Mistletoe & Kisses

by Anthology

  Ella is just setting the pie down on the counter and jumps as my voice startles her. Spinning around, her face lights up when it lands on me. She looks so much like my mother it always makes my heart jump into my throat when I first see her. I swear if they’d been born closer together, instead of thirteen years apart, they would’ve been mistaken for identical twins.

  I inherited their high cheekbones, petite nose, and soft ivory skin, which no matter how much I try to tan, I always remain pasty, and we all got the long sweeping eyelashes and sparkling amber eyes with dark green specks from Grandma Rosie. My aunt’s hair is the same caramel blonde as mine, but in the winter, mine begins to look more light brown, since I lose my natural highlights from the sun. She wears her hair short, stopping just below her shoulders, while mine falls to the middle of my back.

  You’d think since I’m a hairstylist I’d go crazy with my hair and experiment with color, but I’ve always loved my hair and never felt the need to change it.

  She tosses her oven mitts on the kitchen counter and hops on her toes with excitement. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t even hear you come in. I’m so happy you’re here!”

  We wrap our arms around one another with Ella hugging me so gently I think she’s afraid she’ll hurt me if she squeezes me too tightly. Breaking away from her, I dart my eyes to the pie on the counter and my stomach growls right on cue. “The roads weren’t bad at all, so I made good timing. I’m excited to spend the holidays here. Seeing you’re baking pies, I don’t know if I’ll ever want to leave!” I joke as I climb up onto a barstool at the island.

  “I made some pies for the guests this weekend. You want me to cut you a slice? I have vanilla ice cream in the freezer.”

  Smiling, I lick my lips and rub my hands over my belly. “I’d love some, and I think this little girl would too by how loud my stomach is grumbling.”

  The second I say girl, her eyes sparkle with excitement. “Girl? You’re having a girl?!”

  I can’t contain the excitement bubbling inside me. I nod my head enthusiastically and press my hands to my tiny baby bump. “Yup. I found out this afternoon I can officially buy all the pink frilly dresses I want.”

  “This calls for a celebration. I have some pies that have already been cooling for a few hours. Let me cut us each a slice and then you can catch me up on everything.”

  We spend the next two hours talking. After we ate pie, we moved to the living room, where we sat by the fire and I caught Ella up on the soap opera that is my life right now. Being the amazing person she is, she never once judged me or gave me the ‘I feel sorry for you’ look. She is not just family, but one of my best friends. I owe it to me moving in when I was just entering my teenage years.

  I’d always looked up to her growing up, and even before my mother passed, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s. I wanted to be just like Ella when I grew up. She was smart, pretty, and driven. I hate that over the years I lost the desire to chase my dreams and kind of just got stuck in the rut of everyday life. Being here with her is exactly what I need to help get my brain back on track.

  We talked about baby names and then even talked a little about my mother. It hurts more than I can ever put into words knowing my mother will never meet my daughter, hold her, and watch her grow. But I’m grateful I have my Aunt Ella by my side, being the support system I desperately need right now.

  Chapter Four

  THE SOUND OF wood being chopped wakes me. The sun is up and shining through the windows, straight onto my bed.

  So much for sleeping in this morning. Rolling onto my side, I glance at my phone and see it’s seven-thirty in the morning. Who the hell is up this early on a freaking Saturday?

  I try to close my eyes and fall back asleep, but it doesn’t happens. I slap the bed in frustration, and gripping the fluffy down comforter, I whip it off of me and slowly climb out of bed. My back is killing me today from all the running around I did yesterday. I sometimes forget I’m pregnant and should be taking it a little easier.

  I walk over to the window and peer down to see who’s causing all the racket so early in the morning. I can’t see a face, because their back is to me, but whoever it is has big, broad shoulders, powerful arms, and a very nice behind.

  He’s wearing a pair of jeans, boots, and a flannel shirt that’s rolled up to his elbows. His hair appears to be brown, but when the sun hits it just right through the trees, I spot a hint of dark red. His hair is longer than most guys I know, with loose curls hanging around his ears.

