Christmas Sugar ~ Melanie Moreland

by Moreland, Melanie

  Nevertheless, Christmas had always been a day of sadness. Arlene spent it with her family, and that forced my father to spend the day with me. There was never a tree, and he simply handed me gifts, not wrapped or signed with: Love, Dad or even From, Santa. They were always useful items—my father didn’t believe in frivolities or spoiling a child. I knew each year that I would receive three things: a gift certificate to a bookstore, some educational item, and an article of clothing. He didn’t choose any of it—one of his assistants did, so none of them was special. I respectfully handed him a card and a small item I had picked out. Although, once I got older, I discovered he discarded it to charity the day after. Dinner was an early affair, usually late lunch, and afterward, he would stand, his duty done, and inform me he would be working the rest of the day. When I was able to get around on my own, I would go to Mrs. C’s and enjoy the rest of the day. Her thoughtful gift was always treasured, but the company and love I found there more so.

  Today was the Christmas that I always dreamed of as a child. It didn’t matter it wasn’t me getting the gifts—somehow, it meant more. Seeing the joy and surprise on their faces was gift enough. Boxes, wrapping paper, and squeals of delight abounded. Things I swore I would hate made me smile. Wet, excited kisses were rained on my face. Noelle’s sticky fingers offered me chocolate and candies that I gladly accepted. Fist bumps and a few awkward hugs from Seth were shared.

  I loved every minute of it.

  Alex finally stopped shaking her head and muttering about me “going overboard” when she saw the happiness and glee on her children’s faces. Her own quiet enjoyment at her gifts warmed my heart. Her effusive kisses of thanks warmed other parts of me. George was thrilled with his cigars, laughing at the way Alex rolled her eyes and scolded me.

  As the frenzy wound down, Alex pulled out a gift from the back of the tree, handing it to me, her cheeks pink with shyness.

  “What is this?”

  She shrugged, not meeting my eyes. “Just in case.”

  I tore open the flat package, grinning broadly at the framed photo. It was from the bluff, the ocean wild with the wind kicking up the waves and the sun shining down, making the swirling colors vivid.

  “I took the picture in the summer. I thought you could hang it in your office as a reminder.”

  Leaning over, I kissed her. “I love it.” I kissed her again, lowering my voice. “I love you.”

  Noelle jumped up, clutching her singing cat, rushing to the elevator.

  “Where is she going?”

  Alex frowned. “I don’t know.”

  She reappeared moments later, clutching a folded piece of cardboard. She stood in front of me, looking as serious as I’d ever seen my Little Owl.

  “I made dis fo you.”

  I unfolded the cardboard and stared at the homemade gift. It was messy and chaotic—and the best present I’d ever received.

  My Christmas Wish, it read across the top, obviously in her caregiver’s hand. Underneath, my name, spelled out in pasta: DYLAN and Noelle’s crude, shaky rendition of my image, with curly macaroni for my hair, which made me grin. It suited me.

  My tear-filled gaze flew to Alex’s. She was watching me, her own eyes filled with tears. I could feel Seth’s eyes on us, and I looked at Noelle.

  “Thank you, Little Owl. It’s perfect. I’ll keep it forever.”

  Her eyes grew round. “Fuhevah? You lub it?”

  I pulled her onto my knee and dropped a kiss on her messy curls. “I do love it. And I love you. Fuhevah.”

  She snuggled in with a happy sigh.

  Mine echoed hers.

  The mattress dipped beside me, and Alex’s warm body curved to mine.

  “Hey,” she whispered.

  I rolled over, pulling her to my chest. “What time is it?” I asked, still groggy.

  “Almost two.”

  “You shouldn’t have let me sleep so long.”

  She rubbed my arm. “Dylan, you had a three-hour nap. You were up all night.”

  I held her tighter. “I haven’t slept well since I left you.”

  “Then I guess you have to stay.”

  “I guess so.” I spoke quietly. “I’ll have to go back and forth for a while . . .”

  “I know.”

  I tilted up her face and kissed her. “But I’ll hurry back. I promise.”

  “You better.”

  “Maybe you could come with me for a couple of days? We can take the kids with us over break or something?”

  “Seth would like that.”

  “But not you?”

  She hesitated, biting her lip. I could feel the tension in her body at the mere thought of coming with me.

  I nuzzled her soft mouth. “Tell me, my darling girl.”

  “I was so lost when I was there, Dylan. I was scared all the time. I was broke, homesick, and I hated my job. I . . . I was attacked one night.”

  “Were you . . . did they hurt you?” I stumbled over the words, worried about her response.

  “They didn’t get that far—I fought them and managed to escape. But they got my purse, containing my ID and some money, and I knew they had my address. It scared me so much, I stayed with some friends. They packed up my things, and I came home. It took me a long time to feel safe again.” She sighed. “I think maybe that was one of the reasons I married Eric. I felt safe.”

  I held her as I thought about her words. I hated hearing how scared she’d been and the fact that she was attacked. I didn’t want to force her to do anything that made her uncomfortable.

  “I know you had a bad experience, Alex, but it will be different this time. I won’t let anyone near you.”

  “I know. You’ll be there.”

