by Jean Oram
“They must be going with a coastal Christmas theme.”
“Except other storefronts have snowflakes and snowmen painted on the windows.”
She sounded more like her old self. “We’re in the South. Maybe they’re dreaming of a white Christmas.”
“That’s better than having a blue one.”
“Blue would be bad.” The last two months had been hard enough. “Silver and gold would be a classy color combo.”
“Yes, but we’re stuck with pink due to the cottage.”
“I don’t think there’s a song about having a pink Christmas.”
Her AWOL smile appeared. “Then it’s good we’re skipping the holiday.”
Mitch needed to cancel the Christmas tree and mistletoe he ordered when he’d booked the reservation.
Lizzy stopped to avoid running into a couple with a baby stroller who had slowed in front of them. “The sidewalk seems more crowded.”
“An event must have let out or another is about to start.” A sign for Sweet Caroline’s Café caught his attention. “When I checked in, I was told the café up ahead has amazing pie and great coffee. Want to go in and escape the masses?”
“Sure.”
Mitch opened the door to the café and followed Lizzy inside. The scents of fresh brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air.
“Smells good,” she said.
Christmas carols played. Bright lights glowed on a tree decorated with ornaments and bows. Mitch took the few empty tables to be a good sign.
“Welcome, I’m Caroline.” An attractive woman with short brown hair greeted them. She looked to be in her late forties or early fifties. Her warm smile crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Do you know what you’d like?”
Lizzy stared at the menu board behind the counter. “An eggnog latte and a slice of apple pie.”
“Make that two,” Mitch said.
“Would you like it à la mode?” Caroline asked.
“Yes,” he and Lizzy said at the same time. That was something they’d been doing since they met.
Caroline rang up the order. “Are you in town for the wedding at the Portia House?”
“No.” Mitch paid. “We’re on vacation.”
“Indigo Bay is such a special place to spend Christmas.” The sincerity behind Caroline’s words told Mitch this wasn’t a sales pitch. “Where are you staying?”
“The Indigo Bay Cottages,” Lizzy said.
Caroline’s blue eyes twinkled. “My son, Dallas, owns those. Which cottage?”
“The pink one,” Lizzy said at the same time as Mitch again. How could she think they didn’t belong together? They were meant to be.
“You’ll have a wonderful stay there.” Caroline glanced at the barista making their coffees. “I’m the resident expert on Indigo Bay, so feel free to pop in if you have any questions.”
“Thanks,” Mitch said. “We’re getting a feel for where things are today.”
“But the street suddenly felt more crowded,” Lizzy added.
“Over five hundred wedding guests are expected for the wedding tomorrow. If you’re looking for something less crowded today, check out the bake sale for the library at the town hall. I donated pies, cinnamon rolls, and two cobblers.”
He looked at Lizzy, who had a sweet tooth. “What do you think?”
“A bake sale sounds fun.”
“The not-to-miss event in town is the annual tree lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve,” Caroline continued. “Bring a non-breakable ornament with you.”
“Why?” Lizzy asked.
“You make a wish on the ornament and then hang it on the tree. It’s an Indigo Bay tradition.” A wistful expression crossed Caroline’s face. “Christmas wishes are stronger than birthday ones.”
Mitch knew what his wish would be—to have Lizzy call off the divorce. “We’ll go shopping for an ornament tomorrow.”
“Do,” Caroline urged. “More than one of my Christmas wishes have come true. Others will tell you the same.”
The wish tradition could be his plan B. “Making a wish can’t hurt anything.”
“Well, there is a risk.” Caroline’s mysterious tone intrigued him. “Once your wish comes true, you’ll want to come back to Indigo Bay each year to make another one.”
Lizzy laughed. “I’d be up for that.”
“Me, too.” The idea of them returning together filled the empty space inside of him.
“Go sit.” Caroline shooed them away. “We’ll bring your order out to you.”
Lizzy headed to an empty table near the front windows.
“I hope you enjoy your visit,” Caroline said to him.
Mitch smiled. “I already am.”
And if his Christmas wish came true, Indigo Bay would be his new most favorite place in the entire world.
That evening, Lizzy stood in the cottage’s kitchen putting away the pie, brownies, and cookies that Mitch had purchased at the bake sale. So many sweets when all she’d wanted were the brownies. If she ate half the desserts, she’d never fit into her jeans.
Mitch sat on the couch reading a list of Indigo Bay activities and events. Lines creased his forehead, suggesting he was preparing for a secret mission, not making an itinerary for tomorrow. That intensity was part of him, whereas she was more of a caretaker.
“You bought enough desserts to feed the elves at Santa’s workshop.” She bit into one of the cookies. The butter flavor with a hint of anise seed burst in her mouth. Yum.
He smiled. “You enjoy sweets. I wanted to get your favorites.”
Her lips parted in surprise. He’d bought the desserts for her. Warmth flowed through Lizzy.
“Thank you.” She took another bite of the cookie.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
“Today was…” Frustrating, emotional, interesting, fun. “Good.”
“You’re not regretting that you came.”
She couldn’t tell if that was a question or not. “No, but it’s only our first day.”
“Give this a chance.”