  Whoever he is, he looks pretty good from the backside. Blame it on the hormones raging through my body, but I suddenly feel myself flush with heat, tickling me from my scalp to my toes as I watch him set another log up on the tree stump and grip the axe before swinging it back and connecting with the log, splitting it in two.

  Who knew cutting wood could be such a turn on?

  I cannot believe I really just had this thought flash through my mind. What if he’s married and I’m up here drooling over this man? I’ll do what I always do: blame it on Jase. This is all his fault. Douchebag.

  If he wasn’t such an asshole, I’d be getting sex whenever the craving for it hit me, but instead, I’m alone and left to take matters into my own hands…literally.

  My stomach rumbles as it screams at me to feed it. I ignore it and head into the bathroom. My need to pee outweighs my need to eat right now. It takes everything in me to pull myself away from the window. I’m invested in this now. I need to see his face. I pray to God he’s fugly. He can have a hot-as-sin body a girl could only wish for on a guy, but an ugly face would kill the desire. The best thing for me is to avoid any temptation. I’m here to get away from Jase, and all men in general. I need to just focus on me and my baby, and not let my hormones cloud my judgment or decision making.

  I decide to take a quick shower before heading downstairs to get some coffee. I didn’t fall asleep last night until after one in the morning, because my brain wouldn’t shut down. I ended up reading on my Kindle app until my eyes finally started to feel heavy with sleep. I didn’t think much of it, since I’m on vacation and figured I’d just sleep in today, but whoever the hell is outside splitting wood at the crack of dawn has ruined that plan.

  I’m going to need a nap by the afternoon. I swear this baby is draining every ounce of energy out of me on a daily basis. I used to be the Energizer bunny, but now I feel like I need to recharge every few hours.

  When I head downstairs, I spot the elderly couple sitting together at the small table and chairs set beside the sliding glass doors while sipping their coffee and reading the paper. It’s funny seeing someone read an actual newspaper. So many people read them on their phones or tablets now.

  I don’t see the family Ella said are staying here too. They’re probably sleeping in right now, like I should be. It’s just my luck the room I got placed in is right above Mr. Lumberjack. Sure, he’s great eye candy to wake up to, but I’d prefer to wake up to him around, say, ten o’clock or so.

  The aroma of fried yumminess fills my nose the closer I get to the kitchen. I spot Ella at the stove slaving away on breakfast. I’ve never been so happy my morning sickness is gone, because if her food tastes as great as it smells, I’m going to be food-drunk after I scarf down a plate or two.

  “What are you making? It smells so good,” I ask as I perch myself against the countertop beside her. She is an amazing cook and could’ve went to culinary school instead of getting a degree in business, but I guess she uses both skills here at her bed and breakfast.

  She stirs what looks like home fries before setting the spatula down on the counter. She blows a puff of air, making a loose strand of hair that has fallen in front of her eye fly out of the way. Her hair is pulled up in a messy bun, I’m guessing to keep it out of our food, which is greatly appreciated.

  “Well look who is up bright and early. I hope you’re hungry, because I think I’m cooking enough food to feed this entire town. I’m making fried eggs, home
fries, and waffles. I have yogurt, fruit, and granola in the fridge if you want some.”

  Laughing, I rub my belly. “Believe me, Ella, at this point, I am always hungry! I think I might have a little of everything,” I tell her as my eyes roam over all the food. “How many people will be joining us?”

  Her eyes drop to my belly and she reaches out to rub it through my oversized knitted sweater. Since my jeans have gotten too tight, I’m now living in yoga pants and sweaters. Thankfully, this look is ‘in’ right now, so I can feel comfortable and still look stylish enough to go out in public.

  “You’re doctors are going to be thrilled then, because I’m going to make sure this baby gets all the nutrients she needs while you’re here. You look too thin anyways, so prepare to eat a lot, missy.” Grabbing the carton of eggs, she gets to work cracking the eggs and frying them up.

