Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: New Holiday Romances to Benefit St. Jude Hospital

by Sabrina York

  “I thought the same thing.” Gina could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She wouldn’t cry in front of him. “I can’t talk about this now. I’ve got a full day ahead.”

  “So do I and yet I spent the night sitting in the hall outside your door,” he said abruptly.

  “No one asked you to do that,” Gina snapped back. She and Angel headed down the hall for the backdoor. She opened the door and let Angel run. Gina walked into the yard to keep an eye on her. She could feel Owen’s presence directly behind her.

  “I get it,” his voice was a husky whisper. “You don’t want me here. But here I stand and before I walk away, I need you to know that you mean a great deal to me.”

  Gina’s anger rose to the surface and she spun around to face him. Looking up into his face, she resolved to challenge him. “Really? And is it common practice for you to double-cross someone that means a great deal to you, Owen Brock? Please, explain it to me. Obviously the rich and famous treat others differently than us common folk!” Gina’s body was rigid and she jutted her chin out. If this was the end, she wanted to make sure he felt every iota of the sting and betrayal that consumed her. She expected a lackadaisical remark or nothing at all. It threw her for a loop when Owen’s shoulders slumped and he responded with a half-hearted shrug.

  “All I want to know is what happened to make you so angry,” he said, his voice weary.

  “I’ll tell you.” It took complete willpower to hold herself together. “I spoke to your assistant yesterday and she told me you’d gone to the courthouse to meet with someone in order to file evidence of the ownership rights for the old tavern.” Just saying the words put the fire back in her eyes. “How could you? I trusted you, Owen. And I don’t trust easily.”

  He reached out to grab her arms as she began turning away from him.

  “You spoke with my assistant, Barb?”

  “Yes. What other assistant do you have?”

  “No one. And I haven’t spoken with Barb since the day before yesterday. She has no idea what my plans are. When did you call?”

  “Yesterday morning. About an hour after you and Colton left.” She didn’t know why, but she wanted to believe him.

  “And you called the office?”

  “No. I called your cell phone.”

  Gina watched as Owen’s eyes widened and his hands clenched and unclenched. His nostrils flared and caused her to take a step backward. He reached out for her, sensing her instinct to run.

  “You didn’t speak with Barb. You were talking to Rose. Whatever she told you, it was a lie.”

  She scrutinized him. “Why should I believe you? Why would Rose lie?”

  “Because I was trying to reach you to tell you that Mother and I spoke. She told me that it was her great-great-grandfather, Fred Brock, who lost the mansion in the card game and signed that note. Mother and I agreed that taking this to court is the wrong thing to do.” Owen cocked up one side of his mouth. “Gina, you are the rightful owner of the old tavern. Your great-great-grandfather Tom Jamerson won it fair and square. You even have the painting, letter, and photo to prove the property belongs to you.”

  She hadn’t realized that she’d held her shoulders so tight until they started to relax. “How is your mother taking all this?”

  “She’s a little melancholy. That mansion is as much a part of our history as it is of yours,” Owen said. “I did a deep dive into the history and contacted anyone that I thought might be able to fill in the pieces. Did you know that my great-great-grandfather and yours were childhood friends?”

  “I had no idea. Until a few days ago, I never even knew my family was from Glenville.”

  “They were. Generations of Jamersons lived here,” Owen said. “From the bits and pieces I’ve been able to put together, our great-great-grandfathers were good friends. Mine had a gambling problem his entire life. After Fred lost the mansion his gambling got worse and his wife took his children and moved in with his parents. Your great-great-grandfather Tom tried to help him, nothing did.”

  “I wonder why my family moved from Glenville to Boston?” Gina pondered.

  “I haven’t found any information regarding that. But I’ll bet if we work together, we can uncover the answer.”

  “That’s it!” Excitement rose in her.

  “What’s it?”

  “Yesterday, Della asked me what I would do with the mansion if it was returned to the Jamersons.”

