I hugged her again.
She pulled away, turmoil brewing in her eyes. “Do you think God could ever forgive me?”
A time to speak. “Absolutely. He can forgive anything.” I rested my hand on her shoulder. “He’s just waiting for you to ask.”
Sunday afternoon, I sat at the piano playing through my childhood hymnal. After everything that’d happened, it was cheap therapy. Gus napped on the floor beside me. I was in the middle of “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” when my doorbell rang. The dog charged ahead of me and paced in front of the door until I answered.
“Hey, Cal.” I motioned for him to come in.
“How’s the Angel of Truth?”
I giggled. “You’ve been talking to Preston and Austin.”
“You have two loyal sidekicks for life. They were arguing over what their superhero names should be when I talked to them last night.”
I shut the door. “Did you arrest Marvin?”
“Last night.” Cal slipped off his jacket. “He had huge gambling debts, and Tristan paid them off. In exchange, Marvin helped him manipulate members into selling their houses to Final Rejuvenation for below market value—or just donating large sums of cash. He was also the one who broke into your house and stole your laptop because he knew you were out on a date with me.”
“Will I get it back?”
“Eventually. Unfortunately for you, it’s evidence.”
I sighed. At least my files were backed up offsite.
He followed me into the living room. “This whole case turns my stomach.” He shook his head and then sat down on the sofa. “You ready for tonight’s performance?”
I perched next to him and did a mental facepalm when I realized we’d both passed under the mistletoe—without noticing.
Good grief. We deserved each other.
I pulled my gaze away from the useless decoration. “I can’t wait to get it over with and move on. Rob’s feeling better, so I don’t have to give a repeat performance as the angel.” My legs and hips couldn’t handle another night in the harness.
“I doubt Ruby would’ve let you.” Cal’s eyes twinkled.
“Very true.”
Gus moved over to sit beside Cal, and he patted the dog’s head. “So. I’ve had a little dilemma with Christmas coming.”
Had he been struggling with a gift for me? Life Lesson #64: Always play it cool. “Really?”
“Since I’ve not dealt with the divorced parents thing before, I’ve been trying to figure out where I should go for Christmas. My mom’s or my dad’s new place in Florida? I’ve been reading books on how to cope with divorced parents, which is kind of nerdy, I know.”
“Not at all.” No wonder he hadn’t wanted to tell me what books he’d gotten at the library that day. I’d been so worried about his gift that I’d missed his struggle over Christmas. Stupid, stupid, stupid! “What’d you decide?”
“My sister figured it out. She refuses to pick, so she’s going to stay home and make her own memories with her family.”
“Where does that leave you?”
“I’m going to take some time off and help my dad move to Florida in a week, but for Christmas I’ll be back here working.” He chuckled. “I’m willing to take one for the team if it helps out some other guys with families.”
“All day? Because if you’d like to hang out with my family and me in the evening…”
“I’d love that.” He reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Now. Did I hear you playing the piano when I arrived?”
“Yes.”
“How about a little concert?”
I stood. “What’re you in the mood for?”
“Let’s see.” He strolled over to the wooden music stand next to my piano and flipped through the books. “The carving on this stand is phenomenal, by the way.”
“Thanks. Daddy made it for my fifteenth birthday.” He’d surrounded an inlaid G with curlicues.
“How about this one?” He handed me a book of show tunes open to “Till There Was You” from The Music Man.
My face warmed. “Of course.”
I settled on the piano bench—and Cal took a seat beside me.
I drew in a steadying breath. How on earth was I supposed to concentrate on the music with him so close by? I glanced up at him. “Just so you know, I haven’t played this one for a while, so it might be a little rough, but I’ll give it my best shot. Please don’t judge me if—”
His lips met mine, and I closed my eyes and felt as if I were floating because the kiss was a million times better than I’d ever hoped.
Good thing I was sitting down.
When he pulled away, I held his gaze.
“Sorry for waiting so long.” He brushed his thumb over my cheek. “It has nothing to do with how I feel about you. I just don’t like to be casual with my kisses.”
“I appreciate that,” I whispered. For once, Georgia the Babbler had nothing else to say.
He motioned to the music. “Let’s hear it.”
I shook myself out of the kiss-induced stupor. “I’ll even sing for you.” I launched into the song, and by the time I was belting out the chorus, I knew exactly what to get Cal for Christmas.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Christmas Day
Mom and Dan loved their tandem bike. In fact, after we presented it, they bundled up and took it for a short spin around the neighborhood. It was pretty cute, watching them pedal away into the sunset.
While Mom and Dan were gone, Austin, Preston, Makayla, Dakota, Stella, and I were hanging out in the basement and drinking spiced cider while “Silver Bells” played in the background. A large pile of gifts stood next to Mom’s tree that was decked with our blended family’s sentimental ornaments, including many that us kids had made when we were little.
“What time is your boyfriend going to get here?” Makayla smirked.
I bit back the urge to inform her that, in spite of progressing to kissing me, he still hadn’t made his boyfriend status official. Instead, I glanced at my watch. “Any time.”
“By the way, I’m totally bummed that my idiot brothers got to be your sidekicks.” She crossed her arms. “I want my turn.”
