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

by Mimi Barbour

  “I’m not questioning your strength,” Evie said, although the prospect of them working the whole day terrified her. “Things are different. There are bar codes and credit cards.”

  “We’re familiar with that. We’ve filled in at the hardware store. Ornaments can’t be any more complicated than hardware,” Tee said.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Give us the keys and the code to the register and get on your way to the hospital,” Tee said.

  Chapter Six

  Evie drove to the hospital, unsure of how she would be received. That wasn’t important, she told herself. She just needed to be there for herself and if she helped someone else in the process, then so be it. Walking into the waiting room area, she saw Michael and Jenn standing together in the room.

  Her heart squeezed in fear. She prayed again for Will. The two of them turned toward her.

  Jenn gasped. “What are you doing here? It’s Black Friday. What about your shop?”

  “Tee and Stella could tell I was very upset and they are taking care of the shop today,” she said. “More importantly, how is Will?”

  Michael sighed, looking haggard and weary. “We’re still waiting.”

  “I’m trying to persuade Michael to take a break, rest and eat something,” Jenn said.

  Evie understood why Michael didn’t want to leave. If Will belonged to her, she wouldn‘t want to leave either. “Can I get some for you while you wait?”

  “I wish I had thought of that before I left this morning. I’ll go home, hug my husband and kids, and bring back some food.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Jenn. I can grab something here,” Michael said.

  “If I can’t talk you into going home, the least I can do is bring some home-cooked food,” she said and hugged him. Turning to Evie, she threw her arms around her. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  Jenn left and Evie stood awkwardly with Michael. “I’m so sorry this happened,” she said to him.

  “I know you are,” he said. “I took out my frustration on you. I shouldn’t have. You’ve been—“

  “Mr. Benson,” a nurse said. “I think William is waking up.”

  Michael covered her heart with his hand. “Oh, Lord, I hope so.”

  “Go,” Evie said. “Go. I’ll be here.”

  Michael left and Evie couldn’t sit. She paced the room and knitted and un-knitted her fingers. She prayed and hoped that God cared about Will’s little life.

  A half hour later, the nurse reappeared and invited her to go to Will’s room. Filled with trepidation and hope, Evie walked inside where Will was talking about how much he wanted a train for Christmas.

  Relief rushed through her. She must have made a sound because Michael and Will looked up at her. “Miss Evie,” Will said.

  “You’re awake,” she said, rushing to his side. “We’ve all been so worried.”

  Will bit his lip. “I shouldn’t have chased that dog.”

  “You shouldn’t have, but we are so happy that you are awake,” she said, covering his hand with hers. He squeezed her hand in return. She glanced at Michael.

  “They want to do more tests, but he’s okay. Better than okay,” Michael said and rubbed Will’s shoulder. “Will, you know Evie called for the ambulance.”

  “Evie is the best,” Will said.

  Evie’s eyes filled with tears. “I think that’s the highest compliment I’ve ever received.”

  Will sighed and his eyelids drooped. He yawned.

  “It’s okay,” Michael said. “You can take a nap. I’ll be here.”

  Within a few moments, Will drifted off to sleep.

  “I’m glad for him to rest, but I want him to stay awake,” Evie whispered.

  “I know, but I really believe he’s going to be okay. Thank God,” he said. “And thank you.”

  “Have you called Jenn?” she asked in a low voice.

  “I gotta do that,” he said and picked up his phone.

  Hours later after tears and so much joy, Michael agreed to go home for the night while Jenn stayed with Will.

  Michael turned to Evie before he left. “I don’t know why you stayed and put up with me and all of us, but I’m glad you did. Thank you,” he said and pulled her against him. Lowering his head, he took her mouth in a gentle, but profound kiss.

  Shocked into silence, Evie stared after him as he left. He’d kissed her and she had no idea how to respond. She shook her head, swallowing over a heartful of emotions. She drove back to her rooming house since the shop should have closed by now.

  Walking through the door, she saw Tee and Stella sipping something amber-colored in shot glasses as they propped up their feet in the front room. “Hello?” she said.

  Tee waved at her. “Well, hello. Tell us the boy is better,” she said.

  “He is,” Evie said, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. “He woke up then took a nap. Then he woke up again. It all looks good. I’m so grateful.” She sighed. “And to you, too. I hope it wasn’t terrible for you.”

  Stella shook her head and tossed back her shot. “Not at all. We are a force to be reckoned with. We managed the customers like they were cattle.”

  “We were perfectly mannerly,” Tee said.

  “True,” Stella added.

  “And we turned quite a profit. I’m sure you can look it up on your computer,” Tee said.

  For at least the sixth time today, her eyes filled with tears. She went to Tee and kissed her cheek. “I can’t thank you enough.” She kissed Stella’s cheek, too. “Or you.”

  “We were glad to do it,” Stella said. “Doing something different gets the blood moving.”

  “I agree,” Tee said. “May we offer you a shot of whiskey?”

  Evie laughed. “Yes, I think you can. Don’t get up. I’ll pour my own.”

