Unforgettable Christmas Dreams: Gifts of Joy

by Rebecca York

  Sonia’s eyes flashed with admiration as Miriam placed her hands on her hips and strutted her stuff. The older woman had chosen a burgundy pants suit with slim cut pants and a matching jacket her daughter had never seen before. Her pale gold V-neck blouse showed a tiny bit of cleavage, and the black ankle boots with the two inch heels made her appear taller than her five foot two.

  “Like a beautiful, young lady about to attend the prom,” her daughter replied. “Obviously someone did some shopping today, because you look sensational. I’m so glad you agreed to come to the event yesterday. Isn’t that fun Lars Whitney showed up with his family?”

  Miriam’s cheeks turned rosy and Sonia clasped her hands with joy. “Yes, and lucky for us both,” her mom agreed. “That football player couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Didn’t you notice?”

  “I noticed he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring,” she confessed. “While I’m at it, I may as well tell you what he wrote when he signed his autograph, although I’m not sure how I feel about his message.”

  “Why, what’s wrong with it?”

  Sonia sighed. “He wrote, ‘Very nice to meet you. Your website Sparkles of the Season is aptly named – Continue to dazzle the minions. Your friend, Lars Whitney.’ Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

  Miriam checked her watch. “He seems like a sincere kind of guy. Maybe he’d like to take you out.”

  She shrugged. “Oh, yeah, he did mention something about having coffee together, but I’m not sure I’m ready to date. David’s only been gone seven months.” She searched her mother’s eyes. “Don’t you think it’s too soon?”

  The older woman cocked an ear as the doorbell rang, and then strode over to her daughter and gave her a brief hug. “It doesn’t matter what I think, or anyone else, for that matter. You should go. What’s a having a coffee with the man going to hurt? At the very least, you’ll make a new friend. Now, let me get the door.”

  Sonia nodded as Miriam bade Adam Whitney to come in.

  In his hand was a lovely bouquet of pink roses. “These are for you,” he said as he presented them to her.

  Sonia’s brows shot into her hairline when a suddenly flustered Miriam buried her face in the blooms and inhaled their fragrance. “They’re lovely, Adam, thank you. Please let me put these in some water, I’ll be right back,” and she hurried to the kitchen.

  “Hello, Sonia,” the older man said with a smile. “Yesterday’s event was a rousing success, on several counts, don’t you agree?”

  Her cheeks flushed at his implications. “Hi, Mr. Whitney, it’s nice to see you again,” she said. “I guess you could say that, all things considered. Where are you taking my mother?”

  “We’re going to an Italian restaurant downtown we’ve both been wanting to try. Mind if I share something with you?”

  After she shook her head no, he said, “I don’t want to seem out of line, but my son Lars was taken quite off guard in a positive way, when he met you yesterday. I’m pretty sure he plans on contacting you through your website. Do you mind if I give him your phone number instead?”

  Sonia looked at him, her head brimming with possibilities. The fact Lars was a football icon didn’t enter her mind – that he was an exceptional tall drink of water and drawn to her, however, did strange things to her psyche.

  But, was she ready to leave the past behind and face the future?

  “Oh, what the heck, why not?” she told Adam as her mom returned with a vase full of artfully arranged roses. “How about this? Give me your son’s cell number and I’ll reach out to him, okay?”

  After he recited the number and Sonia memorized it, Miriam’s smug expression got old real quick. “Don’t you two have a dinner reservation soon?” she asked them. “If you arrive late, the restaurant may not honor it.”

  Adam took her mother’s arm and led her to the door. “Sonia’s right. See you later?” he asked the young woman.

  “No, I’m going home. I just stopped by for moral support,” she replied, and then turned to Miriam. “Have fun, and we’ll chat tomorrow, Mom. I think I’ll sleep in, because I don’t have to be at town hall for pictures until eleven. I’ll lock up.”

  ***

  Back at the house she’d shared with David, Sonia stared at the cell lying on the table like it was about to bite and took a quick sip of Chardonnay.

