Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

by JoAnn Durgin

  Strong emotion washed over him, something he couldn’t define. “I’m sorry, Julia. What happened?” Inside, he was thrilled, but she wouldn’t take kindly to a display of insensitivity given her recent heartbreak.

  Sitting beside him again, Julia ran her thumb along the side of his hand, an unconscious gesture so sensual it made him shiver. “I’m not engaged. It’s as simple as that.”

  He shook his head, confused. “I don’t understand.”

  She blew out a deep sigh. “I never was engaged. I only pray you don’t hate me for not telling you before. Dylan—my whole family, really—wouldn’t let up on the teasing, and they kept fixing me up with all sorts of well-meaning, but quirky, undependable men. I had to make them stop, so I,” she faltered a moment, “made up a man and led them to believe I was…taken.”

  Stunned, Jake couldn’t speak as the truth seeped into his consciousness. He opened his mouth then closed it. This explained a lot of things—why Julia never talked about her fiancé, why she wore no engagement ring, why she flirted with him. Why hadn’t he seen this coming? He must be more clueless than he’d thought. Wow.

  “The more time we spent together, the more I knew I was falling for you,” Julia said. “But Nicole had just come back to town, wanting you back, and she’d left the door open on your relationship. I thought you might still want to reconnect with her but didn’t realize it. I didn’t want to complicate your life. When you think about it, we got to know each other without the added pressure. I’m very sorry I misled you, Jake. I’m not a liar. Trust me. I’ve had a lot of conversations with the Almighty about it. I started to tell you at the church when we were doing the dishes after the soup kitchen—”

  “And we were interrupted by Angie screaming my name because Harry swallowed a chicken bone,” Jake said, rubbing his hand over his forehead.

  “Right. Then when you, um,” she said, twisting her hands together, avoiding his eyes, “wanted to kiss me on the front porch. I couldn’t let you do it because it wouldn’t have been honest. But I wanted to kiss you more than anything—”

  “Then Dylan interrupted us with his whole big brother act.”

  “The timing never seemed right to tell you. I hope you can forgive me and accept my apology, but I won’t blame you if you never want to see me again.” Julia turned away from him.

  Maybe he should be mad, but for some reason, Jake wanted to shout to the heavens with joy. Putting gentle hands on her slender shoulders, he turned her around. “It seems to me this is actually a win-win kind of thing, Julia. We’re both free to pursue a relationship—if that’s what you want.”

  Julia wiped moisture away from one cheek. “You’re not mad?” Her voice was tentative, and her lower lip trembled.

  “For maybe two seconds, but like I said, the Lord’s been working on me. You want to talk honest? This is a much better answer to prayer than I’d hoped for.”

  Her shoulders drooped. “Then there’s the fact that I live in Cedar Rapids, and long-distance relationships rarely work.”

  “Here’s another thing you should know about me: geography was one of my best subjects.” He laced their fingers together, noting her hand was even softer than he’d anticipated, and fit perfectly in his. “I don’t mind a little distance if the destination is worth the effort.”

  “You know,” she said, meeting his eyes, “for being inarticulate at times, you can also come up with some of the most profound things I’ve ever heard.”

  Jake chuckled. “Corny’s probably more like it. Stick around. I’m sure I’ll say something ill-advised soon enough. And, if I may say, you look absolutely incredible.” Her long hair, tied back in a ponytail while they’d worked in the kitchen, now fell in long, soft curls. After they’d finished cooking and before their meal, she’d changed from her jeans and blouse into a red dress that was modest but revealed her feminine curves and skimmed her knees. Nothing thrilled him more than when she came downstairs in that spectacular dress, her hair bouncing around her shoulders. “I can finally tell you now what I couldn’t before.”

  “What’s that?” Her blue eyes never appeared brighter.

  “You’re the most beautiful woman—inside and out—I’ve ever known.”

  Her smile was radiant. “Thank you.” She touched his cheek. “In that halo, boots, and white angel robe the night of the Christmas play, I knew you were one of the most humble, genuine guys I’d ever meet. Then when you shared with Tommy afterwards, I knew you were the best man I’d ever know. That’ll never change.”

  Jake needed to get off the sofa or he’d pull her in his arms and kiss her right then and there. Kiss her long, and kiss her hard. Not that he’d ever regret it, but he had an idea in mind for that special first kiss. But, oh yeah, Julia Sinclair was the one. “I have a gift for you.” After crossing the room to the front hall closet, he pulled out a large bag. “I hope you’ll accept this from my heart…to yours. Merry Christmas, Julia.”

