A Thousand Wishes: A Romance Christmas Story (Madison Creek Town Series Novella Book 4)

by Jackie Castle

  “Whatever. Still. What’s important is realizing how blessed we are. They want us to fly, but if we fall, we will always have a safe place to land. This is still your home and always will be. Even when I’m reigning king of all our domain.” He stretched out his arm and threw out his chest. “You’ll still have a little nook to land in if necessary. It might be out in the barn, but there will always be a place.”

  Murry was a crack-up. Kenna was laughing before she knew it and feeling a little better. Even if her heart was riddled with cracks and nicks. She’d recoup. And she’d be wiser next time.

  “Come on, let’s go inside and see how badly I beat you.” His grip on her tightened as he half dragged, half pulled her back inside.

  “Oh, yippie. I can’t wait.”

  When she entered, the family table was empty. Murry wondered out loud over where everyone had gone to. From the living room, Mom called out, “McKenna, are you back inside? There’s someone here to see you.”

  “Me?” she glanced quizzically at her brother who shrugged in response.

  “Like I’m supposed to know? Is there something you didn’t tell us?” His brow rose, crinkling his wide forehead.

  “Please,” Dad was saying, “Come in, young man. Can I take your coat?”

  Her nieces and nephews, and younger siblings were all blocking the dining room archway. Kenna decided to take the detour route back through the kitchen, along the L-shaped hall which led into the foyer.

  There stood Leon Jovino, looking refined and handsome as ever. He handed his leather jacket to her father and a white box with a large red bow to Mom.

  “I’m the reason your daughter wrecked her VW, I’m afraid. She left town before I could give her her Christmas gift. So….” His gaze met hers and Kenna stood frozen and completely shocked to see him standing in her living room.

  “So,” he continued his smile widening. “I decided to deliver it personally. You have such a lovely home. She never mentioned your property was so large. It felt like I had to drive a half-mile to reach your house from the entrance.”

  Murry was beside her, his eyes widening. He whispered, “Is this the fellow who helped you sell all those trees?”

  When she nodded, he laughed and pushed past her, extending his hand toward Leon. “Any friend of Kenna’s is always welcome. I hear you’re the one who gave me a run for my money this year, huh? She’d mentioned that she’d had some help.”

  Leon shook Murr’s hand. “Well, it was my fault she’d been hurt. It was the least I could do.”

  Donald greeted him next since Kenna hadn’t been able to move from the shock of seeing Leon in her home. Donald introduced the rest of the Allender brood, “Kenna is third in line, followed by Greg, Donna, Michelle, Michael— the twins — then Logan, Madeline, and April. Who was actually born in April. Mom and Dad were running out of names by that time.”

  Leon’s mouth dropped as the younger teens surrounded him. “Ten, for real?”

  Kenna bit her thumbnail. “I told you that I came from a big family.”

  Eventually, the fuss over a visitor dimmed and Mom invited him to join everyone for desserts. “We were just about to start serving hot chocolate and announce this year’s bonus winner. Have you eaten, Leon? It’s a bit of a drive to Madison Creek, from my understanding. I could fix—”

  “No need. I had a big holiday lunch with some friends before…well, before they coaxed me into driving out here to see Kenna. She left before I had a chance to tell her goodbye.”

  Kenna bit her upper lip and finally made herself move from her spot. She had no words. He’d been trying to call, but she’d ignored his messages. Fine. She’d let him have his say, plaster on a smile, and then send him back home.

  As they all headed toward the dining room, Leon caught Kenna’s elbow. “Should I not have come? Was this a bad idea? I wanted to explain what happened in person. And ask for your forgiveness.” He stared down his black boots. Were they alligator hide? “And, I was hoping to get my ornaments back. They were special to me, despite what you might be thinking.”

  “Wait, you came all the way out here for…? How did you know where I lived, anyway?”

  “Sage kept the tag that was on the tree that she bought from you. Nick looked you up and sent me the directions.”

  “You came because they pressured you?” That made more sense. He was here out of obligation.

