Molly's Christmas Miracle
Page 5
“Yes, he would have,” she said much quieter than she’d intended. “Wednesday then.” She guided her customer out the door before the flood gates opened. It had been less than a week since Daniel left, and Christmas wasn’t far away. She was trying to push him to the back of her mind so she could at least enjoy the Christmas festivities.
She went outside and glanced down the street. They were indeed doing something to the bank. She had no bookings for another fifteen minutes, so she strolled down to check it out.
The workmen were busy inside, building and changing things around, as Mrs Grayson had reported. It peaked her interested. What on earth was going on there?
Molly shrugged her shoulders. She’d find out soon enough.
As she glanced back toward A Stitch in Time, she saw her next customer had arrived early. She pushed the old bank building to the back of her mind, and rushed back to her little shop.
* * *
Molly closed up early.
She had no more customers booked in for the day, and tiredness had set in. Tomorrow she would close the store for the day and do an inventory. It would not do to run out of fabric.
Most of her suppliers closed over the holiday period, and she couldn’t afford to lose business due to no supplies to work with.
She was too tired to cook tonight, but she didn’t feel like going to the diner, and instead called into the Sugar and Spice Bakery.
“Good afternoon, Molly.”
“Hello Mrs Hardy. Do you have any Cornish pasties left?” She looked around at the decorated store. She hadn’t bothered with decorating A Stitch in Time. Especially when she’d been feeling so low.
Mrs Hardy reached into the glass display case and placed the item in a paper bag. “I have one apple slice left here – with my compliments.”
“Thank you, Mrs Hardy. That’s so lovely of you.”
Molly handed over payment and the other woman came around to the other side of the counter. “I heard about your Mr Emerson. Such a pity,” she said.
She reached for Molly’s hand and patted it. “You’ll see – another young man will come along and steal your heart.”
She thanked the bakery owner and walked out. She didn’t want anyone else – she wanted Daniel. Why couldn’t people understand that?
Molly passed the old bank as she headed for home. It was still daylight, which was quite a change for her. Workmen were in the process of adding a sign to the side of the old bank. “Fool’s Chance Bank” it read in big black letters.
She glanced across and saw a notice on the glass doors indicating the new bank would open the following Friday.
That meant it would open before Christmas. She wondered what the owners of Casey’s Mercantile thought of that, since they would no longer have the bank agency.
She shrugged.
It suited her fine. She’d always worried her money wasn’t safe at the Mercantile’s branch of the Ellisdale bank.
She stared through the glass doors into the interior of the building. It was still quite a mess, but a handful of workers were diligently working on it.
For a moment, she wondered who owned it, but decided she didn’t really care. So long as her money was safe, she had no interest.
* * *
Friday seem to come around more quickly than Molly thought it would.
Not that she was complaining. She’d decided to take advantage of the new bank opening today.
She closed the shop while she collected up the week’s takings, then went to the bank to open an account.
She was relieved Fool’s Chance finally had a real bank. It would be much more secure than the Mercantile, which had already been robbed once. Not recently, but at the peak of the gold rush.
She stared up at the large sign on the outside – Fool’s Chance Bank. It had a nice ring to it.
She peered in the door. Despite the town being small, it was quite busy. She recognized some customers as being from outlying towns.
Fool’s Chance was far closer than Ellisdale, and the bank might bring other business to town.
It was a shining light on an otherwise bleak time.
Daniel was never far from her mind. The memory of him was everywhere – in the little store where they first met, his memory was particularly high.
She would sometimes look up from her sewing machine and imagine him standing there, watching her. She smiled at the thought.
What she would give to have him here with her again.
Her heart raced and she put her hands to her chest. Molly closed her eyes and his image drifted into her mind.
“It’s quite exciting isn't it?” Mrs Grayson brought her out of her thoughts.
She put on her best smile and turned toward the older lady “It really is,” Molly said, finding it difficult to get excited about anything lately .
She made her way to the next available teller and opened her bag of money. “I'd like to open an account and make a deposit,” she said.
“Please complete this form,” the teller said, pushing the form toward her.
Once she had completed all the fields the teller quirked an eyebrow at her. “Thank you, Miss Mason. Please take a seat. The bank manager is interviewing all business owners who open an account.”
“What about my money?”
“ I can process that while you wait.”
He counted the takings and supplied a receipt, then indicated for her to sit. Then the teller disappeared from sight.
When he reappeared it was to get her to follow him to the manager’s office.
She’d only planned on being away from the store 15 minutes at most, and this was becoming a distraction she didn't count on.
Molly was shown to a pretty reception area where she had to wait .
She'd not long sat, when a familiar voice spoke her name. “Molly.”
Her head spun around and she stumbled to her feet. “Daniel?” Her heart thudded. Surely she was dreaming.
He stepped forward and enveloped her, pulling her close as though she was his lifeline. “I've missed you more than you'll ever know,” he said close to her ear.
