She set her fork down on the plate, then placed it on the side table. Turning on the seat so she could face him better, she said, “I’m so sorry. I could tell she’d been there when I came to your apartment that morning. And then I saw…. I thought the worst. I’m used to being teased about my silly little crafts. Obviously, we have the money to buy whatever we need, but it wasn’t always that way. My parents inherited this land, but they’ve worked hard to turn it into a nursery and tree farm. There were years when Murry, Don, and I were just starting school and having to make do with second-hand clothes. Christmas gifts were things Mom made. Crocheted hats and scarves. She enjoyed making ornaments and I loved it too. So I keep doing it. She taught me that it doesn’t matter how little or how much we have. What matters is that we learn to be grateful for whatever place we are in. And be grateful for what we do have.”
Kenna pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders, giving a little shudder. “Those are my best memories. And I still have some of the painted pine cones we made. They’re more precious than any pricey ones we might buy now. It’s the memories that make those old pine cones priceless. I suppose.”
“You’re priceless, Kenna Allender, do you know that? What a treasure you are.” Leon knew that probably sounded lame. Marcy would have laughed at him and called him a nerd or something worse. But he meant it. “Speaking of gifts, I haven’t given you mine, yet.” He pulled the box, about the size of his hand, from the deep pocket of his jacket.
When he handed it to her, she was staring at him with her wide eyes. Her bottom lashes glistened behind her glasses. She pushed them up on her nose and wiped her finger across her upper cheek. “I don’t have anything for you.”
“You’ve already given me many gifts. Which, I meant what I said. I want my ornaments back. Tell me you still have them.”
She laughed. “Yes, they’re in the camper. I swear I’ll give them back.” With a roll of her eyes, she took the silver box and pulled at the bow. “Everything you do and everything you have is so neat and pretty.”
“Pretty?” he repeated.
“Nice. Whatever. You have such classy taste, is what I’m trying to say.”
It was his turn to laugh. “Whatever.” He mimicked her. “Remember I’m the poor boy now with no job and soon no home.”
Kenna held the box between her hands. “You’re so talented, Leon. You’ll find another job soon. Shoot, I think you should open your own restaurant. You could do it, you know?” She lifted off the lid and let out a gasp. “Dasher! You…? But this is a family heirloom. I can’t possibly—”
“Yes, you can. I have several and I know how much you loved the reindeer.” The flying reindeer ornament was hand blown and crafted from the Christopher Radko Gallery.
He’d looked up the values of the ornaments, as she’d suggested, and had been amazed over what his grandmother had left him.
“Kenna, you helped me realize that my priorities were all out of whack. I’d been putting too much importance on the wrong things. And most of all, you’ve helped me to appreciate Christmas and the reason for this special season. It’s not about how things look on the outside, it’s the gifts that come from the heart that matter most.”
Kenna hugged the ornament to her chest. Leon wrapped his arms around her, tugging the blanket more securely around them. “In the short time I’ve known you, Kenna, you’ve grown so very important to me. I don’t want to lose your friendship over a silly misunderstanding.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “Me neither, Leon.”
“Do you think,” he ventured, hoping, wishing, as he hugged her a little tighter, “that maybe eventually we can consider more than friendship between us?
She stared at him for a long moment, as if waiting for the meaning of a joke to settle in. Finally, she said, rather skeptically, “Wait, you’re being serious. You really mean it?”
“Yes. I don’t make jokes like this,” he defended. “Actually, I’m not one to make jokes at all.”
“True that,” she bobbed her head. “But I’m not your type—”
“Maybe what you’re really saying is that I’m not your type?” He hoped that wasn’t the case, but had wondered if that was why she’d left so quickly.
“What? You’re every girl’s type. Well, maybe not every…but you know what I—”
He couldn’t stand this. Cupping her face in his hand, he drew her in and tentatively pressed his lips to hers. When she returned the kiss, his reservations vanished and he knew she also cared for him. He kissed her deeper, losing himself in her touch, in her closeness. She was perfect in every way.
She slowly pulled away with a gasp and rested her forehead against his. “Wow,” she gave a breathless laugh.
“Kenna, you are beautiful inside and out. You are the kind of girl I’ve wished for. Prayed for, if you want the whole truth.” His hands moved up and down her arm, partly to keep her warm and partly because he was so delighted to be able to touch her and hold her close. “When you left, you took more than just my ornaments. You took my heart. I knew when we were dancing together at the lodge, that you were what I truly wanted in my life.”
Her hand went around the back of his neck, as she leaned in to kiss him again. Light from the back door flooded their little hideaway as Murry sauntered out onto the deck. Kenna quickly straightened, but her eyes glinted with that anticipated kiss as she whispered, “I want you in my life, too, Leon Jovino.”
“Oh hey, there you two are,” Murry said, his voice rather loud. “I found them.” He called over his shoulder. “Honey, come on outside, the sky is beautiful and it looks like we’re going to get a show tonight.” He winked at them, then added, “Tell Mom and Dad to come on, and Don, too.” He patted Leon’s shoulder. “What a cozy spot to sit and get to know Kenna’s new friend a little better.”
