by Olivia Miles
The gazebo was wrapped in garland secured by bright red bows, and Mrs. Knorr was standing beside a makeshift booth, a pile of skates behind her.
“Cora, lovely to see you, dear,” she said warmly.
Cora knew that Mrs. Knorr had once been good friends with the Keatons, but she wasn’t sure if Mrs. Knorr had ever met Phil, or would even recognize him, given how many years it would seem it had been since he’d been back to town.
“This is Phil and Georgie Keaton,” she said by way of introduction.
Mrs. Knorr’s face lit up in recognition. “Phil Keaton! Why, I recognize you! Well, it’s been years of course. My husband and I often traveled the week you would come to town in the summer, as luck would have it. But you came for Christmas one year…”
Phil cleared his throat. “Yes. Once.”
Cora glanced at him, noticing the frown line between his eyebrows that had replaced the earlier light in his eyes. “Well, this is Georgie’s first Christmas here in Blue Harbor, and I think she’s eager to skate!”
Mrs. Knorr smiled at the little girl and collected their shoe sizes before handing over the skates.
“Be careful, Georgie,” Phil warned, as Georgie hurried onto the ice.
She turned and gave him a funny look. “I know how to skate, Dad. I’ve taken lessons before.”
Phil frowned as they watched Georgie skate off, sure on her feet, a smile on her face.
“I didn’t know she took lessons,” he said quietly.
Cora set a hand on his arm, hoping she wasn’t being overly familiar, and liking the sensation of his close proximity to her. “It can’t be easy living so far away from her most of the time.”
“No,” Phil said, closing his eyes briefly, “it’s not. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t notice a lot of these things even when we lived in the same house. I was just starting my company, and, well…”
“Starting a business takes a lot of time and effort. I understand, and I’m just running a holiday shop,” she said.
“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said. He looked at her for a minute. “Any business is an investment.”
Cora finished tying her laces and stood up. “For me it was an easy one. My mother left us each a small amount of money. There was no better use for my share than a shop dedicated to the season she loved most.”
Cora smiled, but Phil didn’t match it. He was looking out, over the ice, frowning.
Cora followed his gaze, wondering if Georgie had slipped or gotten hurt. But she was practicing a spin now, oblivious to the two adults making their way onto the slick surface.
Cora didn’t realize until her feet came out from under her that she was seriously out of practice. She whooped out loud and felt Phil’s steadying hands right before she could hit the hard ice.
“Thank you,” she said, laughing at herself to cover her embarrassment.
“I seem to have a way of catching you right before you fall,” he said, grinning at her as she righted herself.
True, very true. Only this time around, there wasn’t a sprig of mistletoe over their heads.
“Believe it or not, I’m a very good skater,” Cora said, when Georgie came over to see all the fuss.
“I suppose you have to be, right? Part of all those traditions.”
Was it just her, or did Phil’s eyes glimmer with amusement?
“That’s true, and there are plenty more traditions where that came from,” she said pertly, as she found her footing and began to glide alongside Georgie.
Phil made a good show of keeping up with them, but it was clear he was struggling.
“Like what?” Georgie asked excitedly.
“Oh, like…Christmas shopping,” Cora said. She hadn’t even started shopping for her sisters yet, or her cousins. She supposed she’d have to think about what Candy might like, too.
She sighed. Gifts in her family were carefully chosen and sentimental. Did she really know Candy well enough to know just what she might like?
Sadly, if she didn’t, that might just be her doing.
“Oh, shopping.” Phil looked stricken. “Yes, I suppose that is a very important tradition.”
Sensing he might need a little help in that department, Cora took a breath and offered, “I’m going shopping Saturday afternoon. If you guys want to join me. I know all the best spots in town.”
Phil grinned. “It’s a date.”
Cora winked at Georgie, who skated off happily.
A date, Cora thought, fighting off the smile that made her heart beat just a little faster. And just in time for Christmas.
9
It wasn’t like Cora to rely on an assistant quite so much, especially with Christmas being less than two weeks away. But then, it also wasn’t much like Cora to have social plans that didn’t include one of her sisters or cousins, either.
“You sure you don’t mind?” she said to Natalie as she wound her scarf around her neck.
Natalie laughed. “You sound like a new mother about to leave her baby behind so she can get her nails done. I was the same way when Zoe was born.”
Cora gave her a rueful grin. “This store is my baby. It’s more than that, even. It’s…well, it’s everything to me.”
“All the more reason to go do something nice for yourself. You work hard. And the store will be fine. I do know what I’m doing, you know.” Natalie’s look was pointed.
It was true. Natalie had excellent customer service skills from her more permanent job at the big hotel on Evening Island. She knew all the merchandise, and where it was located, and could field any questions someone might have.
Cora felt the tension in her shoulders relax. “Thanks. And you know where to reach me if you get swamped.”
“Anything exciting planned?” Natalie asked as Cora finished sliding on her gloves and straightening a few displays.
She skirted her eyes, focusing instead on setting up a few of the holiday themed stuffed animals in an open toy chest. She was doing something exciting today. Something thrilling, really. And out of character. And she didn’t want to get too ahead of herself considering that Christmas was less than two weeks away, and that it would be the last day that Phil would be in town.
