A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  Then she turned to her family. “Okay. Drink up, and then we should find one present to open.” She wiped her eyes and smiled. “After all it’s the night before Christmas.”

  “And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” Katie said, and snuggled up to her Papa. “Do we have any mice in here?”

  “We better not,” Papa said, hugging both children. “And if we do, Rasco will scare them away. Won’t you, Rasco?”

  Hearing his name, he arfed, and made a running jump, landing on the sofa next to Brooke. He buried his head in her lap, looking for some loving too.

  “Ah, Rasco. We forgot about you. Does he have a present, Mommy? He needs a present too.”

  “He’s got some new toys,” she answered with a smile. “He will have a fine Christmas, just like the rest of you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Jennie woke up Christmas morning, thinking of Nick. Alone. Her heart ached for him. It didn’t seem like he had any close friends or family to spend the holiday with and the thought of him spending the day by himself was just so sad. What had happened in his life, she wondered, to have arrived at this place with no one to love or who loved him?

  It wasn’t right, not for such a kind, good-hearted man. And yet, she knew it was his doing. He had told her that he had lady friends, so obviously he chose bachelorhood, it wasn’t forced upon him.

  Still, knowing his loneliness was self-imposed didn’t alleviate her concern over him, or diminish the longing she had to hold him tight and never let him be lonely again. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. He would hate it if he knew she felt sorry for him, because he was not a man to be pitied. He was bright, charming, handsome and successful, and had everything outwardly that a man could want. And yet, inside he was still that lost child without a mom, or parents of his own.

  She glanced at the bedside clock. It was six a.m. and the house was quiet. Hopefully, she still had a few minutes before the girls woke up, and the ensuing chaos of opening presents began. Her sister’s family would be arriving after lunch, so the excitement and noise on this Christmas morning would be partially contained. At least to a dull roar.

  She thought she heard a giggle coming from the room next door but decided to ignore it as long as she could. When the girls were ready they’d pounce on her and drag her downstairs to see what Santa bought.

  Meanwhile she could snuggle here in peace. Precious peace where she could think of Daniel, celebrate a moment alone with him, and accept the things she couldn’t change. She sent a little prayer heavenward and told Daniel how much she still loved him and always would. She asked him to forgive her for the growing feelings she had inside of her for another man. Knowing Daniel he would want her to be happy, but they’d always been honest with each other and this was no time to stop.

  Jennie heard the door creak open, and there were the girls. Katie and Brooke peeking in on her. She tossed the covers back and opened her arms wide. “Come here you little munchkins.”

  With a whoop of glee, they ran to her, jumped on the bed and were enfolded in her arms.

  “Santa came,” Katie cried out. “I looked over the railing and there’s presents everywhere. He came. I can’t believe he found us.”

  Brooke sat up and said very seriously, “I can. I told him when we were at the mall. And he promised he wouldn’t forget.” She giggled. “I’m so excited. Merry Christmas, Mom. Merry Christmas, Katie. And Merry Christmas, Daddy in heaven.”

  Jennie kissed her daughter’s cheeks, then slipped out of bed. “Let me get my robe and brush my hair and teeth, then we’ll go down to see what’s in your stockings. Nana and Papa should be up soon.”

  The girls waited patiently for her on the bed, then as soon as she left the bathroom, they grabbed her hand and dragged her down the hallway to the staircase. She could smell the scent of hickory coffee in the air. Someone was up—unless it was Santa Claus!

  “Good morning sleepyheads,” Nana called out. “I expected the little ones to be down here bright and early.”

  Katie and Brooke ran to give their grandmother a hug. “Morning, Nana. Merry Christmas,” the girls said.

  Rasco danced around their feet, yipping and peeing in his excitement to see the girls.

  “It is bright and early,” Jennie said with a smile and hug for her mom. “Coffee smells good.” She grabbed some paper towels and wiped up the mess on the floor.

  “Help yourself to a cup. Papa is just taking a quick shower and will be here in a few minutes. The girls can do their stockings while they wait. Looks like Santa was very generous this year.”

