by Beth Carter
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
Beth Carter, Author
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
Beth Carter, Author
MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO
Copyright © 2017 by Beth Carter
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without the permission of the author.
Cover design & interior formatting by Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs
Dedicated to all of the single moms (and dads) who struggle to make ends meet during the holidays. I’ve been there more years than I care to count. Stay strong, and remember, love is the best gift of all.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
CHAPTER 1
Two weeks before Christmas, Madison rushed to work excited about her office Christmas party. In the passenger seat sat her favorite go-to holiday recipe, chocolate-covered cashew clusters. All ten of her co-workers at the dental clinic loved her homemade candy and insisted she bring the same treat year after year.
Dressed in a black Christmas sweater featuring a smiling Santa with an extremely long white, furry beard, Madison hummed along to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas as she anticipated the secret Santa gift exchange. Employees always brought a wrapped five dollar gift, drew numbers, and either opened a new present or stole one of their co-worker’s gifts. Last year she ended up with a goofy sock monkey. The upside was her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, had loved it.
At a stop light, Madison checked her sparkly red lipstick. She loved the holidays—and parties. This is going to be one of those perfect days. I can feel it.
After she parked, Madison frowned as she glanced around the almost-empty lot, plus the dental office appeared dark. That’s weird. I wonder if this is some sort of surprise party where everyone is hiding inside and had to park elsewhere. If so, I missed the memo.
Madison drove to the corner of the lot just in case, parked, and lifted her container of chocolate cashews. As she stepped over a pot hole, a gold bell atop Santa’s red stocking cap jingled. Usually, the sound made her happy and festive. But today, something was off.
As she approached the steps, she squinted when she spotted a handwritten note on the front door. It simply read:
CLOSED
Madison frowned and spoke aloud. “Closed. Closed for what? What about our party? What about our patients?”
She jiggled the door handle but it was locked. Employees hadn’t been given keys since the dentist, Dr. Fenton, was an early riser and always beat everyone to the office. Setting her candy on the steps, she retrieved her cell phone and dialed her boss who finally answered after eight long rings.
She heard a mumbled “Hello.”
“Dr. Fenton? Is that you?” She paused. “Your voice sounds strange.”
“It’s me.”
Madison glanced at her watch. “I’m at the office for our Christmas party but it must have been moved to another location. No one is here and the door’s locked.”
The dentist sounded exhausted. He sighed into the phone. “There won’t be a party.”
Her brows knitted. “I don’t understand.”
“We’re closed, Madison. Closed for good,” the dentist said.
Madison gasped. “Oh, my God. What do you mean?”
“Exactly what you think. My divorce was finalized and my ex got the business.” He huffed into the phone. “As you can see by the sign on the door, treating dental patients isn’t at the top of her priority list.”
Tears pricked Madison’s eyes. “What about your long-time employees?” Her voice quivered. “Who does this two weeks before Christmas?”
The dentist cleared his throat. “Someone who doesn’t have a heart.”
A sob escaped her throat. “How will I pay my bills? How will I pay for rent, utilities and groceries?” She swiped at tears rolling down her cheeks. “How will I pay off Betsy’s toys for Christmas?”
“I’m really sorry, Madison. I’m strapped after losing my business and paying my attorney. I don’t know what to do either. Hell, I’m sitting in my boxers drinking beer and watching television.”
“It’s eight o’clock in the morning,” Madison said.
“So it is. So it is.”
Madison heard her former boss take another swallow. “Are you going to be okay?”
Dr. Fenton laughed for far too long. “Sure. I’m perfect. Dandy, in fact.” His words began to slur. “It’s . . . just . . . like you . . .to . . . care about other people . . . when your world has been . . . toppled.”
Feeling a combination of anger toward his ex-wife, combined with concern for her boss and overwhelming sadness and confusion about her new state of unemployment, Madison felt a massive headache bearing down. “I’m sorry, Dr. Fenton.”
He cackled again like a madman. “You’re sorry. Do you know how long I went to dental school? How long I dreamed about becoming a den-never mind. Good luck . . . Madison. I’ve got to go.”
“Wait. Will you write a letter of recommendation for me? I’ll need to find a job soon to support Betsy.” Madison frowned into the phone. “Not that anyone will be hiring right before Christmas.”
“Of . . . course. I’ll email a letter by tomorrow or maybe the next day. I’m afraid I’m not in any shape . . . to string three words together right now.”
Madison managed a tiny smile. “Thank you, Dr. Fenton. By the way, have you heard from Lisa?”
“No. I’m sure she has seen the closed sign by now.” He sighed. “I’m expecting calls from everyone any minute now.”
Madison nodded to herself. “Oh, yeah. You’ll be getting calls from your employees, not to mention patients. One last thing. What is your wife’s name?”
