A Promise For Christmas (Historical Holiday Romance)

by Lynn Landes

  “I’ve never wanted to make a wish until now,” he murmurs as he walks through the snow. When he reaches the lantern, he is shocked to see that the area below the lantern is completely clear of snow! His heart starts to beat fast, could it be true? The stories of his childhood? Reaching out a trembling hand, he touches the black iron base and is surprised to find that it’s warm to the touch. His soft laughter ripples out into the night.

  Make a wish, he hears in his mind.

  Sebastian glances up at the window where Aiylin sleeps and nods as he whispers, “I wish to claim Aiylin’s heart. We want to keep her. I love her. I know it’s too soon. Love, at first sight, is ridiculous, isn’t it? Yet, I close my eyes, and I see her running towards me, and everything falls into place.”

  The lantern flickers, and he jumps in disbelief and stumbles out of the protection of the light. Instantly the cold air surrounds him. Sebastian chuckles and walks home. “Guess I’ll have to do it the proper way. I’m going to court her and win her heart.” The lantern flickers again as he’s walking inside. “Time for some sleep.”

  Chapter 21

  Langdon is on one of the aisles looking at shirts and trying to act like he isn’t listening to the conversations around him.

  Sheriff Dane is flirting with the clerk and talking about the Christmas market. When he asked the insipid girl to go with him, she, of course, batted her eyes and led him on.

  “I don’t know, Sheriff. I made plans to meet Aiylin and Sebastian by the fountain in the center of the square.” Langdon perks up at the sound of her name.

  “Tasha, I’ve asked you to call me Jacob,” he reprimands her gently and takes her hand in his.

  “Jacob, do you mind sharing me?” she asks softly.

  “Of course I mind,” he grins at her look of surprise. “I suppose I could manage for a few hours as long as you are by my side.”

  “It’s a date then,” she smiles at him. Her eyes watch as Langdon quickly leaves. “Jacob, who is that man? He’s been in here every day for three days and asking questions.” Tasha walks around the counter to the window and watches him cross the street.

  Jacob follows her, and his eyes narrow as the man returns to the hotel. “I don’t know. Is he giving you any trouble?”

  “No,” she wraps her arms around herself and turns to look up at Jacob, “but the first day he was asking questions about Aiylin. He didn’t like what I told him.”

  Jacob stops himself from touching her, though his instinct is to pull her into his arms and comfort her.

  “Trust your instincts, Tasha. I’ll make sure to introduce myself to our visitor.”

  “Lunch is almost over, I should get back to work,” she murmurs and turns to walk away. The floral scent she wears wraps around him, causing his mouth to go dry.

  “Tasha,” he whispers, “I’m not sure I can wait until tonight to kiss you again.”

  She whirls around in surprise, and a blush stains her cheeks. “Jacob!” she gasps, and her eyes drop to his mouth as he steps towards her. Thankfully the store is empty for the moment, and she doesn’t stop him when he pulls her in for a quick kiss.

  “Tonight, we should talk about our future.” Jacob spins and leaves her standing in stunned silence.

  “Finally,” she says with a huge smile.

  Langdon is sipping on his tea in the hotel restaurant. He paid a visit to the general store earlier as it seemed to be the place locals gather to discuss personal affairs, and his patience paid off.

  Today is the day of the annual Christmas market. The sun helped to melt the snow enough that the Market was currently being set up. Tonight, Aiylin would be his, and nothing would stop him from achieving his goal. He grins and adds more drops to his tea.

  “Here you go, Mr. Barnett,” the waitress smiles and drops his bill on the table. Langdon watches through the window of the restaurant as the Sheriff steps outside of the general store with a smile.

  “Thank you,” he pays the waitress, “keep the change.” Quickly, he stands and swallows what’s left of his tea before walking out of the restaurant. He slips quietly through the hotel lobby and takes advantage of the back entrance leading to the alley behind the building.

  He has to make sure his arrangements are ready for Aiylin. Nothing can go wrong tonight. Langdon is giddy with excitement and giggles when he thinks of all the fun they will have together.

