A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  “Nana!” Katie set her book down next to Nick, and Brooke jumped off her chair beside Jennie. Both girls went barreling toward their grandmother. Dropping to her knees, the stylish sixty-year-old cuddled them close.

  Jennie figured her mom would never really age. Louise Howard kept her hair a silvery blonde and stayed thin from the gym three times a week. Blinking away tears, Jennie noticed how frail and old her dad looked in comparison. Instead of enjoying their retirement, her parents now faced some health issues. Six months ago her dad had bypass surgery, and was only now getting back to his normal self, although her mother said his appetite was still poor.

  “My little darlings. I’ve missed you so much.” Louise gave them big kisses, and then crossed the room to kiss Jennie’s cheek, her gaze settling on the bandage at her forehead. “Thank heavens you’re all right,” she exclaimed. “What a frightening accident.”

  Jennie’s father elbowed in and bent to kiss her other cheek, then walked over to shake Nick’s hand. “You must be the one who called us. I’m John Howard and this is my wife, Louise. We’re very grateful to you.”

  “Nick Ryan,” he said, “and it was the least I could do.” He shook both their hands, looking slightly uncomfortable. “The accident was my fault. I was chasing after a puppy, worried that it might get hit by a car. It ran in front of Jennie’s SUV. She swerved and lost control. Now she’s here instead of home with the two of you.”

  Jennie appreciated his integrity, but enough was enough. She got to her feet, feeling just a little wobbly. “It wasn’t your fault. It was an accident.” Tears she blamed on the pain pills pricked her eyes. “Nick’s been great,” she told her parents. “But enough with the guilt.”

  Turning away from his puzzled gaze, she put an arm around her mother’s back. “It’s so good to see you. I’m feeling rather weepy.”

  “That’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Louise said. “It’s perfectly natural under the circumstance.”

  Nick picked up his coat. “I’ll run down and get your bag. It’s in my car.”

  “Want me to come with you?” her dad asked.

  “No, stay here. It’ll just take me a sec.”

  When he left the room, her mother turned to her and raised an eyebrow. “Nice looking man. What does he do?”

  “He’s a chef.”

  “Hmmm.” She sat down and cradled Brooke in her arms, giving her grandbaby the love and attention she needed and deserved. “I’ve missed my little bumpkins. I can’t wait to have you all home with me.” She looked at Jennie, over Brooke’s head. “Your dad and I decided to stay overnight. We hate driving late, especially with the snow and traffic so bad.”

  “Really? It’s only a half hour’s drive. Wouldn’t it be better to take the girls and I’ll join you in the morning?”

  “That’s what I told your mother,” her dad said. “But she won’t listen.”

  Louise shook her head, an obstinate look on her face. “Friday night before Christmas? No thank you. Especially with the snow and all. The 95 is a death trap at the best of times.”

  “Your mother is becoming a nervous wreck,” her dad complained. “I told her to stop watching the news.”

  “And so I should,” her mom said defensively. “Can’t even go to a movie theater anymore without the threat of getting shot.”

  “Louise. Don’t go on like this in front of the children.” Her dad spoke quietly, and took Katie into his arms. She hugged him tight and then peeked out at her Nana.

  “What’s wrong with the movies?” she asked. “Mom took us to see Frozen.”

  “I love Frozen!” Brooke said, jumping off Nana’s lap.

  “And she said we could go to Disney on Ice.” Katie turned toward Jennie to make sure the plan hadn’t changed. “Didn’t you, Mom?”

  “Yes,” she answered, smiling in spite of the pain. “We will. I promise.”

  “You will have a wonderful Christmas,” Louise said, tilting her small upturned nose in the air. “And your cousins are coming, and Aunt Christy and Uncle Matt.”

  “Yeah!” Brooke clapped her hands. “I love Jed and Jake. Even when they pull my pigtail.”

  Louise smiled, and patted her head. “We won’t let them do that. But they are very active boys.”

  John spoke up. “Your mom packed us a light bag. We’ll take the girls and stay at a hotel for tonight and in the morning you can see to your car, and then join us.”