Still, her stomach fluttered when she stood up. “Oh, just a little shopping.”
Natalie rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me.”
“Still have to tend to Santa’s list?” Cora knew that Natalie’s seven-year-old-daughter was the light of her life.
“Oh, she’s easy,” Natalie said, with a brush of her hand. “No, I still have to buy for my sisters. Bella is easy because I always get her something related to literature, but Heidi is trickier. And of course I need to get something for my mother, and she never uses anything I buy her. Last year, she regifted one of my gifts to her to Aunt Miriam! Like I didn’t notice! She tried to say it was because she liked it so much that she thought her sister would too, but I knew better.” Catching Cora’s eyes, she clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in horror.
“Oh my, Cora,” she pleaded, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. That was so insensitive of me.”
Cora brushed away her apology. “Please. I’ve listened to my friends and cousins talk about their mothers for years now. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable.”
“I know, but—” Natalie looked on the verge of tears.
“My mother has been gone for nearly half my life,” Cora told her matter-of-factly. “Please don’t tiptoe around me.”
Natalie pulled in a steadying breath. “Let me at least make it up to you.”
Cora gave her a little smile. “You already are. I opened this store because my mother loved the holidays, and it was my way of honoring her. The fact that you love it as much as I do is the best thing I could have hoped for from any assistant.”
Natalie grinned. “Too bad you don’t need me full time. But then, I do like island life eight months of the year, and the ferry ride is a good way to scout out eligible men.”
Cora laughed. Unlike herself, Natalie wasn’t quiet about her hunt for a romantic partner.
“And if I might make a suggestion? You can’t go wrong with a small, simple, thoughtful gift. Why not give your mother a new ornament each year? Then whenever she hangs it, she’ll think of you.”
Natalie shook her head, looking as pleased as she was baffled. “You really understand Christmas, Cora.”
“I just wish everyone did,” Cora said, thinking of Phil. “You know that the Keatons’ great-granddaughter wished to spend Christmas here in Blue Harbor? Most kids would have wished for a dollhouse or a new bike.”
“Ah, yes, my sister mentioned that you took that little girl to story time. So that’s why you needed me to cover for you,” Natalie added ruefully.
Cora felt her cheeks warm. “I’m sorry—”
“Don’t apologize!” Natalie cried. “I think it’s exciting.”
Cora didn’t reply, even though it was true. It was exciting. More often she sat back and watched everyone else fall in love, wondering if someone was ever going to come her way or if she should just listen to her sisters and give Bart a chance at something more than friendship.
“She made the wish on this?” Natalie motioned to the snow globe on the counter and then motioned to Cora. “Now’s your chance.”
Cora held her breath, and then shook her head. “I’m afraid I already used up my Christmas wish.”
Natalie leaned into the counter with interest. “Oh, really? And what did you wish for, if I might ask? It wouldn’t have anything to do with the handsome man and his cute little girl that we are currently discussing?”
Oh no. Cora wasn’t going to spill that easily. “My wish is between me and Santa,” she said cheekily.
And on that note, she really should be going. With a skip of her heart, she straightened two more display tables, and let Natalie shoo her out of the shop, all but locking the door closed behind her.
Cora walked next door to the tree lot, where sure enough, Phil and Georgie were already waiting for her.
“You look…festive,” Phil observed, his gaze flicking to her red scarf and matching hat.
She smiled up at him. “I didn’t know that word was in your vocabulary.”
He chuckled. “It wasn’t. Until recently.”
Their gazes locked for a few, heart-pounding seconds, until Georgie wedged herself between them and insisted, “Come on, guys! I don’t want to miss seeing Santa!”
Cora knew that there was little chance of that happening, but still, she understood the anxiety. She could still remember feeling the same exact way, when she was a little older than Georgie was now, when her mother first got sick. Christmas wishes were the most magical, her mother had always said, and Cora was counting on the big guy to grant her this one gift.
She’d waited eagerly in the long line, and didn’t even complain, but her stomach knotted every time she glanced at the clock and saw that time was winding down, and Santa might have to get back to the North Pole soon. When it was finally her turn, she was almost in tears, so desperate was she to tell Santa what she needed this Christmas. Not a doll, or a board game, or even a new bike, which was a fairly standard gift in Blue Harbor where most people pedaled around town once the snow melted. All she wanted for Christmas was for her mother to get better.
It was the first time her Christmas wish hadn’t come true.
She hoped it was the last.
They stopped in a few shops, where Phil discreetly purchased gifts for Georgie and ran them out to the car, while Cora distracted the little girl with some pretty options, or her opinion on gifts for her sisters. By the time they were headed to see the big guy, Cora had scratched everyone off her list—except for Candy. Despite the advice she’d given Natalie earlier, she was still coming up blank on what to buy for this new woman in their lives.
“Do you have your list?” Cora tried to keep her tone light as they walked down the street, but her heart ached, despite the company she kept. It came with the territory, she knew. Christmas always made her think of her mother a little more than usual—mostly with a smile, but sometimes not.
