Buffalo Valley by Debbie Macomber Read Free Book Online Page A

discovered he had quite a lot to live up to. Second, he’d come to see his parents in a new light. He understood how their fallen friend had shaped their lives and their marriage. It was no wonder they didn’t often speak of Vaughn Knight. The years might have dulled the pain, but the sense of loss was as strong in them as it was in Hassie.
    They chatted over dinner, and his mood lightened. Hassie was wise and considerate; she seemed to understand how serious his thoughts had become.
    â€œThe community is lighting the Christmas tree this evening,” she said casually as Vaughn carried their dishes to the sink.
    â€œAre you going?” he asked.
    â€œI wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Hassie informed him. “The Christmas tree is set up beside the War Memorial. Nearly everyone in town will be there—” she paused and looked at him “—including Carrie.”
    â€œAre you playing matchmaker with me, Hassie Knight?” he asked. He had a feeling she didn’t miss much—and that she’d seen the way his gaze had been drawn to Carrie when he’d entered the pharmacy.
    Hassie chuckled. “She’s smitten, you know.”
    Smitten. What a wonderful old-fashioned word, Vaughn mused. It would take a better man than him not to feel flattered.
    â€œYou could do worse.”
    â€œAnd how do you know I don’t already have a girlfriend waiting for me in Seattle?” he asked, and wondered what Hassie would think of Natalie. For some reason he had the impression she wouldn’t think much of her sharp-edged sophistication. It’d taken him a while to see past Natalie’s polished exterior; once hehad, he’d realized she was just like everyone else, trying to be noticed and to make a name for herself.
    â€œYou don’t,” Hassie returned confidently.
    He was about to tell her about Natalie, when Hassie said, “Come with me. Come and watch the community tree being lit. There’s no better way to learn about Buffalo Valley.”
    Vaughn’s purpose, other than meeting Hassie, was to do exactly that. Still, seeing Carrie again appealed to him, too—more than it should.
    â€œThat’s just what I need to put me in the Christmas spirit,” Vaughn said. “I’d consider it an honor to accompany you.”
    â€œWonderful.” Hassie clasped her hands together as though to keep herself from clapping with delight. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.”
    He helped her on with her coat, then grabbed his own. Taking her arm again, Vaughn guided her out the door and down the front steps. By the time they rounded the corner to Main Street and the City Park, the town was coming to life. There were groups of people converging on the park and cars stopping here and there. The air was filled with festivity—carolsplayed over a loudspeaker, kids shrieking excitedly, shouts of welcome…and laughter everywhere. Vaughn could practically feel the happiness all around him.
    â€œThis is about as close as it gets to a traffic jam in Buffalo Valley,” Hassie told him.
    As soon as they appeared, it seemed everyone in town called a greeting to Hassie. Vaughn had never seen anything to compare with the reverence and love people obviously felt for her.
    â€œYou’ve been holding out on me, Hassie Knight,” an older man teased as he approached. “I didn’t realize I had competition.”
    â€œCut it out, Joshua McKenna.” Hassie grinned. “Meet Vaughn Kyle.”
    â€œMighty pleased to meet you.” The man thrust out his hand for Vaughn to shake.
    â€œNearly everyone in a fifty-mile radius is coming,” Joshua said, glancing around him. More and more cars arrived, and the park was actually getting crowded.
    â€œI don’t see Calla. She’s not going to make it home this year?”
    â€œAnd miss spoiling her baby brother?” Joshua returned. “You’re