  After choking over her shot of whiskey, Evie went upstairs and glanced at her cellphone. There was a message from her employment search specialist. She had an offer for Evie in Manhattan, but Evie would need to leave by Monday.

  The next morning, a knock sounded at her door. Evie had almost expected it. If the theory was that Frank wanted her to make a change, then the timing made sense. She walked slowly from her bed, knowing no one would be in the hallway, but part of her wanted to smell that pipe tobacco. She opened the door and the scent greeted her. “Thanks, Frank,” she said and sent him a kiss.

  Afterward, she got ready for work and put in a full day. At the end, she chose a train car ornament to take to Will. She was tired, but determined as she drove to the hospital. Will was sitting up in his bed eating ice cream. Michael sat beside him.

  Will spotted her first. “Hi, Miss Evie.”

  “Hi, Will,” she said and moved to drop a kiss on his forehead. “How are you?”

  “I’m going home tomorrow,” he said.

  Evie gaped at him in surprise. “You are? You must be a super hero. You’re doing great.”

  “But a mortal super hero,” Michael corrected. “No more running in front of cars, right?” he said to Will.

  “No more,” Will said.

  “Good to see you,” Michael said.

  His gaze made her heart flip. “Good to see you,” she said then turned to Will. “I brought another train ornament for you to keep you amused until you go home.”

  Will’s eyes lit up at the red train. “Yes!”

  A nurse entered the room. “I just want to check his vitals. You can stay or take your coffee break.”

  “We’ll step out for a minute,” Michael said and escorted Evie from the room.

  “One of these days, you and I are going out for a nice dinner,” he said.

  “Doesn’t barbecue count?” she joked.

  “Not in this case,” he said. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

  “I am too.” She paused. “I need to tell you something.”

  “What?”

  “I got a job offer in Manhattan. If I want it, I have to leave Monday.”r />
  Michael’s face fell. “Whoa. So soon.”

  “I’m not going to take it,” she said and he stared at her in disbelief. “I’d rather be here.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I’d rather be here in Mistletoe. I’d rather see what might happen, what could happen.”

  He nodded slowly.

  “So, I may ask you to help me find a job when the shop closes in January,” she said.

  “I can work on that,” he said, taking her hand. “Evie, you’re a walking, talking miracle to me.”

  “You’re the same for me.” She didn’t want to say those three important words, but she sure was feeling them.

  One Christmas Eve, after Michael and Evie had tucked Will into bed, Michael led Evie out onto his deck where the air was brisk and the stars were bright. He pulled her into his arms. “Some people might say we’re rushing things, but I think you and I were meant to be. I love you, Evie.” He pulled a jeweler’s box from his pocket. “Will you marry me?”

  She glanced up at him in surprise. “I didn’t expect this. I mean, I did, but didn’t because it’s soon. I think I loved you before I met you. I don’t know how that can be true, but it is.”

  “Does that mean you’re saying yes?” he asked and pulled the ring from the box to put on her finger.

  “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes,” she said.

  Michael kissed her, and Evie thanked her lucky stars. And Frank, too.

  The End

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for reading “Christmas in Mistletoe”. I hope you enjoyed this novelette and the rest of this wonderful holiday collection. I would love it if you would take a moment to review my story and I would be delighted to hear from you at leannebbb@aol.com For updates, please follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/leanne.banks and visit my website www.leannebanks.com .

  Wishing you the best of life and love,

  Leanne Banks

  THEN CAME YOU

  by

  New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

  Leanne Banks

  Copyright © 2017 by Leanne Banks

  Book Description

  When handsome cynic, Justin Dane Burgess rescues big-hearted Lilly Johansen in the snow, his life is turned upside down. Accustomed to avoiding intense relationships and the whole sticky Christmas season, he finds himself drawn into her life and learns to enjoy everything from drinking hot chocolate to decorating a Christmas tree and helping Lilly’s elderly neighbors.

  An orphan from a young age, Lilly has learned to create her own family wherever she is. Although Justin seems anti-Christmas, he sure is generous to her. She has been misled by men before. Can she trust her feelings for Justin?

  Or will a bad choice Justin makes ruin their chance for forever love?

  Buy it on Amazon

  Chapter One

  “Everyone wants something from me,” Justin Dane Burgess muttered as he looked at all the requests on his desk. His retail company was busy enough this time of year without the requisite donation aspect of the holiday season.

  His assistant, Francine Thomas said, “You don’t have to contribute to all of them. You’re very generous.”

  “You know it’s Christmas. I don’t make appearances, so I make donations to keep Frank Fashions and Home Goods in a good light to our customers.” he asked.

  “Or, because you’re generous and have a good heart,” Francine said.

  “I’m not sure I agree with either of those.” He signed several more checks.

  “I must ask you about one charity,” she said, clearly reluctant.

  He looked at her with a doubtful expression. “Yes?”

  Francine smiled. “That’s all you needed to say.”

  “Ms. Thomas,” he said. “I need more information.”

  “Many of the charities have requested your attendance at special functions,” she began.

  “Not interested in special functions,” he said.