“Grinch. She’s the Grinch.” The dentist paused. “I have a few other names for her but it is Christmastime so I’ll be nice until the holidays are over.”
Not knowing what else to say to her former boss, Madison said, “Merry Christmas, Dr. Fenton. This will all work out. Somehow.”
CHAPTER 2<
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Madison trudged back to her car feeling as if she had weights on her shoes. The chocolate treats were now an unhappy reminder of the special day that wasn’t. After she climbed inside, she put her head on the steering wheel and bawled. As a single mom, she was head of the household. No one paid the bills except her. Betsy depended on her, plus it was Christmas. Dammit.
Taking five deep breaths to calm herself, she leaned against the headrest and eyed her chocolate peanut clusters. The smelled filled the car. She plucked off the tin candy cane lid, reached inside, grabbed the biggest cluster, and crammed it into her mouth. While she chewed, she called her former co-worker and best friend, Lisa.
Eventually, Lisa answered with a whispered hello and sobs. “So I guess you’ve heard. We don’t have a job.” Her co-worker sniffled while she talked. “Who fires people at Christmastime?”
Madison rubbed the throbbing pain above her left eyebrow. “It’s unbelievable. I’m in utter shock.”
“What are we going to do? I mean my husband has a job but what are you going to do? You have a child. Oh, God, Maddie. Want to come over for dinner tonight? At least you won’t have to buy groceries.”
Shifting in her seat, Madison wanted to be anywhere except in front of the dental clinic. “Thanks, but no. I’ll take a raincheck. I need to go home and think. Another time. Love you, friend.”
“Are you sure? I’ll make pasta, your favorite,” Lisa said.
Madison laughed. “You know I’m avoiding carbs.” She glanced at the tin filled with chocolate clusters. “Want some candy?”
Lisa laughed. “And you know I’m trying to lose five pounds before Christmas. Everything will work out, I think. Give Betsy a hug for me. Gotta run and wrap some gifts. At least they’re already paid for.”
“Wish I could say the same. Bye.” After they hung up, Madison drove out of the parking lot without looking back. She made a mental note to never drive in front of the depressing dental clinic again—unless it was to run over Dr. Fenton’s wife. Okay, maybe she wouldn’t actually run her over but the thought made her feel a tiny bit better.
Glancing at her half-empty gas tank, she weighed whether to go to an empty home since Betsy was in kindergarten or go to a Starbucks to sit and ponder her suddenly dim future. She decided the latter was too expensive and bought coffee for one dollar at a McDonald’s drive-thru. As she lifted the lid and blew on the steaming coffee, a large Target sign caught her eye. Her shoulders dropped.
Betsy’s toys and bike are still in layaway. I didn’t make last month’s payment since my utility bill was so high. I’ve got to see if I can make a small payment so she doesn’t lose her Christmas gifts.
As Madison rounded the corner, parked, and attempted to step inside, excited holiday shoppers crowded into the entrance past a Salvation Army bell ringer. Several dropped coins or dollar bills into the red kettle. Madison wanted to contribute and felt guilty for holding onto her last few dollars. I’ve got to get this over with.
She grabbed a cart and headed toward the back of the store. A long line snaked around two aisles as other customers apparently decided to obtain their layaway purchases on this very day at this very time. Madison groaned and left, nearly blinded by tears. Can this day get any worse?
When she drove home, Madison ignored the mailbox as if it had the plague. She knew it would be full of bills. Several bills. Bills she couldn’t pay.
Tucking the tin of candy under her arm, she knocked on their elderly neighbor’s door.
Mrs. Stapp peeked through the chain holding the door in place. She opened it wide when she spotted Madison. “You’re home early, dear.”
“Yes, I know.” Madison’s voice caught but the last thing she wanted was a long conversation about her job. She thrust the tin toward her neighbor. “I hope you like chocolate-covered cashews.”
Mrs. Stapp beamed. “They happen to be my favorite. Harold loves them, too. What’s the occasion?”
Madison shrugged. “Just a little thank you for babysitting Betsy. I’ve, uh, got some time off, so she won’t need a sitter for a while.” She shifted her feet. “Thank you for all you’ve done for Betsy and me.”
“It’s my pleasure, dear. Let me know when you want me to watch Betsy again. That little girl keeps me young.” Mrs. Stapp held the tin in the air. “Thank you for the goodies.”
Madison hugged her neighbor and left. After she walked back inside, she paced the kitchen until it was time for Betsy to come home from kindergarten. When she heard the familiar rumble of the school bus, she zipped her coat and ran to greet her daughter.
As usual, Betsy’s coat was unzipped, and instead of on her hands, her mittens peeked out of her pockets. Cheeks red with excitement—and from the cold—Betsy ran toward her mother. “Mommy, mommy. It’s Cwismas break. I don’t have to go to school ‘mowwow.”
