Postmark Christmas

by Katie Bachand

  Harlow and Harris stood bewildered at what they were witnessing and wouldn’t have known how to put it into words if they tried. They half expected Rudolph to fly down and pick Santa up so he could be on his way.

  “Well, thank you both so much. I just love running into people while I’m out and about. It seems it is never completely coincidence. I find we come across people exactly when we need them. I’ll be off,” Santa added with a glance toward the letters, leaving little room for their reply. Though, as they stared after him, they weren’t sure they would have had much more to offer than their “Good bye” and “Good night” anyway.

  __

  The great room warmed quickly as the fire sparked to life. Harris had forgotten the satisfaction of a simple small flame flickering into a wood-burning blaze.

  He sat back on his heels, took it in, and nearly moaned out the satisfaction he felt from the warmth melting away the cold chill from his body. When he heard the sound of glasses rattling on a silver tray he turned to see Harlow walking in with two crystal stemmed glasses and a matching bowl filled with creamy-gold liquid.

  Harlow saw the wonder slide across Harris’ face and offered, “Eggnog. Are you for or against the ‘nog?”

  Harris smiled and gave a casual nod in response. “I am for the ‘nog.” He stood and moved to her, helping her with the tray and setting it on the coffee table. “Though I don’t remember buying it in a crystal bowl. Ours mostly came in glass or plastic bottles and we’d store it on the deck outside in the snow.”

  “In the snow, great idea.”

  “You say great, I say lazy. The kitchen was farther away than the deck, but in our defense, one can only step away from Christmas Vacation for so long without fear of missing something you hadn’t seen the first fifty times you watched it that year.”

  “I think that makes it all the more brilliant. But this,” Harlow used a ladle to scoop the smooth light yellow liquid into the glasses and said, “is homemade. My grandmothers’ recipe. I haven’t met a single person – that likes eggnog – that hasn’t agreed this is the best they've ever had. Are you willing to try it? I should warn you, I don’t think there’s any going back after this.”

  “In that case,” Harris took the glass she offered and clinked his to hers, “to never going back.”

  Harlow sipped and watched his face light up in delighted surprise. She couldn’t help the proud feeling that filled her up as she recognized the familiar reaction. It happened to everybody who had ever taken a sip.

  “Well?” she asked, wanting to hear his thoughts.

  “I can never go back,” Harris confirmed. “I’m finding myself wanting to drink the whole thing, but fighting that urge so I can enjoy every drop. What a wonderful battle to have to play with oneself.”

  Harlow laughed and agreed. She’d never quite heard it explained in that way but she understood exactly what he meant.

  “I think you’ve hit it on the ‘nog.” She grinned and tried not to laugh at her cheesy joke. Then her eyes moved to the table where Harris had set the letters. They were calling to her and tugging at her heart, wanting her to read them.

  “I know it’s not my business, or my company, but if you wouldn’t mind I would love a chance to read some of the letters. To see what people are asking for – what they need.”

  Harris couldn’t say no to her genuine tone, so he took her hand and led her to the pillows next to the fire and helped her down. They leaned back against two tall chairs with fabric seats and elaborately carved wooden frames and matching legs, and opened each card one by one.

  __

  They’d read all twelve letters, then sat quietly as the fire crackled and hissed offering warmth and comfort. A warmth and comfort, they realized, these twelve kids didn’t have.

  It seemed Heritage House – the same orphanage Vanessa’s event was supporting – had let their young children write letters to Santa and dropped them off earlier that day.

  Harlow let a tear slide down her cheek and Harris reached over and wiped it away.

  “This is why we help,” he said gently, trying to comfort but feeling a sadness inside himself that matched hers. “So they don’t have to feel so alone at Christmas.”

  “What you do is wonderful.” Harlow tilted her head and looked at Harris when she saw the lines of his face crease and fall into a frown.

  He didn’t want to admit to Harlow he’d been too focused on work to pay attention to the letters that had flooded in over the past few weeks. He’d been worried about a collaboration and growing their business. He hadn’t given more than her Christmas letter a thought – and that had been forced upon him by his dad. He would have never voluntarily taken on the task. Not for her, or any of these letters.

  Harris shook his head, a silent gesture telling her he was fine. And he was. He was more than fine. And he was able. He’d do something about this.

  Both of their heads turned at the knock on the door. Harlow and Harris stood and moved to the door together. When it opened they stared at Santa holding another letter in his hands.

  “Santa?” they both questioned in unison.

  “Sorry to barge in on you like this, but it seems I’d forgotten a letter to hand over. I’m hoping I can trust you with this one, too.” Santa moved his hand forward so the letter hung between them.

  “Of course,” Harlow said as Harris took the envelope. “Of course. This, and any more you have, we can take. We’ll be sure they get to the right place.”

  Santa’s smile spread so wide his round cheeks forced his eyes into happy slits.

  “Thank you both. Now, I do think I’ll be able to leave you to it for the rest of the night.”

  Santa turned and stopped before the first step and looked up, “This is a beautiful home. I bet the warmest holiday parties have been hosted here. What a magical experience people must have had when they’ve come. I do love a great Christmas party.”

