Christmas Comes to Dickens

by Nancy Fraser

  “Nothing for me, but I think Millie get’s ice cream or a cookie with her child’s meal. Assuming she has any room left in her tummy.”

  Millie made a show of rubbing her hand across her middle. “There’s some space left for chocolate ice cream.”

  Their server removed their plates and went in search of Millie’s ice cream. Now, Rick realized, would be the perfect time to give Millie her gift.

  “While we’re waiting for your dessert, I have something to give you.” He withdrew the neatly wrapped package from his pocket.

  “For me?” Millie repeated.

  Rick nodded and handed her the gift.

  Millie tore into the package, shredding the paper in seconds. “My fairy ornament!” she shouted. “You got it for me.”

  He glanced in Cassidy’s direction and caught her smile. “Yes, Millie. And you were right, she does look just like you.”

  Cassidy laid her hand over his and squeezed, silently mouthing a ‘thank you’ before turning her attention back to her daughter.

  Millie was literally bouncing in her chair. “Oh thank you Mr. B...I mean Mr. Rick. It’s beautiful.”

  “A beautiful fairy for a beautiful young lady. You’re welcome, Millie.”

  Once Millie’s dessert arrived, Cassidy pried the ornament from her daughter’s hands and laid it back in the box. “How about I put this away for safe keeping until we get home?”

  Although reluctant, Millie nodded politely, released her grip on her gift, and dug into her ice cream. “This has been the best dinner ever.”

  A lump filled his throat, and he swallowed it back. How could this little slip of girl, and her absolutely perfect mother, have made their way into his thoughts—his heart—so quickly?

  CASSIDY TURNED FULL-circle, her boots crunching on the snow beneath her feet.

  The town square was filled from one side to the other with people. Young, old, it didn’t matter. They were all there to enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Directly across from the gaily decorated gazebo, an open field had been designated for the snowman building competition.

  Rick and Millie were busy rolling the first mound of snow for the base, while Cass sorted through the items she’s stuffed in her bag, pulling out the old, rather ragged blue knit scarf and hat Millie had outgrown. These would do nicely, she decided.

  Watching her daughter and Rick dancing around in the snow, throwing loose clumps of wet flakes at one another, laughing loudly, made Cassidy’s heart swell with emotion. Millie had never known the love of a father, and she had barely any experience with men other than in brief day-to-day conversations. The fact Millie had shown no shyness around Rick gave Cassidy great comfort, but also concern.

  Would Millie become too attached? Assuming Rick would one day return to his home in New York, would her daughter be affected by his leaving?

  “Hey, you,” Rick shouted in her direction. “Are you planning on letting us do all the work?”

  Cassidy quickly closed the distance between them. Donning her own thick mittens, she started on the snowman’s middle section, pushing the large ball of snow across the ground. “No way am I going to let the two of you have all the fun,” she teased, tossing a handful of loose snow in his direction.

  “Momma,” Millie shouted. “Did you remember a carrot for our snowman’s nose?”

  Cass bit her lip, suddenly realizing she’d not given a thought for the usual enhancements. Before she could confess her mistake, Rick spoke up.

  “Never mind that old-fashioned stuff. I’ve got something even better.” He withdrew a cloth pouch from his jacket pocket. “I ‘borrowed’ these from the factory.” Opening the bag, he poured out two lumps of black plastic, six marble-sized balls, and a bright red button. “I have it on good authority, these will make the perfect face for our snowperson.”

  “Wowzers!” Millie exclaimed. “We’re gonna have the best snowman ever.” She glanced around the open field before reminding them, “As soon as we find some arms.”

  Rick handed the loose pieces of plastic to Cass and then gave a short bow in Millie’s direction. “At your service, my young princess. I shall find us the best snowman arms in the land.” A moment later, he was heading off in the direction of the line of trees bordering the field.

  “He’s so silly,” Millie said with a giggle, her gaze following Rick as he jogged away. “But so nice.”

  Cassidy felt the same, admitting, “Yes, sweetheart, he is.”

