Roses Collection: Boxed Set

by Freda, Paula

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  His arms encircling her, he'd kissed her, so gently at first, but as she responded, so had his arms tightened and his kiss grown ardent. She'd only known an occasional peck from her infrequent dates. She had never responded, possibly one of the reasons, the occasional date never called back. But with Evan, she literally melted in his arms, if such were possible, she thought, smiling, the following morning, as she dressed for work.

  In those few moments before starting and ending the workday, Captain Liam was sure to comment on the twinkle in her eyes and the lilt in her step, and express his curiosity and hopes for her and Evan. Hopes for her and Evan, she thought, watching her reflection as she drew the comb through her dark wavy hair. Her hopes for Evan were as strong as ever. But his, well, they were an unknown. For sure, she'd felt a tremble in his arms as he held her gently, and when he suddenly pulled back, she'd read the desire for more on his face. But ever the gentleman, he'd drawn a calming breath, smiled and said, "I'd better be going. Tomorrow is work for both of us." He'd turned away. Then as quickly faced her. "Julie, I'd like to see you again. Would you—"

  She hadn't held back. No, not with his kiss still vibrant on her lips. "Yes, I would like to see you again," she'd replied, uncaring if she sounded eager. She would never worry again about his comparing her to Abby or Carol, or any other woman, not after what they'd learned about each other that day.

  "I'll call you during the week," he said. "We'll set up something for the weekend."

  She nodded, not wanting to say more that might spoil the moment. As he walked away, there was no denying the lilt in his step.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Kathleen's daughter was born two weeks earlier than expected. The doctors attributed the early arrival to a miscalculated conception date. Thankfully, it was a quick birth, with Kathleen's water breaking and the baby arriving a few hours later. They named her Lisa.

  Often, when she woke in the mornings, Julie lay in bed a few extra minutes convincing herself she wasn't dreaming that since that wonderful night she and Evan shared their first real kiss, they had spent every weekend together. Evan had called her with the wonderful news about his niece, and picked her up at her apartment to visit his sister, at home with her brand new baby.

  The boys, Drew especially, were agog with astonishment at the fragile bundle that squirmed and cried, tiny fists already reaching out to grasp and suckle whether it was mom's breast, or someone's thumb. It warmed Julie's heart to see Evan as enthused as Lisa's father. The love that shone in Evan's eyes as his sister handed him the child to hold for a few moments, made her think what a marvelous father he'd make. He wasn't afraid to hold little Lisa; he'd had plenty of practice with his nephews. She, on the other hand, was terrified of unwittingly harming Lisa, a small fragile flower, and said as much.

  Evan chuckled. "Don't worry, Julie. I've seen you hold a flower. Just let your latent mother's instincts guide you."

  Skittishly, Julie accepted Lisa into her arms.

  "There, see," Evan encouraged. "You're holding her just right, supporting her back."

  "Well, I've read some articles on newborns. Wishful thinking, I guess," she laughed.

  Lisa gazed up at Julie, with large beautiful eyes that as most newborns did not see clearly as yet. Their irises were hazel with a hint of blue, like her uncle's eyes.

  "She has my mother's eyes," Kathleen said. "Just like my brother."

  Like my children could have, if Evan were the father. She gazed at Evan, who stood beside her, then turned away. He mustn't see the yearning in her gaze. It might push him away. These past weeks had been the most wonderful in her life, sharing his genial companionship, his laughter, his confidence. Imagining he was her beau, although he hadn't actually asked her to be his girl. Was that how Carol felt? And where was Carol? The last Julie heard about her, was that she had returned at her parents' home in the Hudson Valley.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  It lacked two weeks to Christmas, and for the first time since outgrowing a child's excitement at all the fanfare and gift expectations, Julie woke with the old excitement and the metaphorical butterflies in her stomach. Today, Christmas bonuses were scheduled to be distributed, and she planned to buy the perfect Christmas presents for Evan and his sister and her family that now included a baby girl.