  Sheriff Dane walks into the hotel and stops at the desk. “Good Morning, Andrew. I have some questions about a new guest. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Of course, Jacob. Come on back to my office.”

  A few minutes later, Jacob is walking back to his office with information on a man named Langdon Barnett. He is a tailor in town visiting for the Market, or so he says. Then why the questions about Aiylin and Sebastian? Something doesn’t add up, and he’s learned to trust his instincts.

  Chapter 22

  Aiylin makes a list of Christmas gifts to try to find at the market and sets the paper aside. Her gift to the family will be a new holiday song played on the piano. She is busy writing at the table when Sebastian walks in from his office. The past few days have been magical. Long walks, even longer talks, laughter, music, and holiday magic.

  When she flips the notebook over and covers it with her hand, he grins like a wolf spying a rabbit. “What are you up to Aiylin?”

  “Nothing, just working on my Christmas list,” she closes it and quickly walks to her guitar case, tucking the notebook inside.

  Sebastian follows her and smiles when she looks at him nervously. “Are you finished working?”

  “For now,” he leans over and looks behind her.

  Aiylin stares at him, losing all train of thought when his eyes drop to her mouth. Sebastian takes a deep breath and steps away from her. The past few days have been a slow torture. Keeping his hands and mouth to himself when it comes to Aiylin is much more complicated than he’d first anticipated.

  “I believe we have a date, Miss Miller. Are you ready to shop?” Sebastian asks.

  A hum of frustration whips through Aiylin. It’s been three days since he’s touched or even tried to kiss her. She’s missing him dreadfully. Perhaps he’s not attracted to her after all?

  “I am looking forward to going to town. I’ve heard of the Christmas Markets before but haven’t had the chance to visit one yet.” Aiylin sits by the fire and smiles when Tinley comes running inside.

  “Daddy, is it time yet?”

  “As soon as Oma is ready, my heart, we will go.”

  “I have my list ready!” Tinley spins in a circle, and Aiylin laughs.

  “I can’t wait for the roasted almonds,” Sebastian says, and Tinley stops moving.

  “Gingerbread cookies, Daddy!”

  “What’s your favorite sweet, Aiylin?” Tinley runs over and grabs her hands.

  “Hmm, let me think,” she taps a finger to her lip, “I love candied pecans or anything chocolate,” she smiles. “Tell me what to expect,” she asks Sebastian.

  “No. You must experience it,” when Aiylin frowns, he almost reaches for her but forces himself to keep his distance. “I promise that it will be worth the wait.”

  “I’m ready,” Elizabeth calls, and Tinley runs with an excited squeal from the room. The family takes two carriages so Elizabeth can bring back Tinley, while Sebastian and Aiylin can stay to enjoy themselves. Stanley follows them in the second carriage which Tinley and Sebastian ride in.

  Aiylin and Elizabeth talk about what to get Tinley for Christmas as she is keeping her list close to her heart. “Little girls love puppies,” she teases.

  “Yes, well, I don’t think Sebastian is quite ready for that little adventure.”

  “Probably not,” Aiylin laughs. “I need to send my telegram before I do anything else,” she murmurs, “also speak to Sheriff Dane and see if my luggage has turned up. My sister would be horrified if she knew I was recycling the same three dresses.”

  Elizabeth nods, “I’m sure you're
tired of them as well.”

  The carriage comes to a stop, and they wait for the door to open. Stanley folds the steps down and assists Elizabeth. Aiylin waits with anticipation to see the market, but as she prepares to step down all she can see is Sebastian’s smiling face.

  He grips her hand and helps her down waiting for her to look around, but she is caught up in the feel of his touch. Her lips part in surprise at the jolt of awareness that runs through her body.

  As her feet touch the ground, he leans over to her and speaks in her ear. “You are making it impossible to think of anything except kissing you senseless, Miss Miller.”

  “Truly? I thought you’d grown tired of me, Sebastian,” she says softly.

  He jerks in surprise and realizes how stupid he’s been. Before he can say anything Tinley runs over and throws her arms around his legs. “Daddy, look at the fountain!”

