The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding (The Southlea Bay Series Book 3)

by Suzanne Kelman

  He was quiet again. I could hear the static on the line and the traffic noises around him as I nervously waited for his decision. Then he said, “I’m on my way to work right now. Let me talk to my boss and see if I can get a few days off. Maybe you’re right.”

  “You know I’m right.”

  “OK,” said Chris. “I will call you in a little while.”

  About half an hour later, Chris called and told me he had booked himself on the next flight out of San Francisco, and he would be there around midday. “I’ll send Martin out to pick you up,” I said cheerfully.

  Martin was just kissing me good-bye on the head as he heard that comment. He had on his overcoat, and his briefcase was in his hand. He picked up a sandwich I had made for him and said, “Martin will pick whom up, when?”

  “Chris from the airport,” I stated as I hung up the phone, trying to sound matter-of-fact.

  His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “Then I might need to pick up a bottle of scotch, too,” he joked as he walked toward the door. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Ms. Matchmaker.”

  “Of course,” I said, pushing him out the door and watching him walk to the car. But once back inside, I was having second thoughts. What if Chris’s coming here made things worse? What if Stacy felt betrayed by me when we’d really just started to bond? I nearly ran back to the phone and called him back, but something in my gut told me this was going to be OK. I just had to trust it.

  Stacy appeared behind me.

  “Hello, honey,” I said. “How did the twins sleep?”

  “Not bad,” she said. “They got five hours, which is decadent for me.”

  I went into the kitchen to make Stacy and myself a cup of tea. As I boiled water in the kettle, Stacy said, “You know, you and Dad have been great. It makes such a difference being here and having your help. It can be so hard on your own.”

  I wondered for a moment if should I tell her about my plans, but instead I decided to enjoy this moment with my daughter. She really was becoming a lovely person to be around.

  “I think being an only child wasn’t always a good thing for me,” she continued as she yawned and pulled herself up on a stool at the kitchen island, hugging her cup of hot tea with her hands. “I think that in some ways, I was a little brattish. Having the twins sure sorted that out. I never have a moment to think about myself. I know I’ve been resentful at times about what they need. I feel so guilty because so many people can’t have children or they have sick kids, and I’m so blessed. But I have to tell you, Mom, I thought labor was hard, but trying to do this day after day, without dropping down from exhaustion, is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

  I thought I would gently push the needle in the right direction. “I know what you mean. Having your dad around was a great help when you were younger. He helped share the load a lot.”

  “Yes,” she said. “I know it would be a little easier if Chris was around, but I’ve been thinking about what you said the other day, and I think things are too far gone for either of us to make our way back down that road.”

  “Maybe if you had some time together alone, it would help,” I continued a little desperately.

  James called from the bedroom. Stacy drank the rest of her tea and squeezed my hand. “You’re sweet, Mom, but I think both Chris and I know we’re a little past putting everything right over a nice weekend.” Stacy jumped down from her stool and walked toward the kitchen door “After all,” she said, “Chris is a very different type of dad.”

  I felt my blood drain, and then, all of a sudden, I was burning hot. I pulled open the robe I was wearing and fanned myself. Was this hot flashing or panicking? It was hard to know anymore. What would Stacy do when she found out he was on his way today?

  I thought about calling Chris straight back and even picked up the receiver, but something inside me once again told me I was doing the right thing, and how could it be any worse than it was now? Instead, I called Martin. He picked up on the third ring. I looked at the clock. He’d probably just arrived at the office, since it was about a ten-minute trip for him.

  “Hello, have I told you you’ve got to stop stalking me?” he said. “I know, you just can’t live without me, and our home is just empty the minute I’m not there. I’m right, aren’t I?”

  “Yes, dear. You’re so right. Martin, please tell me I’m doing the right thing.”

  “You’re doing the right thing,” he said. “Now, what is it you need me to reassure you about today? Staying married? Having the windows washed? Or changing the color of your hair?”

  I smiled. I was always contemplating changing the color of my hair.

  “You know,” I said. “About Stacy and Chris.”