  She rose from bed and set about preparing for work. On the bus to the Cargo Bureau, she mentally listed possible gifts for the Captain and his wife, and some of her co-workers. The Captain had told her from the beginning of her employment, that he preferred gift cards to outlandish presents for which he had no need. Her mother shared a similar sentiment. Those gifts were easily taken care of. But Evan's gift must be special, Julie thought. Nothing outlandish, too expensive, or too personal, to make him feel uncomfortable or beholden.

  That evening she browsed the stores on the avenue and set about purchasing gifts. The children's gifts were the most fun to select, especially Lisa's. Nine-to-twelve-month pink hoodies, rosebud patterned bodysuits and pants.

  For Kathleen and her husband, she purchased a light throw quilt to keep them warm on cold evenings when they sat on the couch with the baby.

  She saved Evan's gift for last so she could function with a clear mind. A week ago, he had asked her to be his steady. Of course, she had agreed. But what his steady exactly meant to him, she wasn't sure of as yet. She hadn't asked him to explain, fear lingering in her that she might push him away with unfounded hopes and expectations. Miraculously, he showed no sign of growing bored with, or tired of her company.

  She finally settled on a silver medal of St. Christopher when the jeweler showed her its opposite side that bore an image of St. Jude. "It's an unusual design, home-crafted."

  For protection and for the impossible dream, Julie contemplated. She purchased the medal along with a silver chain. Further down the avenue, she entered a leather goods store, and bought Evan a handsome pair of cashmere lined black lambskin leather gloves, two gifts she would wrap as one, appropriate for a driver.

  She arrived home loaded with decorative shopping bags filled with her purchases, and found Abby pacing the corridor.

  "Everything okay?" Abby asked.

  "Yes, of course. What's wrong?"

  "It's late. Past eleven. I got worried."

  "Abby, it's almost Christmas. The shops are open late."

  "True. Guess when it comes to you, I'm a mother hen. Sorry. But you're home safe. Want to share some hot cocoa and show me what you bought."

  Normally Julie would have complied. It was a friend thing and fun. But tonight she shook her head. "No, not tonight. I'm tired, and like you said, it's late." She read the disappointment on Abby's face, but Abby's gift was in one of the bags. "Tomorrow night, I promise. You can help me wrap them." That would give her time to hide Abby's present, and Evan's also. For the latter, she wasn't ready to chat about his present, or Abby's inevitable question, "What do you think he's getting you?"

  Appeased, Abby gave her a quick hug, helped her bring the shopping bags into the apartment, and left her."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The following evening, Kathleen called and invited her for Christmas Eve dinner. And if she had no plans for Christmas Day itself, then why not spend it with them as well.

  "I usually spend Christmas Day with my mom," Julie said. We don't have much family left, and most of them are scattered over the States. My Aunt is our closest kin, and she's spending Christmas with her husband's siblings in Florida."

  "In that case," Kathleen urged, invite your mother to spend the weekend with us. I know Evan is looking forward to your company for the Holy Days."

  Kathleen consistently referred to the Holidays as Holy Days. In these past few weeks, Julie had often heard Kathleen remind her boys that Christmas was the birthday celebration of the Lord Jesus. Her favorite Christmas ornament was Santa Claus kneeling respectfully before the Baby Jesus lying on a bed of hay in the manger. She hung it each year on a prominent bra
nch at the center of the Christmas tree.

  "I'll convey your invitation," Julie said. "I can't promise she will accept, but I'll try my best to convince her."

  Lisa howled in the background. "It's her feeding time," Kathleen said. "I have to hang up. I hope you can convince your mom. Our own parents are joining us for Christmas Eve and Day. And they've expressed their desire to meet you."

  "They know about me?"

  Another howl in the background prevented further conversation. Kathleen hurriedly said, "We'll look forward to at least seeing you on Christmas Eve. Bye." Her voice faded as she hung up with, "I'm coming, Lisa."

  Julie called her mother the next day and relayed Kathleen's invitation.

  "Can we make it a weekend?" Julie asked. She tried sounding enthusiastic, but had to admit to herself, shame-faced, that she hoped her mother would refuse.

