“Of course you can. She’s yours now.”
Brooke pulled out her doll. “Thank you, Nick.” She hugged the doll, then looked at her closely. “I like her, but her face looks kind of funny. Almost scary.” She gave a little shiver. “Will she break?”
“Hopefully not,” he told her, and inspected the doll’s ivory face. “I know they’re different than your usual dolls. These are special. Hand-crafted, so each one is different. Unique—like you and Katie. Not made in an assembly line like a Barbie doll.” He winked at Jennie. “Although I’m kind of partial to Barbie myself. Always wanted to be Ken.”
Everyone laughed, and Jennie stepped in, squeezing Nick’s hand. “That was so thoughtful of you. You didn’t need to come bearing gifts. Your being here is enough.”
“I was thrilled you called. Heck, I had a busy day planned—laying down new bathroom tiles to be exact.” He added for the benefit of Jennie’s parents and sister’s family, “I’m renovating my grandparent’s old farm house.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be working on Christmas Day,” Louise told him. “Glad you’re here. We’re all having a drink. What can John get you?”
“A glass of red would be great, thanks.” He sniffed the air. “Something smells unbelievably good coming from the oven. You need any help in there?”
“Not today,” Jennie told him leading him to a loveseat. “You’re going to sit right down and be a guest, not a host.” She linked her arm with his, and sat down close. “He works six days a week at the Bistro. Only has Sundays off,” she told Christy and Matt.
They drank their pre-dinner drinks and had too many snacks—baked Brie, smoked salmon, and a heaping dish of giant shrimp with cocktail sauce.
The kids were playing with all their new toys, and Rasco had lodged himself on Nick’s foot. He felt the length of Jennie’s thigh pressed against his own. The family was warm and friendly, asking questions about his business and his personal life, but in a nice way. They obviously wanted to get to know him better, and if they were on the same page as him, he was all for that.
Sitting here with Jennie and her family brought to mind his years growing up with only his grandparents for company. He had been loved, there was no doubt about that, but it was vastly different than having siblings around and a doting mother and father too. Seeing the enormous ten foot pine tree, adorned so festively with gold and silver ornaments, twinkling lights, and all the opened gifts sitting on display under the tree, he could almost see why people liked Christmas. It was a day of giving, of expressing their love for each other. A day to communicate and celebrate not only their faith, but to bring back hope in the world for peace and love and understanding.
It might be a fantasy, but for the holiday season, that good will reached far and wide. Today Nick was glad to be a part of it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Before sitting down for their Christmas dinner, Jennie whispered in Nick’s ear. “Let’s take Rasco out for a quick walk.” Her daughters were so engrossed with their new dolls that they didn’t notice them slip out the door.
They had the pup on a tight leash as they walked to the edge of the property, next to the road. Once there, Nick let the leash run out, allowing the pup more freedom, but kept a firm grip so that Rasco couldn’t run off. This was a dog that loved the thrill of the chase.
While the dog sniffed and marked his territory, Jennie took matters in her own hands. She wrapped her arms around Nick’s waist and stood on tiptoe to give him a warm kiss. “I’ve wanted to do this since you walked in the door,” she told him.
His mouth captured hers and his tongue slid inside. He kissed her with all the hunger in his soul and Jennie responded with the same degree of heat. Oh, how she wanted his kisses. She trembled with need and felt a yearning so deep inside that it was almost too much to bear.
“You’re not the only one, sweetheart. Would anyone notice if we didn’t come back?” His eyes danced with mischief.
“I think they might,” Jennie laughed. “Probably send a posse out looking for us.”
“In that case, I might need one more kiss to get me through the night.”
She kissed him lightly, then wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his face, wanting to memorize every detail. “I’m going to miss you so much when we go away.”
“I will miss you more.” He kissed her again, but then Rasco was back jumping on their legs, biting the leash, wanting to run, to play, to jump.
Sighing, Jennie said, “Guess this little guy needs a quick dash down the street. Come on. Let’s race.” She ran off and the pup and Nick overtook her.
At the end of the block, she leaned over, puffing out cold, harsh breaths. “Seems like I’m out of shape,” she gasped.
“Trust me, babe, there is nothing wrong with your shape.” He grinned at her, and her heart squeezed with love for this man.
How could she love him? They’d known each other less than a week. It was not possible, and she had to remember that. She was vulnerable. He was the first man she’d met since her husband died. He was handsome, charming, adorable, but until she left and returned to her regular life, she wouldn’t know if this was real or just a holiday romance.
And yet, he was here, smiling at her with love in his eyes, and she wanted to believe in fairytales, new beginnings and happily-ever-afters. Why not? It was Christmas and she could believe in the magic for just a little while.
“Give me one more kiss, then we better get back inside.”
“Bossy woman,” he grumbled, putting an arm around her back, squeezing a knee in between her thighs, and letting her feel his need. “I might have to stay out here a few more minutes.” He kissed her softly, then gazed into her eyes. “You have a wonderful family, and I can’t thank you enough for letting me be a part of it. This is the nicest Christmas I’ve ever had.”
