A Child's Christmas (Mills & Boon Heartwarming)

by Kate James

  But occasionally stubbornness, especially combined with her almost limitless optimism, could be a strength. It meant that she wouldn’t give up, regardless of how daunting the odds might be.

  She was determined that they’d beat Jason’s illness, whatever it took. But she had challenges. Big ones. Not the least of which was money. With her health-care plan’s specific exclusion of experimental treatments and limitations on other benefits, she didn’t know how she’d find the money for Jason’s ongoing treatments, as well as surgery, if they went that route. But she’d do it. Even if it meant appealing to Mark. She’d swallow all her pride, if she had to, in the interests of Jason’s welfare.

  She and Mark had cut their ties cleanly and completely, because she needed sole legal custody of Jason to be able to do what she considered best for him. Mark couldn’t handle what lay ahead for Jason, and as a consequence, he’d withdrawn totally from their lives. They hadn’t had any contact since the legal documents were signed four years ago, to the point that she had no idea where he was living.

  It saddened her that two people who had loved each other and had a child together could lose all contact, but there didn’t seem to be any middle ground at the time. But regardless of what had happened between them, if she needed money for Jason, she would locate Mark and do whatever she had to do. As long as he didn’t think that if he gave her money, she’d have to do what he wanted.

  But first, she had a bigger question to answer.

  The risks associated with surgery were significant. She’d taken some time alone with Jason’s oncologist that morning to discuss them. She wanted to fully understand the facts and the options they had. She needed to know the unvarnished truth about Jason’s chances—with and without surgery. The information wasn’t encouraging. At this point, surgery wasn’t an option because the tumor was too large. The hope was that the experimental drug would shrink the tumor. If they then opted for the surgery, and Jason survived it, brain damage was an added risk due to the location and size of the tumor. Without surgery, he had months at best. There were a lot of ifs involved.

  She had to keep believing, despite the odds. She would not accept that this Christmas could be his last.

  She thought about Mark again and wondered what his reaction would be. She knew she should tell him what Jason was facing, but she didn’t think she could handle another heated argument about treatment options and the right one for her son.

  “Mom?” Jason’s voice was barely a whisper.

  She closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against his soft hair. “Yes, sweetie?”

  “When are you going to see Mr. Kinsley again?”

  Paige stilled. “Oh, I don’t know if I am.”

  Jason snuggled in a little closer and tilted his face up. “Why?”

  Her voice was gentle when she answered him. “We’ve been through this. He’s busy. And I have you.”

  “Did he say he’s busy?”

  “No. I just assume he must be. He’s got a very important job.”

  Jason seemed to consider this for a while. “I like him,” he finally said. “Maybe we could both see him.” The last sentence was slurred as he drifted into sleep again.

  Jason’s words brought to mind Daniel’s promise that the three of them would do something together. Daniel must’ve changed his mind, since he hadn’t mentioned it during their dinner.

  Jason was tired and feeling queasy the next morning. Paige kept him home from school, and Mrs. Bennett agreed to stay with him again so Paige wouldn’t have to take more time off work.

  “How is he?” Paige asked Mrs. Bennett when she got home.

  “Oh, he’s a little trooper.” Mrs. Bennett placed a hand over her ample bosom. “My heart just goes out to him. He’s resting now.”

  Paige pointed to a large envelope on the dining room table. “What’s that?”

  “Oh, it’s a card Jason made for Mr. Kinsley. Isn’t he clever? He even made the envelope out of his sketch paper, since you didn’t have one large enough.”

  Paige picked up the envelope. It was addressed in Jason’s neat, precise printing to Daniel at Lindstrom, Kinsley and McGuire. “How did Jason get the company name and address?”

  “As I said, he’s a clever lad. He found the information on the internet.”

  Paige pursed her lips. “Huh.” She turned the envelope over to pull out the card, but the back of the envelope had been glued shut. Feeling a little awkward, she put the envelope back on the table, thanked Mrs. Bennett again and saw her out.