  She has a stack of plates on the island and silverware out in an assorted holder. I don’t know how she keeps up when she’s full capacity, cooking all on her own. Glancing at me before bringing her attention back to the eggs, she tells me, “For breakfast, it’s just you, myself, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, and Brody, who should be coming in soon too. His son, Corbin, is already here. He’s in the living room watching cartoons, and I imagine will want food soon. Chocolate milk won’t tie him over much longer.”

  “Brody? Who’s that?” I ask.

  I know she has a boyfriend, but his name is Devin and he is almost the same height as Ella, with short, inky black hair that is buzzed off. I know that for a fact, because they post excessive amounts of photos on Instagram and Facebook whenever they’re out and about somewhere. He owns a bar here, and I guess she met him last summer while out with some girlfriends. I’ve never met him, so this Christmas will be my first time being introduced to him. Ella has said she thinks he’s the one. Her face lit up last night when she talked about him.

  I hate to sound bitter, but I hate that I’m standing here five months pregnant and craving even a sliver of the love she has with him. I doubt Jase will ever change. I want happiness and love like Ella and Devin have. Now that I’m pregnant, it’s going to be even harder to stay strong, but I need to set an example for my child. Maybe someday I’ll find love—real love, with a man who looks at me like I hung the moon. With a baby, it’s going to be hard to find love, because they won’t just be with me; they’ll be taking on a child too.

  “Oh, Brody. He lives in the loft above the barn with his son Corbin. He’s good friends with Devin. He needed a job that would be easier on him with having a baby full-time. Poor guy has had a rough few years. Being a single father when you have no idea how to care for a baby is a stressful and overwhelming thing. I was in need of a maintenance man and someone to help run this place, so I eagerly jumped on the opportunity. I love Corbin. He stays here and plays all day while Brody works around here.”

  My heart aches as I think about him raising his baby on his own. I am scared to death about being a single mom, but I’ve been around Aaliyah since the day she was born, so I have experience around babies. I can only imagine how overwhelmed he was. I’m glad Ella has such a big heart and helped him.

  The potatoes are sizzling in the grease bubbling inside the pan, so Ella quickly gets to work stirring them again. I spot the waffle maker on the counter and the bottle of liquid mix. “You need help? I can make the waffles, while you cook the eggs and potatoes.

  Ella lets out a sigh of relief and her face relaxes as she gives me a warm smile. “That would be wonderful. I swear I need about six more hands.”

  Chapter Five

  THE NEXT TWENTY minutes fly by as we get into a perfect rhythm in the kitchen. Before I know it, we have breakfast done and get everything set up for everyone to start making their plates.

  “Would you mind running outside and letting Brody know breakfast is done? I gotta get Corbin’s plate made and set him up at the table,” Ella asks.

  I wash my hands and dry them with the dish rag hanging on the oven door. My mood is already improving, and I’ve already mentally forgiven Brody for waking me up. I’m glad I got to come down this morning and do all this with Ella. It felt great having someone around to talk with while preparing breakfast. Normally, I’m always alone and running out the door to work, so breakfast is a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich or a Poptart.

  “Sure. I can’t wait to meet Corbin. How old is he?”

  I follow Ella towards the living room, where Corbin is watching Disney Jr. on the flat screen resting on the mantel of the massive fireplace.

  “He just turned three. He is the sweetest, most intelligent little boy I’ve ever known. You’re going to love him.”

  Ella walks around the large sectional and scoops up the little boy, who has the cutest smile and the same reddish curly hair as his dad. He is in his footie jammies still and snuggling with his soft-looking blankey and sippy-cup as Ella carries him toward me.

  “Corbin, I want you to meet someone,” she says gently as she presses a kiss to his plump, rosy cheek. She smiles up at me as she points Corbin in my direction. “This is my niece Callie. She’s come to spend Christmas here. Can you say hi to her?”

  He gives me a shy smirk and hides his face behind his blanket. Reaching out, I tickle his belly and he lets out the sweetest, most cheerful giggle that instantly makes my heart light up. “Hi, Corbin. I love your jammies. I take it you love Jake and the Neverland Pirates? They are so cool.”

  His eyes slowly appear above his blanket. They’re sparkling with excitement and I can’t help but smile at him. He is adorable.