  “And you’ve come up with the answer?”

  “I have. But only if the Brocks are willing to be involved. What if we were to turn it into the new library, only bigger? We could make it a hub of information for the entire county. Create a historical and research center, both online and at the mansion.”

  “What a terrific idea. How do you want us to help?”

  “By making it a partnership between the families. My mother could manage the library and research center, she is more than qualified. And downstairs where the old tavern was, we could make it a café with seating there and more tables across the opposite side of the foyer.”

  “And you really want my family to be part of it?” Owen asked.

  “It seems only right. Both of our families played a part in the history of the town. Both families once owned the mansion. I think it only appropriate that both families bring the old mansion back to life and design a brand-new purpose for it.”

  “I just happen to know a great attorney,” Owen winked at her.

  “Do you think we can put a rough outline together in the next twenty-four hours?”

  “I don’t see why not. What’s your plan?”

  “I’m extending a personal invitation to your mother and Rose to the Christmas Eve party. I’d love to unveil our plans for the mansion during the event.”

  Owen, his mother, and Rose could see the turn off to Forever Christmas twinkling in the distance. The road leading straight up to Mistletoe Lodge was lined with tiny white lights on both sides and sparkled under the fresh dusting of snow.

  “Oh, my,” Owen’s mother exclaimed. “This place is simply magical.”

  Owen was overjoyed to see the happiness and contentment in his mother. She’d been bubbling since he handed her the handwritten invitation Gina had made for both his mom and sister. At the last minute, Rose had decided to attend, and he knew for certain it was only because she wanted to gather information to try and use against him.

  Additional lights had been added to the trees in the yard of Mistletoe Lodge. The trees were dusted with snow and sparkled with multicolored lights and colorful ornaments. Other trees throughout the area were lit and every tree that edged the roads leading through the Forever Christmas tree farm were twinkling. The lodge was ablaze, outlined with green and red lights.

  The main parking area was already full, and people were being directed to the other shops to park. One of the employees was managing parking. He held up his hand for Owen to stop the same time Owen heard a whinny from a large, sleek black horse pulling a sleigh full of children and adults.

  “Isn’t that just lovely,” his mother said as she watched the horse-drawn sleigh pull up to the front of the lodge.

  “Good evening,” the employee greeted Owen after the horse and sleigh headed back to pick up more guests.

  “Looks like you have a packed house,” Owen said as he nodded at the full lot.

  “It’s been busy, but we saved a spot for you and your family, Mr. Brock.” The employee pointed at an empty parking spot closest to the house.

  “Great. Thank you.” Owen shook the employee’s hand and then pulled into the space.

  “How thoughtful Gina was to reserve us a space, wasn’t it, Rose?” His mother asked.

  “Yes, it was,” Rose came off sounding a little privileged to Owen. He’d been racking his brain for the last few days trying to come up with something that would give her a more positive focus.

  They were standing directly in front of the bay windows that framed a huge Christmas tree, shimmering
with light and color. On the top of the tree sat a glorious stained-glass angel, the most magnificent tree topper he’d ever seen. The colors of the angel shimmered and reflected in every direction.

  “We’re thrilled you are joining us,” Della said as she greeted Mrs. Brock, Rose, and Owen. She waved over a waiter and the Brocks took three glasses of champagne from his tray. “Merry Christmas.” Della smiled and led them into the main room and invited Mrs. Brock to sit in the chair that had been reserved for her.

  Owen scanned the place looking for Gina. Then he spotted her, slowly moving from group to group chatting with everyone. Just then she saw him and headed toward him. She looked dazzling. Her long dark cocoa hair was loosely pulled up, except for a few scattered pieces that fell free. She was dressed in a one-shoulder, full-length evening gown, that was sapphire on the top part and lightened to silver on the bottom. The sequins and beading appeared to drip down the length of the dress and Owen couldn’t tear his eyes from her.