  When Paige asked Jason about the card later that evening, he said only that it was to thank Mr. Kinsley for all the things he’d bought him.

  Paige put the appropriate amount of postage on the envelope, and they mailed it on their way to Jason’s school the next morning.

  *

  “WHAT’S THIS?” DANIEL asked when Selena handed him a large homemade envelope.

  “Since I obviously haven’t opened it, I don’t know. But it doesn’t seem to be business-related, so I thought you might want to do the honors.”

  Daniel slid his letter opener under the flap of the envelope and neatly sliced it open. He removed the folded sheet of cardboard with the colorful painting on the front. He didn’t have to read the inside to know it was from Jason. The painting was distinctly his and beautifully executed. Daniel had a hard time believing a seven-year-old had painted it.

  It was a Christmas-themed picture. A couple sat on a sofa, a Christmas tree glowing behind them, and a young boy knelt on the floor, playing with a train set. The blonde woman was laughing and the dark-haired man had one hand resting on the boy’s shoulder. There was a broad smile on the boy’s face.

  Daniel easily recognized Paige’s living room, and there was no doubt that the woman, man and child were the three of them. The kid had captured them well.

  With the card still in his hand, he abruptly swung his chair around. He stared at the Norman Rockwell–like billboard. Somehow—in comparison to Jason’s painting—the billboard family struck him as artificial and stilted, their smiles forced.

  He looked down at Jason’s work again. The three of them seemed completely at ease with one another. Daniel scrutinized his own likeness more closely. He appeared relaxed, comfortable. Genuinely happy. Was that how the kid had seen him?

  An uneasy feeling crept through him as he continued to stare at the painting. He had never imagined himself married and with a family; he was not a picket-fence type of guy. It already worried him that he was developing a soft spot for Paige—not to mention her son—and in such a ridiculously short time. But in Jason’s painting, he looked disconcertingly right, as if he belonged there. They looked right together.

  He opened the card. Jason’s careful handwriting flowed across the page.

  Mr. Kinsley,

  Thank you for everything you did for Mom and me, for all the gifts and for sharing Christmas with us. It was fun.

  Mom works really hard, and she worries about me even if she tries not to show it. At Christmas, you made her forget to worry. You made her happy. You made me happy. I hope you were happy, too.

  I made this painting for you so you can remember how much fun we had.

  I hope we see you again soon.

  Jason Summerville

  P.S. Just so you know, Mom makes the absolute best mac and cheese in the world! You should ask her to make it for you sometime.

  Daniel swung around and stared at the billboard again, then down at Jason’s card. One image was stiff and contrived, the other relaxed and natural. A few days ago, he’d thought nobody lived like the family in the billboard picture. He’d always focused on the negatives in relationships; it was the nature of his life. Intellectually, he knew there were just as many happy marriages. Paige’s parents were one example, and he guessed Paige’s own marriage was probably like that, too. Until her husband died.

  Wasn’t life about taking chances?

  He might have to find an opportunity to try Paige’s mac and
cheese. After all, hadn’t he promised Paige a date for the three of them?

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “I’LL GET IT, MOM.” Jason answered the phone, and his face lit up as he greeted the caller. Paige dried her hands on the dish towel and headed toward him. She paused midway, as the call appeared to be for him. Whoever it was certainly knew how to put a smile on Jason’s face.

  “Yeah. It’s really cool...Yes, thank you so much...Uh-huh. No, I just drew it from memory...Aw, thanks!...Uh-uh...Okay.” He held the phone away from his ear and called, “Mooom, it’s for you.”

  “Who is it?” she asked, surprised that it was for her.

  Jason handed her the phone, grinning. “You’ll see!”

  Paige took the receiver.

  “How are you, Paige?”

  “Daniel?” Jason was bouncing from foot to foot beside her, hanging on her every word. “Hold on a minute, please,” she said before covering the mouthpiece. “Jason, either sit down or go to your room.”

  “He’s gonna ask you out again, Mom. I know it!” Jason whispered.

