The Winter of Candy Canes (A Sweet Seasons Novel)

by Debbie Viguié

  On one of Santa's breaks, Candace got the chance to thank him for the hint about the watch. He smiled at her and winked. “I was glad to help, Candace. I want to thank you for the fine work you've done here. If you ever want to become a full-time elf, look me up.”

  “Thanks, Santa. Oh, and my best friend wants me to tell you that if you ever need a Mrs. Claus …”

  He laughed, a deep belly laugh that brought a smile to her face. “I have a Mrs. Claus. But you tell Tamara that she'll find her Mr. Right soon enough.”

  He turned and left, and Candace stared after him. How did he know her name? she wondered.

  “Earth to Candace?”

  She turned around and saw her mother standing there. “Sorry, Mom, I didn't hear you. What's up?”

  “I'm heading home. I just had a short shift this morning. Will you need me to pick you up tonight?”

  “I'm not sure. I'll see if I can catch a ride with someone.”

  “Well, give me a call if you can't.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  With so few days left before Christmas, the elves had gotten official word that they could double the number of presents they were giving out. Candace made full use of the opportunity. Every time she handed a child a present, she couldn't help but see Mary and Gus in her mind. She was so glad that everything had turned out well the night before. She had vowed to help Sue this Christmas season, and she finally had. Still, Becca had been much more generous than she in the long run.

  When lunchtime finally came, she headed off toward the Muffin Mansion to talk to Becca. As she walked, Roger caught up with her and fell into step.

  “So, how did things go with Becca last night?” she asked.

  “Fine. We talked. I dropped her at her house, gave her the candy, and ran.”

  “Coward.”

  “That's me.”

  “Seriously, Roger. When are you going to make a move? Ask her out, kiss her, something?”

  “I don't know,” he said, voice full of misery. “I have every intention of doing just that, then I get around her and I get all tongue-tied.”

  As they passed one of the restrooms, Sue came flying out. She threw her arms around both of them in an impromptu hug, and they hugged her back. “Thank you again for everything!” she said. “Mary and Gus couldn't stop talking about it this morning. That was the best Christmas present anyone could ever have given.”

  “We were glad to help,” Roger said, smiling.

  “And thank you for offering to come over and help put up the basketball hoop,” Sue said.

  “No problem, happy to do it. I've got to encourage my fellow athletes in any way possible.”

  Sue laughed. “It's amazing. You know, sometimes I think this place does something wonderful to people. It makes us all better.”

  “I couldn't agree more,” Candace said with a smile. “I think it's because we get to hang out with such great people.”

  “I have to get back to it, but I saw you guys and just had to say thank you again. And Roger?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Ask out Becca. I'm sure she'll say yes.”

  Roger blushed and nodded.

  Candace and Roger continued walking. They reached the Muffin Mansion and found Gib and Becca outside. Becca was standing on a ladder, hanging something over the door.

  “What's going on?” Candace asked.

  “A little last-minute decoration, as it were,” Gib said.

  “I'm hanging mistletoe,” Becca said brightly. “Is this centered?”

  “Yes,” Gib said.

  Becca finished pushing the tack into place.

  “Hey, Roger,” Becca said.

  “Hey.”

  Candace rolled her eyes. Gib muttered something under his breath.

  “Roger!” Gib growled.

  “Yeah?”

  “Catch,” Gib said before putting his foot on the ladder and shoving.

  It wobbled a moment, and Becca shrieked before tumbling backward. She landed in Roger's outstretched arms. He stared at her, and she stared back.

  Then, for one agonizing moment, Candace thought he was about to set her on her feet.

  “For crying out loud, you idiot, you're standing under the mistletoe!” Gib bellowed.

  Roger jerked as if stung. Then he bent down and kissed Becca, and she kissed him back. They stayed like that for a minute.

  “That boy's got a wildcat on his hands,” Gib muttered to Candace, shaking his head.

  “I can't believe you did that. She could have gotten hurt!” Candace said.

  Gib shrugged. “What can I say? Kids shouldn't try this at home.”

  Finally the kiss ended. “Becca, will you —”

  “I thought you'd never ask,” Becca interrupted him. Then she kissed him.

  “Finally,” Gib said, shoulders relaxing. “They were driving me crazy with all their mooning around.”

  Candace grinned, patted Gib on the arm, and headed back to the Holiday Zone, determined to find Josh and tell him the good news. Back in the Holiday Zone, though, the first person she recognized wasn't Josh but Tamara.

  “Hey, Tam, what are you doing here?” Candace asked.

  “I figure this was a good place to shop for the HTBFs on my list.”

  “HTBF?” Candace questioned. She thought she was familiar with all Tamara's acronyms, but this was a new one.

  “Hard to buy for.”

  “A h.”

  “See, here I can find stuff they won't have seen in the mall or are not likely to have already.”

  “True.”

  “I'm sure to find a few things that will work.”

  “What's the verdict on your evil aunt? Is she coming for Christmas? Do you have to get her something?”

  “I should get her something, but I'm not likely to be able to buy her soul back,” Tamara said, rolling her eyes. “Yes, she's coming, and so is Trevor. Is it too late to come spend Christmas at your house?”