  The rest of the family was already gathered in the dining room, leaving them alone in the foyer.

  “No, because they helped me realize the truth. That you matter very much to me.”

  Her breath caught, causing her to feel lightheaded. She was about to ask if he meant it, when Dad’s voice boomed through the house, “Hurry up, kiddos. This cheesecake looks delicious.”

  Kenna gasped. “You brought… cheesecake?”

  “I made cheesecake because someone was going on about how it’s their favorite dessert.”

  “Oh man, you really make it hard to stay mad at you. Very well, let’s go watch Murry win his bonus. At least I have the cheesecake to console me. And…” she slid her hands around Leon’s arm. “I’m glad you came.”

  He rested his hand over hers. “Me too. I’ve really missed you this week.”

  Had he? Kenna had a million questions. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so rash about deleting all his messages without bothering to listen to at least one. Except, each call had only brought another stab to her heart. But he was here. Really here. In her house. Meeting her family.

  She would definitely have to listen to him now and was eager to do so.

  All the chairs were filled by excited kids and the few adults who were already seated. Kenna and Leon wedged themselves into a corner between Murry and Donald.

  “Here we go,” Dad started from his spot at the head of the table. “It was stiff competition and I’m pleased to announce we sold more trees this year than ever before. Murry, Donald, Kenna, and Greg who took on Donna as his apprentice, this year. You all did wonderfully!” Dad smiled down at the younger ones, “And so did all of you who were a big help here at the farm. The twins and Logan were all invaluable in taking customers out on hikes to find the best trees. Maddy and April, we appreciate all your help in keeping the shop and house clean. All of you will be given a hundred-dollar bonus for your hard work.”

  A cheer rose up around the room. Kenna would be grateful for whatever extra she could get. The more she could stuff into her savings, the more she could put toward a new car.

  “Even with a few mishaps,” Dad continued, his eyes locking on her across the room. “I’m thankful to the Lord for keeping everyone safe and for bringing us to the end of another blessed year. We all have much to be grateful for.” He pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket. “Now, for the big bonus award.” He waved the envelope over his head. He always gave cash inside a pretty golden envelope tied with a fancy red ribbon. He opened another folded piece of paper that Mom had handed to him.

  “Greg and Donna, you did well over in town and came in fourth place. Donald, Kenna and Murr,” he shook his head. “I must say you were all neck-in-neck for most of the sale run. Kenna, you were behind until your friend stepped in to help you out, but I believe Madison Creek should be on our yearly lists of places to put up a lot.”

  Leon squeezed her hand.

  Murr made a mocking scowl that she knew was a put-on. “Hey, I’m not sure that’s fair. Kenna had help. Neither Don nor I had someone who knew nearly everyone in town.”

  Mom waved her hands at him and told him to hush. “Don’t be a sore loser, Murry.”

  Loser? Kenna glanced over at her older brother. “You mean I beat you?”

  Murr narrowed his eyes, but couldn’t hide his smile. “You sold ten more than I did, brat.”

  Kenna hopped with joy. “I beat Murry! Oh man, I’m going to have a t-shirt made. First thing in the morning.”

  Murry shoved her, knocking her against Leon who was laughing. “I love your family,” he whisp
ered, catching her to keep her from tripping.

  “Yeah, they’re a riot, aren’t they?” She turned back to her parents. “So, does that mean I won?”

  Mom started to pout as Dad said, “You were so close, Sweetheart. But Donald beat you by three trees.”

  Donald threw up his hands. “I beat Kenna and Murr. Oh man, I’m going to hire a plane to fly a banner over town so everyone will know. And I like your shirt idea, sissy. I’ll find a picture with both of your faces and have written on top, “I ruled them all—”

  Everyone was laughing while Don’s pregnant wife told him that nobody liked a braggart.

  “Oh man, I was so close.” Kenna would have really liked to have that bonus, but she was so happy that someone besides Murry won, she found that she didn’t really care. Well, not too much. She’d even beaten Murr. There should definitely be t-shirts made.

