The Christmas Rental

by Hendricks, Savannah

  She saw her mom glance through the French doors at the falling snow outside. “Let’s hope for a Christmas miracle, then.”

  As if on cue, the doorbell chimed. They all looked at each other, eyes wide.

  “I’ll get that.” Perplexed, Lorelei headed to the front door. When she pulled it open, a man and woman stood in front of her, a classic cherry-red pickup truck was parked in the background. “Hi.”

  “Lorelei,” the man with a white-as-snow beard said.

  She nodded, taken aback. “Uncle Chris? Aunt Candace.”

  “Yes, indeed.” He chuckled.

  She’d never seen such rosy cheeks in all her life, even on patients with a fever.

  “Goodness, come in.” Lorelei stepped behind the door, allowing them inside. She hadn’t seen them since she was a little kid and didn’t know if she should hug them or not. “You surely don’t need to ring your own doorbell.”

  “You must be wondering why we’re here,” Aunt Candace said. She wore a dress of crimson red with buttons running from neck to toe.

  “Is everything okay?” Lorelei led the way into the living room. “It’s a miracle you’re here. I’ve needed to speak with you, Uncle Chris, but no one seems to have your cell number.”

  Uncle Chris chuckled, “Oh yes, everything is dandy. And we don’t have a mobile phone. Candace needed a recipe, and well, it was important enough to come home and get.”

  “Plus, we wanted to meet our grandniece.” Aunt Candace’s eyes twinkled.

  “I think you know John and Joanne.” Lorelei motioned to them, standing near the island.

  Candace beamed upon seeing her brother and hurried to him. “John, what an amazing surprise!” She wrapped her arms around him.

  “You have the most magical timing.” Lorelei picked up Mary Ann from the floor.

  Candace stepped out of her brother’s arms while Chris hugged Joanne, then moved to John and gave him a big hug, too.

  “We didn’t know we’d have such a wonderful family reunion.” Uncle Chris wrapped his hands around the opening of his winter coat.

  “And this is must be Mary Ann.” Aunt Candace approached the baby, and Mary Ann’s eyes lit up, her tiny grin spreading wide.

  “I wanted to talk to you about your practice.” Lorelei wrapped her hand around her daughter’s fist as she tried to yank on her mom’s hair. Candace held out her hands for Mary Ann, and Lorelei handed her daughter over to her grinning aunt.

  “Yes.” Chris followed his wife to the kitchen, baby in tow, and opened the nearby cupboard, removing a small wooden box.

  “I decided I want to move here, and Jodi said she'd love to have us as roommates. I’d like to rent out the two other rooms above the office for myself and my daughter. The issue is this town isn’t busy enough for two doctors.” She bit her lower lip in anticipation.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Uncle Chris beamed. “You’ve been good this year.”

  Okay, then. “What I’m wondering is, if maybe you had any plans to retire soon, or shortly. I know this is unbelievably forward of me to ask.” Lorelei caught Candace giving her husband a look.

  “Chris, you’ve been trying to find a replacement for the last few years.” Candace turned her attention to searching the wooden box of index cards.

  “Yes, but I didn’t want to leave my patients to just anyone.”

  Lorelei’s shoulders slumped. “I know.”

  “And luckily, you’re not just anyone—you’re family.” His voice was friendly but deep when he said, “It has been a long time coming.”

  “Oh?” Lorelei’s posture straightened.

  Candace held up a recipe card and returned the box to its spot in the cupboard.

  “Let me make sure I have this straight because it . . . it’s almost a Christmas miracle for you to show up like you have and then to make my dreams come true.” Lorelei watched as Mary Ann continued to fixate on her great-aunt.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to finally come and visit so you could have this very discussion,” UncleChris said.

  “Wow, I’m honored,” Lorelei gushed. “Thank you.”

  Lorelei’s parents remained standing near the island without saying a word.

  “You decorated beautifully, probably the best we’ve seen in all our years.” Candace observed her home. “Don’t cha think, Chris?”

  “Indeed.” He nodded his head in agreement. “Now, let me hold my great-niece before we have to go.”

