Jennifer Robins

by Over the Mistletoe

  When the lunch hour bell rang, she hurried out and headed for the department store. Her heart was beating fast as she practically ran. She had to stop once and slow down. Anticipation mounted when she arrived at the front doors and went inside.

  With Christmas only a few days away, the store was full of last-minute shoppers in search of lower prices the store often offered at the final days of the upcoming holiday. Rachael pushed her way past all the people and hurried to the stairs to the second floor.

  At the top of the wide staircase, she stood a moment to gather some composure before rushing to the manager’s office to ask where Stan could be located. Unfortunately, the man was not there.

  She took inventory of the area to try and determine where he might be. She was so sure he would be working on this floor.

  “Rachael.” She heard her name called and turned around to see Stan coming toward her.

  Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him limping along, with one of his feet wrapped with a large, tan bandage. “Stan,” she yelled, and ran to him. “I’m so happy I found you. I heard about your accident and was worried about you. Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m okay. I’m surprised to see you here. I wanted to come looking for you but I had to be here for my first day on the job. My brother stopped me from coming to your house yesterday because the doctor wanted me to stay off this foot for a few days.” He had a beam of happiness written all over his face. “Come with me to the office where I’m working. We can sit and talk there. Did you have lunch?” he asked as he escorted her to a room at the end of the hall.

  “I had some cheese at work,” she told him. “What about you?”

  “I’m not hungry right now; you’re all the lunch I need.” He pulled up a chair from the side of the room and placed it in front of the desk. “Here ya’ go.” He then scurried around to sit in the chair behind the desk. “I know you only have an hour and I will need to get back to work also, but I’m glad to see you, Rachael. I was worried about what you thought when I didn’t show up Saturday.”

  She settled in the chair and sat forward. “I was worried, all right. My Dad said maybe the bad weather held you up. I was afraid it was because you really didn’t want to see me again.”

  “Not at all, I’d never even think that. I wanted to see you so bad, I jumped off that streetcar in a hurry to get to your house and that’s when I fell.”

  Rachael lowered her head. “I’m glad… Oh dear, not that you fell, that you wanted to see me again.” She sat back and smiled.

  “Listen Rachael, when I left the paper company on Friday, they gave me my week’s pay and I thought you might want to go to see a movie. There’s a good one this week at the Starlight Theater.”

  “I haven’t been to a movie in so long. I’d love to go, but are you sure you can afford it?”

  “Of course I can. There’s this new movie out, called, A Christmas Carol. Which reminds me . . . the store is having a Christmas party tomorrow for all the employees and we can invite a spouse or friend. Want to come?”

  “I’d like that. What time?”

  They’re going to close the store at six and we’ll have the party until ten. Do you have to work tomorrow?”

  “No, I’m off after today until after Christmas. I can be here.”

  “I’d come and get you but they want me here to set things up. Maybe you can help. I’ll ask if you can come in earlier. I think it will be all right. And we can have some fun getting ready for the party together. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, I would. I can see if my dad can bring me here. He said something last night about getting home early tomorrow. So you think about four?”

  “Yeah, four would be good.” Stan stood and walked around the desk. “Come on, I’ll see you to the door. I know you have to get back to work and so do I. After tomorrow, we’ll have to see about that movie I’d like to take you to.”

  She was stunned by the way he talked to her as if he’d known her for years. He limped along at her side, but before they left the room, she turned to him and said, “You don’t have to see me to the door, Stan. Better keep off that foot as much as possible. I can see myself out.”

  He paused. “All right, I guess you’re right. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He touched her shoulder and moved closer to her as though he might kiss her, but then shook his head and stepped back. Rachael lowered her head in disappointment.

  Rachael went along to finish out her workday at the market. In spite of the snow, she had a light, happy step to her gait. Her boss gave her a funny grin when he saw her.

  He came up to her. “What ever it is that makes you so happy, it’s a nice change from what you were this morning.”

  She nodded.

  “There’s been a change for this afternoon and you will be working in produce the rest of the day.”

  “Okay, I like it there. I’ll go over right now.”

  “Good, and Rachael, Merry Christmas.”

  The afternoon went by at a rapid pace and before she knew it, it was time to go home. Tony Samoni, the Italian produce boss, came up to her with a bottle of wine in his hand. “You take this wine home for Christmas.” He took a brown paper bag from the table and slid the bottle into it.

  “You don’t need to give me anything, Tony,” Rachael told him.

  “You take...wine good for you, it make-a you blood good. Here.” He handed her the bag. “And Merry Christmas to you and family.”

  Chapter Eight

  All the next morning Rachael wrestled with the time while trying to keep busy so it would pass quickly. Her father had told her he’d get her to the store by four o'clock. He must know how excited she was about spending the evening with Stan. It was all he'd heard from her since he’d arrived home. Her dad had told her he wanted to meet this boy who had made his daughter so cheerful she was driving him crazy.

  At three-thirty, Rachael began nagging her father to get his jacket on so they could be on their way. She was already wearing her coat, scarf, boots, and gloves, and stood by the front door, egging him on while he took his jacket out of the closet.