  Their project complete, the blue hat and scarf in place, Rick motioned for them to stand next to their slightly crooked, but undeniably perfect snowman. “Let me get a couple of pictures,” he suggested, withdrawing his cell from the inside pocket of his jacket.

  Millie hammed it up, as usual, posing for a half dozen shots. Every time she made a goofy face, Rick laughed appropriately.

  “Come on, Momma,” Millie coaxed. “Smile big.”

  “Yeah, Mom,” Rick teased. “One more for the birdie.”

  The sun had gone down fully only moments before, and the crowd began assembling around the gazebo, waiting patiently for the official ceremonies to begin. The local high school choir sang Christmas carols off to the side while the mayor took his spot on the podium, ready to welcome the guest who would flip the switch and launch the formal holiday season.

  “I can’t see,” Millie grumbled.

  No sooner were the words out of her mouth when Rick scooped her up and set her atop his shoulders. “That better?” he asked.

  “Yes, Mr. Rick. Now I can see everything.” Millie leaned forward and pressed her cheek to the top of Rick’s woolen cap. “Thank you.”

  Rick’s deep sigh echoed between them. “You’re welcome, princess.”

  Chapter 8

  CASS OPENED THE DOOR to her apartment and stepped aside while Rick carried a sleeping Millie over the threshold.

  “Where to?” he whispered.

  “Down the hall, second door on the left. Just lay her down and I’ll get her undressed.”

  He did as she instructed, placing Millie in the middle of her bed. “She’s sleeping like the proverbial log.”

  “She’s a rock when she sleeps and a pistol when she’s awake,” Cass confirmed. She slid Millie’s boots off and set them aside. “She...we...had a great time tonight. Thank you again.”

  “And, for the umpteenth time, you’re welcome.”

  Cass drew a breath. “I know, I sometimes overcompensate in the ‘thank you’ department. Let’s just say, it’s been awhile since anyone, other than Frances, has shown us this much kindness.”

  When she’d removed Millie’s coat and scarf, she pushed herself to her feet and stood in front of him, barely a foot between them.

  “I’m glad it was me, then.” The low tenor of his voice drew her closer.

  She raised her head, their gazes connecting. His dark eyes flared with intense emotion, and he lowered his head, his mouth hovering scant millimeters above hers.

  Her lips tingled in anticipation of his kiss.

  “Momma,” a drowsy voice called. “Are we home?”

  Cass broke away from the allure of Rick’s lips and turned toward her daughter. “Yes, sweetie, we’re home.”

  Millie rolled over in her bed and wrapped her arms around her stuffed giraffe. “Good,” she mumbled. “I didn’t want to fall asleep in my booster seat, like a baby.”

  Rick chuckled and then spun around and walked back to the front door. “I’ll call you tomorrow, if that’s okay, and we’ll finalize the menu for the party.”

  “That would be great,” she responded. “I’ll put a few ideas together tonight before I go to bed.”

  He smiled, gave a quick nod, and left the apartment. Cass watched as he walked away and wondered if they’d missed their window. Their one chance at taking the next step.

  CASS SPARED A QUICK glance at her phone, silently wishing for another message from Rick. The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of activity. She’d finalized the menu for
the Wil-Bar party with the caterer, the prizes for the employee raffle, and the generous tokens for each guest.

  About the only thing she didn’t have organized was her personal life. That was still very much up in the air. While they’d spent some time together, the three of them, she’d been consumed with her business. Rick was caught up in the Wil-Bar holiday shipping rush, leaving them with only a few stolen moments before he returned to New York to attend to business there.

  Her phone dinged, the melodic tone quickening her heartrate. She poked the screen and welcomed the sight of Rick’s smiling face on the messenger icon.

  How’s it going?

  Cass slid her finger over the keyboard. Fine. Everything’s set. The only thing missing is the host.

  A smiley face appeared, followed by the message she’d been waiting for these past couple of days. Don’t worry. I’m leaving first thing in the morning. Should be there in time to take you to dinner.

  Great! I can’t wait. Just no more fancy meals. I’ve gained at least five pounds since I met you.