  Aiylin looks away for the first time and gasps. Vendors have set up tables all around the fountain, which has been filled with ruby red poinsettias. The white snow packed around the container of each plant creates a stunning visual effect.

  Each vendor has worked hard to create a holiday atmosphere. Christmas scents dance on the air, cinnamon, hot chocolate, spiced nuts and more.

  “Look, Aiylin, toys, clothes, candles, candies, and more,” Tinley points out each table and pulls her forward to look.

  “I see it, angel, it’s amazing!”

  “Tinley, you go with Oma for a few minutes, while we go to the general store to send a telegram, then we will meet up at…” he waits for them to suggest a booth.

  “The candies!” Tinley says quickly.

  “Perfect,” he kisses her head and nods to Stanley who accompanies his mother and daughter.

  “Take your time,” Elizabeth teases as they walk away.

  Before Aiylin can think Sebastian walks her around the carriage and kisses her soundly. When he pulls away from her, she is smiling up at him.

  “It’s about time,” she quips, causing him to laugh heartily.

  “Aiylin, you’re perfect,” he wraps his hand around her neck to draw her in, but she pushes him back.

  “It’s been days since you kissed me Sebastian,” she complains.

  “It feels like years,” Sebastian frowns, “I was trying to give you some space. To make sure you understand that what we have is more than just physical, Aiylin.”

  “I see,” she blushes and reaches for him. “If I say I understand, will you kiss me again?”

  He jerks her into his arms and kisses her speechless. “Time to shop, Mr. Miller.”

  Her hand is shaking when he takes it and presses a kiss to the back of it. “I’ve missed touching you,” he whispers. “I’ll restrain myself.”

  “So shall I,” she whispers causing him to laugh loudly.

  “First stop, the general store.” He offers her his arm, which she gladly accepts.

  Staring at each other and smiling, neither notices the man watching them from across the street. Rage has him trembling. How dare he touch what is his! Aiylin will pay!

  Chapter 23

  “Mulled wine!” Elizabeth sighs as she sips from her cup. “I haven’t had this in years. I need it after three hours of shopping.”

  Aiylin laughs and watches Tinley drag Sebastian to the table with dolls. “I’ve gotten all of my shopping done, almost.” A table catches her eye. “Elizabeth, I’m going to look at the glass, you rest.”

  “Yes, dear,” she turns as a couple greets her.

  The table is covered with beautiful hand-blown glass ornaments. She points to two white doves with a red heart, and the owner holds it up for her.

  “It’s almost as beautiful as you, Aiylin,” a familiar voice says from behind her.

  Aiylin turns in and gasps, “Langdon!”

  “I suppose I should be grateful that you remember my name,” he sneers and leans in close to her. A strange scent ripples around him, causing her to back away from him.

  “What are you doing here, Langdon?” she looks past him praying that Sebastian will see her.

  “I wouldn’t even think about calling for him, it’d be a shame for something to happen to him or that cute little girl.” Langdon grabs her arm roughly and starts walking her away from them.

  “I don’t know who you’re talking about, Langdon. Let’s go get some cider and talk,” she is desperate to buy some time.

  He jerks her into his side and sneers into her face. “You know exactly who I’m talking about, Aiylin. The little girl you gave your scarf to. You remember the man who was with you and that trash you cut the tree down with. How could you let him paw you like a common strumpet!” he hisses.

  Shock has her stumbling when he starts walking again. “You’ve been watching me?” Anger replaces the fear, but before she can move, he begins dragging her towards the alley between two buildings.

  Aiylin’s heart drops. If she calls for help, he could hurt someone, but that doesn’t mean she has to go along with him.

  “You're mine, Aiylin. I need to make you understand that. You’ve left me no choice. You have to pay for your indiscretions with that person!” His voice has grown louder, and she glances at him.

  “Langdon you're sick. Let me take you to the doctor,” she pleads.

  “Sick?” he stops walking and spins her to look at him. He grabs her by her upper arms and shakes her. “Sick of waiting for you to understand that you belong to me!”

  “No,” Fear replaces reason when she comprehends the madness reflected in his eyes. “Langdon, let me go!” People are starting to stare, and he grabs her wrist, dragging her.

