Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  “We don’t, but in the meantime, he wanted us to bring over your brand new Christmas tree.

  “And a shit load of ornaments. I think Jace is losing his freaking mind.”

  “We talked about having a tree. I guess he started planning it.”

  “Trust me, he did.” Mitch puts the big rectangular box on the floor. “Now, I just want to ask you something.”

  “Sure.” I say hesitantly.

  “Jace is like a brother to me and I know how much he’s falling for you, I just want to ask you if you are serious about this because he won’t admit it to me but I’m sure he’s already making some serious plans with you.”

  “I’m not playing him or using him as a rebound if that’s what you are asking.”

  “Good. So, where do you want your Christmas tree?”

  This is awkward.

  “Uhh, by the window, right here.”

  This way, I can look at it from the kitchen or from on the couch.

  “Unless you want your tree to look like it spent the night at a rave party, I think you better do the decorating yourself.” Mitch says.

  Laughing, I nod. “That’s fine with me.”

  “Okay, then. We’ll see you around.” Jordan says before giving me a quick hug.

  “If Jace gets in touch with you, please tell him to call me.”

  “Bexley, if Jace has one call to make, it won’t be to talk to us. I’m pretty sure you’ll be the first person he’ll call.” Mitch explains with a gentle smile.

  “Tell him to call us.” Jordan teases.

  “O-okay. Thanks guys.”

  They leave my apartment and I catch myself lost in my thoughts as I go through everything that they’ve just said. It’s clear that Jace is very attached to me and I am to him just as much. Life is full of surprises. This is a good one, obviously.

  Excited, I look through the bags of goodies and find tons of ornaments. Enough for at least two trees. I take what I prefer, turn on Christmas music and start adding joy to the tree.

  I need to get him a Christmas present. I’m not sure exactly what, but I have to find something. I’ll be too busy to go shopping so I’ll simply have to find something online.

  Maybe a frame, so he can add it to the empty walls of his place. He might like it since he wants to make his home feels like a home. Even better if he adds a picture of us. We don’t have one yet. I must add that to our to do list.

  What a change a year can bring! Last year, I was hiding the liquor bottles in hopes of having a decent Christmas but it didn’t really help. Our tree had been the only decoration added to the house as I saw no point in being festive. I worked, I cleaned up the mess and went to bed, every single day. I don’t miss the smell of beer or whiskey wafting in the bedroom as he came to bed.

  So many sad memories. Letting go of everything like this was the best decision of my life.

  He can try to ask for forgiveness but the bitterness in me isn’t ready to let it go.

  “Okay, enough about Derek.” I breathe in and start adding ornaments to the tree again. Despite the bad memories, I’m back to smiling and filling the tree. It’s sort of beautiful. Of course, it’s mine. Ours.

  I sit back down on my couch once I’ve added enough to the tree and stare at it for the longest time. Could it be happiness? Can it be that easy to be with someone? I’m starting to believe it could be.

  I grab my iPad. I’ve got some shopping to do. First, I order myself a big flat screen TV, not as big as Jace’s but one big enough that we can watch a movie together. I also add a few items for my favorite firefighter. This is the season, my time. I’m like a little girl again with a couple of wrinkles and stretch marks.

  Chapter Eight

  If anyone says being a baker isn’t a workout, I’ll punch them. Maybe an uppercut.

  Christmas makes people crazy and me as well. It’s hard to keep up with the constant string of demands. As soon as I put the fresh buns or French baguettes out front, they disappear. I think the storm has made everyone late in their preparations and today is the day to catch up.

  I haven’t had time to catch up with Cecilia much. She is decorating cakes and cookies with Carla.

  With my arms full of croissants in large plastic containers, I see my man striding up to the door. I almost drop everything and jump into his arms but instead he rushes to me to give me a hand.

  “Wow, no need to take so many at a time.” He then proceeds to grab all of them from my hands.

  “Ten minutes and they’ll all be gone. This season is out of control.”

