Christmas in Pine Island: A small town holiday romance

by Christina Benjamin

But, alas, Donovan isn’t paying any attention. He only has eyes for his fiancé as he makes a beeline toward her. Everyone else is enjoying the show though.

  “I told ya he was pining for a Christmas tree,” Eric says, howling with laughter.

  Morgan doubles over, snorting at her fiancé’s cheesy joke. I can’t help but laugh along with them. Those two couldn’t be more perfect for one another.

  Jake shakes his head. “Dude, that joke wasn’t funny the first time.”

  “Yeah, but it’s even funnier now!” Eric manages to gasp out.

  Ava, excited just because her new friend is, joins Ryan by the little tree. “Can I help you decorate it?” she begs.

  “Sure!” Ryan shouts and the two instantly begin chatting about their decorating plans. It’s so cute I want to melt.

  “Didn't we make an adorable baby, baby?” Margot says to Owen when he walks in behind me.

  He throws his arms around her. “The most adorable,” Owen murmurs right back.

  I glance over my shoulder at them, a little envious of the beautiful family they’ve created. I want that for Chloe and me, but when is the right time? I’ve hardly been sleeping lately while trying to figure out if I should still go ahead with this surprise wedding.

  Having these all-star guests at the lodge has been great, but it’s making me rethink my plan. I want our wedding to be special, but right now everything just feels hectic and rushed.

  A knot begins twisting in my stomach again. I know there will always be a reason to postpone, but I don’t want to. I know all too well that life goes much too fast and I’m done waiting. I just need to find a way to make this work: satisfying our special guests and my bride-to-be.

  “Who’s ready for fresh-baked Christmas cookies?” Margot asks eagerly.

  “I could kill for one!” Morgan announces.

  Margot grins. “Well you’re in luck. They just came out of the oven, no murder necessary.”

  As the guests rush over to the tray Margot has put out near the fireplace, she catches her sister’s arm. “Co-Co, guess what? I’ve put some dough in the freezer for when Mom and Dad come back. We can make a second batch with them after the holidays.”

  “You’re a genius, Go-Go!” Chloe says, hugging her sister.

  It makes me so happy to see her enjoying herself.

  “It was Chloe Martin’s idea,” Margot adds.

  “Then she’s a genius, too,” Chloe adds before nabbing up two cookies, bringing one back for me.

  “Thanks, babe,” I say, tucking her under my arm while enjoying the deliciousness.

  Beside Jake, Ryan tugs his sleeve, looking rather pensive for such a little boy. “How will we decorate our Christmas tree? Ava and I used up all the extra ornaments already.”

  Jake tilts his head, thinking for a moment. “I don’t know, buddy. Maybe if we ask nicely everyone will pitch in and donate some stuff we can use.”

  Ryan’s nose wrinkles uncertainly. “Like what?”

  Jake looks at a loss for words, but Morgan steps in. “We can decorate your tree like I used to decorate my special snowmen. We can borrow socks and hats and scarves and gloves. That’ll make it even more special, too. There will be no other tree like it in the world.”

  Jake kneels down to Ryan’s level. “Doesn’t that sound cool? It’ll have personal touches from all your favorite people.”

  Ryan nods enthusiastically and Jake scoops him up. “Alright. Let’s do this!” He clears his throat, commanding the room. “Everyone,” Jake announces loudly, grinning from ear-to-ear. “We need to find some special Christmas decorations for Ryan’s tree! Whatever you’ve got, let’s do it! Morgan, I'm looking at you with those glittery earrings I know you brought. Donovan, I know you brought papers and contracts and stuff. We can cut them into streamers. Eric . . . you can contribute something fun, right?”

  “Duh! I’ll make the popcorn!” he offers, enthusiastically.

  Ava looks up at him, curiously. “So we can make popcorn strings for the tree?”

  Eric winks at her. “Also that.”

  Everyone bustles about the lodge, finding everything from colored paper to yarn pulled from an old ugly Christmas sweater. Eric and Ava make short work of the popcorn. There’s probably more in their mouths than on the tree, but it’s really starting to come together. With Morgan’s glittering accessories and Margot’s genius idea to hang some of the cookies as ornaments, the little tree is just as well-decorated as the huge ones we feature in the lobby.

