One Complicated Christmas

by Ciara Knight

  I missed my friends so much. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I looked for a job in Christmas Mountain if I was fired. If I lived there, I’d see them more often. How long had it been since I’d seen Joy or Carol for longer than a glance across the town square? Lexi had already moved away, but she had agreed to come back for The Christmas Extravaganza each year. Would Joy agree to the same thing? Was it reasonable to ask that since she was moving all the way to Paris? Our group was splitting apart again. I’d thought after we all reunited last year that it would be forever, but apparently I was wrong. The thought only darkened my mood. I felt trapped in a Nightmare Before Christmas reel.

  I poured milk along with the perfect measurements of the other top-secret ingredients into the pot and stirred. Once it was warmed, I turned the burner to low to keep it from scorching and enjoyed the aroma of sweet perfection.

  Perhaps it was the smell of cinnamon, sugar, and Ms. King’s love, but I had to talk to the girls. I had to ask Joy if she’d be returning each Christmas to us, but I would start with Carol. I hadn’t spoken to her the longest.

  With one hand still stirring Ms. King’s special brew, I retrieved my phone with my other. I dialed Carol, but after five rings it went to voice mail. I waited for the tone.

  “Hi, girl. It’s Em. I miss you and just wanted to say hi. I’m looking forward to The Christmas Extravaganza. See you soon. Bye.”

  I hit Joy’s contact and rested the phone on my shoulder. It took two rings, but my day brightened with Joy’s sweet voice. “Hi, Emma.”

  “Hi, girl. How’s it going? Are you packing and getting ready to head to Paris?” There was a hesitation. Perhaps she was busy and now wasn’t a good time to chat. “You can call me later if now isn’t good for you.”

  “No, now’s fine. Packing would be premature at this point. Things are a little complicated.”

  I laughed. It came out without warning. A hysterical, bad Christmas movie villain kind of laugh. After days of dealing with secrets and ex-boyfriends and mothers, I cracked.

  “You okay? Do I need to get the girls and rescue you?” Joy asked.

  “Sorry. I’ve been dealing with my own crazy here in Blacktail. I’d thought for a second that if I could return to Christmas Mountain, perhaps all would be easier.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of my thoughts. Perhaps Seth was right. I did like to hide from things. I’d moved to Blacktail, telling myself it was to get away from my mother, but now I saw it was more than that. I’d run from past mistakes and the fear of secrets being discovered. The kind that would send my mother to an epic swoon session. “It’s my mother. She showed up at the lodge today. The second visit in only days. I think she’s turning up the heat on her Emmeline Needs to Marry campaign.”

  “Ouch. Just remember, we’re your girls. Bad ex-boyfriends and mothers are our specialty.”

  I plated some petit fours I’d made and put an edible flower for a little extra dash of color. I wanted to make Faith feel special, as if she was visiting Ms. King again. We all missed her so much. “Thanks, but I think this time I need to handle things. Apparently moving an hour away and halfway up a mountain didn’t provide enough space between Mother and me, so it’s time to face the truth.”

  “What truth is that?” Joy snickered. “Your mother is an overcontrolling woman who wants to marry you off as soon as possible to her man of choice? I thought you already figured that out.”

  I inhaled the scent of Ms. King’s hot chocolate and allowed myself to dream of past Christmases full of warm fires, friends, and holiday tunes where the world seemed full of possibilities. Before I’d made bad choices that changed my life forever. “That it’s time for me to let go of old dreams and accept that life changes. Hiding on a mountain won’t fix anything.”

  “You might be on to something.” Joy sounded distant, vacant, as if my words had churned up some thoughts of her own.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  “Yep. At least we have The Christmas Extravaganza to look forward to. All of us together again. That one time of year everything seems clear and perfect.”

  A car pulled up outside, drawing my attention to the front window. “I totally agree. For now, phones and working on Christmas ornaments for fundraisers will have to do. If you see Carol in town, tell her I said hi. I tried to call, but I got her voice mail. Faith’s here now, so I have to run, but I look forward to seeing you soon.”

