A Promise For Christmas (Historical Holiday Romance)

by Lynn Landes

  “I’ve seen that before,” she turns and walks away.

  Tinley sighs and walks away with a huff. “Boys are weird.” Sebastian glances at her with one eye and reaches for Aiylin.

  “What about you, do you have anything to tide a man over?” he pleads. Aiylin walks over and pops a piece of candied ginger into his mouth.

  “That should help,” she slips an arm around his waist and pretends to help lift him. “Poor thing. Old men need extra sustenance, Ms. Stella.”

  Ms. Stella has to cover her shout of laughter at his look of indignation.

  “I’ll show you old,” he promises and spins her from the room into the dining room to kiss her senseless.

  He’s humming when he walks away. Aiylin watches him go. She’s fanning herself when she returns to the kitchen.

  “It’s nice to see him smile,” Ms. Stella says. Aiylin blushes and gets back to Tinley. “Have you ever made one of these Tinley?” she asks, sitting down with her.

  “No, Ma’am.” She is vibrating with excitement.

  “It’s called a lebkuchen. It’s a ginger cookie. You can make them as gifts for people you care for. Usually, they are made into the shape of Saint Nicholas or a heart. People write messages or decorate them with white icing. Mostly, my family loves to dip them in chocolate or white powdered sugar.”

  Tinley smiles, “I know what I’m making. Are you making one?”

  “Of course. Let’s get started.”

  Ms. Stella pulls the first batch out to cool. These are the regular shaped small circle cookies for dipping. Once they are cooled, Aiylin will powder them and dip some.

  “Can you cut my shape for me?” Tinley asks.

  “I can try. Tell me what you want.”

  Tinley whispers in her ear, and she bursts out laughing. “I will do my best.” They work for the next two hours on the desert and then clean up the mess.

  “Why don’t you go change before dinner, Tinley,” Aiylin suggests.

  “I’m a mess,” she laughs and skips from the room.

  “You both are. Go on and change, I’ll finish up in here,” Ms. Stella says.

  “Thank you, Ms. Stella.”

  Aiylin wanders into the foyer after changing into her wine-colored dress and glances outside. Who would’ve thought that three feet of snow would be such a gift? She closes her eyes and whispers a prayer, asking the Lord to watch over her family as they make their way home.

  “Are you thinking of making a break for it?” Elizabeth asks from behind her.

  Aiylin smiles and turns to look at her.

  “Not at all, I was just thinking about how lucky I am to be here sharing this day with all of you.”

  Elizabeth smiles, “Thank you. Come help us finish decorating. Tomorrow, we will get the tree. If we can walk in the snow. It’s already starting to melt a little.”

  “Is it?” her heart sinks a little as she glances outside again.

  The house is starting to feel like the holidays. Aiylin walks with Elizabeth through the foyer to look around and smiles at the holly trimming the tables and window settings.

  “Everything looks beautiful. What can I do?”

  “We are in desperate need of some music,” Sebastian calls.

  Aiylin laughs and sits at the piano while they begin packing up the boxes. She plays and works on a song, while they work around her. The ornament boxes are left out, for the three Christmas trees they will be cutting down the next day.

  All the staff is working with Elizabeth and Sebastian to arrange the wreaths on the doors. Candles are placed around on the mantle place with colorful blown glass beads strung into the pine garlands creating a beautiful display.

  Aiylin messes with different keys until she finds a melody she loves. Looking around, she is inspired by this family and place. Closing her eyes, she starts to play from her heart.

  The moment she strikes the first note, all work stops. They watch in awe as she plays, and Aylin is lost in the song. Tinley walks over and sits beside her, watching her hands with intense concentration.

  Elizabeth wipes a tear away, touched by the simple beauty in her song. Sebastian presses a kiss to his Mother’s head, and she stares at her son as he sits next to Aiylin and pulls his daughter into his lap. Watching them together, “This is my wish,” she whispers. “I wish for him to find a love that stops time and fills his soul with the peace of knowing he is home.”

  Everyone drifts back to work, and Sebastian watches Aiylin give Tinley a lesson. After a few tries, Tinley laughs in delight when she's able to play a basic version of Jingle bells.