  When it’s done, we all gather around it, admiring the various decorations that everyone came up with. Morgan’s collections of earrings sparkle, and Eric is particularly proud of his guitar string popcorn garland. Donovan and Chloe added paper ornaments that the kids helped color. Stacy and Jake found a gold glittery glove in the lost and found to use as a star. Owen and Margot added cute touches with Ava’s tiny mittens and socks, while Co-Co and I rustled up some tinsel and fake snow forgotten in the supply closets.

  Even though the decorations were a bit last-minute and random, they came together perfectly—just like this whole group.

  Morgan May

  Outside the windows of the beautiful lounge area, snow falls against an ebony canopy. Night has fallen, leaving the grounds quiet and tranquil.

  A sea of red Christmas sweaters parts as the lodge staff members set out food, plates, and polished silverware on a large table. Until now the staff has pretty much stayed behind the scenes. But it seems Co-Co has called in reinforcements for this incredible meal.

  “Look at this spread!” I gasp, hands flying to my face as I take in every delicious option in front of me. “Baked brie, cranberry crostini, roasted potatoes! My mouth is watering!” I gaze over the appetizing table. It all looks completely amazing and it smells divine!

  I’d worked up quite an appetite snowmobiling. The Christmas cookies were good but after decorating Ryan’s tree we went sledding and built a snowman. I’d burned enough calories today to polish off every dish the staff was setting on the table.

  The table itself is covered in a cheery red and black checked buffalo plaid tablecloth. A rustic burlap runner bisects the massive tablescape, with plenty of fresh poinsettias and candles shimmering atop it. And the place settings actually bring tears to my eyes.

  They’re all different, each delicately etched with a vintage Christmas design that makes me remember the ones my mother used to collect.

  After much prodding, Co-Co, Ethan, Margot and Owen have all joined us for dinner. Ava and Ryan are here too, happily occupying their very own kids’ table set up nearby. They seem to be enjoying the kid-friendly vibe, already laughing with one another and talking about how many Christmas cookies they’re going to eat before bedtime.

  I find Eric glancing over at them, longingly.

  “Wishing you were at the kids’ table?” I tease.

  He grins. “You know I’m just a big kid at heart.”

  “I do know that,” I say, leaning in to kiss him. “It’s one of the things I adore about you.”

  “Just one?” he jokes.

  I pinch his side and lean into his embrace, letting his laughter boom through me. This man fills me with so much joy. And the way he opened up to the group today when we were snowmobiling . . . it floored me.

  I don’t think I’ll ever truly understand how different our childhoods were. But in some small way, I think being in Pine Island is making up for all the Christmas memories he missed making as a kid. And that fills my heart with so much appreciation for Co-Co and her generous family.

  When they opened up their home to us, they opened up Eric’s heart.

  As though he’s reading my mind, Eric kisses my forehead before addressing the group. “You all really know how to treat people!”

  Co-Co beams proudly. “We do what we can.”

  “You’re always so modest, Co-Co!” Margot teases. “We work our butts off to prepare the best—or at least our staff did when it comes to this meal!” She raises her g
lass to the Christmas-sweatered army still delivering dishes. “Thank you guys! We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Everyone raises a glass, giving a well-deserved toast to the staff.

  “Enjoy!” Co-Co says and we all dig in.

  “I’m so glad your family joined us for dinner,” I say to Co-Co around a delicious bite of steak.

  “Me too,” Stacy adds. “You guys have gone out of your way to treat us like family while we’ve been here. It’s made this trip so special.”

  “It’s been our pleasure,” Ethan says from next to his speechless fiancée.

  Co-Co looks at me uncertainly. “It really has been wonderful having you here. And I’m so honored you included us in dinner. I didn’t want to feel like I was imposing or anything.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Are you joking? There's no way you’d be imposing! If anything, we are. We’re the ones who showed up last-minute and blew up your plans for a quiet Christmas.”

  “Well, I for one am happy you’re here,” Margot says.

  “That’s only because you never stop talking,” Owen teases.

  Margot laughs and gives her husband a playful swat, completely ignoring his comment. “How else would we eat all this food?” she asks.

