Christmas Comes to Dickens

by Nancy Fraser

  “Which brings me to another hurdle. She wants to move back to Dickens and start a company so she can be close to her mom again. Small town life suits her.”

  Uncle Frank grew thoughtful. “I wonder why Georgia hasn’t mentioned that to me?”

  “Vera hasn’t talked to her yet. And please keep that between us.”

  “I will. Why can’t you live here? I’ve offered you the house. If you don’t want to take it, I’ll sell it to you at the family discount.” He gave Tony a warm smile. “It’d be good to have you here too.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but it’s better this way.” He grabbed his duffel bag. “Walk me out?”

  “I can’t change your mind and at least get you to stay two more days?”

  Tony shook his head and slung his bag over his shoulder. “It will only make it that much harder to leave.” He stuck out his hand and Uncle Frank pulled him in for a bear hug.

  “The door is always open, day or night.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  VERA SAT AT THE BREAKFAST table long after Tony had said goodbye. The coffee in her mug was stone cold and even Mollie looked dejected, lying at her feet with her head resting on Vera’s slipper.

  Mom had asked Frank to run to the market for her and with a kiss on her cheek, he had gone out the front. She heard his truck rumble out of the drive. Its sound grew faint with the passing moments.

  She thought about getting more coffee but decided she would rather sit and wallow. The house seemed empty with Tony gone. It had been only a few days and already she had grown accustomed to his presence.

  Mom bustled into the kitchen and swiped Vera’s mug from the table. Pouring the cold coffee down the drain, she refilled it and got a cup for herself. As soon as the chair slid across the floor, she said, “Spill it.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Did you and Tony have words about Frank and me?”

  She lifted her eyes and looked over Mom’s head at the ceiling. “No. I mean, we talked about the situation and we agreed he’d talk to Frank and I’d talk to you. However, once we both realized how happy you were, we dropped it.”

  Mom laughed softly. “That’s good to hear. Then why do you suppose he packed up and left?”

  “How should I know? We’ve been having a great time this week. We talked about that when we went to get the cocoa, but there was nothing that made me think he was going to leave, especially since he was happy to be here with his uncle. For the last few years, he said, he wasn’t able to get back and he really missed Frank.”

  “Well then, it’s a mystery.” Mom sipped her coffee. “I guess we’ll see him at the wedding. Frank said he agreed to be the best man.”

  Vera placed her hand over Mom’s. “You’re going to be so pretty.”

  “And you’ll be my maid of honor, right?”

  “Just try and ask someone else.” She flashed her mom a huge smile. “There is something I’ve wanted to talk to you about.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “I lost my job.”

  “Vera, I am so sorry. It’s such a bad time for any company to do that. Did they say why?”

  “Right sizing. They think some high school kid can plan and execute a social media plan in conjunction with the marketing team. She was an intern and wormed her way in for half the cost.” She shrugged. “Which brings me to my question. Would you mind if I moved home and lived here for a while? I want to start my own social media consulting company. I can live off my savings, but it would go further without having to rent an apartment here until my condo sells. When I came up with the idea, I didn’t know about Frank so if you’d rather I didn’t, I understand and I’ll make it work. But I want to live in Dickens. Permanently.”

  Mom’s grin spread from one side of her face to the other, and even her eyes gleamed. “Is this my Christmas present? Because it is the best gift you could have ever given me.”

  “That’s good. It means I can return your gift to the store and put the cash toward my start-up.” She laughed out loud. “You haven’t said yes yet.”

  “Of course you can move home. How fast can you list the condo, and we’ll hire a moving company and clean it out right after the first of the year.” Mom hopped up to grab a pad and a pen. “We’re going to need a to-do list.”

  “We don’t have to get everything done today. After all, it’s Christmas Eve and we have to watch White Christmas and The Santa Clause this afternoon. It’s tradition.”

  “And eat cookies and drink mulled cider,” Mom finished.

  “Did Frank really need to go to the store, or was that his way of giving us some privacy to talk?”

  She bobbed her head from side to side. “A little of both. He needed to pick up the prime rib for dinner tomorrow and the oysters for stew tonight. I did ask him to take his time.” She looked at the clock. “Why don’t you take Mollie for a walk and when you get back, we’ll get everything set up for our mini movie marathon.”

  Mollie perked up at the sound of her name. She never seemed to miss a trick if it involved a walk or food.

  “Come on, girl. Let’s stretch our legs before we settle in for the afternoon.”

  Mollie bounded to the front foyer while Vera set her coffee mug in the sink. She turned and smiled. “Thanks, Mom, for everything.”

  “That’s what mothers are for, to listen to their kids and offer support.”

  Mollie gave a woof. “You’d better get going before she really starts barking.”

  “See you in a while.” Feeling lighter than she had just an hour ago, Vera walked into the front hall, put her boots, hat, and coat on, and clipped Mollie’s leash on her harness.

  Mom poked her head around the corner and said, “Have a good time.”

  “I have my cell if you need something at the store.”