  Jennie’s heart sank. So much for nurturing. She longed to be in their familiar house, lying on a sofa next to the fire. Her mother fussing over her and the kids. But it was not to be. She still needed to deal with the insurance company, the police report, renting a car, finish her holiday shopping, and pretend to be happy for her children’s sake. This was the first Christmas without Daniel. How could she pretend it was a joyful time, when a vital part of her was still dead inside?

  Nick returned with her bag, and she was almost happy to see him.

  He handed the large bag on wheels to her father. “If you want dinner before you head back into Philly come to Nick’s Bar and Bistro. On Main Street, the town center. Dinner will be on me.”

  “They’re staying here for the night,” Jennie told him. “Do you know a hotel nearby?”

  “Why sure. There’s an Inn—the only Inn in town. At the end of Main Street. It’s never full, not even this time of year.”

  “Sounds good,” her mother said. “But I think we’ll pass on dinner. Just grab something here so we can spend more time with Jennie.” She took her daughter’s chin into her hand and studied her face. “What a terrible start to this holiday. And you look so beaten up and exhausted. You need to rest. Stay an extra night, take care of yourself and the car.” She glanced at her husband. “Right hon? We don’t mind having the children to ourselves. We get so little time with them.”

  “Whatever Jennie wants is fine by me.” John gave her a sympathetic look. “You do look like you’ve been through a wringer. It’s an emotional time for everyone.” His kindly eyes swept to his grandchildren. “It’s going to be rough on you all.”

  “I might be able to help speed things up with the car,” Nick said, stuffing his hands in his jean pockets. “I know the mechanic. He probably doesn’t work weekends, but I could give him a call and see.”

  “That’s not necessary. I’ll deal with all this tomorrow.” Jennie grimaced, feeling herself sinking a little lower with every breath. “You’ve been too kind already. Please feel free to go to work. We appreciate everything you’ve done.”

  Her mother looked at Nick, then back at her. “Yes. You have taken good care of our daughter and girls. Thank you.” She reached out a hand and put it on his arm. “Now help me convince my daughter that she doesn’t have to do everything herself. She’s very stubborn and independent.”

  “Mom. I have to be. You know that.”

  The words hung in the air, and her mother’s face changed. She nodded and her hazel eyes grew misty. “I know you do. I wish it were different, that’s all.”

  “It’s all right, Mom. When I get to your place, you can make all the decisions, and I’ll sit back and rest. The car can wait until after the holiday. I need family time,” Jennie said, feeling fragile and weak, and hating herself for it. “I haven’t seen you since summer, and I want to spend time with Christy and the boys.” Her older sister was married to a dentist and had two sons, Jed and Jake, ten and twelve.

  “You will,” Louise answered. “They’re coming around noon on Christmas day, but I expect you’ll see them before that.” She flashed a worried look at her daughter. “I’m just concerned that you’ve worn yourself out. The holiday season can do that to anyone, and as a single parent? Well, all I’m saying is that you could probably use a night or two on your own. Just rest and concentrate on getting well.”

  “I’m okay, Mom. Nothing a night’s sleep won’t fix.”

  “Sweetheart, you’ve been stressed to the max. It’s been a terrible year.”

  “Of co
urse it has. Daniel…” she glanced at her daughters and didn’t finish the sentence. Stressed didn’t quite cover it. “I want to go home and be with all of you.”

  “Of course you do,” John said, giving his wife a pointed look. He turned to Nick. “Thanks again for taking care of our three girls. You better run off to your restaurant. It’s already after six. People will want their chef.”

  “I’m on my way.” Nick nodded at Jennie. “I feel like you got a bad impression of Heaven. I’d love to change your mind.” He ruffled Brooke’s hair. “I understand that you want to be with your kids, Jennie.” His compassionate gaze encompassed them all. “If you decide to wait for the car, there’s a lot for the girls to enjoy too. We have an outdoor skating pond, an ice rink, perfect hills for tobogganing, even a horse and carriage ride through the park.” He shrugged. “We also have a mall. It’s not big, but for last minute presents it’s enough.”

