“I’m so glad, honey. I’ve taken up too much of your time. Justin and Haley want to talk to you.”
“Okay, I love you, Mom.”
Noah moved away to look out the window. It was starting to snow.
“Oh, baby, I love you too.”
Muffled sounds erupted again. “Hi, Aunt Abby,” I heard the kids say together.
“Hi guys, how are you?”
“Good, we miss you,” Justin replied.
“I miss you too, buddy. Is Santa coming soon?”
“Yes, I asked Santa to bring you home,” Haley announced, which tore at my heart even more.
I took a deep breath, fighting the tears that threatened again. “Oh, baby, he can’t do that this year, but he told me to call you instead.”
“He did?” Her voice was shrill and filled with excitement.
“He sure did, and he said he was going to bring you lots of toys, and you’ll see me some time soon, okay?”
“Okay, Aunt Abby, Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Haley.”
“Aunt Abby, when are you coming home?” Justin asked after Haley hung up. His voice sounded different; had he grown in just seven months?
“Sweetie, I don’t know. But as soon as I can I’ll be there.”
“Okay, I love you.”
“I love you too.” I hung up soon after, emotionally exhausted.
“Let’s go home,” Noah said, taking my hand and leading me out of the office.
“Thank you, so much.” We were back in his Jeep and I was leaning on his shoulder, spent from all I had been through. Noah announced that he had to make a stop but I didn’t see where. I had fallen asleep shortly after we left the insurance company.
“Anna, wake up.” He nudged me, pulling me out of a very sound sleep.
I sat up and looked around. We were still in the car, but no longer moving. We were parked in front of a Christmas tree lot outside of Shimmer Lake. The snow had picked up and now big fat flakes were drifting slowly down to the ground, covering it in a white soft blanket. It was the perfect whether for tree shopping. We both climbed out and wandered around until we agreed on one. It was the biggest tree we could find. After Noah strapped it to the roof of the Jeep, we were on our way.
We stayed up late decorating it with his parents’ old decorations. He wanted the place to look festive for his family when they arrived tomorrow.
Once it was decorated, I sat down and watched the lights twinkle. Christmas music filtered out of the speakers as I munched on the red and green candy I had out in fancy crystal dishes.
Noah strolled over and dug through the candy, picking up a handful. He popped a couple in his mouth and fell into the sofa beside me. He spotted a stack of books piled on the coffee table. I had purchased them for his niece last time I was out shopping with Kathy. He picked them up and leaned back.
He flipped through them. “Yours?”
“Yeah, I signed them, although I know she won’t care.” I glanced at the one in his hand. “You know how I came up with that one?”
He held the book in question up between us. “I Love You To Pieces?” He read it with a raised eyebrow.
I smiled, feeling much better after my phone conversation. A weight had been lifted, and I no longer felt depressed. “My mom used to say that to us all the time. But especially at night. She’d tuck us in and then whisper, “I love you to pieces.” One night I added, “And I hope you never die.”
“A little morbid, isn’t it?”
“Definitely. But I was a kid and my mom never said anything. It became something we did. She’d say the first part and then I’d add mine. It got so that I couldn’t go to sleep without saying it. Up until my teenage years. My mom stopped tucking me in and it used to drive me crazy not uttering those words.”
He chuckled softly, burying his face in my hair. “I love you to pieces,” he whispered.
“And I hope you never die.” My voice came out in a gasp as he nuzzled on my neck.
The next morning we got up early moving my things into his place. I wanted his family to feel at home so I took all my belongings, although it wasn’t like I had that much here.
“You know, your things fit in my house just fine. Why don’t you move in?”
I was stacking my books onto his shelf in the bedroom, but at his words, I dropped one onto my toe. It just happened to be a hardcover. “No,” I blurted out without thinking, partly due to the sting of pain in my big toe.
“Okay. Sorry I brought it up.” He was obviously hurt by my reaction.
