Unforgettable Christmas - Gifts of Love (The Unforgettables Book 3)

by Mimi Barbour

  Chapter Nineteen

  Cindy was up early, wrapping a few last minute presents to take over to her parents, and tidying up around the place. She hadn’t gone crazy this year with decorations, not like when David had been alive. Then, the hall would be decked out in holly entwined all the way along the staircase to the upstairs bedrooms. But it was too much work for just her. She’d bought a wreath for the front door, and had dragged home a live tree, and hung cards on a string across the family room wall.

  There were Christmas candles laid about, and a large bowl filled with red and gold baubles, and huge baskets of yellow and red Poinsettias outside the front door, and in the entranceway. The rest of the Christmas decorations remained in boxes in the garage, waiting for a happier time.

  Still, she walked around her home, admiring the simple touches, reminiscing on past years and joyful memories, welcoming each and every one. This would be the last Christmas here. In a few short months, she’d be handing over the keys and saying good-bye to everything that she and David had shared.

  It was hard. It would hurt. But it had to be done.

  Feeling restless, and with Tyler still sleeping, Cindy got her mixing bowl out and decided to make a batch of Spiced Eggnog cookies. She took a half cup of butter, added some sugar, and beat it with a hand mixer until creamed, then added eggnog, vanilla and an egg yolk. Using a separate bowl, she put together the dried ingredients—flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and nutmeg.

  She combined the two bowls, and mixed gently then laid them out on a greased cookie sheet and popped them into a warm oven. With that done, she poured a second cup of coffee and sat down to watch the timer.

  The scent of the baking cookies must have drifted upstairs, as Tyler appeared the moment she removed them from the oven.

  “Yippee!” he cried. “Cookies for breakfast. Is it Christmas today?”

  She laughed. “Close enough. Let’s be naughty, shall we? I’ll make you cocoa and we’ll eat cookies and mandarin oranges until our tummies are full.”

  “We can’t,” he whispered, eyes filled with dread.

  “Why not? We can do anything we like the day before Christmas.”

  “No. What if Santa finds out? He knows when you’ve been naughty or nice, and he won’t bring me presents.”

  She laughed. “Oh, don’t worry about Santa. He can have some too. We’ll leave a big pile of cookies for him tonight, and when we come home from Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, the presents will be here and the cookies will be gone.”

  “You think so? He won’t mind us having cookies for breakfast?”

  “He won’t mind. I promise.”

  “Okay.” He pointed to the biggest one on the cookie tray. “Can I have that one, pretty please?”

  “You sure can. Go wash up first. I’ll get your cocoa ready.”

  “I love Christmas time,” he said skipping off.

  She chuckled to herself, wishing her little boy would never outgrow his belief in Santa, the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. Reality sucked, and these childhood fantasies made everything just a little bit brighter.

  The two of them had a nice long talk about the reindeer’s flight, and Cindy said they could track it at Grandma’s house over the internet. “We will know exactly where he is at all times. He starts in Europe,” she told him, “before crossing the Atlantic to bring presents to everyone in Canada, and to us here in America.”

  “What if he runs out of presents? Maybe the kids in Europe will get all the best ones. Or he’ll run out of puppies in Canada.”

  “Never happens. In all my life I’ve never seen him run out of good presents. I don’t know his secret, but he must reload everywhere he goes.”

  They’d just finished up their cookie breakfast and were putting the dishes away, when the doorbell rang. “Can you get that, Ty?” she asked. “Ask who it is before you open the door, but I’m expecting Brad this morning, and he’s right on time.”

  “Okay, Mom. Do I let him in?”

  “Of course you do. I just want to brush my teeth.”

  She dashed off to do that, and could hear Tyler telling Brad all about the cookie breakfast, and whether Santa would think he was naughty.

  Brad assured him he wouldn’t. “I’ll even put in a good word for you,” he told her son.

  She brushed her teeth and hair, and put on some lipstick. She came out smiling. “Good morning! Would you like a cookie for breakfast too?”