  Candace handed Mary Ann over to Chris, and Lorelei expected a fuss or two, but instead, her daughter gazed at him in delight. Her great-uncle chuckled from deep in his belly, and Mary Ann giggled with joy from hearing the noise.

  Lorelei brought her hands together in anticipation. “So, it’s settled?”

  “Yes, it’s settled. As soon as we return at the end of the month, we’ll finalize everything.” Uncle Chris winked. “Oakvale is blessed, isn’t it, Candace?” Chris handed Mary Ann back to Lorelei.

  “Indeed, we are.” Aunt Candace kept her eyes on Lorelei and smiled.

  The reality of her uncle’s words sank in, and Lorelei leaned on the kitchen island. In her greatest moment of joy, she wanted nothing more than to have Tyler by her side, his hand in hers.

  “How is everything else going?” Uncle Chris’s eyes moved around the room. “The heater probably went out a few times.”

  Lorelei laughed. “Yes, and a hole in the roof.”

  “Oh my, we’re so sorry.” Aunt Candace’s forehead creased. “I believe Don did a great job of fixing it up.”

  “Yes.” Lorelei nodded.

  Chris turned to Candace. “We should be on our way. Everyone is waiting on your Christmas dessert.”

  “I can’t believe we forgot it,” Aunt Candace stated.

  Chris took her hand in his. “I can’t believe you don’t have that recipe memorized.”

  “I’m glad I didn’t.” She winked at the Parkers. “We have a lot of catching up to do.”

  “So sorry we have to run,” Chris added as they began to head toward the front door. “We look forward to many family visits in the new year.”

  “You can’t stay a bit longer?” Lorelei followed. “Seems like a long drive from . . . up north just to turn around.”

  The Norths paused at the door and softly laughed. Candace beamed at Chris as though they weren’t all that sorry for making the trip.

  After closing the door, Lorelei carried Mary Ann back to the living room and looked at her parents. “Is it me, or do they look an awful lot like Mr. and Mrs. Claus?”

  Chapter 35

  Tyler searched through a stack of Christmas picture books, desperate to find the perfect tale for O Come, All Ye Reader, but came up short. He sighed and set yet another book back on the display table of the bookstore. Every thought went to Lorelei. How could she not tell him about her interview? He should never have allowed himself to spend so much time with her and Mary Ann, knowing they wouldn’t stay. He should never have allowed himself to . . . He knew exactly where that thought was going, but he wouldn’t let himself finish it.

  “Trying to find the perfect book for the reading?” Sandy stepped to his side.

  Tyler ran his fingers over the raised font on a hardcover. “I should have selected it by now.”

  “You can always go with a classic,” Sandy suggested.

  Garrison and Cider lay near two twin kindergarteners nestled in the children’s reading corner. Between them, their mom read from a pile of books they’d selected from the shelves.

  With his voice low, Tyler said, “You know I like to pick something special and new each Christmas.”

  Sandy motioned for them to step away, allowing the boys to focus on their mom’s reading. He followed her with his arms crossed.

  “I hate to address the For-Sale-elephant in the room, but Ted and I need to decide on an offer. Are you sure you want us to take the other offer?” Sandy brought her cardigan sweater into her hands and closed it over itself as though she mi
ght be chilly.

  “How could she not tell me about the interview?” Without letting Sandy answer, Tyler continued. “I thought I understood her dream. After she confronted her parents, I thought she would move forward. But instead, she went to an interview in Booth and didn’t mention a word to me. I thought — I thought we were a team.” Tyler shoved his hands into his pockets, but it reminded him of John, so he slid them back out.

  “Have you spoken to her?” Sandy offered. “Asked Lorelei why?”

  He shook his head. “I should go. I’ll come back later when my head is clearer, and hopefully, I can find a book. Can I leave Cider here? She seems to like this story.” He pointed toward the dog.

  “Of course.” Sandy patted his back and provided a weak smile.

  Tyler gave her a half-nod and made his way out of the bookstore, across the street, and back to his office door. Then, he spotted Lorelei’s sedan pull into a parking spot. She waved and smiled at him before climbing out of the driver’s seat.