  “I love Jake!” he says matter-of-factly, finally removing the blanket from his face. He points at his pajamas, showing me all the characters on it.

  “I swear we watch that show twenty times a day. Thank goodness for the DVR, or I think he’d never take a nap,” Ella tells me as she squeezes one of Corbin’s chubby cheeks.

  I tickle Corbin’s belly one more time. His smile is like a ray of sunshine breaking through an overcast day. It is definitely helping boost my mood. I’m excited to play with him today. I rub my belly as I think about what my baby will be like, if she’ll look like me or Jase. I refuse to let sadness creep in and ruin my good mood, so I push all thoughts of Jase to the back of my mind.

  “I know that all too well. I babysit my friend Gia’s daughter once a week so she and her fiancé can go out for a date night, and we spend the entire day watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I think I can recite every episode word-for-word. Well, I’m going to run out and get Brody, but save me a seat next to you for breakfast, okay?” I direct the last part at Corbin, and with another face-splitting grin and his cheeks reddening, he nods shyly at me.

  Ella walks back towards the dining area with Corbin. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are already at the table eating their breakfast as I head outside to find Brody. The second I open the front door, a burst of cold air hits my face and blows through the holes of my knitted sweater, making a shiver pass through me. I make my way down the stairs, stomping through the fresh snow that fell last night.

  It’s beautiful outside today, minus the cold weather. The pine trees lining the shoreline are covered in fluffy snow, making it appear to be a winter wonderland. I hug myself, attempting to keep my body warm as I walk around to the side of the large home and try to find Brody. I get to the spot that is visible from my room, where he was chopping wood earlier, but he’s no longer there.

  A gust of wind whips by me, making me quicken my pace. “Jesus, it’s freezing today!” I mutter to myself as I look around for this guy. I’m cursing my clothing choice, because right now, it feels like I’m walking around topless.

  I spot the large wooden barn Ella was talking about earlier, where Brody and Corbin live. I pray to God he’s in there, because it’s way too cold to keep wandering around this massive property, trying to find him.

  The barn is shut and a padlock is hanging from the door. I glance around the side of the barn and spot a small white door that must lead upstairs
. I walk over to it and test the door handle, discovering it’s unlocked. Turning it, I quietly step inside and shut the door behind me. I climb the tall staircase that leads up to another white door and stop when I reach the top. Peering through the glass, I try to see if I spot him anywhere. I knock on the window and wait for almost a minute with no reply. Knocking again, I wait and see if he’ll answer.

  Still nothing. Where in the hell is this guy? I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet as I try to keep myself warm. It helps being inside this stairway, but it’s still pretty damn cold. Finally, I check the handle to see if maybe it’s open. I don’t want to head back out into the cold just to find he was inside going to the bathroom or something. I don’t know why Ella didn’t just text him. It would be a hell of a lot faster, and a whole lot warmer.

  My stomach grumbles as I let out a sigh of relief when the door swings open. I’m hit with a burst of warm air as I pop my head into the house. “Hello? Brody? Are you in here?” I shout into the house as I try to speak through my chattering teeth.

  I hear movement from a room just off of the small living room before a deep and husky voice yells back to me, “I’ll be right there.”

  Stepping into the house, I shut the door and lean against it. I rub at my arms as I try to warm myself up; I can’t stop shivering.

  I feel my body slowly warming up as I look around the small space. It isn’t much, but I guess for a single guy with a son, they don’t need much. There’s a small kitchen that opens into the living room, and then two doors off of the living room I’m guessing are bedrooms. One says Corbin on it with rainbow block letters, and the other is cracked open, which must be the room Brody is in.

  The living room is pretty plain. The walls are a flat cream color with a dark cream-colored sofa in the center of the room. There’s a flat screen on the wall, but other than that, there are no photos or decorative objects hung up. I spot a few photos of Corbin on the refrigerator. There’s a small toy box on the floor by the couch with some toys scattered around it, but it’s otherwise pretty bare. This doesn’t feel homey; it feels like a just-for-now kind of place, which is sad.