  He grinned back. “I sure do. Smells good in here.” He came up behind her and sniffed. “Is that you or cookie dough?”

  “If you’re talking about my hips, you’re in big trouble, boy.”

  “Your hips are fine. I’m an expert when it comes to female forms.”

  “I just bet you are.”

  She turned and he was standing too close. So close, she could touch him if she leaned in an inch or two.

  “Out of my kitchen,” she said, her voice not as firm as she’d like it to be.

  “Not until I get my cookie. A cookie or a kiss,” he said with a sly smile and twinkling eyes.

  “You are overstepping yourself this morning, aren’t you?” She slid under his arm, escaping his body’s warmth, and all the temptation it offered.

  “I’ve missed you the past week.” He gave her a long look. “I don’t usually miss people.”

  “You’ve been busy. I’ve been busy. It’s the holiday season.”

  His eyes watched her mouth. She wondered if she had lipstick on her teeth.

  “Don’t stare at me like that.”

  “Why are you staring at my mom?” Tyler asked with a frown. “She doesn’t like it.”

  “I think she’s pretty,” he said to Tyler. “But if she doesn’t like it, well, I guess I’ll just stare at the wall.”

  Tyler pointed to the bar stools. “You can sit on my stool, and Mom will give you your cookie, like she does with me.”

  Brad did as he was told, and she laughed. “Here you are. Would you like milk or coffee with that?” She handed him a paper plate with two large cookies.

  “Milk, please.” He winked at Tyler. “And another cookie for Tyler’s little buddy here. What’s his name?” he asked Tyler, sitting the raggedy teddy on the stool next to him.

  “His name’s Ono, but he already had some.”

  “Oh, no.” Brad made a face. “I hope that means he won’t want mine.”

  Tyler giggled and grabbed his teddy.

  “Go play with your matchbox toys, honey,” Cindy said, and turned on SpongeBob in the kitchen. “Brad and I have some business to discuss.”

  “Okay, Mom.”

  “Did you make a decision last night,” he asked between bites of cookie. “I don’t want to push you out of your home if you’ve decided to stay.”

  “No, if it’s a good offer. I have no choice but to accept.”

  He nodded. “It’s a very generous offer and they are flexible for a closing date. They want to make this as easy on you as they can.”

  “Why do they care about me?”

  “Why wouldn’t they?” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “They have the same hopes and dreams that you did when you first bought this home with your husband. They can relate to how difficult it must be to sell.”

  She swallowed hard, and her eyes burned. God, she hated pity, almost as much as she hated feeling sorry for herself.

  “I’m fine,” she lied. “They can have the house on the first of March, and if they’d like any of the furniture, that can be arranged.”

  He glanced around, and nodded. “I’ll let them know. I’m sorry, Cindy, but if you’ll let me I can always help you find something more suitable.”

  “I’ll see.” She bit her lip. “It might be best for me to find another real estate agent.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I’m looking for something you can’t provide.”

  His eyes held hers for a long time, and finally she looked away. “Papers. What do you need me to sign?”r />
  They spent the next few minutes going over the paperwork, and then he put them away in his briefcase. He walked over to Tyler to say good-bye.

  “Have a wonderful Christmas, Ty. Hope Santa is good to you.”

  “Me too. Why don’t you come over tomorrow and see? Maybe I’ll have a new puppy and you can help me name him.” He jumped up and down in his excitement. “Please come and have Christmas with us.”

  Cindy hugged her son and looked at Brad. “You are welcome to come. We’re spending the night at my parent’s but we’ll be back here first thing in the morning. We like to have our own little Christmas, don’t we, pet?”

  Tyler nodded. “Can you come too?” he asked Brad.

  Brad shifted his feet and looked uncomfortable. “I would, but I’m sorry I already have plans.”

  “Of course you do,” Cindy said brightly. “Well, thanks for coming by, and have a wonderful Christmas.” She walked him to the door. “Good-bye, Brad.”

  “Merry Christmas,” he answered. “I’ll see you soon.”

