The Santa Express

by Leeanna Morgan

  Andy nodded. “This will be the best Christmas ever.”

  Gordon Jessop joined them in the foyer. “Good morning. It looks like the boys have told you their news.”

  John smiled. “They have. They’re looking forward to staying with you.”

  Gordon ruffled the boys’ hair. “I think Tabby has a lot to do with that. She misses the boys when they aren’t there.”

  Shelley had a feeling that Mr. Jessop’s cat wasn’t the only one who missed them when they weren’t there. Mabel had said Gordon was a different person since the boys had been staying with him.

  “We’d better get you to school,” Gordon said to the boys. “We’ve been here for longer than I thought we would.”

  Andy held a bouquet of fresh herbs in his hand. “We made these for our teachers for Christmas.”

  “And they smell real sweet,” Charlie said. “Do you want to sniff?”

  Shelley lowered her head and smelled the herbs. “They smell delicious. Your teachers will love them.”

  “That’s what we thought, too.” Charlie held Mr. Jessop’s hand. “Can we go now?”

  “Lead the way, little man,” Gordon said. “I’ll be back in half an hour,” he said to John.

  “That sounds great. Remember to join us for a cup of coffee in The Welcome Center. The opening ceremony should be finished by then.”

  Shelley smiled as Mr. Jessop and the boys hurried outside. “You already knew about Andrea, didn’t you?”

  John held open the door. “Andrea called me last night. Her doctor and counselor are happy for her to be treated as an outpatient. She’s arriving on Christmas Eve. Gordon spoke to me a few days ago about everyone staying at his house.”

  “That was kind of him.”

  “He has a good heart.”

  Gordon wasn’t the only one with a good heart. John was keeping a careful eye on the boys. And that love and attention was making all the difference. Even though their mom wasn’t here, they were more confident than they’d been when they arrived. More settled in the town that was their home.

  Shelley stepped outside and shivered. Mabel was right. It was freezing out here. But that didn’t stop the people who were helping to move the three new families into the village. Cushions, blankets, and small tables were being lifted into place, ready for the new tenants to enjoy.

  “How long have these families been on the wait-list for a home?”

  “More than a year.” When John saw the surprise on her face he nodded. “I know. It’s a long time.”

  “Where have they been living?”

  “Two of the families stayed with friends. The third family was boarding with someone from Sapphire Bay.”

  Shelley knew how difficult it was to find somewhere to live. She was just grateful that Bailey was happy to share her house.

  After they’d placed the muffins in each house, John checked his watch again. “We’d better start the opening ceremony.”

  John spoke to the person in charge of the sound system. As soon as he announced the opening ceremony was about to start, everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around the three houses.

  When John stood in the center of the yard, a hushed silence fell across the tiny home village.

  “It’s wonderful to be here today to celebrate the opening of the next three tiny homes. I’d like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and skills to build the houses. I’m always blown away by your enthusiasm and hard work. To the businesses who donated supplies—thank you. Your generosity is much appreciated. And for the families who have waited patiently for the opportunity to live in these homes, God bless. This is a new beginning for you and we hope you enjoy being part of the tiny home village family. So, without further ado, I’d like to officially open the next three tiny homes. Can the families step forward to receive their keys?”

  The people who were already residents of the village formed a guard of honor. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, they welcomed each family as they walked toward John and their homes. Everyone clapped and cheered when they received their keys.

  Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the faces of the families brought tears to Shelley’s eyes.

  She sighed when a little girl rushed up to John and raised her arms, wanting to be picked up. With a smile that would have melted most people’s hearts, John gathered the little girl close and turned toward a man and a woman who were a few feet away.

  Bailey tapped her on the shoulder.

  “What are you doing here?” Shelley asked her sister.

  “I’ve just finished a counseling session at The Welcome Center.” She nodded toward John. “If you’re even remotely interested in having a long and happy life with John, I’d snap him up fast. There aren’t that many handsome, eligible men in Sapphire Bay.”

  “You don’t snap someone up just because there’s a man shortage.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because,” Shelley reasoned, “this is the twenty-first century, not the middle ages. If you’re really concerned about the number of single men in Sapphire Bay, organize a barn dance or some kind of social event. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of people wanting to come. You could run it as a fundraiser.”

  “That’s not a bad idea. Make sure you write it down and tell John.”

  “Why am I getting the job of telling John the ideas?”

  Bailey groaned. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? John is happy to listen to anyone, but especially you. He thinks you’re amazing.”

  John chose that moment to look at them.

  When his gaze rested on Shelley, the warmth in his eyes made her toes curl. Whatever happened, she wouldn’t forget this moment. It was a new beginning for the three families who had moved into the tiny home village, and a new beginning for her.

  Later that night, Shelley sat in front of John’s fireplace, snuggled against his side. After a busy day, they’d enjoyed a quiet dinner together. With Christmas carols playing in the background and the lights on the tree glowing, she was more content than she’d been in a long time.

  “Did I tell you that Patrick and his team will start remodeling my houses in mid-January?”

