Christmas on Mistletoe Lane--Includes a bonus short story

by Annie Rains

  “I don’t like to ask for handouts,” she said, lifting her chin. “It’s not other people’s responsibility to worry about me.”

  Mitch stood. “No, it’s other people’s privilege to help someone in a time of need. We’ll figure it out. Together.” The word we on his tongue surprised him. He hadn’t been part of the Sweetwater community since he’d left town after high school. Ever since he’d returned here, he’d made a point of not including himself, especially when he referred to the bed and breakfast.

  Alex nodded. “The police station and fire department have been known to join forces for fund-raisers. I’ll arrange that side of things.” He glanced over at Kyle. “Fund-raisers are legal, and I’m guessing we can rake in a lot more than can be taken from a bookstore register.”

  Kyle smiled weakly. “Thanks for helping her. She’s all I have.”

  Mitch’s stomach twisted. He knew that feeling of helplessness. Kyle didn’t have to take on the burden of helping his mom alone though.

  The three of them headed out to the police SUV and got in.

  “Have I completely screwed up my life?” Kyle asked midway through the ride to the station.

  “Everyone deserves a second chance. One mistake doesn’t define you, son,” Alex said, glancing at Mitch. “Unless you let it.”

  * * *

  Kaitlyn’s cell phone had rung four times since she’d started this new project. No doubt it was her mom—the last person she wanted to talk to right now. So she continued hanging fairy lights outside under the eaves of the covered porch. She’d seen something similar in a magazine recently, and it had looked so romantic. Perfect for the holidays too. The lights also reminded her of her first kiss with Mitch by Silver Lake under a blanket of stars. She’d never forget that moment, sweet and perfect.

  The back door opened, and the man himself walked outside. Kaitlyn stared at him for a moment, trying to make sense of the picture in front of her. Mitch was dressed in his police uniform and holding a bouquet of flowers. The image did not make sense in her mind.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  He held out the assortment of brightly colored daisies. “For you. I stopped at Halona’s flower shop on the way.”

  “They’re beautiful.” She stepped off her ladder and walked to him. “What did I do to deserve this?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Put up with the likes of me.”

  She laughed, taking the flowers and sweeping them under her nose. “You’re not so hard to put up with.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here this morning. I know it was important to you. How’d it go with Mr. Garrison?”

  She looked up at Mitch, remembering how Mr. Garrison had told her about Mable’s matchmaking ways. Was this her grandmother’s grand finale of matchmaking? “It went fine. He was sorry you weren’t here, of course, but he understood. So do I.”

  Mitch’s wooden posture softened. “So I can skip the groveling part?”

  She laughed again. “Yes, please skip over that part. You don’t strike me as someone who’d get down on your knees anyway. I did figure out a way you can make it up to me though.”

  He raised one brow, and if she wasn’t mistaken, he looked a little worried. “Yeah?”

  Kaitlyn held her bouquet under her chin, the soft scent still lingering in the air. “It was your mom’s idea actually.”

  Yep, that was definite concern lining his forehead. “You’ve been talking to my mom? Now I’m worried.”

  Kaitlyn laughed. “She came over earlier to watch the place while I went grocery shopping. And before you ask, yes, she looked fine. You can see for yourself when she gets here in a minute.”

  Mitch folded his arms in front of him. “Why is my mom coming here?”

  Kaitlyn suppressed the small quiver of guilt in her belly. Since she and Mitch had inherited this B&B, he hadn’t watched it for her on his own once. Yeah, he’d done a lot of repairs and handled any of the maintenance that the inn needed but Mitch hadn’t played host. “The downtown stores are staying open late tonight for last-minute shoppers. Your mom and aunt Nettie invited me to go with them, and I would really like to.”

  Color drained from Mitch’s cheeks. “So who will be watching the inn tonight?”

  She lifted her brows, waiting for him to come to the natural conclusion. “It’ll only be for a few hours. I’ve set aside a movie to play in the ballroom for entertainment. And hot chocolate.”

  “I don’t entertain.”