  She closed the door behind him, and a part of her heart closed to. When the house changed hands, she and Brad would never see each other again. She was not foolish enough to think that their kiss meant anything to a bachelor like him. It had affected her deeply, right to the core, but Brad probably had plenty of women coming and going through his revolving door.

  Chapter Twenty

  Cindy, as a single mom, had to do some micro-managing to make this Santa gig real. Someone at work had suggested she try the Animal Rescue place, and she did just that. Not only did these dogs need a good home, but the selection was amazing. She found one very similar to the dog they’d seen at Pet Smart, and it hadn’t broken the bank either.

  The dog was adorable with his long fluffy ears, big brown expressive eyes, and playful personality. She’d bought the little fellow last week and her in-laws were taking care of him until Christmas morning. They were coming over on Christmas Eve, while she and Tyler were at her parent’s home, and they would stage the place as if Santa had arrived during the night.

  They would bring over presents that she had stored with them, eat the cookies she’d leave on a plate, and would stay the night so the puppy wouldn't be alone. And then they would drive away as soon as she left a text from five minutes down the street. They’d return an hour later with gifts of their own.

  It would be a very merry Christmas for everyone, and she would not, not for one minute, feel sorry for herself, or wish for things that couldn’t be.

  It was a little after four when they left to make the half hour drive to her parent’s house in Woodbridge. The minute that she and Tyler rounded the corner in the subdivision where they lived and caught sight of her parent’s home, she gaped in awe. The magic of Christmas had begun.

  Her family’s large lawn was festive with lighted reindeers and twinkling red and green lights. Not a tree or bush or shrub went neglected, and the entire exterior of the house was framed with thousands of small clear lights. The top of the roof had a Santa sleigh, and reindeers with their heads held high.

  It was a beautiful neighborhood with large properties and some newer mini mansions, but her parent’s place was one of the first built, on a street with more modest homes. The over-the-top decorations could have looked tacky under different circumstances, but it was clear to Cindy that this year her parents had gone all out. Last year no one had been in the mood to celebrate, and it had been a heartbreaking season. With a wedding coming up, and a year of grieving behind them, this Christmas would be one of celebration and joy.

  Her sister and her handsome fiancé greeted them as they drove up, helping to unload the car and bring in presents for everyone—and a large pecan pie that she’d baked earlier that afternoon.

  “Brooke, you look so beautiful,” she told her sister, decked out in a red dress and knee high boots, with a black leather jacket over her shoulders. Cindy gave her an extra big hug as emotions threatened to overwhelm her.

  After a second, she gathered herself and greeted her soon-to-be brother-in-law. “Hi Adam. Merry Christmas,” she said, kissing his cheek.

  “Merry Christmas,” he replied with a grin, and swung Tyler in his arms. “Hey, little buddy, what do you think about all these lights? Looks like a Christmas wonderland, doesn’t it? Your grandparents did a great job.”

  Her father waved from the front porch, and her mother rushed forward to give Tyler a kiss. “How’s my baby?” she asked, taking him by the hand. “Grandpa has a surprise for you.”

  “He does?” Tyler ran off to give his grandpa a kiss. “What’s my surprise?” he asked, jumping into his arms.

  “Wait until after dinner, then we will see.”

  The inside of the house was even more festive, if possible, than the lavish exterior. Tyler walked around with his grandpa to see three decorated trees, the largest in the living room, a smaller one in the family room, and another on the back deck. Beautifully gift wrapped boxes sat under each of the trees.

  The house smelled of pinecones, scented candles, a lit fireplace, and delicious aromas escaped from the kitchen. Food was piled on the large granite counters, and Cindy had to find space to add her freshly baked pie.

  “What are we having, Mom?” she asked, peeking into pots.

  “Adam and Brooke brought a platter of smoked salmon and a crab dip for appetizers. I made butternut squash soup and a ginger marinated leg of lamb. For dessert we have roasted pear trifle and your delicious pecan pie. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds outstanding. You knocked yourself out.” Cindy hugged her mom. “The house looks so beautiful, and you did quite a number on the outside bling this year.”