  I kissed her forehead, my lips lingering. “I’ll always be there for you now, Alex. I can’t be without you.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “Thank you. If you hate it, we can leave right away.”

  “It’s only for a visit, right?”

  The anxiety in her voice was evident, and I hastened to reassure her.

  “Short visits. I’ll bring you right back here where you belong. I promise.”

  She snuggled closer. “Okay.”

  I folded an arm under my head and glanced around. “I never thought I’d see this room again.”

  “I never thought you would either.”

  “Lots of good memories in here,” I teased.

  She pointed to the bathroom door. “In there too.”

  I groaned and rolled over, pinning her under me. “Alex, my darling girl, unless you tell me I have you alone for the next few hours, don’t be reminding me of that shower . . . and how talented this wicked little mouth of yours is,” I added, tracing her bottom lip with my finger.

  She nipped at my finger. “I think we have about another five minutes before Noelle will burst in here. Plus, the fact that dinner is almost ready and there are a bunch of people downstairs wanting to meet and talk to my fiancé. But,” she added with a wicked smile, “the kids were up very early, which means they’ll both be flaked out by seven or so. And George goes back to Susan’s every year to spend time with her and her family. He won’t be home until tomorrow.”

  I lowered my mouth to hers, hovering over her lips. “So, after seven, you’re all mine?”

  “I’m already yours,” she whispered. “But after seven, you can show me as often as you want.”

  I kissed her hard—a promise of what would be happening later. I planned to show her often.

  The pounding of little feet heading our way made me pull back.

  I kissed her once more, my mouth lingering on her smooth lips. “I can hardly wait until seven.”

  Her eyes were wide with desire. “Me too.”

  The bar area was full of holiday cheer. Alex had pushed all the tables together, making a large U shape, and had the room festively decorated and filled with her friends. Susan and her family, Jodi from the store in town and her husband Adam, and other people
from the Pinegrove community. They all met and greeted me welcomingly, shaking my hand, kissing my cheek, congratulating both of us. No one seemed surprised by our news, but pleased for Alex. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her, and Noelle hardly left my side, her little hand tucked into mine or perched on my hip as I walked around. Alex had let me give her the owl necklace for her birthday. Her face had been filled with wonder and her breathy little “so pwetty” made my heart warm. She promised countless times to take the “bethest care” of it, so Alex let her wear it. She showed it to everyone, which made me grin every time.

  Seth spent a lot of time in the corner with his girl, Cindy. She was shy and sweet and gazed at him with adoration written across her face. Still, often, when I would glance over, he was looking in my direction, as if to make sure I was still there. I realized we would all be checking on each other for a while. It was going to take all of us some time to be sure and to trust fully. I was determined to do everything I could to set all their fears to rest.

  After a huge meal, two slices of Alex’s amazing pie, and more sugar cookies, I sat back, replete. I swore I had never tasted anything as good as Alex’s cooking. She sat beside me, holding a sleepy Noelle, and chatted to Adam. She had her free hand tucked into mine, and I gazed at the two most important women in my life with a lazy smile. Unable to resist, I stroked Noelle’s cheek and dropped a kiss onto Alex’s.

  Beside me, George chuckled. “You have it bad, son.”

  I tore my gaze away and turned to him. “I do.”

  “What are your plans?”

  “Marry her as fast as possible and start our life,” I stated with conviction.

  He frowned.

  I was confused. Surely, that was what he wanted?

  “All well and good, Dylan. But where will you live? You’ll tear this place down in the spring, and I’m assuming you don’t want to stay in a guest room until that point.”

  My brow furrowed. I hadn’t thought of that. All I had thought of was making Alex mine.

  “Good point,” I mused.

  Jodi leaned across the table. “I heard the McAllister place is going up for sale.”

  George nodded. “So did I.”

  The name rang a bell. “McAllister?”

  “The Gables. It’s a family-run place about halfway between here and Halifax. Right on the ocean—great property.”

  I recalled looking at it once. The reason the name rang a bell was that it was on my list of properties I was watching earlier in the year.

  “Really,” I mused, my interest piqued.

  “You know,” he said and winked, looking amused, “Alex used to work there in the summers when she was young. Loved the place. Her second-favorite spot to here. It has a spectacular view—not as amazing as the bluff, but pretty damn close.”

  “Is that right?”

  Jodi chuckled. “Fabulous house—they even recently did a bunch of upgrades. Huge family home and separate guest cottages. You could live in it and have a nice business at the same time on the side, if you wanted. For someone, you know, needing a place to live right away. I heard they wanted a fast sale—their daughter found out she is having triplets and needs them to be close.”

  I had to laugh at the pair of them. “I’m onto the two of you. You’re about as subtle as a bat to the head.”

  George shrugged, his eyes dancing. “I was just telling you. I happen to be having lunch with Doug day after tomorrow. At his place. In case, you know, you were interested in coming along and checking out the view.”

  It wouldn’t hurt. I could look into the place, get information before it went up for sale if I was interested, and it would solve a problem I hadn’t thought of until now. A home for us while I had Alex’s dream house built. The fact that Alex had a fondness for the property was also a deciding factor. I wanted to give her everything. Make every dream she’d ever had come true.