She didn’t think he meant Indigo Bay. “I’m trying.”
“So am I.” He stood. “Look over this list and tell me what you want to do. It’s your vacation, too.”
“I’m up for anything.”
Gaze darkening, he walked toward the kitchen. “Anything?”
“Sightseeing related,” she clarified. “No jumping out of airplanes or obstacle courses.”
“Crawling through mud is part of the fun.” As he came closer, he seemed like a superhero come to life—strong, capable, hot. This was the man she’d fallen for. The one she’d thought would be part of her life forever.
She gulped.
“Would you be up for doing any Christmas events?” he asked.
“I, uh, sure.” She sounded indecisive, but that was due to Mitch rekindling feelings she’d buried. “I’d like to buy an ornament for the community tree.”
“Have a wish in mind?” His smile reached his eyes.
Oh-so-hot.
Wait a minute. She shouldn’t be calling her soon-to-be ex-husband hot.
Lizzy raised her chin. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
“You’re taking this seriously.”
“Caroline says it’s true…”
“I hope it is.” Mitch pulled out the bottle of champagne that had been chilling on ice and popped the cork. “Time for some bubbly.”
Drinking champagne in a romantic cottage sounded more dangerous than parachuting. “What about dinner?”
“Soon.” He filled the two flutes. “Let’s take this over to the couch, and you can tell me what’s been happening at the hospital first.”
Huh? She’d half-expected him to say Netflix and chill. “You said what happens at the hospital is too much like a soap opera.”
“I’m in the mood for a little drama.”
“You’re definitely not acting like yourself.”
He walked to the couch and sat. “Yes,
I am.”
No, but she didn’t want to argue after they’d salvaged the afternoon and had fun. Her doubts about remaining friends were fading.
He patted the spot next to him. “Come here.”
Glass in hand, Lizzy did. She took the spot, but left a space between them.
As he placed his arm around the back of the sofa toward where she sat, her muscles tensed.
No biggie. That was how he normally sat.
Except she couldn’t relax. He might not be touching her, but heat emanated from him, and a part of her wanted to scoot closer.
Traitor.
No, lonely. She was missing the connection to the man she loved. How long had it been since she was touched or kissed or…
Don’t think about that. She sipped her champagne.
“So what have I missed?” Amusement filled his voice. “Have things been more like Grey’s Anatomy or ER?”
Mitch liked comparing the hospital to television medical dramas. “More like Grey’s. Watching a resident date a radiology tech, another doctor, and a hospital admin has kept Emma and me entertained for weeks.”
“Three women at once?”
“Overachiever.” Lizzy stared across the rim of her glass. “The guy even asked out Emma, but she said no.”
“I doubt she just said no.”
Lizzy’s best friend had sworn like a sailor. “You would be correct and impressed by her choice usage of four-letter words.”
Mitch laughed. “That’s Emma for you.”
He shifted positions. His thigh pressed against Lizzy’s.
Heat flared. The chemistry between them was as strong as ever, but that wasn’t all she’d missed. She loved how they’d joked, laughed, and had fun together. Memories of them surfaced—bowling, making ice cream, and walking in the rain. When was the last time she’d done something like that?
His hand drifted to her shoulder. “What are you thinking about?”
“Us.” She liked being close to him again. “We’ve had some good times. I don’t want that to change.”
“It won’t.” He sounded confident. “I promise.”
Lizzy fought the urge to sink into him, but this was feeling too comfy and cozy given their situation. “We should figure out dinner.”
“Pizza?”
“Never had that with champagne, but okay.”
He grinned, complete with dimples. “Remember having beer and donuts for breakfast?”
“It was the first and last time.”
Mitch winked. “Don’t be so sure.”
Chapter 5
December 23rd
The next morning, Mitch stood on Main Street. His plan to woo Lizzy had brought them closer last night, but he needed to do more today. While Lizzy shopped on her own, he wanted to buy her another Christmas present.
The Chocolate Emporium would have the candy she liked, but he wanted a gift that would last and remind her of this trip. He rubbed the back of his neck.
An older woman walking a fluffy white dog headed toward him with the purposeful steps of a five-star general.
“I’m Lucille Sanderson, and you look lost.” She wore heavy makeup, and her blond hair was up in a bun. “People call me the biggest busybody in town, but they’re just jealous because I’m the most popular. Isn’t that right, Princess?”
As if on cue, the little dog barked.
Mitch smiled. “I’m not lost, but maybe you could help me.”
The way she batted her false eyelashes suggested she must have been a big flirt in her day. Maybe she still was. “If it’s not illegal, or you’re sure we won’t get caught, I’ll be happy to assist you.”
He laughed. “I’m just looking for a place to buy a Christmas present that’ll remind my wife of Indigo Bay, but I bet you’d make a worthy partner in crime.”
Lucille curtsied. “I would, and lucky for you, I know a local artist who is personalizing one-of-a-kind ornaments at the art gallery right now.”
“Sounds perfect.” And special. “Thanks.”
“I hope your wife loves her gift.”
So did Mitch.
After buying wrapping paper and tape, Lizzy couldn’t wait to meet up with Mitch. Weird since she was used to being on her own, but today, she craved his company.
