Mia's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1)

by Cindy Flores Martinez

  The front door swung open.

  Cathy Callahan strolled inside.

  “Hi Cathy,” said Mia. “I hope you’re not here for the Christmas cupcakes. We ran out.”

  Cathy waved her hand. Her beaded bracelets jingled. “That’s okay. I’ll take whatever you have. I stopped by to give you the good news. I believe God has answered our prayers.” She clasped her hands together. “A married couple is interested in applying to become Kristi’s foster parents, and it appears that they might qualify.”

  MIA AND JESSE GLANCED around the living room of a home in the Rocky Mountain Condos.

  “I love this place,” said Mia. “I feel like I’m in a cabin.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” said Jesse. “And look at the view.” He glanced out the sliding glass door at the snow-covered Rocky Mountains in the distance.

  “That’s why my husband and I moved here,” said Denise.

  “Do you know if they rent these condos out?” asked Jesse. “I wouldn’t mind staying in one when I come to Colorado.”

  “I’ve seen For Rent signs in windows,” said Denise. “I’m sure the manager could tell you which ones. His office is near the parking lot.”

  “Great,” said Jesse. “I’ll stop by and ask him.”

  Denise turned and glanced around the room. “So, anyway, as you can see, this is the living room, and the kitchen is over here.” She led Mia and Jesse to the next room. “As I mentioned over the phone, everything works fine here—the electricity, the water, the heating, and air conditioning.”

  Denise’s words sang like music to Mia’s ears.

  They passed through the kitchen and entered the dining room.

  Mia checked everything around her—the floor, the walls, the ceiling—for any signs of problems. They looked spotless. She glanced at Jesse and mouthed a silent “wow”.

  “The extra bedroom is upstairs.” Denise bounded up the wood staircase.

  Mia and Jesse followed at a slower pace.

  “Mia mentioned that you’ve known Tom and Cathy Callahan for a while,” said Jesse.

  “That’s right. Our families know each other. We attended the same church before Tom and Cathy began pastoring Snowflake Chapel.”

  They entered the bright and spacious second floor, and Denise stopped at a bedroom. The sun poured through the window. “Kristi can use this room. You would just need to bring a bed and other furniture.”

  Jesse stepped inside and walked through the small space inspecting everything—the floor, the closet. Approval reflected in his eyes.

  “So, what made you decide that you wanted to do this?” asked Mia.

  “I’ve thought about fostering a child for a while now,” said Denise. “My brother and I grew up in foster care. They bounced us around from one home to another. I know how lonely it can be.”

  A sick feeling hit the pit of Mia’s stomach at knowing that Kristi was in the same system. “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “Thanks.” Denise smiled. “When Cathy called, my husband and I prayed about it and we felt that we’re meant to do this. I’m a stay-at-home wife so I can drive Kristi to school and wherever else she needs.”

  Mia glanced at Jesse. The hope filled his eyes.

  “So, how do we move ahead with this?” asked Denise.

  “You’ll need to meet with the lawyer,” said Mia. “He’ll fill out the paperwork and guide you through everything.” She glanced at the time on her phone. “I have to rush back to the shop. I’m on my lunch break, but I’ll call you as soon as I get to my desk.”

  “And I have a plane to catch,” said Jesse. “I’m only here because I took a detour on my way to Phoenix.”

  They walked back downstairs.

  Mia stopped and faced Denise. “You probably don’t know this, but you’re about to make a teenage girl’s wish come true.”

  They all said goodbye, and Mia floated toward the parking lot with Jesse. “So, what do you think?”

  “I feel like I’m going to wake up and find it was a dream,” he said. “Is this really happening?”

  “I don’t want to get my hopes up just yet,” said Mia, “but I think so. I think we’ve found a home for Kristi.”

  They stopped at Jesse’s car and faced each other.

  “Thank you, Mia.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  Jesse reached out and pulled her into an embrace.

  Mia held him too.