  She laughed, pleased. “Yes. Your dad insisted we hire someone to do it up big. Not every year that we have a daughter getting married, and well, last year we did nothing at all.”

  “I know. Your efforts are appreciated. Tyler is wide-eyed with wonder.”

  “How’s the puppy?” she whispered. “He still doesn’t know yet?”

  “He’s pretty sure that Santa will bring one, but that’s all he knows.” Cindy glanced around, and assured that Tyler wasn’t in hearing distance, she added, “Annie and John are probably at the place now, getting everything ready for our big day tomorrow. I’m so lucky to have them in my life, and they sure love Ty.”

  “How could they not? He’s a wonderful little boy. You’ve done a great job with him.” She looked into Cindy’s face. “How are you holding up this season?”

  “As well as can be expected. But enough about that. Let me help you set things up for dinner. What time are Adam’s family showing up?”

  “They should be here in half an hour or so. It’s the first time we’re meeting, so that’s another reason for the extra bling—as you put it.”

  Cindy laughed. “Now I know why Dad splurged. Wanted to make a good impression on the Manhattan tycoon.”

  “Not sure if he’s a tycoon,” her mother said in a quiet voice, “but he did inherit a publishing business.”

  “True. Could be a bad time for that with everything online these days.”

  “I’m sure his business will survive.” Her mother linked arms, guiding her away from the kitchen. “Come, let’s see what everyone’s up to.”

  Adam’s parents, Linda and Gordon Faraday, arrived soon after, bringing more gifts for under the tree, and Mrs. Fields cookies and Godiva chocolate.

  If this wasn’t a Christmas to remember, Cindy didn’t know what was.

  They had appetizers and drinks in the large living room, then moved to the dining area where the table was exquisitely set. The girls helped their mother bringing in the separate dishes, the men collected plates between each course, and the collaborative efforts from everyone made the dinner flow smooth.

  They dined, they drank, they laughed, and eventually retired to the living room to listen to Christmas music and open a few of the gifts.

  Tyler was slightly overwhelmed by all the activity,
too many sweets, and the abundance of presents. She allowed him to open one from everyone, but she could see he was fading fast. When he rubbed his eyes and yawned for the second time, she took that as an excuse to put him to bed.

  The Faradays took their leave shortly after, and Cindy sat up a little longer with her parents, and Brooke and Adam.

  They talked about her decision to sell her home, and how lucky she was to get such a good offer. Cindy fully expected the conversation to get around to Brad, and of course it did.

  “Why didn’t you invite him here,” Brooke questioned her, with a teasing spark in her eye. “He seemed crazy about you and was so good with Tyler.”

  Cindy almost brushed it off, but decided on the truth. “He pretty much told me that he’s a workaholic and not into relationships.” She shrugged. “Not that I was interested, but you know how badly Ty wants a new daddy. He needs more male companionship, and not just from his granddads.” She touched her father’s hand, letting him know she meant it kindly. “I only agreed to ice skating at Rockefeller Center for his sake. Not for mine.”

  “That is so not true,” Brooke said, her eyes merry and bright. “You two were all over each other. The way you looked at him—and he at you. It was like Adam and me.” She put her hand under her fiancé’s arm and leaned in for a quick kiss. “I really thought you two might act on it that night.”

  “Brooke,” her mother said. “Cindy is a single mom, and she can’t just have a casual fling or two.”

  “Sure she can. And I think she should.”

  “Now, now,” their father spoke up. “That wouldn’t be exactly fitting. She has a son to think of.”

  Brooke wouldn’t back down. “Come on, Adam. What do you think? Should Cindy remain the grieving widow, or have a good holiday fling? Truth, Adam.”

  He laughed. “Don’t get me into the middle of this.”

  Cindy held up her hand. “Stop discussing me like I’m not here. My sex life, or lack of it, is no one’s business but mine.”

  “Agreed,” her father said. “Would anyone like to join me for a port?”