The Christmas Gift [Book One in the Ladies of Legend Christmas Anthology]

by Janet Eaves

  "I forgive you."

  Christina waited, having said the words, for something to feel different. She smiled at herself and her foolishness, then set the coffee carafe back on its stand. She glanced at the rug again. “And I'm sorry I didn't know what to do to please you. I guess we both need forgiveness."

  She turned to find Jack standing in the doorway, studying her silently.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I just wanted to see it I could help."

  Christina knew her cheeks were as red as they were hot. “No, I'm sorry I was taking so long. I guess I was having a little talk with the deceased this morning."

  Jack approached her and took the mug she offered him. “Thanks. Are you okay? Do you regret what we did?"

  She shook her head. She wasn't going to play games with Jack. She liked that they were honest with each other. “No. No regrets at all.” She bit her bottom lip, then blew out a breath. “Except maybe that neither of us thought about protection."

  Jack nodded, solemnly. “Yeah, I know. I laid awake last night thinking about it.” He grinned. “And thinking about it some more."

  Christina grinned with him.

  "And then reality hit me in the head. I'm sorry. That was clumsy of me."

  Christina shrugged. “I'm not going to worry about it. I don't think the timing is right, and I never used anything with Johnny and only got pregnant once."

  "If there is a result—"

  Christina held up her hand. “It's okay, Jack. If there is, I'll handle it.” She could tell from the look on his face he wasn't certain what she meant, but she'd thought about the possibility all morning and knew there would never be a question about whether she would have the child or not, if there was one. She'd always wanted more children. Lisa was the love of her life, but she had lots more room in her heart. She'd only just begun to hope to one day find a man to love, too.

  If Jack hadn't appeared when he had, and they hadn't done what they did, she wouldn't even consider taking on another man. But she wanted more of what had happened between them. And she wanted to experience the type of relationships other women she knew had with their men. And if Jack was willing, and please God let him be willing, she wanted more. And more. Until he decided to move on.

  When that time came, she would open herself up to the possibilities of a relationship. But for now, she was more than happy to settle for really great sex. Which meant they needed to make a trip to town to the drug store as well as the grocery store.

  "It's started snowing again. Are you ready?"

  Christina nodded. “Yes, just let me get my coat."

  * * * *

  Jack settled into the passenger seat of the three-quarter ton Chevy pick-up and chewed his lip. Christina had insisted on driving since he didn't have a license, and though practical, it grated a little. He knew it was archaic for it to bother him that she was taking care of him, but he somehow knew that he liked the man doing the caring for.

  If she had been his wife...

  Jack pushed the thought away. She said she wasn't and he had to believe that. And what did he have to offer a woman anyway? He had no memory. No money. No job. And wasn't likely to get one until he somehow got identification papers. For all he knew he was an illegal alien. Something that had never occurred to him until he saw the U.S./Mexican Border story on the news the night before, and many of the quarantined Mexicans they'd interviewed had similar coloring and features to the man he saw in the mirror.

  Christina hadn't seemed to make the connection when they'd snuggled under the blanket to watch TV, but it had been quite a jolt to him. In fact, when she'd gently hinted about them sleeping together, he'd been so freaked out it had gone completely over his head, until hours later, when thinking about her and their time on the kitchen rug, which had blocked out all other thought, her gentle hints finally sunk in. By then she'd been in bed and, he was certain, asleep. Besides, the fact that they'd made love without any thought of protection had hit him like a ton of bricks.

  He'd decided then that he'd have to let this concern go, as well as the concerns over his identity until there was a reason to worry or his memory started returning. There was nothing he could do about either at the moment. As long as Christina didn't mind letting him stay and be a part of her life, he would do all he could for her, to ease some of the burdens she'd carried alone for too long.

  At least then, he wouldn't feel completely useless.

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  Chapter Eleven

  Christina tried to ignore the whispers going on around her and she waited for Lucy Fin to ring up and bag the box of Trojans. She had only planned to come into the drug store, a small unit inside the Medical Plaza at the corner of North Main and Second Street, to get the condoms and leave, hoping that she wouldn't run into anyone she knew. The problem with living in Legend, however, was that you couldn't swing a cat by its tail in any direction without hitting someone you knew, went to church with, or were related to. So she kept her eyes lowered to the counter and waited while Lucy rang up her purchases, most of which had been chosen to cover up the box of condoms in the bottom of the small blue carrying basket.

  When Lucy finally held the box in front of the newly installed scanner, Christina sighed in relief that she would soon be out of the unusually packed store. Until Lucy did it again and again, looked for a price on the box, frowned, then reached for the microphone. Christina knew right then she was going to die. She was about to tell Lucy to forget it when it happened.

  "Price check on extra large Trojan condoms, Barry. Price check on extra large Trojans. Pronto!"

  Flames licked her cheeks as murmurs rose behind her. The growing line of Legendarians in conjunction with Lucy's inquisitive looks, made her want to run from the store, and possibly from Legend, but she lifted her head and stared Lucy down, before turning to those in line behind her. They became silent, and finally all had the grace to look away.

  She turned back to the counter and squinted her eyes at Lucy. “While he's at it, tell Barry to bring me a second box."

