A Heart for Christmas

by Watson, Lisa

  Before Yvette could answer, Lacey burst through the door.

  “Mommy come on,” she practically yelled. “Colonel Tony told Ms. Margaret that his chestnuts are freezing, but I didn’t see any chestnuts.”

  That spurred Yvette into action. She yanked her coat on and hesitantly glanced Christopher’s way. To her relief, his coat was on and he was smiling at her.

  “Let’s go,” he said striding out the door after Lacey.

  Yvette trotted after them. The cold air felt heavenly on her warm cheeks.

  Christopher got in first, and then helped Lacey and Yvette onto the sleigh. He made sure they were settled, and a plaid blanket draped snuggly across their laps before he gave his father the thumbs up.

  Everyone whooped in delight when the horses snorted and took off.

  The rhythmic sound of the horses guiding the sleigh mixed with the ringing of sleigh bells had a relaxing effect on Yvette. It was her first ride in one, and she was enjoying it immensely. Margaret handed out cups, and then passed around a thermos of hot apple cider. Everyone drank it between bouts of singing. Occasionally, there was a lull in conversation or Christmas carols that allowed Yvette to ponder her last conversation with Christopher.

  You must know by now that I like you…a great deal. Those words played over and over in her head. In truth, she had gone over almost everything Christopher had said before Lacey came in to get them. He had not said a word about it since, but his invitation still hung between them. In fact, she was acutely aware that she owed him an answer…and that his cologne was driving her crazy.

  “Are you having a good time?”

  The words were whispered, but Yvette was so focused on Christopher he could have yelled them for all she cared.

  “Yes, I am. I’ve never been on a sleigh ride before. This is such a treat for us. I’m glad you suggested it.”

  “Me, too,” he admitted.

  Yvette glanced across at her aunt. “Are you having fun?”

  “Oh honey, this is a hoot,” Adelaide replied.

  “I’m glad you all are enjoying this,” Margaret said. “Tony and I don’t get to do this as often as we used to. When Chris was young, he wanted to come out here almost every night. He never tired of it.”

  He chuckled. “I still don’t.”

  Yvette tapped her daughter. “I believe it’s your turn for a song, sweetheart.”

  Lacey picked the Twelve Days of Christmas.

  “Didn’t we just sing that?” Christopher pointed out.

  Lacey nodded. “Yes, but that was a long time ago.”

  “We sang it two songs ago,” Adelaide recalled.

  “Come one, please?”

  “Anything you want,” Anthony told her. He cleared his throat and started them off.

  By the time they returned to the house, everyone was sung out. The ladies handled the blankets, cups and thermoses while Christopher and his father put up the sleigh, and took the horses back to the barn to wipe them down.

  “Well I hope you all aren’t thinking about driving back to Adelaide’s at this late hour,” Margaret said as they entered the house. “You all are staying the night. We have plenty of room, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  “I’m too pooped to put up a fight.” Adelaide yawned.

  “Thank you for your hospitality,” Mrs. Darcy.”

  “None of that Mrs. Darcy stuff. You call me Margaret,” she told Yvette.

  “All right,” Yvette chuckled. “We would be happy to stay the night.”

  “Yay,” Lacey said in a soft voice followed by a yawn.

  “I think we tuckered her out,” Adelaide noted.

  Yvette headed for the door. “I’ll just go get our bags.”

  “You’ll do no such thing. I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping. Tony and Chris can handle the bags.”

  Margaret escorted everyone upstairs and down a long hallway. Adelaide was the first to be dropped off.

  “This is the green room,” Margaret informed them. “Addie, I know you didn’t bring a bag, but I keep all the guest rooms well stocked with toiletries and incidentals. I’ll bring you a nightgown after I get Yvette and Lacey settled.”

  Adelaide thanked her and waved them off.

  They walked a few more steps before Margaret came to a halt. She opened a set of French doors and walked in.

  “This is the Lavender room, and one of our largest. I thought it would be good to put you both in the same room.”

