''You bet me and Grandpa have won the last five years every Maple Festival''says Thomas.
''Wow, that's exciting; what are the details. Inquiring this Gingerbread Contest?'' asks Hazel.
Thomas was about to answer the question when his dad spoke up.''We should head home now, bud, you know how grandma gets when we are late, ''says Liam.
''Hazel asked me a question though, ''says Thomas.
''You can tell her, at the party, that way both Hazel and us can have enough time to get ready, ''says Liam.'' Alright''says Thomas, as they head out.
Time has passed, currently finishing her hair, when there is a knock at the door. Liam and Thomas stand,'' hi, am I dressed okay?'' asks Hazel in a Red & gold sparkly dress.
''You look beautiful ''says Liam, gazing into her brown eyes; however, he quickly stops, not wanting to give his son the wrong idea.
''Thank you, ''says Hazel savoring the moment since it's been a long time for anyone to tell her that.
''Your welcome, ''says Liam as the three of them head out to his parent's house. Once they pull up to the house and walk towards the door, Thomas zooms past them to beat his dad opening the door .'' Grandma ''says Thomas, who is racing towards her, gleaming with joy, although that's more from the amounts of sugar consumed previously with all of the cookies very shortly.
''Right on time, you must have been watching your daddy get ready and keeping an eye on the time, ''says Avery walking towards her grandson.
''Yes, I stood in the walk-in closet that connected to the bathroom and watched him get ready. I was smelling mommy's clothes; it makes me feel that she is still with me. I do that from time to time ''says Thomas.
''You never told me that, bud?'' says Liam. Wondering why he never knew that his little boy was doing that to feel that she was still with him.
''I didn't want to make you sad, ''says Thomas looking up at his daddy with his big brown eyes.
''Why would you think talking about mommy would make me sad?'' asks Liam.
''You never are sad, especially today with it being a year that mommy has been gone? Don't you miss mommy?'' asks Thomas.
''Of course, I do bud, I am sad all the time. I hide the fact that I am sad because I don't want you to see me low, ''says Liam.
''You are ''says Thomas stunned that he isn't the only one sad all the time about his mommy and that his daddy is as well.
''Yes, I miss her, every day so much she was my best friend ''says Liam. Thomas then hugs his daddy and goes down the hall to look for his grandpa. Once he finds him by a table of a bunch of goodies to build their Gingerbread house for the contest.''Whoah, that's awesome, as he approaches his grandpa. We are so going to win ''says Thomas hugging his grandpa, seeing how much he resembles both his dad and grandpa, who all have Brown hair as well as Brown eyes.
''Yes, we are because we are Brown's, and what do we do ?'' asks Jeremy. '' Win for victory and get the Golden Gingerbread house trophy, ''says Thomas. ''Yes, because we are the best Gingerbread house team ever, and maybe we can convince your dad to join us, ''says Jeremy to his grandson
''Piece of cake, I have my ways to get what I want. When it comes to dad ''says Thomas with an evil grin.
''You are brilliant, just like your mom, ''says Jeremy smiling. Enjoying having his grandson's love of winning as much as he does; this is something that he used to do with Liam when he was right around that age, maybe even a little younger. However, the first Brown team stopped with Jeremy and Liam when he was about sixteen. The question that Jeremy has always wondered was why, though?
''Thank you, ''says Thomas.
''Your welcome; your mom was the same way; she always found ways to get your dad to do what she wanted, ''says Jeremy. Although he likes that his family talks about his mom, it almost makes Thomas feel that half of his heart is missing. To where the other half is bare empty on that side without his mom and wishes; somehow, his heart could be whole again. There is so much of his life that she will be missing out on in his life. Sometimes he wishes that he could bring her back? ''Especially when it came to fixing things around the house, by creating little lists for him to do. Then she bats her eyes when she hands him the list, and of course, dad could never say no to mom, ''says Thomas.
