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

by Mimi Barbour

  “See? You really are SuperMom.” His tone held admiration and pride.

  “Hey, Mom! Look what I just found!” Shelly ran out toward them, holding a large piece of construction paper in her hand. She handed it over. “Alex drew it.”

  Lance and Cara stared at the paper. Who knew Alex could draw so well? He'd created a photo of Frenzy with everyone surrounding him, and had written 'We Wish You A Ferret Christmas' on top. It reminded Cara of a Christmas card photo. Two families blending together because of one lost and found pet.

  “It's perfect,” Lance and Cara said at the same time.

  Yep, Alex's little parody definitely had meaning.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The following Christmas

  “The end!” Alex closed his book. He didn't look up to meet everyone's eyes, but Cara was so proud of her son. He'd just finished reading to everyone after opening presents that day. The last year, he'd flourished in his reading. The new school did wonders for him, and he began to be more confident in things he hadn't been before.

  “That's a cool story, Alex!” Shelly beamed from beside Cara. “Good job!”

  “It's a book about ferrets. You've won Alex over.” Cara leaned into Lance's arms as he slid them around her. What a difference a year made. She never imagined she'd be here. The two had taken it slow and got to know each other. The more she learned, the more she loved. Never before had a man given her so much. If she had doubts and fears, he was there to squish them and tell her things would be all right.

  Lance had been right. Everything did turn out all right.

  “I wanna see the pictures!” Tamara pleaded. “Can I see them, Alex?”

  He handed the book to her and reached for his stuffed animal Lance bought last year. “Okay. Don't rip the pages,” Alex instructed.

  “I won't!” Tamara opened the book and eagerly pointed out different things on the pages.

  Lance whispered in her ear. “Did you notice? Alex didn't sing the ferret song this year.”

  Cara chuckled, almost missing her son's tune. He'd sung it repeatedly until June or so, then he just stopped. “Don't remind him of it,” she whispered back, feeling like a school girl trading secrets.

  “I've got a better idea.” Lance took both of her hands, guiding her to her feet. “You haven't opened your present from me.”

  Glancing at him, Cara took in the sights of his funny little Santa hat, the shirt that said 'Elves Do It Better', and the knowing smile on his face. She wondered what was up.

  Frenzy ran between Lance's feet and squeaked, then hid behind Alex and Tamara, who were still on the floor by the tree with the book.

  When Lance dropped to one knee and reached in his pocket, Cara gasped. “A year ago, I couldn't believe my luck when you were brought in my life. I've learned so much from you, Alex, and Shelly. Now I've learned that I'm not complete without you. I love you, Cara McLean. Will you marry me?” He pulled out a red velvet box and popped it open.

  “Oemgeeee, you better say yes, Mom!” Shelly warned.

  “I have to agree with your daughter. At least, I'm hoping you'll say yes.” Lance's blue eyes were full of hope and a slight tinge of nervousness.

  “Lance! Yes! I love you, too!” She threw her arms around him, holding tight. When Cara pulled away, he slid the ring on her finger. A simple but gorgeous diamond sparkled on a gold band.

  As if knowing he'd done something right, Frenzy ran right back to them, darting between their legs.

  “You know, you might be as cute as you think, after all.” Lance picked him up, gently running his hand across Frenzy's back. “You're the reason we're at this point today. What do you say we head to Ma's house and have Christmas dinner? She's going to want to see the ring.”

  Cara held it up as the light caught in the right position. The ring glimmered. “Your mom and Frenzy were in cahoots all along.” Not that she was complaining.

  “Does that mean Alex, Shelly and Cara get to move in with us?” Tamara asked.

  Cara picked up the sweet little girl. “It sure does. Are you okay with that?”

  Tamara's answer was a big hug. “I like having a family. Thanks for all your help finding us one, Frenzy!”

  Thank you for reading We Wish You A Ferret Christmas. If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review at your retailer of choice. Word of mouth is a great way for an author to be discovered!

  If you enjoyed We Wish You a Ferret Christmas, check out my holiday series, starting with The Secret Santa Wishing Well, currently FREE to download.

  The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  A young boy makes a grown up wish and changes the lives of two families.

  Book Description

  The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn't seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish...

  Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter's existence and doesn't provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben's kind actions lead a stranger to them.

  Ah, but it's Christmas time and the magic has begun.

  When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.

  With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.

  Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.