  “I got you covered,” Eric says with a wink, going for his second helping already.

  A ripple of laughter passes through the table as everyone enjoys the delicious meal. Soon, we’re passing plates and chatting like we’ve been sharing a meal at Christmas Eve our whole lives.

  Across the table, Donovan and Chloe enthuse over the perfectly seared steak while Stacy is bravely tasting the tofurky that Co-Co has loaded onto her own plate. Eric’s got at least one of everything on his second plate and my own dish is just as full.

  I might have to watch my figure for my modeling gigs most of the year, but I'm going crazy this Christmas—especially because everything looks so delicious. There’s no way I’m passing any of this up.

  ‘No regrets’ is my motto when it comes to food.

  I try my best to make healthy food choices, but I’m not one of those girls who’s going to starve herself for the sake of fashion. Besides, that’s not the kind of image I want to put out there. All shapes and sizes are beautiful and I’m proud that young girls can see photos of me and aspire to my healthy figure.

  Speaking of kiddos, I sneak a look at the kids’ table again. Ava and Ryan are daring one another to try all the vegetables like it’s some sort of foreign cuisine. I smirk, remembering how hard it was for my mom to get me to eat my vegetables at that age. Those two really are some sweet kids.

  My heart suddenly flutters at the idea of sitting around a table with Eric and our own little cuties, debating the importance of vegetables.

  My eyes well with joyful tears. Coming here was such a blessing. It’s making me look at things differently. It’s making me reevaluate my life, but in a good way.

  And I have a feeling I’m not the only one.

  Every single person around me is smiling. It’s absolutely wonderful. My heart is so full that I almost don’t have room to eat. Almost.

  Hot toddies and Co-Co’s cinnamon-horchata cocoa are flowing freely. Christmas cheer is almost tangible in the lovely lodge. I don’t think this holiday can get any more amazing.

  As Eric passes me my third herb and cheddar biscuit, he presses a kiss to my cheek. “Is this the Christmas you wanted, babe?” he asks, softly.

  I meet his eyes, pressing my hand against his chest. I can feel his heart beating gently under my palm and my own skips a beat. “It’s even better.”

  Overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude, I turn toward everyone and then lightly knock my fork against my glass.

  Once everyone is gazing my way, I grin out at them. “So I know I’m the diva of the group, but the whole reason I wanted a country Christmas is because the holidays make me a little emotional. I always miss my mom and my simple holidays in Kansas this time of year. But being here with you all has been the best of both worlds. This place is luxurious but cozy, and Co-Co, you’ve made this stay perfect beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for welcoming us into your family and making me miss mine a little less. This has been the best Christmas ever!”

  “To the best Christmas ever!” Eric says beside me, lifting his glass. Everyone laughs and joins in, and as our glasses and mugs clink together, he mischievously adds, “And to a night of Christmas cheer that never ends!”

  Eric King

  Our glasses clink lightly before we all take sips of our drinks. I sigh and close my eyes, savoring the warmth of the perfectly spiced apple cider that I can’t get enough of. I’ve become addicted to it during our stay. I think I'm going to end up having to beg Co-Co to ship this stuff to me by the gallon when we leave.

  It’s almost hard to imagine leaving now. It’s like we’re in our own little perfect Christmas bubble here in Pine Island. The whole world outside ceases to exist. I don’t have to worry about my next show or Morgan’s next modeling event. Everything is just . . . simple. And I can’t shake the feeling that this is how life is meant to be.

  I glance over at my girl. Being with her . . . it’s all that matters to me.

  “A night that never ends?” Morgan asks when she catches me grinning at her. She takes a sip of her hot toddy and arches her eyebrow slightly. “What mischievous plans do you have for me, my handsome husband-to-be?”

  My heart swells at her words. I love when she calls me that. The idea of being her husband is a dream come true. It’s all I want—to be inexplicably hers.

  I lean closer, lightly squeezing her thigh under the table, desire coursing through me like lightning.

  It’s no secret that Morgan is beautiful, but damn can my girl rock a sexy winter look. Her knee-high boots and curve-hugging sweater dress are even more appetizing than our meal. What I really want to do is excuse myself from this dinner party and carry her upstairs to unwrap the only thing I truly want for Christmas—Morgan May.