  “Can we, Mom?” Brooke asked. “I want to slide down hills and make a snowman.”

  Jennie gathered the frayed edges of her temper at the hope shining in her daughter’s eyes. “I don’t know, hon,” Jennie answered. “It makes more sense for me to leave the car here and deal with it next week, after the holidays.”

  Nick stopped at the doorway. “If I get a vote, I’d like you to stay.” Without waiting for a reply he walked away, his solid footsteps echoing down the hall.

  “I want to go for a ride in the carriage,” Katie said.

  “We’ll see.” Jennie shot her mother a look. “How could you?”

  “I wasn’t being pushy. I just see that you’re on the verge of collapse.” Her expression softened. “I miss him too. We all do. We know this is a very difficult time for you.”

  “What are you talking about?” Katie eyed them both. “Dad?” Her face crumpled. “Why isn’t he here? This place is called Heaven. Stupid name, anyway.” She burst into tears, and her Papa folded her in his arms.

  “There, there, Katie, my girl. It’s okay to cry.” John gave his wife a look. “Why don’t we take the girls to the cafeteria and get them a bite to eat?” He glanced at Brooke who was clinging to her mother. “You guys hungry?”

  A nurse came around the corner. “Your room is ready. Why don’t your visitors come up to room 302 in about twenty minutes, once we have you settled?”

  John put his hand on Katie’s shoulder and held the other hand out to Brooke. “Yes, we’ll grab dinner and see you in half an hour,” he said, leading her daughters away. “Come, Louise.”

  Louise bent and kissed Jennie on the forehead. “Just think about it, will you? You need to take care of yourself so that you’ll be strong enough for the girls.” Then she followed her husband and grandkids from the room.

  Jennie watched them leave, but her mind was on Nick and his last words. He wanted her to stay. Why did that give her a warm, fuzzy feeling, and make her want to smile? Not that she would let her mother know that. It would be her own little secret, and one she would hold dear.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Nick rushed down the brightly lit corridor of Heaven’s only hospital as fast as his legs could carry him. “I would like you to stay.” His words mocked him every step of the way. What an idiot! She was either divorced or a widow, for heaven’s sake. She probably wanted a husband, and if she didn’t, her mother certainly did. It would only be a matter of time before that idea was firmly implanted into Jennie’s brain, and he didn’t want to be around when that happened. She was young, beautiful, with two adorable girls. Of course she would want a husband. He wasn’t in the market for a wife.

  Idiot! Moron! If he had a brain it must be tucked away in his pants.

  He tossed his bulky ski jacket over his shoulders as he exited the building and headed for his Jeep. Earlier this morning he’d made his mainstays, chili, stew and lasagna, but tonight’s special was Coq au Vin and it needed some prep time.

  As Jennie’s father had pointed out, it was after six. The restaurant opened for lunch six days a week, and then again at five. His bartender, Byron, and Ally, his waitress, were taking care of things until he could get there. They were more than capable but still it was his responsibility to make sure things ran smoothly. He took his phone from his jacket pocket and dialed the first number that came up.

  “Nick’s Bar and Bistro,” Ally said cheerfully.

  “Hi Ally. How’s it going?” He’d already given them an update earlier, after seeing Jennie and her girls off in the ambulance. Ally told him not to worry, that she’d get the salad and bread out to the customers, and offered to chop up the chicken before the place got busy.

  “No problem, boss. We only have three tables right now, and I can handle that fine. I’m pushing the stew and chili. So far so good,” she said with a nervous giggle. “You on your way?”

  “Yup. Will be there in a few minutes. Just wanted to tell you that you’re brilliant and beautiful, and I should give you a raise.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” He heard people chatting and laughing, and the sound of Bing Crosby crooning in the background. He imagined the bar was still packed, people enjoying their two for one’s, hoping the weather would clear and make the roads safer for their journey home.

  “Don’t rush,” she said. “The streets are bad. How’s the woman?”