  “Sounds good. Hopefully things will be more settled by then,” Joy said.

  “Settled would be good.” I poured the hot chocolate into two mugs and hurried to the door so Faith wouldn’t have to wait outside in the frigid temperature and bitter wind. “I hope you’re right. This is turning out to be one complicated Christmas.”

  Chapter 18

  The next morning, I woke determine to find out who the new owners of the lodge were. There had to be a way to convince them that I was the right chef for the lodge. Perhaps they’d never tasted my cooking or they judged me on what Frank had told them. Either way, I needed to fight if I wanted to stay at Pine Tree Lodge.

  I dressed and planned to find Seth, but a frantic knock pounded on my front door.

  “I need your help,” Seth hollered from outside.

  I opened the door to discover a disheveled Seth outside. I’d never seen him without gel in his hair and with bags under his eyes. There was even Souffle hair on his coat.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?” I ushered him in and shut the cold outside. His hands were trembling, so I flipped on the electric fireplace to help him warm up.

  He ignored the fire and paced the room. “It’s the children. All the gifts for the orphans are missing.”

  I could see he was stressed, so for once, it was my job to help him. “Calm down. Start at the beginning. What happened?”

  He ran a hand through his hair but didn’t stop pacing. “They’re gone. Vanished. The tracking number showed that the gifts were delivered to the lodge, but there is no evidence they’re here. I’ve asked Frank. I’ve asked Hector and Margie. No one has seen them.”

  I skipped any of the obvious questions, knowing Seth was capable of tracking an order and making things happen. “No one saw anything?”

  “No. Did you know there aren’t even security cameras outside?” he said with an air of disbelief.

  “No, there aren’t, because we’ve never had any theft or problems up here. It’s part of why I like it here.” I checked to make sure the stove was off and turned off the kitchen light. “Okay, so let’s say we can’t recover the order. Can the gifts be replaced?”

  “Not in enough time. There’s a snowstorm covering over three states that is affecting shipping. The toys would never make it here in time.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I let my partner down like this.”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked.

  “The orphanage, the entire event… It wasn’t my idea. It was my partner’s. It was his dying wish. His wife is flying up here for this and everything. I can’t let them all down.” He collapsed into a chair.

  “Now, I know you’re used to being the hero, but let me try this time.” An insane idea filtered into my head, and I grabbed it. “Do you have a list of the gifts?” I checked to make sure the refrigerator door was closed, and I straightened the quilt on the couch. I always thought better when I was cleaning.

  He shrugged. “Yes, but I told you we can’t get them shipped here.”

  With one last glance around the cabin to make sure all was set, I retrieved my hat, gloves, and coat from the rack. “Then we go shopping.”

  Seth blinked at me as if I’d said the most insane thing he’d ever heard.

  “There are several department stores and toy stores in and around Blacktail and Christmas Mountain. It sounds like a big job, but I’m sure we can do this together.”

  “Together? I like how that sounds.” One side of his mouth curled up into a grin. “It’ll take all day and possibly into the night.”

  “It�
��s fine. I’ll give Margie directions for any food orders, prep, and cleaning.” A realization smacked me like a snowball in the face. “Oh, no. Margie. I hope her job isn’t in danger, too.” I’d been so wrapped up in my own problems that I hadn’t thought that far. Now, more than ever, I had to fight for our jobs.

  Seth’s lips pressed together, and I knew now wasn’t the time to ask him if he’d found anything yet, so I shoved him toward the door. “We’ll deal with that later. Right now, we need to save Christmas. You go ask Hector if he can drive us around today. We’ll need the van to fit everything. Do you have a list for us to go with?”

  “I can get the purchase order from my assistant.” As if the possibility of saving Christmas for the children came into focus, Seth quickened his pace. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in twenty.”

  The temperature had dropped even lower, and there was standing snow that remained on the ground. Hopefully all the roads were open, or this could be a short trip.