  “So you’ve said.” Kaitlyn smiled softly. Gina had warned her that Mitch would try to get out of this but she’d told Kaitlyn to stand her ground. He was capable, and it was just as much his responsibility as hers, at least until Christmas Eve. “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

  The doorbell rang before he could continue to argue.

  “That’s them now. Do you mind getting the door while I put these flowers in a vase? Thank you, Mitch,” she said, walking past him. Not that he’d agreed. She’d let his mom do the final persuasion. He didn’t seem to be able to tell Gina no.

  Once Kaitlyn returned from the kitchen, the other two women were waiting excitedly by the door for her. Mitch, on the other hand, looked like a pound puppy, frightened and caged. Gina tugged Kaitlyn’s hand through the door, tossed a wave over her shoulder at her son, and then they made their way through the biting cold of the night.

  “Don’t feel bad for a moment,” Gina said, patting her arm. They all climbed into Gina’s sedan in the driveway. “It’s good for him.”

  “And shopping is good for us,” Nettie said, climbing into the front passenger side.

  Kaitlyn took the back seat. “I do have Christmas shopping to finish up, including gifts for the angel I selected off the tree during Lights on the Lake.”

  “The downtown stores will have everything you need. I’m certain of it,” Gina said.

  Ten minutes later, they parked in the overflow lot for the row of stores and made their way through shop after shop. Kaitlyn picked out a hand-knitted scarf for Josie and a second one for her mom, even though she probably wouldn’t see them over the holidays. She found a baby doll that cried and peed for the little girl she’d pulled off the Angel Tree, along with extra outfits and a toy stroller. Her dad was getting a new tie per usual.

  At Dawanda’s fudge shop, Kaitlyn got some dark chocolate fudge for Paris, who had been not only her first guest at the inn but also one of her first friends here in Sweetwater Springs.

  There was only one person left on her list to buy for. Mitch. Gina had gotten him several shirts and a mug featuring a picture of a thermometer indicating an improved mood at the bottom of the cup after he’d drunk all his coffee. But Kaitlyn had no idea what to get him. Hopefully it would come to her before the big day.

  Arms full of bags, the three women finally made their way back to the car and drove back to the inn.

  “How do you think Mitchy fared on his own?” Nettie asked Kaitlyn, angling her body to talk to her in the back seat.

  “Honestly, he’s a better host than he thinks. I’m sure he did just fine.”

  “And how hard is it to turn on a movie and serve some drinks?” Gina said on a laugh. “Maybe he’ll realize he has a knack for it after all and decide to stay.”

  Kaitlyn’s heart sank as she watched the lighted homes blur by while they drove. Some little part of her had hoped the same thing when she’d left Mitch to watch the inn tonight. It was the season of hope after all—even if she thought that one particular Christmas wish was hopeless.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Mitch checked his watch. Then his phone. Where were they?

  He’d started the movie and served the cocoa. He’d even smiled and asked a few of the guests if they needed anything. There were only two couples downstairs tonight because the Nelsons had also gone shopping and the Amabiles had gone to dinner. Even with only four people to entertain, he was counting down the seconds until the real innkeeper returned.

  He heard the front door open
and took off down the hall toward the women’s laughter.

  “Oh, hi, Mitch.” Kaitlyn removed her coat and hung it on the rack beside the door. “Everything okay?”

  Her brow wrinkled with concern as she looked at him. He supposed if he looked in a mirror right now he’d have a strained look on his face. Put him in charge of a few hardened criminals and he’d be A-okay. Leave him with two bubbly, chatty couples who expected him to mirror their enthusiasm, and he felt like he was going to come out of his skin.

  “Of course,” he said, feeling relief wash over him at just the sight of her. “Looks like you guys had a good time.”

  Kaitlyn looked down at the assorted bags in her hand. “I might’ve gotten a little carried away,” she admitted.

  “Nonsense,” his mom said, waving a hand. Then she stepped up to kiss Mitch’s cheek before removing her coat as well.

  “Staying?” he asked.

