Holly Pointe & Candy Canes: A heartwarming feel good Christmas romance

by Cindy Kirk

  Graham had hoped to quickly pack the girls into the car and make it back to the house before he had to fight his way through a downstairs filled with women. The hopeful look in Ginny’s eyes had him changing that plan. “I’d love some coffee.”

  “Yay.” Charlotte gestured with one hand. “While you talk to Gramma, me and Hannah are going to put our ponies on rafts.”

  Glancing in the direction indicated, he saw the air mattresses now held an array of brightly colored ponies. “Sounds like fun.”

  “Gramma made us pancakes.” Hannah tugged on his arm. “With chocolate chips.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Not just in the pancakes,” Hannah emphasized, “but on top, too.”

  “Don’t forget the whipped cream.” Charlotte rubbed her tummy. “Yum-my.”

  “We had real orange juice that Gramma squeezed herself.” Hannah beamed up at Ginny.

  “She said it was Mommy’s favorite breakfast.” Charlotte glanced at Graham as if seeking confirmation.

  He cleared his throat. “It was indeed your mommy’s favorite.”

  Charlotte smiled. “I told Gramma it was like Mommy was here, watching us eat.”

  Graham wasn’t sure what to say to that, so he only nodded.

  “Let’s play ponies, Han.” Charlotte grabbed her sister’s hand, but Hannah’s feet remained rooted to the hardwood.

  “You’re not leaving without us?” she asked her dad.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” He ruffled her hair and felt a surge of love.

  “Okay.” She offered him a bright smile. “Just checking.”

  Graham followed Ginny into the kitchen he’d been in many times before. Well, maybe not all that many times. When he and Steph were first married, there were so many places they wanted to see.

  They’d made it to Holly Pointe a total of two times before Steph got pregnant and not at all after the twins were born.

  Ginny had made the trek to the city numerous times, insisting it was easier for one person to travel than for four—and then three—especially when the twins were infants.

  Looking back, Graham felt ashamed for so easily accepting Ginny’s largess.

  “Have a seat.” She waved him to a scarred oak table with a bench on one side and chairs flanking the three other sides. “I’ll get you a cup. Do you still like it black?”

  “I do.” He shook his head. “I’ve never understood how you remember everyone’s coffee preferences.”

  “Not everyone.” She set the steaming coffee in front of him. “Just those important to me.”

  “Thank you again for keeping the girls overnight.” He lifted the cup and took a long sip. Hot and strong, just the way he liked it. “We didn’t get back until late and—”

  “You don’t have to thank me,” Ginny interrupted. “It was my pleasure. Did you have a nice time at the party?”

  “It was an enjoyable evening.”

  “You had a nice time with Faith?”

  It was apparent that Ginny was fishing for details, but holding back. Graham set down his cup, remembering the kiss. No matter how much he liked Ginny, he really didn’t want to discuss his attraction to Faith with his late wife’s mom.

  Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Graham considered how to best respond. Though he knew he could count on Ginny to keep any confidences, telling her that he’d kissed Faith was definitely off the table.

  “Faith is a gem. She introduced me around and made sure I had a nice evening.” When he saw questions forming on Ginny’s lips, questions he had no intention of answering, Graham pushed forward. “Living at Mary’s is working out just fine. Anytime you want to come over there and be with the twins, or want me to bring them over here, you just say so.”

  “I’m glad it’s working out, but—” Ginny glanced around the small kitchen. “It’s times like this I wish my house was as big as Mary’s.”

  “This won’t be the only time the girls and I will be back in Holly Pointe.” Graham wrapped his fingers around the ceramic mug, welcoming the warmth. “We’ll find a time this spring or summer to return.”

  Hope filled Ginny’s eyes. “You mean it?”

  “I do.” Shame flooded him. He should have made trips back to Holly Pointe more of a priority. For the girls’ sake as well as Ginny’s.