  “We’re all set. Now go.”

  Vera closed the door behind her. Her eyes drifted to the driveway, where for some reason, she had hoped to see Tony’s old truck. Her heart sank a little.

  “Come on, girl.”

  Mollie trotted down the stairs and headed in the direction of town. She had this route down pat.

  Chapter 10

  TONY WATCHED AS VERA and Mollie walked in the direction of the village green. He hadn’t gotten very far down the road when he turned around. He hoped he’d get the opportunity to talk to Georgia, and he forgot to leave the ornament he had purchased for Vera.

  He dialed the house phone and she picked up on the second ring.

  “Hi Georgia, it’s Tony.”

  “This is a nice surprise. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Is it possible that you could meet me at the front door?”

  “When?”

  He could hear the surprise in her voice. “Now? I forgot to leave Vera’s Christmas gift and I really want her to have it today.”

  The front door opened and Georgia stepped onto the porch. He got out of his truck and jogged up the steps, a small box in his hand. The wrapping paper had angels on it.

  “Hi.” He held out the box. “Can you give this to Vera and ask her to open it right after dinner?”

  “Don’t you want to give it to her?”

  “It’s better this way.”

  Her lips thinned. “Tony, you’re making a mistake. You and Vera should talk.”

  “Merry Christmas, Georgia.”

  With a heavy heart, he turned and walked back to the truck. This time, he was leaving town, and he’d be back in the city in less than three hours. Where an empty apartment was waiting.

  VERA STRETCHED HER arms overhead. She hopped up and glided across the floor in the direction of the kitchen laughing as she did so. “Don’t I look just like Rosemary Clooney dancing? All I need is my very own Bing Crosby.”

  Frank stood up and swept her into his arms. “I’m not Bing, but I’ll give you a twirl.”

  Laughing, he danced her into the kitchen. Mom followed and Vera took the opportunity to change dan
ce partners, putting Mom and Frank together. “I’ll fix snacks and we can dive into the next movie.”

  Mom and Frank danced back into the living room and Vera loaded a tray with finger foods she had made earlier in the day. Who needed a big dinner tonight? She had talked Mom into making the oyster stew for lunch so it was still a part of their traditions.

  She carried the tray in and set it on the coffee table, then snapped her fingers and went back in to get napkins. When she came back, a small gift, wrapped in angel paper, was sitting in her spot on the couch.

  She held it up. “What’s this?”

  Mom took Frank’s hand. “It’s from Tony. He wanted you to open it tonight around dinnertime.”

  “How did you get this?”

  Mom gave her a small smile. “He swung by when you went for your walk.”

  “Why didn’t he stay?”

  Frank said, “Open it and let’s see what it is.”

  She eased the paper open and set it aside. “Oh look. It’s a wooden box.” Her heart skipped in her chest. Why did it feel as if this could change everything?

  She took the top off. Nestled in white satin was the wish angel ornament she had seen after they went on the sleigh ride. She picked it up and blinked the tears away.

  Mom said, “Vera, that’s beautiful.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “It’s a wish angel.”

  She looked at the doorway. Tony was standing there. A half smile played over his lips.

  “Hello.”

  She hesitated and then flew into his arms. She held him tight and she didn’t care that it was excessive as a thank you for her gift.

  “You bought me the wish angel.”

  “I did. I want all your heart wishes to come true.” He searched her eyes. “Tell me, how did I do?”

  “Fantastic!” She kissed his lips. “Merry Christmas Tony.”

  He held her close and kissed her. “Merry Christmas, my love.”

  ONE YEAR LATER...

  In the late afternoon, Vera and Tony stood in front of the twenty-foot-tall Christmas tree on the village green in Dickens. The bright lights illuminated the small wedding party.

  Vera was dressed in a red wool cape and at the bottom, a gown of white fluttered in the cool breeze. In her hands, she held a small bouquet of white and red roses tied with a deep red velvet ribbon. Tony was handsome in a tailored black tuxedo with a red rose boutonniere pinned to his lapel. He lifted Vera’s hand and grazed the back of it with his lips. His eyes were bright and she could see the love in his eyes. Mom and Frank were on either side of them and Pastor Clarissa held a bible in her hands.

  Vera took a step closer to Tony. “Did you make your heart wish this year?”

  “I made one last year and it’s coming true in this very moment.” He tenderly kissed her lips. “The only heart wish I made was answered when I met you.”

  She slid her arm around his neck and kissed him again. “It’s Christmas magic.”

  The End

  A Note From Lucinda Race

  I HOPE YOU ENJOYED reading Holiday Heart Wishes as much as I loved discovering Vera and Tony’s happily ever after.

  I look forward to sharing more holiday adventures in the future and hope you’ll join me.

  Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, healthy holiday season and a very happy New Year! ~ Lucinda

  About Lucinda Race

  AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of romantic fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading romance novels and getting lost in the hope they represent. While her friends dreamed of becoming doctors and engineers, her dreams were to become a writer—a romance novelist.