  When Dad handed over the envelope, Don stood up on his chair and cleared his throat. “I should make a speech.”

  Murr rubbed his hands over his face. “That’s not really necessary.”

  “Speech,” Kenna yelled out while the younger ones joined her. “Speech.”

  Don held up the golden envelope. “Dad’s right. We have been blessed this year. Our family is expanding,” he blew a kiss at his wife who rolled her eyes in response, then laughed as she patted her swollen belly. “The farm is growing and earning more than ever. And, indeed, the Lord has taken care of us and provided when we were in need. Leon, I’m so pleased you came. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are for taking care of our sister. She’s an independent one and I can’t wait to see what great things are in store for her life.” His proud wink warmed her heart.

  “I also want to say,” He stared down at the envelope and closed the flap, tucking it over the bills. “That beating Murry is enough glory for me. Kenna, I want you to have the bonus money this year, sweetheart. I know you’re in need of a new car and I want to see you get something good and reliable. I’ll even foot the cost for our matching I beat Murry shirts that I’ll be ordering tonight.”

  Everyone clapped and awwwed as Don offered Kenna the envelope. She hugged his neck extra hard. Tears blurred her eyes. “Thank you. But I can’t possibly—”

  Donald grabbed her arms and looked her directly in the eyes. “You can and will. My job is going so well, we were all given a five-thousand-dollar bonus this year. Put this toward a car, honey.”

  The tears overflowed now as she hugged her brother’s neck again.

  Dad blew out a whistle. “Mom and I had already planned to put some money toward a new vehicle for you, as well, McKenna. That’s very generous of you, Don. I’m really proud, son.”

  Murr, never to be outdone, “I want to put some into Kenna’s car fund.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a couple of hundred-dollar bills. “I pledge five-hundred.”

  Greg stood from his seat. “Dad, can I give Kenna my bonus money?”

  The others all started saying, “Me, too?”

  Maddy offered half of hers, which made April also offer half. Kenna didn’t blame them. They’d probably already had their bonus spent the moment they heard they were getting it.

  “Thanks, everyone!” She clutched the gold envelope to her chest. “Thank you so much.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. She wiped at her face. “Argh, you guys are too much.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Leon stood in the far corner of the dining room. The shouting and laughter were almost a little too much for him, but he found himself loving it. Kenna must come by her generous heart honestly after watching her siblings, all the way down to the youngest ones, offer to pitch in for her new car.

  He’d had no idea she came from such a large family, that lived in such a large house. When he’d reached the end of the winding driveway, his jaw nearly landed in his lap. There stood a sprawling ranch style split-level home on top of a small hill. The parking area and garages were below the house that overlooked a valley full of trees for as far as he could see. The steps led him up to a wide, wrap-around porch. He’d followed the light and the noise coming from inside until he found the double front doors. Lighted snowmen sat beside the stoop, along with stringed lights, small, decorated trees in pots and even a couple of glowing deer that moved their heads.

  He’d almost been too afraid to knock, fearing that he had the wrong place. Except the carved, wooden sign hanging over the porch steps read Allender Family. There were trees and a bear carved into the reddish wood that surrounded the name.

  Yep, this was the right place. That was the same emblem stamped on all the tree tags.

  Before he could knock, the door opened and an older gentleman stepped out asking if he was lost.

  Leon explained who he was and that he was sorry for interrupting their holiday celebration, but he hoped to speak to Kenna for just a moment. He’d brought a cheesecake as a gift to her family. Inside his pocket was something special, just for her.

  Hopefully, she’d not kick him out before letting him explain.

  What he’d not expected was the warm welcome from her family. She seemed pleased to see him, but perhaps she was simply being polite. He couldn’t tell yet.

  With the bonus announcement, she seemed to have forgotten he was even there.

  Maybe it would be better if he simply left the gift under the tree and let her find it later. It was late in the evening, but he could find a hotel in the next town to stay in and drive back home in the morning.

