Christmas Comes to Dickens

by Nancy Fraser

  Billie’s mother opened the front door and bade them enter a narrow hallway. A staircase went to the second floor, but she took them into an open door on the right. She flashed a quick, curious look at Brenna. “I made hot chocolate. It’s Billie’s favorite.”

  He flashed Brenna a broad smile. “We love it, too. Thanks for seeing me, Miss Barnes. This is my...” Jett trailed away because he wasn’t sure what to call his relationship with Brenna.

  “Girlfriend,” Brenna supplied matter-of-factly as she unwound her scarf. Her voice was breezy, and the ease of her tone made him sigh with relief inside.

  “I figured. You look like a couple.” She led the way into a front room where Billie waited. “You can call me Juliet. And you already know I call Wilhelmina, Billie.”

  “Mom, I hate my real name,” Billie said with a shy smile. “Hi, Mr. Somers. I’m sorry about earlier. My mom says it’s dumb to be on the internet so much. She says it’s ruining my brain.” She tapped the arms of her chair. “But what else am I supposed to do?”

  Juliet waved them into the sofa and as they took their seats, she spoke. “I’ve checked you out, Mr. Somers and I was wrong about you. You really are here to talk to us about Billie’s science stuff. We saw what you’ve done for other inventors and small businesses.” She flashed her daughter a nervous smile. “That’s right, isn’t it, Billie? You invented something.”

  “Miss Barnes,” Jett said. “I understand how you could see things the way you did. And if I were a father, I’d do whatever I needed to do to protect my child.” Her grateful smile meant the world.

  Billie broke in with a reply to her mother’s question. “I may have stumbled on a process to double the life of batteries, Mom. It’s a special coating that goes under the outer shell.” She shrugged. “Want to see?” she directed the question to everyone and then headed out of the room.

  Jett jumped up first. He followed her past what appeared to be her mother’s room, through the kitchen and to a back room. Half-bedroom-half-laboratory the room had once been a sun porch. “You must find it cold in here.”

  “In the winter I sleep with my mom, but yeah, it’s cold.”

  First thing he’d do was get them out of this place. “How did you get your hands on all these batteries?” The litter on the tabletop gave him pause. She’d been dismantling batteries of all kinds. This couldn’t be healthy. She needed a proper lab with proper gear.

  “I harvest them from worn out stuff people give me.”

  He felt the presence of the two women behind him. “You recycle,” he said, coaxing Billie to continue.

  “Yes.”

  “You realize what this means?” His heart beat a wild tattoo. They were on the cusp of greatness. Climate saving greatness.

  “Yes,” Billie said solemnly, “I understand what it will mean if it works like I think it will.”

  “And now?”

  “My mom canceled our Wi-Fi.” The look of frustration on her face made him hold back a grin. Beneath this confident, brilliant girl, lay the heart of a teenager in full rebellion. “I prayed you’d find a way to come here, to figure out where I lived. I had to be careful about what I said, because she’d check sooner or later. She always does. But she was working nights right then. I had a bit of time to give you clues. I never thought she’d take away our Wi-Fi. My mom can be tough.” She leaned closer. “And she holds grudges.”

  He chuckled. “In the giftshop, your mom made it clear what she’d decided about me. She was so loud my girlfriend’s family left.” He considered what Billie said. “But how did you know I wasn’t a competitor or someone wanting to steal your process?”

  “I didn’t care. This is super important and bigger than me. Or you.”

  The heart of a lion. That’s what Billie Adamson had. He turned toward the women standing behind him. Brenna’s eyes glistened with tears and Juliet looked ashamed.

  “I’m sorry,” Juliet said. “I’ll make things right with Brenna’s family. But Billie? Why didn’t you explain what you were working on? I’d have listened.”

  Billie shook her head. “No, you wouldn’t have. You said a long time ago that girls aren’t supposed to be good at science. You want to force me to do other things.”