  “Oh,” he said. “Meddling in other people’s affairs.” That kind of stung, but he followed it up with, “I think it’s the kindest thing you could have done. I know how fond you are of Chris, and I feel that deep down, we both know that, for better or worse, they love each other, and all we have to do is show them that.”

  I nodded into the phone. “OK,” I said, “you’re right. Thanks, honey. You’re the best.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, if you’re missing me anymore, there’s a picture in the third drawer you took of me that morning we went camping—the one where I look like a homeless man. If you feel you need to call me again, put that up on the wall. That should change your mind and let me get a day’s work done.”

  Chapter 16

  Oompah Bands & Scary Reindeer

  After a few stops, Dan and the ladies of the Rejected Writers’ Book Club arrived in Leavenworth at eleven a.m. and took in the full sight of the quaint, quirky town.

  To attract tourists to this out of the way mountain resort, the community of Leavenworth had created a Bavarian wonderland right in the center of the Cascade Mountains. With snow on the peaks during the winter and a good chance of ground snow, it looked Christmassy and magical. The experience was enhanced by the Bavarian-style homes and shops, German food, and entertainment. It was utterly enchanting and gorgeous at Christmastime.

  As the ladies and Dan pulled into the center of town, a German brass band could be heard blasting polka music from one of the twinkle-lit bandstands, and as they opened the car windows, the smell of sauerkraut and sausage greeted them.

  “I do love it here,” said Lavinia. “It’s like going abroad without having to use your passport.”

  “It’s surreal,” said Dan. “I can see why Flora would like it here.”

  They rolled up to a hotel.

  “I think we should get rooms,” said Dan. “And then maybe we can split up to find Flora. I don’t know where the Nest is. When I looked online, I could only figure it was a nickname because I couldn’t find it registered anywhere. We can ask in town and see if anyone knows about it.”

  “Sounds adorable,” says Lavinia. “Can’t wait to get into my snowsuit and start playing.”

  “We’re looking for Flora,” reminded Lottie, tapping her sister’s arm. “We’re not here to visit.”

  “I wonder if they’d let me ski naked?” asked Ruby thoughtfully.

  “Oh my gosh,” said Lottie. “That’s the last thing anyone needs to see.”

  They walked into the hotel, and a strapping young man dressed in lederhosen greeted them at the check-in desk.

  “Welcome to Leavenworth. How may I help you?”

  “Well, I just might have to have you on a stick,” said Lavinia. “Those shorts are adorable. You must be freezing in these temperatures.”

  He smiled as he reddened a little, unprepared for Lavinia’s forthrightness. “I have to get used to it,” he said. “Goes with the territory.” He checked them all into their rooms and reminded them: “Tonight is the tree-lighting ceremony. It’ll be beautiful, right in the middle of town.”

  “Hosted by the Von ‘Tripp’ singers, no doubt,” said Lavinia sarcastically as they made their way to their rooms.

  “Don’t you mean Von Trapp?” Lo
ttie inquired.

  “Nope,” said Lavinia. “After we’ve been here for a few hours with all that German beer sloshing about, I think I was right the first time!”

  Once they were all in, they made their plans: they would separate to find Flora and meet back at the hotel later.

  I sat on tenterhooks waiting for Martin to arrive back from the airport at midday. I still hadn’t told Stacy that Chris was on his way. I just couldn’t quite find the right time. I was definitely having second thoughts. Stacy was curled up on the sofa, both twins newly bathed on her lap, and she was reading If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to them. Such a happy family picture.

  I heard Martin’s car arrive and went to meet them at the door. Martin walked in, said to me, “I’ll be in my workshop if you want me,” and disappeared. I could have killed him.

  Chris stood sheepishly at the door.

  “Hello, Mom,” he said and gave me a hug. “How are you doing?” He looked pale and tired and sad. I followed Chris into the front room as he put down his bags, and the twins automatically jumped off the sofa to greet him.

  “Daddy!” they shouted in unison.

  Stacy’s face was a picture. She went from shock to anger, and the first words out of her mouth were, “What are you doing here?”