  “Good job, Tinley!” she praises.

  Sebastian helps count the wood and deliver it to each bedroom, making sure they have enough to keep the house warm. He straps on snowshoes and walks to the woodpile with Stanley to help carry more to the front porch.

  “How long do you think the snow will last?” he asks.

  Stanley glances around at the thick white blanket.

  “Hard to tell. It’s already starting to melt, but it’ll refreeze tonight. I’d say another five days if you’re lucky.” He grins at Sebastian and claps him on the back before heading back inside.

  Sebastian laughs and follows him inside.

  “Daddy! Come sit. Desert is ready!” Tinley urges and grabs his hand.

  “Give me a second, my heart. I need to dry off.”

  Elizabeth is in the great room next to the fireplace, with a blanket over her legs when Sebastian walks in with Tinley.

  “Where’s Aiylin?” he asks.

  “Sit down, Daddy!” Tinley says with a giggle.

  “What’s all this?” he laughs as he sits down.

  Tinley runs to the door to meet Aiylin when she walks in. They whisper for a few seconds before Aiylin nods at her before she walks over carrying a plate with a towel over it. “Daddy, this is for you. I made it. Happy Christmas, early!”

  Tinley pulls the towel off with a flourish and Sebastian frowns as he looks at it. Aiylin holds her breath and bites her lip as Tinley nervously shuffles from foot to foot.

  The scent strikes him first. Christmas spices blended in a heavenly aroma. “Is that a bear!” he grins as he picks it up.

  “Yes!” Tinley claps her hands, shouting with excitement.

  “That’s wonderful,” he laughs.

  “Your next, Oma!”

  Aiylin walks over and offers her a small plate with a sample of lebkuchen. “I hope you like these. They are a tradition at our home for the holidays. Some are milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and dusted in white sugar.”

  “Oh,” Elizabeth’s eyes shine with tears as she takes the plate. “I haven’t had these in so long!” Slowly she picks a white-dusted one and nibbles on it.

  Ginger explodes on her tongue, bringing memories of childhood with it. Memories of baking with her Oma in her tiny kitchen while she yelled at the boys to stop eating the dough. Her laughter ripples around them, Sebastian hugs Tinley and growls like a bear as he takes a huge bite.

  Elizabeth watches, laughing, she eats and reaches up to take Aiylin’s hand. “Thank you,” she whispers hoarsely. Her voice is thick with emotion.

  Aiylin sits next to her and hugs her close. “Thank you for sharing your home with me this week. I selfishly made these because it reminded me of home. I’m happy you like them.”

  Elizabeth tells them stories of her childhood in Germany, and soon, Tinley is yawning, exhausted from being up late.

  “Time for bed, little one,” Sebastian calls out.

  “Tell me the story, Oma?” Tinley pleads.

  Oma smiles, “I promised I would. Go on up and get your nightdress on. I’ll be right there. I’m ready to turn in too.”

  “Please, can Aiylin come?” Tinley begs.

  “I would be happy to help,” Aiylin says and assists Elizabeth up.

  Sebastian watches and frowns with concern. He’s only just realizing that his Mother looks tired. If only she would come home with them. Maybe Aiylin can
help talk to her.

  They walk slowly from the room while Tinley races ahead. Sebastian follows her to the door and stops them.

  “Good night, Mother,” he kisses her forehead softly and turns to Aiylin.

  “Thank you, Aiylin.”

  “You’re welcome,” she murmurs and avoids his gaze, afraid that he will see the emotions raging through her.

  Tinley is giggling and arranging her pillows just right on her bed so Oma can tell the story. The rocker is ready, and the fire is burning bright, warming the room.

  Aiylin sits in the picture window, while Elizabeth settles into her rocker. “What story shall it be tonight?”

  “Oma! You know which one,” she laughs and yawns.

  “Indeed I do,” she smiles and leans forward.

  “No one knows where the lantern came from, nor do they understand the source of its heat.”

  Tinley nods and listens with rapt attention.