  “Nettie and I thought we’d watch the last of the movie, if you don’t mind.”

  “And Kaitlyn promised us that you’d make hot chocolate,” his aunt Nettie said, also removing her coat. “Plus, I thought I’d catch you in action as a B and B host.” She winked at him playfully. Then his three favorite women headed to the ballroom together, taking the couch that lined the back wall.

  A little jealousy flared up inside him as he leaned in the doorway, where he’d stood most of the night. Kaitlyn was his, not theirs.

  “Cheer up, lad,” one of the guests said, stepping up beside him. Mr. Peters was in his midfifties and had come here for an anniversary retreat with his wife. “You’re supposed to be happy that your girlfriend is getting along with your family. Trust me—it’s rare,” he said in passing and headed back to his seat beside his wife.

  Mitch had wanted to tell Mr. Peters, She’s not my girlfriend, but couldn’t. Because by all definitions, that’s exactly what Kaitlyn had become. They were long past a fling and very much exclusive. He even felt possessive of her with his own family members. And the fact that she was sitting beside his mom and aunt and having such a good time was kind of attractive in its own odd way.

  Ever since this morning when he and Alex had talked to Kyle, something had been niggling around in the corner of his mind. This community supported each other. That’s what he’d told Ms. Martin. People deserved second chances. That’s what Alex had told Kyle. So why couldn’t that be true for him too? Despite his best efforts not to, he loved this community. Everyone here had supported him after the accident. Well, except for the Everson family, but who could blame them? They loved Brian.

  Mitch had been thinking about his own past since he’d left Kyle at the juvenile detention center. He’d never apologized to Brian in person. There’d been a civil lawsuit against Mitch at the time, and his lawyer had advised him to stay as far away from the Everson family as possible. Mitch had won the case because it was just an unfortunate accident. The facts supported him. But he’d never gone to face Brian like a man afterward. He should have. He’d never apologized for what had happened and the part he’d played in it. Maybe if Mitch’s father had been alive, he’d have told him to man up and do just that.

  Mitch swallowed thickly. It was finally time to pay Brian a visit. It wouldn’t be easy but it was the right thing to do. He was tired of running from his past. Tired of being ashamed for something that happened a long time ago. He’d been just a kid, like Kyle, and he was ready to make things right.

  The sound of Kaitlyn’s laughter drew him in. Glancing over, he saw the three women looking at him. It was obvious whatever they thought was funny pertained to him. He straightened from where he leaned in the doorway and headed to the couch. “Okay, I give up. What’s the joke?”

  His mother had a hand to her chest, and he thought she looked happier than he’d seen her in a long time. Family, friends, and laughter were a salve to the body and soul. “I was telling Kaitlyn about the girl across the street when you were growing up.”

  Mitch groaned. “Mom.”

  “You had such a huge crush on her, even though she was two years older than you.”

  Mitch rubbed his forehead. “All the guys on our street had a crush on Alison Winters.”

  “Aw, how sweet,” Kaitlyn said. “You still remember her name.”

  “Oh, it was sweet. He would even leave little notes and special trinkets on her doorstep,” his mother continued, much to his chagrin.

  Mitch groaned again. “That’s it. I’m supervising the rest of your conversations tonight.”

  “But I was just about to tell Kaitlyn about the time you ran away from home.”

  “She doesn’t need to know that story, Mom. Let’s just say I was seven years old and I didn’t make it very far.”

  That time, he thought. When he’d run away from home at the age of eighteen and joined the marines, he’d gone across the world. And the things he was running from had come along with him every step of the way.

  Tomorrow, he decided. He’d stop running from his ghosts tomorrow.

  After the guests had gone back upstairs and his mom and aunt Nettie had gone home, Mitch joined Kaitlyn in the kitchen. He watched as she loaded the hot chocolate mugs into the dishwasher. “I think my mom really likes you.”

  She turned to face him. “Well, I really like your mom. She reminds me a lot of my friend Josie back home.”