  There was a pause, and Cass held her breath in anticipation.

  Sorry. The realtor was asking me a question. Just so you won’t worry—the five pounds have gone to all the right places.

  She closed her eyes and let his compliment sink in. Wait? What? What realtor? The urge to ask sat perched on the end of her fingertips.

  Millie’s will be at a sleepover for the night so you don’t need to pick a place that serves spaghetti or pizza.

  Really? He followed his one-word response with a winking emoji.

  She returned a smiling emoji. Yes. Really.

  Gotta run. Paperwork. I’ll call when I get in.

  K. Bye.

  Miss you and Millie.

  We miss you too.

  The screen went dark, and she slid Rick’s chat face into the trash. Then, wished she hadn’t. There was something comforting about staring at his picture, with his smoldering gaze and slightly crooked smile. Even though they were still in the casual phase...heck, they hadn’t even kissed yet...she was already falling hard. He was charming, intelligent, generous, kind. And, unlike the other few men she’d dated, hadn’t run for the hills when he’d found out she had a child. If anything, he’d gone out of his way to spread the Barrett charm in Millie’s direction too.

  One more day, a quiet dinner, and then—without a child to distract them—maybe a very special evening.

  THE IDEA OF SPENDING an evening with Cassidy was like an entire symphony to Rick’s ears. He’d even mapped out the perfect seduction, beginning with a candlelight dinner and ending—hopefully—with dessert. Admittedly, he’d never moved this slow in a new relationship before, but there was something about Cassidy that made him believe in more than just a short-term romance, or an even shorter fling.

  She was the kind of woman who would want something more, something permanent—a concept he’d never once imagined. Until now with Cassidy and Millie.

  However, life had a way of intervening in even the best laid plans. Or, more precisely, Mother Nature knew just how to throw in an obstacle or two.

  A winter storm squall had slowed down his progress by dumping a foot of snow on the most direct route between New York and Dickens. He’d not arrived home until late. Exhausted, both mentally and physically, he’d collapsed on his bed and slept until half-past eight the next morning.

  He picked up his phone and dialed Cassidy’s number, holding his breath until she answered.

  “KC Plann—”

  Rick quickly interrupted her usual greeting. “Good morning, Brown Eyes.”

  Her sigh of relief flooded the line. “You made it home. Thank goodness. When I didn’t hear from you again after you left the interstate, I was worried.”

  “It was late, and I didn’t want to wake you up again,” he explained.

  “I wouldn’t have minded,” she admitted, the soft tone of her voice supporting her claim. “Have you had any sleep?”

  “Yes,” he responded, chuckling. “I got in sometime between two and three. I woke up about twenty-minutes ago, but thought I’d better get a cup of coffee before I attempted a coherent sentence.”

  “Probably a good idea,” she agreed. “Will we see you before the employee party tomorrow?”

  “We? So, Millie’s home already?” He did his best to hide his disappointment but wasn’t surprised when she homed in on his choice of words.

  A short laugh proceeded her confirmation. “Yes. She got home about ten minutes ago, filled with numerous stories of how great it was to camp out in a tent in her friend’s bedroom and make something she’s calling ‘wish sticks’.”

  “Wish sticks?” he repeated. “Not fish sticks?”

  “No, unfortunately. The woman who hosted Millie and her own granddaughter is Frances’ good friend. And, like Frances, likes to fill the girls’ heads with ideas of fairies and magic. She told them if they used these decorated sticks and wished hard enough, what they wanted would come true.”

  He gave a hearty laugh, and asked, “Any idea what she wished for?”

  “I asked,” Cassidy admitted. “She told me it was a secret and telling me would keep it from happening.” She paused, finally adding, “As long as I don’t end up with a pony in my apartment, I’ll be happy.”

  “A pony?” he repeated.

  “Yes, that’s what she usually asks for when she’s sitting on Santa’s lap. Thankfully, Santa is wise enough to know we don’t have room for a pony.”

  “You could always board the animal in the stables at Barrett House. Then, I’d be assured of seeing you all the time.”