Her heart hurt. She looked into his eyes, seeing all the pain and suffering that must have been there as a child. She wanted to spend the next fifty years making up for all that he’d lost.
She smiled gently. “I look forward to getting to know you better. When I return this summer, and if you haven’t replaced me by then.”
“How can anyone replace a woman like you?”
Her pulse quickened and she wanted to stay with him, but knew she had to go in. “I’ll tell them you’re taking Rasco around the block. Don’t be long.”
“I won’t.” He laughed. “Nothing that a little snow won’t fix.”
She stomped into the mud room and removed her coat and boots, then ran upstairs to wash up and apply more lipstick. He had clean kissed it off. She hugged herself tightly and grinned in the mirror. Who knew that while visiting her parents she’d take a side trip to Heaven?
When she returned downstairs, the 25 pound turkey sat resting on the counter. Potatoes and casseroles were coming out of the oven, and being transferred to the serving dish. Nick was already washed up and in the kitchen, offering his help. She smiled with pleasure, watching him mingle with her family and converse as if they were lifelong friends.
John glanced at Nick. “Would you do the honor and carve?”
Nick grinned, and picked up the tongs and carving knife. “It’ll be my pleasure.” Then with his normal expertise he laid layers of perfectly sliced white breast meat on one side of the platter and dark meat on the other.
He placed his masterpiece in the center of the table. “The turkey is perfect,” he told Louise, making her blush with pleasure. “The meat is moist and just slightly pink in the middle. Couldn’t have done a better job myself.”
“Heavy words of praise, coming from a master chef like you.” She grinned at him and bumped his shoulder. “Did you enjoy your walk outdoors? Wasn’t too cold, was it?” She picked up a napkin and dabbed at his cheek, coming away with a lipstick stain. “Oops. You missed a spot.” She laid a hand on his arm and lowered her voice. “You have made Jennie happy this Christmas. Thank you for that.”
“Mom. Don’t emba
rrass him.” Jennie glanced at Nick’s face, but he was staring at her with an expression that clearly stated he didn’t mind. She felt her knees grow weak.
“Your daughter makes me happy too.” He said it loud enough to be heard by everyone in the kitchen, and her heart swelled with pride.
Christy sent her a glance, and patted her beating heart, wiping moisture from her eyes. She went to the doorway to call the children in for dinner, whispering, “That man is definitely a keeper.”
Jennie nodded. “I agree. If only…”
“Forget if only’s. Don’t let this slip away.” Christy left her standing there to take her seat at the table between her two sons. Matt was at one end, and her father sat at the head. Louise chose the chair closest to the kitchen. Katie and Brooke sat between their Nana and Jennie, with Nick next to her.
John stood up and said grace. They all raised a glass in a holiday toast and sipped from their drink of choice. The children were fed first, and then the adults took turns, handing around the plates. Nick held the heavy platter of turkey in his hands, offering it to each of them, then settling the plate back down, he helped himself to his own.
Conversation flowed as easily as the wine. Matt turned to Nick and asked if was a football fan.
Nick swallowed and nodded. “That’s why I close the restaurant on Sundays. To watch the games,” he said with a grin. “I’m a Philadelphia Eagles fan. How about you?”
“I knew I liked you. Maybe you and I should go see a game sometime,” Matt said, giving Christy a wink. “My wife hates football, and sitting in the stands in the dead of winter, but she doesn’t mind my going.”
“Sure. Call me. I can arrange for the tickets.” Nick nudged his foot against Jennie’s, letting her know that he was thinking about her, even if the men were monopolizing his conversation.
“What about baseball?” Matt asked. “Or fly fishing. Ever tried that?”
Nick grinned. “Sure have. Played baseball in my school days, and there’s nothing better than catching striped bass in the Delaware River, and drinking a can of beer or two.”
“Don’t forget all the creeks around here stocked with trout.” Matt laughed. “Sunday mornings in the summer I get up early and by the time the kids get out of bed, I’m back home with a cooler full of trout.”
Not to be outdone, her father talked golf with Nick, who admitted he didn’t have time to play, but enjoyed watching the games on a lazy Sunday.
He fit in, so quickly seeming to feel at home—almost magically he’d become a vital part of her loving family. Like a couple of teenagers, they played footsies under the table, and exchanged several warm glances, and it was one of the nicest Christmas’s she could remember.
She wanted so much to believe that this was the fresh start she needed, and that he would become a permanent fixture in her life. Yet she was a realist and knew that after knowing Nick for less than a week, it was much too early to make that call.
Still, miracles do sometimes happen.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The women cleaned up after dinner, while the men retired to the living room to hear Christmas music on Pandora and monitor the children’s play. Her mother and sister could not say enough good things about Nick, and she had to whole-heartedly agree. Still, her feelings were raw, and as much as she adored Nick, a part of her longed for her husband, too. It was so cruel that Daniel was not with them tonight, that his life had been cut short. He’d never see his children grow into adults, or get ready for their first prom, or have the privilege to walk them down the aisle.
Life was unfair, and yet perhaps through a twist of fate it was offering her and her kids a second chance at happiness. As she thought this, Nick popped his head in, and heard his name being tossed about.