  "Will your boyfriend be there?"

  "Yes, he's the one bringing me ... and you, if you decide to come."

  "Julie, you know I'm against dating one boy steadily without reference to marriage."

  "Mother, most young people date to enjoy each other's company; to get to know each other, and if they fall in love, then marriage becomes an option."

  "An option!" her mother exclaimed. "Julie, don't tell me you're succumbing to the living together test drive syndrome that so popular today."

  "Mother, you know me better than that. You raised me morally upright. But that's not the reason I believe in the Lord's blessing before giving myself over totally to my partner. I came to that decision through my religious beliefs and Christian morals. Evan is a gentleman. And as much as I can tell that he desires me, he's never tried to force the issue. I don't know if he wants to marry me, but his attitude toward me, and women in general, has always been respectful."

  "Exactly," her mother said. "He's never mentioned marriage."

  "Is that all you've gathered from what I've said so far."

  "That's the gist of it. That's all I need to hear. I know what men are like. I found out the hard way with your father. I'll put it bluntly. You're old enough to understand. I wasn't sexy enough for him."

  Julie grew silent, her mother's words ringing in her ears. Aunt Lynn had confided the truth about her sister's forced marriage when it was learned Evelyn was pregnant out of wedlock. Under pressure from both sets of parents, Julie's father had married Evelyn, to give their baby a legitimate surname. But he had never planned to marry Evelyn while they dated. And it wasn't long before he blurted that fact out during one of their many marital arguments. Ergo, her mother's bitterness and fear her daughter would suffer the same fate.

  "Julie, are you still there," her mother asked.

  "Yes, mom, I'm still here. Don't worry, I'll tell Kathleen you're not up to making the long trip. I'll come up Christmas Day."

  "No, don't," her mother said. "I can tell by the sound of your voice, you'd rather spend both days with your date. I may not trust men, but I'm not a monster. You're on your own, and you'll make your own mistakes, and learn from them."

  "Mom, I can't leave you alone on Christmas Day."

  "Oh, I won't be alone. I have a standing invitation from Lynn to join her on the trip to Florida to celebrate Christmas with her husband's kin. I guess your aunt always figured they'd be a Christmas without you. Don't worry about me. I've learned how to have fun without a man beside me."

  "Mother!?"

  "Make sure you call me at home, or at your aunt's in-laws, if you should need me. And let me know when you get back. Goodnight, sweetheart." She hung up.

  Julie ran a nervous hand through her hair. Her mother would never change. Her mother loved her, but her bitterness overshadowed everything. Again she felt ashamed admitting she was glad her mother had refused. Lord knows what she might say to Evan if she met him at Kathleen's.

  She called Kathleen and made her mother's excuses. "My mother has already accepted her sister's invitation to go to Florida and celebrate Christmas with her and my Uncle and his side of the family." It wasn't a lie, Julie thought. No need to feel guilty. So, it was decided she would spend Christmas Eve and Day with Evan and his close-knit family. And if Evan never fell in love with her, he need not ever meet her mother.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The evening before Christmas eve, before saying good night to Abby, Julie gave her best friend her present, ensconced in a large hatbox — a brown, wide-brimmed synthetic wool hat with a spray of ivy and holly. She had heard Abby admire the hat on display during one of their walks along the avenue. Abby, not one to wait until Christmas to open a present, reacted ecstatically, hugging Julie and exclaiming, "I love it! Thank you. I'm wearing it for Christmas to my parents' home, and every Christmas after!" She'd tried it on immediately, widening the adjustable crown band. Scrutinizing herself in the mirror near her door, she loosed the brown curls at her temples temporarily trapped under the hat. "Perfect!" she exclaimed, straightening the collar of her silk maroon long-sleeved blouse and smoothing the sides of her knit black pants. "Okay, hold on, I'll get your present."

  She emerged from her bedroom carrying a large white box tied with a red ribbon.

  "Can I wait till Christmas to open it?" Julie asked.

  "Absolutely not," Abby said. "I won't be there to see the smile, or the frown, on your face."