  But . . . I’m no-longer Easy E. I remind myself I’m a master of self-control and whisper in Morgan’s ear. “No spoilers. You have to wait for Santa just like everyone else.”

  She pouts playfully and I can’t contain my grin. I’ve been talking to our generous hosts about some last-minute fun we can fit in before the night ends and the anticipation is killing me.

  “What are you up to?” Morgan asks.

  I offer Co-Co a subtle nod, giving her the cue to run with it. “I’m glad you’re all enjoying your meal, but the night’s not over yet.” After the murmurs of excitement among my friends dies down, Co-Co continues. “I told you guys we’d make your stay special. Ethan and I have been plotting with Eric and we’ve got some after-hours fun planned, so enjoy your meal and look forward to what’s to come!”

  Everyone eagerly returns to eating, taking stabs at guessing what’s next. After we’ve had our fill of the amazing spread, we follow Co-Co’s lead and start prepping for our evening activities.

  “When did you even have time to plan a surprise?” Morgan asks with a laugh.

  “While you were busy showing off on the snowmobile.” I wink at her, helping her up from the table and leading her toward the door of the lodge. There, I slip a warm jacket over her slim shoulders to protect her from the chilly winter weather.

  She shakes her head admirably. “You didn’t have to go all out, Eric. Just being here with you is enough.”

  I shake my head and snatch the puffy front of her jacket, pulling her close. “We’ve only got this one Christmas here; I wanted to make it perfect. You deserve that, babe.”

  “Eric, that’s what I’m saying. Each moment I’m with you is perfect. I don’t need anything more.”

  She kisses me so passionately for a moment I lose myself. The only thing that matters is her . . . us . . . here . . . now.

  Morgan just has this way of consuming me, and I never want it to end. Her kiss makes me forget where I am, but Jake has no problem reminding me. He cl
ears his throat gruffly and Morgan pulls back, giggling, her cheeks full of a rosy glow that’s taken over my entire being.

  My god! Will I ever get enough of this woman?

  “So where are you taking me?” she asks.

  “Out there,” I say, nodding to the blustery winter wonderland outside.

  Morgan glances out the windows, eyeing the snowy scene for a moment. “We’re going out in the cold?” she asks, sounding slightly hesitant.

  I lean closer so that I can murmur in her ear, “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you warm.”

  She grins, squealing when I sweep her off her feet and carry her outside.

  When we step over the threshold to the outdoors, the cold air hits us like a wave. I grunt, caught off guard by how much chillier it is at night than it was during the day. Even I have to admit that this idea sounded a whole lot more exciting from inside the cozy lodge.

  That being said, I'm not about to let my adventurous, wild woman down. Morgan’s the type of girl who needs constant thrills and excitement. It’s why she loves our lifestyle of constant travel and adventure.

  Setting her down, I take her gloved hand in mine and lead her down the side of the lodge toward where Ethan has prepared my surprise.

  Two pairs of snowshoes wait for us, ski poles next to them, and of course the appropriate snow gear we’ll need to survive this weather.

  “What are we doing?” Morgan asks through chattering teeth.

  She rubs her arms hard, shifting back and forth to get some warmth in her. Every now and then, she casts a look over her shoulder back toward the glowing, cheerful windows of the warm lodge.

  I hold up one of the snowshoes enthusiastically. “A late-night hike! We’re going to trek up one of the biggest hills they’ve got. Ethan says the views are spectacular. We’ll be able to see all of Pine Island—nothing but stars and Christmas lights for miles. It’s supposed to be awesome.” The more I talk, the less excited I am about this idea, but again, I don’t want to let Morgan down when it comes to making memories.

  “Listen . . . Eric . . .” Morgan sighs and slips her arms around my neck, pulling me against her. “I know how much you’re probably looking forward to this and I really hate to disappoint you after you planned such a thoughtful surprise, but I'm kind of worn out. We’ve spent so much time traveling lately, going to your shows and my shoots . . .” She pauses and bites her lip. “We spend so much time chasing our passions, and I love that. But what I want more than anything this Christmas is to stop running. I really just want to curl up by the fire with the man I love and enjoy being still for a moment. Is that okay?”