''Did you know that your mom was the only girl your dad ever brought home to meet your grandma and I. Also, who is the woman? That is next to your dad?'' asks Jeremy, looking. Wondering who the attractive woman is that is right next to his son at the moment. ''Oh, that's Hazel; dad has been showing her around town. Plus, she has been helping me and dad set up for the Maple Festival tomorrow ''says Thomas.
''You don't say, and I'll be right back, partner. Going over to his son, hey bud, you came ''says Jeremy, surprised by the fact that his son is here tonight because it's the anniversary of Zoey's death. I figured he wouldn't be in the mood to come tonight; also wondering if he is already seeing someone? Continuously looking at Hazel, thinking to himself, please don't break my little boy's heart with him being in a vulnerable stage right now.
''Why wouldn't I be here?'' asks Liam, now being asked this a second time by not only his little sister but now his dad. Doesn't anyone realize that being here tonight is a distraction? For him and not be able to sit home and reminisce about Zoey by seeing all of their pictures on the wall.''Your mom and I figured that with it being, you know, the anniversary of losing Zoey. You wouldn't want to be out; if you wish, we can bring Thomas home later ''says Jeremy. He glances at his wife to make the next move since Avery is more concerned than he is. While Avery twirls her hair, making the next move, and can dig deep, asking their son about Hazel. Because Liam had a good feeling about how his parents were looking at him, he knew that they would ask about her. He suggested for her to go into the next room with Thomas.''Would you like to tell us about the woman you brought with you, who is a guest at my inn?'' asks Avery. He is wondering suspiciously if her baby boy has met someone and if he is possibly seeing someone.
''Her name is Hazel, and she is just staying in town till they clear the roads. Nothing is going on with us ''says Liam even though he can't stop looking into her dark brown eyes without having a smile on his face every time. Nor is he fooling his parents, one bit, and they know for a fact possibility that he does like this Hazel.'Okay, if you so say?'' says Avery, then bites her lip, which she only does when hiding something. Forgetting her son notices those things being the sheriff.''You only bite your lip when you're hiding something; what aren't you telling me, mom?'' asks Liam being able to pick up those little things. Very quickly than anyone else not in the police force.
''Look, we loved Zoey, but you talking to another woman will not betray the love you had for her. She will always be with you and knowing the loving, caring, full joy, & free-spirited, amazing person. However, most importantly, you are not replacing her, and knowing Zoey, she wouldn't think that either of you. Secondly, I don't want you to end back up the same way. You were a year ago after Zoey passed, but most importantly, don't let that little boy get attached because she is only visiting and then he will feel broken all over again, and so will you' 'says Avery. Sitting down on the steps with her son, running her fingers through his short brown hair.''I never said anything about having relations with Hazel. It has been nice talking to someone who doesn't know what happened last year automatically as the Sheriff's wife died in a car accident or as Zoey's husband for once before telling them about my sad story. Not realizing how much harder tonight would be, with her not here, once he stands up and goes to find his little boy.
However, his dad finds him first,'' something is going on with Thomas''says Jeremy, walking over to his son. With a worried expression on his face at the moment.When something is wrong with him, just not sure why.''Why, what's wrong? Is he okay?'' asks Liam.
''He isn't speaking, ''says Jeremy.
''What do you mean?'' asks Liam, very confused about what his dad is currently referring to, as his son has been quiet somedays within the last year after losing his mom at such a young age. I have been talking to him, and Tom has been giving me a blank stare, no shrugging, no nodding or shaking his head. Something is not right about that boy of yours ''says Jeremy.
''What are you getting at, dad?'' asks Liam questioning him with a glare.''That boy has already lost his mom, and with you being busy with work all the time, being in that house without Zoey is already hard enough? You don't think that's difficult for a child Thomas's age?'' asks Jeremy wondering if his son is doing the right thing for his grandson? You don't think I know that I am trying to be a double parent to my son. Also, I am doing the best that I can, and I don't work a ton. Most notably would never leave that home; there are so many memories. We bought that house right after we got married; they brought Tom to that house from the hospital. Never will I sell our home, ''says Liam furiously and wanting to scream at the top of his lungs, but he doesn't not wanting to scare Thomas. Walking off from his dad to be alone and heads outside and sits on the porch steps. Thinking, is he doing what's suitable for his son, or is he just in denial.