  He puts the boxes on the shelf and then hugs the hell out of me. That moment makes me so happy. It’s as if my whole body has come alive. My man is back and my day is made.

  “I’m sorry for just disappearing like that.”

  “It’s okay. You were helping people. That’s what you do.”

  We are about to kiss but Cecelia calls my name and all eyes turn on me.

  “Bexley, the cookies are out of the oven. You are welcome.” She winks when she sees Jace standing next to me.

  “I think we could use some help if you know what I mean.” I smile all too widely at Jace trying not to be too obvious that I would love his help.

  “I’ll be happy to help. What can I do?”

  “There are so many things you could do.” I say laughing. “Aren’t you working today?”

  “I’m off for the holidays, two weeks.”

  I want to stick my tongue out at him, but I won’t since I’m a mature adult. “Lucky you.” He is and I’m definitely jealous.

  “So, what can I help you with? Please keep in mind that I’m no baker.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll find you something.” I start walking toward the kitchen when I’m pulled back against his chest.

  “Wait a second. Didn’t you miss me a little?”

  “A lot... sorry my brain is running at two hundred miles a minute. Thanks for coming and being here with me.”

  “I missed you too, Bex.” He leans down to kiss me in front of the line customers. I don’t mind at all but now, the rumors are going to spread like wildfire.

  First, Derek crashing his car and the fire and now, I’m seen canoodling with the head firefighter. Oh lord!

  “Hmm, Cecelia could use help with the cakes and cupcakes, they need to be wrapped and put in the cold room or you could get the cookies in their packaging. What do you feel the most comfortable with?”

  “I don’t think I can be trusted anywhere near the cupcakes so I’ll deal with the cookies.”

  “Alright. I have to get the orange cranberry bread out of the oven and I’ll have to help with the pies next. Follow me, hot stuff, I’ll show you what to do.” I smirk. The fact that he’s here now with me, helping us means a lot. Who would rather work instead of relaxing at home during their time off? Jace King. Only Jace King.

  “There are eight cookies per pack,” I show him how to place the cookies, shut the plastic package. “Then, you seal it with the sticker.”

  “That’s all? Can I at least do a quality check? I mean I’m all about quality control.”

  “You can have one.” I giggle. “Just one.”

  “I’m 6’3”, babe. I need at least two.” Jace crosses his arms over his chest keeping a serious expression as he waits for me to give in. I know he isn’t serious but his faux expression is funny as hell.

  I take the package I have just wrapped and give it to him. “Here, Shrek, these are yours.”

  “Thank you.” He laughs. “I love to see you smile.”

  “You are the reason I smile.” A smile must be on my lips even when I’m asleep. I got a lot to deal with in my past but the future looks pretty amazing.

  “Keep that smile on your face now.” He jokes.

  Gah! This isn’t real. Apparently fairy tales exist and I’m only finding out today.

  I leave him so he can eat his cookies and get started with his tasks.

  I need to get focused; I have tons of thing
s to do.

  “Bexley, you have a delivery up front.” Carla announces.

  “Already? Wow that was fast.” I don’t know if it’s the TV, the frames or both.

  I hurry up to the front of the store only to see a really large box. “Where do I sign?”

  “What is this?” Jace asks.

  “A TV. I think it was time I got one, don’t you think?”

  “I was going to get you one for Christmas.” He sighs.

  “Too late. You are going to have to find something else.”

  Jace signs the paper to confirm delivery and takes care of moving the big box out of the way.

  I hope I get the rest of the things in time. This was a sort of last minute thing.

  Back to the list of things to do, it isn’t as bad as I thought. Most things are under control. If I could, I would lock myself home with Jace for an entire week. It isn’t possible yet but after the holiday rush, I intend to do just that. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in a few days off.

  As the afternoon comes and goes, my focus is on the baklava which I make only on demand. It’s delicious but it takes forever to make. Every Christmas, I receive requests for it, sometimes for Easter as well.