  Caught off guard by his offer, she asked, “You have stables?”

  “Yes. And, currently, six horses. Speaking of which, I need to get on my proverbial horse and get moving. I’ve got a half-dozen things to take care of at Wil-Bar, including confirmation that they’ve cleared a huge portion of the warehouse floor for your set up tomorrow.”

  “Everything’s in line for eleven, as you requested.”

  “I also have dinner tonight with some friends of the family, but we could squeeze in some time beforehand if you and Millie would like to meet me at Morty’s for coffee and donut holes.”

  “Sorry, we can’t. I’ve got a corporate party to oversee this evening and set up begins at three.”

  “Okay, then. Tomorrow it is. I’m looking forward to giving Millie her tour of the factory.”

  “Good,” Cassidy responded. “It’s all she’s been asking about for days. Be prepared for her at her hyper-best.”

  “I look forward to the challenge,” he teased. “I don’t want to hang up, but I really need to get moving.”

  “Me too,” she said. “It’s been awfully quiet here, which usually means trouble.”

  Rick laid his phone down on the table and closed his eyes, releasing a long, drawn out sigh. Things had certainly not turned out the way he’d expected when he’d come back to Dickens. While there was likely nothing he could do to save Wil-Bar, at least his personal life had taken a new and exciting twist for the better.

  “HOLD KENZIE’S HAND please until we get across the parking lot,” Cass requested, nodding for her favorite student-assistant to go ahead with an excited Millie. “I’ve got one more box to load on the cart.”

  By the time Cass had reached the loading dock door with her over-packed dolly, Millie was nearly jumping out of her ankle boots in anticipation.

  “Can we go in now, Momma? I want to see where the toys are made.”

  Kenzie held the door for her while Cass wheeled the cart into the huge warehouse. With a wave of her hand, she motioned Millie forward. “Come on, let’s get going then.”

  They’d barely made it to the warehouse floor when Rick was there to greet them. “Millie!” he shouted, exaggerating his greeting. “I thought you’d never get here.”

  Millie giggled and squeezed Cassidy’s hand. “Momma was taking for...ever.”

  Rick gasped loudly, and shook his head
in mock horror. “Doesn’t she realize we have things to do? Toys to see?”

  Cass bit back on a laugh and passed her daughter off to Rick’s waiting grasp. “You go with Rick, sweetheart, while Kenzie and I help the rest of the crew set up.” She added as an afterthought, “Behave yourself.” She shot Rick a sly smile. “Both of you.”

  “Catch up with us when you can,” Rick said, nodding toward the opposite end of the huge building. “We’ll be somewhere in that direction.”

  Cassidy and Kenzie joined the others on the main floor. The folding tables had already been set in place and covered with decorative tablecloths adorned with toys and snowmen.

  Trevor and Kent were busy setting up the chafing dishes and lighting the oil burners beneath each. Mrs. Dowell, the caterer, was sorting through her stacks of hotboxes, and organizing them in some semblance of order.

  “We got this,” Kenzie said at her side, “if you want to join Mr. Barrett and Millie. It’s not like it’s our first event.”

  Cass gave her helpers a genuinely grateful smile. “You three have been a blessing these past couple of weeks. You’re all hard workers and reliable. Sometimes that’s a difficult thing to come by when the holiday closes in.”

  “We love working for you, Cassidy,” Kenzie admitted. “You’re the best boss I’ve ever had.”

  Cass chuckled. “That’s among...what...two, three?” Cass lifted a box off the flatbed cart and handed it to Kenzie. “Use that table to the left and start laying out the token gifts. Once the employee’s start arriving, it will make it easier for you to hand them one as the get to the end of the buffet line.”

  “Green paper for men, red for women, right?”

  Cass thought of the neatly wrapped gift cards and Wil-Bar branded ornaments. “Yes. Although, in some cases, it won’t matter who gets which.”

  Once everything was unpacked, Cass left the rest of the duties to her staff and went in search of Millie and her very handsome chaperone.

  “There you two are,” she exclaimed when she’d reached the section filled with wooden collectables.