  “She’s good. Might have a severe headache, but I don’t think it’s any worse than that. They have to hold her overnight for observation.” He was glad that Jennie hadn’t forced the issue of leaving. Maybe he shouldn’t have shared his story about his friend’s sister, but he didn’t want anything bad to happen to the vulnerable mother of two. “As you can imagine, she’s not happy about it.”

  “Don’t blame her. Did her parent’s get there?”

  “Yes. They’re nice people.”

  “Okay,” Ally said. “She’s in good hands. You’ve done all that you can.”

  “For now.” Jennie’s big green eyes haunted him. “I’ll take care of the car in the morning.”

  “Righteo then. I’ve got the chicken pieces marinating in the spices and wine.”

  “Thanks, Ally. Tell Byron to go light on the pours. Don’t want anyone getting a DUI tonight, or ending up wrapped around a pole. One accident is enough.”

  “I’ll tell him.”

  “But will he listen?”

  “Of course he will. He wants in my pants,” she said with a laugh.

  “Yours and everyone else’s,” Nick answered quickly. “Please tell me he hasn’t been there.”

  “That’s for me to know.” With that she hung up.

  Nick shook his head, figuring she was too smart for Byron. He didn’t know squat about her sex life, but she deserved better than to be in one continuous parade of women.

  Ally was a bit of a mystery to him, living by herself outside of town. She’d started working for him about this time last year, and he assumed she’d be gone within six months. She was young—only twenty-five—and from Connecticut. He thought a sleepy little town like Heaven would bore her to tears, but that wasn’t the case. She loved to hike and take photos of nature which she blew up and framed.

  The walls of the restaurant boasted many of her personal favorites. She was good and people offered to buy them, but she was reluctant to sell. Why she chose to work in his restaurant instead of making a name for herself as a photographer was anyone’s guess.

  Byron had shown up just as he was opening his restaurant two years ago, and Nick had hired him on the spot. Nick didn’t think he’d last either, but he was still pouring the best drinks in town, spouting poetry to anyone who would listen, and filling the bar with the happy hour crowd. He changed girlfriends about as often as he did underwear, but if that was his thing, it wasn’t up to Nick to judge. As long as he wasn’t messing with under-aged girls or Ally he could do whatever and whoever he liked.

  Nick pulled into the small parking lot behind his restaurant and sat there for a moment lost in thought. He knew Christmas music played inside, people would be wea
ring their ugly sweaters and pretending it was the season to be jolly. He knew better. Christmas was probably the unhappiest time of the year. More suicides. Too much spending, too many expectations, and too many disappointments that led to despair. He’d lost his own Grandma on Christmas day—the woman who’d loved and raised him as her own.

  He couldn’t remember much of his life before moving in with Grandma and Pops, but occasionally he’d have a flashback or two. He remembered a fire. A tree being knocked over. People yelling and fighting, and that’s all. He never saw that house again. His mother visited once in awhile for the first few years, then she disappeared one day and never came back.

  It must be hard for Jennie, he thought. He didn’t know when she lost her husband, but he was obviously out of the picture. He had seen the sadness in her eyes, and as much as he wished her happiness, he couldn’t offer it. He needed to remember that. If she didn’t leave right away he would have to tread carefully, and not give her any false hope, like asking her to stay.

  Sheesh, Almighty, what had he been thinking? Not clearly, that’s for sure. She was pretty, perhaps even beautiful and he loved her gentle smile, the light in her eyes as she looked at her kids. But he wasn’t looking for a woman. Not by a long shot, and children? Forget about it. They were like puppies. Cute to look at and fun to be around, but high maintenance. Even a girlfriend stretched his limits.

  He stepped out of his car, bracing for the cold, and ran the few steps to the back door. It was unlocked and as he entered his kitchen he felt the world around him right itself. Just the sight of the place was like seeing an old friend. The pots and pans, the spotless counter tops and butcher board, commercial stove and fridge were all a welcome sight. He smelled the basil, bay leaf and thyme, the burgundy wine in the pot of stew. The chili was simmering on the stove, and he knew a fresh loaf of sourdough bread was warming in the oven.