  “All right, let’s go,” he said as he put it on.

  Parking downtown was always a problem, especially at that time of day. They had to take a space across from the department store next to the skating rink. Rachael hurried him across the street to the doors of the building where she would spend the next few hours with someone she really liked.

  Stan was waiting for her right by the doors. She saw him standing there watching as people were coming in and going out. When their gazes met, he quickly opened the door for her and her father.

  “You made it. I had a break so I came down here to keep an eye out for you.”

  She introduced her father and the men shook hands. “Nice to meet you sir,” Stan said.

  “It’s good to meet you too. I’ve heard some nice things about you.” Rachael watched her father size him up a bit while Stan continued talking to her.

  “I have a display to put together upstairs near the lunchroom. My boss said it was all right for you to come early and help out.”

  Andrew turned to his daughter. “I’ll leave you now, but I’ll be back at ten to pick you up.”

  “All right, Dad, thanks.”

  Boxes of holiday hats, garland, and paper cups sat on the floor next to the lunch room waiting to be unpacked. Stan picked one of the boxes up. “Let’s start with this one. These cups can be put on the tables. I’ll set the box in there.” He started for the lunchroom with Rachael on his heels.

  It didn’t take long to empty the box and fill the tables with stacks of paper cups. They went from one box to another, setting everything in its place and stringing the garland across the side wall. Only one small box remained to be addressed.

  Stan brought it in and set it on the counter.

  Rachael spoke up. “You know, Christmas is in three days. What are your plans for the holiday?”

  “I have none.”

&n
bsp; “What about your brother and any other family?”

  “Richard is going to his girlfriend’s and there is no other family. My parents died two years ago in a car accident.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. How awful.”

  “I’ve never quite gotten over it, but I’ve learned to accept it. Richard has a little more of a problem with it during the holidays. That’s why he goes off with this girl he’s been seeing for the past five years. I don’t know why they don’t get married, but it’s the way he wants it.”

  He opened the box and suddenly it tipped over and the contents fell on the floor. Fresh mistletoe lay at their feet. He looked down and started to laugh. “Of all the things.”

  They stood face to face, straddling the dozens of little Christmas bouquets lying at their feet, and stared down at them. Stan raised his gaze to meet hers. “I guess we’re supposed to hang these somewhere. You know, for the under-the-mistletoe thing.”

  She started to back away from him, but he wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her closer. His face was right up to hers, his eyes fixed on hers, and his lips close to hers. “I wonder if the same rule goes for being over the mistletoe.”

  She could smell his clean spicy aftershave. Tingles ran up her back and her pulse quickened. When his mouth met her parted lips, her heart raced with desire. She brought her arms up around his neck. He whispered softly in her ear. “I love you, Rachael.”

  He kissed her again, then stood back. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. I shouldn’t have been so aggressive, but I just couldn’t help myself. I meant what I said, Rachael. I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  Rachael didn’t know what to say, and she could hardly catch her breath. Strange feelings swam through her like a rushing river. Is this what love feels like?

  Her silence had him stepping back. He bent down and gathered up the mistletoe and placed it back in the box. “I think I’ll ask what they want me to do with these,” he said and turned away from her.

  “Don’t apologize for what just happened, Stan. I wanted you to kiss me and I’m not sorry.”

  A happy grin spread across his face. “I’m glad. Come on, let’s finish decorating so the party can begin.”

  ****

  The party went well with everyone eating the treats the company had brought in and chatting with each other about jokes they’d heard and experiences with customers.

  Before it was time to leave, Rachael took Stan’s hand. “I had a great time tonight. Thanks for asking me.” Then she looked into his eyes. “I would like to spend Christmas with you. Could you come to my house and celebrate the day with me and my parents?”

  “You bet! What time?” He smiled and took her hand in his.

  “Come around noon. My mother will have dinner ready by then.”

  “All right, it’s a date. Now don’t keep your dad waiting, it’s already after ten and he’s been here for awhile.” He stared at her lips, and she knew he wanted to kiss her again, but then his tilted his head toward her father. He doesn’t want to kiss me with Dad looking on. She held out her hand and delighted in the chills that raced up her arm as their palms met. “I’ll see you on Christmas day.”

  ****

  Christmas Day:

  Gifts were not as important as being with her parents and knowing Stan would spend the day with them. Rachael’s father managed to get a box of chocolates for his ladies and they were both happy to unwrap the rare and pleasant treat. Her mother had knitted him a new scarf, and made a bright red hat for Rachael.

  Rachael brought to the table a lovely display of poinsettias. She’d bargained the price with the owner of the flower stand at the market enough for her to be able to afford them.

  The candlestick phone sat on the desk next to the decorative oil lamp, at the far end of the living room and when it rang at eleven, she hurried to answer it. Not receiving many calls, she was anxious to see who would be dialing them up. It was Stan telling her he’d be on his way shortly.

  Grace and Andrew stayed in the kitchen preparing the Christmas meal when Stan arrived at the front door. Her dad gave Rachael a knowing smile as she hurried to answer it.