  “That’s good. Are you planning any more demolition days?”

  “Patrick’s happy for me to take the drywall off the living areas in the second house, but he doesn’t want me to touch anything else unless he’s there. He’s worried I’ll fall off the ladder or pull something out of the wall that I shouldn’t.”

  “Thank goodness for that.”

  Shelley looked up at John. “Not you, too?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I can help remodel my houses as well as anyone else. All I need is a little more guidance.”

  “And a better ladder and safer extension cords.”

  “I didn’t know you needed a circuit breaker thingy on them.”

  John sighed. “The circuit breaker thingy will save your life if you cut through the cord. And if you’re using a power tool when a water pipe bursts, you could be electrocuted.”

  Shelley didn’t want to think about her water pipes. What a nightmare. After she’d sent the photos of the rotten wood to Patrick, he’d inspected the houses more closely. Not only did the internal pipes have to be replaced, but all the connections to the street needed a complete overhaul. They were still in the demolition phase, and her contingency fund was already in danger of going into overdraft.

  The sparkly chandelier she’d seen in a store in Billings might have to stay there.

  John rubbed her shoulder. “When do your mom and dad arrive?”

  “In three days. Dad wanted to leave early on Christmas Eve to miss some of the other traffic on the road. Mom’s bringing everything she needs for Christmas lunch, including an enormous turkey. What about your family? What are they doing?”

  “The same as your family, except we’re having a big dinner on Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad are already in Los Angeles and my sisters will be there by seven o’clock tonight.”


  Tomorrow morning, John was driving to Kalispell, then catching a flight to Los Angeles. He was spending a few days with his family, before flying back to Montana.

  “I’ll miss you while you’re away.”

  John kissed the top of her head. “I’ll miss you too, but I won’t be gone for long.”

  “What will the church do without you?”

  “A pastor from Great Falls is visiting friends for the holidays. He’ll take the Christmas Day service and cover anything else that needs to be done. The volunteers at The Welcome Center have organized a big Christmas lunch for everyone at the tiny home village, and Gordon, Andrea, and the boys are helping them.”

  Shelley sighed. “It sounds like everyone will have a lovely Christmas.”

  John lifted his arm from around her shoulders and stood up. “Talking about Christmas… I’ve got something for you.”

  “I thought you said no Christmas presents.”

  “I lied.” Reaching under the Christmas tree, John pulled out a rectangular present. “I saw this and thought of you.”

  Shelley jumped off the sofa and opened her backpack. “I have something for you, too.”

  John’s eyebrows rose.

  “What can I say? I’m a rule breaker, too.”

  John took the present and laughed. “That must make us perfect for each other. Open yours first.”

  Shelley sat on the sofa. “I’m impressed with your wrapping technique. You even added a bow.”

  “I aim to please.” John sat beside her.

  She opened the present and frowned. “A recipe book? Are you trying to tell me something?”

  John grinned. “It’s time you learned how to cook more than cookies, muffins, and your mom’s favorite pasta dish. After Christmas, my gift to you is twenty cooking lessons.”

  Shelley wasn’t sure that would be enough. “I think you’re overestimating my ability in the kitchen. I might need more lessons.”

  “I’m a good teacher. If I can show teenagers who have never boiled eggs how to make coq au vin, I can teach you.”

  “Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Shelley looked at John’s present. “Your turn.”

  He squeezed the slightly less well-wrapped present and grinned. “It’s squishy.”

  Shelley sat forward. “I’m glad I didn’t make you any of my world-famous muffins.”

  “They wouldn’t be quite so world-famous now,” John said with a grin. He opened one end of the present and peeked inside the paper. “A T-shirt?”

  “Not just any T-shirt. The lady in the store said it’s guaranteed to make you run faster. I thought it might come in handy when you’re training for your half marathon.”

  John pulled out the T-shirt and smiled at the quote on the front. “Mind Over Miles. I like it.”

  Shelley reached into her backpack. “I bought these for you, too.”

  John opened the Christmas bag and sighed. “Sometimes you’re so practical it’s scary.”

  Shelley took that as a compliment. “Every runner needs anti-chafe balm, magnesium bath flakes, and anti-blister running socks.”

  “Of course, they do. It’s a wonderful present.”

  “I’m glad you like it. How’s the training going?”

  “It will be better when I’m wearing my T-shirt and socks.”

  Shelley frowned. “Does that mean it hasn’t been going well?”

  “It’s hard to focus when it’s snowing outside and all Caleb wants to talk about is babies.” John held the T-shirt against his chest. “What do you think?”

  “Amazing.” And she meant it. In more ways than one.

  John leaned forward and kissed her. “Thank you. I’ll think of you when I’m running and tending to my chafing.”

  Shelley laughed. “That’s more information than I need to know.”

  John brushed a lock of hair off her face. “That’s good, because talking can be overrated.”

  And he kissed Shelley so sweetly, that talking was the last thing on her mind, too.

  Four days later, Shelley looked through the windshield as Bailey drove them to Sam and Caleb’s house. Christmas Day had always been special in the Jones household, and this year was no exception.

