Noelle's Christmas Wedding: Christian Contemporary Christmas Romance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 1)

by Bonnie Engstrom

  She desperately wanted to leave the table for the restroom, but she didn’t want to leave Mom alone to deal with this horrible woman. How had she ever thought she could accept her lovingly as a mother-in-law?

  Just then Mom raised her hand in greeting to someone behind Noelle. She winked quickly at Noelle and rose with an “Excuse me. See a friend.”

  Gladys didn’t bat an eye, just kept telling Noelle about Clay’s wonderful new job – traveling salesman for a noted pharmaceutical company. Like Noelle cared. She did have a fleeting thought, though, about how accessible drugs would be to him.

  Mom had been gone a few minutes. Where was she? Suddenly, she heard soft laughter behind her. Mom’s voice and a male’s.

  Kerstin rounded the table with her hand tucked into Braydon’s elbow. What?

  “Braydon asked if he might join us, dear. Wasn’t that sweet of him?” Kerstin’s smile was a tad devilish, and Braydon bent toward Noelle’s cheek to give it a peck.

  “Oh!” Noelle was sure she blushed. Maybe that was a good thing in this circumstance. She had to hold in a giggle when she realized Gladys was finally winding down.

  “I see you’ve moved on, too.” The obnoxious woman slitted her eyes and peered boldly at Braydon. “Who is this?”

  “This is my friend Braydon Lovejoy.” Noelle had finally found her voice, and was she having fun! “He owns Love In Bloom Floral Shop in Corona del Mar.”

  Braydon stepped forward and took Gladys’ hand planting a lip-touch on its back. “So very pleased to meet you, Madam.” He smiled that wonderful smile that lit up his face. “I believe it was you who requested Calla Lilies for Noelle’s former” he paused very briefly, “event.”

  Gladys nodded, her face chalk white, just like the lilies she had wanted Noelle to carry as a bride. “Yes,” she whispered. “Me.”

  “I still have them on order from a purveyor in Central America. If you still want them for any other special occasion, please let me know. They are quite expensive, but I am sure that is not an issue with you.”

  He bowed slightly and reached over to pull out the chair Gladys was standing behind. “May I escort you to your table?”

  “No, thanks. My friends are waiting for me. Nice to meetcha,” she slurred. Had she had too much pre-lunch wine, or was she just upset? Noelle, Kerstin and Braydon watched her march off into the inside dining area. Maybe she did have friends waiting for her, or maybe she didn’t.

  Chapter Eight

  Before the three had a chance to look at each other, the server appeared with three cups of bisque. He looked at Braydon. “I hope I did the right thing, Sir. You always order it.”

  “Yes, perfect. Thank you, Kevin.” He paused. “I’ll have whatever the ladies are having.”

  “Certainly, Sir. They are also having your favorite salad.” The server turned away with a grin and an over the shoulder thumbs up.

  The three of them laughed. It felt so good. But, Noelle had to know.

  “What happened here? I mean how did this happen?”

  Kerstin went first. “I was praying desperately for a way to get out of the Gladys situation. Then, I saw Braydon. I sensed he is a kind man and an understanding one. Maybe a Christian, too?” She looked toward Braydon, and he nodded enthusiastically. “Since we had met this morning at a random garage sale … well, you know I believe in God’s divine intervention.” She paused to place a hand on her throat. To suppress a giggle? “I just went for it, as you young people say.”

  Braydon reached to clasp both of their hands. His grin challenged the Cheshire Cat. He was obviously happy.

  “Kerstin, may I call you that?” He squeezed her fingers lightly and she had her turn to grin. “You gave me the perfect opening to ask Noelle for a date. But, more than that, you trusted me. Thank you for that.”

  Noelle saw Mom’s eyes fill with moisture.

  “I will never betray your trust. Not in me as a man, nor as a friend to Noelle and you. I promise.”

  Noelle blinked back tears. This was a special man. Not a man who would deceive her or hurt her. Dabbing her eyes with her napkin, she rested her hands on her lap. Still, curiosity overcame her. Must be the teacher in her.