  Graham wanted Ginny to see the twins as much as possible this month. Recalling what was going on at the house today, he smiled. “How are you at candy-making?”

  * * *

  Faith glanced in the bedroom mirror and added a bit more red to her lips. If the way Graham’s gaze had lingered on her mouth last night had been any indication, he’d liked her new lipstick.

  She touched her fingers to her lips, recalling the moment his mouth had closed over hers. Though she’d been kissed plenty of times, it had never been heart-pounding or the slightest bit soul-searing.

  A chuckle rose up and spilled out at the fanciful words. Still, they fit the situation. Would he kiss her again? Or maybe she’d kiss him. The thought made her red lips widen as she stepped out of her bedroom.

  Though it was barely nine, the hum of voices and excited chatter filled the downstairs. The Candy Cane Christmas House was officially open for business.

  Candymakers of the community had arrived in full force. Today, all sorts of candies would be made, from the standard to the exotic. Peppermint bark? Peanut butter snowballs? Hopefully, there would be some three-chip English toffee, one of Faith’s personal favorites.

  She wished she could stay and help. But she’d spent too much time away from her business the past few days.

  Because the kitchen was a hot spot, Faith knew it’d be foolish to attempt to grab a cup of coffee. Thankfully, her business wasn’t far from Rosie’s or the Busy Bean…

  The second the thought struck, she had to chuckle. Nothing was far from her business in Holly Pointe. Stopping by the kitchen, she surveyed the scene. Her grandmother was there, stirring a pot of chocolate while laughing with Norma.

  Faith scanned the room. When she spotted Mel, she let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. At one time, her grandmother had been able to handle the groups coming in for the various festivities. After the pneumonia, being the only one in charge had become too much for Mary.

  Out of love for her grandmother and for what she and the house meant to the community, people signed on to be Mary’s “helper” during these December events. Mel was her helper today.

  When Mel spotted Faith, she rushed over to give her a hug.

  “Looks like everything is under control.” Faith gestured to the organized group.

  “It’s going well.” Mel glanced around. Even though no one was within earshot, she kept her voice low. “I enjoyed meeting Mr. Hottie at the party last night. He is adorable.”

  “He’s a good guy.” Faith would tell Mel about the amazing kiss later. But not here. Not now.

  “Are you going out with him again?” Mel asked.

  Faith resisted the urge to touch her lips. “No idea.”

  Disappointment skittered across Mel’s face. “He appeared stuck on you. He barely took his eyes off you all evening.”

  “I’m that kind of girl.” Faith fluffed her hair and batted her lashes. “Men find me irresistible.”

  Mel laughed. “Are you headed to the shop?”

  “I am. Lots to do, but I’m looking forward to it.”

  Mel smiled. “You found your passion.”

  “I have.” Faith expelled a happy breath. “I’m blessed to be able to do what I love.”

  Mel gave her a gentle shove. “Get going and enjoy.”

  “Don’t eat all the candy. Leave some for me.”

  Mel’s smile turned sly. “No promises.”

  Faith’s coat was on, and she was nearly to the front door when it swung open. The fact that someone was coming in without ringing the bell didn’t surprise her. Not with the Come on In signage on the porch.

  But her heart skipped a beat at
the sight of the dark-haired man. “Graham.”

  Not just Graham, she realized, but Hannah, Charlotte and Ginny.

  Faith gave Ginny a hug. “It’s good to see you.” Then she turned to the girls. “Where have you been? I’ve missed you.”

  It was an exaggeration, of course. She’d seen them twelve hours earlier, right before Graham had taken them to Ginny’s to spend the night.

  “We were at Gramma’s,” Hannah said, all serious.

  “We slept on rafts.” Charlotte, not to be outdone, stepped forward. “And played with Beau.”

  “Do I know Beau?” Faith brought a finger to her lips and pretended to ponder the name. “Is he a cousin?”

  The girls burst into laughter.

  “He’s a dog,” Hannah said.

