Faith, Love, and Fried Chicken: Seasons Boxed Set Bundle 1-4

by Laura J. Marshall

  “Yes, sir.”

  Once on the porch, Dash set the cups down on a small table then poured the coffee and handed a steaming mug to Mr. Hamilton who had settled himself in a chair, surveying the pasture and mares.

  “Don’t know what will become of it.”

  “Sir?”

  “The farm. Jaycee’s never been overly fond of the dirt. You know that. And Marcus, darned if I know if he’ll want to spend his life toilin’ the land and raisin’ cattle for profit.”

  “I imagine he’ll be keen on the idea as he grows,” Dash commented, looking out at the patches of brown grass in the field and the troughs of hay and water. A pitchfork and shovel lay against the chipping red paint of the barn. A peace pressed on him. Living off the land, now that was a feat. He looked sideways, to the east of the house. Mrs. Hamilton’s gardens stretched out over several hundred feet and beyond that, dormant skeletons of fruit and nut trees.

  He dragged his gaze back to Jaycee’s father, feeling his quiet expectation as he sipped his coffee.

  “I’m sure you’re wonderin’ what I needed to talk to you about.”

  “A mite.”

  “Jaycee and I’ve been around each other since we were kids.” He gripped the mug tighter, forming the words slowly. “It’s been a short time, us dating, but…I’m in love with her. I want to ask her to be my wife.” He had been sitting rigid and with the last sentence, he eased back on the cushioned wicker chair, relief flooding his body now that the declaration had been made.

  Mr. Hamilton remained silent, his eyes moving across Dash’s face.

  He continued. “And a man knows. She’s the one. I want to ask her at Christmas.”

  “And if I object or say no.”

  “Then I’ll respect your decision…and wait.” Dash wanted to stand and pace, but he willed himself to meet Mr. Hamilton’s keen stare.

  “She’s so far away from where she needs to be, in life, I mean. And knowin’ what she wants to do. She’s an elf at the mall, for goodness sake.”

  “She is. And she’s taken the job despite what must be an embarrassment to herself and her pride. Jaycee can do anything she sets her mind to. When she decides what it is she wants to do for the next 5, 20, 30 years, I’ll be right there with her supporting her decisions.”

  “And if it’s college?”

  “Then we’ll get her there.”

  “What if she wants to leave again? Move from Twain?”

  “I expect we’ll have those conversations, Mr. Hamilton, Sir.”

  Silence descended over the porch. Had he blown it? Maybe it was too soon, yet his gut and his heart knew it to be right.

  “It’s Jeb.”

  “What?”

  “Call me Jeb. I’m not ready for “Dad” yet.”

  “What time is the movie?” Jaycee asked, arranging the chicken on the platter and scooping up the rolls with her other hand. With a flourish she exited the kitchen and deposited the meal on Dash’s small dining table.

  “9 o’clock.”

  Jaycee lit the bright red tapers. “Perfect. We can take hot chocolate and drive through town to look at the lights before it starts. Come eat.”

  Dash rubbed his belly hungrily, limping slightly as he crossed the room and sat at her bidding. “You spoil me, woman.”

  “Just so,” she grinned back at him, piling the barbeque chicken high on a fluffy bun and handing him his plate. “Don’t forget some salad.”

  “Rabbit food!”

  “It’s good for you. Made the ranch homemade too.”

  He reached over, pulling the dressing closer and poured a hefty spoonful on top of his chicken sandwich.

  “That’s – not what I meant.”

  Dash grabbed her hand loosely then and bowed his head. She sighed happily, following his lead and closed her eyes.

  “Dear God, we are thankful for this food and each other. Direct our steps. Help us show the world Your love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

  Her hand grew warm as the room stilled and he held her within his gentle grip. Jaycee squinted an eye open. He was silently praying. The food forgotten, Jaycee’s mind quieted on thoughts of Dash. What a blessing this man is to my life. A man after God’s own heart and what more could she want? Did she still yearn for more?