  I entered the kitchen, where Margie was already working on scrubbing the cabinets as part of our opening cleaning regiment. “You work so hard. Thank you for doing that.”

  “Happy to assist where I can. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s done right.”

  “I know you will. Sorry if I’m a little particular at times.”

  “It’s okay. My father had OCD. I get it.” She winked. We’d never spoken about my over-the-top ways, but those few words explained how she’d put up with me longer than any other assistant.

  “Thanks. Listen, I hate to put more on you, but I have a list posted on the wall in my office of what is left to do before the holiday opening and the event. Could you do your best to work on anything on that list today? There’s a little emergency with the event I need to help Seth with today.”

  “Of course. What’s up?”

  “I need to help Seth shop for the children’s toys.”

  She winked. “Just you and Seth going? Boy, you two have come a long way.”

  “It’s business,” I snapped. Then I shook my head. “Sorry. You don’t deserve that.”

  “So, you heard the rumor Frank started about you sleeping with the enemy.” She scrubbed the cabinet harder. “That man will get what’s coming to him someday. Don’t worry, though. No one believes him.”

  I wanted to tell her that apparently someone did because we both might be losing our jobs, but I wanted more information before I caused her the stress I was feeling. “Thanks. I better go. Don’t work too hard. I’ll still have time tonight when we return.”

  “Go. Enjoy.” She shooed me away, so I went to the entry and waited for Seth, who arrived only a minute or two later.

  “Okay, Hector gave me the keys. I left him the keys to my car in case he had to go pick someone up. That way he wouldn’t have to deal with Frank for lending us his van.”

  “Good thinking.” I scanned the hallway and then around the main room. “Where’s Souffle?”

  “She isn’t a pet therapy dog, so she won’t be allowed in the stores. I thought it best to leave her here instead of worrying about her being in the van alone. Hector offered to watch her.” He held out his hand, and I took it. It felt right, natural, familiar, yet exciting. “Thank you. I know this isn’t convenient for you to do right now.”

  Frank opened the front door and looked straight at our hands. The man was always watching me, gossiping about me, judging me. This time, I’d give him something to gossip about.

  I stood on my toes and pressed a kiss to Seth’s cheek. “Come, darling. We should get going. You said you’d buy me lots of stuff today.”

  Seth looked surprised, but a quick glance over and he must have realized it was a show for Frank because he turned back to me and brushed a kiss over my lips. “Of course, sweetheart. Anything you wish.”

  Chapter 19

  A woman’s voice sing-songed, “Happy Holidays!” over the loudspeakers from every corner of the store. Christmas shoppers crowded the walkways. I held a doll in my hand, smushed up against Seth. Not that I was complaining. “Is this the right one?”

  “I think so. The product numbers don’t match, but I assume that’s because it’s a different store.” He eyed the list and shook his head. “This is going to be a challenge.”

  I placed a reassuring hand to his chest. “Don’t worry. We managed to cut down and carry a tree down a mountain, remember?”

  He covered my hand with his. “Using my own words against me. You parent practicing?”

  His words sent a charge through me, a pain I didn’t want to allow. The kind that you kept at a distance until it snuck through a leak and saturated your resolve. I scooted away under the guise of selecting another doll. “What about this one?”

  I’d never been in a place that brought me joy and sadness all in the same second. Watching little chubby cheeked faces with red noses point with wide-eyed amazement at the newest toys. They were angelic and sweet, and I would never hold one of my own in my arms.

  I averted my gaze to the toys. All the toys I’d never purchase for my own kids. It’s funny how I never thought I wanted to be a parent until I was told I couldn’t have a baby.

  A little girl threw herself on the floor, her pale-green velvet dress crinkled with each punch and kick to the floor. Her screams ricocheted off the walls and my calm. “I want it now!”

  The mother’s face matched her red handbag. “Please, get off the floor. You’re embarrassing me.”