He stood near the flower shop, waving when he saw her. She made her way to him.
“Get what you need?” he asked.
Being with him made her relax. “Yes, you?”
With a nod, he raised the shopping bag he was carrying. “I found a store that sells unbreakable ornaments. Let’s go pick one out.”
Buying an ornament, eating lunch, and playing tourists filled the day. As they walked past a church that evening, a crowd stood in front of the steps where elementary school children were dressed as Nativity characters.
“Can we watch?” she asked Mitch.
“Of course.”
The kids sang Christmas songs. Some traditional, others newer. More than once, Lizzy swayed to the music and tapped her foot.
“You’re enjoying this,” Mitch whispered.
His warm breath against her skin gave her goose bumps. “I love the sheep who sings ‘bah’ instead of the words.”
“I like how the wise men are rocking their bathrobes.”
She laughed. Ten minutes later, the show ended. Everyone clapped.
“That was fun,” Mitch said. “Though I’d hate to be the one cleaning up the glitter left behind by the angels.”
“I’m sure some parent will volunteer for the task.”
His gaze clouded. “You’d be a great mom.”
She wanted to be a mother. “What brought that up?”
He shrugged. “Been thinking about having a family.”
Her breath caught. Mitch’s foster care experience had made him wary of parenthood and having kids right away. Even though her parents treated her as an unwanted expense, she had so much love to give she couldn’t wait to be a mom, but she was glad Mitch had wanted to wait to start a family.
“Not right now,” he added. “But…someday.”
Considering children was a huge step for him. Even though she was sad she wouldn’t be a part of that, she wanted to encourage him. “The way you look out for your soldiers tells me a kid would be lucky to have you as a dad.”
Gratitude shone in his eyes. “Ready to head back?”
She nodded, and they walked toward the beach.
Inside the cottage, she stared at an artificial Christmas tree strung with pink and white lights in the sitting area. A box of ornaments and garland lay nearby.
“I forgot to cancel the tree and mistletoe order.” He pointed up where sprigs of greenery hung from pink ribbons. “I’ll have guest services remove everything.”
“Don’t.” The word flew from her mouth. “Let’s keep them.”
He grinned. “Being in Indigo Bay is getting you in the holiday spirit.”
“Yes, it is.” So was being with him. She walked toward the tree. “I don’t really want to skip Christmas.”
“Stop.”
She did. “What?”
He swooped in front of her with the moves that would be the envy of any ninja, and then his lips pressed against hers—softly as if testing her reaction.
Oh-so-good. Lizzy soaked up the taste of Mitch. An appealing combination of warmth and sweetness. Her senses exploded with sensation.
Need surged. She pressed against him.
Mitch’s lips moved over her. His hands brought her closer. Eager for more, she leaned into him.
A knock sounded at the door.
She jumped back.
Desire filled Mitch’s gaze. His breathing was ragged. “I’ll get it.”
As he spoke with whoever was at the door, Lizzy’s heart pounded in her ears. She touched her tingling lips. If not for the knock…
Mitch closed the door. He held a gold-and-pink star. “Guest services forgot to include the tree topper.”
“That’s pretty.” Lizzy’s reacti
on to his kiss embarrassed her. Worse, she wanted to kiss him again. Not knowing what to say, she decided to do what she’d always done and not say anything. She picked up the garland from the box. “We should decorate.”
A beat passed. Then another.
“Let’s get to it.” Mitch smiled.
His response gave her hope as Lizzy smiled back.
Maybe her Christmas wish should be that things between them would change for the better.
Later that night, Mitch couldn’t get comfortable on the couch. The pink and white lights from the tree weren’t the problem. A jumble of thoughts was what kept him awake.
His cell phone buzzed with a text notification.
Dare: JENNY SAID YES! WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!!
Mitch: Congrats!
Dare: Thanks. Gotta run.
Unable to sleep, Mitch got up and stood in the doorway to the bedroom.
The rise and fall of Lizzy’s chest told him she’d been asleep for a while. Good, she needed the rest. She’d kicked off her blanket, so he covered her.
He’d never thought a woman as beautiful, smart, and caring as Lizzy could love him. Not after he’d grown up hearing how stupid and worthless he was. But Lizzy had loved him. He knew it.
Nurturing others—patients, friends, him—was who she was. She anticipated his needs, spoiled him with words of encouragement, took care of him, and…
Did everything.
A conversation they’d had after she moved out crashed into him like a rogue wave.
Tell me what I can do to save our marriage. Do you want me to not reenlist?
What you do as a Ranger is important. The army isn’t the problem. You’d throw yourself into whatever job you had. That’s why I’ll never be a priority.
That’s not true. You know how I feel about you. You don’t need me to tell you all the time.
What if I do? You called your guys in the hospital every day. Sometimes more than once according to the cell phone bill.
They were injured. They needed me.
So did I, but you ignored me for days. Forgot my birthday and our anniversary
I said I was sorry. I love you. Please don’t tear us apart. Let me fix this.
There’s nothing left to fix. Your actions spoke louder than any words could. You made it clear how you felt about our marriage and me through them.