“What do you want?” Noelle held the phone away from her ear and glared at it. Why was Melanie calling her? She had barely spoken to the girl before. Weird.
The words on the other end stumbled. The woman was obviously upset. Was Bruce behind this? What part was he playing in his stepdaughter calling her?
~
“Please don’t hang up, Noelle, please,” the shaky voice on the other end pleaded. “I … I called to find out how your friend is.” Noelle could hear the woman was crying. “I was the one that hit her,” she sobbed. “It was me.”
“Oh. How did you get my number?” She could only imagine. And why was that more important than why Melanie had called? Priorities, Noelle, priorities.
“You sound very upset.” Brilliant, Noelle. “What can I do for you?”
“May I come see you? To talk with you in person?”
Noelle bit her lip and hesitated before she responded. This woman was obviously in pain. Of course not the kind of pain Doreen was experiencing. After a long pause and another plaintive “please” from the woman on the other end of the call, she simply said, “Why?”
She felt like a heel. Was she reluctant because Melanie was Bruce Walker’s stepdaughter? Or, would she have hesitated no matter who she was?
“Because …” Noelle heard a choking sound on the other end. “Because I need to talk with someone, need someone to pray with me.” Pause. “I heard you are a Christian.” Another pause. “Bruce told me.”
Noelle swallowed hard. If only Melanie weren’t connected to Bruce. If only. Still, it wasn’t Melanie’s fault her mother had married the disgusting man. She sounded sincere, and very troubled. Finally, she sighed and consented. Why not? Was the Lord leading her? She hoped so. Isn’t that what her devotions yesterday morning had centered on? Being a friend, two praying together? Helping one another.
“Yes, Melanie. Come.”
“Thank you so much,” was almost buried in another flood of tears and choking.
~
Noelle opened her door reluctantly. What, or who, would she find there? She had made a fresh pot of coffee and had the kettle on for tea. She also had soft drinks in the fridge. And Shortbread cookies from the bakery, even the Gelson’s bakery. Such an indulgence. She wanted to get the girl, why did she keep referring to her as a girl, to open up and be comfortable.
As it turned out, Melanie was a sobbing mess.
“Thank you for seeing me,” she said as she collapsed into Noelle’s arms. She was shaking so hard Noelle didn’t know what to do to calm her. Finally, she hugged her – hard. And led her to the sofa pushing extra cushions around her. Sweet Misty saved the day when she jumped on Melanie’s lap.
Noelle started to berate the dog, but Melanie whispered, “No. Please. She is so adorable, and she seems to like me,” she said as Misty licked at her tears.
“So.” She looked at Melanie. “You like dogs? You have one?”
“No,” the other woman said sadly. “Bruce is allergic. But,” she continued, “I’ve always wanted one.”
“They are great companions. Always there when we need them. Very loyal.”
Melanie nodded and reached for a tissue from the box Noelle had strategically placed on the coffee table.
Noelle offered drinks, and Melanie accepted coffee while she was reaching for a cookie. Progress. Noelle felt a quilt twinge. She had nothing personally against the other woman, except she had confessed she was the one who ran into Doreen.
“So,” she said guardedly, “you caused the accident?”
More sobbing. Finally, Melanie got control and set down her coffee cup. “Yes. It was me.”
“Wanna tell me about it? You did come here to share, right?”
Chapter Seventeen
What a horrible evening!
Melanie’s story was very sad. Almost as sad as her causing Doreen’s accident. Noelle opened her Bible to James. She knew there were passages about asking for direction in life, and she needed them now.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,…
She rolled that verse over in her mind. She thought she had followed it. She had patiently listened to Melanie’s confession, kept her ordinarily blabbering mouth shut, and found it was hard to be angry at the other woman. The woman who had changed her friend’s life.
Closing The Book, she called Braydon. She wasn’t sure why. Why not Mom who was always her Biblical advisor? She didn’t question, just pushed the right buttons on her cell.
Braydon answered on the quick. Was he expecting her? Now, her blabbering overflowed. And, he listened without interruption.
