A Heart for Christmas

by Watson, Lisa

  “Great, then my first duty as your boyfriend,” he said picking her up, “is to get you into the house and warm you up.”

  Christopher carried Yvette back up the stairs and into the house.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Christopher set Yvette down in front of the fireplace. He retrieved a chenille throw off the couch and wrapped it around her arms. “What were you thinking running outside without a coat?”

  “I didn’t want you to leave without giving you an answer,” she chattered.

  “You could have called me,” he pointed out.

  She nodded. “I know.”

  He shook his head, and then hugged her tightly. “You’re something else, Yvie.”

  From that evening on they were inseparable. They settled into a routine, and on most days they would meet up after work to eat dinner at Yvette’s house, and then help Lacey with her homework until bedtime. Lacey insisted that Christopher be included in her birthday so on December 23rd, he and three of Lacey’s closest friends celebrated her ninth birthday at a local amusement center. By the time they made it back to Yvette’s, everyone was exhausted. Christopher helped Lacey put her gifts on the kitchen table while Yvette went to run her a bath.

  “This has been the best day,” Lacey gushed looking at her presents. “Didn’t you think it was the best party ever?”

  “This is my first time attending a ninth birthday party so I’ll take your word for it,” he joked.

  Lacey hugged him. “Are you going to be my new daddy?”

  Christopher returned the hug, and then lowered himself to her level. “Lacey honey, I care about your mommy very much. As far as asking her to marry me, only time will tell.”

  “But you love her. I’ve seen you kiss.”

  Christopher cleared his throat. He didn’t have much experience in the kid department, but he did his best.

  “That is true.”

  She looked at him patiently. “She can’t say yes if you don’t ask her.”

  He chuckled at that. “You’re right. I tell you what. If I ask your mom to marry me, you will be the second to know. Okay?”

  “Okay,” she agreed.

  “Hey you two,” Yvette said coming into the room. “Lace, your bath is ready.”

  “Okay, mommy.” Lacey hugged Christopher again. “Goodnight, Mr. Christopher. Thank you for my birthday present.”

  He picked her up and swung her around. “You’re welcome, little lady.”

  “Don’t forget,” she said before running out of the room.

  “Forget what?” Yvette asked turning to Christopher.

  “Uh…your daughter and I were having a conversation earlier.”

  When he didn’t elaborate, Yvette tilted her head to the side. “Am I going to find out about this later?”

  He sauntered over and hauled her up against him. He kissed her soundly. “You might.”

  Yvette eyed him suspiciously. “You know I’ll find out eventually,” she said confidently.

  “I’m sure.” He grinned.

  When she left, Christopher sank down on the couch. He ran a hand over his jaw. Lacey’s frank questions had left him a little shaken. Not about his feelings, he was very sure about those, but about the fact that even a nine year old could tell he was in love with Yvette. It made him realize that it was time to get things out in the open.

  Yvette finished giving Lacey a bath and put her to bed. As she was pulling the covers up, her daughter said, “Mommy, do you love Mr. Christopher like you did daddy?”

  Yvette’s mouth dropped open. “Lacey…why would you ask that, honey?”

  “Do you?” she pressed.

  She knelt down beside her daughter’s bed. “Are you worried about all the time we’re spending with Christopher?”

  Lacey shook her head. “No. I like him. He’s nice to me, and I want him to be my new daddy.”

  “Honey, I hear what you’re saying, but it’s past bed time. How about we talk about this more in the morning, okay?”

  When she returned, Christopher was sitting on the couch with his legs stretched out in front of him deep in thought.

  Yvette joined him on the couch. “Hey,” she said quietly.

  He smiled. “Hey, baby.”

  She placed her legs across his lap before leaning back against the pillows. “It’s been quite a day.”

  “Don’t I know it,” he remarked.

  “Thank you for helping me, Chris. It went much smoother with you there.”

  He kissed her. “Any time.”

  They sat in companionable silence for a while. Christopher absentmindedly stroked her leg.