  As life twisted and turned, she found herself writing nonfiction but longed to turn to her true passion. After developing the storyline for The Loudon Series, it was time to start living her dream. Her fingers practically fly over computer keys as she weaves stories about strong women and the men who love them.

  Lucinda lives with her husband and their two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. When she's not at her day job, she’s immersed in her fictional worlds. And if she’s not writing romance novels, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on. It’s too bad her husband doesn’t cook, but a very good thing he loves takeout.

  Web and Social Media Links

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  Santa’s Wish

  Jan Scarbrough

  Best Selling and Award-Winning Author

  Santa’s Wish

  ROZ HENRY’S WORLD HAS collapsed. She’s lost her boyfriend and her job. Her grandfather is sick. Christmas with her grandparents brings her face-to-face with her old boyfriend, the boy next door.

  Cooper Brown has his own problems dealing with the death of his wife. Forced together during holiday festivities, they slowly rekindle their love.

  Will Christmas magic help them overcome Roz’s career ambitions and Cooper’s grief, and bring them together for a second chance at love?

  Dedication

  SANTA’S WISH is dedicated to my friend and editor Karen Block, who has dealt with some of the issues portrayed in this story.

  Chapter 1

  ROSALIND HENRY STOOD in front of the female director’s desk in HR. Her boss Frank stood with his back to her looking out the window of the twenty-story Chicago office building.

  “You’ve heard about the corporate cutback?” the director asked.

  “Yes, I’ve heard some rumors.” Roz’s voice was shaky. Surely, the layoffs wouldn’t affect her. She knew she was a valued member of the marketing team. She clutched her hands together in front of her, trying to still the tremors vibrating through her body.

  “I suspected you had. As much as Management has tried to keep morale high through this economic crisis, there has been some negative information circulating. Because of the economy, we are forced to cut costs. Unfortunately, we have to reduce our workforce by ten percent.” The director glanced at Roz’s boss. “Marketing will be eliminating your position.”

  “You mean Mr. Smith is firing me?” How could the company eliminate her? She had singlehandedly saved the Collins account. If anyone should go, it should be her boss. He had been the one who had put the account in jeopardy. Well, if this was payback for her making him look bad, then she would sure as heck let him know she knew what motivated his decision. “Does this have something to do with how he almost lost the Collins account?”

  Frank Smith stiffened but didn’t turn to answer her question.

  “No,” the HR director said. “This is simply a corporate matter. Each department must eliminate a number of positions based on department census and company need. Frank thought your position could be easily managed by the rest of the staff. You will, of course, be given severance pay and the company has contracted with a consulting firm to help you find a new job.”

  “I see. When is my last day? I have several projects I’d like to finish up before I leave.” Roz had been in other jobs where she’d been given two weeks to a month before leaving.

  “There is no need to spoil the upcoming holidays with work. Your other team members can finish up your projects. Today is your last day. As soon as you can box up your personal effects, my assistant will help you carry them to your car. You will, of course, be paid for the full day.”

  The shock of the director’s statement roiled through Roz like an earthquake. Brown boxed. Fired. Terminated. Laid off. It all amounted to the same thing. She was out of a job. Crap! What was she to do now? It was the middle of December. No one hired this late in the year. Most companies in her field were already on holiday hiatus until after the New Year.

  She fought back tears, straightened her shoulders, and marched from the room.

  Three of her co-workers helped her pack the stuff from her desk while the HR assi
stant hovering in the background tried to make herself invisible. Roz couldn’t blame the woman for being uncomfortable. A few other employees had been canned also, but Roz was the only one from her department, and her coworkers were not being discreet how they felt about it.

  As she sorted through the myriad of papers, pictures, and books littering her desk, she vowed to never again keep personal belongings at work.

  After her friends lugged the boxes downstairs to the parking garage, she’d hugged them, and they’d gone back to work. Roz slid into the driver’s seat of her car and sat shell shocked behind the steering wheel. What else could go wrong?

  Just then her phone pinged indicating an instant message had arrived. She picked up her phone and saw the message was from her boyfriend Justin. She breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, something positive in a truly horrible day. She tapped open the message.

  “So sorry to spring this on you like this, Roz,” she read, “but we‘re through. You’re a great gal, but I’ve met someone I like better. We’re going to Paris for Christmas. Seemed like a better offer than visiting your lamo grandparents. Hope you have a great life! Bye.”

  What! That jerk Justin was dumping her in an instant message. And today of all days! She leaned her head against the wheel and squeezed out a couple tears of self-pity. Well, screw him. There were better fish in the sea as Grandma Tress always said.

  She suppressed the urge to send back a scathing reply and instead tossed her phone onto the passenger seat. What she needed now was a large glass of wine, a box of chocolates, and a few minutes to think. This wasn’t the end of the world, much as it felt like it. She’d mended a broken heart more than once before and found better jobs than she’d left. She could do it again. This might be the incentive she needed to finally take control of her life, to stop letting life make decisions for her.