  “So Josie is a fifty-year-old woman who is a workaholic and likes to cook and tell embarrassing stories about her son?”

  Kaitlyn closed the dishwasher door and pressed the On button. The motor groaned in the background as she straightened and stepped over to him. “Not exactly. They’re both feisty though. And they make me laugh. Your aunt Nettie is pretty awesome too.”

  “Well, I love to see you laugh,” he said. “Even if it’s at my expense.”

  Tilting her head to the side, her eyes hooded sexily. And he knew exactly what she was in the mood for. He was in the mood for the exact same thing.

  Her cell phone rang on the counter, which made her smile fall away.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head. “I’m sure that’s yet another call from my mom.”

  “You can’t avoid her forever.”

  “I know. I’ll talk to her later. All that shopping wore me out.”

  As if on cue, she yawned, and the hooded look in her eyes was gone. She really did look tired now.

  “You go on to bed,” he said. “I’ll finish cleaning up the kitchen.”

  “Really?” Her eyes widened a little bit.

  “Yeah. I’m still partial owner here, at least until next week.”

  That was supposed to make her smile but instead her frown deepened. Did she wish he would stay as much as he was starting to wish the same?

  That was crazy though. Impossible.

  “Good night,” he said, urging her to bed. “I’ll see you in the morning.” If he could manage to keep his hands off of her until then.

  * * *

  Kaitlyn had told Mitch she was tired, and that was true, but she didn’t feel like sleeping. Her mind was on overdrive suddenly. Her cell phone dinged with an incoming text. She reached for it, read the screen, and considered throwing the phone against the wall, not for the first time today.

  Kaitlyn, you’re acting like a child. Call me back and let’s discuss the situation.

  “The situation?” Kaitlyn said on a scoff, fury funneling in her belly. She stared at her mother’s words in disbelief.

  Another two points go to Bradley Foster. He’d groped her, cost her a job, and now he might cost her the relationship with her own mother.

  Kaitlyn plopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. There was a time when her mom had been her best friend. She would take Kaitlyn to the park every weekend, and her mom would make a huge deal over finding the perfect picnic spot to lay their huge, red-checked blanket. Then they’d eat, talk, and laugh so hard that Kaitlyn sometimes wondered if her food would come bubbling back up. Once they were done eating, he
r mom always loved to lie back and stare up at the clouds.

  It was Kaitlyn’s favorite game back then as well. “That’s a dinosaur,” she’d chirp, pointing at a puff of cloud.

  “I see an elephant over there.”

  Kaitlyn blinked up at the high wood-paneled ceiling of her room now, considering the memory. In the markings of the wood, she could almost make out designs in the same way she had with the clouds as a little girl. She wasn’t a child anymore though. That was the point and the thing that her mom didn’t quite get. Kaitlyn could make her own decisions and live her own life.

  And she knew when a man crossed the line with her.

  The bedroom door opened, and Mitch stepped in, his eyes trained on her. “Thought you were going to sleep.”

  Kaitlyn sat up in bed. She was still dressed and held her cell phone in her hand. “I guess I’m not tired after all.”

  He nodded, not moving for a moment.

  “Thank you, by the way.” Her anger was starting to fade now that he was here. Her breathing smoothed out just a little bit. “For the flowers and tonight, for washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. And for being here.”

  “It was nothing, really,” he said.

  She’d seen his panicked look when she’d asked him to host the guests for movie night. He could have refused. There was no way she could make a strong man like him stay downstairs and play nice. He’d done it of his own volition because she’d asked him to. At his core, he was one of the good guys just as he’d claimed several weeks ago as they’d fought in the front room.

  He hooked a thumb behind him. “Want me to give you some space? I can sleep on the couch or—”

  “No. I only need space from the world right now, not you. You can stay.” In fact, Mitch had a way of making the entire world fall away once that door was closed. “Why don’t you hang the DO NOT DISTURB sign?” she suggested.

  His left brow lifted just slightly, and she found herself smiling. He was wrong. He was good with people. Good with her. “Yeah?” he asked.