  Excerpt

  Christmas, the most magical time of the year. Ha! What a joke. Jacob Winston rang his bell and shouted "Ho ho ho!" Oh hell. He could do this for the rest of his shift and it wouldn't make a difference. Not to him, and certainly not to the crowds of people running around this mall trying to buy into the holiday spirit. Man, what he'd give right now for a good, stiff shot of Jim Beam. Drowning his mood in a bottle, alone, would still be better than standing smack dab in the middle of a crowd that frankly didn't give a crap. They all looked right through him, anyway.

  He stifled a yawn and checked his watch. How many hours were left in this shift? Three? How much more could he take? This weekend was shaping up to be the pits. It all came down to the changing of the times. If he had to listen to another rendition of Jingle Bells or Winter Wonderland, he was sure to pull his hair out.

  "Hey, Santa. You're blocking the well, and my girl wants to make a wish."

  "Oh, sorry."

  Jacob stepped away from the well, making room for the teen-ish couple. He hadn't realized he'd been leaning on it. "Ho ho ho."

  The girl made a big show of accepting the coin her boyfriend handed her. She clutched it between her hands, then held them close to her chest and squeezed her eyes shut. Jacob wanted to roll his. Instead, he waited. As soon as the coin dropped in the water, the couple kissed and walked away. "Happy holidays to you, too," he muttered. They never looked back in any type of acknowledgment.

  With a pang of sadness, Jacob surveyed the crowded mall. Families walked together, holding the hands of their children or chasing the ones who'd gotten loose. Couples strolled arm in arm and stole a kiss every few feet. There was laughter. There was yelling. There was life. Yeah, this just wasn't going to work. How could he spread Christmas cheer when he felt like the Scrooge? He'd have to find the manager and let the man know he wouldn't be back after tonight. He'd also have to find a way to tell his sister, Ada, since it had been her idea for him to take this job.

  Jacob missed her. Ada loved Christmas. She'd be all about the homemade gifts, claiming those were the best. She especially enjoyed the decorating. There wasn't an inch of her house, inside or out, that wasn't covered with twinkling lights, garland, or any oth
er type of decoration. Her house always smelled of sugar cookies and peppermint.

  Then she got sick. Now she was lying in a hospital bed, falling in and out of consciousness, while her husband and kids tried to make the best of it.

  There really was no best of it.

  A pull on his Santa suit drew his attention. He looked down, right into the round face of a child with wide blue eyes.

  "Hello there. Where's your mommy, bud?" Jacob asked, speaking softly to the boy, who looked a little confused and frightened. His eyes were full of wonder as he stared up at Jacob.

  "Are you the real Santa?" he finally asked.

  Jacob let out a hearty laugh. "No, I'm just a helper, but I do know Santa. I bet, if you tell me your name and make a wish in Santa's secret wishing well, Santa will do everything in his power to make it come true." The boy's eyes widened even more, and it brought a smile to Jacob's face.

  "Really? I can make a wish?" Dimples sprouted in the boy's cheeks, and his smile grew.

  Jacob longed for the excitement the boy felt. "I think we can arrange that." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny penny. He pegged the kid for one who liked cars or trucks, maybe even a bike.

  The boy reached for the penny, hesitant. He didn't look much older than five. Where the hell were his parents? Who in their right mind would allow a child this age to roam around the mall freely, especially when there were so many people out and about? If someone didn't show up soon, he'd have to take him to security.

  "What's your name?" Jacob asked, after the boy took the penny and clutched it in his hand. "We want to make sure Santa knows exactly who you are. That way, he can get your wish."

  "My name is Ben," the young boy said.

  "Are you ready to make that wish?"

  He nodded eagerly, closed his eyes, and thought for a moment before tossing the penny in. It made a tiny splash before settling at the bottom next to some quarters. He turned to Jacob, a tear running down his cheek.

  What was this? Jacob knelt down to be eye level with him. "Why the tear, bud?"

  Ben sniffled. "I just hope my wish comes true. My mommy needs it." He wiped the tear away, then stuffed his hand in his pants pocket. A puppy dog expression crossed his face.

  "You made a wish for your mommy?" Okay, he hadn't expected that. No expensive toy? Not even a computer or Playstation game that was popular this year? Jacob closed his eyes for a second. My mommy needs it.

  Damn. His heart went out to Ben as a picture of Ada's kids filled his mind. He didn't have to wonder what their Christmas wish would be. Despite himself, Jacob had to ask. "What does your mommy need?"

  The little guy shook his head. "If I tell you, it won't come true. Will it?" Tears filled his eyes. "Mister Helper, if I come back and wish again, would that help?"

  Jacob didn't know what to say. He stared at the child, wanting to give him a hug. "Well, I don't see how another wish could hurt. So yeah, it might help. Sometimes the hope from wishing is all we have." He scratched under his fake beard. Hell, he didn't know if he was trying to console the kid or himself.