  She’d already entered Lars’s info to her contact list, but now that it was getting real, she was having – well, issues.

  “Hey, David, are you there? If so, I need you to speak up. Will you be angry with me if I meet this guy for coffee?” she asked his photo. “You know I’ll always love you, and will miss you forever, right?”

  The silence in the room prevailed.

  “Do you think destiny has a plan for me to help ease the pain of your death?” she continued. “Please don’t misunderstand, darling. Part of me will never get over losing you, but here’s the thing. How is it possible your passing has brought me so many rewards? Like finding my camera and creating the business, and then having the nerve to conquer social media to market for clients? You must be on God’s good side.”

  With no answer forthcoming, she sighed and stared at the phone. She was tempted to contact Lars, no sense in denying it, but something akin to guilt stood in the way of initiating the process.

  “Should I sleep on it? Or forget about him entirely? What about his father and my mother dating? Suppose they really hit it off - how will their relationship affect me or Lars, going forward?”

  Sonia’s solo conversation dwindled just as her many questions remained unanswered. If Adam and her mom were meant to be, it shouldn’t bear influence on her decisions, right?

  Her mind’s eye recalled the boy named Jeff while he whispered to Santa the day before and she smiled. He was an enchanting child for sure, and so sweet. “I wonder what happened to his mother?” she said. “Is Lars divorced or maybe a widower? Should I research his private life on Wikipedia? No, that wouldn’t be honest. I’ll wait for him to tell me in his own good time.”

  With that, Sonia realized she’d come to a conclusion and reached for the cell.

  She pulled up his number and paused. “Maybe I should text him. What if his son’s asleep? I wouldn’t want to wake him,” she whispered, knowing she was chicken – texting him was a far easier way to break the ice.

  “Hi, it’s Sonia, we met yesterday at town hall,” she typed and hit send.

  Almost immediately, her phone chimed with a reply.

  She looked at the screen to find a happy face emoji and a short message. “I totally recall,” it said.

  Sonia’s lips twitched with amusement. “Nice to know I left a good impression,” she typed.

  “So, how about that coffee?” he responded.

  “I’m more of a tea drinker,” she texted back.

  “Does tomorrow night work for you, and if so, what time?” she read.

  “Santa leaves town hall about eight,” she wrote.

  “Much too late for caffeine,” he returned with a wink emoji.

  The ringtone startled her at first, until she read ‘Lars’ on her screen.

  Sonia gulped. “Hello?”

  “Hello yourself,” came Lars’s soft, masculine voice. “How about I take you to dinner instead. No strings, just an evening out with a new friend.”

  Dinner? “You mean like a date?”

  She heard him chuckle. “I guess you could call it a date. May I have my limo driver pick you up around eight thirty?”

  Sonia thought fast. She’d need to bring an outfit to work and change – would half an hour be enough time to make herself look presentable after a long day with the children and Santa?

  “Make it eight forty-five and it’s a deal,” she told him. “Will you be, um, in the limo as well?”

  “Of course,” he replied. “Then, we’re all set. I’ll make a reservation for dinner. What kind of food do you like?”

  It had been so long since she’d eaten at a restaurant, be
sides her brunches with Miriam, she said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m a carnivore.”

  “Consider your wishes done,” he replied. “Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to dine with you tomorrow. I’ll be out in front of town hall at eight forty-five. Good night.”

  Chapter Ten

  November 20, 2018: Midnight - Sonia and Lars

  “Well, I had an amazing time tonight. Thank you for getting me out of the house, and the delicious dinner. I haven’t had a filet mignon in ages,” Sonia said, and started to open the limo door.

  Lars reached over and placed his hand over hers. “Please, stay just a few more minutes,” he said.

  Sonia withdrew her hand and searched his eyes. “Is everything okay?”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “Just wanted some feedback about our evening. You sure you didn’t mind when our meal was interrupted by some of my fans seeking my autograph?”