There was so much she wanted to say, but she'd been struck dumb.
Her mouth wasn't connecting with her brain. Instead her arms went up and around him and held on for dear life.
Was this really happening? She was certain she'd never be held by the love of her life again.
He said he'd find away and she should have believed him.
“How…?”
His lips interrupted her question, but she wasn't complaining.
It was good to be back in his arms.
* * *
Daniel melted into Molly’s arms.
It was only days since he’d left her, since his heart had been shattered, but it felt like a lifetime.
It hadn't been easy pulling this altogether, but he'd managed it.
His stress levels were high worrying it couldn't be done in time for Christmas. Somehow they’d pulled it off.
He’d prayed to spend Christmas with Molly – nothing was more important to him. He had a good team of construction workers. Without them, none of this would be possible.
He had been keeping secrets from her, and as far as he could tell, she still hadn't worked it out.
Right now at this very moment, he didn't care. All that mattered was that Molly was back in his arms where she belonged.
He pulled her closer.
How he managed to keep his return to Fool’s Chance a secret, Daniel still didn't know. In a town this size it was almost impossible.
“I have to go,” she said quietly. “ I have a booking.”
“Cancel it,” he said, tugging her closer still.
She shoved out of his arms. “I can't do that,” she said indignantly. “You of all people should understand.”
She was right. It was unprofessional and downright rude. He should never have suggested it.
He looked down into her face. She was disappointed with h
im.
“I'm sorry,” he said, genuinely apologetic “I'm being selfish of course.”
Her face softened. Did that mean she forgave him? “Dinner?”
She seemed wary.
They’d been down this path before. He would ask her to dinner, and they’d have a great night. Then he’d leave.
Only this time he wasn't leaving. Fool’s Chance was now his forever home.
Provided Molly agreed to be his wife. If not there is no future for him here.
Chapter Seven
Molly was ecstatic as she returned to A Stitch in Time.
Daniel was back.
Daniel was back!
She could barely fit her key into the lock, she was so excited.
Her heart was racing, and her whole body shook. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d ever see Daniel Emerson again.
She went out to the back room and sat down, trying to get her wits about her. Trying to calm her heart rate, calm herself.
Her next customer was due to arrive in a matter of minutes, and she needed to be in control of her emotions.
She took several deep breaths. It did help, but she was still shaking.
As the bell over the door tinkled, she had a thought. What if Daniel left again?
She gasped. After all she’d been through already, she couldn’t cope with that. Daniel had invited her to dinner, but now she wondered if she should even go.
She slapped her hands to her forehead. Her head was spinning with scenarios, and her heart thudded in her chest.
Molly was devasted.
At first she was elated at his return, but what if this wasn’t permanent? How would she cope with that?
She shook her head trying to chase the negative thoughts away.
“Hellooooo.”
Mary Dimple was here, and waiting for her appointment. She stood, straightened her back and stretched her shoulders, then stormed out into the shop where one of her best customers stood waiting for her fitting.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Mrs Dimple,” Molly said apologetically. “This will be your final fitting, unless we need to make adjustments.”
She led the customer into the fitting room, and tried to concentrate on the job at hand. Unfortunately, Daniel was constantly at the back of her mind.
* * *
Daniel stood in the near-darkness looking down into the wishing well.
“I’m told you have magical powers,” he said into the moonlit water. “I desperately need your help.”
He had sensed Molly was reluctant. That she thought he may not stay this time. She couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I need your magic. Help me convince Molly to marry me.”
His voice caught in his throat as he said the words. What would he do if Molly turned him down?
He shook his head. He couldn’t afford to think like that.
Daniel looked up as he heard a door close. It was Molly locking up. He sprinted toward her but stopped in his tracks when she glared at him.
He swallowed hard.
Was she having second thoughts about him? His heart thudded. “Molly, I…” She gazed at him. “We’re going to dinner, right?”
She shrugged.
“I mean, we made that arrangement?” They did, didn’t they? Right there in the bank, while he held her in his arms.
He wanted to hold her again. He stepped forward.
As his arms enveloped her, she backed off. He stared down into her face. “Molly?” Confusion overtook him.
Was she angry at him for going away?
But he came back. He came back for her. He couldn’t bear to be away from her – his heart was broken without her. Shattered.
He felt hollow and barely survived without her.
She began to walk away. Slowly at first, but then she picked up pace. He caught up quickly, and grabbed her arm in an effort to make her look at him, talk to him.
“What’s going on, Molly?”
She rounded on him. “How do I know you won’t leave again?” She spat the words at him, and he could hear the pain in her voice, see the agony etched in her features.
He reached out for her, but she pushed him away. “I can’t do this again, Daniel. It’s like a game of cat and mouse. You say you love me, but then you leave. You come back, and you leave again.”