  Then he turned and was off. Harlow and Harris stared after Santa for the second time that night. When they finally turned themselves and closed the door behind them they stood where they were and opened the letter.

  Dear Santa,

  Thank you for my mom, dad, Bert (he’s our dog), and my brother, Maximillian (but we call him Max). I don’t need anything this year. I’m hoping maybe instead you can add my Christmas wish to my friend’s so he can have two.

  My friend said he asked for a teddy bear to sleep with at night because sometimes he gets scared. That can be his wish. Maybe you can use his second wish to find him a nice family. I know it doesn’t work that fast so while you work on that it would be really nice if he could have a nice Christmas with lots of food and presents. I don’t think he gets all of that at his big house.

  Oh I almost forgot, his name is Mikey Andrews. He’s at the really big house with all of the other kids.

  Thank you, Santa.

  Taylor Brink

  Harlow couldn’t believe what she’d just read.

  “Harris!” She ran to the great room and shuffled frantically through all of the letters until she found one and held it up. “Look!”

  When Harris realized what she was holding his face lit up.

  “Taylor’s friend is Mikey from the orphanage.” She read through his letter one more time and saw the sweet way he’d asked for a teddy bear that wasn’t too big, but wasn’t too small either. And thought of Taylor’s request.

  If he could have a nice Christmas with lots of food and presents.

  “That’s it!” Harlow popped up and was in front of Harris so quickly he nearly moved to avoid a collision. “Let’s have a Christmas party.”

  “A Christmas party sounds great.” Harris agreed and tried to keep up with Harlow’s enthusiasm. “I’m sure we could find a place that could let us in last-”

  “No,” Harlow said quietly, calming herself and Harris, and lifted her hand to his chest and shook her head, “no, let’s have it here. I want to open this house up and share it with those precious
kids. Let’s give them the best Christmas they’ve ever had.”

  Harris grinned and stared at Harlow. She’d done it again. She was amazing. And he was the one lucky enough to have fallen in love with her. With everything about her.

  “Yes, the absolute best they’ve ever had,” Harris agreed and pulled Harlow into him and he held her in a hug that meant more than any other embrace he’d ever given.

  CHAPTER 20

  Harlow opened her eyes the next morning to a stream of light shining through the curtains of the great room, and the sound of a sizzling fire that had burned throughout the night keeping them warm. Her hip was sore from the position she’d slept in, nestled in the crook of Harris’ arm and chest, but she didn’t want to move.

  As she looked at their leaning bodies she realized they’d fallen asleep with papers and lists all around them. She smiled at the excited way they’d begun their Christmas party planning the instant they’d had the idea. It was going to be spectacular.

  Speaking of spectacular, she thought, coffee would be a close second to snuggling with the handsome man she had fallen for.

  Harlow moved the papers away from their laps without making a sound and slowly eased herself from the couch so she wouldn’t wake Harris. She covered him with the a stitched, red and cream holiday quilt, and moved to the kitchen to start a strong pot of coffee.

  Harlow lingered over the pot, resting her hip on the side of the countertop as the hot water gurgled through the rich espresso beans, and she thought about the days to come.

  There were a lot of logistics, but she figured her team wouldn’t mind some extracurricular holiday planning. Ryan was working on a New Year’s Eve event, but the others would have the time. And she wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan still found time to chip in where he could.

  Harlow shivered at the chill that had filled the house over the winter night. She hugged herself for warmth, but also reveled in the feeling. She knew some people didn’t like the cold, but to her it was simply another reason to seek out a warm sweater, flannel pajamas, fuzzy slippers, and a fluffy blanket that would comfort while sipping a warm drink.

  She even liked that the winter darkness brought late mornings and early nights. To her, the night stretching farther into daylight only allowed for more time to enjoy the festive lights that lit up the city and neighborhoods.

  When the coffee finished brewing, Harlow filled two thick mugs, and returned to the great room. As she entered, she found Harris giving the fire another log. Not too much, but just enough to take the edge off of the morning chill.

  She couldn’t help the love that welled up inside of her when he turned and offered her a caring smile with his mess of hair and a small wave.

  Harris motioned to the fire and said, “I figured we could warm up a little before we head out. Thanks.” Harris took the offered mug and sipped. “Nothing better than that.”

  “Definitely.” Harlow thought, agreeing mostly with herself that there wasn’t anything better than the feeling of love that had just swept over her.

  “Did you just say ‘head out?’” Harlow asked when she’d stopped daydreaming long enough to process his comment.

  “I did.”

  “Where are we heading to?” Harlow grinned at his coyness, then took another sip.

  “We, as they say, are going to get two bluebirds with one stone.”

  “Bluebirds, very nice.”

  “I thought so,” Harris said, agreeing his holiday addition to the saying had a pleasing seasonal ring to it. “We,” he continued, “are going to check off a Christmas wish and do a little Christmas party prep.”

  “I think I love the sound of that.”

  “But are you ready for it? That’s the question.” Harris glanced toward Harlow who was sitting next to him with her feet beneath her.

  Harlow’s look of question showed a hint of concern. “I need to be ready?”

  “It’s Christmas cookie day.”

