A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

by Nancy Naigle

  She wasn’t sure if it was her mood or the selection of shows on at the time, but none of them held her attention. Tired of clicking through the channels, she picked up her phone and scrolled through her messages. Robert hadn’t called.

  She toyed with the idea of calling him. He was probably still at the office.

  Instead, she turned off the ringer, put her phone on the charger in the living room, and called it a night. Tomorrow she’d pick up those pieces.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The next morning Vanessa went to her favorite boutique. The girls there knew her by name and quickly helped her pick out a comfortable small-town-casual mix-and-match wardrobe for her trip. On her way back to her car, she noticed a new store. A Kindred Spirit Gift Shoppe. The front window was filled with Christmas décor. As she walked by, someone exited carrying three glossy red bags followed by a waft of cinnamon.

  She put her things in the car and went back to peruse the store. Bells jingled when she walked inside, and there was that smell again. Almost like the smell of home when she was a little girl. Cinnamon, sweet sugary cookies, and pine.

  She meandered through the aisles. All kinds of Christmas things were displayed on Christmas-tree-shaped shelving. She found herself smiling as she lifted a baby snow angel, then an unusual sterling silver bell. When she waggled it in the air it made the prettiest sound. Like the beginning of “Jingle Bells.” She set it down and started to walk away, then went back and carried it with her. Beautiful cross-stitched Christmas stockings hung from a reclaimed fireplace mantel against the exposed brick wall.

  She lifted one of them, the heavy fabric with the intricate detailed design of a black lab on a sled, and another running alongside made her think of all the years she’d asked Santa for a dog. The only dog in her life had been Anna’s old brown mutt, Sam. He stank to high heaven most of the time, and kisses, Lordy he’d practically wash her face. She laughed. It had seemed so gross, but she’d loved it at the same time. I’m going to have a dog someday.

  “Can I help you with that?”

  Vanessa turned to see a portly older woman wearing a white frilly apron with A GRATEFUL HEART IS A HAPPY HEART embroidered across the front. “This is so lovely.”

  “Handmade,” she said. “You just don’t find nice stuff like that around much anymore. A local lady makes them for us. Heirloom quality, don’t you think?”

  “It’s gorgeous.”

  “We can embroider a name at the top while you wait if you’d like.”

  “I’d love that.” Vanessa held the stocking close. “This one for Anna. A-n-n-a.” She reached over and picked out another. “I’ll take the snowy cottage scene for myself.”

  “That’s my favorite one. Doesn’t it look inviting?”

  “It does.” For all the house hunting she’d done, she wished she already had a home to call her own. “Can you put ‘Vanessa’ on this one?”

  “We sure can. Why don’t you enjoy a cup of coffee and shop around? This won’t take but a few minutes.” The woman toddled off with the stockings, and Vanessa began lifting the tops from candles. Winter Garland. Home Sweet Home. Christmas Morning, which smelled like peppermint and pine. An interesting combination, but it worked.

  With the stockings, bell, two ornaments for Anna, and two candles to take to Fraser Hills packed thoughtfully in a Christmas bag, she left happy with the extra presents.

  By the time she got home, she was more at ease about everything going on, even if none of it was the way she would have planned it.

  She gathered her suitcase and laid in a stack of pantsuits, still in the dry-cleaner bags. A few winter essentials. Heels. Sensible shoes for the warehouse floor. Tennis shoes for jogging. One pair of jeans and workout clothes, along with her splurges from earlier today. Hopefully that little town had a dry cleaner locally.

  With her clothes packed, she tossed all the can’t-live-without-’em local snacks, like Kay’s Candies chocolate-dipped pretzels and Vitner’s Crunchy Kurls, into a smaller bag. She slid the zipper closed on her suitcase, and dragged it to the door.

  She wasn’t flying out until Monday, but she was ready to go.

  Ready except for talking to Robert, and putting that to rest.