  “Are your parents coming in for Christmas?”

  “No,” she replied. They’re doing a holiday cruise in the Caribbean, and won’t be back till after New Years.”

  “I was looking forward to meeting them,” he replied.

  “Don’t worry; they’re planning to come stay a week after. They’re eager to meet you.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them.”

  “You know, Christmas is in two days,” Yvette said with excitement. “I’m looking forward to visiting the farm again. Who knew I’d miss it as much as I have.”

  Christopher hugged her close. “It grows on you.”

  She sighed. “You’ve grown on me.”

  He stroked her hair with his free hand. “You think it’s any different for me?” Christopher titled her face up to meet his. “I love you, Yvette. I’m crazy about you.”

  They kissed heatedly. Yvette was the first to pull back.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” he whispered.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that…it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way about a man, Chris. I care about you, too. A lot. It’s just that—”

  “Hey, it’s okay, Yvie. I’m not rushing you, sweetheart. We’ve got nothing but time.”

  She stood up. “Do we?”

  He looked confused. “Of course we do. Why would you think otherwise?”

  “Because, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years…time isn’t promised to any of us. In a split second things can change…forever.”

  “Yvie, there are no guarantees in life. You know that. We can only work with the life God gave us. You have to have faith that things will work out as they should.”

  “I do, but that doesn’t make it hurt less when they don’t.” She took a deep breath. “I know how you feel, Christopher. Lacey loves you, and…I want everything to work out for the three of us.”

  He walked over and took her hands in his. Christopher kissed each hand before enclosing them in his. “Then marry me.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Had she heard him right? Did Christopher just ask her to marry him? Yes, he did. Her conscience confirmed. She glanced up into his eyes. He did not look like he was kidding, or under duress. In fact, he looked as calm, collected and handsome as he had ever looked.

  “Yes, I’m serious,” he confirmed in an amused voice. “I asked you to marry me, Yvette. I will try not to point out that you have yet to answer me.”

  “Christopher,” she breathed. “We barely know each other. I…it’s too soon.”

  “I’m in love with you, Yvie. In all honesty, I have been for a long time. As for not knowing you that well…I know that you are smart, have a great sense of humor, you’re a people person, and you never go back on your word once it’s given. I know that life dealt you a bad hand in the loss of your husband, but that you have faced that tragedy with courage and resilience for yourself, and your daughter. I know you love to dance, enjoy nature, and that your favorite ice cream is Butter Pecan, which you sneak in spoonfuls when you think nobody, is looking. I know that family means everything to you. You have a huge heart, Yvie and plenty of love left to give.” He caressed her cheek. “I’m just asking you to save a little room for me.”

  Tears flowed down her face. “Oh Christopher…I do care about you…I just…I need some time.”

  He tenderly
kissed her lips. “You have it,” he breathed against her mouth.

  Before Yvette could respond, Christopher had gone.

  She sank down onto the couch and pulled her legs up under her. Her arms folded across her middle. Time slowed for Yvette. She was unsure how long she lay there, but eventually she drifted into a troubled sleep.

  Christopher glanced at the clock on his console. It was two ‘o clock in the morning. Christmas Eve. When he left Yvette’s house, he had intended to just drive around for a while to clear his head. Before he knew it, he was on the highway and headed toward his parent’s house. Christopher left his car in front of the garage so he would not disturb them. With a little noise as possible, he got out the car and headed around back to the kitchen entrance. When he tiptoed through the door, it was to find both his parents awake and sitting at the table wrapping gifts.

  “Do you two ever sleep?” he lamented as he closed the door.

  “Apparently, it’s a family trait,” his mother replied. “Not that we’re not happy to see you, dear, but what brings you by so late or early—depending on which way you look at it.”

  “I’m sorry,” Christopher said dropping into a chair next to his father. “I needed to clear my head and ended up here.”

  His father glanced down at his wristwatch. “Must have been a doosie.”