  With a baby on the way and a wedding in seven weeks, their mom was so excited it was a wonder she could sleep at night.

  Shelley thought about the last month and how her life had changed.

  When she’d offered to help with The Santa Express train ride, she had no idea what would happen. At first, she thought John was crazy. Taking a train full of children around Flathead Lake in the middle of the winter was asking for trouble. But, with some careful planning and lots of volunteers, they’d done it.

  Not only had they given the children and their parents a magical evening, they’d raised enough money to build another tiny home for a family desperately needing accommodation.

  It felt good knowing she was making a difference. Before she moved to Sapphire Bay, none of her projects had ever given her the same rush of pride; the same excitement that came with changing people’s lives.

  Bailey glanced across at Shelley. “What are you thinking about?”

  “John. The fundraising we’re doing for the tiny home village. And how sometimes your life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would.”

  “That’s an impressive list for nine o’clock in the morning.”

  Shelley sighed. “I’ve been thinking about them for a while.”

  “A lot has happened since you arrived in Sapphire Bay.”

  “Tell me about it. I thought I was coming to a sleepy little town.”

  “I wondered why you didn’t move here sooner.”

  Shelley stared at the passing scenery. “Do you ever get the feeling that your entire life has been leading up to this moment?”

  Bailey smiled. “If you’d told me you were this excited about driving to Caleb and Sam’s house, we could have left sooner.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I do. I felt the same way after I moved here. I loved working in the Mayo Clinic. I had a corner office overlooking the parking lot. The coffee machine was only ten steps away from my office door, and I shared a personal assistant with a psychiatrist. I thought my life was perfect. Then I moved here and met Steven and Mila and, after that, none of those other things mattered.”

  “Do you worry about not earning as much money as you used to?”

  Bailey shook her head. “Not anymore. I have a confession, though. I tell my patients not to value themselves by the amount of money they earn. But, subconsciously, I did exactly that. To me, success meant living in a big apartment and eating nice meals at fancy restaurants. Now I think I’ve had a great day when my patients go home with a smile and Mr. Jessop leaves a basket of fresh vegetables on my desk. And you know what? I much prefer Mr. Jessop’s vegetables to a five-star meal in a restaurant.”

  “Is there anything you miss about your old life?”

  Bailey was silent for a moment. “My hairdresser. I’ve never found anyone who can cut hair as well as she could.”

  Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “That’s it?”

  “That’s it. Although it would be nice to earn a little more money to help pay for Steven’s house to be remodeled. What do you miss?”

  Shelley thought about the things she used to enjoy about contract work. But now, it just seemed like a lonely life.

  “It’s taking a long time,” Bailey said. “Just tell me one thing.”

  “The money. But you’re right. Living in Sapphire Bay is so much cheaper than anywhere else.”

  “Apart from when you want to buy a house,” Bailey said. “I still can’t believe you’re remodeling two houses. You used to go crazy if you chipped your nail polish.”

  Shelley held up her short, unpolished nails and smiled. “I’ve really hit rock bottom, but I couldn’t be happier.”

  Bailey turned right into Sam and Caleb’s driveway. “Keep those happy thoughts buzzi
ng. I didn’t tell you that Aunt Maria, Aunt Rosa, and Uncle Jackson are here for Christmas, too.”

  Shelley sighed. “You know what that means, don’t you?”

  Bailey nodded. “Lots of advice and lots of food. I wonder if we could conjure up a small emergency at The Welcome Center?”

  “We won’t need to,” Shelley told her sister. “If anyone asks a question you don’t want to answer, just talk about Caleb and Sam’s baby. That will keep Mom and her sisters happy for hours.”

  “I like the way your mind works. You should have been a family therapist instead of an accountant.”

  Shelley shook her head. “I couldn’t have done it. Working with numbers is much easier than helping people.”

  “You’re underestimating yourself,” Bailey said as she parked outside Sam and Caleb’s garage. “You help a lot of people every day at The Welcome Center.”

  Shelley smiled. She did. And what was even better, she enjoyed it.

  From the moment Shelley and Bailey walked through the front door, there was a constant supply of hugs, laughter, and food.

  When the conversation turned to Shelley’s life, her strategy of talking about Sam and Caleb’s baby worked for the first hour. But, after that, no one was fooled.

  Her aunts asked all kinds of questions about John. She told them as much as she could about him and his family. She’d even tried side-tracking them with random questions of her own. But nothing worked.

  Her sisters made an effort to talk about something else. Although Shelley suspected that they didn’t want their mom and aunts delving too deeply into their lives, either.

  After Mila and Steven arrived, their conversation returned to safer subjects—if you counted Mila’s Christmas wish of having a baby brother or sister, safe.

  At three o’clock, Bailey, Steven, and Mila drove into town to see some friends. Everyone else sat around the living room, reminiscing about previous Christmases when all of Rosa and Maria’s children had been with them, too.

  “I have a wonderful idea,” Shelley’s mom said. “Sam told me about the Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. We should have a look at it.”