  “You have excellent taste, son,” his mother said. He looked down at his mother and realized she, too, had spotted Gina. “Am I to assume that is the lovely woman who has put a spark into your eyes that I’ve never before witnessed?”

  “She is,” Owen answered and walked over to Gina. “You are gorgeous.” Gina smiled and he leaned closer to place a light kiss on her cheek.

  “Thank you. You’re quite striking in your midnight blue tux,” Gina answered.

  “Gina Jamerson, I’d like you to meet my mother and sister.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Brock,” Gina said and smiled and nodded at Rose.

  “And you, my dear. Owen has nothing but wonderful things to say about you. Thank you so much for inviting Rose and me.”

  Gina located her mother, three sisters, and brother, and introduced everyone to Owen and his family. Their mothers hit it off and chatted away.

  “May I have a dance?” he asked.

  “I would be honored,” Gina said.

  They headed to the back of the house where the patio was fully tented in clear acrylic on three outside walls and the top. The area was massive and easily accommodated an area for dancing. Inside the tent it was cozy warm due to the tall gas heat lamps and yet they were surrounded by the snow that was bathed in the twinkling lights given off by the decorated evergreens.

  A while later, Juliet greeted them.

  “I sent Colton and Mason to gather both your families,” Juliet said. “As soon as everyone is here, I’ll welcome our guests and then introduce the two of you.”

  Minutes later, Juliet stood at the microphone. “Good evening, friends, neighbors, and family. We are thrilled to have you join us here to celebrate our third Christmas Eve at Forever Christmas.” Everyone clapped and cheered; Juliet waited for them to settle down. “There’s been many changes here this last year, some sad and others wonderful. Most of you know Gina Jamerson. She was our very first hire here at the farm. Gina has always been willing to jump in where help was needed and because of all she’s done, she was recently promoted to general manager of operations for the main house and the landscapers and arborist. One of the first projects Gina took on was to give this wonderful Victorian its own name. I’m going to give Gina the floor so she can explain to you the story of how this Victorian now carries the honored name of Mistletoe Lodge.”

  Gina stepped up and took the audience through her journey. She started with her focus on the antique reception desk and moved forward. There wasn’t another sound in the house as she told the story. She made a point of leaving out a few of the personal family details that no one would know about unless they were close friends of either family and still managed to paint an enchanting story. As she reached the end, she mentioned the painting once again and told people to be sure to take a look at it.

  There was a roar of applause as she said… “so it seemed only appropriate that this grand old Victorian carry on the torch for welcoming travelers and celebrating townspeople with a name that’s been a part of our history. Merry Christmas and welcome to Mistletoe Lodge.”

  They cheered and applauded again. Gina waited for them to quiet before she continued. “Glenville has taken a huge hit with the loss of our library.”

  “I’m sure most of you know Owen Brock.” She turned in Owen’s direction and he stepped up beside her. “Owen and I have put together the outline of a project to benefit Glenville. Both the Jamersons and the Brocks have owned the old mansion turned tavern in times past.”

  Owen stepped closed to her and continued. “As you know, the court has upheld the Jamerson claim of ownership, but tonight, I wish to announce that the old mansion will be a gift from both families to Glenville to replace our lost library. We are going to bring the old mansion back to life and build a better and bigger library and research center.” Owen smiled and took Gina’s hand as she continued their story.

  “We’ll be adding a café and a community meeting room. We’re still working out the details. However, I would like to introduce the head librarian, most of you already know her; my mother, Mrs. Carla Jamerson.”

  Gina’s mom was in tears. Gina had made it a point not to tell her mom until now.

  “With my mother’s past experience as head reference librarian at the Boston Public Library and her time as Glenville’s librarian, I have no doubt she will be full of wonderful ideas for the new facility.”

  “None of this would be possible for me to do if not for the generosity of the Brock family. Forever Christmas is the heart of our community. It is our goal to make the Jamerson-Brock Library and Research Center the future home of Glenville’s history. Thank you.”