  Chris pulled both his children into his arms and hesitated to answer her.

  “I invited Chris,” I said, ready to take whatever was coming at me. “I think you two need to spend some time together, and your dad and I will take care of the twins while you do that.”

  Stacy picked up her cup of tea and stomped straight upstairs. Chris just shrugged his shoulders at me and settled himself down on the sofa to talk to the twins.

  I tiptoed out to the workshop. Martin poked his head out the door. “Is it safe? Do I need to bring my tin helmet?”

  “I’ve had an idea,” I said.

  “What? Another one? Is this as good as the last one?”

  I smiled as I walked into his shed, shivering. “What if we were to take the twins away for an overnight like I was talking about the other day? Give Chris and Stacy a chance to figure this out? Dan thinks Flora might be up in Leavenworth and the Rejection Writers’ Group told me they need my support. How about if we were to go up there and just hang out for the day? Take the kids sledding, and they can see the Christmas tree lighting. I think it’d be fun to take them to the snow.”

  “Do you remember who we’re talking about?” said Martin. “We’re talking about Poopy and Dribble. It’s like trying to hammer jelly to a tree, keeping those two in line. Are you sure you want to throw snow and ice into the mix?”

  “I know,” I said. “But this is for Stacy.”

  Then to push him over the edge, I held up my casted arm.

  Martin shook his head. “I’ll go,” he said reluctantly. “But I can’t be sure of what you’ll bring back.”

  “Great,” I said. “I’ll go and talk to Stacy about it.”

  I went back into the house. Chris had both children on his lap, and I could hear them chatting away to their dad. It was heartbreaking. I went upstairs and opened Stacy’s bedroom door, expecting the onslaught of insults. Instead, she sat at the edge of her bed, crying.

  “Oh, Stacy.” I walked over to her and put my arms around her.

  “Mom, I’ve made such a mess of my life. Everything seemed to be so simple just a few years ago, and now everything is upside down.”

  I hugged her tightly. “Children can do that to you. But listen. They are also going to give you the most joy you’ve ever had, as well as the most stress. It’s hard when they’re small and when you’re so tired. But I think you really love Chris, and I think it’s the stress of raising the children that’s pushing you both apart. Please give your marriage a chance.”

  “How do you expect us to do that when the twins still need so much help and attention?” she snapped.

  “Your dad and I have decided to take the twins on a little getaway. We’re going to take them up to Leavenworth, where they can go sledding and play in the snow. They’ll have a great time.”

  Stacy’s face lit up. “You are? Are you sure Dad’s OK with that?”

  “He’ll be fine,” I said. “And members of the Rejected Writers’ Book Club are up there to help play with the kids, so I don’t want you to worry about us for a second. That will give you a chance to spend some time here on the island. You could go out for dinner, or you could just sit here and drink coffee, or sleep for two days, if that’s what you really need. But at least you’ll have some time to be together.”

  Stacy rubbed at her eyes. “You might be right, Mom. At least I should give it a shot. My heart ripped apart when I saw how excited the kids were to see him. After all, he is their daddy.”

  I smiled and nodded. “Why don’t you go and spend some time with Chris and the kids?”

  I went back into my bedroom, pulled out my suitcase, and, with my one arm, started to pack. Martin joined me.

  “So,” he said. “Are we all ready to go? Has World War III started down there or are we taking it with us to Leavenworth?”

  I smiled. “Pack your skiwear,” I said. “We’re going.”

  “First, I don’t have any skiwear,” he said. “As you know, I can barely walk in a straight line. And second, recreation’s the last thing I’m going to be doing. I’m going to be cutting up food for my wife in a cast and chasing two toddlers around while they try to eat snow.”

  “Hmm. Sounds about right,” I said. “We’ll set out straightaway.”

  Martin and I and Stacy’s twins arrived in Leavenworth at about three o’clock. I called Lavinia.

  “Hi, y’all,” she said. “Why don’t you come and join me in the oompah bar? They’re singing carols in big poufy dresses. The good news is I’m also drinking schnapps, so it doesn’t matter how bad they’re singing is.”