  Yvette scanned the inside. Margaret was right, it was huge. A large king-sized bed sat across from a large picture window giving the occupant an incredible view outside. The walls were lavender, but the furniture was white wicker. There was a plush down comforter on the bed that made it look like a giant, fluffy white cloud. The sheets were a floral pattern with lavender, yellow and kiwi green.

  “It’s beautiful,” she told Margaret.

  “I’m glad you like it. If you need anything, there’s an intercom system right by your door. Just push the Talk button and we’ll come running,” she assured her.

  “You and your family have been so hospitable,” Yvette’s eyes misted with unshed tears. “It’s just what Lace and I needed.”

  Margaret enveloped her in a hug. “Oh honey, it’s been our pleasure. You and your family are welcome any time.”

  Yvette relaxed into her hug. It made her miss having her mother close all the more. Wiping her eyes with her sweater, she said goodnight to her hostess. Lacey made herself right at home. She pulled off her boots and jumped up on the bed.

  “It’s lovely,” Yvette remarked.

  “I’m glad you like it. There’s a bathroom behind the door on your left. You’ll find towels in the closet and toiletries. I’ll go get the boys to bring in your luggage.”

  Margaret practically danced out of the room. It was obvious to Yvette that she truly enjoyed entertaining.

  “Mommy, can I watch TV?”

  “Honey, don’t you think it’s kind of late for that?”

  “But it’s the weekend. You said I can stay up late on the weekend, and I’m not tired.”

  A skeptical look crossed Yvette’s face, but she gave in. “Okay, but only for a short while, and after you get your pajamas on and teeth brushed.”

  Yvette was ushering Lacey into the bathroom when a soft knock sounded at her door.

  “Get started brushing your teeth, baby. I’ll be in there in a moment.” She opened it and found Christopher on the other side with an overnight bag in each hand.

  “Your bags, Madame,” he said in an English accent.

  “Why thank you, kind sir.” Yvette stepped aside to let him enter.

  Christopher placed them on the wooden trunk at the foot of the bed.

  “My mother is in her element,” he confided.

  “She’s the perfect hostess,” Yvette agreed. “She wouldn’t hear of us driving to Adelaide’s tonight.”

  He grinned. “I’m glad she convinced you.”

  “Trust me, it wasn’t that hard.”

  “Is that so?”

  They stared at each other for a few seconds before Christopher cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll get out of your way and let you two ladies get settled. Good night, Lacey,” he said loudly.

  They both heard Lacey’s muffled reply.

  “She’s probably brushing her teeth,” Yvette concluded.

  Turning on his heel, Christopher walked out into the hallway. “Good night, Yvie.”

  The way he said her name gave her Goosebumps. “Good night, Christopher. Thank you. Everything about today was fantastic.”

  “You’re welcome,” he replied. He leaned towards her. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that you haven’t answered my question yet.”

  “It wasn’t a question, it was more of a statement,” she corrected.

  As if spurred on by their banter, his eyes gleamed with purpose.

  “By all means, allow me to rectify that situation right now.” Christopher moved even closer. “
Yvette, would you like to go out on a date with me?

  There was no way Yvette could deny the thrill she felt at hearing the words. She didn’t even try. Her head was moving up and down before she had even opened her mouth. “Yes, I would.”

  “Could you smile any harder?” Anthony asked his son.

  “I’m sure if I put my mind to it I might be able to,” Christopher joked.

  “Stop teasing him.” Margaret sat next to her husband and son on the family room couch. “I think it’s high time he was excited about a young lady.”

  “Personally, I was beginning to give up hope that any of them would hold his attention longer than half-time at a football game.”

  Christopher glanced between his parents. A smiled played at the corner of his lips. “You do know I’m sitting right here.”

  “Of course we do sweety. So, when are you going out on a date with Yvette? Have you asked her, yet?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have. We haven’t discussed the details, yet.”

  Margaret patted her son’s hand. “I’m glad. I really like her family, and her daughter is adorable.”