  “Tony, why do you have to automatically assume they had an argument?”

  “Do you see the time,” his father pointed out. “Any time I was out driving around at this hour and I wasn’t out with the guys, it was because of you.”

  His wife looked indignant. “Tony, that’s hardly the—”

  “I asked her to marry me,” Christopher said quietly.

  His parents both stopped talking and stared at him.

  “And she said yes,” Margaret cried excitedly.

  Christopher sighed. “Not exactly.”

  “Then she said no?” his father concluded.

  “Not really.”

  His parents traded glances.

  “Uh honey, which is it?”

  “She asked me to give her some time—to think about it.”

  “Oh, well she’ll come around,” his mother said confidently. “It could be too soon for her, you know? I’m sure when she thinks it over; she’ll realize that the two of you belong together.”

  “What if she doesn’t? What if Yvette is still in love with her deceased husband? It’s been three years, but what if that’s not enough time?”

  “Did she say that?” his father asked gently.

  “No, but I think that Lacey has been pushing for us to get together, too. She asked me earlier if I was going to be her new daddy. Maybe it’s too much pressure for Yvette.”

  Margaret clasped her son’s hand in hers. “She loves you, Chris. I know it.”

  “Maybe she does, but it may not be enough.” He got to his feet. “Good night.” Christopher kissed his mother. “I’ll see you two in the morning.”

  Slowly, he walked to the back steps and upstairs to his suite. Since his parents were still up, Christopher took a quick shower before putting on a pair of pajama pants. He climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling. He cursed his impetuousness, but he had been unable to help himself. Once he thought about it, it seemed almost a natural next step. He loved Yvette…unconditionally. To have her and Lacey in his life permanently would make him complete, but his was afraid that he would scare Yvette off. Only Time will tell his inner voice counseled. Asking Yvette to marry him had either been the best decision, or worst mistake of his life.

  Yvette felt a light pressure on her arm. She swatted at it, and tried to go back to sleep. After a few moments she felt it again. She opened her eyes to find her daughter staring at her.

  “Oh, good morning, sweetheart.” She stretched and peeped at the clock. It was six-thirty in the morning.

  “Come one, mom,” Lacey bellowed. “It’s Christmas. Get up. Time to open gifts,” she said tugging her mother’s hand.

  “Okay, okay,” Yvette yawned, and forced herself to get out of bed.

  It seemed as though she had just snuggled under the covers a few hours before.

  Christmas Eve had been filled with last minute items to check off her list. There was the umpteenth trip to the grocery store, gifts that still had to be wrapped, and the midnight service at church. Yvette’s head did not hit her pillow until well after two a.m.

  She also had not spoken to Christopher that day. She wondered if she had purposefully kept herself busy to take her mind off of not hearing from him. She understood how he must feel. He had proposed to her, and she had not even given him an answer. It was supposed to be a joyous, incredible moment that was dampened by fear, uncertainty. Why was she so worried about giving her heart again? For fear it would get broken? Just being without Christopher for a day had given her a glimpse of what not having him around was like. It reminded her of how her life had been before meeting him a month ago. It had been full of purpose, and yet hollow. She and Lacey had been given a second chance to truly love someone, and be loved in return.

  “Mommy.” Her daughter shook her. “Aren’t you coming?”

  “Oh,” Yvette glanced down at Lacey. She bent down and kissed her on the cheek. “Of course, baby. Let’s see what Santa brought you.”

  Lacey made a bee line down the stairs and into the family room. She dragged several gifts out for her mother, while Yvette did the same.

  “We don’t want to open them all, remember? We’re going to pack up a few and open at Aunt Addie’s.”

  “Okay, mommy,” Lacey agreed, and then dove into her pile of gifts with gusto.