  “Oh, no.” Juliet rushed by Jett and kneeled by her daughter’s chair. “Oh, sweetheart. I had no idea I was holding you back. That I did all that.” She sobbed once then gathered Billie into a hug.

  Brenna touched Jett’s hand and he opened to clasp her fingers. She tugged and he followed her back to the kitchen. Mother and daughter needed a few minutes.

  THREE DAYS LATER, CHRISTMAS Eve dawned brightly. There’d been a fresh fall of snow overnight and the town of Dickens seemed full of promise and delight. Jett rose quickly and ate a rushed breakfast of coffee and an energy bar. He had gifts to buy and wrap and take to Mrs. Moore’s house to put under the tree.

  He’d never felt like this before. He’d call it giddy but that seemed too feminine. Jazzed, maybe. Yes, jazzed felt right. He was jazzed for Christmas. Opening the window, he stuck his head outside to breathe deeply of the fresh, crisp air.

  Already, he could see that shoppers were bustling around the square and urgency filled him. What if they got to all the good stuff before him? His competitiveness rose and he threw on his coat, boots, scarf, and his candy cane earmuffs.

  No one would be a better Christmas gift buyer than Jett Somers. No way. No how.

  At Trim-A-Tree he started off by buying a huge red velvet sack so he could carry all his purchases.

  For Gramma, he bought a church for her Victorian Christmas village. Reggie would get a new scarf in Christmas red. For Jennifer he picked out a crystal Christmas angel with gold wings and halo. Laurel would have a day at the spa with her daughter, Trix. And Kayley would be treated to a weekend getaway of her choosing.

  Marva. Funny, lovable Marva deserved a cruise for singles of a certain age. He was dead certain she’d love it. But to be absolutely sure this was the right gift for his lively friend, he had a call to make.

  He could hardly wait to see their expressions when they received their gifts in the morning.

  With Brenna’s help Juliet and Billie had found a home that was completely accessible and would move in January second. He’d personally seen to everything they’d need in the coming months. That had meant too little time spent with Brenna, but things would slow down now that he’d sorted out his commitment with Billie and Juliet.

  After dinner tonight, he planned a special moment with Brenna, and he hoped for the best outcome.

  Life was grand.

  BRENNA CALLED BRY FIRST thing in the morning on Christmas Eve. He’d left a message the night before and had sounded buoyant and happy. She hoped that meant he had good news for her.

  “Brenna, I’m glad you called back quickly. How’s it going in Hicksville, USA? Full of the Christmas spirit?”

  Was she? Yes. Christmas had woven a cocoon around her life, made her joyous again. And in that cocoon with her, was Jett. The last few days had been a whirlwind for them both, but Christmas Day was tomorrow, and they’d have a whole day without any commitments to anyone outside the family. The family she felt excited to share with him.

  “Yes, Bry. I’m happy and stress-free for the first time in too long.”

  “Great! That means you’ll be ready to come back and take over as Marketing Director. It was close, but I convinced the board you’re the one we need at the helm.”

  “Thank you. This promotion means a lot to me.” And it did. Having this offer gave her more confidence in her abilities and she felt the last of her apprehension about her career drift away. Her future fell into place and she couldn’t wait to tell Jett. “Go have Christmas with your family, Bry. That’s what I’ll be doing. I’ll see you in January. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

  “Merry Christmas, Brenna.” He sounded distracted, as if his mind had already moved onto the next thing on his agenda.

  She wondered how
often she used to sound like him.

  Chapter 11

  JETT PICKED UP MARVA at her hotel at three o’clock that afternoon. She’d dressed for the occasion in bright red boots, green leggings, and a gold sparkly dress. He refrained from telling her she looked like an elf and smiled all the way to the Moore house where the group waited. He’d put Marva’s hostess gift and bottle of wine with his red sack in the trunk.

  “This will be a fun evening,” she bubbled beside him as he parked on the street. Like effervescence, she sparkled and shone her excitement. “Thank you for asking them to include me,” she said suddenly sober and endearing. “It means a lot to me not to be alone tonight.”

