Island Christmas

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Okay. I doubt I’ll be able to get in to see anyone quickly. Will it keep until after the holiday?” Not that he wanted to wait that long to find out the exact cause of the pain he’d experienced last night, but he was a realist.

  Doctor Sampson looked up with a frown. “I don’t think waiting would be prudent. I’ll have my nurse call a friend of mine. He’s one of the best cardiologists in the area, and he owes me one. He may be able to work you in.”

  Chris’s stomach sickened. If his doctor felt it important enough to call in a favor with a friend, then he must be concerned.

  Doctor Sampson stood and offered his hand. “Expect a call from either my office or The Heart Center.”

  Chris gave his hand a firm shake. “Thanks.” He walked out more unnerved than when he’d entered. Now what? He’d begun to plan a future in his head for himself, Rachel, and her son, but now everything had changed.

  In a daze, he left Doctor Sampson’s office and headed for the ferry. He didn’t want to go back. If he ran into Rachel she’d know something was wrong, and he had no answers. He couldn’t face her until he knew exactly what was going on with his body.

  He’d had a feeling things were about to change when he awoke this morning, so he had packed his suitcase and put all his stuff into his car before heading over to Rachel’s. Maybe he should find a hotel on the mainland until he took possession of his house.

  Once in his car, he pulled out his cell and phoned the B&B.

  “Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast. Jill speaking.”

  “Hi, Jill. It’s Chris. I decided to check out today rather than next week.”

  “Is everything okay?” Concern filled her voice.

  He should have known leaving the way he did would create questions. He’d gotten to know the staff at the B&B over the past several weeks and had shared his housing plans, but this was too personal. “I have to be on the mainland to deal with something. I sign the papers on my house Friday, so I’ll camp out there until my furniture arrives next week. There’s no point moving back and forth, and I should probably be onsite when the work crews are there anyway.” His argument sounded weak even to him, since he could easily check in at his house and sleep at the B&B, but this way was best.

  “Okay. I’ll make a note that you’ve checked out. Your credit card on file will be charged for your stay.”

  “Okay. Thanks. I hear you’ll be at Nick and Zoe’s Christmas Eve bash. I’ll see you there.”

  “Great. Take care,” she said before disconnecting the call.

  He set his phone in the cup holder and sat, unsure of his next move. He signed papers in two days on his house. He wouldn’t have any furniture until the following Wednesday, but like he told Jill, he could camp on the floor until then and a motel would do until Friday. A place near the water would be ideal for a couple of nights.

  He checked into a rundown looking place a block from the ferry. It wasn’t fancy, and it didn’t come close to the Wildflower B&B, but it was clean and the bed was comfortable. He could work as easily from here as anyplace else.

  He stared out the small window toward the parking lot where the snow had been cleared and wished for his island view instead of the concrete jungle outside.

  This was for the best though. He couldn’t face Rachel until he knew exactly what was going on with his heart.

  He’d been lying to himself. He wanted to live a good long life, not to die young like the other men in his family. Even though he spouted off about being in his golden years, he’d never truly believed he was going to die any time soon until last night. He thought he’d be the exception. He realized Doctor Sampson had told him to reduce stress as a precaution, but his blood work had always come back within acceptable ranges, and his heart had always sounded fine.

  His cell phone broke the silence in the room. He answered when he saw it was Doctor Sampson’s office.

  “Chris, we were able to get you in to see Doctor Zwape at three this afternoon. He had a last minute cancellation and said he’d fit you in.”

  “Really?” He wrote down the important information and checked his watch. “If I hurry, I’ll make it. Thanks!” He grabbed his wallet and keys and darted from the room. Good thing the roads were clear of snow.

  Three hours later, Chris walked to his car in a daze—angina. How had Doctor Sampson missed this?

  The appointment had been brutal. The blood work wasn’t a big deal, but he hadn’t anticipated the stress test and echocardiogram. It wasn’t a death sentence according to his doctor, but he needed to fill a prescription and also begin taking aspirin to help prevent clotting and make it easier for his blood to flow to his heart. To his relief, the doctor seemed confident this treatment was all that was required at this time, but warned if the cholesterol test came back high he’d add a statin drug to his treatment plan.

  He shook his brain free of the fog his diagnosis had caused. This was not a death sentence. His doctor was a specialist and knew what he was doing. His condition could be managed. Thank You, Lord.

  At least he knew with diet, exercise, and medication he could live a long life, and he didn’t have to fear a relationship. He might easily live to be an old man. He stepped a little lighter with the realization. Regret that he’d checked out of the B&B hit him. He’d allowed fear to determine his steps today, and that had been a mistake. He wanted to see Rachel and see if she’d made a commitment to the Lord. He suspected she had, but he needed to know for certain.

  He could phone her, but he wanted to see her face when he asked her. Plus that conversation was best conducted in person. No, tonight he’d pick up his meds, an air mattress, and sleeping bag for when he moved into his house, watch some TV, then book a room at the resort in the morning since he didn’t care to explain checking out then checking back in. Living like a nomad was growing tiresome, but it was only for another day. After that he’d have the keys to his house.