~
Braydon had mixed feelings. Was he convenient? Yet, he felt blessed that Noelle called him and shared. He, too, was confused about the Melanie confession. Did she just have the need to confess to someone? From everything Noelle had shared, he believed Melanie was truly repentant. Apparently, from what she’s said to Noelle, she had no church home, maybe hadn’t gone to one for years. Bruce’s influence?
He wanted to pray with Noelle over the phone, but being there in person was so much better.
Better yet would be to pray with Melanie. Finally, he decided and called Noelle back. Would she understand?
“Oh, I guess. Okay. I will call her to come back. You sure?” she asked.
~
Braydon settled on Noelle’s sofa and waited. He held a cup of coffee between his hands to warm them. Finally, the doorbell rang.
Noelle led another woman by the hand and sat her next to Braydon on the couch. She seemed very uncomfortable, hugging her arms against herself tightly.
Braydon didn’t even acknowledge her, just took her hand in his. He knew. He had trusted his savior to lead this woman to him, and now to Him.
Although he didn’t know all the details, he knew from Noelle this was the person who had caused Doreen’s devastating accident, the one that would change her life forever.
He knew none of the facts, but that was okay. He just started to pray.
He closed his eyes. “Dear Heavenly Father.” He felt a shiver, and the hand he was holding almost pulled away. But, he held on. “We know You are supreme. You know every outcome of every situation. We trust You completely to find the peace and comfort we need.” He paused and bowed his head. “Please bless our friend Melanie who is sad, confused and needing Your comfort.” He bowed his head lower. “Please draw her close to You, Lord. Let her feel your presence in a powerful way.”
Braydon felt the hand clasped in his released. Had he confused her? Said the wrong prayer? No, he trusted God for the words. He knew the understanding would come later. Sometimes it took time. God’s time.
Was this God’s time for him and Noelle? He set his coffee cup down and pulled her close. This evening had been very dramatic and enlightening, and he felt closer to Noelle than ever. He wanted her so badly. Is that why God was encouraging him? He knew he had fallen in love with her, but how did she feel? He decided to risk and pressed his lips to hers. They were sweet and tasted of coffee and cookies. Again, she smelled like lavender. He clung to the softness of her lips, and when finally forcing himself to break away, he hugged her again and grinned. He composed himself and strode to the door. When he heard it click, he knew. This was the real thing!
~
The next day the Candy Canes and Braydon and Melanie trooped into the hospital. The poor charge nurse was speechless. Braydon thought she might faint. He approached her very delicately with outstretched hands.
“I remember all of you,” she said with a shaky voice. “Candy Canes?”
Braydon laughed and nodded. Just for fun, and because it was the Christmas season, he handed her a fistful of striped candy canes. She collapsed in laughter.
This time she ignored how many of them went to Doreen’s room. Doreen was propped up in bed, TV on, but eyes closed. Cindy pushed the off button on the remote, and Doreen’s eyes flew open. “Oh, my!” She scanned the group, and gave them a
weak smile. “All of you.” Then she noticed Melanie. “Who are you? Do I know you?”
Melanie shook her head, and strands of brown tresses clung to tears on her cheeks. She approached Doreen gingerly, very slowly, glancing toward the group behind her. All the girls and Braydon nodded. She reached for the tissue box next to the hospital bed and pulled one out. Dabbing at her face, she pulled her shoulders back, raised her chin and laid her hand on Doreen’s arm. Connie let out a little gasp and grabbed Candy’s arm. Noelle reached for Braydon’s hand and bowed her head.
Finally, Melanie spoke. “It was me.”
Doreen frowned. “You? What? I don’t understand.”
“Me. The one who ran into you.”
“Oh.” Doreen pulled her arm away and turned her head. “Why?”
“Why did I come here? I’m not sure. Felt the need,” she whispered, “to confess.”
Braydon and Noelle touched the others’ arms and gestured for all of them to leave Melanie and Doreen alone. They slipped out quietly, closing the door behind them.
“What now?,” Natalie asked.
“Now,” Braydon said, “we pray.”