  “Tyler.” She approached, her face beaming with joy. “I’ve been trying to reach you. I called, but you didn’t answer. I have great news.”

  He opened the door to the office but didn’t hold it for her, instead he headed inside without a word.

  Lorelei followed, catching the door before it closed. “It’s best I tell you in person, anyway.”

  How can she be so happy?

  “I’m busy right now.” His voice was sharp; cold as an icicle. As he eyed her, he noticed the joy evaporate from her lips.

  “Oh.” She murmured the word soft and low, then her brow furrowed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your . . . work.”

  She glanced around the empty, silent bowling alley.

  “I’m sure you’re busy as well.” Tyler shuffled papers on his desk and clicked the mouse to wake the computer. He thought, I’m not busy at all, but I’m upset, and I don’t want to talk to you at this moment. “Maybe I’ll see you later,” he said instead.

  “Sorry, I disturbed you.”

  He continued to stare at his computer until the sound of the bell on the door chimed. Closing his eyes, he sighed. Sandy had told him minutes ago to talk to Lorelei, to find out what was going on with the interview in Booth, but he couldn’t. Once he saw her, his heartache doubled. He couldn’t get on a plane to start his trip fast enough.

  Tyler swiveled in his chair and spotted Lorelei heading into Once Upon a Book. Mary Ann must be with her parents back at the Norths’. Obviously, she left her daughter with them because they were all getting along now that Lorelei compromised and was moving to Booth. Watching her enter the bookstore made him realize he’d developed the same feeling for her as he did for Once Upon a Book. Like a favorite story he’d read over and over again. Too bad he never wanted to see that book again now.

  Staring at his computer, he tried to focus, but his mind wandered since he didn’t have any work to do. He kept his thoughts on Lorelei as he mixed himself up a cup of hot cider. Maybe she does have another option than to agree with her parents and compromise. Maybe that’s what she’d showed up to tell him. To tell him about Booth; to tell him she didn’t have a choice. But she’d said good news. How could Booth be good news?

  The bell above the door made one jingle as it slammed against the frame. He spun around in his chair to find Lorelei stomping back into the office and up to his desk. She hoisted a Once Upon a Book paper bag at his chest. “I got this for you. Sorry to bother you.” Lorelei didn’t wait for a response as she pivoted.

  Holding the gift in his hands, he couldn’t make his mouth form the words. Stop, wait.

  Lorelei flung open the office door and speed walked to her sedan. He watched from the window as she backed out of the parking spot. Then, reaching inside the paper bag, he removed a picture book. A Christmas-themed one. One he had not heard of before. The Twelve Days of a Minnesota Christmas. How had he never seen or heard of that book before? Sandy must’ve ordered it, but he hadn’t seen it on the shelves earlier.

  He carried the book to his desk where travel brochures were spread out, and resting up against his computer monitor was a photo. The picture he’d taken during the Christmas feast where Lorelei and her daughter posed in front of the Christmas tree with the warmest smiles he’d ever seen. Tyler held the photo in one hand and the book in the other. He tried to fight it, but a smile overcame his lips, warming his cheeks. Lorelei had managed to select the perfect book for him to read to the children when he couldn’t find a single thing in an entire bookstore. He had to find out why she’d gone against her dream. He couldn’t book his travel until he knew the answer.

  With the picture in hand, he grabbed his jacket and hurried out into the cold.

  Chapter 36

  Even though the snow was already off her boots, Lorelei continued to stomp them on the foyer rug. She tossed her purse on the entry table and made her way into the living room. Mary Ann attempted to crawl under the Christmas tree while John and Joanne tried to distract her with her toys.

  “Is everything alright, Lor?” John asked from all fours.

  “No.” She threw her head backwards. “Men!”

  Going into the kitchen, she set the kettle on the stove and prepared a mug for hot apple cider. She picked up Mary Ann, kissed her, then set her back on the floor to play.

  “Did something happen with Tyler? Did you tell him your news?” Joanne asked over the crackle of the fireplace.