She closed her eyes tight and he knew she was fighting back her emotions. Suddenly she opened her eyes and stared at him. “How do I know you won’t leave me again?”
He glanced at her, then at the wishing well. He’d made his wish, his pleading wish, but would it be enough? “I won’t leave again, Molly. I want to be here with you.”
She shook her head as though she was shaking off his words.
“Can we at least go somewhere and eat? You must be hungry, and I know I am.”
She stood with her hands on her hips – she was really annoyed with him. He worried that he’d left it too late to tell her how he really felt.
He watched as her tongue darted out and licked her lips. It took all his willpower not to pull her into his arms and kiss her. But he knew he was already on shaky ground.
“I am hungry,” she said quietly.
He mentally celebrated, but couldn’t risk being seen outwardly rejoicing. She might change her mind again.
The snow was heavier now. The closer to Christmas it got, the heavier the snowfall. Molly pulled her coat tighter around herself, and wrapped her scarf around her neck. He took the opportunity to move closer.
“Are you cold? Let me help.” He pulled her tighter against him and put his arm around her shoulder. It was certainly no burden. In fact he was enjoying it.
He’d expected her to push him away, but she didn’t. Instead she looked up at him, and stared into his eyes.
“You’ve got snow in your hair,” she said, giggling. She reached up and brushed it away, and her glove-covered fingers brushed against his forehead.
It may not have been her bare skin, but the contact still sent a shiver down his spine.
He reached up and imprisoned her hand. “Molly,” he said quietly, bringing her hand to his lips. “I’ve missed you enormously.”
He watched as she swallowed, her sapphire eyes studying him. “I’ve missed you too,” she said softly, as though the admission was a difficult one.
Daniel was engulfed by emotion, and could barely speak. Instead he brushed stray hair back behind her ears.
She continued to study him. It was unnerving.
He couldn’t fathom what she was thinking. He dreaded to think.
Without warning, she got up on her tippy-toes and kissed him gently on the lips, then looped her arm through his. “I guess if we’re going to dinner, we’d better make a move.”
Her lips turned up slightly, as though she wasn’t certain if she should smile or not. But Daniel had no such reservation and grinned broadly.
He couldn’t help himself.
* * *
“I thought we’d be going to the diner,” Molly said as they entered the Royal Hotel.
“The hotel dining room is a little quieter. It will be easier to talk here.” Daniel put his hand over hers. “You don’t mind do you?”
Did she? She didn’t think so. They’d been to the diner so many times now, it was becoming difficult to find something on the menu she hadn’t had before.
“Not at all.” She smiled at him tentatively. She was still quite concerned he might disappear on her again. But as Manager of the bank, perhaps that would entice him to stay.
They were greeted at the dining room door by a hostess, who guided them to their table. Molly had never been in the Royal Hotel’s dining room before. In fact, she’d never been in the hotel.
It was kind of fancy. Okay, it was a lot fancy. Far superior to anything she’d seen before.
It was mostly business people that went there, as well as rich travelers who stopped on their way to some place more suitable for tourists. Like Ellisdale.
She looked around. It was lovely. More than lovely – it was quite beautiful. She wondered what the food would be like, but was certain the quality of the food would match the décor.
As though reading her mind, Daniel interrupted her thoughts. “Stunning, isn’t it? And the food is amazing.” A waitress walked over and handed them each a menu, as if on cue. He continued to speak once she’d left them alone. “I did some research, and the hotel was built at the height of the gold rush. The original owners made a fortune from it, and retired on the profits.”
She quirked an eye at him. She didn’t realize he was into history. “You surprise me,” she said. “You know more about Fool’s Chance than I do. I feel quite ashamed.”
“Don’t be. When the decision was made to re-open the bank here, I did some checking.”
She stared into his face. “Did they force you to come?” She needed to know if he was here voluntarily or not.
He reached across the table and covered her hands with his. “The bank was re-opened because I wanted to come here. To be with you.”
Should she believe him? On the other hand, why shouldn’t she?
Her heart skipped a beat. Did his boss really open the bank here in Fool’s Chance so he could be here with her? What sort of boss does that?
She didn’t share her thoughts in case he somehow felt affronted. Instead she smiled. She felt a little more relaxed now.
“How did your booking go this afternoon?”
She snatched up one of the menus and pretended to be studying it. “It went well. It was the last fitting for Mrs Dimple. Finally. That woman keeps losing weight. I’ve had to alter the garment at least five times. And it’s not even finished yet!”
She knew she must look exasperated, because that’s how she felt. She glanced up to see Daniel laughing. “What’s so darned funny?” Now she was feeling annoyed.
He immediately made his face blank. “How dare she lose weight. The cheek of the woman!”
He was so straight-faced that Molly suddenly burst into laughter. He was right. As if it was a major issue.
“Are you ready to order?” Molly startled. The waitress seemed to come out of nowhere.