“My ears are burning,” he said with a grin. “Thumbs up or thumbs down?”
“Up. Definitely up,” Louise answered, and beckoned him over. “We have so many leftovers. Can I make up a care package for you?”
“No, that won’t be necessary. I bring leftovers home from work.”
“Oh, come. Just a few slices of turkey, a little stuffing, and we still have half that green bean casserole. Please take some.”
“I will, if you insist. Dinner for tomorrow night. Might as well throw in a piece of that pecan pie so it won’t go bad,” he added, wrapping his arms around Jennie. His back was to the counter, and she fit nicely against him.
“I would invite you for tomorrow,” she said, turning her head. “But we have tickets to Disney on Ice. The girls are going to love it.”
“No problem. I still have a few things to catch up with before we reopen on Friday.”
She sighed, and snuggled against the hard contours of his body. “I guess I won’t get a chance to see you until it’s time for us to leave. We have a lot going on for the next few days.”
“I know. I wish it were different.” He kissed the top of her head, and her mother pretended not to see. She wrapped up his pie and dinner and put it in a to-go container.
Jennie slipped out of his arms. “But you’re going to show us your place before we leave. Maybe the girls can see the park with the carousel and Ferris wheel too.”
“That’s an excellent idea.” He looked at the heap of pots and pans on the stove. “You want some help with that?” he asked her mother.
“Not a chance,” Louise said, pushing him and her daughter out of the room. “You two go and relax. Spend some time together.”
They sat on the sofa, but with all the children around, the background noise of the movie and the men chatting, it wasn’t the romantic ending for the night she would have preferred.
Nick stuck around for another hour, then thanked everyone profusely for a wonderful night, and headed for the door. She slipped her coat on and walked him to his car.
She moved into his arms, and they kissed again—softly, gently, without the earlier heat and passion. They both knew it might be awhile before they could kiss like this again. A touch of sadness prevailed in the cool night air, taking away some of the Christmas magic that had made the day so bright.
Neither of them spoke about their worries, but both knew that a long winter was ahead, and promises would be foolish.
“Goodnight,” she whispered, touching his cheek with the back of her hand. “Drive safely. I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thanks for everything. It was the nicest Christmas I’ve ever had.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “You should have many more. You deserve the best, Nick. Don’t settle for less.”
“I won’t. You and the kids have opened my eyes to what I’ve been missing. Although I do have a lot on my plate, I need to make room for people in my life. I want what you have—the love and joy of my own family, not just Sammy for company.” He grinned. “Never thought I was ready to share my life with anyone, but I feel like I’m getting mighty close.”
“Let me know when you do,” she said softly, and then stepped away. She wouldn’t push him. He had already given her so much, and even if he would perfectly fit into her life, she might not for his. After all, she was the mother of two young girls. He might want to find someone younger and have children of his own.
Jennie watched him get in the car and drive away, then returned inside. She took the girls upstairs to change into their pajamas, and she got out of her dressy Christmas clothes too. She put on a warm, fuzzy robe, and the three of them returned downstairs.
They turned on “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and even the children quieted down to watch the old classic. The kids drank cocoa while the adults had another drink of their choosing, and after a little while she heard her father’s snores, and her girls nodding off. She took them upstairs to bed, and when she returned her sister’s family was saying their goodbyes.
Jennie hugged her sister tight, overcome with emotion all of a sudden. It had been a lovely day, the first almost perfect day she’d had in the past year. Her heart yearned for so much, and was so full, yet so want
ing, that she knew a meltdown was near.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said to Christy. “I’m so glad you got tickets to Disney too. The girls love their cousins, even if they are boys. We can grab a bite to eat either before or after.”
“The show is at four—why don’t we plan on a late lunch, that way we can get home by seven. I don’t like to be out late with all the crazy drivers,” Christy said, making a face.
“Perfect. Pick us up around one thirty, and that will give us plenty of time to get something near the arena.”
“You got it.” Christy looked into her eyes. “Just want to say that Nick is wonderful. The real deal, and I think he is really into you.”
“I hope so.” She smiled. “The feeling is mutual.”
After they left, Jennie decided to retire to her bedroom too, and kissed her mom and dad goodnight. She cozied up in bed, reliving the highlights of the day, the taste of Nick’s kisses, and her emotional responses. She was conflicted, no doubt about it. She wanted to reach out and grasp a chance for happiness with greedy hands, and yet she also felt that Daniel deserved to be mourned and not forgotten. A new man in her life would need to understand and accept that, but it was a tall order to ask.
* * *
The week slid by. Between house-training Rasco and the excursions planned, each day had a new excitement. First day was with her sister and the kids watching the spectacular Disney on Ice. A few days later she took the kids to the science museum and to visit the Liberty Bell. She still had school friends that lived nearby and met up with them for a quick coffee and play dates with their children. One night they had a foot of new snow, and the cousins spent an afternoon tobogganing.
It was a happy and busy time, and it made Jennie eager to return to this city she loved. Leaving her parents made her sad, especially because life in Norfolk now held so little joy.
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Page 16