  The girls squealed in excitement. “I love Christmas day, and Santa is the best!” Katie announced. “He works so hard all year through to bring presents to children all over the world. Do you think he gets paid to do that?”

  Nana and Jennie exchanged amused glances. “I’m sure he does it through the kindness of his heart,” Jennie said wisely. “And maybe charitable donations help him out financially to make all these special gifts.”

  “He’s the best,” Brooke said solemnly. “I love Santa Claus and his elves. They help too, don’t forget.”

  “That’s true. They have a big responsibility. They also feed the reindeer and navigate the flight around the world.”

  The little girls raised eyes big as saucers. “Holy cow. That’s an important job. I’d like to feed the reindeer when I grow up,” Brooke added.

  Papa walked in, rubbing his belly. “Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

  The girls ran to hug him. “We love you, Papa. Merry Christmas everybody! Now we can open our stockings and our presents too!”

  And for the next hour, that’s what they did.

  When all the gifts were opened and appreciated—with squeals of pleasure and a lot of hugs going around—Papa took a break to let Rasco out the side door. When the two of them returned, Papa and Jennie collected all the wrapping paper on the floor that Rasco was attempting to eat and toss around with decided glee.

  “Where’s his present?” Brooke asked her mother. “Doesn’t he have a toy too?”

  “Why, he certainly does. Try to keep him away from the tree and I’ll go get it. It’s still out in the car.”

  She came back a few minutes later with a Wal-Mart bag full of doggie chews, squeaky toys and puppy treats. “Here you go, girls. You can dole out the doggie gifts.”

  Figuring things were under control for the time being, Jennie escaped to shower and dress. Then she entered the kitchen to help her mother make eggs Benedict for the family breakfast.

  “The girls loved their presents,” Jennie told her mother. “You really knocked yourself out with all the gifts. And spoiled me too. Perfume, a gift card for Victoria Secret, and a day at the spa! Wow—I have never been so spoiled.”

  “We wanted to do something extra special for you and the girls this year, honey. We know how hard it’s been on your own. We miss and love Daniel too.” Her mother sniffed, and there were tears in her eyes when she said, “We just want you to find happiness again someday. Don’t wait too long. Life can pass by so fast.”

  “I know, Mom. You’re right. And I woke up thinking about Nick this morning, and his being all alone. If it’s not too late, I’d like to give him a call and invite him for dinner. Would you mind?”

  “Mind? We’d be delighted, and your sister is anxious to meet him. He will be very welcome.” She smiled and her eyes were bright. “Go! Give him a call right this minute, before he gets another invitation.”

  She laughed. “I’ll do that. Mind the English muffins. They’re in the toaster.”

  “I can handle this. Off you go.”

  Jennie went into her bedroom to make the call. Nick answered after just one ring.

  “Merry Christmas,” he answered brightly, as though he’d forgotten that he didn’t particularly like this holiday.

  “Merry Christmas, Nick,” she answered back. “What are you doing this morning? It’s such a beautiful d
ay.”

  “I’m at the farmhouse. Just doing a little interior work. There is still lots to be done and I figured with the restaurant closed, I might as well get started.”

  “Good heavens! Isn’t it a sin to work on Christmas? No, I guess not. I forgot. I used to fly on Christmas day before I got married. Someone had to, and I thought, why not me?”

  “Did you enjoy being a flight attendant? It’s hard work, putting up with a lot of disgruntled passengers,” he said.

  “I did enjoy it. Mostly,” she laughed. “I only flew for five years, but it gave me a chance to see places I never would have in my lifetime.”

  “That’s the good part, I imagine.”

  “Anyway, enough about me. Tell me what you’re doing at the house. I still haven’t seen it, and want to before I leave. It just might be the perfect place for the girls and me. If you still intend to sell it, of course.”