Chapter Eighteen
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
Kerstin checked the antique sideboard in her large dining room. She counted the stack of Spode soup bowls for the third time, and ran her hand along the edge of the embroidered linen runner they sat on. She could hardly wait for all the guests to arrive. The Honey Baked Ham Soup she and Noelle had made was keeping warm in her biggest Crockpot. Noelle and Candy had made the tiny corn muffins yesterday, and they were nestled in a linen Christmas napkin in a woven silver basket. This is why she had collected the Christmas china for so many years; this is why she clung to the big house on the hill – to entertain, especially at holidays, and especially young people. She wasn’t ready to downsize yet as Darrell had hinted at for several years. No, she loved her Newport enclave. Her Bible study and garden club friends were here, and amazingly, so were all of Noelle’s Candy Cane friends. Now, Braydon. How she hoped, and prayed.
Noelle, Natalie and Candy checked the sign they had printed out and hung on the giant basket by the front door. They tossed their wrapped items in it and giggled just as the doorbell chimed. Noelle always got a kick out of that chime. Somehow her mother and dad had figured out how to change its tune for special occasions. This evening it played Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Joy to the World alternately. Since these were the first guests to arrive Jingle Bells permeated the air.
It was a cool California evening. No snow, of course. But, thankfully, cool enough for light jackets. Cindy and Connie shrugged off their shawls and following Noelle’s lead dropped their tiny wrapped packages in the big basket. Soon, the other Candy Canes came in laughing and bumping against each other.
Last came Doreen with her parents. She was on crutches wrapped in red and green tape. She had only been released from the hospital this morning. But, her smile was huge, and her parents beamed. Mrs. Zimmer handed Noelle a plastic medicine container. “Can you please set a timer? Doreen needs to take a pill at seven.”
The guest list was complete. Almost.
Where was Dad?
And Braydon? She touched her lips where he had kissed her so passionately the other evening after Melanie had left. His lips had clung to hers, and she’d found her own clinging back. She remembered the heady taste of coffee and the Shortbread cookie he’d devoured mixed with the subtle smell of flowers. “My candy cane rose,” he had called her. Maybe she was now officially a GF.
Noelle started to fume until her mother put a hand on her arm. “Dad had to run an errand, and maybe Braydon had a last minute floral order.” Kerstin offered. “They will probably be along soon.”
The bell chimed Joy to the World, and Noelle rushed to the door to open it. Then, she stopped, and stared. Melanie?
“I hope I’m not too late. It was so kind of your mother to invite me.” She held a small wrapped package in one hand. “Where should I put this?” Noelle gestured to the big basket.
Noelle forced a smile. “Of course not. Please come in,” she said as politely as possible while gritting her teeth. Mom had invited Melanie? The woman who had caused Doreen’s devastating accident? What was she thinking?
Just as she was about to be surly, Doreen’s mother and Kerstin rushed to the door and each took one of Melanie’s hands. Mrs. Zimmer hugged her, and Kerstin planted a kiss on her cheek.
What is happening here? Most people who cause accidents don’t usually attend celebrations that include the person they hurt. Why did Mom invite her? Why was Doreen’s mother so kind?
Doorbell.
This time Cindy answered. And shrieked.
A portly Santa Clause with an askew beard boomed “Ho, ho, ho!”
Everyone burst into laughter as he adjusted his whiskers. They all clapped as he waddled into the foyer. He held a black trash bag tied at the top and started to fiddle with it.
“Let me help you, Santa,” Kerstin said as she stepped forward. She undid the yellow plastic ties and spread open the bag. Santa winked at her.
He reached into his bag and pulled out a fuzzy teddy bear. Then he made an announcement.
“Ho, ho, ho.” His eyes twinkled. Noelle knew Dad was having fun. “Each of you will get a bear; each has the name of an organization on a tag around its neck.” He paused to survey the group to make sure he had everyone’s attention. When he was sure, he went on. “It will be your responsibility tomorrow to help Santa deliver your teddy bear to the organization on your bear’s tag. So,” he continued, “a child they sponsor will get a bear.” He looked around to smiling faces. “Okay with that?”