  “Now,” Noelle said, “I want to find out how this all happened. Like, where did you get your courage, Mom, your inspiration? And, Braydon, what did Mom say to you to convince you to participate in this fiasco? And, how does the waiter know you and what you eat?” So many questions. She wanted answers.

  “What I said …” She nodded to have Braydon take over. She had gone beyond her limits to silence Gladys. Then, Braydon appeared out of the blue, and she jumped on the opportunity without thinking. Just reacting.

  “Your mother,” he turned to smile at Kerstin, “was brave. And, she trusted the Lord, and me. Thank you, Kerstin.”

  Her head bowed. “Yes, I did get very brave. I had only met Braydon this morning, but I had a sense about him. Not only could he be trusted, but he and you,” she turned to Noelle, “had electricity between you.” She looked her daughter in the eyes. “I saw your hands shaking as we were driving away after you saw Braydon. I knew in my heart there was a connection between you. Maybe the ‘right’ one, the one I’ve been praying for.”

  “Mom!” Noelle was mortified that her mother was so blunt. “Puh-leese. You’re embarrassing me. My hands were shaking because of the rental car, not being used to driving it.”

  “Oh, shush. I saw the way you two looked at each other.” Kerstin waved a dismissive hand in the air.

  Noelle felt heat rush to her cheeks. Sometimes Mom could be so direct. Usually, she liked the fact that Mom held no punches, told things the way she saw them, and was super honest. But, why now? She composed herself, but before digging into her luscious looking soup pressed on.

  “But, Mom,” she glared pointedly at Kerstin, “what did you say to Braydon to make him come to our table and act so conciliatory? I know he’s a gentleman, but you must have coerced him to portray ‘friend.’”

  “Well,” she said, head held high this time. “I took charge. Away from that despicable Gladys.

  When I noticed Braydon coming into the patio, I ran up to him and reintroduced myself. He didn’t need a reminder. I told him who Gladys was, briefly whose mother she is, and I needed help. When he saw it was you being badgered by her, he immediately took action. Gentlemanliness took over.” Her smile toward Braydon glowed. “Thank you.”

  Braydon grabbed Noelle’s hand and laughed heartily. He gave it a squeeze, then reached for Kerstin’s hand. “I am sorry you both had to go through so much drama, but I am very glad I was here to partake in the fun.” He hesitated. All their crab salads had just been placed before them.

  “Do you mind if I pray?”

  Both women nodded agreement and closed their eyes.

  “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this delightful and nourishing food. Thank you, too, for new friendships. We ask for Your blessing on all. Amen.”

  Chapter Nine

  Braydon insisted on paying for all three lunches. “It is really my pleasure. And, thank you for including me in the fun.” He turned toward Kerstin. “And, for trusting me.”

  “I have a sense about people.” She winked. “It was easy to trust you.”

  He winked back and touched her hand. “Thank you. I hope Noelle does, too.” Turning to the younger woman, he looked her directly in the face. “I hope you will have lunch with me tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Oh, really?” She looked toward her mother who nodded slightly. “Yes. Thank you. I’d love to. Where can I meet you?”

  “How about Mayur? Do you like Indian food?”

  “I adore it, and Mayur. What time?”

  “Is one okay?”

  “Perfect.” He hesitated. “I am happy to pick you up, but I sense you will be more comfortable meeting me there?” She nodded.

  “Great. Wear comfy shoes because I thought it might be fun to either walk above Big Corona Beach on Fifth Avenue, or maybe ex
plore the Sherman Foundation Gardens. That okay with you?”

  “Sure. Either one. But, why the Gardens?”

  He hesitated. “Because I am a volunteer board member there.” Noticing Noelle’s quizzical look, he explained. “I specialize in roses, one of the few board members who does.”

  Noelle had been to Sherman Gardens many times for events. The Vista del Mar PTA had an annual fund-raising home tour that included lunch at the Gardens. It was a lovely diversion from the classroom, and the PTA sponsored so many things for the school and teachers. It was also a venue for weddings and special events like bridal showers, including her own. Could she do this without an ache on her soul?