  How was she supposed tell him what was on her mind? She’d rather not, but she couldn’t leave it hanging over the holidays either.

  He hadn’t called since the incident at the gym. Maybe he’d be relieved to have the relationship cleanly dissolved. Another closing. My specialty.

  She dialed his number and waited for him to answer.

  “Hello.” He finally answered on the fifth ring, as if he didn’t know who it was, but he knew. The flat tone of his voice still clung to the irritation he’d displayed at the gym.

  “Hi, Robert.”

  “I wondered if you were going to call.”

  His snippiness made what she had to say easier. Sometimes he could be kind of a jerk when things didn’t go exactly his way. “Are you home?”

  “No, I’m at the office.”

  “Can we get together?” He didn’t jump on the opportunity. Anxious, she added, “To talk.”

  “That depends. When?”

  “I’m available now. So, whenever is good for you…”

  “Oh. Okay.” He sounded surprised, or more like hopeful. “I can meet you at six o’clock for dinner downstairs at Bistro 2520.”

  “Tonight?” She’d hoped he would meet now. She shouldn’t have been so accommodating. He was taking full advantage of that now.

  “Sure. I’ll make the reservation.”

  Of course he would. “Thanks, that’ll work. I’ll see you then.” Vanessa hung up the phone, and let out a heavy whoosh of relief. I can do this.

  She was already packed. All she had on her plate today was getting this done with Robert. And now that was nearly six hours away.

  Never one to take a lazy day, she decided to burn some time with a long nap. She set her alarm, although it was totally unlikely she would nap that long.

  She lay across the bed in the sunny spot. The comforter was so warm. It was like lying in front of a fireplace. Maybe I could get used to this. She closed her eyes and relaxed.

  When she woke up, that sunshine had moved too high in the sky to shine through her window any longer and the room had cooled down dramatically. To her surprise, she’d slept nearly two hours.

  I must have been tired.

  She showered and got dressed. Time droned on, and she was getting more anxious about meeting with Robert.

  From her condo windows she overlooked one of the busiest streets in the city. Traffic was piling up below. She’d played out scenarios in her mind between red-light cycles. Fifty ways to leave your lover.

  Bistro 2520 wasn’t far. Walking distance on a clear day, but she was getting more nervous by the minute. She grabbed her purse and left, trying to pace herself to pass more time along the way, even stopping to look at this week’s special cupcakes and goodies in the bakery window that opened a few weeks back. They were like artwork.

  Normally she rushed down this street on her way to the office. It had been a long time since she’d taken pause to appreciate the architecture, and were the storefront windows decorated like this yesterday? Today each boasted upcoming Black Friday sales.

  When she stepped inside the bistro, she was still ten minutes early.

  “May I seat you?”

  So nervous she could barely swallow, she said, “I’m actually waiting for someone. Maybe something quiet. In the corner?”

  The maître d’ offered a playful grin, clearly recognizing her. “I can seat you now,” he said, motioning her to follow.

  He pulled out her chair. At least from here she had a clear view of the front door. “Someone will be right with you to take your order from the bar.”

  “Thank you.”

  A waiter she didn’t recognize approached. “I’m Dash. Can I get you something from the bar?”

  “I’d better stick to water. Straight up,
” she joked. “With lemon, please. It’s been a lemon of a day.”

  “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right?” His smile revealed a row of perfect teeth.

  “Better make it a double lemonade then.”

  “I can make that happen.” He laughed as he scribbled on his pad. “Sure you don’t want some vodka in that to make you feel better?”

  “Positive. You can bring it in a pretty glass with a fancy garnish, though.”

  “You got it.”

  “Thanks.”

  Robert walked in, just as the waiter walked away. Dark suit, white shirt so starched it still crackled at the end of the day, a fantastic tie, and shiny leather shoes. Except for the vibrant collection of snappy ties, he always dressed the same. She was in blue jeans, boots, and a cable-knit sweater. It was a warmish fifty degrees out. Nice for this time of year.