  Christopher couldn’t contain his elation. “I know. It’s weird, mom. I haven’t known Yvette very long, and yet it feels like I have.”

  “You meet her in college,” his father pointed out. “Didn’t you two travel in the same circle?”

  “Not really. I knew of her, but we…we weren’t close. I’d see her sometimes at parties or in class and…” Christopher’s expression clouded over. “Let’s just say she only had eyes for Michael.” Suddenly, he stood up. “I think I’d better turn in. It’s been a long day.” He kissed his mother’s cheek. “Goodnight mom and dad.”

  Before either could respond, Christopher was out of the room. His footsteps tapped out a cadence on up the stairs. Margaret’s eyes were riveted to the doorway. A knowing expression crossed her face. She sighed heavily.

  “Oh my.”

  Anthony glanced at his wife. “What?”

  “Darling, it’s so obvious.”

  His eyebrow rose. “To whom?”

  “Christopher likes her.”

  “I know,” her husband replied. “He just said that.”

  “Really honey, keep up. Our son has been pining for Yvette Stilwell since college.”

  Anthony stared at his wife. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Of course I am,” she said authoritatively. “A mother knows, plus I can see it in his eyes. Having Yvette in his life again means the world to Christopher—even if he hasn’t said it.”

  Anthony got up and helped Margaret to her feet. His leaned down and kissed the bridge of her nose. “Has it ever occurred to you my darling that you could be wrong?”

  Margaret smiled at him. “Anthony Darcy…when it comes to matters of the heart, when am I ever wrong?”

  He burst out laughing. “Touché.”

  “Tomorrow has to be special,” she said excitedly. “This is the perfect back drop for romance. Some time alone would be just the thing for—”

  “Margaret, don’t you go playing match maker.” Anthony cautioned. “If those two are going to get together, it will be by their own design. You stay out of it.”

  She wrapped her arms around Anthony’s neck, and then kissed her husband firmly on the lips. “Of course, darling, but I can’t be held responsible of the season lends a helping hand, now can I?”

  She walked away and began to turn out lights. Anthony was right behind her.

  “Now what does that mean?”

  “Tony, it’s Christmas. Sleigh rides, holiday cheer, decorations and winter weather. All the things that make the season perfect to kindle a romance.”

  “Uh, huh. As long as Mrs. Clause isn’t involved, I’ve got no problems,” he chuckled before heading up the back stairs.

  Margaret walked into the kitchen to turn a night light on. She picked up a sweater off the chair and went to hang it in the hallway closet. As she headed toward the front stairs, she stopped and spun around. Her gaze traveled to the living room entryway. There over the doorway hung a long sprig of Mistletoe dangling from a velvet ribbon.

  “And mistletoe,” she whispered aloud. “Tomorrow will be perfect indeed.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  The next day was a blur of activity for the entire household. Margaret was up early and began cooking a large country breakfast. Adelaide and Yvette came down dressed and jumped right in to help. Adelaide took over the cinnamon rolls while Yvette started on the fried potatoes. Margaret thanked them both, and turned her attention to the sausage and bacon.

  “Did you all sleep well?”

  “It was the best sleep I’ve had in who knows how long,” Adelaide enthused.

  “For me, too,” Yvette chimed in. “The bed was so warm and comfortable; I was out like a light minutes after I got in it. I slept in one spot the whole night, a definite confirmation that it was a great night’s sleep. Lacey looked so peaceful, I decided to let her sleep in.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad. She’ll need her strength to tackle my Cranberry-Apple pancakes.” Margaret paused. “She does like Cranberries, doesn’t she?”

  Yvette nodded. “They are on her list of favorite things. I’ve been blessed with a very un-picky eater. Lacey has always been courageous at trying new things. She even loves Calamari and Sushi—the cooked kind, of course.”

  After the potatoes were done, Yvette made scrambled eggs. While hovering over the stove, she glanced around and the covered dishes all around them. “This looks like enough food to feed an army.”

