Sara's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 4)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Sara rolled her eyes. The hints had been coming for the past four years or so that Sara needed to find Mr. Right, get married, and have babies so that Mom could be a grandma again. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “So will you be bringing anyone…special?”

  “Don’t count on it. I’m too busy for a social life, and I think Gabe is spending Christmas with his family.”

  “Oh.” Mom sounded crushed.

  Sara’s stomach knotted. “Please don’t be like this. You know how busy I am.” Hearing her mom’s disappointment made her feel like a failure, not only as a daughter but also as a woman. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to get married and have kids. She did—sooner rather than later. But how was she supposed to run a business six days a week and have the time and energy to date? It simply wasn’t possible.

  “Maybe you should hire some help. If you got out, maybe you’d meet someone. Your shop isn’t exactly a man-magnet.”

  Mom had a point considering ninety percent of her customers were women and the other ten percent were usually spouses tagging along. “I know, but my business is still growing. I’m not comfortable being responsible for a payroll yet.”

  Her doorbell pealed. “Mom, I have to go. Someone rang my bell.”

  Annabelle barked and raced for the door.

  “Okay. Have a good evening. The offer for a guest stands if anything changes.”

  “Love you. ’Bye.” She ended the call and set her phone on the counter before following Annabelle.

  Maybe a package had been delivered. She spotted Gabe through the glass. Her heart skipped a beat. Pull it together, girl. She pulled the door open. “This is a surprise. Come in.” Sara tugged Annabelle by the collar since she blocked Gabe’s way.

  He held up a familiar takeout bag. “I brought barbecue brisket.”

  “Yum! But I thought you had plans.”

  “They fell through.”

  “Lucky me. How’d you know I was starving, with only eggs and salad in the house as an option?”

  He closed the door and slid off his boots. “I know you.” He walked beside her to the kitchen.

  Those three words couldn’t be more accurate. No one knew her better. With Gabe, she could always be herself. Her mouth watered at the scent coming from the bag. “Is there coleslaw?”

  “Of course. Bread too.”

  “You’re my hero.” She took white plates off an open wooden shelf and placed them on the quartz countertop.

  Gabe pulled out a pair of boxes along with two small bags with bread and the containers of coleslaw. In a matter of seconds, they had their plates filled and sat at the small table in the kitchen nook. He prayed a blessing over the food. Then they dug in.

  Sara closed her eyes as the sweet and tangy meat melted in her mouth. “Thank you for this.”

  “You’re welcome. How was your day?”

  “Business was pretty good for a Tuesday. How about yours?”

  “My day flew.” He winked.

  She guffawed, nearly choking. Why did she find his puns so funny?

  “I thought you’d like that.” He bit into his brisket. “Oh, yeah. This is so much better than pizza.”

  “Are you suggesting we change it up now and then?”

  “Wouldn’t hurt. So tell me about your idea for the secret angel project.”

  “I want to give the best Christmas ever to Emily and her family. When I stopped by their place, I couldn’t help noticing that they don’t have a tree or decorations.”

  “If money is tight, that would be a frivolous purchase.”

  “I agree, plus April seemed super stressed.”

  “Is there a dad in the picture?”

  “Not that I can tell. I’ll see what I can find out from Emily.”

  “Be careful. You don’t want to push her away with too many questions.”

  “Are you suggesting I ask too many questions?”

  He raised a brow and bit into his buttered bread.

  “I’ll be careful. I want to get April and her kids warm coats, a gift card to the grocery store, stockings filled with goodies like hats, scarves, gloves, candy, and books. Oh, and a spa gift certificate for April if there’s any money left. She could use some pampering and quiet time to herself.” The nice thing about the spa was they did everything from haircuts to manicures to massages.

  “Those will be some big stockings,” he said.

  “I’ll make them myself.”

  “When? You’re so busy now.”

  “In the evenings. I have time.”

  “Okay. What else do you want to do for them? You have $1,500 to spend.”

  “I know, but the food card will be $1,000.”

  “Whoa. Are you sure you want to give such a large amount. I know I said a family of four could easily spend that, but still…”

  “We’re talking about growing children. Good nutrition is important, and I seriously doubt she’s on any kind of government assistance program. She has too much pride to apply for help based on what she said to me this morning.”

  “And what was that?”

  “Just that she doesn’t take charity.”

  “Then how will you get her to accept the gift?”

  “I won’t give her a choice. I’ll leave everything in the doorway to her apartment.” If only there was a way to see the looks on their faces without being spotted. Her grandma had always done this for people who lived in a house. An apartment off a small hall at the top of the stairs left no ideal hiding places to spy on their reactions. Maybe she could rig a spy camera.

  “Leaving it in their doorway should work no problem, especially since theirs is the only apartment up there, and you won’t have to worry about the gifts walking away if they don’t answer the door. What else do they need?”

  “I’m not sure, but I don’t think I’ll have enough money to do more.”

  He nodded. “You have a great plan. How will you figure out sizes?”

  “I’ll guess for Emily and her mom. Or maybe I can sneak a peek at their coat sizes if they show up at my workshop on Saturday. At least they’ll have one decoration for their apartment. The younger kids will be the challenge. I’ve yet to meet the twins.”