  The boy's brows furrowed, and his head bobbed up and down. "That's what I thought. Mommy's always so tired, and my daddy doesn't love-"

  "Benjamin William Jensen! I thought I told you not to run off! I was so worried!"

  Jacob got to his feet and faced the approaching woman. It was about time she showed up. And here he thought the kid's mom might be sick like his sister, Ada. This woman didn't look sick, but she did appear to be on the verge of pulling her hair out. He could only imagine the fussy baby in the stroller wasn't helping. Man, she was young, especially to have two kids. He guessed her to be about twenty.

  "I'm sorry, Miss Robin. I needed to go to the bathroom, and you were too busy. And then I got lost. I found Santa, so I stopped." Benjamin ran to the stroller and touched the baby's head. "Why is Desi so sad?"

  Jacob watched the trio, a bit startled. Miss Robin. Not a mommy and not an aunt left only one possible explanation. She had to be the babysitter.

  "Her mouth hurts her, and I don't have her teething medicine. We have to go." She grabbed for Benjamin's hand, ushering them away without a thank you. They weaved in and out of the crowd until he lost sight of them.

  Jacob reached deep into his pocket and grabbed a handful of change. The words that child said resounded in his mind, breaking his heart. One by one, he dropped the coins in the well, making a few wishes of his own. Before, he hadn't been so happy about taking this job, but at this moment, he was glad he had. Maybe he wouldn't quit. He could give it another week and see how he felt about it then.

  For the next few hours, Jacob's 'ho ho ho's were a lot more jolly. There was a little bit of truth to them. "Ho ho ho!"

  https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Santa-Wishing-Well-ebook/dp/B00A9FIHOC

  About Nikki Lynn Barrett

  No matter where she goes, USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett hears voices in her head. Instead of calling her crazy and locking her up, her family realizes it's just a product of being an author and allows her to write the stories so that the voices shut up.

  But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.

  When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!

  Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.

  Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.

  If you want to learn more about the author who makes people cry for a living, check her out at www.nikkilynnbarrett.com

  FaceBook

  https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

  Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

  Nikki's Book Stormers:

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

  Twitter: @nikkilynnbarret

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

  Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

  Other Books by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Love and Music in Texas series:

  Baby Stetson

  The Melody In My Head

  The Key To My Heart

  Fallen Idol

  Offbeat

  Skyrocket

  Extraordinary Dreams (forthcoming)

  The Masterpiece Trilogy:

  A Masterpiece Of Our Love

  A Masterpiece Unraveled

  A Forever Masterpiece

  The Secret Santa Series:

  The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  On the 12th Date of Christmas

  'Tis The Season for Forgiving

  Complicated Christmas

  Dear Christmas

  Life Won't Wait Series:

  Queen of My Heart

  It's Always Something

  About Damn Time

  Winning Your Heart Trilogy

  So Unlike Me

  Forbidden Shelter

  Vibrant (Forthcoming)

  Soul Connection series:

  Peaceful Slumber

  Sleeping Angel

  Snowfall Serenade

  Stand alones:

  We Wish You a Ferret Christmas Enchanted in Time

  Scrooge You! Zinger

  Kit Kringle:

  An Alaskan Tale

  Dani Haviland

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Copyright © 2017 Dani Hav
iland

  Book Description

  Anchorage, Alaska, Winter, present day: The spirited and attractive woman in her late thirties started her business in the Great White North, determined that she wouldn’t let hostile weather and men’s flirty advances stop her success. What she hadn’t planned on was Jay, the young mechanic who had a way with feral cats. And her heart.

  This novella is a stand-alone story by the author of the time travel series The Fairies Saga. Sorry, none of TFS characters are in this one.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to all my hardworking friends in Alaska, many of whom are in the construction industry and will recognize the technical chit chat that goes on between the two main characters. And to all those who take care of feral cats, especially my husband Marty, the original ‘cat whisperer,’ a special thank you.

  Praise:

  “The characters in this book jump off its pages with a freshness and simplicity that both intrigue and delight the reader.” Flojo, Amazon review of Ha’Penny Jenny

  “What pure fun and romance! Thanks for the fun Dani!” MistiRobin, Amazon review of Never Too Young

  “Enjoyable, engaging, enticing, unique…endearing characters.” Gay L. Deputee, Amazon review of Aye, I am a Fairy

  Chapter 1

  Anchorage, Alaska

  Late November

  Kay walked in the front door and saw the young, scruffy mechanic sitting at the desk. “Hi, there, Jay! Do you guys need any parts or supplies today?”