  “I’m working on the upstairs bathroom. Put it a new commode and now I’m ripping up the old tile.” He cleared his throat. “I’d be happy to show it to you when you return for your car. It’s a good home—filled with happy memories and a lot of love.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear. Thanks, Nick.” She hesitated for a sec, wondering if this really was a good idea. It wasn’t concern over what everyone’s expectations might be, but the fact it would make leaving him more difficult. She couldn’t seem to get him out of her thoughts. Just the idea of seeing him soon had her stomach doing butterfly hops. And she wanted a lot more of his kisses and good loving.

  “How did the girls enjoy their morning?” he asked. “Were they excited about Rasco?”

  “Oh yes! Of course. He was a big hit. Sweet dog. Nobody ever tried to claim him?”

  “No. That’s odd, right?”

  “It is. But sometimes I think the whole accident was orchestrated from up above. Us landing in Heaven. Think about it—my airbag didn’t even deploy.”

  “Well, I’m not sure about that being a part of the grand scheme of things, but I am glad to have met you, no matter the circumstance.”

  She left that hanging for a second, and then went for the gusto. “Me too, Nick. I really want to see you again. Can you come for dinner? Mom and Dad, the kids, Rasco, we all want you with us!”

  “Are you sure?” he said cautiously. “You don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.”

  Did that mean he wasn’t interested? Or that he was as unsure about their future as she was? Whatever it meant, she wanted to freshen his memory of what they had going on in the here and now.

  “I am very sure. If you don’t have other plans.”

  “Well, I guess the tile can wait another day.” He chuckled. “Can’t finish it off until spring anyway.”

  “Good.” She grinned. “That’s wonderful in fact.” Her heart skipped with joy. “Around three thirty, four?”

  “Give me the address and I’ll be there.”

  She told him, and couldn’t help but ask, “What would you have done if I didn’t call?”

  “I was planning on calling you with the excuse to ask about the dog. I’ve missed you, Jennie. A lot.”

  “Feeling’s mutual.” She gave a merry laugh. “You have made my day very special, Nick. Thank you for agreeing to come at the last minute like this. It’s very sweet of you.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I’ll see you soon.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Nick completed the job at hand, ripping the remaining tiles off the bathroom floor. He placed them all in a heavy duty plastic bag to be toted downstairs and put in the bin. Funny thing was, the job didn’t seem to be such a chore anymore, and he turned the portable radio up louder and sang along with some of the silly Christmas tunes.

  What was getting into him? Puppies, children, enjoying Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, and getting excited about seeing the girls again. He would need to stop somewhere and find them a gift. Couldn’t show up empty handed. But what was open, and what did you buy for little girls?

  He knew the dog was enough to make the children happy, and bringing wine and chocolate would suffice, but he wanted to go the extra mile. This was going to be a hellova Christmas after all—the best present ever—a family gathering, a warm welcome into their home, to share in their joy.

  His eyes grew misty thinking about it, and he wiped them with the back of his sleeve. Feeling foolish, he laughed at himself. He would hardly call himself a sentimental fool, but something about the holidays always made him melancholy.

  His heart felt lighter than it had since he woke up yesterday morning to the sounds of Jennie crying. He hadn’t thought he was at all ready for a woman in his life, and children? Not a chance.

  Now the idea of seeing them, sharing a Christmas meal, watching the love and happiness in all their faces, made him realize that he didn’t want to be alone anymore. He wanted a real family of his own. He wanted Jennie, and her sweet girls.

  Guess that would mean he’d also get Rasco back.

  He chuckled. He’d find a special gift for the mutt.

  He was locking up, getting ready to leave when a light flickered in his brain. The attic! It was full of his grandparent’s old belongings—some treasures there too. Didn’t his grandma have an antique collection of porcelain dolls?

  He ran up the stairs, grabbed a flashlight, then climbed the old rickety ladder to the attic. Switching on the dim light, he saw twenty or so old trunks and he’d have to go through them one at a time. His shoulders slumped, but he tackled the first one. It took him half a dozen attempts to find the collection of dolls—all lovingly wrapped in bubble wrap to preserve them for more decades to come. He counted eight in all, but for now he selected two. The pink one for Brooke, who declared it was her favorite color, the doll with the royal blue dress for Katie.