  To his delight, she sent him a sly smile. “No, of course not. You’re a famous football player. I thought it was very sweet how kind you were with those people. I’ve heard of celebrities getting their boxers in a twist when they’re approached out in public for autographs or selfies. You were a perfect gentleman.”

  Oh, God, help me, but I’m not feeling very gentlemanly right now, he thought, as his eyes roved over her charms.

  The streetlight in front of Sonia’s ranch-style home illuminated the royal blue velour dress she wore, with the fitted jacket hugging her breasts to full advantage. Instead of the night’s shadows hindering the woman’s loveliness, they complimented her porcelain completion to perfection.

  Lars hit a button on the door and a privacy shade slid into place between them and the limo driver. Not wishing to intimidate her with bold remarks about her beauty, her winning personality, and the effect they were having on him, Lars assumed an air of nonchalance instead.

  “Thank you for being so understanding. I too enjoyed my steak,” he said. “Been a while since I’ve indulged in red meat. If you don’t mind me asking, I’ve been wondering what your opinion is regarding my father dating your mother. Any thoughts?”

  Sonia looked out the window and sighed. “I must say those two certainly bonded fast,” she told him. “They’re a date ahead of us, you know. They were able to go to the movies tonight, thanks to your housekeeper agreeing to watch Jeff. When I called my mom this afternoon during my break, I swear she was humming with cheer during our entire conversation. I’ve haven’t heard her so buoyant since, well, in a very long time.”

  “Then, I should share, too. My father is positively smitten with her, too. Do you mind?”

  She turned and stared into his eyes. “Why would I mind, if your dad likes my mother? If they make each other happy?”

  Lars decided to take a chance. “Is romance something that might make you happy, too?”

  Sonia took a few moments to ponder his question. “I don’t know yet. I feel kind of weird even talking about this. My husband…well, he was my life, and I haven’t given much thought about pursuing another relationship – until tonight. I enjoyed your company, but I’m also confused, if you want to know the truth. Can you be content with that for now?”

  Lars inched closer and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I wasn’t sure about entering into another relationship after Jeff’s mother and I split up, either. Seems like we’re both in the same predicament, because after having such a wonderful time with you got me a bit derailed, too, but in a good way. Truth is, I’m very attracted to you. Would I be out of line to want to kiss you goodnight?”

  He wasn’t surprised when Sonia gasped. “Yes, no…I mean, I don’t know. I haven’t kissed another man in over ten years,” she confessed.

  Lars saw her lips tremble and took the initiative. Talking time was over. He cupped her face with a gentle hand, bent towards her, and brushed her mouth softly with his.

  When his flushed companion didn’t push him away, Lars’s enamored soul filled with sweetness and arousal stirred his body as his tongue lightly probed her lips, begging for entry.

  “Open for me, Sonia,” he whispered. “Please.”

  To his delighted surprise, she immediately obeyed him. Their tongues touched and his body grew harder as she slowly slid both hands up his arms, gently squeezing the firm muscles beneath his dinner jacket.

  The kiss deepened as they clung to each other, until Sonia turned her face from his and grasped his lapels with shaky hands. “Enough, please,” she whispered. “I think I should go inside now.”

  Lars’s breath hitched at the word ‘inside’ because that’s exactly where he wanted to be, but knew his impure thoughts and impulses were premature, if he ever wanted their relationship to flourish.

  He covered her hands with his and gave her a chaste peck on the cheek. “Yes, you should, and get some sleep. What time do you get off work tomorrow? I’d like to see you again.”

  Sonia smoothed her skirt over her knees, her expression thoughtful. “Santa closes up shop early on Sundays, so I’m free after five. That is, unless my mother wants me to have dinner with her. We used to get together on Sunday for brunch, but now that I’m working, I’m not sure what the plans are. Okay if I call you during my break?”

  Lars felt a flare of disappointment she didn’t immediately consent to another date, but maybe he expected too much too soon. “Fair enough,” he replied. “I should probably see what Jeff and my dad’s up to as well. We’ll play it by ear. I’ll wait here until you’re safely indoors. Sweet dreams.”