  They parted, and she and Mom went to Bristol Farms to find something yummy for dinner. Daddy was away for the weekend doing one of his special weight loss lectures in New Mexico. The evening would be a girls’ night, maybe re-watching one of her favorite movies, either Flashdance or Dirty Dancing. Both had such good messages, and she often hummed the music from each. Tonight would be fun!

  ~

  Noelle parked her beige rental car in the side parking lot and adjusted the laces on her Converse shoes. Normally, she wouldn’t wear such casual attire to a restaurant for a date. But, was this a real date? Braydon had insisted, politely, on comfy walking shoes. Fortunately, California, and Corona del Mar in particular, was dress casual. Maybe if, someday, they went to the Five Crowns, she would dress up more.

  She felt as if she really did trust Braydon. And, Mom trusted him. Noelle sensed Mom had never really trusted Clay, always had reservations, but never spoke them. She had often noticed worry lines around Mom’s eyes when she talked about him. She was the kind of mother who didn’t pry, but prayed.

  Maybe it was time to show Mom her yellow bruises.

  Braydon rushed down to the parking lot to take her hand. He had gotten a great spot right in front of the restaurant. “I wanted to save it for you, but I knew the minute I gave it up, it would be gone.”

  “That’s okay. Better to leave my car here to come back to after our walk.”

  “You still want to do that?”

  “Sure. Let’s see how we feel after we eat. After my order of Lamb Sag,” she teased.

  ~

  His order of Tandori Chicken and hers of Lamb Sag were delicious. Braydon managed to get a table at the window looking out on the sidewalk where they could watch all the “beautiful people” and the “funny people” sauntering by with dogs, or just holding hands. It was a plethora of interesting, sometimes strange, people. Most were laughing. Good sign.

  Noelle fiddled with the last bites of her lamb. They had had a lot of fun joking about the people walking outside the window. Light conversation suited her fine.

  So, why was she scared?

  Braydon reached across the small table and touched her hand, the one that still had her fork in it. “Are you up to a short walk?”

  “I think so. I am really curious about your involvement in Sherman Gardens. Are we going there?”

  “If you don’t mind?” He paid the bill and offered his hand to Noelle. “Let’s take my car so we don’t have to walk so far.”

  She accepted, still a little worried. She hadn’t even really dated in two years, and certainly not after her breakup with Clay. Climbing into his car she started to shake. That was the first place Clay had grabbed her arm and twisted it and left marks. What am I doing here, Lord?

  Braydon reached across the console and laid his hand gently on her forearm. For some crazy reason it calmed her to be touched by him, but not be grabbed so tight it hurt. His touch was gentle, even though she felt it through her sleeve on one of the yellow bruises. She avoided rubbing it so he wouldn’t notice and question her action.

  He pulled into the Sherman Foundation’s parking lot. “Whew, looks busy today. Must be some kind of event. Of course it is Sunday.” Offering his arm to ascend the steps, she accepted and bravely tucked her fingers into its crook.

  Noelle had been so nervous the day of her wedding shower that she had barely looked around and taken in the beauty of the gardens and its fountains and ponds. The other five Candy Canes had hustled her into the restaurant where she was immediately the center of attention and introduced to at least fifty women she didn’t know – Gladys’ cronies. The woman either belonged to or sat on the board of numerous societies. Of course she had invited almost everyone she knew, all simpering and chatty. Mom had been more selective, just inviting close friends and neighbors and women from her Bible study and garden club. People she cared about. She told Noelle later she was sure Gladys was vying for more gifts. Now, Noelle had to tackle the huge trial of returning over eighty shower gifts and even more wedding ones. She had planned to do it during Winter Break. Instead, she was spending more quality time with Mom, and now with Braydon. Still, she mustn’t put it off. That would be rude and give Gladys more ammunition to say ugly things about her and spread rumors. She shoved the thought aside as Braydon guided her past a beautiful pond that he explained was the focal point of the Central Garden.

  Several ladies in blue smocks waved to Braydon as they strolled down a long brick path. Braydon smiled widely, and Noelle sniffed the air dramatically. “Follow the scent,” he quipped.

  “Heavenly.” They stopped next to a compact garden, much smaller than some of the others with native plants. Probably large succulents and cacti took up more space. “Oh, Braydon, this is exquisite. All those gorgeous colors!”

