by Angela Drake
“We figured you had your reasons. You’d tell us when the time was right.”
“The two of you have been so good to me over the years.”
“You and Debbie did the best with the hand you’d been dealt. Bill and I are proud of the way you handled things.”
Stephanie turned and hugged Betty. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She caught sight of the clock over past the woman’s shoulder. “Goodness, look at the time! We need to get to the church. Kim, the shoes you were looking for are in the box on my bed.”
“Can we help with anything?”
“Pop, would you mind making sure the back door is locked? Betty, I’ll send Max down with Kim if you’d give her a hand getting his coat on. I just need to make a quick call.”
* * *
Thorncrown Chapel opened up the world to guests filing into the woodland church. Brendan paced the native stone path leading from the parking lot to the secluded sanctuary. In a few minutes he would be handing the care of his eldest daughter to someone else. The thought made him smile. Jennifer had proven a long time ago she could take care of herself. David would have his hands full.
“So do I.” He wasn’t sure how, but he intended to convince Stephanie to marry him. Over the past few weeks he and David had put their heads together over designs for a new theatre. He couldn’t leave the road completely but with Branson as a more permanent venue he would have more control over the time he had with Kim and Max, as well as Stephanie if she would let him.
“How do I look, Dad?”
Lost in thought, he hadn’t noticed Jennifer come down the path. His eyes misted at the woman standing in front of him.
Her chestnut hair had been styled atop her head with a long curl down either side of her face, just visible beneath the edge of the simple, yet elegant veil. She had chosen the perfect gown for a late December wedding. Heavy satin with sleeves just touching the elbows, meeting matching long gloves. She carried her bouquet in one hand. Two red roses representing her and David stood just above five white roses, one for each year they had been together. She lifted the hem of her dress with her other hand to display white boots that came just above her ankles, the white laces tagged with what looked like pom poms for snowballs. The white fur stole draped over her shoulders finished the snow princess bride effect.
“Absolutely beautiful, sweetheart.” He kissed her cheek “Thorncrown in November? Really? You do know the Crescent has a great venue for weddings, right?” He hoped his teasing would alleviate some of the nerves she had to be feeling.
“They’re calling for more snow that will add to the blessing this chapel has to offer.”
“If you’re sure, shall we?”
She slipped her hand in the crook of his arm as one of the ushers opened the wooden doors. One step at a time, they walked towards the front of the gathering. At the altar, David smiled and he felt Jennifer’s death grip on his arm relax. She was going to be fine.
“Bedan! Mommy, Bedan!” Max’s voice rang above the soft music from the sound system.
A wave of laughter rippled through the congregation. Everyone settled down as Brendan handed Jennifer over to the groom then took his place in the first pew next to his parents. Stephanie and the kids sat on the other side of them. Max wasted little time in crawling across the group to sit on his lap. Glancing quickly at Steph, Brendan saw her nod of approval.
As the minister opened the ceremony a light snow began to fall, giving the chapel the effect of being in a snow globe. The tiny sparklers fell through the sun’s rays all around the exterior of the glass enclosure, capturing the attention of the gathering for a few moments as they watched in awe of nature’s beauty. David and Jennifer couldn’t have asked for a more perfect accompaniment to their union. Brendan glanced at Stephanie just as she turned to look at him. She smiled hesitantly as she swiped at a tear on her cheek with her fingertips. He hoped they were happy tears.
As the ceremony concluded, he attempted to hand the boy back to her.
“Go with Bedan, Mom. Pease?”
“He has to help Jennifer, sweetie. We’ll see him at the hotel.”
Brendan sensed protest from his little buddy. “He’s fine, Stephanie. If you’re okay, that is?”
“We’ll keep an eye on him and Kimberly, honey.” Bill gave her hand a squeeze.
“All right. I need to gather Jennifer’s things and take them to the car. I’ll meet you at the reception.”
* * *
The Crystal Room overflowed with well-wishers. Waiters carrying large silver trays bearing flutes of champagne gracefully made their way through the crowd. The gift table replaced the pumpkins and cornstalks of Halloween. In one corner sat the wedding cake of Jennifer’s dreams.
Four graduating tiers of elegance graced the center of the table. Smooth white icing covered each layer as a base for the Victorian-inspired ornate décor. The base was decorated in white flourishes and white chocolate snowflakes in varying sizes and barely a shade darker than the coating, seemed to be swirl around the cake’s background. The swirling snowflakes appeared to blow up to the next tear, surrounding an ornate oval frame of white holly leaves. Inside the frame was an edible print of David and Jennifer’s engagement picture taken in the Crescent garden. The next tear replicated the bottom but with smaller snowflakes as did the anniversary tier. The very top, Jennifer’s bouquet had been duplicated in chocolate, right down to the trailing of holly leave and berries down the full length of the cake for a pop of color.
Jennifer had worked with the resident pastry chef to take the cake from her sketches to his talented fingers. She had been adamant that not a single bit of fondant be on the cake. She had also ordered one hundred chocolate cake pops, dipped in white chocolate then drizzled with red icing.