''I wish you were here right now, to tell me if what my dad is saying is right or wrong?'' asks Liam looking up at the clear night sky, talking to his wife. When the door behind him opens then closes, the boards on the porch squeaking as someone walks behind him.''Mind if I join you?''.Liam then turns around and sees Hazel behind him.
''Not at all, and sorry you had to hear all of that. Sometimes I feel that after Zoey passed, everything I say about the impact of my son. It doesn't seem to matter at all, and it feels that. It has been that way ever since I lost her, and we were a team, her and I. Whether it was parenting, life decisions, marriage, or anything above we discussed together, each decision was discussed talked out I miss her so much, ''says Liam breaking down sobbing; he is no longer holding back tears. He has been holding back the last year, especially when he is around his little buddy.
''No need to apologize, I told you before. Everything that you have been going through isn't easy for anyone. It's sweet that you are continuing to raise Tom in your family home, some that you started with Zoey''says Hazel, looking at his red puffy eyes from crying so much, with tears running down his cheeks. She wipes his tears,'' try telling my dad that, ''says Liam staring down at his shoes.'' be honest with him; I'm sure he will come around, ''says Hazel comforting him the best way she can. Back inside, ''why do you have to be so hard on him, with everything that happened last year. That house meant everything to the three of them, especially Zoey. She put so much work into their home and leaving that house would destroy Thomas, and you know that ''says Avery. Walking away from Jeremy, upset because she hopes that this disagreement between her husband and son might push her son further away and take her little-man with him.'' I'm making sure that our son is doing the right thing, considering that he chose the wrong major and didn't go to medical school, ''says Jeremy, not knowing that his son is already inside and overheard that.
''Is that really what you think of me, dad, that I made the wrong choice by not sticking with pre-med and not going to medical school ''says Liam, proud that he went into law enforcement and has been the sheriff of this town; for thirteen years now .''I don't understand why you never became a doctor or surgeon; you could have taken over for me after I retired from medicine. Nether you or your sister had an interest the only person who was a Brown but not by blood who had any interest in the medical field is gone ''yells Jeremy at the top of his lungs, which is causing rage pulsed through his veins starting to bulge out of his forehead. Mostly because his career causes him a lot of stress already,& he has been warned not to let himself way too stressed. To avoid having a stroke,'' I keep this town safe. I save people every day; yes, I might not do it the way that you do. However, I did not choose the wrong major or pick the wrong career. Becoming a sheriff has turned me into the person I am today. So if you can't see that, then I don't know how we will fix this broken bend in our relationship and move past this''says Liam walking away quivering in anger.
The only reason why he and Thomas haven't already stormed out that door with Hazel is that he knows how important building a Gingerbread house for the contest tomorrow is to his son. Even though ignoring the fact that he is teaming up with his dad on this, despite their differences on what his career currently is, compared to what his father thinks it should have been. This completion is crucial to his son to put his son's happiness over his own. Going outside to cool off after climbing up into his old treehouse that he and his dad built together, as he looks up at the clear sky, wondering will he and his dad ever see eye to eye?''Hey, bubba, I figured that I would find you up here ''says Avery; he then looks behind him to see his mom.'' I'm not apologizing to dad; just because he thinks that I made the wrong career move does not mean that I made a stupid decision ''says Liam thinking to himself all of those years of him thinking that his dad was proud of him as Peppermnint's sheriff was all wrong. He never was interested in studying medicine; that was his father's dream, not his, and Zoey so proud to be the sheriff's wife. You could see the glimmer of the shine of pride in her eyes every day.
''Your father wants what's best for you, you know that, and if you feel that staying in your own home is the best thing for Thomas, then I am on board, and of course, I am always on your side. However, despite what you and dad disagree about, he is right on one thing, something is up with your little buddy ''says Avery looking her bubba in the eyes.''Wonder if it has anything to do with that night? I think he blames himself for what happened to her this very night on the fact. That she ended up getting into a car accident, on the way to pick I'm up from a sleepover. When he was too scared to sleep there ''says Liam.