  Stan entered the house with a box in hand. He handed it to Rachael. “Here, it’s a little something for today’s festivities.” Then he came close and set his lips on hers. “Merry Christmas.”

  Rachael reacted by putting her arms around him and kissing him back.

  ****

  The holiday was underway and Rachael couldn’t have looked more beautiful. Dinner was great and Stan ate two helpings of the fine meal on the table.

  Later when her parents were in the living room, and she and Stan sat in the kitchen having a cup of hot tea, he took her hand. “Rachael, I know we only met a short time ago, but I’m very much in love with you and I want to spend my life with you.” He cleared his throat. “I want to know how you feel about me.”

  Her eyes met his. “I am in love with you, that’s how I feel.”

  It was music to his ears. His mind went crazy with all the things he wanted to say to her. “I have a good job now and will be making more money and this depression can’t last forever.” He paused and leaned forward as he held her hand. “What I’m trying to say… is I can take care of you. I want you to be my wife, Rachael. I know it’s only been a few days since we’ve met, but I’m so in love with you.”

  Tears swelled in her eyes, but he recognized they were tears of happiness. “Yes, Stan, I want to be your wife.” They stood and embraced. His mouth came down gently on hers, just like that first kiss over the mistletoe.

  About the Author

  After spending many years in the business world, Jennifer Robins took up the pen and started to write about what she found the most interesting subjects, the paranormal-super-natural mixed at times with luscious romance. Her family grown, she finds time now to pursue a career in writing.

  She attended Tri-C College for business and went on to be successful in the real estate field in her home town, a small suburb of Cleveland.

  She lives with her husband and her wonderful dogs and cats. Loves music, art, and gardening, plays piano, paints in oils and enjoys the company of her son’s and daughters and their families.

  Every day brings a new idea, a new adventure in research and stories that take up her daily thoughts.

  Also by Jennifer Robins:

  Prologue

  England, 1885

  Mist dampened the night air and hovered low to the ground. Dim moonlight showered the land. The country hillside stood bare of foliage in the late fall season. The sound of horses’ hoofs echoed as they trampled the cobblestone road. The coach, dark and lonely, traveled the incline to a structure that waited alone on the hill. Leyland cypress sat lazily along the lake’s banks. Foggy mist rose above the water, hovering over the tall pine trees, giving them a fear-provoking look. Sounds in the night whispered as the wind sang a tune with a hooting owl nearby.

  An eerie stone mansion sat high above the road. Leaf-stripped trees, standing tall and wide, lined the long, winding drive leading to the mansion. An orange glow streamed out from a window and flickered in the dark of the night, crossing the front of the large estate.

  Two strong horses pulled the black coach to a stop at the front door. A hooded person emerged from the dark interior of the coach with the help of the driver, who had come around quickly to assist his passenger. The foggy mist surrounded the visitor’s boots as the cold night’s sting hit his face.

  The large front door opened. A tall man stood waiting to greet the lonely rider. Stiff-postured, he wore the clothes of a butler. “Come with me, sir,” he said in a deep, demanding voice.

  The welcomed guest’s hand reached out from the cape and pulled the hood away from his head, exposing his face and dark brown hair. He didn’t speak or smile, but followed the butler along a wide hallway lighted with large candles on tall pedestals spaced a few feet apart. The butler opened the door to a room and escorted him in.

 
A staircase on the right, also lighted by candles, led them to a lower level. Voices could be heard, and became louder as the men moved down closer to the open room.

  The butler made his way toward many hooded men, his visitor at his side. Flickering candles surrounded an altar at the far wall. The men’s chanting echoed and filled the room. The butler placed his hand on the visitor’s shoulder and turned him around so he faced a tall, cloaked man.

  A dagger lay on the altar along with a shallow cup. The cloaked man grabbed the dagger, and the visitor held out his hand. Pain ripped through his arm when the blade pierced his palm. The cloaked man held the cup an inch below the injured hand, catching the fresh blood of his guest. A blood offering filled the vessel and was presented to an evil-looking carved stone figure that sat in the middle of the altar. All the men bowed in prayer-like motion and then held their hands high to praise their new companion, a pact with the evil one made as an initiation.

  Lightning streaked the sky as the visitor left the mansion in the horse-drawn coach. Thunder rumbled loud, threatening the driver, who held his cape around his face. Wet wind penetrated the coach.

  The passenger held a handkerchief tightly around his bleeding hand. A sinister grin lay heavy on his face. His exchange with the evil one would make great changes for him, profitable ones. It didn’t matter how he got it, nor the sacrifices he would have to offer from now until eternity.

  Chapter One

  Chicago, 1998

  Rush hour was the worst time of day for Andrea Devon to be driving through the busy streets of Chicago. Because of the heavy traffic, she had gotten home much later than she’d expected. Planning a rummage sale with the women at the church should have been a simple task, but it had turned into a major project that had taken the better part of the day. It was almost five o’clock, and her husband would be coming home in another hour. She had little time to make dinner.