I finished stacking the last book and made my way over to him, where he sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry, Noah, but I’m not ready for that step. Nick was never abusive until he moved in.” His eyes sparked with anger at the comparison and he opened his mouth to protest. I held my hand up to stop him. “I know you would never hurt me, but the idea of living with someone brings it all back. Besides, we basically live together now.”
His eyes softened as he tugged me onto his lap. “I’m sorry. I won’t rush you, but when you’re ready let me know, okay?”
I kissed his whiskered cheek, breathing in his scent. “I will. Now, your family will be here soon, and I really want to start on those cookies.” I stood up, pulling him with me. He followed me out to the kitchen.
“While you do that, I’m going to run to the grocery to get some booze, and something for supper. My mom said they’ll handle Christmas dinner.”
I was busy pulling out the ingredients for the cookies. I loaded everything onto the counter next to the bowl I had waiting. “Don’t be long. I don’t want to be alone when they get here.” I scooped the flour into a measuring cup, scraping the excess off with the edge of a butter knife.
“I thought you couldn’t cook.”
“I can’t. I can’t even bake anything except for chocolate chip cookies, and brownies which I’m also making, and that’s all I got.”
“I’m sure they’ll be great.” He gave me a kiss before disappearing out the door.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
A Family Christmas
The smell of chocolate wafted around the room as I took out the last batch of brownies. I set them to cool on the stove and began stacking the cookies into a container. They were done, and I admit, tasted pretty good. I had to try them, didn’t I? I couldn’t risk poisoning anybody, which my cooking usually did—sort of. And just to make sure—I tried three.
When the door opened, I didn’t look up from my task, assuming it was Noah, until I heard a female voice. “Wow, I don’t think it’s ever smelled so good in here, I must have the wrong house.”
I looked over and saw Noah’s mom, Pamela, walking in carrying grocery bags.
Closing the lid on the container, I stepped up to her. “Hi, Pamela, it’s nice to see you again.”
Noah’s mom was in her fifties, but the only way you could tell was the lines around her eyes and mouth when she smiled. She was tall for a woman, I’d say about five ten, and her wheat-colored hair was usually up in a bun, like her mother’s. Today it was down, flowing smoothly just past her shoulders. “You too, honey, how are you doing?” By the tone of her voice, I could tell she knew. Pamela moved to the kitchen counter and laid her bags on top.
“I’m good actually, thanks to your mother.” She smiled, pride shining from her eyes. She loved her mother and it showed. “Is Sylvia with you?”
“I’m here,” the woman in question called from the doorway as she stepped through. The brisk December air blew in with her. Before she closed the door I noticed that it was snowing again. It had stopped last night after we got home with the tree, but it was nice to see the light dusting on Christmas Eve, especially now that everyone was here, safe and sound.
I was so happy to see someone from my other life that I rushed over and gave her a big hug. The familiar scent of spearmint washed over me. “I’m so glad to see you.”
She gently rubbed the back of my hair with her hand. “I�
��m so glad you’re okay.”
I couldn’t let go of this frail woman; it was like coming home. Someone I saw on a daily basis in my old life was here in my new one, and for some reason the floodgates opened, and I started to cry. I didn’t understand my reaction. I wasn’t sad. I was happy; actually it gave me hope that someday I could see others from my past.
“I’ll go help Harry with the bags. I’ll give you some time.” Pamela’s voice snapped me out of my emotional breakdown, and I let go of Sylvia, stepping away as her daughter went outside.
Through the window I saw Noah leading a man and women that must have been his sister and her husband, into the cottage. A little girl and a dog followed them.
“Do they know?” I asked, watching Pamela join her husband near the car. I brushed my tears away, hoping to erase all evidence. I didn’t want Noah to know I’d been crying. After yesterday, I thought I was all cried out.
She moved up beside me as we watched the group bring suitcases, and coolers into Sylvia’s old home. “Yes, I told them on the way here. They knew something was up since you moved here, but it wasn’t my news. But when I told them that you’d be joining us they wanted to know the whole story. I thought they should know. Is that okay?”