  The shy smile Sonia sent him rendered hope as he watched her enter the house and turn off the porch light.

  As the limo pulled away, Lars folded his arms with a deep sigh. “Houston, I think we’re headed towards unchartered territory,” he murmured.

  Chapter Ten

  November 21, 2018: Not A Typical Sunday

  “Sorry, honey, I’m not going to be home later,” Miriam told her daughter when she called during her break.

  Sonia looked at her cell as if she hadn’t heard right. “But, Mom, we always spend Sunday together. What about dinner tonight?”

  When her mother did nothing more than giggle into the phone, Sonia realized she probably had another date with Adam. “You’re going out with that man again,” she stated.

  “No, not exactly,” Miriam said. “Adam and I going to the grocery store.”

  Who the heck shops on a Sunday evening? She wondered. “And, that would be why?”

  “Because this morning I invited Adam, Lars, and Jeff over for Thanksgiving dinner,” her mom replied. “Adam said they’d be delighted to join us, but only if I let him help buy the groceries and plan the menu. Isn’t that sweet?”

  Sonia pinched her brow and tried to get a handle on her feelings – there was much more going on between them all besides Thanksgiving dinner. “Sounds great, Mom, but I hope the Whitney men eat pork. So, don’t forget to buy the fixings for our pepperoni bread and prosciutto asparagus and provolone, okay? They’re my favorite appetizers.”

  “Will do,” she answered. “Lord, look at the time. Have to hang up now. I need to shower and do my hair. Bye-bye.”

  Sonia’s belly growled, but she ignored the snacks on the table in the all-purpose room put out for the staff working with Santa. “Well, I’ll be damned,” she muttered. “The woman didn’t even ask if I have to work on Thanksgiving.”

  To be fair, town hall was closed for the holiday, but still.

  Sonia’s vivid imagination fast forwarded, and visited a dark place – what if Adam was simply trifling with her mother, and the poor woman was headed for heartbreak?

  She paced the empty room and nattered on. “Huh. I hope Mom knows what she’s doing. She did say there’s no such thing as moving too quickly, especially at this stage in her life.” Then she cringed. “Maybe I’m the one with the problem and being overly cautious. What if my inability to move forward ruins things between me and Lars?”

  Sonia pulled out her cell, deep in r
everie. Her undeniable attraction to Lars had only intensified after their passionate kiss, and she’d be a fool to deny it.

  She checked her watch – only five minutes left on her break. “I’ll call Lars right now and ask him flat out about his father’s intentions regarding Mom. Maybe drop some other hints to find out if Lars is a guy who commits, too.”

  Sonia hit the speed button before she could over think her strategy, or lose her nerve.

  As soon as he answered, the words tumbled out of her mouth. “Hey, Lars, it’s me, and we need to talk. Are you busy with Jeff? Do you have a minute? It’s important.”

  She heard him chuckle. “Well, good afternoon to you, too,” he replied. “Adam just took Jeff over to your mother’s, so they can shop for Thanksgiving. Matter of fact, I was about to text you about having dinner with me again. So, I’m all yours.”

  All yours? She had to admit those words had a nice ring to them.

  “Lars, maybe I’m being paranoid, but I’m having trouble with the speed our parents are taking with their relationship. Guess I need is some reassurance your dad’s an honorable man and won’t break my mother’s heart. I think she’s falling in love with him.”

  “Oh, I see,” he said with an echo of disappointment.

  Sonia wondered what she’d said to negate his initial cheerful tone. “Hey, did I overstep about your father?” she asked.

  “No, not really,” he replied. “But, can we be honest here though?”

  She hesitated, and then said, “Of course. Feel free to speak your mind. I just did.”

  He cleared his throat as if he was trying to find the right words to say, and Sonia braced for his answer.

  “First of all, not only has my father told me he’s never been happier since my mom died, he’s also eager to know his affection is reciprocated. Truthfully, he’s a bit frightened your mom doesn’t care for him the way he cares for her.”