  Going back downstairs with his treasures, he had a bounce in his step and a grin on his face. He knew how to win the girls’ hearts, now all he’d have to do is figure out a way to win their mother’s.

  Nick locked up the house and drove back home, thinking about this unexpected change of plans. Luckily, he’d called Ally and declined her kind invitation to meet her parents in Philly. It would have been awkward at best. They might have believed that he had feelings for their daughter, when all he cared about was her well-being and keeping her safe. Jennie was the only woman he wanted in his life for keeps, and if she wasn’t ready, well he was a patient man.

  Once home, he let Sammy out, then left some food and water for his dinner. Because it was Christmas he put out a new dog toy and a large beef bone from the bistro for him to gnaw on.

  Nick showered, shaved and got ready in a daze, slapping on some aftershave. What to wear? He dressed in navy slacks, a light blue checkered shirt with a tie, unsure if he should layer it with a cashmere sweater. He wanted to impress.

  He cleaned the dolls up, careful not to mess up their fat curls. A convenience store might have Christmas bags, but he had white tissue just in case. He dusted off a very nice bottle of red wine, and took the box of Godiva that Ally had given him. It was already three, and for Christmas shopping, his options were limited.

  Nick found the things he needed at the store, including a rawhide bone for Rasco, and a bouquet of flowers for the mom, then he was on his way to Jennie.

  He found the address without any trouble. A big Lincoln SUV parked behind Jennie’s Honda Pilot in the driveway, so he guessed that her sister and family were already here. He opened up the two bags he bought, put in the porcelain dolls, gathered the flowers, wine and chocolate, and made his way to the door.

  He didn’t have a hand to knock, but before he could rid himself of a parcel the door flew open and Jennie stood there. She was wearing black slacks and a glittery red jacket, and dangling Christmas earrings. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and her eyes sparkled. His pulse kicked up a notch and he thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he, the luckiest man.

  “Nick! You made it! I’ve been counting the minutes fo
r the past hour.” Her smile was wide. “What in the world did you bring?” She leaned in and gave him a warm kiss. “You look wonderful. Maybe we can ditch this party and sneak off alone?”

  “Nick! Merry Christmas,” John said from behind her. “Do come in. We’re pleased that you could make it.” He took the wine and chocolates out of Nick’s hand. “You have excellent taste, I see.”

  “Thank you, sir. Thank you for having me.” John had a hand behind Nick’s back leading him toward the living room, where he could hear children laughing, and the adults engaged in lively conversation.

  The girls squealed with delight when they saw him and ran into his arms. Rasco jumped on his legs, begging for attention. Jennie’s mother rose from her chair and gave his cheek a kiss. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.” Jennie, glued to his side, looked at her family. “Christy, Matt this is Nick.”

  They both left their seats on the sofa to shake his hand. “And these are our boys. Jed, the oldest, and Jake, our curious youngster.” Christy laughed. “He wants to know if you have any more dogs like Rasco. He’s in love with that puppy.”

  “Do you?” The boy asked with hope in his eyes. “Aunt Jennie said the dog just came from nowhere. Like a miracle.”

  Nick glanced at Jennie’s pink cheeks, and then her family surrounding him, making him feel right at home. “No more pups, I’m afraid. All out of miracles.”

  He bent down and scratched the dog behind the ears then hugged Katie and Brooke. “I found something for you girls today. At my grandma’s house. They used to belong to her.” He handed them each a bag, hoping they’d like them.

  “Antiques?” Jennie asked. “Be careful, you two.”

  “My grandma had them for a very long time.” She’d loved kids and he knew that she’d approve of his passing them down.

  Katie pulled out the beautiful porcelain doll with long auburn hair just like hers. The doll was dressed in a formal long royal blue dress with white lace at the collar and sleeves. “She’s beautiful.” Happy eyes looked up at Nick. “Can I play with her?”