“It’s fine, I don’t think they ever met Nick.”
She placed a cold hand on my shoulder, turning me to face her. “Actually, after you left, he came by their house to ask me some questions.”
I tried to push down the feeling of fear, but it was difficult when we were discussing Nick. “Has he been there since?”
“No, I’ve been around a long time.” She winked. “I know how to lie.”
Speechless, I simply held her hand and squeezed.
“So tell me about you and my grandson.” She took her coat off and laid it onto my outstretched hand as she sat down at the kitchen table, her flowing plum-colored skirt spread out around the chair.
I gaped at her as I hung up her coat on the coat rack, and then took the seat next to her. The legs of the chair scraped against the linoleum floor. “How did you know?”
“Well, when you first arrived, Noah was irritated with you when we spoke on the phone. And I think a little with me because I wouldn’t tell him your situation. But the last few times I’ve talked to him, he sounded happy and content. Besides, I told you you’d like him.”
I pushed my bangs out of my eyes. “Is there anything you don’t know?”
“Not so far,” she said with a grin and a wink, her pale gray eyes sparkling with amusement.
I laughed. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
The door swung open and Noah stepped inside. “Everything okay in here?” His family stood behind him waiting to come in.
“Everything is wonderful.” Sylvia stood up and took my hand, pulling me up with her.
Noah walked over and gave me a quick peck on the lips, then taking my other hand, he turned to his parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Anna, my girlfriend.” Everyone’s face took on the same expression—confusion. “She changed her name, and we want to keep it that way, just to be safe.”
Instead of agreeing or showing any sign of understanding they cheered. His mother rushed over and gave us both a hug. She smelled of lavender. “It’s about time someone settled him down, and I’m glad it’s you, Anna.” She winked, using my preferred name. “I always liked you.”
Harry came up beside his wife. “It’s nice to see you again and even better now that you can handle this one.” He shot a look in his son’s direction as he gave me a hug. He smelled of mint and chocolate.
Noah introduced me to his sister Jennifer who insisted I call her Jen and her husband Collin. Their little girl Libby was adorable, with light brown hair that fell to her back, pulled up in a head band. She was wearing a cute red Christmas dress. She looked about four.
I took everyone’s coats and placed them in the closet of the spare room while Noah brought in the groceries and dinner, which was pizza from Pizza Villa. “That’s not very Christmasy, Noah,” his mother scolded him, taking a bite after we were all seated around the table drinking wine and beer.
“Since Anna doesn’t cook, and we spent the day moving her things over here so you guys could have the cottage, you’re lucky you’re getting food at all.” He winked at his mother, who grinned, taking a sip of her wine.
“I think it’s great.” Collin added his opinion to the conversation, holding up his beer.
“So, Anna, I see you have a new book out. Have you been writing much since you’ve been here?” Pam asked me.
I nodded, swallowing the mouthful of cheese and pepperoni. “Yes, it’s so peaceful and quiet here. I’ve written a few actually.”
“Libby loves your books, we have most of them. I think its so cool that my brother is dating Abigail Watson,” Jen squealed, standing up to gather dishes. She stopped and stared at me apologetically. “I’m sorry, I’m just excited.”
I smiled. “It’s okay.”
“Yes, but remember you can’t tell anyone.” Noah said, pointing at her.
Jen turned to him. He was sitting next to her, a scowl clouding her pretty face. “Noah, I wouldn’t do anything to risk her life, I like her. I’m just not sure about you.” She ducked from a playful swat from her brother.
“Now kids, play nice,” their father said with a smile.
After everyone left for the evening, retiring to my cottage, Noah turned on the gas fireplace and dimmed the lights. With the snow falling outside, the room was cozy and romantic. He took a small wrapped box out from under the tree. “Open it.” He placed it on my lap and fell into the couch beside me. The springs groaned against his weight.
I shook my head, handing it back to him. “No, we should wait until tomorrow.”
His eyes narrowed as he held out his hand and pushed it back to me. “We will. But I’d like you to open this in private.”