  Christina kept her head held high until all her purchases, including the second box of condoms, were bagged, paid for, and she left the store. She marched out to the southern end of the large parking lot which separated the Medical Plaza and Legend Memorial Hospital, got in the truck, and turned to Jack, who had done as she'd asked and waited for her there.

  She pointed to the large building across Second Street. “We are walking over there to the Piggly Wiggly to get our groceries. We will get looks. There will be whispers. And there may even be people who think you are Johnny. Are you up for it?"

  Jack's brows drew together. “Is something wrong?"

  Christina shook her head. “No. Everything is just fine.” She burst out laughing, and couldn't stop, until tears rolled down her cheeks. Jack pulled her across the truck's bench seat and held her, until her laughter mixed with tears slowed. She looked up at him. “I am so embarrassed. The entire town will know by dark that I, the Widow Montgomery, just bought two boxes of extra large condoms.” She chuckled again.

  A couple exited the Medical Plaza and walked between the yellow Mustang parked next to her, and Christina's side of the truck. They slowed as they glanced in. Christina turned her head to nestle her face in Jack's parka, not wanting to encourage the Moores to stop to talk. She glanced up, looked at Jack, saw him glance past her, then he took her lips and nearly knocked all thought from her brain with a deep, hungry kiss.

  She grinned at him when he raised his head. “What was that for?"

  "For braving the masses just so I can devour you later. Two boxes?"

  Jack looked past her again and still chuckling, Christina looked back, too. The Moores were still standing by her window, staring into the cab of the truck. She giggled, taking in their huge eyes and gaping mouths. She turned back, only to find Jack flipping them off.

  A hoot escaped, making her laugh harder. She captured his hand, folding in his midd
le finger, and pulled his fist down to rest in her lap. She refused to look back and see just how offended her neighbors were. “You can't do that. I think there's an ordinance against obscene gestures in Legend. And you are being a very bad boy."

  Jack took her lips again for a hard fast kiss. “Let's go to the grocery store then get back to the house. I'll show you just what a bad boy I can be."

  Excitement made her want to ditch the grocery store, but getting supplies was necessary. The forecast was becoming more ominous by the day and it was starting to make her nervous. Almost as nervous as she was about the repercussions that were sure to come back to haunt her. Christina knew she could brave the questioning looks and speculation and even the gossip that was sure to follow, she just hoped it didn't reach her mother-in-law before she had a chance to talk to Margaret herself.

  "Let's,” she agreed, promising herself she'd give her mother-in-law a call, just as soon as they made it back to the house.

  Snow was gently falling again as they crossed Second Street and walked around to the front of the building on North Main. As usual, the citizens of Legend were out in full force, hats and scarves, coats and boots donned to fight off the winter chill and keep them dry. The pedestrian activity of Main Street never seemed to wane these days as the Chamber of Commerce had done a magnificent job of making Legend a year round tourist attraction. In the winter there was still fishing on the pristine lake for those hardy enough to brave bracing against the cold. All the downtown shops had undergone facelifts so that, though uniform, they reflected the taste and style of each individual merchant, and now all had lovely Christmas scenes, lights, and decorations in their windows.

  The new, old-fashioned green lanterns that lit Main Street at night were decorated with holly and a large red bow just below the faux gas light electrical fixtures, and near the base was another bow, this one yellow, in honor of the sons and daughters of Legend that were currently serving their country in other parts of the world. And for Johnny, who was still considered an MIA.

  The rapidly growing maples lining Main Street all had tiny white lights that made evening Christmas shopping safe and fun for tourists and locals alike as the sun set by six, and the shops, for the season, remained open until eight. She knew the Old Meeting House at the center of Main Street would have its newly planted Blue Spruce decorated with the same white lights as the maples, but would also have ornaments made by Legend's children hanging from its blue-green branches.

  Though last year's senior class at Legend High School had gotten into loads of trouble for chopping down the old pine at the forward, south side of the bricked building, everyone agreed that the newer healthier tree was much more attractive. For their senior prank, the graduating class had gotten to wash all the windows fronting all the downtown shops as community service, and a lesson that crime, no matter the favorable results, would not be tolerated by the citizens of Legend, Tennessee.

  Christina smiled to herself as she glanced at Jack. He was looking the town over, taking in a scene that could have easily fit into a gently shaken snow globe. She took his arm and slid her hand down the underside to take his hand, clasping it inside the large pocket of his parka. He glanced over at her, contentment, and perhaps envy reflected in his eyes.

  "This place is so peaceful."

  Christina nodded. “It is. But like most towns it has its drama. And we are about to cause a lot of it."

  Jack glanced back to the double automatic doors at their backs. “Would you rather I stay out here?"

  Christina shook her head. “Nope! We are going in there together."

  Jack tilted his head, grinning. “I think you're enjoying this."

  Christina took a deep breath and watched steam roll from her nostrils when she exhaled. “I think maybe I am.” She bit her bottom lip. “Does that make me terrible?"

  Jack shook his head. “Not to me. But are you still going to think it's funny when everyone really is talking about you?"

