Miracles in the Making

by Adrienne Davenport

  The sound of her voice, light but firm, snapped Noel back to reality. He gave his head a stiff shake. “Are you still wanting my help?”

  “If you are after the work. I hope you know I’ve a habit of walking. I don’t find rush hour to be particularly soothing. It’s your decision. I wouldn’t want you to feel pressed.”

  Candy did not wait for his response, choosing to carry on with her business. She departed the room before he could openly answer.

  * * * *

  It was nearly four hours later before she crossed paths with Noel again. The bell rang on the shop door and the man came waltzing through, seemingly unaffected by her abrupt depart. Dressed in a sagging brown coat, tattered old green shirt, and a pair of torn blue jeans, he managed to be attractive, more so then most men would have appeared. How he managed to carry the outfit off in such a charming fashion was far beyond her knowledge. Not about to waste the time trying to discover the answer, Candy pushed the bizarre question to the back of her mind and resumed the business of attending her small customers. Over the top of one boy’s head, she pointed to a shelf near the front of the store. To Noel she noted, “That display there it could use rearranging. I can hardly reach. You can start there then check in with me. Tommy,” she said, redirecting her conversation, “Is that all you would like for now?”

  “Yes ma’am,” the blonde smartly pronounced. “The Winter Wonder Fest is tonight. I’m attending that soon as it opens. I don’t want to be finished on sweets before I get started.”

  Candy pictured the Wonder Fest. The trees and the rides, the lights and the food, every year the festival was sight. Every year, as long as I can recall, I’ve attended this with my sisters and cousins. She smiled and rumpled the boy’s neat hair. “You have yourself a good time.”

  “Thank you Miss Candy!”

  As he noted the road the conversation had taken, Noel paused in the midst of his task. The Wonder Fest of Chicago, it was a beautiful sight for sure. Never had a year passed that the charming festival hadn’t warmed the city with its clusters of lights and its towering trees. Noel didn’t know what path he’d chosen. In fact, he reacted long before he could change his mind. “You say you attend every year?”

  Candy perked up her head and curved around one side of the counter. “Are you talking to me?”

  “I don’t know anyone else here who claims to do such a thing. Well?”

  This man, a great deal more charming then she would have thought possible, resumed his prior task. Candy had to laugh. The whole occasion sang of pure craziness. For a moment, she scratched her head. She nearly wanted to hit it. “What on Earth am I doing?” she whispered desperately at the back of her mind. “Yes, I do like to attend,” she agreed to Noel.

  “In that case, why don’t you do so with me tonight?”

  “Do what?” She looked flustered and fumbled for words.

  When he observed her nervy reaction, Noel took pity on her. “Why don’t you attend the festival with me tonight Candy Frost?” Even as he explained this, his lips quirked at one corner and one hand dove into the pocket of his beaten old jeans. “Well?”

  “I hadn’t really considered it.” She wrapped around to the front of the counter.

  To calm her frazzled emotions, Noel met her half way to the front of the store. Taking her hand in his, he soothingly massaged her delicate skin. “Will you do so now, Miss Candy?”

  Instead of responding with words, she did exactly as he asked. “I’m not doing much else,” she told him at length. “I always have enjoyed the festival.”

  Noel winked when he heard this. “I can bet you anything you’ll enjoy it tonight. Meet me at seven?” he added with a charming smile.

  “All right, all right, seven it is.” She reclaimed her palm and began wiping the counter, just to have something to do.

  “Very good. After that, perhaps I can make you dinner. A late dinner over firelight is always pleasant, no?”

  Unable stop herself, Candy examined him with skeptical curiosity. “You mean you know how to cook?”

  “Wow, I had no idea it was so outlandish a notion.” Noel straightened his shoulders. “I can swear to you, Miss Frost, you won’t die of poisoning if you dare try the first bite.”

  Lost in her fascination, Candy continued towards him, not the least bit aware what she was attempting.