  “I can’t bring the twins into a tavern; maybe Martin can take the kids for a little while so I can meet with you,” I said, looking over at him as we pulled into the hotel parking lot.

  “Ooh, trains,” shouted one of the twins. I looked out of the window. The Icicle Inn, which was where we were staying, had a mini train.

  “Granddad would love to take you,” I said as Granddad knotted his eyebrows at me. “Wouldn’t you, Granddad?”

  Martin huffed. “Looks like Granddad’s going to spend a lot of time on the train,” he noted as he watched the twins clap their hands in the back of the car.

  We checked in as one twin pulled on each of our arms, saying in unison, “Train! Train! Train!”

  “I’ll pop off, meet with the ladies, and see if they’ve found Flora, then I’ll call you in an hour and come and relieve you.” I kissed Martin on the head. “By the way, I think you are wonderful.” He gave me a reluctant smile back. As I disappeared from the hotel, I saw both twins pulling Martin toward the train, and I could hear him saying, “Wait a minute. Granddad’s not as young as he used to be.” He was going to have fun even though he was complaining—I could tell.

  I met with the rest of the ladies, who had stopped to get something to eat in a little Bavarian bar, where an oompah band was in full swing. As I walked in, I practically collided with Lavinia.

  “I could get into this,” Lavinia shouted over the din, her arm locked with a person clad in Bavarian attire next to her as they swayed together to the music. “I feel like I’m in Germany.”

  I approached the table where the rest of the ladies sat. Annie was bobbing her head to the music as she knitted, and Lottie and Ruby were tucking into some German fare.

  As I arrived at the table, so did Dan.

  “Hi, Janet,” he said, sounding tired. “Any luck?” he asked the group. He seemed oblivious to the upbeat Bavarian festivities going on all around him. They all shook their heads.

  “Somebody said they think the Nest may be a place that’s now called the Nook. The only way to get up there, though, is by sleigh. It’s very steep and high in the mountains.”
r />   “How exciting,” said Lottie. “I love a sleigh ride. I wish I’d thought to pack a muff.”

  My phone rang, and I stepped outside to answer it. It was Doris.

  “How’s it going? Did you find Flora yet?”

  “We’re still looking,” I answered.

  “I’ve got everything under control at home. Ethel, Momma, and I are on the road to join you for the evening to help find her. I have to be back first thing tomorrow, but we have the rest of the evening off.”

  “That’ll be great,” I said. “Then we’ll have more chance of finding her.”

  About thirty minutes later, Doris arrived at the oompah bar.

  “Any news?” she asked as she walked in.

  “Not yet,” I stated. “We have a lead on the place she might be staying at, so Dan is booking us a sleigh ride up there.”

  “Her phone is still off,” said Dan. He sounded desperate. “What if she isn’t even here in Leavenworth?” He shook his head, looking haggard.

  “We’re going to find her, Dan,” I reassured him. “Please don’t worry.”

  We arrived at the sleigh-ride port, where a someone dressed as a reindeer was waiting there to drive us. He put up his hands and shouted, “Frosty Knickers!”

  That’s a very odd way to greet us, I thought as we looked from one to the other. The reindeer ran toward us and threw his arms around the group in a big furry hug.

  “They sure are friendly here in this little town,” said Lavinia. “I’ve never been hugged by a reindeer before.”

  “It’s me,” said the muffled voice from inside the grinning reindeer costume. He pulled off his antlered head. We couldn’t believe it—it was Ronald, the tramp we’d met back on the road trip two years before. We’d all been snowed in together at an old lodge.

  Doris balked. “Well, I might have known you’d turn up like a bad penny.”

  “Ronald?” I asked. “What the heck are you doing in Leavenworth dressed as a reindeer?”

  He giggled. “Ahh, got myself a job. Gave up the booze and decided to come clean. They let me be a reindeer here in this crazy town. Ain’t it a kick? I’m the person taking you up on the sleigh,” he said with a broad, gummy smile.