  "The truth is, I've been the talk of the town, to some degree, ever since the rumors started about Johnny deserting. But that's from a small minority. For the most part, people have been very supportive. It's just that I'm tired of living my life wondering what others think of me. I want to be able to go where I want, with whom I want, and not care that there will be a few small minded people who will make something of it."

  "They may think I'm him. What will you say?"

  Christina shrugged, not that she didn't care, but what could she do? She wasn't about to explain to every Tom, Dick, and Harry that he wasn't Johnny, but was just a man she was having incredible sex with that looked a great deal like what Johnny probably would have looked like if he hadn't died.

  It was more trouble than she was willing to go to. “I'll tell them you're a distant relative of his, in town, for Christmas."

  "Okay. That could work. What about afterwards? Are you going to be ready to kick me out?"

  Christina studied him. “I like you, Jack. But I have a daughter who will be home on Christmas day. I can't be making love on the kitchen floor with her in the house."

  Jack grinned. “What about the sofa?"

  Christina giggled, and shook her head. “Nope."

  "The shower?"

  Excitement tingled over her skin. “Certainly not."

  "Maybe even the bed?"

  Christina looked back as Mike and Karen Canterfield stepped out of the Piggly Wiggly. She nodded at them but turned around again, not giving them a chance to speak. She took Jack by the arm and walked to the other side of the store's front. “That would be a no, also. But I fully expect you to try out all those places with me before Lisa makes it home."

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  Chapter Twelve

  Just as she'd expected, the citizens of Legend gave her and Jack silent, shocked stares. She smiled at each and every person she knew, but continued to do her shopping in silence with Jack at her side like a sentinel. She was afraid to look at him. She'd already caught him scowling at Pita Jean Harrison, one of Legend's busiest bodies. And it took all she had in her not to laugh.

  With her basket filled, and people still sneaking peeks around isle corners, she waited as Betty Jo rang up her purchases. The woman never took her wide eyes off Jack as she slid one item after another over the scanner. She blinked when she was finished as if coming out of a trance.

  She turned her head towards Christina, her gaze took a little longer. “That'll be seventy-four, fifty-three.” She turned back to Jack, a questioning smile touching her lips. “Is it you?"

  Jack grinned. “It's me.” He reached out his hand, and waited as she took it to shake. “Jack Doe. I'm a distant relative of Christina's late husband."

  From complete silence to chaos in one point three seconds. The people within the Piggly Wiggly were all around them, chattering about how much he looked like Johnny. About how tragic it was that such a wonderful young man was gone, about what a dear sweet girl Lisa was, and what a wonderful mother young Christina had turned out to be. On and on they went about how great it was that he'd come to visit his young cousin's widow. Wouldn't Margaret be thrilled? Did she know that he'd come?

  Neither corrected them, or answered their inquiries as they were shot out, one after another, in such rapid succession that they were spared answering. Christina quickly peeled off the money and handed it over. She grabbed as many of the plastic bags as she could handle, glad Jack hadn't needed to be told to do likewise.

  With nods and smiles, she made her way through the throng of people, then on out the door as quickly as possible, not even looking back as she knew Jack was fast on her heels. In seconds she'd crossed Second Street and made it to her truck. She swung the bags over the side of the truck's bed, making certain the bag with the eggs were placed gently amongst the other groceries. And with one grinning look at each other, she and Jack got in their respective sides.

  As soon as their doors were shut she had the truck running, threw it in reverse, and spun
around to make her way west, glad they didn't have to go across Main Street in order to head home. There was no doubt about it now. The telephone wires in Legend would be on fire tonight.

  It only took ten minutes to reach the farm's entrance. Christina glanced at Jack, shaking her head as she maneuvered the rough, long, gravel driveway. “I'm sorry about that."

  Jack shrugged. “No sweat. It was kinda fun. Maybe I really am a relative."

  Christina shook her head. “I would have heard about you."

  "Maybe I'm the bastard child of Johnny's grandfather or something."

  Christina laughed. “More likely the ‘or something.’ Both his grandfathers were ministers."

  Jack bit his bottom lip. “What if I was somehow related to him?"

  Christina pulled to a stop in front of the old white clapboard farmhouse. “I guess it is possible. I just don't think it probable. I'm talking to Johnny's mother soon. We're going to be the talk of the town, and I'm afraid word will get back to her. I don't care if she is eight-hundred miles away."

  Jack lifted his hand, putting it over his heart. She tilted her head, watching him. “Are you okay?"

  He nodded. “Yes. I guess it's just the healing process, but I get these twinges sometimes."

  Christina opened her door as Jack opened his. They met at his side of the truck. “Do you think you might need to see a doctor?"

  "No!"

  Christina smiled. “Do I detect a little fear?"

  Jack grinned at her. “I've been poked, prodded, and had things stuck in me I don't ever want to think about again. I'm fine. Let's get these groceries in before they freeze."

  The afternoon turned to evening rapidly. Jack had taken it upon himself to gather firewood from outside, bringing it in and stacking it in the nook beside the stone fireplace. As soon as she'd put away the groceries she'd started a pot of chili and chopped a salad to chill in the fridge until dinner time, then went through the motions of writing out checks for the month's small mound of bills.