  “Bastian!” Aiylin screams and starts fighting back.

  Her voice tears through the village and people turn to find the source. No one moves for a moment. Sebastian whirls around, and she can feel the moment he sees her. He grabs Tinley and runs with her towards his mother.

  “Yes! Call him to me. You can watch him die!” he grins and reaches for something in his coat.

  Terror strikes when she understands that he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her with him. “I’ll go with you, Langdon. Don’t hurt him,” she pleads and stops struggling.

  Sebastian watches her turn to speak to the man hurting her and hisses when she stops fighting him. “Aiylin!” he roars and runs.

  Elizabeth watches with a scared child as her son runs towards a dark alley between buildings and gasps, “No!”

  Tasha runs over and sits next to Elizabeth, pulling her close. “It’s okay,” she pulls Tinley onto her lap, and they huddle together.

  “Langdon, you’re sick. Let me help…” Aiylin pleads.

  “Because of you!” he throws her against the wall just as Sebastian runs into view. Stars explode behind her eyes when her skull slams into the wood. “You’re mine! I’ll kill you before I give you to him,” he screams.

  Aiylin’s hears his roar of outrage and covers her head to wait for the next blow. Sebastian launches himself at Langdon, hitting him at a run, sending both tumbling to the ground. He punches Langdon and fists the front of his shirt, rearing back to hit him again.

  Sheriff Dane runs in from the backside of the alley and draws his pistol.

  “Sebastian, let him go. It’s okay now.”

  Trembling, he looks at Jacob and nods no, “He threatened to kill her, Jacob.”

  “Aiylin needs you,” Jacob insists.

  Sebastian’s eyes flick to her, and he tosses Langdon to the ground. His heart trembles when he sees her cowering on the ground.

  Jacob marches forward and flips Langdon over, sending the glass bottle of morphine rolling from his pocket along the dirt.

  Aiylin holds her hands over her throbbing head, covering her ears and sobs.

  “It’s okay, beautiful,” Sebastian touches her, and she screams, backing away from him.

  Lifting her tear-streaked face to his, she stares behind him as Langdon grins at her. It sends terror into her soul. “He’ll never stop,” sh
e whispers.

  “That’s right, your mine, just like the others!” Langdon lunges at her, causing Jacob to swing the butt of the pistol down on his head, knocking him unconscious.

  “Get her out of here, Sebastian!” Jacob insists. “Go back that way, I’ll tell Stanley and send the Doctor.”

  Sebastian nods and scoops her up into his arms, and she burrows in his neck, sobbing. “You heard my call,” she weeps.

  “You did good, Aiylin, did he hurt you?”

  “My head hurts,” she sniffs. Closing her eyes, she runs the scene through her mind.

  “Who is he?” Sebastian asks.

  “I can’t,” she whispers and lifts her face to his when they reach the carriage. “Thank you,” she traces his face with her fingers and sighs when he kisses her softly.

  “Everything’s going to be okay, Aiylin.” She nods, accepting his promise, even though her heart tells her differently and crumbles into pieces at her feet.

  Aiylin knows that she can’t be the reason they are hurt. It’s time for her to go home. A new wave of sobs wrack her body. Sebastian holds her and whispers promises that she knows will not come true.

  Stanley drives Elizabeth and Tinley home, and the Doctor follows. “She’s rattled and has a bump on the back of her head, but Miss Miller will be okay. Let her rest.”

  Elizabeth walks the Doctor out, and Sebastian sits with Tinley reassuring her that Aiylin is okay. “Please, Daddy, I will just sit quietly?” she pleads.

  “I will see if she’s awake, my heart, the Doctor said to let her sleep.”

  Aiylin is staring out at the lantern in the melted snow. Her head is pounding, but she ignores it. She runs it over and over in her mind each visit with Langdon. Did she bring this on? What did he mean by the others?

  A knock has her turning to the door. “Come in.”

  Sebastian walks in, holding a tray with cups and a teapot. The moment Tinley sees her, she flies across the room and throws her arms around her legs.