  He rubbed his chin. “Hmm. I assume they ride the school bus?”

  She nodded.

  “What if you conveniently walk past their stop one morning? I doubt there’s more than one set of twins waiting for the bus.”

  “Good point, but they aren’t identical since one is a boy and the other is a girl.”

  He blew out a puff of air. “Somehow you’ll know. I have faith. God didn’t put the desire to help this family in your heart only to abandon you when you need to figure out sizes. He cares about the little things.”

  She nodded. They ate in comfortable silence until every last morsel was gone. She sat back in the chair, overly full. “I probably should’ve saved half of that for tomorrow.”

  Gabe held in a chuckle. Sara had no idea how cute she was. “You were hungry.” Her full, rosy cheeks were the picture of health. He must have caught her right after she’d gotten home since she still wore the sweater dress and leggings he’d seen her in this morning, and her long blonde hair was pulled back. She usually let her hair down and changed into sweats and a comfy sweatshirt right after feeding Annabelle.

  She nodded. “Do you have a busy rest of your week?”

  “Not especially. Only a few tours. The weekend is full though, and I promised Forrest I’d help him out. One of his pilots is out sick.”

  “That’s too bad. You’re okay flying a plane?”

  “Don’t forget I started out flying airplanes. I go up about once a week to keep in practice. Forrest lets me take one of his planes. Said it’s an investment in his business since I fill in when needed.”

  “That’s cool. How come you never told me?”

  He shrugged. “Guess it never came up before now. Why are you asking about my schedule?”

  “I want to put up my t
ree this weekend and decorate the house.” Sara reached for a pad of paper and pen and started writing.

  He’d set up Sara’s tree for as long as she’d had her own place. “How does Sunday afternoon work?”

  “Perfect.” Her shop was closed on Sundays.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Making a budget for the gifts. If I make the scarfs myself that’ll save more money for fun stuff like books and maybe even a game or two—if only I knew what they wanted. I need to find out what their favorite colors are too.”

  “Don’t all girls like pink?” He gathered their plates and stood.

  “No.”

  He chuckled on his way to the kitchen where he rinsed their dishes and stacked them in the dishwasher. He turned back toward Sara and caught his breath. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let her know his feelings ran much deeper than friendship. He ran a hand across his face. Yeah right, if she didn’t secretly feel the same way, his confession would destroy the comfortable camaraderie they shared. He looked forward to every minute they spent together. Though he wanted more, it would have to be good enough.

  “You okay?” She looked at him with concern in her green eyes.

  “Yep.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “My mom called right before you showed up. She gave me permission to bring a friend for Christmas. Want to come?” Her eyes shone.

  His stomach somersaulted. “You know I always spend the day with my family.”

  Her eyes turned downcast. “Of course. I told my mom the same thing but wanted to ask in case anything had changed this year.”

  He wished it had, but his family expected him Christmas Eve and through the end of Christmas Day. He couldn’t disappoint them, but maybe there was a way to make everyone happy. “What if I pop in for a couple of hours in the afternoon?”

  “Seriously? You don’t mind?”

  “I wouldn’t offer if I did.”

  She sucked in her bottom lip. “I should tell you my mom is pushing me to find a husband, and that’s why she said to bring a friend.”

  “Oh. I see now.” Sara’s mom had been pushing her for years to get married and start a family. She’d dated a few different guys over the years, but no one serious. He was her longest relationship of any kind. If only he had the courage to risk letting her know how he felt about her—Sara’s mom would be thrilled. But Sara would be another story. How much longer could he pretend he didn’t have feelings for her without her seeing through him?

  Now his need for her to love him back almost overwhelmed him, and all this talk about marriage made it even more difficult. “I should go.”

  “It’s still early. We have time for a movie or—”

  “Not tonight. I’m tired, and unless I’m mistaken, you have some knitting or sewing to do.”

  “I need to get supplies.” She frowned. “I hope you’re not coming down with something.” She stepped over to him and rested the back of her hand on his forehead. “Emily said the twins have the crud.”

  Her touch sent his pulse into warp drive. He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and gently pulled her hand away. “I’m fine.”

  She studied him. “Okay, but call me if anything changes and you need me to bring soup or something.”

  “You’ll make a great mom someday.” He shot past her and strode toward the door, unable to escape fast enough. Another second with her so close and he’d have pulled her into his arms. Maybe he really was coming down with something.

  Chapter Five

  Saturday evening, Sara set a pot of hot coffee on the refreshment table. “Help yourself to goodies while we wait,” she said to the four women who had arrived for the wreath workshop. “I’m expecting five more people.”

  The bells on the door jingled. Krista, wearing a knee brace, limped past her.

  “Oh, no. What happened?” Sara rushed ahead and grabbed another chair so the woman could elevate her leg.

  “I read a shadow wrong when we were skiing the other day,” Krista said.

  “Are you in a lot of pain?” Sara pulled out a chair at the head of the table for Krista.

  “Not as much as I was.” Krista eased onto the chair Sara indicated then propped her leg on the other.

