I needed to figure out a way to make it up to her and as I passed the Christmas shop, I knew that was the answer.
Pick out the perfect forgive me present.
I hoped it would work its magic.
Chapter 15
Sara
I’d stopped crying as soon as I got to the hotel. The few blocks’ distance from the baseball complex had been plenty of time to get out all the emotions and worry about being taken advantage of… again.
My dad had called a few times and I finally answered, knowing he didn't need to focus on me right now. After I told him I'd left because of a boy, he surprised me with his answer.
"Just don't judge too harshly. I know this feels like it's the same as two years ago, but you might be surprised at the real story."
We'd hung up and I couldn't believe my dad was siding with Isaac. It felt exactly like the last time, only somehow Isaac had been able to get my dad to side with him. Betrayal.
I’d watched a movie and was settling into reading a book when a knock came at the door. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I knew it was far too early for my dad to be back, and he would have had a key to just let himself in.
I hesitated for several seconds, debating whether to just let whoever was at the door think no one was here. When the knock came again, I got off the bed and walked over, peeking through the peephole first.
Isaac.
What was he doing here? Didn’t he have to be back for a game or something? I wished that I didn’t feel the sliver of hope at him being here creep back in. It would have been easier if he left me alone rather than torture me like this.
I opened the door, scowling at him. “Why are you here?”
“Because I want you to know that you’re the most important person to me, aside from my parents, of course.” Isaac gave me a small smile and I had to fight from showing my own.
“How could you bet on me?” It was like the ultimate nightmare and emotions I thought were spent flooded my body again, tears pricking at my eyes.
“I’ve never really had a long-term relationship. I’ve dated some girls, yes, but never really connected with any of them longer than a few days.” He swallowed, looking like he was frantic since I was close to shutting the door. “Sara Frank, I like you. I never meant to hurt you and I never took the money from my cousin.”
“I’m not sure I can trust you.” The words escaped before I could stop them. His expression fell and he nodded.
“I get that. I know you’re not sure if you can trust me, but I care about you. I want to be with you, hang out with you. If I could go back and change things, I would.” He paused a minute before moving his hand from behind his back. “I just want you to have this.”
He handed me a small wrapped box and said, “I, uh, I should probably get back to the camp. I hope you feel better soon.”
He walked down the hall, his shoulders down and his feet dragging on the carpet.
I felt bad, but I didn’t want to be duped like I had by the last guy. Stepping back, I closed the door and sat down on the edge of the bed.
I studied the wrapping, Christmas candy canes and trees. The thought of waiting to open it, to let me revel in the frustration I felt was a temptation. But I opened the package, lifting off the lid of the box.
Inside was nestled the small crystal Christmas tree I’d been looking at the night of our date, or sort of date.
I pulled it out of the box, marveling at the beauty of it. I hadn’t told him I loved it that much. How had he known?
Tucked into the side of the paper, I saw a small piece of paper.
I pulled it out and it looked like it had been torn and quickly scrawled.
You’re as beautiful as this crystal tree. And much smarter and kinder than me. I’m so sorry and I hope you’ll forgive me. Isaac
All the emotions filled me at once and I thought I would burst. I wasn’t usually one for accepting gifts, especially since my dad tried to do that since he lived so far away all the time.
But this one meant something. It reminded me of our quick kiss in the Christmas shop, of all the fun we’d had over the past week. Yeah, I know. It had only been a week, but he’d been sincere in his apology and I’d been cruel to turn him away.
I threw on some new clothes and straightened my hair. After some light makeup, I ran out the door, hoping that I wasn’t too late to make it to the game.
The few blocks that had seemed so long on the way back from the complex now flew by.
Once at the complex, I saw my dad and gave him a quick smile.
“I didn’t think I’d see that look on your face today,” he said, pulling me in for a hug.
I leaned back, frowning. “What do you mean?”
My dad grinned. “You’d be surprised how fast word can get around a baseball camp. Girls aren’t the only ones who talk.”
I raised an eyebrow, still confused. Until I saw Nate come up from behind my dad.
“I’m sorry. Isaac never took the money from me.” He looked about as humbled as I thought I’d ever see him. “He really likes you though. He said something about hoping to keep the relationship going once you got back to Texas.”
I stiffened, with my dad standing right there, I didn’t need everything broadcast to him.
My dad rested a hand on my shoulder and said, “If he treats you right and makes up for his mistakes, he’s a good kid in my book.” He pulled me in for another hug and I felt some release, like the anxiety I’d been holding onto all day was slowly disappearing.
“Thanks, Dad.” I said, stepping away and wiping at a stray tear running down my cheek.
“Well, I need to go coach your crush so you better wish him luck,” my dad said, winking as he left.
Nate looked horrified, and I laughed. “He’s just teasing,” I said, walking over to the stands.
The game was exciting and intense. Isaac saw me sitting in the stands after the first couple innings and grinned. He played really well, and seeing as how many of the fans were commenting on the difference between this game and the last, I wondered if he’d really played that bad.