  “Some say it is the magic of Christmas that gives it light, others say if you make a wish under the lantern, your most secret wishes will come true.” Elizabeth’s eyes glaze over as she remembers her childhood.

  Aiylin listens with a small smile.

  Tinley yawns, “Once were you were little you snuck outside,” her eyes close.

  “Exactly. I knew it was naughty, but my Papa was away working on the railroads, and I desperately wanted him to come home again. I’d have given anything for one of his big hugs.”

  “What happened?” Aiylin asks softly pulling the covers up over Tinley. She grabs Aiylin’s hand and pulls her onto the bed.

  “Stay,” she pleads.

  Aiylin sits and snuggles up with Tinley.

  “It was the clearest night, and the brightest stars were shining in the winter sky. I dressed in my boots, coat, and gloves, not forgetting my scarf, for the wind was up, and I didn’t want to be sick when Papa came home.”

  “Was the lantern glowing?” Tinley asks.

  “Yes, a brilliant glow that seemed to light the path from the front door to the lantern.”

  Tinley glances out the window and back. “You were very brave, Oma,” she whispers.

  “Sometimes, we must be brave.” Elizabeth smiles at Aiylin, “I made my way to the lantern and stood beneath, closing my eyes tightly. The warmth surrounding it surprised me, and I opened my eyes. Something drew me closer, and I reached out to touch it, and it was warm!”

  Aiylin’s eyes fly open wide in surprise. Elizabeth smiles at her and nods. “All around me, the snow blew, but beneath the heat of the lantern, I was safe and sheltered. It felt almost magical.”

  “Yes,” Tinley nods off and rolls over with her blanket.

  Elizabeth keeps rocking, “That is when I heard the whisper on the wind. Make a wish. I knew what I needed to do then. I made my wish, and the lantern flickered!”

  “It did!” Aiylin gasps.

  Elizabeth nods, “That very next morning, my Daddy came home!”

  Aiylin’s eyes flick to the window, and she falls quiet. “That’s beautiful. Christmas magic in your front yard.” Aiylin is enchanted as she stands up and covers Tinley.

  “It only chooses certain people,” Elizabeth whispers.

  “What?” Aiylin asks.

  “Only certain people are gifted with a Christmas Wish. You must be careful. Choose your words carefully, Aiylin.” Elizabeth rocks and looks over her grand-daughter.

  “I see,” she straightens and walks over to the window seat to look out at the softly glowing lantern. “It looks like any other lantern,” she murmurs.

  “Tinley used her wish. She’ll never have another one. I hope she didn’t waste it.”

  “Sebastian told me that she wished for a new mother.” She turns to look at Elizabeth, “You know it was merely a coincidence that I came the next day.”

  “Some see a coincidence, some see a wish coming true,” Elizabeth yawns and walks to the door.

  “Good night, sleep well, Aiylin. I’m glad you’ve come. No matter the reason. Don’t break my son’s heart. He’s had enough loss.” She leaves before Aiylin can respond.

  Glancing out at the lantern, she sighs heavily before sitting on the windowsill.

  Chapter 17

  Aiylin walks to her room and grabs her guitar and journal. She is desperate for a place to play. “Christmas wishes,” she mumbles and the light in the great room draws her inside. It seems to have grown softer as the fire starts to smolder. Sebastian must have gone to bed. Relief rushes through her. Sitting near the hearth, she drops a log on the fire and stokes the embers before sitting back with a chill.

  Picking up her guitar, she thinks about the song she was working on earlier. The melody is running through her mind all the time. She strums and tries to pick up where she left off, but it isn’t working.

  All this talk of Christmas, magic, and love has a new tune in her mind. Aiylin leans over the guitar and plays the chord. It’s stuck in her mind, so she plays it over and over humming a little as picks.

  She stops, grabs her journal, and turns to a blank page, scribbling before dropping it. Again, she plays the chord this time, adding a second and a third until she has a beginning that she likes.

  Smiling, she plays it a second time all the way through before writing it down. Sebastian stands by the door and watches her play. It’s enthralling to watch how entranced she becomes.

  He’s almost jealous watching how tenderly she cares for the instrument. “Please, play it again.”