  “Thanks for the help,” she offered, for lack of anything better to say.

  Silently scratching his head over his personal actions, he searched for a logical explanation that would go well with what he had done. Hadn’t his goal been to avoid further trouble? Yet it seemed since he landed here on Earth, it was just that he had gone in search of. Of course, he wanted to help her, from the first time she’d offered her hand, and she was his best source of assistance—whether he wished to admit to the fact or not. Even so, he was gaining no ground.

  Chapter Four

  Later that evening while Noel waited for her to finish polishing her appearance to her approval, he contemplated that same point. In less than an hour, she and I will be wandering about Navy Pier, lost amongst the enormous rides and magnificent exhibits, along with at least a hundred other people interested in experiencing the same thing.

  “I promise I’m trying to hurry.” The sound rang from the top of the stairs and left Noel laughing. Always in such a rush, it was as if the girl couldn’t help it. As he rummaged inside the fridge for some sign of the Tartar Sauce, he listened with one ear. Once again there she went, carrying on to her cat. He snatched up the bottle in question and could only smile; after all, he had promised her dinner. Just as the thought passed through his mind, Candy came dashing into the room. Clad in a pair of smooth black slacks with a bright red cashmere sweater to match, she looked like a display straight from a fashion magazine. Her fiery hair was pulled neatly into place at her back, and bound with a soft and curly red ribbon. In one hand, she carried a tiny white and pink purse that added to the overall picture.

  “Well now, aren’t you something to look at.” He hadn’t meant to say it. Since he already had though, there wasn’t much he could do.

  Upon hearing this, Candy heated from the inside out and her cheeks deepened with color. At first, she didn’t reply—unsure whether to be more embarrassed or pleased. When she discovered her voice, all she could think to say was, “How kind.”

  As far as she could recall, years had passed since last she dared to indulge in a brief flirtation. The very idea of doing so now frightened her to the bone. That any man would want to do so to begin with, was as fascinating to her as it was unnerving.

  When he saw the unease building, clouding the brightness in her eyes, Noel took pity on the young woman. “Ready to be on our way?” he asked her. “Looks to me like you’re ready enough, no?”

  Her head misted with emotion she didn’t entirely understand. Candy blinked twice to clear it, gripping the counter for light support. “Yes, yes I am.”

  * * * *

  After that, the night flew by and before either could justify what had happened they were standing at Navy Pier, at the entrance to the Winter Wonder Fest. Even from the outside, it was magnificent, with its flood of varying colors and assortment of candy canes and gingerbread houses. It was as if they had stepped from reality and landed in the midst of some wild dream. Candy paid for their tickets. “Call it your first week of pay,” she obliged.

  “How very kind of you.” Noel tugged at her elbow. “Indulge in a moment of skating. Then we can take a ride on the Ferris wheel.” He sounded more like a satisfied child then he did a man well past twenty. Add to that the enchanting grin that cast across his face. This lightened his already cheerful features and the effect was irresistible. Though she never directly agreed with him, Candy followed easily in his wake. Before she knew what was happening she was holding firmly to one of his hands, whirling with him a
cross the ice, struggling to find balance in the skates he’d convinced her to try only moments before she giggled when she realized just how much she enjoyed herself. In fact, it was the most fun she’d had in years. Using the palm of her left hand, she softly massaged her forehead, fighting to keep the world in line.

  Noel made a flourish sending her into another spin. The wisest choice in front of her seemed to be to follow through with the act, even if it meant allowing her hand to drop to one side. He drew her up against him. Drawn closer by the scent of his spicy cologne, she pressed herself to his well muscled-body, allowing him to guide her through each fluid step. Their bodies were perfectly in line. It was amazing to realize just how well they fit together.

  Candy struggled to find some sort of ground. Her senses toppled around her, as if she’d had one too many sips of holiday wine. “I—I probably ought to give it a rest.” She pressed her palms against his chest, feeling it firm beneath her touch. Somehow, she wanted to hold on tighter.