  “Do you need anything else? A pillow or a blanket to cushion the chair?”

  “You’re sweet. I’m okay for now. Thank you.”

  Sara stepped over to the refreshment table where Tracy and Beth filled plates with fruit, cranberry bread, and nuts. Tracy delivered a plate to Krista then came back and piled on the goodies for herself. “This is quite a spread. How do you make any money when you provide so much food?”

  Sara grimaced. Gabe had asked the same thing once. “I baked the bread and cookies myself. It’s not nearly as expensive as it looks.” Just incredibly time consuming. She’d only had a few hours of sleep for the past two nights due to baking and sewing stockings for the Smith family. It was worth it though. She poured coffee into her travel mug then tightened the lid. It wouldn’t do to spill her drink all over the supplies.

  “I’m sorry we never made it back here to shop. When Krista got hurt, it altered our week,” Tracy said.

  “It’s fine. I’m sorry Krista was injured. You’re welcome to look around the shop before the class begins.”

  “Really? That’s great. I will. Thanks.”

  “In fact, I’m feeling generous tonight.” She raised her voice slightly. “Everyone attending tonight’s workshop will receive ten percent off any purchase.”

  An excited roar rose among the women.

  “You have ten minutes until the class begins. Feel free to look around now or after the class.”

  All but Krista stood and scattered around the store. “I saw a snowflake blanket in the front window. Do you have any left?”

  “Those have sold quickly, but I think I might have one. Be right back.” She went to the display of Christmas blankets and dug through it, grabbing the one remaining silver and white throw and bringing it back to the woman. “What do you think?”

  “It’s even more lovely up close.” Krista reached into her purse and pulled out a credit card. “I’ll take it.” She stood and hobbled to the counter. “I hope we come back here next year. My days of extreme skiing are over according to the orthopedic doctor I saw, but I can shop while they ski.”

  “I thought it was just a sprain.”

  Krista lowered her voice. “It’s more complicated than that. I need surgery, but I don’t want my friends to know yet. It’d ruin their vacation.”

  “Oh, no. I’m sorry. Should you be walking?”

  “That’s what the brace is for.”

  Sara ran Krista’s card, bagged up the blanket, then finished processing the purchase. She rang up several other purchases before the bells on the door jingled, drawing her attention. Her heart skipped a beat—Emily and her mom walked in.

  “Hi, Sara.” Emily waved and practically bounced over to the counter. “I’m so excited about this class.”

  “Me too.” Sara smiled at April who looked a little less harried and haggard than when they had last met. “There are goodies on the table over there. Help yourselves. We’re going to start soon.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” Emily pulled her mom toward the spread of food.

  Everyone had completed their shopping in record time, so Sara headed to the table where her students happily nibbled on sweets.

  Emily and April returned to the table.

  “I’m so happy you both decided to come,” Sara said. “I have two chairs set together at that end for you. I thought an end spot would make it easier for you to work together.”

  Emily glowed with excitement. “Mom hired a sitter for the kids.”

  “How special for you and your mom. I suspect you’ll be creating some great memories along with the wreath tonight.”

  Sara gave the step-by-step lesson and flitted from person to person to offer help and encouragement. When she approached Emily and A
pril, she slid her hand along the back of each of their chairs and surreptitiously tipped back the collars of the coats hanging there so that she could check the sizes—large for April and medium for Emily. “Your wreath is looking fabulous.” She pointed to a thin spot. “You could add a bit more greenery here.”

  Sara picked up a basket filled with enough goodie bags that everyone would go home with something. All the bags were filled with fancy hygiene items, so Emily was sure to receive a travel-sized shampoo because she’d included one in each gift bag.

  About thirty minutes later, everyone gathered their purchases, prizes, and wreaths then headed for the door. Tonight had been a huge success. Emily and April were the first to leave, soon followed by everyone else except the three friends from Denver. Too bad Emily and her mom hadn’t lingered to visit. She had hoped to get to know April tonight, but the woman barely spoke all evening.

  Tracy stopped beside her with a large shopping bag in one hand and her wreath in the other. “I’m so glad I lost my ski gloves, or we would have missed out on this. It was a lot of fun. You know how to make a workshop feel like a party.”

  “That was the idea. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Her heart warmed toward Tracy. “Have a safe trip home tomorrow.” She walked the three women to the door and locked up behind them.

  Sara yawned as she turned toward the mess on the table, too tired to deal with it but knowing she must. A knock on the glass door made her jump. She turned—Gabe. Happiness bubbled inside her. She flipped the lock and opened the door.

  He walked in. “Wow. This place smells like Christmas trees.”

  “That’ll happen when using cuttings from real trees.” She relocked the door. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was driving by and saw the lights on and then remembered you had a workshop tonight. You need help cleaning up?”

  “I’d love it.”

  “Are there any leftover snacks?”

  She laughed. “And here I thought you came out of the kindness of your heart.”

  He raised a brow. “I am, but you know I can’t resist your baking.”

  “Help yourself.” She gathered the leftover greenery and placed it in a bag to take home. She’d figure out something to do with it.