Seaside Christmas

by Stacy Claflin

  The screech of a microphone sounded. "Welcome residents of Kittle Falls," said a masculine voice. Talia couldn't see who it belonged to. "It's great to see another fantastic turnout for our annual tree lighting. Christmas is almost here, and I don't know about you, but this is a favorite tradition of mine."

  Cheers sounded.

  "Should I give a speech, or do you want us to just light her up?"

  "Light it up! Light it up!"

  "No one ever wants a speech. Okay. Let's count down. Five—"

  "Four!" shouted the crowd as one. "Three… Two… One!"

  Cruz tightened his arms around Talia, and she brought her hands up and held onto his wrists, holding her breath in anticipation.

  A slight buzzing sound came from the direction of the tree, and then in one brilliant flash of multicolored brightness, the tree lit up. A moment of hushed silence ran through the residents of Kittle Falls. Talia took in the beautiful slight, and she assumed everyone else was, too. The quiet was short-lived as more cheers and shouts erupted all around.

  It sounded like someone was speaking over the microphone again, but the people were too loud to tell for sure. Once the noise lowered, the same voice from before boomed from speakers.

  "Now that the tree is lit, we're going to sing some carols, starting with the kids' favorite, Frosty the Snowman."

  Kids all around jumped up and down, shrieking with joy.

  Cruz kissed Talia's cheek. "I'm so glad to be here with you," he whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin.

  She shivered and turned to him, accidentally brushing her lips against his. They both laughed, and Talia could see the reflection of the bright tree shining in his eyes.

  The children's song sounded around them. She turned around, watching all the excited kids dancing around. Cruz belted out the words, obviously remembering all the words from his own youth. After the song ended, he whispered in her ear, "Was I off key that time?"

  Talia giggled. "Not at all."

  They sang a couple traditional songs she knew from various church services and pageants over the years. She was kind of disappointed that they wouldn't have a Christmas program this year, but spending time with Cruz more than made up for the one thing their new church lacked this season.

  After the songs ended, most everyone milled around. Applause sounded from the other side of the tree.

  Talia glanced over, curious. She thought the festivities were already over.

  "Sounds like someone just got engaged," Cruz said.

  "Wow." She scanned the crowd, curious if anyone was getting engaged near her. Cheers erupted not far away, but not close enough to see.

  "I have an announcement," Zachary called, glancing back and forth between all the Hunters' guests.

  Talia raised an eyebrow at Cruz, who shrugged. Zachary and Jasmine were already engaged, so that wasn't it.

  "With all of you here," Zachary said, "Jasmine and I are going to get married."

  "What?" exclaimed Dawn.

  Gasps from others sounded all around Talia.

  "Allen already agreed to marry us," Zachary said.

  Talia shot a glance at her dad, who only smiled. "Do people usually get married here?" she asked Cruz.

  "It's a first that I know of. I did miss about eight of these, so maybe it's new."

  Zachary pushed his way through the horde. "We're getting married. Make way."

  In a whirlwind, they made their way to the base of the tree, with Jasmine, Zachary and Talia's dad directly underneath. Clicks of camera phones snapped from all sides. Cruz moved beside her and snapped pictures.

  "I can't believe my dad didn't tell me." She shook her head.

  "Zachary probably made him promise. He was being pretty secretive."

  "I wonder how long they've had it planned."

  Cruz didn't reply because her dad started speaking about the wonder of love and becoming one through marriage. It was a similar speech he'd given, and mixed around, many times over the years. It was sweet and beautiful, and as Talia glanced around, she noticed tears in quite a few eyes. Before long, she had tears in her eyes, also.

  Her dad moved on to share about Zachary and Jasmine, and how they had met by accident and though he'd been shy, they managed to find love and work hard for it despite the obstacles that came their way. Talia hadn't heard any of that story before, and that made her all the more curious about how long her dad had known but not told her. They rarely kept anything from each other.

  Jasmine and Zachary shared their own personally written vows, not that that was surprising. Zachary was a writer and Jasmine was also artsy, running her own dance studio.