  It was hard not to get caught up in Jason’s enthusiasm. Where did this giddy schoolgirl excitement of hers come from? She tried to keep her face from showing any emotion and pointed toward Jason’s room. “Go, please.” She could hardly keep from laughing when he did a little dance, followed by a butt wiggle just before he went through his door. She smiled, shook her head.

  “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Daniel.” She knew her voice was much warmer than it had been when she’d first taken the call.

  “I’d like to follow up on our agreement. How would you and Jason like to see a show tomorrow? Jason can pick the movie. The new Disney movie is playing at the Camden Falls Cinema, if he’s interested in that sort of thing. It’s getting great reviews.”

  Paige plopped down on the sofa, opened her mouth, then closed it again. He hadn’t forgotten his promise.

  “Paige?”

  “Yes. Sorry, I’m here.”

  “How about it? We could see the New Year’s Eve matinee.”

  “Um, sure. I know he’d love it. That’s very nice of you.”

  “Don’t say that too fast. There’s a condition.”

  “A condition?”

  “Jason and I discussed it, and we hope you’re okay with it, as it’s nonnegotiable. You have to make us your famous mac and cheese for dinner afterward.”

  “How did you...?” She chuckled. “Never mind. Jason told you. I accept the condition. What time should we be ready?”

  Before Daniel had a chance to respond, an excited “Yesssss!” emanated from Jason’s room.

  Paige was laughing when she spoke into the phone again. “I guess it’s a date.”

  *

  IT WAS NEW Year’s Eve day. Daniel was taking them to a matinee, and she was making dinner afterward.

  Jason had agreed enthusiastically with Daniel’s suggestion of the Disney film.

  All Jason had talked about since the call the day before was seeing the movie with Daniel. Paige couldn’t deny that she shared Jason’s excitement. In her case, it had less to do with the movie and more to do with seeing Daniel.

  In the morning, she did all the shopping for their dinner. With Jason’s help, she prepared everything she could in advance. When they returned from the movie, she’d only have to put the casserole in the oven, warm up the garlic bread and put together their salad. She still couldn’t believe that the second meal she’d be cooking for Daniel was mac and cheese, but he’d insisted.

  She’d picked up some sparkling grape juice so they could toast the new year. She’d splurged on a couple of small party favors, too. Jason loved the kind that you blew into, and they whistled while the coiled-up plastic strip shot out. She was looking forward to celebrating New Year’s and hoped fervently it would be a good one for Jason.

  *

  DANIEL ARRIVED PRECISELY at three. He wore dark jeans, a slate-blue crewneck sweater and his leather bomber jacket. Paige was dressed similarly in her faded jeans, the beautiful lilac sweater Daniel had given her for Christmas and a ski jacket. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Her skin had a youthful, healthy glow.

  Jason was wearing his Patriots jacket and cap. Daniel made a big deal of it, causing the boy to strut around proudly.

  At the theatre, Daniel bought them buttered popcorn and sodas. After much affable debate, they decided to sit in the middle of the front row on the upper tier. This gave them a great view, unobstructed for Jason, and Daniel could still stretch out his legs. After a little more debate, Jason won out on the seating arrangement, which resulted in Daniel sitting in the middle.

  The movie had barely begun when Jason glanced over at him.

  Daniel held out the bag of popcorn. “Would you like some more?”

  “Thanks.” Jason reached in and took a large handful, but he continued to watch Daniel.

  Daniel leaned over and whispered in Jason’s ear. “Don’t you like the movie?”

  “The movie’s great!”

  “Then what’s up?”

  Jason snuck a peek at his mother, then held a forefinger to his lips. “Shh.”

  Daniel lowered his voice even further. “Now will you tell me what’s on your mind?”

  “Okay,” Jason murmured. “But it’s a secret.”

  Daniel gave him a solemn nod, and crossed his heart with his forefinger. Jason giggled. Paige looked over at the sound and smiled at her son trying to stifle his laughter. Daniel maintained an expression of pure innocence until Paige turned away. “You nearly blew it there, pal. So, go ahead. Spill the beans.”