  Frustrated with herself, she forced them to halt. “I need a break. I don’t know where this is going.” She looked up, staring into his Kerry blue eyes. It was a terrible mistake. She knew it the minute their expressions met. Her heart all but melted inside her, leaving her dangerously weak, even more so then she had been before. She felt her teeth grinding as she battled the unusual emotions so ready to take control.

  At some point during the interaction, her lips, anxious and uncertain, connected solidly with his. She felt the warmth of his smile, as it grew. Her blood stirred and a thrill sizzled down the length of her spine. Her nails dug into his skin, the one place she could find to reach to for balance. Noel swore under his breath, shifting his arms to assist her feeble effort. “That better?” he asked as they moved.

  Candy blushed, embarrassed by her reaction. “I suppose I could have done better. Well anyway, thanks for the help.”

  “No problem.” Still smiling he swept her across the smooth floor.

  As the minutes continued to pass, they danced like this in flawless rhythm, unaware just how much time sped by. Lost in the touch of her partner Candy caught her toe on the ice. She toppled into him. Sucking in a deep breath, she forced herself to take a step back. The air began to clear and her thoughts fell back into line. She gazed up with some fascination at the man who was the cause of it all.

  “I think I’ll just go see to a drink; all the moving about has made me thirsty.” She wanted to kick herself; she hadn’t the first notion how it had all happened.

  “It’s a drink you’re wanting? If I recall correctly the stands are off this way.” Noel motioned across the pier to where a small booth, shaded by red and white striped awning, rested beside a miniature train.

  The idea had been to get her space and set her head on straight. Now that wasn’t going to happen. Accepting the fact, Candy took the hand he offered and strolled with him amongst the adornments.

  She ordered a hot tea just as he did a coffee. Drinks in hand, they continued to wander. She hated herself for it, but it was hard to resist. The whole idea would be much simpler to deal with if the man wasn’t so damn attractive, if he didn’t carry himself with such casual ease.

  At her side, Noel cleared his throat. “Pardon me, Miss Frost, but if I didn’t know any better, I might say you look as though you’re enjoying yourself.”

  Candy rolled her eyes. “Don’t go getting to sure of yourself, all because I smile over a sweet parade. Aren’t you getting the least bit hungry?”

  Satisfaction sparkled in his eyes. “I can take a hint; have you had your share?”

  Plopping down at the edge of the ice, Candy exchanged her skates for her shoes.

  Noel understood completely even if he wasn’t nearly ready to give in. Settling down next to his date, he followed in her wake exchanging his skates for his shoes. Rather than rise and head for the gate however, he gently gripped Candy’s right arm and tugged her with him in the direction of the Ferris wheel. Her smile faded.

  “I see exactly where this is headed. Did I ever say I wanted to ride that beast?”

  “Not really, but you can’t go to a carnival of one sort or another and leave without attempting even one ride.” Noel rolled one shoulder and continued to move. “Come along with me, Candy Frost, and give the thing one tiny try. You’ll like it, I promise.”

  “Did I happen to mention my strong distaste for heights?” Her frown darkened and she planted her feet.

  Forgetting his ground, Noel burst with amused laughter. For that tiny space in time, he was surprised to discover it felt genuinely good to be human. A little confused, he gripped the miniature amulet tucked in his pocket.

  Across the room, a child cried out. Obviously, the poor girl was lost. He looked towards Candy, then back to the girl. “The poor little darling,” she stated, more to himself then to anyone aloud.

  “What’s that?” Candy followed his gaze to where the young girl was wandering, absently looking from one end of the room to the other.

  “I think I see her mother.”

  Already heading towards the child as he spoke, Noel glanced behind him. He was happy to see Candy now faced his direction and she was already heading his way…

  “Looks like you’re off the hook for the moment.”

  Candy’s eye shifted. “What was that?”