  Talia shivered, growing cold. Cruz moved closer to her, wrapping one arm around her, while still capturing images on his phone.

  After just a minute, they exchanged the rings and kissed. Cheers erupted all around. It had been the quickest wedding ceremony Talia had ever seen, but it was also the first she could recall out in the snow.

  The Hunters gathered around the two newlyweds, embracing them and offering congratulations. Cruz stayed back, taking more pictures.

  "They didn't have a wedding planned?" Talia asked.

  "I don't think they really had anything set in stone, yo." He leaned to the left, snapping a picture while the couple stood with Dawn, Robert, and Jasmine's mom.

  Talia took his phone from him. "Your turn. Get a picture with the happy couple."

  "Why don't you come with me?"

  "I'm not really a part of this. Besides, you need to be in some of these."

  Cruz opened his mouth like he was going to protest, so she shoved him forward.

  "Go on before your miss your opportunity. Who knows if they plan on running off to a honeymoon?"

  He headed toward his brother and new sister-in-law, mumbling something under his breath. Talia snapped a bunch of shots while Cruz congratulated them. And just in time, too. Two people with a larger camera and a mic came up to the couple, asking questions for the local paper. According to the lady with the mic, it was the first wedding at the lighting ceremony.

  Talia made her way over to her dad. "Keeping secrets from me now?" she asked, half-teasing.

  "It was their wish. I thought it was a nice ceremony, didn't you?"

  "You did a great job, as always."

  He hugged her. "Hopefully, I'll get to officiate yours one day soon." He glanced in the direction where Cruz stood, talking with some guy Talia recognized, but didn't think she'd met.

  "Dad," she said, shaking her head.

  "Don't lead the boy on if you don't have plans to—"

  "Dad! We've barely started this… whatever it is."

  He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "You two gave your hearts to each other long before either of you acknowledged it."

  She gazed back over at Cruz, knowing her dad was right. Though he drove her crazy for so long, it wasn't just because they had their differences. She sighed. But to think about marriage? To have her dad bring it up?

  "You're older than Mom and I were when we got married. You're actually close to the age she was when she had you."

  "Thanks. Really."

  He laughed. "I'm just saying the truth, honey. You've never had much of an interest in dating, but then again, your personality has always been to go after something only when it's what you really want. And I couldn't agree more with—"

  "I'm going to talk with Lana. See you back at the Hunters' place."

  As she made her way to Brayden's fiancée, someone stepped in front of her. She tried to move around him, but he wouldn't let her. Julian.

  "Pardon me," Talia said.

  "Where are you going?" he asked, not budging.

  "Over there." She stared at him, waiting for him to step aside.

  "Do you want to have dinner sometime? I can give you a tour around town in my new Lexus."

  "I'm busy, but thanks."

  He chuckled. "I didn't give you a date. You're busy every day
from now until the end of time?"

  "Pretty much." She stepped over to the right, and he took a step in the same direction. "I'm trying to get to Lana."

  Julian nodded, then gestured toward the newlyweds. "Nice ceremony. Those Hunters sure are impulsive, don't you think?"

  What was he getting at? "Not really. They had that planned with my dad long ago."

  "Really?" Julian curled his lip like he didn't believe her. "I've always been a meticulous planner myself. That's why I own a home in the nicest neighborhood—it really puts the Hunter house to shame. You want to see it?"

  "I've seen the Hunters' place," Talia said. "It's lovely."

  "That's not what I meant."

  Talia stared into his eyes. "Julian, I appreciate you helping us with our church, but I really have no interest getting to know you beyond that. It's nothing personal. Please let me by so I can talk to Lana."

  He flicked a glance over at Cruz. "Don't tell me it's because of that tattooed motorcycle rider. My Lexus will keep you warm and comfortable."

  "That's the second time you've mentioned it, you must be proud of it."

  "I am." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Come with me."

  Talia's stomach twisted into a tight knot.

  Twenty Five

  Cruz laughed at Bobby's joke. "Yeah, man, whatever."

  Bobby's face turned serious. "Isn't that the chick you're into?"