  “I couldn’t have Christmas without my favorite student,” he said. “After dinner, I convinced Mrs. Moore to break with tradition this once.”

  “I’m shocked. Maybe appalled. The people of Dickens are sticklers for tradition.”

  He laughed. “You’re right. But this might become a new tradition.” He couldn’t make her wait any longer and he was bursting to tell her anyway. “We’re heading over to the studio to dance this evening.”

  “You feel like dancing?”

  “Don’t you?” he laughed.

  “Always,” she agreed with a chuckle that reminded him of Delia. He knew his old friend would approve of his incongruous friendship with Marva.

  He climbed out and hustled to the passenger door to help Marva alight from the car. He heard a call from the veranda and saw the whole family waiting and waving and calling out greetings. He and Marva waved back, and then he popped open the trunk to gather his gift sack and her things.

  And suddenly, Brenna stepped to the front of the group and became his sole focus. Her happy smile meant the world to him, and he filled with warmth and love just looking at her.

  The rest of the afternoon continued with happy games and carolers at the door. The house smelled of turkey and gravy and casseroles.

  “Dinner will be earlier today than usual. Jett has a surprise for us all.” All eyes turned to him. “We’re going dancing at the studio this evening. Doesn’t that sound like fun?” Mrs. Moore asked. They all cheered. Jett hadn’t felt this accepted since Delia took him in.

  There wasn’t one family member who didn’t like to dance. He’d found a tribe of likeminded people who welcomed him. Delia would’ve loved this family.

  Brenna remained by his side throughout the afternoon and early dinner. He wanted to take her hand and lead her away to a quiet spot, but that would ruin his surprise. And he’d learned that giving was better than receiving.

  When he parked in front of the studio, Marva spoke from the backseat. “That looks like Harry’s car. He told me he’d be spending the evening with his family.”

  “I called him today and he was happy to be here. For you, Marva.”

  “Oh, my...” her voice trailed away.

  “For once, she’s speechless,” Jett teased. Happiness flowed through him that his first surprise of the evening had gone well. Harry walked over and opened the back door for Marva.

  Make that a cruise for two.

  Inside the studio, Mrs. Moore started the music and Harry and Marva and Reggie and Jennifer began a tango.

  Brenna flowed into Jett’s arms as if she were meant just for him. He held her and crowed inside at the brush of her leg against his as they moved effortlessly across the floor. He maneuvered her into a shadowed corner by a pillar and pulled her to a stop.

  “Brenna, I have to tell you how I feel about you,” he started. “I know you want your promotion and how much it means to you. It’s asking a lot, but please let me be part of your life for the few hours you’re not at work.” He’d take any amount of time just as long as she spent it with him. “I have a place in Manhattan. It used to be Delia’s.”

  “I got the promotion, Jett. I heard today.” She smiled up into his eyes.

  “That’s great. I’m not surprised.” What would this mean for him? For them? She slid her palm to his cheek, and he froze at her touch, afraid of what might come.

  “You must know my feelings for you, too. I love you, Jett Somers. And I want you in my life, too. I refused the promotion. I can’t go back to that kind of stress. That isn’t the life I want.”

  “What do you want, Brenna? Tell me it’s what I want, too.”

  She tapped her chin and gave him a shy lift of her lips. “If you want marriage and children and a wife who works part-time, then we’re on the same page.”

  “No can do. If we’re negotiating, then I have another idea. Marriage, children, and you work with me on whatever marketing we need for Billie’s business. That idea just came to me. I hope it works for you.”

  “It works for me,” she said, and Jett pulled her tight against his chest for a kiss to last a lifetime.

  “Hey, you two, get back to dancing. You’re too close for the tango,” her father called with a mock growl from across the room. He stood linked arm in arm with her mother. They were both smiling, heads tilted together. The image of what he wanted to create for his future.

  Jett gazed with all the love he had at the woman in his arms; the woman who would give him the family he never knew he craved, and said, “We begin.”