  “It's never too late. I'm just not sure your folks would be happy about it.”

  “Maybe they'll still be discussing Aunt Liv, and they won't even notice I'm gone.”

  “Dream on.”

  “Can't blame me for trying. Well, wish me luck. These presents aren't going to buy themselves.”

  “Good luck. Don't forget to check out the eco-friendly booth,” Candace said.

  “I think my Uncle Mike is getting one of their birdfeeders. Speaking of, is your mom here today?”

  “No, why?”

  “I wanted to do present coordination with her.”

  “What?”

  “Oh come on, Cand. We do it every year.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Of course. Remember the first Christmas after we became friends?”

  “Yeah.”

  “She and I gave you the same Barbie.”

  “I didn't mind,” Candace said.

  “Yeah, yeah. Look. Every year when I think of something cool, she's beaten me to the punch. This year, though, I'm going to win. I've got something so cool there's no way she's thought of it.”

  “If you're so sure, then why are you worried about coordinating with her?” Candace asked, still amused by the whole idea.

  “Because I want her to acknowledge my terminal coolness. Well, that, and it's kinda become a tradition.”

  Candace laughed. Just when she thought her friends and family couldn't get any weirder, they always found a way to surprise her.

  “I'll just have to call her, I guess. Anyway, I can do that later. Now it's time to shop.”

  “Have fun,” Candace said.

  “I will. And tell Santa I'll be back to have a few words with him. Save me a candy cane.”

  “Santa already had a few words for you!” Candace called.

  She smiled at Tamara's retreating back. Having two of the same Barbie had never bugged her. She'd just thought of them as twins. It seemed funny to her that it had bugged Tamara enough that she had spent the last thirteen years coor
dinating gifts with her mom.

  She turned and walked over to where Josh stood by the exit to one of the rides. “I dig the costume,” she said.

  He was dressed in a white snowsuit. “Yeah, I just got off working the Toboggan ride today. I was filling in for someone.”

  “I heard a bunch of refs went down it backward after park closing two nights ago.”

  “Guilty as charged,” he said, flashing a smile.

  “I've got news,” Candace said.

  “Do tell.”

  “I just left the Muffin Mansion where Becca and Roger were kissing under the mistletoe.”

  “Yes! Finally!”

  “It's too bad we didn't have a wager on that,” she said slyly.

  “Aha! I knew it!”

  “Knew what?

  “I knew this was going to come around to pizza somehow.”

  “I have no idea what you're talking about. Since you brought it up, though, when are you making me pizza?” she asked.

  “Ah! I knew that gift came with a catch,” he said.

  “Yes, it did. I expect some kind of fabulous gourmet pizza.”

  “I see. Did you have anything particular in mind?”

  “No, I figure you can go through the book and surprise me. Did you really like it, though?”

  As she was talking, a guy with a blond crew cut and dressed in jeans and a tight black T-shirt walked up behind Josh. He put a finger over his lips like he didn't want her to say anything. She wasn't sure who he was or what he was planning, but there was something about him that seemed familiar.

  “It was awesome!” Josh finished. “I looked it over a little more closely this morning, and I found a couple we have to try.”

  “I go off overseas to fight for my country so my little brother can flirt with girls,” the stranger boomed in a loud voice.

  Josh jumped, and a look of wild joy passed over his face. He spun around, shouted something Candace didn't understand, and threw his arms around the other guy.

  “Hey, Josh. Good to see you too!”

  Candace was stunned. This had to be James, Josh's older brother returned from war. A minute later Josh confirmed that as he turned around, still hugging his brother with his right arm while wiping his eyes with his left.

  “Candace, this is James, my big brother. James, this is —”

  “Let me guess. Cotton Candy?” he asked with a laugh, extending his hand.

  Candace shook it. “Actually, right now Candy Cane is more like it,” she said, grinning.

  “Josh wrote all about your adventures here at The Zone,” James said.

  Candace could feel herself blushing as she continued to grin like an idiot. Seeing the two side by side, it was easy to see the resemblance. They had similar facial features and matching sets of broad shoulders. James's hair was a shade darker, and he was maybe an inch taller than Josh. He also gave off a little more of an aggressive, take-charge vibe as compared to Josh's usually laid-back style.

  “I didn't think you were supposed to be here until tomorrow,” Josh said.

  “Got in early. Went home, saw Mom and Dad, changed into my civvies, and came to see you,” James said.

  Josh hugged him again. “Glad you did.”

  “So, I heard Mom and Dad are throwing a welcome-home party the day after Christmas.”

  “Yup.” Josh turned to Candace. “You'll come, right?”

  “Uh, sure, I guess,” Candace said, surprised.

  “Of course she'll come. It wouldn't be a proper party without Candy Cane,” James said with a wink.

  “Why do I have a feeling that wherever the two of you are together, it's a party?” Candace asked.

  “He brings out the worst in me,” James said.

  Josh rolled his eyes. “Oh sure, believe him.”

  Tamara walked up holding a sequined Santa hat in her hand. “Hey, Candace, I'll make a great Mrs. Claus. Check it out,” she said.