  He took the seat across from her as the waiter came back with her lemonade. His brow rose.

  The waiter acknowledged him. “Would you like something from the bar?”

  “I’ll have a bourbon. Neat.” His eyes darted at the curvy glass in front of her. “What are you drinking?”

  “Lemonade,” she said. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Sure.” He didn’t look as handsome with the sour-grapes look on his face.

  “I don’t know where to start.” The waiter set down Robert’s drink and backed away exchanging an awkward smile with Vanessa. She pushed her hair over her ear. “Robert, I have to know something. Do you really love me?”

  He leaned back, as if looking for an answer floating in the room. “We’ve been together for almost four years. We’ve talked about marriage. Yes, I love you.”

  “Why?”

  “What? Why is this coming up now?” He took a long sip. “You’re not going to turn this around on me.”

  “No. That’s not what I’m doing. I’ve been thinking.”

  “That I don’t love you?”

  “No.” She looked down at her hands in her lap. This wasn’t going well. “You’re a great guy. Smart, handsome, and it’s wonderful how we can be there for each other’s work events…”

  “I agree. We fit. You’re pretty. Intellectual enough to carry on a conversation with my partners or clients without embarrassing me. I like doing things with you.”

  Really? “Smart enough” is his go-to line? “I was thinking about what I’d do if I weren’t so busy.”

  He leaned forward, arms on the table. “What did you come up with? Come to Christmas with me and my family?”

  “No.” She’d said it too fast, but that was not where she was going … at all. “If I weren’t so busy, I’d like to hike.”

  “Hike? Like in the woods?”

  “Yes. Anywhere. We could backpack and camp out under the stars.”

  “How about the penthouse with a star view from the balcony?”

  “Not the same.” She crossed her legs. “I don’t even know your favorite football team. I should know that.”

  “The Green Bay Packers. Since I was seven.”

  “Seriously? Hmm.” She’d never have pegged him as a cheesehead. He wasn’t the type. Or was he?

  “Do you know mine?” she asked.

  “Do you have one?”

  She cocked her head. “When was the last time you told me you loved me?”

  He drained his glass. “I don’t know. Is this what all this is about? You want me to say it more often. Fine. I love you.”

  “Robert, I’m not in love with you. Not the way I should be. If I was, I wouldn’t have found it so easy to reschedule dates, and…”

  “Let me down on the holidays?”

  “Yes. That. I guess so.” She shrugged. “When I see you across the room, I don’t get butterflies in my stomach. When you kiss me goodbye … no sparks.”

  “We’re not twelve,” he said, but his voice was softer. “I wanted to talk about this over Christmas.” He reached into his coat pocket.

  “Don’t.” Her heart pounded so loud she wasn’t sure if she’d uttered the words or not, but he paused.

  “I’m not arguing about the trip. I’ve already told them you’re busy. I’ll go alone this year, but I’d like you to be there with me.” He pulled out a small square box. “From now on.” He raised the lid revealing a beautiful ring. “This was my grandmother’s. It’s been appraised at—”

  “It’s lovely, and I’m sure it’s worth a small fortune, but I can’t marry you. You deserve someone better. Someone who will want to do all the things you want to do. Someone who will drop everything as soon as you call, because she can’t wait to see you. I’m not that girl.”

  “We’re perfect for each other.”

  “No. We’re content. If I do get married, it’ll be for the right reasons. I thought we were on the same page. I apologize it took me so long to figure this out.” She set her hand on top of the ring box and pushed it back toward him. “I’m so sorry. I do treasure our friendship. I hope you’ll be able to accept my apology so we can still be friends. I understand if not today. But someday.”

  “When you realize what you’re missing out on … you’ve got my number.” He cupped the box in his hand and stood. “I wish you well, Vanessa. If you have a change of heart, call me.” He patted her shoulder as he walked out.

  She sipped her lemonade.

  The waiter stopped at her table. “You’ll be dining alone?”