Kenna snorted a laugh. “Right. Real cozy.”
Chapter Twelve
The following months flew by in a blur for Kenna. After surprising her with a visit Christmas night, Leon had stayed the whole weekend. At Murry’s house, of course, upon her brother’s insistent invitation.
Before he returned home, they’d promised to keep in touch and had done so on a daily basis. Between video chats and texts, her last semester turned out to be one of her best.
“I so think you should do it, Leon,” Kenna said one spring night during one of their face-time chats. She’d propped the phone on her desk so she could talk and look up statistics on her computer at the same time. “I could even help you devise a business plan when we meet for Spring Break.”
Leon who was on his couch with the television on in the background chuckled. He’d been able to keep his apartment by taking part-time work at the Winters’ Lodge and Haley’s Inn once it reopened for Valentines.
Kenna was extra busy as tax time approached, helping friends with their income tax forms. She was stashing the extra cash to pay for a room at Haley’s B&B during the summer months.
“You really think I can go up against my uncle? And Haley’s restaurant? Not to mention Mallory Carson’s diner.”
“Yep. As a visitor to Madison Creek, I never would have gone to the Lakeshore. It was too expensive and fancy. Matter-of-fact, I only ate the dinners that you brought me from there.”
He rubbed at his tired face. She could tell he was worried about what to do next and didn’t really want to keep working part-time jobs as he’d been doing. “The things I brought you weren’t even on the menu, Boo.”
She liked the pet name he called her.
“Listen,” Kenna countered. “Mallory’s diner is nice and the food is good, but it’s normal diner food. The only other place, aside from the weekend barbecue restaurant, is fast food burgers. You, however, make some ahh-mazing burgers. Why you have to drive to the next town just for pizza and I bet—”
“My pizza isn’t anything like you get around here. I use specialty cheese and my sauce would never taste like ketchup, nor my crust like cardboard.”
&
nbsp; Kenna turned to face her phone. “Madison Creek needs you, Leon. They need a place that serves healthy, yet casual meals. So you sell gourmet burgers and pizzas. Your sweet potato and zucchini fries are also delicious and nobody anywhere makes them. You can so do this.”
“You think?” That twinkle appeared in his silvery eyes. “Doubt too many people will like zucchini fries.”
“So, you can still make normal ones, but you wait. People really do want to eat healthier meals. No doubts whatsoever.”
“I’m not sure about running my own business. I don’t know the first thing—”
“I do! I’ll have a degree soon, duh.”
Leon sat up, knocking his phone over. For a moment, she could only see the ceiling, before he righted it again. His face had turned from tired to serious and maybe a little cautious. “You’d be interested in helping me with this? Would you, really?”
Kenna’s breath caught. What had she said? That would mean long-term and neither of them had talked much about the future. They’d agreed to stay in contact while she finished school. They’d made plans to meet during Spring Break after they’d realized they’d gone all the way through February with speaking to each other every day, at least once, if not more.
Despite the distance, her life had become entwined with his in ways she’d never dreamed possible.
“Well…yeah, I mean it. I mean…” she was stumbling over her words and felt her cheeks start to burn. “If you’d like the help. As I said, I can help you devise a business plan. And, you know, work on budgets and stuff like that. If you want.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “I’ll need a solid business plan to put before the town council. They are still giving out start-up grants. Mr. Herchinger, the town’s philanthropist, will pay for restoring one of the vacant spots along Main and Second street.”
He had his tablet out and was looking something up. “There’s an old house that was gutted out but never renovated. I noticed a for sale sign on it the other day. It’s near the golf course, but I can see the lake from the front porch. There’s also a huge parking area and some vacant land beside it. A great place to put up a tree lot.” His silvery eyes twinkled with excitement. Ducking his head, he added, “I’ve been toying with this idea, too.”
“Well, there you go, Jovino. You’ll not hit the basket if you don’t first make the shot and throw the ball. Try and see what happens. If it’s meant to be…then?” She shrugged, knowing that she needed to take her own advice.
Kenna had promised to put up a lot in Madison Creek next Christmas. She’d discussed training one of the younger ones on how to manage it since she’d soon be looking for other employment and most likely wouldn’t be able to help her family with the tree farm as she’d done in the past.
If that is, she didn’t already have a job by then.
Mom still said she needed to get out and try her wings. Kenna had decided to fly to Madison Creek and see if the pretty little town had anything to offer her. She smiled at Leon. “I’m liking this idea. A lot.”
* * * *
After spending Spring Break with Kenna and her family, Leon returned to Madison Creek with a solid plan. Both for his business and his personal life. He’d told Kenna that he loved her for the first time. It had been a cool spring evening as they’d sat on the porch, watching the stars pop out as the orange sky turned to lavender, then finally cobalt.
He’d wanted to tell her that for some time, but had waited until they were face to face. He needed to see her expression. See if her face lit up as it usually did when she heard something that pleased her.