  The day flies by and it sucks. I wanted my day to last forever. Jace in my world having a good time is great. He makes working fun and I’m truly entertained by his passion for taste testing. Or the few pounds he is going to gain.

  When the sun is out, the city is quiet and my energy level low, I walk home with hot bags of food from my favorite Chinese restaurant. Jace left the shop an hour ago to get to my place with the TV. I think it can count as a gift to him too. He was thrilled.

  Happy to go home and finally relax with my man, I smile. If I could run home, I would but I don’t feel like ruining dinner if I trip or slide on a patch of ice. The stairs up to my apartment are the death of me after a day of running around like a chicken with its head cut off. “Jace, can you give me a hand?” I say stepping inside.

  The table is set, the cheerful Christmas lights warm up the room and my gorgeous Jace is walking toward me with a glass of wine.

  “Take this, and I’ll fix the plates.”

  He takes the food from my hand and gives me time to undress.

  “What did you order? It’s heavy.”

  “I ordered enough to have leftovers.” I smile. “Leftovers make perfect lunch for the next day.” I push my boots off of my feet and take my glass of wine.

  “Right and we are going to need energy for tomorrow. Christmas Eve’s got to be crazy for you at the bakery.” He says bringing the food to the table.

  “People come and get their orders, some come to empty my shelves at the last minute. There’s enough of every type of people to where I have the ovens constantly going to keep up with the demand.”

  “I never thought it would be like this until today. I’m glad I could help you.” He unwraps the egg rolls and places one on each of our plates.

  “I’ll need your bank information so that I can pay you.”

  He laughs out loud. “Hell no. I was there to spend time with you, not to make a few extra bucks.”

  I blush. “I loved having you with me today.”

  “I loved my day. It was a delicious type of day.” He rubs his belly. “I can’t believe I’m still hungry after everything I have eaten today. Quality control was done meticulously though.”

  “There is no way you could do that every day. You would be obese within a mouth.”

  “I have a good metabolism.” He blinks. “Believe it or not, I’m starving so I would very much love to eat.”

  “Suit yourself. I’m starving too.” I dip my egg roll into the sweet sauce and watch him devour his. “You barely had two bites. I would say a big one.”

  He nods unable to talk with his mouth full. “I told you I’m starving but the truth is I didn’t eat much when I was away. So now, I could eat about anything in record time.”

  “They didn’t feed you?”

  He nods. “They did, but there were people around me that needed more. I only ate to keep my energy up. When you find yourself in a crisis like that, just days away from Christmas, it’s hard. They have lost almost everything.”

  “Your heart is pure.”

  He shakes his head. “Nah, it isn’t but I was more fortunate than them. I was able to go home to a refrigerator full of food, a warm bed, clean clothes, you know? For now, they’ve lost that and have to figure out where to go and what to do. Food is all they have to keep warm and feel better.”

  I nod and don’t know what else to say. Starting over is hard, I know because I’ve been there but my situation wasn’t exactly the same.

  We eat more food, Jace eats a lot. I don’t think there will be any leftovers for tomorrow when he is done. Meh, that’s okay. I don’t think I'll have time to eat anyway. Tomorrow will be insane. Customers will most likely be impatient, in a rush or feeling the holiday mood. Two opposites that I always deal with at this time of the year.

  “Thank you for the Christmas tree. I was surprised to see Mitch and Jordan at my door but it’s exactly what I needed. Derek and his sister had showed up unexpectedly only minutes before they did and…”

  Jace puts his fork down. “Derek came here?”

  I nod. “Yes, to say sorry. It took me by surprise, I didn’t expect him to show up here. He was okay, I think I was the mean one.”

  “Well, I guess I'm happy that you were. I know he is your ex-husband but he messed up. It could have been a lot worse. He could have hurt someone when he got behind the wheel or when he burned the house down. It’s…”

  “Terrible, I know. I think he now realizes that we are really done and it’s hard on him but I’m not going back.”