  Francine nodded. “True, but I thought you might make an exception.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, she just seems so nice and earnest. I don’t think she’s trying to win your heart. She just wants your presence at her event to increase its visibility.”

  “Hmm. So she got to you? It happens at least once a year,” he said, signing another check.

  “She gives coats to the homeless. She has given several off her own back,” Francine said.

  “Hmm. What great press for her charity,” he said.

  Francine sighed. “With all due respect, sir, you’re too bitter for your own good sometimes.”

  Justin glared at his assistant, but she didn’t waver or wither. It was one of the things he liked about his long-time assistant. “Are you saying I’m acting old, cranky and scrooge-like?”

  “Stuck in your ways, sir,” she said, pursing her lips and shaking her silver blonde head at him.

  “I’m not a public person,” he reminded her. “I hire people for that.”

  “Everyone needs to step outside their comfort zone every now and then,” Francine said.

  “And how have you done that?” he asked, turning the question on her because it was easier.

  “I’m taking rap line-dancing classes,” she said and lifted her chin. “What are you doing?”

  Justin blinked. The image of his senior silver-haired secretary participating in a rap line-dance nearly fried his brain.

  “Well?” Francine said expectantly.

  “I don’t know what to say,” he said.

  “Of course you don’t,” she said. “Because you’re stuck in a rut.”

  Justin wouldn’t let just anyone speak to him in such a way, but Francine was one woman he trusted. “Leave the invite on my desk. I’ll look at it tomorrow morning. I have another conference call tonight.”

  Francine frowned. “Are you sure you can’t take a quick visit tonight with Ms. Johansen?”

  “Absolutely not,” Justin said and strode to his office. Francine meant well and she was extremely trustworthy, but Justin understood himself and humanity.

  Everyone had always wanted something from him. Today was no different.

  * * *

  Lilly Johansen stepped inside the downtown office building and smiled at the security person. “I’m here to see Mr. Burgess.”

  The security woman rang someone else and nodded. “Fifth floor.” She nodded toward a bank of elevators.

  Excitement climbed with each passing floor. Lilly clenched her pink gloved hands together. The doors opened and she stepped into a lobby where a lovely, yet stern-looking silver-haired woman presided over a desk. Lilly knew this was Francine Thomas, the gate-keeper.

  Lilly smiled again. “You must be Francine Thomas. Thank you for your responses to me.”

  Francine pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Burgess wasn’t receptive to your invitation. He will give your charity a donation, but he’s adamant about not making personal appearances. If you’ve noticed, you can’t find any photos of him on the web. He’s very private.”

  Lilly nodded. “May I wait here a little while just in case he changes his mind?”

  Francine looked at her sympathetically. “You can, but I’m quite sure he won’t meet with you.”

  Lilly sighed. “I’ll give it a shot,” she said and sank down on her chair, loosening her coat and removing her gloves. She leaned her head back against the rich wood-paneled wall and closed her eyes.

  A vision flooded through her. A long time ago, there was a young woman and a toddler on the street in the snow. The young woman had been her mother.

  Lilly remembered the sensation of bitter cold. She remembered how her mother, thin from disease, had hugged her tight.

  Lilly remembered her stomach growling with hunger as the snow swirled around them. “We’ll be fine,” her mother said. “You’ll be fine.” Her mother rubbed her shoulders. “We’ll be warm and fed in no time.”

  How? Where? Lilly recalled, sh
ivering, hoping.

  Her mother pulled them into an alley and under the ledge of a building entrance. “Just rest,” her mother said. “We’ll be fine.”

  Lilly’s eyes opened. Her stomach squeezed tight. She glanced around the office. Francine had left. The lights outside the office were dimmed. No sign of Mr. Burgess.

  Sighing, Lilly rose and buttoned her coat and pulled on her gloves. Perhaps, she should make a list of donors to ask to attend the charity event with her. Mr. Burgess had been her first and only choice, so…

  * * *

  Justin finished his teleconference then checked his messages. Nothing that couldn’t wait until tomorrow. He shrugged on his coat and noticed the guilt-inducing paper message from Francine. Ms. Johansen was here. Wish you would reconsider.

  Justin crumpled the piece of paper and tossed it into the trash. He wouldn’t be manipulated into attending a charity event just because.

  As he rode down the elevator, however, he did feel a twinge of guilt. He hated himself for it, but it was there. He ordered his car delivered from the garage.

  Taking a deep breath to move on, he stepped outside the building into the chilly night. Snow and sleet fell. The ice felt like needles. Midwest winters were unforgiving. He lifted the hood of his black cashmere wool coat knowing he had another just like it in his closet at home if he ruined this one.

  The Jeep arrived at the curb and the driver handed him his key. “Have a good night, sir.”

  He glanced across the street and caught sight of a young blonde woman giving her coat to an elderly woman. He stood watching, unwillingly fascinated.

  A second later, he saw the young woman remove her gloves and place them on the elderly woman’s hands.

  Justin forced himself to look away, but his determination didn’t last. He glanced back. The older woman shuffled away.

  The younger woman stared after her and hugged her arms around herself. Justin decided the young woman could call a car service. Uber was only a text away.