  Christopher padded into his bedroom with a pair of black slacks and a long, blue button down shirt. He glanced out his windows. It was cold, and gray outside which fit his mood perfectly. He had not heard from Yvette since the night of Lacey’s birthday. A few times he picked up the phone to call her, but he hung up each time. He missed her and Lacey terribly, but the last thing he wanted to do was pressure her. He told her that he would give her space, and he meant it—even if it was killing him to do so.

  By the time he was dressed and walking downstairs, he was in a terrible mood. The last thing he wanted to do was to smile and be chipper for a crowd of people, but he refused to ruin his parents Christmas.

  There you are, honey,” his mother said when he walked into the room. “I need your help. Would you mind getting another pitcher of punch from the fridge? Our guests will be arriving soon, and I’m not sure we have enough out.”

  “Sure, mom.”

  Christopher ran into his father in the kitchen. He nodded and headed to the fridge.

  “You going to make it?” his father said without preamble.”

  “Yes, sir,” he said automatically.

  There was a knock at the door. Anthony glanced at his son. “I’ll get it. With that look on your face people will think this is a funeral, and not Christmas dinner,” he chuckled.

  “Not funny, dad.”

  Anthony greeted their guests and handed Christopher the coats. With a big smile, forced smile, he took every one’s wraps to the hall closet.

  One hour and ten coats later, Christopher was seriously considering driving back to the city when his mother sidled up next to him.

  “Honey, I know you’re hurting right now,” she whispered, “but that sour face of yours is curdling the egg nog.”

  “Mom,” Christopher warned.

  Margaret hugged her son. “Okay, okay.”

  They both heard the doorbell ring.

  “Great, more guests. Can you get it, and try and put a good face on this will you, dear? This is supposed to be a party.”

  “Mom, I think it might be better for everyone if I just head back to Raleigh tonight and—”

  “You will do no such thing she said in a soft hiss. “You are going to stay and enjoy the holidays with your family. I will not have a son of mine being alone on Christmas,” she chastised. “Now get the door, sweetheart,�
�� she said sweetly.

  Christopher stared at his mother a moment, and then shook his head. Parties always made his mother crazy. Now was apparently no different.

  He went to the front door, and plastered on a smile.

  “Merry Christmas,” he said opening the door.

  “Christopher,” Lacey said and jumped into his arms.

  “Whoa,” he said catching her quickly. He hoisted her up. “What a surprise.”

  He glanced past her to see Yvette and Adelaide.

  “Yvie,” he said in a bewildered voice.

  “Merry Christmas, Christopher.” She smiled up at him. “I hope you didn’t mind of showing up anyway.”

  “Heavens no,” Margaret replied from behind her son. “Welcome, welcome. You three come on in here and get warmed up.”

  Christopher sat Lacey down and stood aside.

  “Um, we have some bags here…”

  “Chris, don’t just stand there, bring Yvette’s gifts inside. Lacey, it’s great to see you again. You too, Adelaide. I’ve got some great punch you’ve just got to try. You two follow me into the kitchen. Everyone already here so we’ve got to get you introduced…”

  Before Christopher could utter another word, his mother hustled everyone out of the room leaving the two of them alone. Yvette stared after the group.

  “Wow.”

  “Wow is right,” he replied. “She’s not much on subtlety.”

  Christopher grabbed the gifts off the porch and shut the door behind them.

  “Can I take your coat?” he asked.

  “No, I can hang it up,” Yvette said quickly.

  When she returned, Christopher was right where she left him.

  “I’m kind of shocked to see you,” he admitted. “Great shock…incredible in fact, but still shocked.”

  “Well, I couldn’t turn down your mother’s invitation. I didn’t want to appear rude.”

  “No, I understand. I’m glad you came…really. I just didn’t think you would. Not after how we left things…you know.”

  Yvette nodded. “I know.”

  They both started talking at the same time. Each smiled and pointed to the other to go first.

  “I’m sorry about the other night,” Yvette said quickly. “I didn’t mean to give you the impression that I wasn’t completely floored at your proposal. I was. It was beautiful and special, and I didn’t mean to ruin it,” she finished on a sob.