  “You’re off the hook. You know risking your neck. There is always next time to consider.”

  Before she could properly respond, they arrived at the little girl’s side and were introducing themselves and offering to help. As much as they could see the poor child’s wariness, they also saw she wished for the help. As a result, Noel and Candy spent the next forty-five minutes roving the festival until at last they happened upon her mother. They knew they had the correct woman because she carried around a wallet, barely open enough they could glimpse a card featuring the child’s face. By the time Noel and Candy went on their way, mother and daughter were hugging each other tightly, and thanking them for their assistance. Candy and Noel now exchanged an interested glance.

  “You didn’t have to help.” It was the first thing that came to his mind. It seemed right somehow to say it.

  Instead of raising her temper as he’d expected, the words piqued Candy’s curiosity. “How’s that for you? No, no I guess I wasn’t required to but the girl was small and you appeared to want the help, if anyone offered. Since the other alternative was a spinning wheel of sorts, I figured I’d just as well.” She winked in a way that melted him inside.

  “What do you say to dinner? By now, it’s been a long night. I cook a serious meal. What do you say, Miss Frost—dinner over firelight and flowers?”

  “Do you have any idea how dreamy that sounds?” Her hand planted resolutely on one hip, Candy would not move as much as a half step.

  Noel’s brows arched. “I didn’t assume it was such a bad thing, delightful ideas and dreams.”

  “You’re some kind of romantic. I have to admit that astounds me. From the start I had you for some sort of practical thinker.” Now she looked him over quizzically from one point to the next. Whatever he was, he was handsome—that was undeniable.

  Noel watched as she lost herself more deeply in her thoughts. Taking the opportunity, he slid into the kitchen and began preparing their meal. He found the fish exactly where he expected, resting in the fridge where he left them. To one side the Tartar Sauce stood waiting, ready to accompany the elegant meal. By the time he saw Candy again, he had nearly finished frying the fish and was well on his way to their second course.

  Propped against the doorway, just inside the kitchen, Candy took in the whole scene. “You said you had a way with cooking. That was certainly putting it on the dot. I’ll have you know it smells very lovely in here. Sorry about earlier; I didn’t mean to get so lost in myself.”

  Noel lit at her words. A far
cry from the bitter reaction she’d anticipated. “Not so bad an occasion; as you can see, it offered me the idyllic chance to start on the meal. Come sit down. You can keep me company. You’re very good at it.”

  At this, Candy shifted forward, meandering over to the counter where a stool waited for her attendance. She hopped up without thinking twice and spent the better part of the next hour chatting away while Noel watched their dinner. Before she could register what was happening, the gifted man was plopping the assorted pieces onto two separate plates. He slid one over to her, along with a shiny crystal glass, brimming with red wine. She was so taken aback, the reaction about knocked her completely off her seat. Unconsciously bracing herself on the counter, she looked at the plate as though it were some rare foreign gem—not quite sure what exactly to do about it, yet impressed by it all the same.

  At the first bite, her enchantment doubled almost instantly. The Halibut all but melted in her mouth, and the light salad he chose to complement it, did exactly that in a wonderful fashion.

  Noel stole a bite from his dinner, then jetted his glance across the counter. “Not enjoying yourself too much now, are you my dear?”

  Candy took another sip of her wine. To respond to his question meant she would have to consider it. That in itself was a frightening prospect. It irked her to realize this was the truth. It unnerved her that meant she cared what he though. When did that happen? It snuck up on her before she ever expected it. What sane woman could possibly resist a handsome man standing in her kitchen, cooking her dinner, and sharing in friendly conversation? None, she told herself, that was the diversion of the whole scene.

  Yet to answer his question, she tossed the inquiry over in her head. It took some thinking on her part but, after a bit, she settled on a solid answer. It sounded dangerous floating around in her head. What did that make it rolling off the tongue? She inhaled deeply then released the breath, letting it slide in waves out of her chest.