  The End

  A Note From Bonnie Edwards

  I LOVE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS. I especially love the longstanding ones from my childhood; like playing classic holiday songs while I decorate our tree. For years, I’d shed a tear or two thinking of the ritual I shared with my mother, as I shared it with my own daughter...and now her sons.

  In The Tinsel Tango, I have several traditions occur in Dickens. But, in the end, chose to add a new one, which will figure prominently in subsequent books set in this charming small town. Look for The Rumball Rumba next year, and The Winterland Waltz in 2022.

  In the meantime, may the peace of the season fill your heart, as it does mine. ~ Bonnie

  About Bonnie Edwards

  AUTHOR BONNIE EDWARDS lives with her husband and pets on the rainy coast of British Columbia. She has written novels, novellas, and short stories for Kensington Books, Harlequin Books, Carina Press, and Robinson (UK) although now she publishes her work herself. Her earthy, irreverent love stories sometimes have a paranormal twist, like curses and ghosts, other times not. But her books always entertain and guarantee a happy ending.

  With four ongoing romance series Tales of Perdition, The Brantons, The Christmas Collection and contemporary family novels in her newest series, Return to Welcome, she rarely spends a day without writing. Learn about more exciting releases by subscribing to her newsletter.

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  Wisdom of the Heart

  Liz Flaherty

  USA Today Best Selling Author

  Wisdom of the Heart

  THEY HELD EACH OTHER’S hearts twenty years before as teenagers, but life intervened. Now they’re both back in Dickens, finding new friendship in an old place. Fee’s daughter and Jed’s stepsons are mostly grown, so they’re both in good emotional places.

  But Fee wants to stay in Dickens forever, running Silver Threads and Golden Needles, her quilt shop, and Jed wants to stay on the road and in the air as a photojournalist.

  Can they find a way to meet in the middle?

  Dedication

  ONE THING THAT KEEPS me quilting is the camaraderie of the Ladies in Quilt Shops. They help you choose fabrics, they laugh at your inadequacies, and tell you stories about their own, and they are—like other writers—sisters of the heart. It is to all of them that this story is dedicated. Thanks for all the help!

  Chapter 1

  FEE’S MOTHER HAD BEEN born in Kinsale, Ireland, and she’d named her firstborn daughter after her own mother, which meant Fiadh Aisling Brady had been spelling her name out for everyone she met for her entire thirty-eight years. She looked like everyone’s idea of what an Irishwoman shou
ld look like—with gold fire shooting through her red hair and eyes the shade Jed Healy’s mother called bottle green.

  Her skin was fair, almost translucent. He used to tease her about the freckles that sprinkled her shoulders. She would tell him haughtily that the spots were angel kisses, but he’d play connect-the-dots with them until she collapsed laughing.

  He sat at the corner of Main Street and Cratchit Lane, his rented SUV pulled into a no-parking space beside a fire hydrant, and watched Fee as she hurried along the cobbled sidewalk of Cratchit. She was as familiar as if he’d seen her just yesterday.

  The street, two blocks long and barely wide enough for two lanes of traffic and a parklike median down its center, had no parking. He hadn’t seen where she came from, if she’d parked in the municipal lot or if she was on foot. He knew she’d left Dickens shortly after he did, but he had no idea where she lived now. What she did.

  If she was married. Or a mom. She’d wanted those things once, but that was twenty years ago.

  She went into one of the stores on Cratchit. The buildings there were so cute the sweetness of them almost made his teeth ache, but there was no denying their charm.

  He waited a little while to see if she came back out, feeling increasingly stalkerish. Interested looks from a few passersby reminded him of his illegal parking status, and he started the car and pulled into traffic. He looked around as he drove the rest of the way through Dickens on his way to the lake camp that was the only Healy property left in or around town. His parents lived in Sedona, Arizona, eschewing ever spending another winter in New England, no matter how pretty the little town was. His brother was a lawyer in Boston, his sister a dentist somewhere in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. They called him the family underachiever. Affectionately. Maybe.