  No. She didn’t know where God wanted her work-wise, but there was a contentment now. Whether in a career or just a job, God had a plan. Nancy’s mention of helping with a dinner for the homeless interested Jaycee. Fear plagued her in some respects, yet she knew, as she had learned from exploring the Bible each morning before her feet touched the floor, that God would go before and behind her, a constant shadow of protection.

  Dash opened his eyes and turned her hand over in his. He pulled it to his lips, kissing her gently. “Thanks for dinner, love.”

  “You’re welcome,” she said, blinking back faint tears. A precious man.

  He released her hand and attacked his sandwich. In between bites, he complimented her cooking. “Best sandwich ever.” He cocked his head to one side. “Hey, how about bein’ a chef?”

  She loved cooking for him and more recently for the family, but full-time? It was something she needed to pray over. “I’ll be helpin’ cook at a homeless dinner Christmas eve.”

  “Where’s this?”

  “I met a woman today, owns a store in the mall. She’s organizing it.”

  “Sounds like a worthy cause. You know I’ll help too, if you all can use me.”

  She nodded.

  “How was your day? I didn’t want to bring it up until you had a chance to relax.”

  “Dramatic…but good.”

  “Dramatic?”

  “Kids squealing, crying, crawling, running, jumping. Wow, I’m pure wore out.” She sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes.

  “Good practice,” he said, grinning.

  Jaycee about dropped her salad fork. “Excuse me?”

  “You know, for someday. Kids.”

  “Maybe we should talk about that after this ‘North Pole season’ of my life.”

  “Ya’ want them, right?”

  Jaycee looked at him, contemplating. “Sure. You?”

  “In time, yes.” Dash grinned then, taking another helping of chicken and added, “As long as their momma can cook.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Jaycee was starting to get the flow of the job. Chat with parents, put the children at ease, lead the way to Santa, help them sit on his lap, picture taking, order form.

  Try as she might, it was hard to separate the little ones from the conversation she had with Dash the night before. The children’s hopes shone bright this Christmas with visions of toys from the big man himself and inevitably from their adoring parents. Good gifts, like God longed to give to each one of His children. And ultimately had with the gift of His own son. A true miracle to be celebrated.

  Each child’s face held a sparkle from Dash’s eyes, the tilt of his head, or a dimple so like his in the curve of a chubby cheek. Their long lashes beckoned Jaycee and she found herself holding little hands a moment longer and her heart being tugged from its place by their tears or laughter.

  Break time came quickly at midday. Jaycee hooked the velvet rope across the entrance and removed the camera from the tripod. She and Santa had 35 minutes for lunch. He had left already. She noted his jacket still on the coat tree, realizing he was probably at the food court where she was headed. She sidled closer to make sure her old down coat was still there, shifting his in the process. It swiftly fell to the floor and in relief, she saw hers had been beneath it.

  She reached to pick up his jacket when something shiny slid from the pocket. It looked like a diamond and aquamarine bracelet. The tags were still attached from Battersby Jewelers. Wow, somebody was going to have a good Christmas. She tucked the jewelry back into the pocket and rehung the jacket.

  Twirling the combination lock, Jaycee grabbed her wallet from her purse. Like it or not, she was not changing just to get lunch. She m
omentarily thought on the bracelet, wondering if Jack knew about the thefts at the mall. Maybe he’d be more apt to tuck it away in his locker if he did, like the watches she’d seen. An uneasy feeling crept over her as she left the enclosure and headed for the food court.

  Deep in thought as she walked, her wallet slipped from her hand, falling open and scattering change across the wide expanse before the first fast food counter. She bent down, twisting demurely so the small skirt wouldn’t hike up. Leaning forward, she reached for the last two quarters and overheard a couple talking with a security guard.

  “Pandering. He had a scruffy beard, dirty as can be.”

  “We’ll take care of it, ma’am.” The security guard said, grabbing his walkie-talkie from his belt.

  “You can’t even come into the mall without one of them with a hand out.” The woman’s companion said gruffly, sniffing his nose in distaste.

  “Which entrance was it?”