I laughed and picked up some discarded wrapping paper at my feet. “I’m not making any promises, but you never know, since crimes seem to find me.” Not to mention there was still Daddy’s case to solve. I wadded the paper in a ball and chucked it toward the trash bag Dan had brought in.
My phone vibrated in unison with Dakota’s Mario Brothers ring tone. We exchanged glances. I squealed when I saw Grandpa had sent a picture of a wrinkly hand sporting a beautiful square-cut diamond engagement ring with a simple message.
She said yes.
I showed the picture to Makayla while Dakota shared with Stella. Preston and Austin hovered over me, trying to catch a glimpse.
“I wonder if they’ll have a big wedding,” Makayla said.
“I doubt it.” After the conversation I’d had with Grandpa in Velda’s Café, I was sure he’d veto that idea.
Austin slapped my shoulder. “Whatever they do, make sure you’re standing within firing distance when she tosses the bouquet. You need all the help you can get.”
I rolled my eyes, and when the doorbell rang, I shot off the couch. “I’ll get it.” I pounded up the stairs and yanked open the door.
“Merry Christmas.” Cal grinned as he stepped inside, gave me a quick peck on the lips, and slid off his coat.
“Merry Christmas.” Grasping his hand, I led him into the living room where Mom’s fancy tree glowed next to the fireplace. This one was full of woodland-themed ornaments. “I have a little something for you.” I picked up the tiny box I’d stashed behind the tree, so the Twin Menaces wouldn’t notice.
They’d taken to calling themselves that—as their superhero name.
Cal’s eyes lit up as he ripped open the gold and white-striped package. He withdrew a strip of paper, and I held my breath while he read what I’d w
ritten.
Your gift has two parts. The first is in my truck bed.
“I thought you said it was a little something.”
“Let’s go.”
He whistled “Jingle Bells” as we put on our coats and we went outside to the driveway. Up and down the street, houses sparkled with Christmas lights. A few stray snowflakes swirled around us in the dark, and I opened the tailgate, revealing the tarp-covered mound. “Go for it.”
He lifted the cover. “A bookshelf. Look at the craftsmanship on this.” He ran his hand along the edge. “It’s awesome!” He hugged me so hard that he lifted my feet off the ground. “I needed a new one.” Cal put me down and kissed me so enthusiastically that I was certain we were giving the neighbors a show.
Not that I cared.
A throat cleared—loudly.
Cal and I jumped away from each other.
“I take it he likes the shelf.” Dan wheeled the bike up the driveway, and Mom walked beside him, grinning.
I smoothed my hair and shuffled my feet. Merciful heavens.
“It’s perfect for my guest room.” Cal’s eyes sparkled.
Who knew a bookshelf could make someone so happy? I’d found an antique shelf at an estate sale—and had refinished it myself.
“I’m glad.” Mom entered the code for the garage door, and she and Dan ducked inside as soon as the door had raised.
As the garage door closed, I pointed to the envelope that I’d taped to the side. “Don’t forget part two.”
He ripped it open and read aloud. “I’ll help you unpack and organize your books.” He kissed the top of my head. “That’s even better since I haven’t had time. Thank you.”
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his lips. “You’re very welcome.”
I’d taken Beverly’s advice and realized Cal appreciated my help more than any gift I could ever give.
“Let’s go inside so you can open your present,” he said.
We covered the bookshelf and shut the tailgate before hurrying into the house. The shouts coming from the basement indicated Dan had insisted on playing charades. I’d never been so thankful for my stepdad’s love of family games.
Cal and I settled in the living room in front of the fireplace, and he withdrew an envelope from his back pocket. “Sorry, I’m not good at wrapping.”
“No worries.” I tore it open and discovered two tickets for a Chanticleer concert. I squealed. “This is perfect. My favorite group, and I get to spend time with you.”
“I know.” His blue eyes twinkled. “That makes it a present for me too.”
I laughed. The Georgia of a few months ago would’ve needed a barf bucket after hearing a guy make a sappy comment like that to a girl, but I didn’t mind—at all—when it was directed at me.
“There’s something else I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.” He rested his hand on my face.
“Really?” My voice sounded way too squeaky to pass for cool.
He brushed a strand of hair out of my face with his thumb. “I’ve never asked you to be my girlfriend, but Brandi very tactfully brought it to my attention that a certain angel asked you out. And I realized I’d better make our relationship status official—that is—if you’re cool with it?”
“Definitely.” My breath caught as I met his intense gaze.
His lips met mine, and I moved closer.
Merry Christmas to me.
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About the Author
Marissa Shrock is a survivor of many awkward blind dates and many years of teaching middle school. Both provide excellent inspiration for her fictional yarns.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields. Visit her at www.marissashrock.com.
Also by Marissa Shrock
Emancipation Warriors Series
The First Principle
The Liberation
The Pursuit
The Agitator: A Novella
Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series
Deadly Harvest
Credits
Editing by A Little Red Ink
Marketing Copy by JR2 Marketing & Advertising
Cover Art by Seedlings Design Studio
Cimelia Press Logo by Race Point
Deadly Holiday (Georgia Rae Winston Mysteries Book 2) Page 19