  “Twenty-seven varieties.” He sounded so proud. “Maybe not exactly twenty-seven colors, but close.” He pointed to a bush with huge blooms of deep red. “That’s a unique one called Splash of Red. The Garden is blessed to have it.”

  “It’s lovely. They all are.” She shaded her forehead with a hand. The late afternoon sun was playing havoc with her eyes, and she had forgotten to wear her sunglasses. “I’m sure Mom has seen the gardens many times over the years, but she adores roses and needs to see these again soon. Maybe her garden club could take a tour.”

  “Absolutely. There are numerous tours, including some for students. She just missed the rose pruning demonstration, though.” He pulled her away from the roses. “It’s about time for the garden to close, but let’s go find a brochure that lists all the events and tours.”

  She settled in the passenger seat of his little Mercedes and glanced through the brochure they’d picked up. “You mentioned student tours, but I don’t see any listed here.”

  “I think you have to specifically arrange for them and even pay for bus transportation.”

  “I don’t see a problem with that part, the paying for buses part. Our wonderful PTA gives each teacher a stipend to use as we see fit, as long as it complements our subject.” She giggled. “I heard that last year one of the math teachers took her students to the dog surfing contest in Huntington Beach. Of course the kids loved it. I’m sure she figured out how to make math a major part of the outing.

  “Maybe I could do that with English. Of course, right now we are studying the Bard, not Gertrude Stein.” Braydon snickered at that comment.

  Chapter Ten

  She pulled out the butterfly decorated notecards and handed a stack to each Candy Cane. Her dear friends had gathered to help her write the thank yous, actually the no thank yous. It was an arduous task, but at least none of the formerly invited wedding guests or women who had attended the shower knew her handwriting. Just a bit of deception.

  Being an organized person she gave each girl a separate list of addresses and names and what the gift had been. About fifty plus each. What dear friends they were to help with this daunting undertaking. Fortunately, they loved being together, and they loved pizza.

  Noelle laughed after she’d tipped the pizza delivery boy, or was it a girl? Sometimes hard to tell nowadays. Whoever it was had both arms embellished with flamboyant tattoos. She wondered how that person would feel about those when he or she turned seventy. Surely, they would be wrinkled and even faded. Would the kids they hav
e in their earlier years question?

  She laid the two boxes on the kitchen table with paper plates and forks and knives and a grouping of soft drinks. Fortunately, napkins were included with the delivery. She had already made a huge green salad, knowing as much as they all loved pizza, salad was a must for keeping a slim waistline.

  “Gosh, Noelle, you even gave us the words to say.” Cindy grinned at her. “I love it! Don’t have to be creative.”

  Noelle had printed out a generic, sort of all-purpose message for each girl to write on each notecard. All five girls had it propped in front of them in plastic “proppers,” as Noelle dubbed them. Picked up at Office Max and Staples. She wanted to make this task as easy as possible for them. They were such wonderful friends to donate their time, and to be stuck with crimson bridesmaid gowns they will probably never wear. Maybe Connie who was a designer for a large corporate firm could wear it to a fancy function. But, Natalie owned her own small health gym and probably would have no use for it in the future. Unless, Connie invited her. Now, there’s a possibility.

  Noelle’s heart filled with guilt. Not one of them had complained about paying for attendant gowns that now hung limply in their closets. Even Candy who was back home living with her parents after a difficult divorce. The only one who accepted it so graciously without batting an eye was Doreen. Noelle wasn’t totally certain about her circumstances. She was the more private one, the one who didn’t share much. Still, she was here and laughing with the other girls.

  Noelle chuckled under her breath. The Three Cs, the Two Ns and the D. That had almost become a moniker, in addition to the Candy Canes one.

  “Okay, girls, ladies, whatever you prefer to be called now that we are all so old …” She lifted a spoon and clanged it against a Pepsi can. “Let’s go in order. Candy first.” They had used to do that when deciding whom should swim first in the relays. Of course, it was really up to coach Douglas, but it almost always worked out. “Pick your pizza, girl.”