  “I think I’ll just take the drink check. Thank you.” An audible sigh of relief escaped as she set her glass down.

  She texted Anna.

  Vanessa: Robert proposed. I said no.

  Anna: How are you?

  Vanessa: Relieved.

  Anna: Very well then. Trust the journey. I’ll see you soon.

  Yes, you will.

  Even though she knew she’d done the right thing, a dark emptiness hung inside.

  She walked home wondering what she’d do the next time there was a work party. Anna would say something like, Maybe you’ll meet someone now that you’re not tied to the wrong man.

  I don’t think I’m ready to try that again. I’ll concentrate on having fun with Anna over the holidays, and work. Work is always good, or it used to be.

  On a brighter note, now she could avoid the distraction of the numerous phone calls from Robert trying to convince her to change her mind about meeting him at his parents’ while she was shutting down Porter’s. That was a plus, because this assignment was going to be hard enough as it was.

  Relationships might not be her specialty, but she’d done the kind of job required for the Porter’s project a dozen times. This she knew how to handle.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The morning was brisk. Mike pulled his collar up. Vapor clouded from the nostrils of the large black horse with each stroke of the brush. This quiet time he spent with each horse was part of their personal bond. Some loved it more than others, but it was a good way to get his hands on every inch of the animal and check for problems, while giving them the reward of something that required nothing of them.

  Big Ben and Mike had this down to a science.

  “It’s okay, Ben. There you go, old buddy.” Ben was the first Percheron Mike ever purchased by himself. He’d saved for two years to buy this horse, and they’d been together a long, long time. His oldest draft horse, Ben stood 18.2 hands and last time they’d weighed him he came in at 2,540 pounds. Just shy of the weight of Mike’s first car, a sporty Ford Mustang that he and his dad had restored together.

  “Your age is showing.” He rubbed his hand along the graying hair under Ben’s chin. “Don’t feel bad. So is mine.”

  The horse dipped his head down close to Mike’s face, blowing a puff of air from his vocals. Mike hugged his neck.

  Ben might be old, but he’d come to Mike with years of experience. He was the best horse he owned. Every horse they trained was held up to the standard of this one, and with that they’d built a reputation for breeding excellent show Percherons.

&
nbsp; There wasn’t anything like a team of solid black Percherons pulling a wagon. Sure, the Clydesdales were popular, but Mike wouldn’t trade his team of Percherons for all the beer-wagon horses in the world.

  “Hey, Dad.” Misty picked up a brush and headed for one of the stalls. “I’ll get Box.”

  “Thanks. No homework tonight?”

  “Not much. I’ve got time to help.”

  “Are you okay? You seem a little quiet lately.”

  She shrugged and muttered “I’m okay” as she led Box out into the alley and tied his lead rope to the outside of the stall. She brushed with long sweeping motions, settling her other palm on the side of the horse’s neck as she poured soothing comments with every stroke.

  Mike finished up with Ben and led him over to his stall door. As Ben ambled in, Mike handed him an apple. Ben brayed a thank-you.

  Mike looked around the barn, thankful for all he’d been able to do here. These horses, and Misty, were his team.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” Mike said. “I used the leftover pot roast to make my vegetable beef soup. Your favorite.”

  “That sounds perfect. I love soup nights. I can make some fried corn bread to go with it.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” They exchanged a quick smile. They worked quietly through the rest of the team, and then Mike swept out the alleyway in the barn until Misty got done.

  She led her horse to his stall.

  Mike walked over to her. “What’s going on? You’re never this quiet.”

  “Nothing really. I just have this feeling.” She used the back of her hand to brush back her bangs. “I love my job at Porter’s.”

  “That’s a good thing. It’s been in the family forever.”

  “I know, but I overheard Lilene talking. Someone from corporate is coming to town.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know, but after all the fuss when we got bought out, we really haven’t heard a thing from corporate. Now out of the blue someone is coming. Like tomorrow.”