  “This is kind of like a date, right? You and Mom? I just happen to be along?”

  Daniel responded with a cautious, “Uh-huh.”

  “So, we’re sitting here in a dark theater...”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Jason rolled his eyes. “Do I have to tell you everything?”

  Daniel’s lips twitched, but he held back his grin. “It might be best if you did.”

  Jason leaned in a little closer and whispered conspiratorially. “Shouldn’t you be holding Mom’s hand or something, like the guys do in movies?”

  Daniel stared down at Jason. The light from the movie screen flickered, casting him in alternating brightness and shadow, but there was no denying the eagerness on his face. “Pretty smart, aren’t you?”

  Jason grinned. “Yup, that’s what my teacher told Mom. Now, are you going to hold her hand or what?”

  “In my own time, pal.” With mock seriousness, he nodded. “These things can’t be rushed.”

  Good to know, Daniel thought, turning back to the screen. Jason had made it clear that he wouldn’t have any concerns if a relationship developed between Daniel and his mother. On the contrary, Jason seemed to be all for it. It was hard to concentrate on the movie, with Jason’s frequent surreptitious glances and his own thoughts about Paige.

  When she put her soft drink container in the cup holder on her armrest, Daniel saw his opportunity. Shifting the bag of popcorn, he reached over the armrest, placed his hand on Paige’s and closed his fingers around hers. He felt a slight jolt from her, but she didn’t withdraw her hand. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning, and he smiled reassuringly.

  Hesitantly, she smiled back and turned her hand over, linking her fingers with his.

  A few minutes later, out of the corner of his eye, Daniel saw Jason wriggle in his seat. The kid had a huge grin on his face and gave him a thumbs-up. Clearly, he approved.

  *

  IT WAS DUSK when they left the theater. They strolled to the town square in front of city hall to have a final look at the enormous Christmas tree that would be dismantled soon. Daniel bought them roasted chestnuts, and Jason fed some to the ever-present squirrels.

  As they meandered along the paths blanketed with snow, Jason scooted out from between them to Daniel’s other side. When Jason yanked on his sleeve, Daniel glanced down. Jason made a comical gesture—holding one hand in
the other—and grinned. Daniel had to laugh. He’d never needed a seven-year-old matchmaker before, but the kid had another good idea. He clasped Paige’s hand. She pulled it away and looked over at Jason. Seeing him peering at her, a grin on his face, she gazed back at Daniel, who shrugged and reached for her hand again. This time she curled her fingers around his.

  Hand in hand, they walked back to Daniel’s car and piled in. At Paige’s building, he let them off at the front door and went to park.

  *

  WHEN PAIGE OPENED the apartment door for Daniel, he handed her a brown paper bag and said, “For later.”

  Paige pulled out a bottle of Dom Pérignon. She had an idea how much real champagne cost. “Thank you. This will put the sparkling grape juice I bought to shame. Come in and make yourself comfortable while I stick this in the fridge.”

  With her preparations complete and twenty more minutes to go before the pasta was ready, they moved to the living room. Giving Jason the option of what game he wanted to play, he opted for Go Fish. Neither Paige nor Daniel intended to lose, yet Jason walloped them.

  When the stove timer chimed, Paige threw down her cards good naturedly. “Saved by the bell! Let’s go eat.”

  Dinner conversation centered mostly on Jason, his art and schoolwork. Jason told Daniel about his desire to become an architect when he grew up, but he also questioned Daniel about his job. After dessert, Jason and Daniel helped clear the table, but Paige insisted that the dishes be left until morning.

  As it was nearing nine o’clock, Jason changed into his pajamas, and they moved to the living room to watch Rudolph’s Shiny New Year on television. It was another of his favorite holiday shows. Jason was wrapped in a throw and cocooned on the sofa between Paige and Daniel. He managed to stay awake for the entire program, but by the end, he was yawning incessantly and couldn’t keep his eyes open. As the credits rolled, Paige was about to lift him into her arms. Daniel tapped her shoulder. “May I do it?”