  His cell phone rang, disrupting the quiet of his car. He clicked the button allowing him to talk hands-free. “This is Chris.”

  “Hey there.”

  He grinned at the sound of Rachel’s voice. “Hi yourself. How did the decorating go?”

  “Jason lasted about ten minutes then asked to watch cartoons.”

  He chuckled. “I never much enjoyed it myself as a kid, but he’d seemed to want to do it, so I gave him the chance. I’m sorry you ended up decorating alone.” He pulled into a parking lot and stopped.

  “It’s okay. Those ornaments were really neat. Where did they come from?”

  “Here and there, but mostly the thrift shop on the island. I added a few clay ones I made as a kid. My mom has given me an ornament every year since I was a baby, so I have plenty to share.” To this day his mother continued the tradition. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Nothing exciting. How about you?”

  “Same.”

  “We could do nothing together.” Rachel sounded hopeful.

  Regret washed over him. “I would like nothing better, but I’m staying on the mainland tonight. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  “Oh.” Disappointment clouded her voice.

  “How about tomorrow night?”

  “I work.”

  He sighed. Life was back to normal for Rachel while he still tried to figure out normal for himself. “I plan to stay at the resort tomorrow since I take possession of my house on Friday. I feel awkward going back to the B&B after checking out early. Maybe we could get together before or after your shift.”

  “That might work. Let me talk to Jason’s sitter and get back to you. What did you do today?”

  “Hold on a second while I disconnect from Bluetooth.” He stepped out of his car. “You there?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  He headed into the drug store. “I had a couple of appointments that took forever.” A car honked at him as he quickly walked into the crosswalk that led to the store door. Some people were so impatient. “I’m looking forward to getting back to life on th
e island. I already miss the easy pace.” He pulled out a shopping cart and strolled down an aisle, checking out the merchandise. It was good to see more than the basics that the island’s general store carried.

  Rachel laughed. “I don’t know about the easy pace. Jason keeps me busy, but people are very kind. I’m glad to be here.” She must have turned away from the phone because her voice muffled, and he couldn’t understand her words. “Sorry about that. Jason wanted water.”

  “How’s the little guy tonight?” As he chatted on the phone, Chris easily found the air mattress, air pump, and batteries, but he couldn’t locate a sleeping bag anywhere.

  “Pretty good, but anxious to get his stitches removed. The poor kid sure has had a time of it since we moved here. Believe it or not, he never had a serious injury or sickness until the last few weeks.”

  “I still feel bad about his arm.”

  “You had no way of knowing he’d climb onto the counter. Don’t beat yourself up.”

  “I’ll try not to.” A bright yellow, radio-controlled car grabbed his attention. Jason would enjoy that. He stuck it into his cart. He walked to the pharmacy window. “May I call you back, Rachel? I have to deal with something.”

  “Sure. ’Bye.”

  He picked up his prescription and aspirin and paid for the rest of his purchases. He’d like to get Rachel a little something for Christmas too. Her small house didn’t have space for knickknacks. Being a cook, she’d probably enjoy something for her kitchen, but he had no clue what she’d like. He’d spotted a kitchen specialty store on the way here. Then again, he didn’t want her to feel obligated to get him something. It was probably best to keep things simple.

  He left the store with an extra bounce in his step, and once he settled in his car he reconnected the Bluetooth and called Rachel back. “It’s me again.”

  “Hi. I talked with my sitter. She’s fine with coming early. We could meet at one.”

  “Perfect. I’ll meet you in the lobby. See you tomorrow.” He disconnected the call and noticed a horse and carriage ahead decked out with Christmas lights. He suddenly knew what he wanted to get her for Christmas and didn’t think she’d feel any obligation to him because of it. But he’d have to talk with Zoe to make sure it would work.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Rachel pulled her coat on and kissed Jason on the forehead. “I love you.”

  “Love you too, Mommy.” Her son sat on the couch with a book in his lap.

  “Remember to call if you have any questions or problems,” she said to her new sitter who’d come highly recommended.

  “Don’t worry. Jason is going to be fine. I’ve raised three sons and a daughter, and they all survived.” She chuckled. “Although there were days…”

  Rachel studied the middle-aged woman. “I know. And Nick said you are great with the kids at church.”

  Beverly’s face tinged pink. “I enjoy children. Now off with you. Don’t keep that man waiting.”

  Rachel grinned and blew a kiss to Jason before jetting out the door. A light coat of snow still covered everything. As beautiful as it was, she wished the sun would either melt it away, or they’d get enough snow to actually have some fun.

  She took her time driving to the resort. Although there wasn’t a lot of snow, it was a little slick, and she didn’t care to end up in a ditch. A short time later, she parked in employee parking and darted inside to escape the cold.

  “Hi.”

  Rachel jumped when Chris stepped from beside a large planter. “I didn’t see you there. I thought we were meeting in the lobby.”

  “I figured you’d come in this way. Would you like to go sit in the lounge or take a walk by the lake?”

  Neither. Didn’t he realize how cold it was outside? But she really didn’t want to go to the lounge either. “Let’s take a walk.” Good thing she wore her coat, gloves, and knit hat. Otherwise she’d freeze. Even then she would be chilled. This place could use some fun indoor activities for the cold winter months.