  Aiylin jumps and turns to look at him, standing in the doorway.

  “I’m sorry, I thought I was alone.” She smiles at him and is thankful that the guitar is between them when he walks over to stand in front of her.

  “Don’t stop.” He sits in the chair next to the fire and leans his head back. “I could listen to you forever, it’s almost magical, the way you play.”

  Aiylin jolts in surprise. She smiles softly, “As magical as a lantern?” she asks.

  “I warned you,” he laughs softly. His head is back, and she has the urge to run her fingers through his dark hair and smooth the lines between his eyes.

  “Yes, but you forgot to mention that your Mother also believes the lantern is magical. Do you?”

  He lifts his head and looks at her. “Staring at you right now, I’m tempted to believe in magic. It is a strange coincidence that my daughter made a wish, and you showed up.”

  “You are a romantic, Sebastian,” she sighs. “You’re mother knew I was coming and when the snow melts, I will be going home. I worry that your daughter’s heart will be broken.”

  “Did I not make it clear that I wished to court you?”

  “Yes, but…”

  Sebastian interrupts her. “I’ve chosen for this Christmas to let my daughter believe in magic.” He leans forward and touches her face softly, smiling when her lips part in surprise.

  “Play for me, Aiylin. Just for tonight, let's not worry about tomorrow or consequences.”

  Her turquoise eyes shine with unexpressed emotions. Aiylin nods, not trusting herself to speak and begins to play. He settles back and closes his eyes. Instantly he is lost in the spell she creates.

  The song she plays is soft and spellbinding. It wraps around them, filling the room with its beautiful tones. The room goes quiet when she finishes. She stands to put her guitar away.

  “I wish I could repay your kindness. The gift of your music is remarkable.” His voice is husky as he looks at her.

  “Thank you. I’ll think about what you can give me for Christmas,” she teases from the door.

  He laughs, “You do that.” Aiylin leaves her book behind as she walks away. He picks it up and follows her from the room. “You forgot this,” he calls out.

  “Oh,” blushing, she sets her case down and rushes back to him, smiling and reaching for it. “You make me forgetful,” she grabs the notebook, but he doesn’t release it.

  “Aiylin,” he pulls her towards him, stopping a breath from her. “How is
it that each time I’m close to you all I can think about is how you feel,” he pulls her to his body. “How you taste,” he softly kisses her plump lips, “and as soon as I kiss you, I’m thinking of how long it will be until I can kiss you again.”

  Aiylin smiles against his mouth, “You need a hobby, Sebastian,” she says and pushes away from him. His laughter follows her up the stairs.

  Chapter 18

  Aiylin wakes with a spring in her step. The sunlight flooding her room leaves her energized until she realizes what it means. “The snow will melt now.”

  Running to the window, she opens the curtains and stares at the white world and chews her lip nervously. It occurs to her that she doesn’t want to leave. It’s been nine days. Nine days of laughter, music, and secret kisses. Going home feels like a punishment. She frowns and worries. How will they make a long-distance relationship work?

  “People do it all the time, Aiylin,” she tells herself and hurries downstairs to spend as much time as she can with the family.

  “Good Morning, Miss Aiylin,” Stanley says as he unloads an armful of wood.

  “Good Morning, do you need help?” she asks.

  “No, Miss. It’s starting to melt,” he replies and turns away to cover his smile. “I imagine in a few days it will be gone.”

  “That’s too bad,” she murmurs, walking to the door to hold it for him while he grabs a second load.

  “Isn’t it? I do love a white Christmas,” he replies. “I’m sure you’re ready to get home.”

  “Everyone should be with family at Christmas,” she says.

  Tinley stands behind her with a look of shock on her face. “You’re leaving us?”

  “Oh!” Aiylin gasps and reaches for her, but Tinley whirls and runs past Sebastian who is just walking through the front door.

  No one moves for a second until Sebastian demands, “Why is my daughter crying?”

  Stanley hurries outside mumbling about chopping more wood.

  “I warned you this would happen, Sebastian,” she says in exasperation. “Tinley overheard a conversation about me going home for Christmas.”