  “I love Christmas cookies!” Harlow exclaimed while bobbing up and down on the cushion. Her excitement caused them both to lift their steaming mugs to keep the hot coffee from spilling over. Harris laughed at her response.

  “Not a lot of people get excited about meeting the family. Your reaction is…refreshing.”

  “Your family?” Harlow asked, choking a bit as she tried to finish a gulp.

  After he got the reaction he was looking for he grinned and added, “Don’t worry, they aren’t that bad. Their standards are only near perfection when it comes to Christmas cookie baking. I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

  Harlow processed his words while images of the day to come raced through her head. She imagined standing next to Harris’ mom while trying to impress his family with her baking prowess. Somehow, in her thoughts, she ended up making a fool of herself while practically begging them to love her.

  Harris kissed the side of her forehead as he watched the barrage of facial expressions match the nervous look on her face. He didn’t do it to be mean; it was a lighthearted joke. But he’d be lying if he didn’t say he wasn’t taking in a little bit of joy in her reaction.

  Because, if he was assessing her correctly, she was worried because she wanted his family to like her. And, if she was worried about them liking her, she must like him.

  “I’ll be down here while you get ready. No rush. Cookies start at ten.”

  “Ten!” Harlow sprang from her spot on the couch, “That’s only two hours from now!” She turned and left him alone as she gave herself a pep talk on her way out. “Shower, hair up so there’s no chance of it falling in cookies. Something cute but wearable for standing and baking all day.”

  Harris chuckled at the sound of mumbling that drifted away she made on her way to the stairs. He stole another glance as he watched her reroute and turn toward the kitchen. He couldn’t see her but he could hear added mumbles of needing more coffee and the clink the pot made as she placed it back into the machine. He caught a glimpse of her as she passed through the hall and found the bottom of the stairs and made her way up.

  This, he thought, could be his life. It was, he realized, the life he didn’t know he wanted but couldn’t keep out of his mind. Waking up next to Harlow, lazy mornings together, nights out with friends and a morning event with family.

  It was the first weekend in years he wasn’t taking one, or both, of the days to work. It had taken him his whole life to appreciate it, but Harlow had thrust him into it. For that, he would forever be grateful.

  __

  The ride to Harris’ mom and dad’s house was the quietest she’d had ever been. Harlow found herself trying to find casual conversation but kept getting lost in her thoughts with every new comment or question she tried to conjure.

  What if they hated her or thought she was pretentious? Or if they’d pictured Harris bringing somebody home that was completely different than her? But that was ridiculous, she thought, right?

  Because really it was just as he’d said, they were checking another item off her Christmas wish list. So really, he wasn’t bringing her home to meet anybody. He was bringing a spoiled woman home to bake cookies with his family because she’d asked for something so silly in her letter.

  When they pulled up to a beautiful old house in a nearby St. Paul neighborhood, all Harlow could say was, “Your parent’s house is not nearly far enough away.”

  Harris laughed at her nerves and comment, then reassured, “I’m sure they will love you. Just trust me,” he added, noting he didn’t know a single person his family didn’t like. And if you added the fact that he was bringing a woman home for the first time ever, they’d probably start doting on her the moment she walked through the door.

  Harlow and Harris reached the front door, and rather than knock he turned the knob and walked right in.

  “Don’t you think we should knock?” Harlow asked, worried they were barging in.

  “At my own childhood home? Not a chance. Besides, if I can scare my mom and sisters, the break-in is wo
rth it.”

  It was enough to get her to smile and shake her head at the mischief in his eyes as she followed him down a hallway toward the back of the charming home.

  The inside, she noted, was just as inviting as the outside. When they’d pulled up she’d taken in the two-story brick house with black shutters. It was decorated with green garland, big red ribbons, and colorful lights. The inside was the same traditional style but with all of the feelings a warm home could bring.

  The scent of cinnamon greeted them, and pictures of family memories smiled back at her in a collage of heavy frames that lined the hall as they walked. She slowed to linger over Harris as a young boy and lifted her hand to her heart when she saw the bright-eyed, innocent boy with his arms draped around two adorable girls who must have been his sisters. A hint of longing for her own brother and sister bubbled up but she pushed it down just as quickly.

  Harris took her hand and asked if she was okay.

  As Harlow nodded, she whispered, “Everything about this house is wonderful.”

  He squeezed their intertwined fingers and led her toward the light and laughter emanating from the kitchen.

  “Merry Christmas!” Harris said in a cheerful greeting as he walked through the opening.

  Harlow watched his mom and sisters jump at the startling surprise, and double over in laughter as they turned. His sisters shoved at his shoulders before wrapping him into a squeeze so tight it seemed as though they hadn’t seen him in years.

  Harlow laughed at the sight and glanced over to see Harris’ mom offering the prettiest smile before she opened her arms and moved toward her.

  “Harlow!” Harris’ mom beamed with delight, then circled her arms around Harlow and simply held. “We are so happy you could join us today. I just can’t tell you all of the wonderful emotions I have swirling inside of me.”

  Harlow felt Harris’ mom twirl her finger against her back demonstrating her emotions, and she couldn’t help but return the embrace.