Somehow Stephanie had to keep an eye on Max or he would be going to bed with a tummy ache and she didn’t want Kim to have to deal with that or call Marge in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve. When Jennifer said she wanted to get married on Christmas Eve, Stephanie had risen to the task on her busiest night of the year.
While the reception would continue without her, Stephanie had someplace to be. As inviting as the crowd of partiers filling the dance floor appeared, she would have to enjoy someone else’s in the New Year. Checking her watch, she realized she would have just enough time to drop the kids off before she and Santa would begin their rounds.
“Mom, can we go for pizza with Granny and Pop?” Kimberly came running up to her in stocking feet, having given up the shoes as soon as they’d entered the ballroom. Brendan’s parents were close on her heels with Max walking between them.
Stephanie smiled at the sight of her children with grandparents. She admired the Keanes. The couple seemed to still be deeply in love. Not just content but truly happy, as if they had never left their honeymoon. Regardless of what happened between her and Brendan, Stephanie knew these people would always be family.
“I guess so.” Remember, straight to bed when you get home. Marge is just down the street if you need anything.” She crouched down to Max’s level. “You mind your sister if you want Santa to come tonight.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll stay with the children, Stephanie. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Are you sure, Betty?”
“Absolutely. I don’t mean to invite ourselves but we’d like to be there when they wake up on Christmas morning.”
Stephanie felt the tears pooling as she gave Betty a hug, whispering against her ear as she did so. “We are so blessed to have you in our lives, no matter what happens.”
When she stepped back, she saw tears in the woman’s eyes but a smile shone bright.
“That’s settled then.” Bill scooped Max up into his arms. “Ready for pizza, buddy?”
“Pizza!”
“Kim knows where the key is hidden. There’s a guest room at the end of the hall on their floor. Make yourselves at home.” She turned to Kim. “You two behave. I will try not to be to
o late.”
“We’ll be fine Mom. See you in the morning.” Kimberly reached up to give her a quick kiss to the cheek then took hold of Betty’s hand. “I know the best place for pizza but we’ll have to order it from the lobby. We can’t go in the Sky Bar.”
Stephanie heard her daughter still giving instructions as they left the ballroom. After they had gone, she went in search of the bride and groom to let them know she was leaving.
* * *
“You make an appealing elf.”
Coming from the bathroom off Jennifer’s office, Stephanie froze. In the middle of the room stood St. Nicholas. Unlike her Santa’s of the past, this one appeared a little taller and leaner. Rich brown eyes behind glassless spectacles danced with mischievous mirth.
“What are you doing here?” Her fingers shook as she attempted to pin her hair back.
“Why, it’s Christmas Eve little lady.” His voice was a poor Santa imitation as he spoke matter-of-factly. “We have presents to deliver.”
“A date in a restaurant full of people was one thing. But if you think I’m going riding through the woods alone with you in the dark, you’re loony!”
“What are you afraid of, angel?” He dropped the beard from his chin and removed the spectacles. The man held the powers of a wizard in those eyes.
“Of being hurt; my children being hurt.” Her voice wavered in her own ears. “I know you say you have a plan and I’m trying to give you the time you asked for but I don’t think I’ll ever get over you. I’m resolved to that, but I won’t let our front door revolve around your comings and goings.”
“What if I said you were right?”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve been drinking.”
“There’s nothing more sobering than realizing you’ve lost all that’s important.”
She couldn’t allow the sweetest eyes she’d ever known seduce her. Not tonight, not ever. Like most every other woman in the world, she was addicted to chocolate and his brown eyes were of the richest temptation. Chocolate was her weakness… and so was Brendan Keane. A tap at the door broke the spell and she stepped back as the door opened.
“Hey you two.” Jennifer stepped inside. “I’m melting in this gown. I need to change clothes. Stephanie can you give me a hand before you leave? I can’t find a single bridal party member anywhere in that crowd.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll wait for you downstairs. The sleigh is loaded and ready.”
Families, children were counting on her. She would not let them down and he knew it. Besides, at this late hour they would need the magic of Santa to make all of the stops and be home before daylight. She had no choice.
“Put your beard back in place, Santa. We have work to do. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Specks of glittering crystals captured by the moonlight danced across their path. There had been several years when they’d had to use the carriages. This year enough snow had fallen, blessing them with the ability to use the sled. A pair of buckskin mares pulled the heavy-laden vehicle with ease over the snowy roads and more continued to fall.
Christmas carols replaced their previous serious conversation. As they drove through the winter wonderland, Stephanie knew even if things didn’t work out, she would never forget this holiday in all its ups and downs. This Christmas season held a new sparkle because of Brendan’s presence.
She snuggled deeper into the heavy quilts and fur robe that kept them warm. With the full moon and two large coach lanterns to guide them through the night, she directed Santa in the turns and stops.
Each house brought her face to face with a reality. Nothing in her life compared to what these people experienced every day. Despite the lack of necessities, each family gave something in return. Some gave cherished personal items. Others shyly handed gifts they had made. Regardless of the origin, she knew each one came with the true spirit of the season. Love.