  “Trust me, I’ve had experience with that,” Margaret joked. “You’ll soon discover that this fresh mountain air has a way of increasing your appetite. Besides, having a nice hot breakfast is essential when we’re working in the Christmas Shop all day. Sometimes it gets so busy; we don’t have a chance to stop for lunch. We also feed Santa’s helpers on Sunday mornings. They’ll be trickling in soon. I joke that they have radar when it comes to my cooking.”

  “From the looks of it who could blame them?” Adelaide replied.

  Just then Christopher and his father came from outside.

  “Don’t track snow through my kitchen,” Margaret cautioned.

  “We wouldn’t dream of it,” Anthony told his wife. “See?” he said pointing to the Merrill’s he had on his feet. “We left the boots on the deck.”

  “Thank you, honey. You two go wash your hands, breakfast is almost ready.”

  Anthony said good morning to Adelaide and Yvette, followed by Christopher.

  “How did you sleep?” Christopher asked when he reached Yvette’s side.

  “Like a rock,” she laughed. “Speaking of which, I’d better go make sure Lacey is awake. There’s no way she’ll want to miss this feast.”

  Yvette excused herself and went to check on her daughter. When she reached their room, Lacey was up, showered, and putting on her clothes.

  “Good morning, mommy.” Lacey went to hug her mother.

  “Hi Lace. Did you sleep well?”

  “Yep. I’m hungry, is breakfast ready?”

  “Wait till you see all the goodies Ms. Margaret cooked. Aunt Addie and I helped, too.”

  The two chatted while Yvette combed and brushed Lacey’s hair. Afterwards, she put it into a pony tail tied with a red bow. It matched the red sweater with reindeers that she was wearing. Next, she handed Lacey a belt for her jeans and her sneakers.

  “There we go,” Yvette said eyeing their handiwork. She took her daughter by the hand and left the room.

  By the time they returned to the kitchen, it was filled with people. Lacey went to greet her aunt, and then the Darcys.

  “Breakfast is ready,” Margaret announced to the crowd. Let’s all join hands and say a prayer of thanks.”

  Everyone gathered in a circle and joined hands. Lacey clasped Margaret and Anthony’s hands. Yvette stood next to Adelaide and took hers. She turned and saw Christopher to her left.

  “Is this hand taken
?” he teased.

  She grinned. “It is now.”

  Anthony cleared his throat and began the blessing. When he was done, everyone said Amen, and formed a line to fix their plates. Margaret helped Lacey so Yvette stayed where she was.

  Christopher leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  “I am,” she whispered back. “You can’t imagine how much.”

  He scanned her face. “I think I can.”

  Anthony and Christopher had set up tables and chairs in the family room so that everyone could sit down and enjoy their breakfast. Between there, the kitchen and dining room, all their guests we seated comfortably.

  There were plenty of compliments for the meal which Margaret happily shared with Yvette and Adelaide.

  “It was great having you both here to help. These two are lost in the kitchen,” she said tilting her head in the direction of her husband and son.

  “We know enough just to be dangerous,” Anthony countered.

  “Speak for yourself, dad. I’m quite the accomplished cook now.”

  “Really?” Yvette said. “I can’t wait to test something you make.”

  “You have,” he bragged. “Those rolls from dinner last night.”

  Her eyes grew wide with shock. “You baked those? They were delicious.”

  Adelaide got into the conversation. “I think every man should know how to cook, clean and take care of the house. That’s very appealing to a woman, you know.”

  “Is that so?” Christopher said looking at Yvette. “Good to know.”

  She blushed slightly, and then turned her concentration back to her plate.

  Minutes later, their meal was over and everyone began a group effort of cleaning the kitchen. Margaret shooed her staff out so that they could get back to their duties. Yvette insisted on helping since they would be leaving soon.

  “We’re leaving already?” her daughter complained.

  “Soon Lacey. We’re going to Aunt Addie’s house for a while, and then we’re heading home. You’ve got school, and I’ve got work tomorrow…remember?”