  He swept her hair away from her face and moved closer. His mouth met hers.

  They shared a kiss.

  It lasted only seconds.

  “I’m sorry.” He stepped back. “I didn’t want to do that. I mean, I wanted to, but I...I have to go.”

  Mia nodded.

  “It’s just that...I can’t stay,” he said.

  “I understand.”

  They stood there lost in the harsh reality that they wanted to be together, but their lives pulled them apart.

  Chapter 18

  Diane tossed a stick of butter in the mixer bowl in the kitchen inside Cupcakes on Main. It tumbled around through the beater.

  She reached for a pastry bag from the table and positioned it over an unfrosted cupcake on a tray.

  Mia led a young woman past her to the storefront and stopped at the shelves. “And here is where we keep the pastry boxes. As you can see, they’re different sizes. And the bags are over here.”

  The young woman nodded.

  “Let me show you how to use the cash register. I’m sure it’s no different from the one at your previous job.” Mia turned toward it.

  A man who looked like Jesse caught her attention from outside the shop. The joy burst inside her. How she missed him! The memory of the kiss they shared flashed through her mind.

  He turned toward the window. It wasn’t him.

  Mia’s heart sank.

  “Careful,” said Diane. “I’m coming through with cupcakes.” She exited the kitchen carrying a loaded tray.

  The bells on the front door chimed, and Denise entered the shop.

  “Hey, there, Denise,” said Mia. “I was going to call you in a few minutes about the meeting with the lawyer today.” Her voice trailed at the expression on Denise’s face.

  “Hi, Mia. Can I talk to you about something?”

  Mia’s stomach clenched. She wobbled out from behind the counter and met her in the seating area.

  “I have some bad news,” said Denise.

  “What is it?”

  “I don’t know how to tell you this, but my husband might be out of a job soon.”

  Mia froze.

  “The company he works for is closing their office here in Colorado and moving out-of-state. It’s happening at the end of the year.”

  “Oh.”

  “We’re thinking of going with them,” said Denise. “We don’t want to leave our home, but my husband needs a job.”

  “I see.”

  “We wanted to help Kristi more than you can imagine,” said Denise. “But it looks like we can’t anymore.”

  Mia couldn’t move. She struggled just to breathe.

  CHARITY’S LETTER LAY open on a table inside The Little Corner Bistro on Main Street.

  Mia sulked in a chair across from Caro Price.

  “I guess I got carried away with granting the wish,” said Mia. “I don’t think Charity meant for it to happen this way.”

  “I don’t think so either,” said Caro.

  “Instead of making life better for someone, I’ve complicated things.”

  “Yes,” said Caro. “I know what you mean.”

  “And now I don’t know what to do.”

  Caro shook her head. “Me neither.”

  Mia sighed. “Being a secret angel was so much easier when we were in high school.”

  Caro nodded.

  SITTING ON THE EDGE of her bed at Snowflake Inn, Mia gazed at the check that Charity gave her. “Oh, Charity,” she whispered. “I told you I was the wrong person to do this for you.” S
he gazed at her name. “I tried. I tried so hard. But I think I need to give this back.”

  The ringtone on her phone erupted. Jesse’s name filled the screen. Mia dropped the check on the bed and answered.

  “Mia,” he said, “they’re taking Kristi to Denver. A room opened for her at the foster care facility and...and they’re taking her.”

  Mia jumped to her feet.

  “I’m stuck here in Phoenix. I can’t be with her.” His voice wavered. “I wanted to be there when they took her away.”

  Mia reached for her shoulder bag. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Maneuvering through traffic, Mia drove past the speed limit. Her fingers gripped the steering wheel. Her heart raced faster than her car. Every second that passed felt like an eternity. She sped around a car parked on the street and came to a screeching halt at the curb in front of Home Sweet Home. She jumped outside, clamored to the front door and knocked.

  June let her inside the house.