  Cruz turned to see Talia with Julian, who had his arm on her shoulder. She didn't appear happy. In fact, she looked like she was telling him off. Talia stepped to one side, and Julian stepped over, blocking her.

  Anger surged through him. "How dare that creepy little prep?"

  Bobby grabbed Cruz's coat. "Let's have a talk with him. I've never liked that dude. He always thinks he's better than us because his family's rich."

  "Let's see how much his money helps his face when it meets my fist." Cruz pounded a fist into his palm.

  "I'm in." Bobby let go of Cruz's jacket. "Just don't hit that wuss too hard. Might mess up his girly face."

  Cruz laughed. "He's always bragged about being clean cut, but the only reason he doesn't got no facial hair is 'cuz he can't grow none."

  "Ain't that the truth." Bobby held up a fist and Cruz bumped it.

  The two of them sauntered over to Julian and Talia.

  "Is there a problem here?" Cruz asked, stepping closer to Talia and forcing Julian to let go of her.

  Talia's eyes were wide, and she seemed to be breathing heavily.

  "No problem," Julian said, glaring at Cruz. "I was just telling her about some parts of town she'd never seen. You know, the nicest neighborhoods. Something you've probably never seen yourselves."

  Talia turned to Cruz. "He just said he was going to kick your—"

  "Don't be so dramatic," Julian interrupted. He glanced over at Cruz and Bobby, rolling his eyes. "Women. Can't live with 'em… right?" He laughed.

  "You're a jerk," Talia said. "Don't ever talk to me again."

  "Did you hear her?" Cruz snapped. "Leave her alone."

  Julian shrugged and then turned to Talia. "When you're done playing with those kids, and you're ready for a real man, you know where to find me."

  Cruz clenched his fist and raised it, his pulse pounding in his ears.

  Bobby pushed his hand down. "Not worth it, dude."

  Cruz gritted his teeth and glared at Julian. "Get outta here, yo. Before I do something we'll both regret."

  "I'm shaking. See?" He held up his hand and shook it, rolling his eyes. "And get some grammar lessons." He glanced at Talia. "Am I right?"

  "Just leave us alone," she said.

  "Oh, come on," he said, "Someone as fine as you can't possibly like how he speaks? He sounds like an uneducated fool."

  "Yet he has a degree from the UCLA."

  "Mine's from Duke."

  Bobby stepped closer to Julian. "Just get out of our sight."

  "Gladly." He turned around and stormed off, muttering under his breath.

  "Thank you," Talia said. "I thought he'd never leave."

  Cruz put his arm around her. "Like I said, he's bad news."

  "Can't say we've officially met—at least not on good terms." Bobby held out his hand. "I'm Cruz's lifelong best friend, Bobby."

  Talia shook his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm… his…" She looked flustered.

  Cruz kissed her cheek. "Girlfriend."

  Talia beamed.

  Bobby nodded in approval. "Nice." He held up his fist and Cruz bumped it with his own. "Glad to see you got some class, man."

  "Me, too." Cruz pulled Talia close. He couldn't get enough of her in his arms. "Oh, it looks like everyone's going back to the house. Probably going to have some kind of party for Zachary. Wanna come, dude?"

  Bobby shook his head. "Sorry, yo. Promised my old man I'd help get the tree up. We always do it after the tree lighting here. Tell ya what, I'll swing by the salon—"

  "Tattoo parlor," Cruz corrected.

  "Right," Bobby said. "I'll be by this week sometime to see what you've done with the place."

  "Awesome. You sure you don't want rent, man?"

  "Not from you, yo. After you start makin' money, if you want. I mean the building's just been sitting there. I'm just glad it's getting some use, and even gladder it's you, dude."

  "Okay. I'll see you this week then, buddy." Cruz held out his fist and Bobby pumped it.

  He nodded to Talia. "Nice to meet you."

  "You, too." She waved and then turned to Cruz. "Thanks again for getting rid of Julian. I tried being nice, and then I tried being direct, but he wouldn't take no for an answer."

  "That's him. He's a—" Cruz bit his tongue, not wanting to swear in her presence. "Well, let's just say there aren't words fitting to use in front of a lady."