Everyone clapped and some hooted. What a delightful Santa. He passed out bears, tore off his beard to reveal Noelle’s dad and started peeling off the heavy red suit just as …
The doorbell rang again.
~
Kerstin rushed to the door this time. She had a feeling who might be there as she swung it open.
Yep, another Santa. But, more authentic. He pushed his way in, like he belonged. His attire was perfect, could have played the part in a Hollywood film. Beard clung to his chin naturally, even eyebrows were white and fluffy. Black gloves, black boots – not fake. He raised those perfect white brows and looked around slowly, taking his time.
Finally, he spoke. There was a corporate sigh of relief from all the guests. Maybe some thought he was an intruder. But, Kerstin knew better.
“Ho, ho, ho.” He paused again and looked at the guests. “I think I’m supposed to say that.” Giggles. “I am not here to pass out gifts to all.” A group sigh. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I think you will understand, and be pleased.” He looked around again, then stopped.
“I am searching for a future Mrs. Santa. Anyone available? It comes with a lot of work. Supervising elves, checking lists, washing and ironing my red uniform.” He stopped there. “Well, I can do that myself. My mother, the Grandma Santa taught me how.” He grinned. “I guess the only other thing is to love me.
“Any takers?” He looked directly at Noelle.
“Did I mention I love little dogs? Especially ones with long tails.”
Kerstin clasped her hands together. This was so special, more than what she had prayed for. Darrell put his arm around her. The Candy Canes reached out to each other and embraced hands. One of them, Doreen maybe, reached for Melanie’s hand. Doreen’s parents had no clue what was happening, but they held hands and smiled. Anticipation?
Santa stumbled toward Noelle who was sitting on the sofa, her forehead in her hands nodding back and forth. He landed onto one knee and held up a blue velvet jewelry box.
“Will you, Noelle, be my Mrs. Santa? To have and to hold forever, and to check lists and supervise elves? Maybe help deliver flowers and make sure gift cards are in perfect English?”
Noelle collapsed in such hearty laughter everyone was stunned into silence. Even Santa Braydo
n. “Did I say it wrong?”
“No, no,” she said choking back laughter and tears. “It was perfect.” Still laughing, she reached for his hand.
~
The soup was succulent, brimming with chunks of ham and loaded with beans. Noelle added more onions. The cornbread muffins melted in mouths. The most fun part was the ornament exchange, the little wrapped items tossed in the big basket by the door. It was a tradition in Noelle’s family. Bring an ornament with tag attached to explain what it meant to the giver; take an ornament and enjoy.
Noelle lifted the one she had chosen to a high branch on her parents’ tree. A tiny red pickup truck. Written on the door were the words in permanent marker “Forgiven.”
Epilogue
One Year Later
Melanie fussed with her skirt. She laid her heart-shaped bouquet on the sofa in the Garden’s ante room, grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her lashes. Doreen took her hand. “It’s okay, Melanie. All is forgiven. Please don’t cry and ruin your makeup.”
Melanie nodded and smiled. She was so grateful for Doreen’s forgiveness and for God’s.
“Oh, here they all come!” she squealed with delight. Four perfumed women raced up the steps of the Sherman Foundation Gardens and burst with giggles into the room reserved for the bridal party. Red taffeta crinkled its own special tune. Cindy twirled and Natalie spun like a human top, one held arms outstretched holding her bouquet, the other with manicured hands pointing to the ceiling.
“Oh, we almost didn’t make it on time. Parking lot is super full. Then Cindy noticed the reserved signs in the first row,” Connie said breathlessly. “Thank goodness Braydon lent us his van so we could all come together.” In the next gulp she said, “We hope those spaces were reserved for the wedding party.”
“Then,” Candy took up the slack, “we had to decorate the groom’s car. Without scratching it,” she finished in a gasp. “Can’t scratch a Mercedes.” The girls all giggled.
Noelle's Christmas Wedding: Christian Contemporary Christmas Romance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 1) Page 8