  Chris grasped her hand, sending tingles up her arm. Maybe taking a walk was a good idea after all. The doorman held the oversized glass door for them as they left. Frigid air blasted her face. She really should buy a scarf.

  They strolled along the cleared pathway that led to the lake. “It’s so beautiful.”

  “Much nicer than where I was yesterday. Have you noticed how quiet it is here?”

  She nodded. “I think snow softens sounds and puts a hush over everything.” Everything except her mind. It moved non-stop. The past few days she’d been trying to learn about her new faith as much as time would allow. She couldn’t figure out why her parents had only gone to church on holidays, but she’d be sure to ask them.

  She hadn’t yet shared with anyone about her decision to follow Jesus and felt an urgency to tell Chris. The path curved to the right and continued around to the other side of the lake.

  “You’re quiet,” he said softly.

  “So are you.” She bumped her shoulder against his. “I made a decision I wanted to share with you when we came home from the hospital, but you took off so fast.”

  His face brightened. “Tell me about it.”

  “After we hung up the other night, I found the chapel at the hospital. I did what you said, and I’m a Christian now.”

  He stopped and turned to face her. “I’m very happy for you. Do you have any questions?”

  “Not yet. I’ve been reading the Bible a lot and picking Zoe’s brain when things don’t make sense. She has been more than patient with my questions and even suggested a couple of other books that might help me understand the Bible better.”

  “Good. I’m happy to clear up any confusion too.” He tugged her close and hugged her. “This is the best news I’ve heard all week.”

  She leaned back and studied his face. He truly looked happy for her, but his comment made her wonder if he’d had a tough week. “You okay?”

  “Better than.” He released her and dragged her back in the direction they’d come. “Let’s go. It’s freezing out here, and we need to move to keep warm.”

  Chris wanted to tell her about his medical condition but hesitated. Everything was perfect between them. What if she’d want nothing to do with him once she found out about his angina? Then again he’d already told her the men in his family all died young, and she hadn’t pushed him away. So maybe he was worried for nothing. He glanced at his watch and picked up the pace. He had a sleigh ride scheduled for them in fifteen minutes.

  Laughing, she trotted beside him. “You should have warned me you wanted to jog, and I’d have worn my running shoes.”

  He slowed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go so fast. Is this better?” He didn’t want to spoil his surprise, but they really did need to walk fast. He should have turned them around sooner.

  “Yes. Thanks.”

  “I’m glad we were able to get together today. This next week is going to be packed for me, so I probably won’t see you until Christmas Eve.”

  “That’s right. You move into your house next week.”

  “Actually, I’m moving in tomorrow. My stuff won’t be there until the middle of the week, but I hope to be settled by Christmas.”

  “Good luck with that. Unless you don’t own much, I imagine you won’t be settled that fast.”

  “My condo was small and that house is huge by comparison. It will be scantily furnished. But I’ll have the necessities.” Sleigh bells rang out. Relief surged through him when he saw the driver waiting. “Look, there’s the sleigh. Care to go for a ride?”

  “Really?” Surprise lit her voice. She checked the clock on her phone. “I’d love to.”

  He picked up the pace slightly and waved to the driver. Rachel didn’t need to know he’d had this planned all along.

  The driver stepped out of the sleigh and opened the door. “Good afternoon.”

  “Hi,” Rachel said and climbed in.

  Chris sat beside her and draped a thick blanket across th
eir laps. The driver settled on the bench in front and made a sound the horse must have recognized as “go” because he pulled forward.

  Rachel slipped an arm through Chris’s and snuggled close. “If you don’t have plans for Christmas, Jason and I would love to have you come over.”

  “I’d like that.” An uncomfortable feeling gripped his chest. Not now! He tried to ignore the feeling but knew he must take his medicine. The doctor warned him against ignoring the pain.

  He disengaged his arm from Rachel’s and slid the bottle from his coat pocket. He had to pull off a glove to remove the cap then stuck a pill under his tongue.

  “Is that what I think it is?” Rachel’s brow scrunched.

  “That depends on what you’re thinking,” he teased as he stuffed the bottle back into his pocket and slid his hand back into the warm glove.

  “It’s for your heart.”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought you were okay. That you were only being cautious.”

  “Me too, but I was wrong. Does this change anything for us?”

  She sucked in her bottom lip clearly debating her answer. “How serious is your condition?”

  “Angina.”

  “Is it dangerous?”

  He shrugged. “Not serious enough for surgery.” Yet. “This is all new to me. I found out yesterday.”

  “Your appointment,” she stated.

  He nodded and noted the pain had subsided. This was not the way he’d intended for their sleigh ride to go. He’d planned a romantic trek through the woods. “Do you mind if we sit quietly and take in the view?”

  She shook her head, but concern filled her eyes.

  The driver expertly guided the horse about a quarter way around the lake before veering off into the woods.

  Chris draped an arm across the back of the seat and drew Rachel closer. The air cooled as they wove through gigantic firs of some kind. Twigs crackled under the wheels, since there wasn’t enough snow on the ground to slide.