  She giggled. "Pretty much. We should catch up to your family."

  He took her hand and they made their way back to his parents' house, making small talk about the tree lighting and surprise wedding. Cruz made sure to steer clear of any mention of Julian. With any luck, that pompous idiot would stay away from them before Cruz would be forced to rearrange his face. And if he did have to, he hoped Talia wouldn't be there to see that.

  When they got to the house, Allen was waving to the others.

  "Are you leaving already?" Talia asked.

  He nodded. "I'm wiped out. I think I'm going to relax on the couch and watch Elf."

  Cruz arched a brow. He'd taken Allen for more of a It's a Wonderful Life kind of a guy.

  "Without me?" Talia asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

  "I could always rewind it when you get back."

  "That's no fun."

  "Or I could watch I'll be Home for Christmas while I wait for you."

  She grinned. "Good idea. I can't stand that one."

  "What's not to like?" he asked. "It's cute."

  Talia shook her head. "Whatever you say, Dad. I'll see you in about ninety minutes." She held out her arms to give him a hug, but tripped over a branch on the sidewalk.

  Cruz ran over to catch her, but she fell into a pile of snow before he could reach her. He helped her up, but noticed the snow had soaked her jeans.

  "Are you okay?" he asked, dusting snow from her coat and hair.

  "Just embarrassed." She laughed. "Looks like I better head home with Dad." She shivered. "Can you tell your family goodbye for me?"

  He nodded, disappointed that she had to leave so soon.

  "You want to join us for Elf?" Allen asked Cruz. "I could stick some cookies in the oven while Talia changes."

  Watching one of his favorite holiday movies with Talia? "Sure. Just let me say goodbye to everyone first."

  "We won't start it without you," Allen promised.

  "Thanks." Cruz stepped over the branch and took Talia's hand and kissed it. "I'm sorry you tripped."

  She shrugged. "It's just as well. I needed to wash these pants, anyway."

  He laughed. "Love your attitude."
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  Talia and Allen got into the car, and Cruz headed inside. His whole family was gathered around the kitchen table, eating cookies and drinking from coffee mugs.

  "Cruz, grab some cider from the stove," said his mom. "We're celebrating the new couple."

  He glanced at the clock. "Sure, but I'm going to join Allen and Talia pretty soon."

  "Maybe you guys will be next," Zachary said.

  "Oh, I don't know…" Cruz turned away and scooped some fresh apple cider into a mug. Ironically, it had the phrase 'I just like coffee. Coffee's my favorite' on it—a play on words from Buddy the Elf.

  "You guys are so sweet," Jasmine said. "She adores you."

  "I hope so." Cruz sat in between Jake and their dad. He turned to Zachary. "So, what's the plan now? Honeymoon?"

  Zachary laughed. "Tonight, I'm finally going to move into the house we bought, and then we'll take our official honeymoon after New Year's."

  "Nice. Well, congrats again. And well-timed with the G.I. Joe figures. Now I can't get you back."

  Zachary burst out laughing. "I do know how to plan things."

  Several confused expressions were exchanged around the table, but the conversation quickly went back to the wedding and honeymoon. Cruz threw in some jokes and finally a congratulations before standing.

  "Sorry to bail, but I have an invitation to watch a holiday movie with our town's newest residents, and I don't want to leave them waiting."

  "Have fun," Lana said in sing-song voice.

  "I plan to." He waved. "Later."

  A chorus of goodbyes sounded from around the table, and Cruz grabbed his jacket and headed out to his bike. He turned the key and sat there while the engine warmed. He glanced over at the pile of snow Talia had fallen in and felt bad. He set the kickstand into place and got off. He grabbed the branch and threw it next to the house where no one else would stumble over it.

  Cruz turned around and jumped when he saw someone near his bike. It was Julian.

  "Didn't we tell you to keep your ugly mug away from us?" Cruz snapped. He scowled and stomped over to Julian. "What's your deal?"

  Julian stepped forward, his brows furrowed. "What makes you think you're good enough for Talia?"

  "She does. Outta my way."

  "I'd be able to make her a lot happier than you. I have money, looks, class, and—"