  "All right," Julie relented. She untied the ribbon and opened the box. Snuggled in yellow tissue paper was the most elegant brown, gold threaded silk shawl she had ever seen. It left her speechless."

  "Well, what do you think. Do you like it?"

  "It's beautiful. But it must have cost you a fortune."

  "No more than what the hat cost you. I remember admiring it in the window display and cringing at the price tag below it."

  "Okay, you're right."

  Abby lifted her chin smugly. "I'll say it for both of us — nothing is too good for the friendship we share." She hugged Julie warmly. "Well, we both need our rest. I won't see you tomorrow morning, as I'm catching a 6 a.m. flight to California. Mom and Dad told me on the phone earlier that it's actually been cold in San Diego, and there's even a chance of snow flurries. That's a rare event, I definitely don't want to miss in SoCal."

  They parted with another hug and "Safe trip."

  The morning of Christmas Eve, Captain Liam gave Julie her share of the extra bonus reserved for workers of excellent caliber, and his Christmas gift. "Don't open it until Christmas. My wife's orders," he chuckled.

  "Same here, for you and your lady," Julie said, handing him his present. She hoped the Liams would like the double-tiered candy dish with Thomas Kincade scenes of meandering brooks and arched stone overpasses above rippling streams.

  She'd already exchanged small gifts with her other co-workers. Boxes of chocolates, potholders, ties, scarves.

  The office closed at two o'clock and Julie hurried home to prepare herself for Christmas Eve dinner with Evan at Kathleen's home.

  When Evan picked her up at her door, he commented in earnest at how lovely she looked. Julie thanked him, glowing inwardly with pride. She had scoured the stores on the avenue to find the perfect dress and had finally settled for a pastel coral shift with a scooped neckline trimmed with a thin band of ruffled tatted white lace. Black pumps, silver chain link belt, crystal tear drop necklace and matching ear pendants completed her ensemble.

  She returned Evan's compliment admiring his casual layered fashion. It had snowed last night, and the weather outside was frigid. The heat in the building was up. Sometime during his elevator ride to her apartment he had loosed his black wool top coat. In tune with the season, he sported a v-neck sweater with garland pattern over a light blue dress shirt. Charcoal dress slacks and black leather loafers completed his ensemble.

  Years ago, her grandmother had gifted her a Santa Claus broche with a holly berry bell. She wore the broche each year pinned to her coat's lapel. As Evan helped her with her coat, the holly bell tinkled merrily. While she buttoned her coat, Evan tweaked the bell, and
smiled at her affectionately.

  He followed her into the corridor, and when she had locked her door, offered his arm to escort her to the elevator. Radiant, Julie slipped her arm under his. She was in love with him, and his smile, and refinements, and respectful behavior that many in today's world found old-fashioned. She didn't, and gloried in the moments.

  When they arrived at Kathleen's home and rang the bell, Michael, spiffy in his Christmas vest, opened the door.

  "It's Uncle Ev and Aunt Julie!" he shouted gleefully over his shoulder."

  Bill hurried to the door and welcomed them into the foyer. "Welcome, Welcome and Merry Christmas Eve," he greeted. "Come in. Let me take your coats." He hung the coats in the closet nearest the door.

  Kathleen's voice from the living room beckoned to them. "Come on in. Just in time for the eggnog."

  Lighted holly garlands trimmed the walls. Stockings bulging with mini presents hung from the mantel over the fireplace. Burning firewood crackled and sputtered behind the safety screen. A star twinkled at the top of the Christmas Tree. Hand crafted and collectible ornaments intermingled with shiny silver and gold encrusted store bought Christmas balls. On a card table covered with white linen, an exquisite ceramic Nativity Set paid homage to the birth of our Lord. The manger itself remained empty. Julie recognized the traditional custom of waiting until Midnight to place the baby Jesus figurine inside the manger.

  Kathleen introduced Julie to her parents, a grey-haired sweet tempered couple. Julie saw for herself what Kathleen had mentioned about her daughter's eyes. "She has my mother's eyes." Hazel, with a hint of blue.