“I sure do!” Georgie pulled out a piece of paper which had illustrations along with words. Lots of words.
Cora nudged Phil, feeling a thrill at the physical proximity. “That’s a long list.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Don’t I know it? And here I thought staying in Blue Harbor for the holiday was all you wanted for Christmas,” he teased Georgie.
“I need to tell Santa where I’m going to be, so he doesn’t go to Mommy’s old house in California. That would be a disaster.”
They had reached the toy store by now and managed to wedge their way into the door. Inside, a line of people had already formed, most of them former classmates, most a few years older, all of whom had found love in this small town, settled down, and started families.
It was possible, she reminded herself. She could almost hear her mother’s words. Anything is possible, Cora, especially at Christmas.
The line moved quickly, not that Cora minded waiting. Everyone was sandwiched together, so less people had to stand outside in the cold, and more than once she had the perk of Phil’s body pressing against her. The heat of his proximity made her senses go on high alert and she let the feeling linger, not wanting to inch away.
Did he feel it too? She didn’t dare look him in the eye.
Eventually, their turn came up, and Cora was pleased to see that old Mr. Davidson had worked hard on growing his beard this year. He always trimmed it back during the spring and summer, partly because he didn’t want to give away his cover and partly because Mrs. Davidson apparently liked a cleanly shaven face. His suit was the same velvet costume he sported every year since she was small enough to sit on his knee, complete with gold embroidered tassels and polished boots.
His kind blue eyes sparkled as Georgie walked over to him, her outgoing demeanor suddenly turning a little shy.
Santa patted his knee, but he looked relieved with Georgie sat beside him on the tufted bench instead. She wasn’t exactly a toddler, and Cora was pleased to see that she still believed.
And that Scrooge here hadn’t told her otherwise, she thought, glancing at Phil.
“Now,” Santa said kindly. “I don’t think I’m used to seeing you here in Blue Harbor. Remind me again where you usually come visit me?”
“Usually in California,” Georgie told him.
“Ah, yes, that’s right. And what brings you all the way here?”
“I’m spending the holidays here,” Georgie told him. “With my dad.”
Mr. Davidson glanced at Phil and then shifted his gaze to Cora, giving her a little smile of approval.
Cora felt her cheeks flush.
“And what would you like for Christmas this year? A new doll? Perhaps…a bike?”
Georgie studied the list in her hand, and bit at her bottom lip. “I have a list…but if I just ask for one really special thing, do you think it will happen?”
Santa gave a little glance at Phil again, whose nod was almost imperceptible.
“I think that can be arranged. Now, let me see that list.” He skimmed it over, commenting on her excellent choices, and then handed it back. “You hold onto that. Or maybe let your dad hold onto it. I have it all stored right here.” He tapped his head.
Georgie giggled.
“Now, before you go, why don’t you tell me what that one special gift is?”
Georgie carefully tucked her list back into her pocket and then leaned over to whisper in Santa’s ear. Cora watched as Mr. Davidson’s expression changed, his brow knitting for a moment, before he gave Georgie a kind smile.
“That’s all I really want for Christmas,” Georgie said as she stood up.
“Think we’ll ever know what it was that she asked for?” Phil asked as he led them out of the store through the side door.
“If you don’t find out, I can always ask the big guy.” She grin
ned at Phil. “He and my dad play poker once a month.”
Phil laughed. “I might hold you to it. Now, where to next?”
Cora tried to think of a place that would capture all the holiday memories she cherished so much and said, “Is it too cold for ice cream?”
*
Like every other establishment in Blue Harbor, Harborside Creamery had been transformed into a winter wonderland, and the menu reflected the season. Cora usually went for the frozen hot chocolate, or the peppermint sundae, but she had a feeling Georgie would prefer the double scoop snowman sundae, complete with an edible top hat made from a chocolate-dipped marshmallow.
“Look, there’s even a topping bar over near the back wall if you want to add some sprinkles for snowflakes.”
Georgie ran off without needing further encouragement and Phil and Cora settled into a table near the window.
“Georgie’s having a good time. Thank you. Between us, I didn’t know how I was going to keep her happy this holiday. Being a single parent is challenging.”
Cora nodded. “My dad struggled after my mother died. He never complained, and he tried not to show it, but I know it couldn’t have been easy for him. Especially at the holidays.”
“Is that why you took over?” Phil asked.
Cora thought about this. “Partly. But it helped me to hold onto something, and, well, it helped my dad too, I’d like to think.” She gave a little smile. “It’s funny that all kids really want is to please their parents.” Even though her mother was gone, she still felt that way.
Phil gave a knowing look. “It doesn’t always come easy. At least, not for me.”
Cora tipped her head, letting him talk.
“My dad had high expectations of me. I’m afraid I still haven’t lived up to them yet,” he said with chagrin.
“But you have a successful job! A beautiful daughter.” Not to mention his other notable attributes, not that she’d be flattering him with those opinions just now. “One that is having the time of her life, in case you haven’t noticed. And it’s all thanks to you.”