“Okay.” I was suddenly very curious. What it could be that I couldn’t open in front of his family? “Is it something dirty?” I asked with a smirk. He just shrugged his shoulders, watching me with intense eyes. I pulled at the wrapping paper to find a little square box—the perfect size for a ring. My heart sunk. I loved him so much, but I definitely wasn’t ready for that.
His lips twitched, seeing the look on my face. “Don’t worry, it’s not a ring.”
I sighed with relief, giving him a small smile. “Good.” I lifted the lid off the box and gasped. I gazed up at him not believing what I saw. “No way!” I gasped.
He grinned widely but stayed silent.
Inside the box, surrounded by cotton, was a small heart-shaped sterling silver locket, identical to the one Nick ruined. It looked so much like mine, I almost believed he went to my apartment and dug in the garbage disposal. I rubbed my finger over the embossed lace, hoping that if I opened it, there would be a picture of my parents. But of course there wouldn’t be. I left it closed so he wouldn’t see disappointment on my face.
I was so touched by his gift, I was speechless. I had only mentioned the locket once, weeks ago. I couldn’t believe he remembered.
“Aren’t you going to look inside?”
“No, I don’t need to, it’s so beautiful. Thank you.”
“Open it,” he said sternly, his eyes narrowed again. I did what he asked. Tears rolled down my cheeks before I could stop them. Inside the locket was a small picture of my parents, exactly like my old one.
I looked up at him. “How?” I whispered, so shocked I could barely speak.
“I looked online for days looking for a locket exactly like the one in your album. I finally found one, and they shipped it yesterday. That was the stop I had to make on our way home.
“I took the pictures from your album, and got copies made in this size at a place in Martin. Then I snuck back over here while you were at the diner having lunch with Kathy last week, and replaced them.”
All I could do was stare at him. So many emotions swam in my head. I left Nick when he took my father f
rom me. And now that Noah had returned him, all I wanted to do was spend the rest of my life with this man.
“You don’t like it, do you? I’m sorry I overstepped. It wasn’t my business.” He took my silence for anger or sadness, instead of what it was—awe. This sweet, wonderful, handsome man that just kept surprising me.
“No, I love it. I just can’t believe you did this.” I was still in shock. The locket was cold against my skin as I held it in my hand. I couldn’t stop staring at it. Just like in my dream, the lights from the Christmas tree reflected off the shiny silver surface.
“I love you,” he said simply with a shrug of his shoulders.
I closed my hand around my new gift, and wrapped my arms around him, and kissed him with everything I had. “Thank you,” I whispered, pulling away. “And yes, I’ll move in with you.”
He smiled. His eyes alight with the love that must have reflected mine. “You’re welcome, and I’m so glad you’ll live with me because some day you’re going to be my wife.” My eyes widened in shock; I couldn’t speak. He didn’t mind though, he just laughed, picked me up, and carried me into the bedroom.
“Uncle Noah, Uncle Noah, wake up, Santa was here.”
I opened my heavy eyelids and stared into Libby’s big blue eyes. Her face was round and delicate, flawless as only a child’s could be. I felt that I was looking into the face of a porcelain doll. Until I looked down. She was wearing princess footy pajamas. Her light brown hair, sticking up and falling askew down her back. She grinned at me as she reached out and shook Noah.
He was facing me, eyes wide open with a smile on his face. He started to fake snore. “Uncle Noah, come on, Mommy said we couldn’t open presents until you wake up.” Noah only snored louder.
I smiled at him. “You know, Libby,” I began, sitting up in bed. “I’ve known your uncle a while now, and I have a special way of waking him up. Do you want to try?”
She tilted her head, interest sparking into those dark blue eyes. “Yes.”
“Tickle attack,” I yelled, going for the side of his stomach, a spot I found one day while we were horsing around. She joined me in the tickling, with giggles and screams as Noah grabbed her, pulling her onto the bed between us, turning the attack on to her.
Finding Abigail Page 28