  “Kristi?” Mia’s voice echoed through the hallway. The other bedrooms were already empty. She stopped in the doorway of Kristi’s room.

  Amy sat on the edge of the bed with Bella.

  Kristi dropped the sweater Jesse gave her for Christmas in her open suitcase. Tears streamed down her face. “Mia,” she said.

  Mia lunged forward and flung her arms around her. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.”

  Kristi’s chest heaved. “I don’t want to go. Don’t let them take me.”

  Mia squeezed her eyes shut to keep the tears from escaping.

  “Why is this happening?” said Kristi. “I prayed so hard. Why didn’t God answer my prayer?”

  “I don’t know,” said Mia. “But you’ll be okay. Everything will be okay.”

  MIA WAVED GOODBYE TO Kristi, who sat in the back seat of the caseworker’s car. She watched them pull away from the curb and drive away. And that was it. Kristi was gone. The chance to grant her wish was over.

  Mia’s body sank.

  Dazed, she dragged her feet to her car and climbed inside it. She sat there stunned.

  She started the engine and drove through side streets. The longing to go back in time pulled her to Jesse’s cabin on Bristlecone Lane. She stopped in front and gazed at the dark windows.

  The memories flowed through her mind of her experiences there—the snowball fight, carrying the Christmas tree inside, decorating it with the lights and ornaments, and Kristi opening her gifts.

  Mia tore her gaze away and kept driving until she arrived at Don’s office. The emotions that hindered her from facing him the last time no longer thundered inside her. She stepped out of the car and reached for Charity’s check in her shoulder bag. She gazed at it one last time and walked across the walkway.

  A For Rent sign hung in the window of the law firm.

  Mia bolted to the door and pulled on the handle, but it wouldn’t open. She peered inside the office. The furniture was gone.

  She turned and glanced all around the parking lot.

  CEDAR LANE PARK WAS less crowded today than usual. The Arctic chill that settled over Snowflake was probably to blame. Only a few lonely souls occupied the grounds.

  Mia wandered past the ornate gazebo and toward a redwood park bench. She dropped her weary body on it and sat there staring out at nothing. A million thoughts raced through her mind. And questions. She had so many questions.

  She lowered her head and closed her eyes. She wanted to pray but the words wouldn’t come. What more could she say anyway? Kristi said it all. “Why?” whispered Mia.

  Diane’s voice echoed through her mind from the day Mia told her that she wanted to close the shop and leave Snowflake. You can’t just give up. Not without a fight.

  Mia exhaled. “She’s right,” she said. “That’s what I’m doing. I’m giving up.” She raised her head. “It isn’t over yet. Is it?”

  Chapter 19

  Mia rushed to the counter inside the Sixth Street Bank. “I want to deposit this in my account,” she said to the teller. “I need to hurry.”

  The teller moved fast, and after she finished, Mia raced outside, jumped in her car and sped to the Mountain View Condos. She stumbled out in the parking lot, bounded across the walkway and rang the manager’s doorbell.

  The lock clicked, and the door opened.

  “Are any of the condos here for rent?” she asked.

  Now back at Snowflake Inn, Mia grabbed a handful of clothes that hung in the closet in her room. She draped them on the bed beside an open suitcase. She turned back for more and spotted the garment bag that held her wedding dress. Her body froze.

  She reached for it and unhooked it from the closet.

  Carrying the bag, she entered Main Street Bridal.

  “Mia,” said the owner, Christine. “What can I do for you?”

  “I know it’s probably too late to get a refund on my wedding dress, but could I sell it here on consignment?”

  “Oh, Mia,” said Christine. “I would be happy to do that for you.” She moved out from around the counter. “Let me look at it.” She took the garment bag and hung it on a rack. The sound of the zipper filled the air.

  Mia glanced around at the old familiar shop. The memories flashed through her mind of the day she was there with her mom and Diane trying on wedding dresses. Their voices and laughter echoed.

  MIA DRAGGED HER SUITCASE down the stairs at Snowflake Inn.