At every stop, Brendan got out first then grasped her around the waist and helped her down. Each time she found herself within kissing distance and each time, the spell was broken as the residents would open their door, calling them to come in.
At the last stop, Brendan helped her into the sleigh. After tucking the quilts tightly around her, he climbed in from the other side then pulled her close as he snapped the reins, setting the horses into motion. With the last of the presents delivered, she could go home to her own family.
“Brendan?”
“Hmm?”
“You said earlier about losing the important things in your life. What did you mean?”
“I’m leaving the road, Stephanie. You and the children are more important to me. I can’t give you all the details just yet, but please, trust me when I say everything is going to work out.”
A ray of hope tickled her senses. “I thought you said you had to tour?”
“I’ve spent the last thirteen years with a big hole, right here.” He pointed to where his heart lay beneath the padding. “One look at you that night on the balcony and I felt the hole shrink. Finding out Kimberly is my daughter put the last stitch in place.”
“What will you do? You said touring was your life.”
“A wise woman pointed out that my life is performing. Touring is a vehicle so I need a new mode of transportation.”
“What does that mean? That you’re not going to tour?”
“Has the cold numbed your brain, woman? I’m not going anywhere.” Kissing her on the tip of her nose then continued. “So what can Santa bring you for Christmas?”
“I would like peace on earth, good will towards men.”
“Anything else?”
“Oh… maybe a tiny box about like this.” She demonstrated the size with her fingers. “The box would fit nicely in my stocking.”
“Would it now?” He chuckled in amusement and pulled into a copse of trees on the outskirts of town and stopped the team.
“I have an early Christmas gift for you. After the Silver Dollar City project is complete, David is going to design and oversee the construction of my new theater.”
“That’s wonderful.” Her squeal pierced the crisp air as she flung her arms around his neck. Her delight was momentary. He felt her still, then draw back.
“Where does that put us? I have to know, Brendan. I never stopped loving you and I never will.”
Cupper her face in his hands, he drew her to him. Maybe I didn’t do all the things I should have, angel. I was never there for you.” He used his mitten-covered thumb to brush the tears from her cheeks. “I know you wanted to hear ‘I love you’.”
Laying a finger to her lips, he silenced her. “Despite all of that sweetheart, you were always on my mind. I love you and I don’t want to be without you.”
When he gathered her in his arms, her lips trembled as they found his. As snowflakes whispered through the branches above them Brendan felt a completeness he knew she had wanted from him so long ago and knew she felt the same.
* * *
“Bedan!”
Brendan’s dad carried the boy downstairs and put him down at the bottom step.
Max propelled himself into his buddy’s waiting arms. Sitting on the rug in front of the fire place he felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the burning logs. Arriving home just before dawn, he and Stephanie sat talking, until they’d fallen asleep against one another on the sofa.
“Merry Christmas, buddy.” He settled the child into the crook of his arm. “Where’s your sister?”
“I’m here, Dad. You’re here early.” Kimberly came into the room wearing the white pajamas with the Santa and sleigh pattern Stephanie had put on her bed before they had left for the church. Another tradition was that each of them received new pajamas to wear to bed on Christmas Eve. Max’s were the same pattern but in red.
“I wasn’t going to miss our first Christmas together. Besides, I have a gift for your mom that couldn’t wait.”
“For me?” Her look of surprise made him smile.
>
“Kim, get her stocking, please?”
Taking the stocking from her daughter, she eyed him quizzically.
“Dump it out, angel.”
Among the candy and gaily-wrapped trinkets scattered on the floor lay a small, blue velvet box. He watched anxiously, her fingers trembling as she picked up the box she had described to him last night. She had not known at the time his dad was adding the gift to her stocking.
Brendan slid Max off his lap then took the box from her as he raised onto one knee. Lifting the lid, he held the open box in front of her. The diamond within danced in the firelight.
“Stephanie, will you do me the honor?”
He watched the tears spill down her cheeks as in a choked whisper, she uttered the dearest words he would ever hear.
“I will.”
Epilogue
One Year Later
“What are you thinking about, Mrs. Keane?”
Brendan’s voice came as a soft whisper from behind her as he stroked a path down the back of her black velvet dress before encircling her waist. Snuggling against him, she rested her head on his shoulder, gazing at the twinkling tree lights.
“How much has happened in the past year. Everything moved so quickly.”
“I know.” He nibbled on her ear and a giggle bubbled within her. He made her feel so young. She and Brendan had married on Valentine’s Day. She had given him a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Inside, on top of the confections, she had placed a note, informing him he was going to be a dad again.
“When I stepped out onto the patio of the Crescent Hotel at the gala that night, I never imagined that I would be married, have three children including our son and I’m about to become a grandfather.”
“A very handsome one, I might add.” Reaching up, she stroked his cheek. Accepting the invitation he bent to nuzzle her neck. She felt her knees weaken. Succumbing to the passion that engulfed her, she turned to slide her arms around his neck. Standing on tip toe, she kissed him.