  I scooted around the little girl and set both dolls into our basket next to the chess set and baseball glove. “Four items down, several more to go.”

  We circled the aisles and found we had crossed off a page and a half of the wish list when we checked out. “We’ll drop these at the van and then head to the sporting goods store.”

  A change of scenery would brighten my day. I’d chosen the toys first so I could rip the bandage off and move on to healing. It was time to stop hiding from the world.

  “Sounds like a plan.” He pushed the cart like a suburban mom through the parking lot, dodging cars.

  “Have you ever even been in a store like that one?” I asked.

  He tugged his hat to his eyebrows, making him look like a tall, husky elf. “Sure, when I was younger. It’s changed a lot. What happened to the big toy stores?”

  “Gone, thanks to online ordering.”

  We unloaded the merchandise and returned the basket to the store. “I’ll treat you to a coffee for a little pick-me-up. There’s a great place up the street.” I pointed in the direction of the clock tower at the end of the main thoroughfare.

  “Sounds perfect.” Seth offered his arm, and we maneuvered through the people, enjoying the aroma of fresh roasted peanuts and the twinkling lights strewn from gas lamp–style poles adorned with red bows. Traditional storefronts with gold and greens and gorgeous Christmas trees skirted each side.

  I stepped on an ice patch and flew back, but Seth kept me upright. “Okay, that’s it.”

  “That’s what?”

  “I’m like any guy and love a woman in heels, but this is ridiculous. You need a support group for practical shoes.” He swung me into his arms and marched through the crowd that parted for him. His strength and determination caught me off guard, and I loved it.

  “Where are you taking me?” I playfully swatted at his chest, but he still didn’t tell me. He didn’t have to because I figured it out when we entered the shoe store. “I need women’s practical shoes for walking in the winter, size six.” After issuing the order to the clerk, he unceremoniously plopped me down in a chair.

  I crossed my arms and quirked a brow at him. “How’d you know my shoe size?”

  “Last year I had my assistant write up everything about you. Don’t worry… I don’t snoop like that anymore.”

  “Everything?” I froze, the room chilled below the temperature at the peak of the mountain on February first.

  “Nothing personal. Well, except that you weren’t married and never had been married. Ot
her than that, it was all practical stuff. Favorite restaurant, clothes, shoes. If I wanted to impress you with gifts, I had to know your size, right?”

  “Creepy much?” I relaxed, enjoying the break for a minute. “Besides, expensive gifts don’t impress me.”

  “Yep, I figured that out a year ago.”

  A man dropped four boxes at my feet and knelt in front of me.

  “That’s okay. I got this.” Seth shooed the man away and opened the first box. He shook his head. “I said practical, not nun-ish.”

  From the second box, he held up a shoe to me, but white seemed wrong this time of year. The third box had cute crossover tennis shoes with boot grip–style bottoms. “That’ll work.” I was just thankful I’d worn pants and not a skirt today or I’d look ridiculous. I’d be more comfortable, avoid blisters and a concussion, but I’d feel silly.

  He slid off my heels and laced up the first shoe and then the second. His gentle touch and attentiveness surprised me.

  There was a group of snow bunnies in the corner gawking at Seth and his shoe skills. I thought they were going to line up with bare feet at any moment.

  “I think we have an audience.” I tilted my head toward the women. “I’d forgotten how an entourage of hopeful women follow you around.”

  We both stood, and I realized how much shorter I was than him without my heels on.

  “Then we should let them know I’m not available.”

  I blinked at him, waiting for him to make a bold move. The Seth kind of smooth, sweep-a-girl-off-her-feet kind of advance, but he didn’t. “Actually, I don’t need to show anyone anything. Neither do you.” He leaned in closer, pushing my hair behind my ear, and whispered, “If I’m going to claim those luscious lips, I don’t want to stop with just one kiss.”

  Chapter 20

  The day grew into evening, and we found ourselves on the road back to the lodge as the sun drifted to sleep. “I think we aced this challenge. What’s next?” I asked.