  Except there wasn’t much to drive back to.

  He’d really hoped to spend some time with Kenna. Hoped she’d give him another chance. Even dared to hope they might at least be friends, though he wanted more.

  “Okay, everyone,” Mrs. Allender shouted over the ruckus, waving her hands. “Everyone settle down.” She set a decorative glass candy bowl in the middle of the table. “Those of you who wish to contribute to Kenna’s car fund, you can either leave your money or a note in here.”

  Kenna’s smile nearly lit the room all on its own. She was beautiful when she got excited. He loved how her deep blue eyes sparkled, behind those crazy round glasses. It was like gazing out a window at the morning sky after a rain shower.

  At that moment, she turned to look at him and before he knew it, she was at his side, his hand wrapped in her warm ones. “We’ll have dessert now. Would you like to take ours outside on the porch? The stars are amazing tonight and there’s a chance that we might see the Aurora Borealis tonight. I watch the reports so I won’t miss them.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  She bounced on her sneakers. “Yay. I’ll make us some hot chocolate. You grab a plate and pick what you want. There’s always a ton of things to choose from.” She leaned in closer. “Just make sure you get me the biggest slice of your cheesecake.”

  He saluted. “Yes, ma’am, I’m on it.”

  Leon felt odd just hopping into the fray, but everyone acted as if he’d always been part of their brood. Murry handed him a plate while a lady who must be his wife held out the silverware container. He picked two plastic forks.

  “Hold up, Squirt,” Murry said, blocking a younger child with his arm. “We always allow guests to go first. And you,” he pointed to a boy that couldn’t be more than five-years-old. “Get over there with your mommy. You’re not allowed to serve yourself after I caught you sticking your fingers in the cake frosting.”

  A small blond boy ducked his head and went to stand with his parents. The next brother in line was Donald if Leon remembered correctly. The rest of them he’d have to learn later. There were so many!

  Kenna caught his attention and jerked her head, motioning for him to follow her outside. She walked to the corner of the house. The covered porch extended into a circular split-level deck where a fire was burning in a sunken pit. Several chairs and settees surrounded the pit. She set their mugs on the side table of one and pulled a blanket from a plastic bin. “We’ll be cozy under this.”

  Leon set the plate on t
he blanket between them. She was right, this was cozy. They were perched at the top of the hill, and he had an even better view of the tree-covered valley. Above, more stars had come out, a spectacular display that reminded him of the last time he’d gone star-gazing with his friends. “You’re going to laugh at me, but the last time I was outside at night, I made a wish on a falling star.”

  Kenna was all about devouring his cheesecake. He couldn’t stop smiling at her. Between bites, she said, “You’re not supposed to tell what you wished for or it won’t come true.”

  “But it has come sort of true.” He took the oatmeal cookie that was still a little warm.

  Kenna paused, the fork still clamped between her lips, and looked at him with pinched brows.

  He went on to explain. “I was out with Sage and Nikolai Prater. I’d just gotten off the phone with Marcy and was starting to admit that it wasn’t going to work out between us. My wish was that I could meet someone who would mean as much to me as Sage and Nick mean to each other.”

  Kenna sighed. “Did you work things out with your girlfriend?” Her tone lowered when she said girlfriend as if she was speaking about some kind of disaster.

  “No. She’s back in New York and I’m staying… well, I’ll have to figure out what to do with my life now. Because of her, I don’t have a job anymore.” Kenna’s mouth dropped open, but he hurried on to explain what had happened between him and his uncle.

  “See, I’d meant to dig those ornaments out of the trash can,” Leon’s hand rested on the small package tucked inside his coat pocket. “I was so furious with her for messing up my tree. And I’m not one who lets my emotions get the better of me, but…” he shook his head. “It took a while before she understood that she’d gone too far and that I was done. By the time she left, I was exhausted and fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up the next morning, I rushed straight over to the Lakeshore, hoping to repair the damage she’d caused. But Uncle had already spoken to his son about joining his staff to replace me.”