  “Near Kid’s Corner.”

  The officer continued to assure them they would take care of it. Jaycee sidled off the floor and walked quickly to the Kid’s Corner mall entrance. She whipped open one of the double doors then threaded through the next set in between a woman and her son. The child yanked on his mother’s hand and pointed to her. She briefly smiled at the boy as she passed them.

  The cold wind knocked her back a moment and she clutched at the thin velvet fabric at her arms. Her eyes searched for the man the couple had described. It was the same elderly man who had been talking with Nancy Owens yesterday in the food court. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and he leaned against the side of the brick wall, as if trying to avoid the wind. Jaycee said a prayer and hesitantly approached him.

  Contemplating the cash in her wallet, she spoke. “I—I overheard a couple complaining to a security guard. Thought I should warn you.”

  He had a woolen hat pulled low over his ears and looked at her through his weathered wrinkled face, his piercing, surprisingly alert eyes little slits. Shuffling from his position, he started off towards the parking lot. She followed after him as her shivering hands worked at the clasp on her wallet, pulling five dollars from between its depths.

  “Sir, Sir…” she called.

  He stopped and faced her again. “I’m mighty obliged you told me. God bless you, girlie.”

  “Here. For you.” Jaycee pushed the money towards him. “God bless you too. I—I’m sorry it’s so dreadfully cold of late. Do you have somewhere to go?”

  “There’s a shelter. Most nights there’s enough room. And by the tracks we build a fire.” He dipped his head as he reached for the money. “Thanks for the warning and this.”

  She watched him go. He reached the edge of the parking lot and disappeared into the trees. A shadow fell across her as a man came to stand behind her, his voicing booming in her ears and causing her to jump. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Jaycee turned, her temper flaring. The security guard from the mall, she should have guessed, and his partner was just exiting the building. “Me?”

  “Did you warn him we were comin’?”

  Jaycee jutted her chin forward and met the man’s angry gaze with her own. “I did and I gave him some money for food to boot.”

  “Food!” The man snorted. “More’n likely he’ll have drunk it by dinner.”

  “That’s between him and God. You should be ashamed of yourself. That man has nowhere to go.”

  “His own fault. And I’ve got nothin’ to be ashamed of.”

  “Maybe you should worry more about the thefts in the mall. My coat was taken the other day!” Jaycee declared, stomping her feet as she bounded back towards the mall.

  “Another reason to clear the riff raff. That’s my job. I suggest you get back to yours.” He yelled at her back.

  Four more days until Christmas Eve. Not much time to plan. While Jaycee was adjusting to her new job, Dash’d been trying to think of the perfect way to ask her to be his wife. Didn’t it have to be magical, like time standing still? He’d heard tell enough of women needing to look back on the memory when things were overwhelming as children entered the picture with laundry, house cleaning, cooking, and even working full time. One thing was for sure, he was going to help shoulder the load. That is, if she accepted.

  He pushed his shoulders back, standing up from behind his desk. The parts order had been called in and the next few days were full up of appointments. Having hired a new mechanic had helped with the workload and Dash was concentrating on the marketing end. He enjoyed his time coming up with new ad ideas to get the word out about the place. It helped that his aunt Katie was helping at the front desk. It gave her a purpose, she said.

  He walked out into the small waiting area where she was tapping away on the computer keyboard. She looked up and waved to him. “Want some coffee, I just made it fresh.”

  “No, but thanks. Thought I’d run over to Carlson’s. Last minute shopping.” He shuffled his feet, contemplating asking her for ideas. By some miracle, something had to come to him and soon.

  She didn’t seem to notice his delay, concentrating on the screen. He shook his head and left. Dear Lord in heaven, give me some inspiration to make this moment special for Jaycee.

  Carlson’s, the local five and dime, was crowded. Dash stood amidst the bustle of people in the small space, looking over heads towards the shelves and counters stuffed with bright holiday ornaments, snow globes, framed pictures of snowy landscapes, and trinkets. Nothing struck Dash with an ah-ha idea so he spent a few minutes browsing the other side of the store.