  The crowd cheered Owen and Gina, as they remained at the microphone acknowledging the crowd. Then they walked over to Mrs. Brock.

  “I’m so very proud of the two of you,” Mrs. Brock said to Owen and Gina. “I just wish your father were here, Owen.” Tears shined in the older woman’s eyes. She took Owen’s hand in hers. “I hope this means I’ll be seeing more of you?”

  “I need to make a trip to Phoenix and plan out my next few years,” Owen said. “For now, I’ll split my time between Phoenix and Glenville. I’m going to move in with you, Mother, if you’ll let me. Betty and I have worked out a new plan. I’ve promoted her to house manager. She will hire a full-time cook, housekeeper, nurse, and anyone else she feels is needed. We’ll bring in a physical therapist to work with you.”

  “Thank you, Owen. That all sounds wonderful. I’m looking forward to having more people at the house,” Mrs. Brock said.

  Owen looked up at his sister who was red with anger. “Are you planning on heading back to Charleston or are you staying here?”

  “I guess I’ll be returning to Charleston since I’ve been kicked out of the house,” Rose crossed her arms and scowled at her brother.

  “You’re welcome to stay at the house as long as you abide by the rules. You are no longer in charge of any of Mother’s care. You will listen to Betty and treat her with respect,” Owen said. “If you can follow these rules you are welcome to live at the house.”

  “What will I do with myself?” Rose asked.

  “Gina and I have been discussing that. I will work with Gina and as a team we will check in regularly at the library. Gina’s focus is here at Forever Christmas and I will continue my law practice in some fashion. Mrs. Jamerson will have complete control of the facility, including all decisions with regards to the functioning, layout, and personnel. Are you comfortable with that, Mrs. Jamerson?”

  “Not only comfortable, I’m over the moon,” Carla said with a huge smile.

  “That leaves the position of fund raiser. We need someone with local and national contacts. Someone who can organize and host events. Someone who can persuade individuals and companies to contribute to the library. Rose, you’re excellent at organizing and planning events. Do you think this is a position you’d be interested in?”

  Rose’s bottom lip began to quiver, and one enormous tear slipped fro
m her eye.

  Rose looked directly into Gina’s eyes and asked. “Why would you make me this offer?”

  “Look around you, Rose,” Gina said. “Forever Christmas was born from people looking for a new beginning and people needing a helping hand. I was given the opportunity and I believe in giving back. You’re a part of our family partnership, and we’d like to have both families represented in this new endeavor. I prefer to mend bridges rather than burn them to the ground. How about you?”

  Rose surprised everyone as she walked over and hugged Gina.

  “It would be my honor to see to it that Jamerson-Brock Library and Research Center becomes known far and wide as the best, and the friendliest, place in the world!” Rose said as she hugged Gina once more and then turned to her brother. “I’m sorry I tried to have Mother put into a nursing home so that I could have the house. I was wrong. I love you for always standing by me.”

  “Always. You’re my sister,” Owen said. “There’s one last thing everyone needs to be aware of. I’ve written up all the legal documents. There is one very important caveat that everyone needs to understand. If there should ever come a time when either of the families want to dissolve the partnership, no matter what generation, full ownership will revert back to the Jamersons.” Everyone nodded, everyone except Rose. A hint of crimson crept up her neck.

  Gina and Owen visited with guests until late in the night. Finally the guests had left, and they found themselves arm-in-arm, looking out the window at the light-filled farm.

  “It’s such a pity that hatred put a wedge between the families.” They turned to find Mrs. Byrd standing behind them. “Owen, your great-great-grandfather’s parents never forgave him for losing the mansion. And what was worse, they managed to embed that hatred in the generations that followed.” She looked at Gina. “The friction between the Jamersons and the Brocks became so destructive that your great-grandfather left Glenville and never returned. In fact, the Jamersons went so far as to never mention the Brocks or the town of Glenville again.”