  “Apparently, he’s too busy.”

  Lorelei drummed her fingers on the island until the kettle whistled, and she poured the steaming water into the mug and did a quick stir. “I’ll be out back. I need to calm down.”

  Leaning against one of the pillars, she took a sip of the warm apple cider, nearly hot enough to burn her tongue. How badly she wanted to speak with Tyler, to tell him the great news. Everything was going so well, and now Tyler wanted nothing to do with her.

  She didn’t turn around as the sound of the French doors opened behind her. “I’m not in the mood to talk, Mom.”

  “Good, because I’m not her.”

  Tyler.

  Her heart skipped, regardless of how upset he’d made her feel. Continuing to stare at the beautiful Christmas tree light display, she heard Tyler’s boots on the patio, stepping closer to her. She clutched the warm mug in her hand. As she exhaled, the steam from her breath and apple cider mixed.

  “Thank you for the book. It’s perfect. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before.” Tyler’s voice came from just over her right shoulder.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Look, I need to know why you gave up on your dream. Jodi said you went for a job interview in Booth. I need to understand—”

  “I’m not taking it.” Lorelei didn’t look at him. She couldn’t. “Maybe if you hadn’t been so rude earlier, you could've given me a chance to tell you.”

  “You’re not taking it?” He rejoiced. “The job in Booth?”

  She shook her head. “I went because I never pass up an opportunity. They lost my resume that I submitted it over the summer. If I didn’t take chances in life when given to me, I would never have ended up here. Oh, and I met with my uncle and aunt, and he'll be retiring. So, I’ll take over his practice for good come the new year, not that you care.”

  “Chris and Candace were here?” Tyler inquired.

  “Yes, they stopped by earlier today. They needed a recipe. It seemed rather odd to drive from wherever they’re staying, but . . .” For a second, she dropped her defense and glanced over at him.

  His vision was focused squarely on her, and it melted her heart in an instant.

  “I was upset you didn’t tell me about the interview after everything we did together. I thought you didn’t stick with your dream.”

  She turned to him. “My dream remains the same. I would have taken the job in Booth if I wanted to, but I didn’t. It wouldn’t be the same as being here, in Oakvale . . . with you.” Taking a sip of cider, she bought herself a sec
ond to gather her thoughts. “I’m looking for a place for Mary Ann to grow up, for me to slow down and spend time living life. A place to get to know my patients.”

  Lorelei caught that dimple flex in his cheek, and she felt her cheeks blush.

  “That’s great.” He moved his hand out toward her but paused and withdrew it. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the photo. “For your ornament.”

  Lorelei set her mug on the railing and wrapped herself up tighter in her jacket. She took the picture in her hand. “It’s perfect.”

  Tyler ran his hand through his hair, unsure of what to say, then reached for her again. This time, his hand rested on her arm.

  “We’re staying.” Her lips lifted in the corners.

  “You’re staying.” Glancing down at his hand, he pulled back yet again. “I’m sorry. Honestly, I should never have brushed you off. If I’ve learned anything this December, it’s been from you, and you taught me to have the courage to be aware of what’s important. And you, Lorelei, are important.”

  This time, she was the one who reached out for him, taking his hand in hers. When their eyes met, she knew once again that Christmas miracles do come true. They smiled softly at each other.

  She couldn’t help but blush when he inched closer, taking her in his arms. “I’m pleased you’re staying.”

  She pressed her lips together and glanced down before meeting his eyes again. “You have no idea how pleased I am.”

  The sound of laughter inside the house caused them both to turn their heads toward the French doors. On the living room floor, her mom and dad sat with Mary Ann, and her parents were laughing.

  “Are they . . .?” Lorelei asked, her tone confused.

  “Laughing?” Tyler chuckled. “Why, yes, your parents are laughing. And look, no one’s hands are in their pockets.”

  “I’m happy we both made our dreams come true. I’m staying, and you own the bookstore.”

  His eyes widened. “Oofta!” He reached for the door handle and flung the door open. “I told Sandy to take the other offer.”