  “Cool. Hey, Tamara, I'd like you to meet someone. This is James, Josh's brother.”

  Tamara turned to look at James, and her entire body seemed to jerk. Her eyes widened and her lips parted. She pressed the Santa hat over her heart and just stared.

  Candace was getting embarrassed until she realized James was just staring too.

  “James, this is Candace's friend, Tamara,” Josh said.

  Still, the two of them just stared at each other. Josh and Candace exchanged a quick look. Josh cleared his throat, and James offered his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Tamara.”

  She shook it. “Likewise, James,” she said.

  The moment seemed to stretch on forever.

  Josh clamped a hand on James's shoulder. “Okay, well, we've got to get out of here. Need to spend some time with the parents and keep them from planning an unbelievably epicsized party. We'll catch you ladies later.”

  “You'll come to my welcome-home party?” he asked Tamara.

  “Wouldn't miss it,” she said.

  James smiled briefly at Candace before turning and accompanying his brother out of the Holiday Zone. She watched them go, and a little chill danced up her spine. Something had just happened, and it both excited and frightened her.

  Suddenly, Tamara gasped as though she had been holding her breath. “Now that is so right,” she whispered.

  18

  After work Candace got a ride home with Tamara. All the way there, Tamara was quiet. When they pulled up outside Candace's house, she suddenly asked, “How are we supposed to dress for the party?”

  “I have no idea,” Candace said.

  “Call Josh and ask him.”

  “Okay.”

  There was a pause while Tamara looked at her expectantly. “You mean, right now?”

  “Yes!”

  Candace got out her cell phone and called Josh. “Hey, quick question. What's the dress code for the party?”

  “Good question. Can I find out and get back to you?”

  Candace glanced over at Tamara. “Um, I kinda need to know now.”

  “Is Tamara still freaking out?”

  “You could say that.”

  “So's James. Here, hold on a second.”

  Candace waited, and less than a minute later Josh was back. “I was told semiformal.”

  “Semiformal? Great.”

  “I'll email you the time and the restaurant and stuff.”

  “I'd appreciate it. I gotta go deal with some things.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  “Later.”

  “Bye.”

  She hung up. “Semiformal.”

  Tamara nodded. “Okay.”

  Candace went to open her door, but Tamara grabbed her arm. “What am I going to wear?” she asked.

  “A dress?” Candace guessed, smiling.

  “This is not funny!” Tamara said, eyes wide. “This is serious. What am I going to wear?”

  “You could wear the red dress that you wore to Winter Formal.”

  “No, I can't! This has to be something special, something perfect. We have to go shopping. Right now.”

  “Um, Tam? I'm kinda in an elf costume here,” Candace pointed out.

  “So?”

  “Tam! I'm not going to the mall like this! I'll have kids mobbing me, and no candy canes to appease them with.”

  “Okay, go change. I'll wait.”

  Candace was sure Tamara had flipped out, but she decided the best course of action would be to humor her. She ran inside, threw on some different clothes, and was back within five minutes.

  Once they reached the mall, it took twenty minutes just to find a parking space. This was the kind of chaos Candace had tried so hard to avoid by shopping early. Once inside they headed straight for the dress shop where they had shopped a couple of weeks earlier. It was relatively uncrowded.

  “I need that white dress,” Tamara said. “Help me find it.”

  Twenty minutes later they still hadn't found it. “I need it!” Tamara wailed.

  “They have other dresses, some o
f them white even. Why don't you try one of them on?” Candace urged, her friend's despair hurting her.

  “Not the same! I knew that dress was right for something, not Winter Formal, but something! I should have bought it then!”

  “Can I help you, ladies?” a saleswoman asked.

  “I'm looking for a white dress that was here a couple of weeks ago. Floor length, halter neck, slit up the side, white beading.”

  “I think we sold that dress.”

  “This is what I get for trying to buy dresses off the rack!” Tamara wailed.

  Candace was stunned. She had never seen her like this before. Worse, she didn't know how to help her.

  Another salesgirl walked out of the dressing room area carrying several dresses. One of them looked familiar. “Tam, is that it?” Candace asked, pointing.

  Tamara looked and then ran over and practically pounced on the startled girl. “Give me that white dress!”

  Speechless, she surrendered it, and Tamara ran to the register. The first saleswoman moved to ring it up. “Wait! I almost forgot.”

  Tamara ran back to one of the racks, yanked free the burgundy dress that had looked good on Candace, and returned to the counter.

  “Now go,” she said.

  Everyone in the store was visibly rattled. Even Candace wanted to take a step or two backward.

  “Wait!” she screeched again.

  Everyone in the store — customers and workers alike — froze. “Candace, do you have shoes that will go with this?”

  “Yes,” Candace croaked. She had no idea if she did or not, but she was too afraid to say no.

  “And jewelry?”

  “Yes,” she said with more confidence.

  “Okay. Go.”

  In all her life, Candace never saw a salesperson move so quickly. Less than sixty seconds later they were on their way back to the car. Once in the car, Tamara slumped back in the seat.

  “That was a close one,” she said.

  “It sure was,” Candace agreed, still eyeing her suspiciously.