  He shakes his head. “Hell no, you aren’t.”

  “I’m not and I made that clear. It’s behind me, and I’m going forward.”

  He doesn’t smile but I see happiness shine through his eyes.

  “Enough of talk of Derek now, I want to enjoy my dinner.”

  “Of course.”

  Chapter Nine

  Christmas day.

  Christmas Eve at the bakery was just as busy as I thought it would be and then some, but I had fun. Christmas music was playing a bit louder than usual and I might have danced my way from customer to customer. I had planned to close shop at 4 pm but it didn’t happen before 6 pm. God! I had more customers this year than ever before. I’m glad Cecelia offered to stay late and help because I would have spent the evening prepping otherwise. When business is good, I’m happy. Everything is coming up roses lately.

  Waking up, already exhausted, I rub my eyes and turn my head to the right where Mr. Firefighter is. He is still resting peacefully. I let him sleep and get out of the bed as quietly as possible.

  It’s Christmas after all. He deserves some extra sleep. I, on the other hand, only have few hours to work at the bakery then I’m free for almost two days. TWO amazing days off.

  I get dressed as fast as I can, drink some milk from the carton, get my keys and purse and I’m outta here. Today is easy and fun. As soon as I’m at the bakery, my only concern is the fresh breads and pastries. The cakes, buns, pies are already made and I’m just waiting for the people to come and get them.

  Cecelia and the rest of the staff are off today, so it’s just me here for a couple of hours.

  Then it’s back home, a nice Christmas dinner and spending some quality time with Jace. Just us. My family won’t be coming this year. I’ll try and see them in January. It’s a first that I don’t see Mom for the holidays. The timing was off this year. It happens. At least, I won’t be by myself. I’m rather excited to spend the holidays with Jace. It’ll be a fun and new experience. No need to worry about how wasted or sick Jace will get, because he isn’t like that. I expect a drama less day.

  As I walk to the bakery, the sun is starting to rise. Shivers run down my back as the cold air hugs my cheeks and legs. I quicken my pace in hopes of gett
ing to the bakery faster.

  It’s pretty quiet at this hour, everyone is still sleeping or getting ready to face the day. There are times like today where I miss my bed and wish I could sleep until noon.

  But I can’t. The bakery is my main source of income and I have to work and offer the best service possible. It’s a choice I made when I became the owner.

  When I finally get inside, I take a few minutes to eat breakfast. I break one of yesterday’s French baguettes in half, get some chocolate spread and a warm and dark coffee. I look and feel tired. My eyes are still puffy and my hair well, let’s just say I’m glad I’ll be putting it in a ponytail under a net.

  The shop will be opening its door within an hour and normally, there’s a line of people waiting outside.

  I get the oven ready for the bread and take care of cutting each loaf into evenly sized squares then I proceed with the shaping of the French baguette. This is the relaxing and fun part for me. I stretch the dough, add some flour and place them on the parchment paper. When the oven’s ready, I place them on the center rack and move on to the next thing to do.

  The front of the store needs to be ready for opening and on Christmas Day, it can get crazy in no time. Small knocks on the glass door make me jump like it’s Friday 13th and I’ve just watched a marathon of Jason Voorhees.

  “Holy shit.” I say as I turn around and see Mr. Firefighter waving at me with a sheepish smile on his face. “You scared me.” I say as I open the door for him. “What are you doing here? You should be sleeping.”

  “Well, I got a few things to do this morning and I wanted to see if you needed my help.”

  I lean my head to the side. Isn’t he cute? “I think I’m okay but if you want to stay, I’m not going to kick you out.”

  With that said, he removes his jacket and gives me the biggest good morning hug ever.

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll stay here for an hour or two. What were you doing just now?”

  “Making sure everything is pretty and organized, you know?” I shrug, not knowing exactly what to say but I like my shop in order and pretty when the customers start rolling in.