s fingers before moving to pick up his spoon. Noelle removed her hand from Tristan’s leg, but the warmth of her touch still seeped through his denim. With her gentle touch and the rest of her family’s genuine interest in Burke’s Orchard, Tristan opened up about his beloved home and the family work. Words poured from him as he talked about the seasons and the work that went into keeping his orchard in top condition, but he kept a watch on the Foster family to make sure they weren’t bored. Instead, they showed vivid interest.

  “You must be proud of your harvest,” Noelle’s mother said.

  Tristan’s lungs expanded at the thought of his lovely apples and the hard work that went into making sure they were some of the best in the valley. “I am. They’re my pride and joy.”

  “How did you find Sampson the morning he went missing?” Cory asked.

  “I went out to feed the horses, and Sampson was curled up on a bale of hay.”

  “Thank goodness,” Noelle said before taking a bite of cornbread slathered in butter and honey.

  Cory ribbed Tristan and nodded toward his sister. “This is how Noelle eats butter,” he said. “She uses a little bread for texture.�
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  Tristan grinned as he glanced at Noelle. “The same way she eats cream, I see. I’ve noticed that she does love her dairy.”

  “Oh, we call her the original dairy queen,” Cory quipped. “After she left for school, Mom quit buying milk by the gallon. I mean, I love the stuff, but I’ve got to watch my football figure.”

  Tristan laughed, but he kept one eye on Noelle. Courtney would never enjoy a joke about food at her expense.

  Noelle laughed, crumpled her napkin, and threw it at her brother. “At least I don’t have four helpings of chili!”

  Her brother put his spoon in his now empty bowl. “Good thing, too. Mom and Dad would go broke if they had to maintain the caloric count for both of us that a top athlete requires, like me.”

  Tristan warmed at the comfortable and good-natured joking that took place between Cory and Noelle. He watched her parents, who were grinning as they took in the banter between their children.

  Soon, the conversation moved on. Mark talked a little about his work as the radiologist at Cascade Medical Center, and Becky discussed her plans for the week and reminded everyone of Cory’s Friday night home game.

  Tristan finished his chili and cornbread and sat back in his chair as both bittersweet melancholy and contentment filled him along with his meal. There had been a time when he’d sat with his mom and dad at the dinner table, and they talked of mundane daily tasks and experiences. He remembered telling his parents about Coach Lewis’s practices and game plans, just as Cory told his family. They would also talk about apples and the needs of their employees. Although sitting with Noelle’s family reminded him of what he’d lost, he also drank in the familiarity of it—the chatter, laughter, understanding, and coming together of those who loved and valued one another in an everyday occurrence of a meal. For the first time since his father died, some empty part of Tristan opened to receive what was being offered. And at the center of all of this stood Noelle, the one who held the most joy in this life circle. Maybe this was what healing looked like—a mix of the sad reality and the possibility of a joy and a happy future.