''Kinda like you?'' says Avery as she puts one hand on his right shoulder. If I hadn't been away that weekend with the guys, she wouldn't have been driving alone that night ''says Liam thinking back to the night, coming home excited to see his wife but to find out that she was already gone days before he came; home.''Yes, and if you were with her, you would have died as well, and Thomas would have lost both of you in one swoop ''says Avery. He looks down and then looks back up at his mom. Knowing that she is right like always, however, Zoey pushed him to go that weekend since it had been a while that he had a guys weekend.''It would help if you stopped blaming yourself; there is nothing that you could have done. Yes, it was tragic, but she will always be with you in spirit to prevent what happened. I want you to stop torturing yourself, it kills me to see you so in pain, but until you accept what happened to her, you are never going to be happy, ''says Avery sitting down with him running her fingers through his hair. Feeling his pain is something no parent wants; she doesn't know what to say half the time without having him dig up old feelings—that night when he came not to find his wife but his parents with Thomas.
Flashback:
It was a Sunday night, and Liam hasn't heard from his wife in two days. He then walks in the door,'' Zoey baby, I'm home; everything okay I haven't heard from you, as he doesn't hear Zoey's voice. Zoey?Tom?Where are you? He then enters the living room and sees Thomas with his parents and little sister waiting for him. Hey buddy, mom, dad, Holly? What are you all doing here? Zoey?'' questions a perplexed Liam wondering why his parents and little sister are doing here? Mostly where is his wife?
''Hey, bud, ''says Avery, not wanting to tell him what's going on, but knows that her son deserves to know what happened.
''Hi, what's going on? asks Liam, very concerned about what's going on?
''You should sit down for this''says Holly to her big brother.
''Alright, as he sits down. Would someone please tell me what's going on?'' asks Liam wanting to know what his family is hiding from him at the moment. Hoping it doesn't have anything to do with the reason Zoey isn't here right now.''She was hit in a car crash by a drunk driver' 'says Jeremy reliving what happened to their daughter-in-law.
''What?When?How?'' asks Liam pinching himself, closes his eyes, and hopes that he will wake up from this and be in his hotel room. When he opens his eyes and sees that this is happening, his life will never be the same again. Two days ago, she was on her way to get Tom, and a drunk driver hit her. We were informed when they called us from the coroner to report what happened and were asked to view the body and see if it was her ''says Avery.
''What wasn't I called?'' asks Liam wishing he was called plus informed of what happened to his wife.''They said they tried to contact you, but there was no answer, ''says Avery. He then pulls out his phone and listens to his voice mails.''Hi, is this Liam Brown we are calling from The Peppermint Coroner, about your wife Zoey Brown, who was hit in a car crash and was hit on her side of the car and unfortunately did not make it by the time? Someone arrived at the scene and had no pulse by the time she was found ''says the person on the phone from the coroner.
End of Flashback:
''I know, and I will thanks, momma, ''says Liam kissing her cheek and heads down the tree-house steps. When Hazel walks up to him, ''not the night you were expecting, huh ''says Hazel tucking the strand piece of her brown hair behind her ear. Which makes Liam grin and smile.'' that's for sure. Now let me show you how we Brown's celebrate at a Christmas Party''says Liam full smile.''How come when you directed me this morning, you never said that your mom-owned The Reindeer Inn?'' asks Hazel..
''Guess it just didn't come up, ''says Liam. Even though he is talking to Hazel in his mind, he is talking to Zoey. When the two of them head inside, they see a half-finished gingerbread house and look in the dining room. Liam finds his baby boy decorating a star cookie with lots of blue icing piled on it; Thomas then looks up with his little brown eyes, with a blank stare but then looks down continuing to finish his masterpiece of a Blue Star cookie. Thomas immediately pulls the icing bag closer to him. Not wanting his dad to take it away, he clenches onto it hardly. Making the icing squirt all over him makes a very embarrassed Tom run upstairs to his dad's old room and hide under the bed.