  About giving up, he moved to leave when something caught his eyes. It was a tiny stuffed bear thrown into a bin of little girl’s hair ribbons. He lifted it and placed it in his hand where it fit top to bottom from the tips of Dash’s fingers to the end of his palm. The gentleman bear was covered in soft cream fur and dressed in red trousers with a tiny shirt with a drumstick stitched on the front. Dash grinned.

  It was the third meeting that Nancy and Jaycee had had about the dinner on Christmas Eve. They met in the food court. Nancy’d asked her church to help with the evening and the cooking would be done by a church member who was a chef. A menu had been roughed out with traditional ham, turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans cooked in bacon grease, and plenty of cookies and pies for the celebration.

  Dinner would be served to the homeless and less fortunate families in the area at a local VFW who had donated the space. Jaycee had enlisted Dash’s help along with her mother and brother to help set up and serve.

  “Do you know anyone who plays the piano?” Nancy asked, jotting something down in her notebook and looking across at her.

  “My momma used to. What do you have in mind?” She took a last bite quickly, her break almost over. She’d brought the salad from home. The food court prices were really eating into her upcoming paycheck.

  “Thought we’d have some lyrics printed, sing a few carols.”

  “I’ll ask Momma which Christmas songs she knows, then we can print them. How many songs?”

  “Three I think would be perfect.”

  Jaycee nodded, packing up the plastic Tupperware bowl into her lunch sack. “How’s Rebecca feeling?” Nancy’s energetically bright daughter had been sick with the stomach flu the day before.

  “Keeping things down. Tom’s home with her for a few hours while I tie up last minute plans and check on the store.”

  “So glad she’s better.” Jaycee found herself looking forward to seeing the little girl. Her joy for life was infectious. She also was a good distraction. Things had turned strange working with Jack. Maybe it was her overactive imagination, but he’d been silent and brooding ever since Jaycee had mentioned the thefts and the bracelet having fallen from his coat pocket. It’s not like she could alert the security guards; she was persona non grata where they were concerned.

  Maybe Nancy could help her. “Hear anything else about the thefts in the mall?”

&nbs
p; Nancy stood, jamming the paper and pen into her overstuffed purse. They walked towards Heaven Sent and Jaycee’s work. “Jewelry’s been the main thing stolen. Though I heard tell of some high end clothing items disappearing and personnel’s belongings from out of the stores.”

  “What kind of jewelry?” Jaycee asked, digging for answers.

  “Watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces.” Nancy made to part ways.

  Jaycee was unsure and hovered, mid-step towards the tent enclosure. She still had questions and wanted to confide in Nancy over her fears about Jack. She’d become even more suspicious when she’d seen him standing by the velvet ropes earlier in the day accepting something from a man dressed in black.

  “I have my suspicions.” Jaycee blurted out, almost to Nancy’s back. Nancy backpedaled and returned to where Jaycee stood.

  “What do you mean?” Looking her full in the face and grabbing her arm.

  Jaycee felt ridiculous. She really had no proof. No cause to talk. “Just with Santa…he acts off. Slippery is the word that comes to mind. Also saw some things in his locker.”

  “Did you tell security?”

  “I will if I see anything else. I expect the items are gone by now. Probably just Christmas presents and my crazy sixth sense is off kilter.”

  “Jaycee, don’t go playing hero. If you think he’s a thief, you never know, he could be worse. And around children to boot.”

  She nodded and squeezed Nancy’s hand. “I’ll be sure and report anything from here on out.” Jaycee hadn’t thought about him with the kids.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Dash entered the Hamilton’s kitchen and into a whirling storm of baking. Jaycee sat on a high stool next to the middle island with flour on her cheeks and red jam heaping from the spoon in her hand. He moved closer. She smelled of vanilla and berries. He leaned in to give her a kiss on her nose and she smiled up at him, clearly in her element. Any tension she had shown the past few nights after work seemed to have eased from her shoulders and face as she concentrated on pushing a finger into the top of a cookie and pushing jelly into the hole.