The game ended, a heartbreaker for Isaac’s team with a walk-off home run, but that wasn’t the end of things for the camp.
I waited by the dugout after the game, not wanting to bug him too much but also bursting to talk to him. He’d done everything he could to make it up to me, and I wanted to do the same.
“Are you Sara?” a woman behind me asked. When I nodded, she leaned in and hugged me, causing me to go stiff. “I’m sorry, I’m Isaac’s mom. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
He’d talked about me to his mom?
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m a fan of your son.” I’d never had the chance to meet a guy’s parents, and this had me feeling all sorts of awkward.
“That’s what we’ve heard,” she said, grinning. “It’s rare Isaac lets down his guard enough for a girl to come around, but I hope once we get back home, that you’ll come over as often as possible.”
I laughed and nodded. “I hope so too. I just need to tell him I’m sorry.”
“For what?” she asked, staring at me intently, almost like she could turn mama bear in seconds.
I sighed, not sure how to explain it. “There was a misunderstanding, and when he came to apologize, I didn’t really forgive him. But that was a mistake. He’s incredible.”
“Is that the truth?” Isaac’s voice asked from behind me.
I spun around, my cheeks feeling the heat within milliseconds. “Yes,” I said, trying to gauge his reaction.
“Is that why you came to the game?” His expression was hesitant, like he didn’t want to smile or frown for fear of jinxing my words.
I smiled and nodded. “Yes. I wanted to support you, since I just kind of ran away earlier.”
He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around me. The oohs and aahs from the other baseball boys sounded like a wave across the small section of the complex where we were seen.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t get you in trouble or jeopardize your chances with the scouts,” I said, taking a step back.
Isaac moved with me, his arms still around my shoulders. “I’m done, anyway. If they have a problem with me having a girlfriend, then I don’t want to go to their schoo.”
“Girlfriend?” I asked, with a grin.
He leaned back and shrugged, the corner of his mouth turned upward. “If you want the title, it’s yours.”
“I kind of like the sound of that,” I said, looking into his eyes. “Who’d have thought I’d ever date a baseball player?”
He grinned and leaned in, pressing his lips to mine. It sent a thousand sparks through my face and down into my chest. And I realized that while this wasn’t my first kiss anymore, this was the kiss that soothed all the pain from my past.
The Perfect Kiss.
Epilogue
Isaac
The Christmas break had been one big whirlwind and once my parents and I flew back to Texas, it almost felt like a dream. That was until I had to walk up the steps to Sara’s mother’s house.
I’d dressed in a newer polo and some khaki shorts, hoping it would be nice enough but I wouldn’t swelter in the heat wave we’d gotten over the past few days.
Sara had warned me about her mother, had said that winning over her father was only a small thing compared to what this encounter would be. I could only hope this first meeting went well.
With a quick knock, I stepped back, taking a deep breath. The door opened and a woman that looked a lot like Sara peeked out from behind it.
"Yes?" she asked, staring at me.
"Hi," I said, extending my hand and then dropping it quickly at my side. "I'm, uh, here to pick up Sara?" I hated the unsureness of my voice but this lady had the glare down.
"Come in. She's still getting ready."
I took a hesitant step forward, moving into the coolness of the house. She motioned for me to sit on the couch and she took one of the armchairs across from it.
"So, the two of you met at camp?" She was sitting on the edge of the chair and even with several feet in between us, I scooted back into the couch, hoping for more room to allow me to breathe.
I nodded, trying to keep eye contact with her.
She turned her head, giving me a side-eye glare of death. "And you've learned your lesson not to bet on my daughter again?"
I gulped. "Yes and no. I won't bet against her, but I'll continue to bet on her being as amazing as she always is." I'd surprised myself with that one and Sara's mom looked somewhat impressed.
"Just don't hurt her, or I'll make sure you get what you deserve." A hint of a smile played across her lips and I let out a quick breath, glad I had somehow gained her permission.
Sara appeared from down the hall and she walked over and pulled me up. With a quick hug, she turned to her mom and said, "We'll be back around ten."
"Better not be late. It's a school night."
Sara placed her hand in mine and pulled me outside. I could finally breathe normally. "Wow, your mom is…"
"A mama bear? Yeah, but she's a lot of fun once she trusts you." I helped her into the passenger side and walked around to get in. "Where are we going?"
I grinned at her. "I found a little Christmas shop and thought it would be fun to go. Kind of continue our first date."
"Are you betting on them having mistletoe?" Sara giggled as I shifted the car into reverse.
“Betting, no. Hoping,” I turned to glance at her for a moment and then focused back on the road. “Maybe.”
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Keep scrolling! O-M-G Christmas Tree by Stephanie Scott is up next!
Three nights before Christmas, and all Megan Campbell needs is to pick up a Christmas tree. Never mind she’s a city girl who has never bought a real live tree. The biggest and best tree in the lot should make her mom and her new stepdad happy–and forget how she’s neglected to visit them in their tiny town of Crystal Cove.