  Ursula watched from the foot of the staircase. “I can’t believe you’re leaving. We’ll miss seeing you here every day.”

  “I’ll miss seeing you too,” said Mia.

  “Come back and visit often.”

  “I will.”

  Henri entered the building through the front door. “Let me take that for you.” He reached for the suitcase.

  “That’s okay,” said Mia. “It isn’t heavy, and you’ve helped me so much already. I need to go.” She stopped at the door. “Thank you both for everything.” She gave them each a hug. “Have a Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas to you!” said Ursula.

  Mia rushed outside and into her new life.

  “ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT to do this?” asked Diane.

  “I’m sure.” Traffic cleared on Main Street, and Mia stepped off the curb in front of Cupcakes on Main. She crossed the street toward Sheila’s Gourmet Chocolates carrying a pastry box.

  Diane followed holding a box of her own.

  They reached the sidewalk and stepped through the front door.

  Sheila’s eyes widened at the sight of them. She strolled toward them with her high-heeled shoes click-clacking on the floor. “What a surprise. What brings you here?”

  “We came to wish you a Merry Christmas,” said Mia.

  Sheila raised her eyebrows. “You did?”

  “And we brought you some of our Christmas cupcakes.” Mia handed her the box in her arms.

  “And a few of our other flavors.” Diane gave her the box she held. “Merry Christmas.”

  Sheila watched them with a bewildered look. “Thank you,” she said. “Merry Christmas to you.”

  “And,” said Mia, “we would like to buy some of your chocolates. We hear your new flavors are delicious.”

  “Oh?” said Sheila. “What kind would you like?”

  “The kind with mulch in it,” said Diane.

  Mia nudged her with her elbow.

  “I mean pine tree needles,” said Diane.

  Mia rolled her eyes. “We’ll have whatever flavor you suggest.”

  Sheila’s face beamed. “Okay then. Right this way.”

  Chapter 20

  The butterflies fluttered inside Mia’s stomach so hard she had to take a deep breath to calm them. She turned the knob and pulled the door open.

  Jesse stood on the doorstep looking more handsome than she remembered, and it had only been a few days since she saw him. She threw her arms around him without giving it a second thought. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’v
e missed you too.” He pulled her closer.

  Being in his arms was so delightful, Mia didn’t want to let go but she had to. The hands of time wouldn’t stop turning. She stepped back and glanced over Jesse’s shoulder. “Where’s Kristi?”

  “I dropped her off at Amy’s house. Her parents are going to the Christmas Eve service. They’ll meet us there, and Kristi said she wants to sit with you at church.”

  Mia’s heart warmed. “I can’t wait.” She shut the door.

  Jesse glanced around the room. “Who lives here?”

  “I do.”

  He jerked his head back. “Since when?”

  “Since yesterday. Have a look around.”

  Jesse stepped further inside and glanced at everything—the living room, the kitchen and the sliding glass door. The Rocky Mountains stood in the distance in all their glory. “What an amazing view.”

  “I agree,” said Mia. “I love it.”

  He turned and faced her. “How did this happen?”

  “I decided it was time to find a new place to live.”

  “Congratulations,” he said still looking stunned.

  A tiny bell jingled. A familiar Snowshoe Siamese sauntered out of Mia’s bedroom.

  Jesse’s eyes widened. “Bella?”

  Mia nodded. “June let me adopt her.”

  Bella rubbed against Jesse’s leg.

  He leaned over and petted her. “Hey, girl. How have you been? I thought I would never see you again.”

  Loud purrs filled the air.

  “Kristi will be so happy.” Jesse stood up tall. The shock and confusion lingered on his face.

  “You seem surprised.”

  “I am,” he said. “What happened to wanting to leave Snowflake?”

  “I changed my mind.”

  “You did?”

  Mia nodded. “I decided this is where I want to be.” She turned. “And if you’ll notice, I have an extra bedroom.” She held her arm out toward a second door.