“I know.” Madison kissed her cheek. “I think someone needs a lunch treat to celebrate. How does McDonald’s sound?”
Betsy clapped her tiny hands. “Goody.”
After they arrived, Madison ordered a soda and a kids’ meal for her daughter.
Between bites, Betsy asked, “Aren’t you hungry, Mommy?”
Madison shook her head. “Not really.”
Betsy pushed her food in front of her mother. “I’m full. Can I pway now? Pweaze?”
Madison stared into her daughter’s huge, blue eyes. She couldn’t say no to that face, plus it wasn’t as if she had a job to go to. “Sure, hon. It’s cold out. Let me zip your coat first.” While Betsy ran outside to the enclosed playground area, Madison finished her daughter’s half-eaten burger and cold fries.
She dumped the trash and beamed as her unknowing daughter waved and bounded toward the slide. She doesn’t have any idea that her Christmas toys might be in jeopardy, nor that I don’t have much money for . . . anything. Madison’s eyes filled with tears. She angrily brushed them away before Betsy spotted her. Putting on her best make-believe smile and game face, Madison waved as her daughter climbed the small stairs yet again.
Madison glanced at her cell phone and scrolled local employment ads. The pickings were slim. She guessed either everyone had taken the best job so they’d have money for the holidays or companies were simply in seasonal mode and not hiring. She shoved her phone back in her purse. Now, I may not be able to afford this phone.
She made a mental note to see if she could get a cheaper plan, held her head high, and watched as Betsy squealed and played with another toddler. At least she’s having fun. That’s all that matters.
Rubbing her hands together to stay warm, Madison decided to make a trip to the Dollar Store soon to get gloves for herself. She cupped her hands around her mouth, stepped outside, and said, “Betsy, come on. You’ve played long enough.”
“Just a little longer, Mommy.”
Madison shoved her hands in her pockets. It was hard to say no to her precious daughter. “Five more minutes.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Betsy ran back to the slide and began climbing the colorful steps. The other kids had already left.
Frowning, Madison’s thoughts turned to Dr. Fenton and his hateful ex-wife. Again, she wondered how a woman could be so spiteful to take her husband’s business and close it right before Christmas. She realized she had never set eyes on Mrs. Fenton who had never dropped by the dental practice, at least not when she was there. Also concerned about her boss, she hoped he wouldn’t begin drinking heavily. Madison shook her head. His ex-wife had managed to ruin several lives in one fell swoop. And for what? Spite?
Madison’s nose was cold and beginning to run. “Betsy, your time is up. Let’s go home.”
The little girl ran toward her mother. “This has been the best day, Mommy.”
Madison kissed the top of her daughter’s curly, blonde head. “I’m glad you had a good day. It’s time to go home.”
As they drove, Silent Night played on the radio. That song brought Madison to tears during the best of times. She changed the channel.
Betsy’s little face twisted. “Mommy, I was singing.”
Madison turned the dial. “I’ll find another Christmas song.” She scanned the stations until she found Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Betsy clapped her hands and began singing.
“See? I found a good one.” Madison leaned against the headrest and rubbed her tense shoulder with her free hand. She wanted to believe in a Christmas miracle but those things didn’t happen to her.
As she drove past the mailbox as usual, something—or someone—told her to reverse the car and check the mail. She parked, told Betsy to remain seated, and retrieved a massive bundle of mail. Madison groaned.
CHAPTER 3
After they stepped inside the tiny kitchen, Betsy ran toward her bedroom while Madison made a pot of coffee. She needed fortitude before tackling the giant stack of what was likely bills and more bills.
Instead of adding her usual creamer, she chose to drink the java black. Madison sorted and prioritized bills for the rent, utilities, trash, phone, and her sole credit card. She never wanted to go into debt and wouldn’t allow herself to have more than one credit card with only a five thousand dollar limit. Still, five thousand dollars was a fortune to her and the last thing she wanted was to owe that much money.
After refilling her coffee, Madison noticed one piece of mail had fallen to the floor. The envelope was stamped “IMPORTANT” in bold, red letters. She ripped it open and immediately recognized the red bullseye Target logo. Her heart sank and her eyes clouded with tears as she endeavored to focus on the words.
She sat down and quickly scanned the form letter which mentioned making another payment immediately since she had “obviously misplaced the previous month’s invoice.” Madison shook her head. I wish I had paid this last month when I had a job. It has been so cold my utility bill was more than double my usual payment. I couldn’t afford to pay for her toys and bike. She ran her fingers through her hair as she continued reading the alert written in all caps. The words blurred but what stood out was the fact the store announced they’d be forced to put the toys back into inventory.