Three nights before Christmas, and all Nick Bennington needs is to pick up a Christmas tree. The one saved for him that he should have picked up weeks ago for the charity event at the historic mayor’s mansion Christmas Eve. A task his mother, Mayor Bennington herself, entrusted him with. Now the biggest and best tree in the lot is gone.
A slip off the icy roads sends Megan, her car, and her prized tree into the ditch. A rescuer in the form of Nick Bennington quickly arrives. A rescuer with ulterior motives, Meghan discovers, as he angles to take the pesky tree off her hands. Falling for the country boy is not part of her holiday plans. For Nick, stumbling upon this city girl might be just the wake-up call he needs.
Chapter 1
Megan
I was destined to be a disappointment.
“I know Christmas is in four days,” I told my mother into the phone for the second time in as many minutes. “The reason I’m working is because it’s the holidays. Everyone wants the next few days off for vacation.”
“And you never get one. Not even a measly few days to see your family.”
Heaping spoonful of guilt, anyone?
“We have an event at the cafe tonight,” I responded. “Running special events puts me one step closer to store manager.” I glanced over my shoulder, hoping nobody heard me. I didn’t want to sound desperate.
“Can’t a coffee shop shut down for a week? There are plenty of places for people to get coffee in Chicago.”
A coffee grinder buzzed, cutting any reply short. Funny, I was the one with my thumb on the GRIND button.
“Sorry, can’t hear!” I shouted, scrunching my shoulder toward my ear to hold the slim phone steady. Naturally, it tumbled onto the counter face down into a puddle of peppermint creamer.
My coworker Cam reached across me and shut the grinder off. “Take your break, Megan.”
“The gaming group will be here in twenty—”
“How about now.” Cam’s usual soft brown eyes blackened.
“Got it.” I pinched the phone from the counter and wiped the screen against my apron along the Drip name and logo. “I have this under control.”
Cam said nothing. Simply looked at the grinder in front of me.
Empty. I’d been grinding nothing but bean dust and generational angst.
Sigh. I zipped into the back room.
“My wedding, Megan,” Mom was saying through the phone. “You missed my wedding.”
I switched the phone to my other ear, Silly me. Like my right ear would suddenly make this conversation any easier.
“Mom, you know I would have gone if—”
“You didn’t have to work.” She filled in for me. “That’s always the case. Well, I’m telling you the truth. It upset me. And your grandmother. And Stu. Stu is still upset.”
I shut my eyes, but her words seeped through. “I’m sorry I missed your vows with Stu.” What sort of name was Stu, anyhow? Short for Stuart, my brain reminded. Shut up, brain! “You gave me two days’ notice. I couldn’t get to Wisconsin that fast. Not when the work schedule already went up.”
The line went quiet. On the other side of the door, coffee grinding (actual beans this time; Cam had that down) and customers chatting offered familiar comfort.
“It’s been a tough few years.” Mom’s tone softened. “I miss my baby. I want you to see how far we’ve come. How happy I am with Stu. I want you to be part of this Christmas.”
“I know.” The printed shift schedule on the bulletin board blurred before my eyes. Tears? Now, at work? I wiped my cheek. “I miss Dad.”
“Oh, honey. Me too. He’ll always be with us. Always.”
Four years since we lost him and some days it felt like yesterday. The holidays brought it all back. All the feels.
“I wish we’d had one last Christmas in the house.” I cringed at my own words. The things that fell out
of my mouth sometimes…
“It made sense to move in with Stu since I’m retired.” Her words became clipped, her tone less sympathetic. “The house sold quickly. That’s good news to most people.”
I wanted to hold on to our house the way it always had been. Wishful thinking.
“Your father would have wanted you to spend the holidays with your family.”
Back to my time off, or lack of. Guilt: double shot, no whip, topped off with more guilt.
She wasn’t wrong. Dad would have wanted us all together for the holidays, including my brother, Derek. He lived in Seattle, working in tech. As hard as Dad worked, he’d always made time for us during the holidays.
But it wouldn’t be our family. Stu’s adult children were coming in for a big dinner at his—his and Mom’s—house. His kids had careers in podiatry and particle physics. Grinding coffee beans couldn’t compete with smashing atoms.
My dream? Hoping to be a coffee shop manager.
“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important to me.” Mom’s voice thickened with emotion.
She’d already stirred me up with the Dad stuff. When it came to him, I couldn’t say no. The work excuse wouldn’t hold up. I owed my mom to be with her this holiday.
I grabbed the staff schedule off the board. “I’ll give it the old Campbell Can-Do.”
It’s what Dad would have done.
I owed two coworkers coverage any day they needed for the next six months. Brain: add Learn negotiating skills to my To-Do list.
Three days until Christmas and I was due back the day after the holiday. Now that Mom was with Stu, she lived so far north their backyard edged the Wisconsin state line.
I headed out with my car’s backseat only partly filled by a suitcase and a small bag of gifts. Not five minutes later, my phone rang in the seat beside me. No Bluetooth in this old thing, so I poked the speaker icon without looking.
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