Her smile not only practically blinded him, but she’d actually knocked him off his feet when she threw her arms around him in an excited hug and told him that she loved him, too. They’d kissed under the moon until Murry came out and warned Leon that they’d be heading to his house for the night.
Leon liked Murry, even if he was like a guard dog with his sister. Actually, he’d grown fond of her whole family and enjoyed his visits to their farm.
Finally, her graduation day came and he cheered her across the stage along with her family. Even Sage and Nikolai drove to her college with Leon to celebrate with the Allenders.
After the ceremony, when Leon was able to steal a private moment with her, he gave her his gift, a gold bracelet with a heart that held her birthstone in it.
“I love you so much, Kenna Allender. This is to remind you that you’ve captured my heart, wholly and completely.”
She clasped her hand around her wrist. “I’ll take good care of it, Leon Jovino, don’t worry.”
And Leon knew she meant it.
Over the course of the summer, they worked together on Leon’s gourmet burger restaurant. They’d decided to call it Jovino’s Simple Gourmets. Simple because he was mainly serving specialty burgers, fries, soups, and sandwiches, along with fancy pizzas on the weekends. There would be a place for diners to sit outside with a grand view of the lake during the summer months and plenty of room inside during the winter months.
His parents had loved his idea and Leon’s dad wanted to be one of his investors. So did Kenna’s father who talked his wife into the deal by saying they could use the money they earned back to put toward purchasing a lakeside getaway cottage. Liking the idea of having their own place to stay where they could visit their daughter swayed Mrs. Allender into agreeing.
Leon couldn’t believe a whole year had passed since he’d broken it off with Marcy, who was now somewhere in Paris working as Merci Lace. He’d caught sight of her picture on the cover of a fashion magazine in the grocery store. She didn’t even look like herself, but he supposed she’d gotten what she wanted.
So had he.
“Hey, Leon,” Simeon, his newly hired cashier, and busboy, called out as he pressed his face to the frosty window. “The tree truck arrived and there’s a little camper sitting on the far end of the parking lot. Is that her?”
Leon’s heart leaped for joy. He flipped the meat patties one more time, having promised her that he’d have her favorite mushroom burger on a stone-ground wheat bun ready and waiting when she arrived. “Come finish this up, while I go outside and help her get hooked up.”
“Sure thing.”
Kenna had spent the past month at her parents’ farm, helping them pick the trees that were ready to be sold. This was supposed to be her last year managing a lot. Kenna’s younger brother, Greg, and sister Donna, were with her for training. Leon was pretty sure that they’d been sent to chaperon Kenna’s time with him. Murry was a bulldog with a long leash.
However, Leon had a plan to take care of that, too. He patted the pocket of his apron where a diamond engagement ring waited for him to pop the question. The brilliant diamond set in a silver band reminded him of the stars that he’d made many wishes upon. Wishes, or more like fervent prayers, that had been answered in their own time.
Leon had a wonderful evening all laid out where he’d take her to the Lakeshore, dance after dinner, then he’d finally pop the question under the full moon.
Uncle still gave him discount family prices and didn’t seem to mind in the least that he offered a bit of competition. Not too much, as Leon’s customers were younger people who couldn’t afford the Lakeshore’s extravagant prices.
He’d barely made it to the front door when someone plowed into his arms, showering his face with kisses. “I really missed you. I’m so glad to be back.”
He hugged her tight and simply held her for several long moments. “I’ve missed you, too, Boo. I’ve hated not being able to see you every day. You spoiled me this summer and fall.”
She laughed and hugged him tighter. “Guess you’ll just have to figure out some way to make sure I don’t leave again.”
“Oh, I have. Trust me.” He grabbed his coat, then led her outside, his arm securely around her shoulders. “I have a plan. You’ll see.”
Before You Go…
Thank you for taking the time to read A Thousand Wishes
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Blessings and Peace
Ephesians 4:32
Jackie Castle
Bonus Content
Kenna’s Reindeer Ornament
Collect a pinecone (one that’s open and fat is better), branched twigs, googly-eyes, a red berry (dried) or button, or any other red ball that’s about a half-inch in diameter. To make ears, you can use brown paper or felt cut into the shape of an oval leaf.
Hot glue the twigs to the top of the wider end of the pinecone, right above the eyes. Nose goes on narrow tip. Ears under the antler twigs. Attach a string or ribbon and it’s ready to hang.
If you need to see a picture (I usually need a visual), or would like to see more of Kenna’s natural creations, hop over to A Thousand Wishes on my website and click the box for Kenna’s Crafts.
~*~
Do you enjoy Christmas stories? Check out Candy Lane Christmas if you’re interested in reading about Madison’s candy maker, Candyce Barkley.
Or, you can read all of the Madison Creek Township Novellas in one big bundle!
Check out all the other Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast novels if you are interested in Haley and Ethan’s story.
About the Author
A Thousand Wishes: A Romance Christmas Story (Madison Creek Town Series Novella Book 4) Page 10
