Editon tried not to choke on the drink he’d just taken. Noah got right to the point. He paused for a moment before saying, “Yes, I do. I like her a lot.”
“I think she likes you too. I know my mom hadn’t planned on being a single mom. She always puts me first and not herself. Mom told me that you have this big, huge house and that you kidded that you don’t need all of it.”
“Yeah…” Noah laughed. “I did tell her that.”
“Did my mom tell you what happened, I mean, about our trailer in California?” Noah stared at the can in his hand.
“She told me what happened.”
“I didn’t do it, but I was responsible. It was because of me that those losers did what they did.” Noah bit his lip and wrung his hands. “Mom gave up everything for me, and all I did was burn down our house and most everything we had.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“You can tell me that, but I don’t believe it. I want to make it up to her. I can’t pay back everything, but at least I can do something. If I work after school, every day I can help finish the lower level of your house. If we finish it, will you let my mom and me move in there? You know, like an apartment?”
“Would it be difficult for you?” Editon asked. “You know, with me and your mom dating?”
“I like a girl, too. I understand that you want to be with her as much as you can. It’s not weird. I checked you out. I guess you’re okay. Grandpa likes you.”
“He does?” Editon tried to keep the surprise out of his voice.
“Yeah, and I know my mom does too, and so does Naira, that’s the girl I like. If I work for you, then I can save up and maybe pay you some of the rent.”
Editon’s heart broke as Noah laid his heart out on the line. He wanted to give him a hug, but guys just didn’t do that. “I think that sounds like a great plan.”
“I’m just a teenager, and there is only so much I can do. I can accept this, but sitting around and doing nothing is the worst thing I can do.”
“I know all about that.” Editon smiled. “Noah, what you just said is the start of being a man. Because you love your mom, you are doing something unselfish. This is being a man.”
Noah brushed his bangs out of his eyes. “When can I start?”
“What about now? I can finish up here and then we can go back to the house to start deciding what building supplies we need for the house.” He held out his hand. “Shake on it?”
Noah shook his hand. “One more thing. Can we keep this between you and me until we get it finished? I want it to be a surprise.”
Noah kept his word. Every day he was there working hard, except for the debate club days, and then he’d be there a little later. Editon showed Noah how to hang Sheetrock, put in tile and carpet, and complete the finishing work. Noah even asked if he could stay and work while Editon left to meet Kady for dinner.
Kady was right, Noah was a fast learner and a smart kid. Noah was in upper lever math classes, and it made Editon feel good that he could help Noah with his homework.
Noah and Kady began to feel like family. Would they think of him the same way?
Chapter Seven
Kady sang along to the Christmas carols as the downtown came alive with festive lights and holiday decorations. Editon’s warm fingers were wrapped around her’s. Snow fell lightly from the sky, dusting the sidewalks and trees with fluffy, white flakes.
“I love Christmas!” Kady exclaimed.
“So do I. I like all the holidays from Halloween on. Spending Thanksgiving with Finn and Keaton, everyone felt like family,” Editon said and squeezed her hand.
Kady looked around. “This is my first Christmas back in Vine Grove, but I’m surprised that Tegan and the rest of the gang aren’t here. I thought they said they were coming.”
Editon shrugged. “The holidays are a busy time for everyone. It looks like they are finished lighting the tree. Would you mind if we stopped by my house on the way to yours? I need to pick up something.”
“Sure. I just want to get home before it gets too late. I don’t want to leave Noah and Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve.”
There was a twinkle in his eyes. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. You don’t need to worry about them.”
“What are you up to? You have been grinning all night.” She put a hand on her hip.
“Nothing at all. I told you that I love Christmas.” He kissed the tip of her nose as they headed back to his truck.
Editon turned the truck into his driveway. As they drew closer to the house, Kady saw that all the lights were on, and there were a bunch of cars parked in the driveway.
“What is going on?” she asked.
“You’ll see soon enough.” He turned off the ignition, got out, and then walked around the side to open her door. “Noah has a surprise for you.”
“Noah? Why would Noah be here?”
“Stop with all the questions! If you follow me, all of your questions will be answered.”