  “Big.” Charlotte’s arms went wide. “He slobbers when he kisses you.”

  Faith glanced at Ginny, who was gazing at her granddaughters with a soft look, then returned her attention to the twins. “Wow. Sounds like you had a wonderful night.”

  “We had chocolate chip pancakes this morning.” Charlotte glanced at her twin and spoke quickly before Hannah could get it out. “And real juice from an orange.”

  “That Gramma squeezed herself.” Hannah gestured to Ginny.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Faith saw Graham gazing at the twins with pride, yes, but as if he were seeing them for the first time. Which made absolutely no sense.

  “I take it you’re here to make some candy.” Faith glanced at Graham.

  “If they’ll be in the way…” Graham began.

  “Don’t be a worrywart,” Ginny responded. “We talked about being safe around the stove. I’m going to show them how candy is made, then—”

  “We get to eat some after,” Hannah announced, her chest puffing out.

  “Only the pieces Gramma is taking home.” Charlotte tugged on Ginny’s hand. “Right?”

  “Correct.” Ginny smiled and took each of the girl’s hands. “The twins are mine until noon.”

  “We’re always yours, Gramma.” Hannah’s comment prompted Ginny to pull both of her granddaughters close.

  “That’s right, you’ll always be mine.” When Ginny glanced at Graham, her eyes held a sheen. “You’re on your own until noon.”

  She strode off in the direction of the kitchen with the twins skipping beside her.

  Graham studied Faith, a smile hovering on his lips. “Where are you off to this morning?”

  “How’d you know I was leaving?”

  “The coat was my first clue.” He flashed that smile, and she found herself wishing she didn’t have to leave.

  But, contrary to what her parents believed, her business wasn’t a hobby where she “dabbled.” Faith had clients and staff and obligations that had to be fulfilled.

  “I’m heading into work.” She inhaled the spicy scent of his cologne. It was subtle, but something about the smell and the man who wore it had her insides jiggling.

  “Is your shop far?”

  She smiled. “Nothing is far in Holly Pointe.”

  “I’d like to see it.” He inclined his head. “Is now a good time?”

  She hesitated only a fraction of a second, but it must have been long enough for him to notice.

  “I can come by another time,” he spoke hurriedly.

  “No. I mean, you can certainly come another time if that works best for you. I’m happy to give you a quick tour. Then I’ll need to get to work.”

  Faith wished she hadn’t added that last little bit. She’d made it sound as if she thought he wanted to spend the day with her when he’d given no such indication.

  “I understand the need to get something done, so I won’t keep you long.” He opened the door and made a sweeping gesture. “After you.”

  Faith stepped outside. When Graham took her arm, as naturally as if he’d been doing it for years, she smiled up at him. And when he returned her smile and his gaze dropped to her mouth, Faith felt the heat of the sun despite the cloudy sky.

  Chapter Nine

  Graham didn’t know what to think when Faith simply took off down the sidewalk in the direction of the business district. He assumed they’d drive to her shop. But, as she’d said, nothing was far in this town.

  Everyone had scooped their walks, and there was some kind of salt on the surface. Although Graham needed to work on the project, and this was a prime time, considering Ginny had the twins, he found himself curious about what Faith actually did.

  It was difficult to imagine how someone could make the transition from an NYC lifestyle to one in this rural Vermont town. Faith had not only done just that, all indications were that she was thriving here.

  Graham saw the charm in this community where everyone was so friendly and kind. Still, he was surprised she’d been able to give up all the amenities of city life. And from everything she’d said, Faith had enjoyed a successful life in the city before relocating here.

  “Santa is coming to the house this afternoon at four,” Faith told him. “We set the date for when the elementary kids are out of school so that they can come. I don’t know what you have on your schedule for this afternoon, but I think it’ll be a highlight for the girls.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.” Graham thought, though he couldn’t be certain, that Tiffany took the twins every year to one of the stores in Manhattan to see Santa. It appeared this would be his year. “I’ll make sure they see him. Though, didn’t they already see him at the lake?”