  I started to chuckle. I had a feeling I’d be buying more property before the new year.

  “What time is lunch, George?”

  Alex sighed, a muted little breath that drifted over my skin. I pulled her closer. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “Yesterday, I was trying to figure out how to get through the holidays, and today, you’re here, we’re engaged, and you told me you want to buy a place you’ve never seen for us to move to . . . and you want to get married right away.”

  “So, you’re saying it’s too much.”

  She tilted up her head, smiling at me. “It is a lot, Dylan.”

  I tucked a long strand of hair away from her face. “I know, but hear me out. I don’t want to wait to marry you. You already said you don’t want a big fuss, so we can do it here, some friends and us. I mean, why wait? We can start the new year as a family. As for the house, George is right—I can’t stay in this room and have you running down the hall as if we’re doing something wrong. I can’t stay in your room.” I snorted. “I don’t think I could fit on your bed.”

  Alex laughed, and I kept talking.

  “I’ll go have lunch with George and Doug, and have a look at the place. If it’s a good investment, and you love it, I’ll buy it and sell it once our home is ready. But Jodi is right—if it works, you can run it as a business in the busy season, if that’s what you want. If not, we can live in it.”

  She worried her lip. “You’re buying it because you think I love it.”

  I shrugged. “That’s part of it. But I checked it out. It’s a good fit. Well-laid-out, in great condition, close enough it won’t disrupt the kids’ lives—they can go to the same school and daycare, keep their friends. You’ll be happy.” I sucked in a nervous breath. “And when I have to leave on my trips, I’ll know you’re somewhere you love and feel safe.”

  She didn’t respond, so I continued.

  “It’s got a fabulous loft at the back. They added it a couple of years ago. I can use it as my office until I decide what to do—open a place in town or work from home,” I added. “It ticks so many boxes.”

  “The money . . .”

  Ah. And now we reach the real crux of the matter.

  “Alex,” I began gently, “look at me.”

  Her expressive eyes lifted to mine, the worry in them evident. “My darling girl, I’m rich. Very rich. You will never have to work yourself into exhaustion again. You never have to work if you don’t want to. You will never want for anything. The kids will never want for anything again. I can afford to buy it—I can afford to give you anything you want. You don’t have to worry about that.” I brushed my knuckles down her cheek. “I’ll take care of you all now.”

  “I don’t love you for your money.”

  “That is what makes your love so sweet. I know you love me for me. And for the first time, I want to share my life and everything I have with someone. With you. That includes making all your dreams come true.” I frowned when I saw her biting her lip. “Is that what you think? That I’m worried about why you love me? Or are you worried about what other people will think when they hear you got married. Who you married?”

  “I don’t know,” she admitted honestly.

  “I don’t care what other people think or say. I know why you love me. Your friends and family know.” I chuckled. “Hell, even Mrs. C knows, and she hasn’t met you yet. We are meant for each other, Alex. Even if I didn’t have a dime, you’d love me.”

  “Yes, I would.” She nodded fervently.

  “Relax about the money, please.”

  “How will I . . . contribute? I need to feel I’m bringing something to our relationship.”

  I gaped at her. “How will you . . .” My voice trailed off, and I yanked her to me tightly. “Alex, I was lost before you. As Arlene pointed out, all I did was go through the motions. You woke me up and showed me what living can be. Today was the happiest Christmas I’ve ever had—and the first day in my entire life I didn’t feel truly alone. What you bring me is love. What you give me is you. What you contribute is y
our unconditional support of me and us becoming a family. That is worth more money or gifts than I could ever offer.” I held her face between my hands and met her gaze. “It’s me who needs to feel I’m offering enough, Alex. Not the other way around.”

  “I love you,” she whispered, tears falling down her face.

  “And I love you. Do you understand now? Your contribution is priceless. I need to know you understand that.”

  “Yes,” she said, and I wiped away the tears.

  “Good. So, New Year’s Eve—we have a date? You’ll marry me?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Can I take you away on a honeymoon?”

  She hesitated. I could see her struggling over what she wanted, and what she felt she had to do.

  “We’ll make sure the kids are looked after. We won’t go for long, and we’ll plan a family trip in the spring, okay?”

  “Okay. Could we go somewhere warm? Do you . . .” She paused. “Do you think we could go somewhere warm with a beach? Like Florida?”

  I frowned. “I think we could do better than Florida. Why don’t we save that for a trip with the kids—we can take them to Disney World. I’ll take you somewhere a little more exotic—and private. Maybe Fiji or the Bahamas.”

  Her eyes lit up.

  “So, that’s a definite yes to both?” I loved how happy such a little thing could make her. All she wanted was a warm place—I’d give her that—a private beach, a villa, and us naked. Naked a lot.

  “Yes.”

  “Then we need to get the license when they open the day after tomorrow.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “We’ll go there in the morning, then have lunch with George and Doug and see the house.”

  “You never do things half measured, do you?”

  “Nope. I’m goal-oriented. And my current goals are simple. Marry you, move into a place where I can keep you beside me all night long, and start making more babies.”