  The twins had spoken about seeing the reindeer, the sleigh and, of course, Santa all last weekend. Graham had loved hearing the excitement in their voices. He’d assumed, obviously in error, that the encounter had qualified as a visit with Santa.

  “He spoke with the children, and they got to pet the reindeer,” Faith acknowledged, slowing her pace as a row of buildings came into sight. “But when Santa comes to the Candy Cane Christmas House, it’s an opportunity for the children to tell him what they want and for parents to snap some pictures.”

  “I’ll definitely make sure they see him.” Graham glanced around curiously as Faith pulled a huge brass key from her pocket and unlocked a door the color of mint.

  Faith Originals was etched in a swirling font in the glass of the storefront. He stepped inside the warmth and took it all in.

  There were signs everywhere with motivational sayings. Some were scrolled on weathered barn wood, others on glass or fabric. There were ones on small easels and others attached to photo clip string lights. The display tables and counters were arranged to not only show off the products, but to also exude a feeling of warmth.

  “This is it.” She swung her arm wide, encompassing the entire shop. “This is where I sell my wares. Here and on the internet. Online is actually where I do most of my business.”

  “Alone?”

  “Pardon?”

  “I can see how this would be a busy time of year for you. Surely you can’t do this all yourself.”

  “No way.” She motioned for him to follow her into the back. “This is where most of the work gets done.”

  “Hey, Faith.”

  “Hi, Faith.”

  The voices rang out from an assembly line of sorts where numerous women packaged items for shipping. In one corner of the large room, a woman sat in front of a computer. Taking off orders?

  “Good morning, everyone.” Faith placed a hand on Graham’s shoulder. “This is a friend, Graham Westfall. He’s visiting, and I thought I’d give him a tour.”

  This time, they called out his name in greeting. He noticed there was a good mix of ages in the room. While it was still early, he saw one of the women putting on her coat and waving good-bye.

  Faith then took him into an empty room that looked more like a workshop, with paints, boards and ideas on a whiteboard.

  “This is where you create,” he murmured and was rewarded with a bright smile.

  “When my parents visited, they said, ‘So this is where you work.’” Her smi
le widened. “I like your observation much better.”

  “It’s amazing.” Graham had to admit he was impressed. Sure, this was on a small scale, and he wasn’t into inspirational stuff, but he knew quality when he saw it. Faith not only had the talent, but she put out amazing products. “Why was the one woman leaving when the day is just getting started?”

  Faith trailed her fingers along one counter. “As you can imagine, there isn’t much opportunity for employment for women in a rural area. It’s especially difficult for those who are caregivers, either for elderly parents or children.”

  “You help meet that need for employment.”

  “I do my best. Candy, she’s the woman who left, has a mother she takes to radiation therapy in Burlington. She comes in early, then she’ll return later to get in a few more hours.”

  “You unlocked the front door. Who’s manning the showroom when you’re back here with me?”

  “You must not have noticed Sondra. She was the older woman with tight black curls who slipped out to the front when I arrived.” Faith's expression softened. “She’s my rock. Actually, everyone here is a big part of my success. I couldn’t do this alone. Thanks to them, I don’t have to.”

  Graham listened to her words, watched her face as she spoke about her employees, people who weren’t just faceless names to her, and something inside him stirred. “You’re a remarkable woman, Faith Pierson.”

  Her cheeks pinked, and she shook her head, a small smile lifting her lips. “I’m really quite ordinary.”

  Before he could analyze his actions, he stepped closer, cupping her cheek with his hand. “I’d say you’re quite extraordinary.”

  Then his lips were on hers, and the spark that had been simmering between them ignited. He pulled her to him. Her arms went around his neck and she was kissing him back with a fervor that shattered his control.

  When he swept his tongue over her lips, she emitted a little moan and opened to him. He probed the depths of her mouth with his tongue as his erection pressed against her belly.