  Julia’s expression was full of wonder as she opened the bag. “Molly Dolly,” she said, not bothering to stop her tears as she touched the doll’s new dress with a tender smile. “Is this the one from your house, Jake? The one you fixed?”

  “The same. Listen, I know she’ll never replace the one you lost, but…”

  “I’ll cherish her. Thank you. I can’t tell you how special this is for me.” Her smile was dear to his heart as she hugged the doll. “I have something for you, too. It’s not quite as sentimental as your gift, but I think it’s something you can definitely use.” She went over to the tree and retrieved a gift, bringing it to him.

  Jake raised a brow. “I didn’t expect anything. It’s wrapped so pretty, I hate to mess it up—”

  “Open it already.”

  “So bossy.” He tore off the wrapping and pulled out the book inside. “Your Puppy, Your Friend.” He laughed and flipped through the book for a few seconds. “This is perfect, and you’re right—it’s something I can definitely use. Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome.” She leaned close, her expression and tilt of her head inviting him to move closer. “Merry Christmas, Jake.” That statement left her lips on a sigh, and she closed her eyes.

  Without knowing it, Julia was tempting him beyond reason. Jake sat back on the sofa. “There’s something else I need to tell you, Julia.”

  “Is this the shortest relationship in the annals of time?” Her voice sounded shaky, punctuated by a nervous giggle.

  He chuckled. “No, it’s nothing like that. This is about a vow I made to the Lord. More like a promise, really.”

  “As long as you don’t have a wife or kids, or a secret life as a—”

  Jake put a finger over her lips, stilling them before covering her hands with his. “I also know you have a very active imagination, and that’s one of your best qualities.” He inhaled a deep breath. “When I was a teenager, I promised God that I wouldn’t…” Why did he suddenly feel silly, like it was a dumb thing he’d done as an immature kid that shouldn’t mean anything now that he was a grown man?

  “I know what you’re trying to say. I made a similar promise to the Lord. I haven’t…” The telltale flush appeared in her cheeks.

  “No, you misunderstand; although I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear…that. This is about more than keeping the marriage bed pure. You see, I told the Lord I wouldn’t kiss a woman—on the lips—until I knew she was the one I’d…marry.” He withdrew his hands from hers. Might as well save her the trouble.

  Surprising him, Julia recaptured his hands. “I think...”

  He braced himself, hardly able to breathe.

  “I think that’s the most honorable thing I’ve ever heard.”

  Jake slowly exhaled. “I’ve kept that promise, Julia. Being here with you now, I know why.”

  Her smile filled his heart. “That’s a precious gift, Jake. But,” she said, rising to her feet, “I’d better go out in the kitchen now and engage myself in conversation with Hannah, or I might not be held
accountable for my actions and be tempted to kiss you.”

  Reaching for Julia’s hand, Jake stood beside her and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I was wrong.”

  “About what?”

  “Sophie’s not the only one with the softest skin in the world.”

  “Consider it a prelude. I mean,” she stammered, moving her hands to her cheeks. In her embarrassment, she’d never looked more beautiful. “That did not come out right.”

  “I know exactly what you mean.” He winked.

  “Good. Then I guess I’ll leave while I still have my dignity—sort of. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “Be sure that you do.” Julia returned his wink.

  What a woman. Thank You, Lord.

  19

  Julia couldn’t believe it. Jake entered through the door of the hospital cafeteria, headed directly for her. Half the women stared as he blew in the door and marched over to where she sat with another pediatric nurse. What was he doing in Cedar Rapids two days before New Year’s Eve?

  He stood beside their table, wearing his bunkers and turnout coat.

  Way to be subtle, Jake.

  “You know, Julia, I should have known better.” He nodded at Jessica across the table and extended his hand. “Jake Marston. Pleased to meet you.”

  “Jessica McLaine,” she said, shooting a wide-eyed look Julia’s way. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, sliding her tray off the table. “I’d better get back to my station.”

  He wasted no time sitting at the table without an invitation.

  “What’s wrong?” Although she’d seen him disgruntled, she’d never seen the force of his anger before. He raked a hand through his hair, and his eyes looked a little wild.

  “I don’t know what to think.”

  She could almost see the steam rising.

  “We shared what I consider the best Christmas of my life, and we’re building something long-term together based on mutual faith and trust, but now this happens.” With his eyes full of righteous anger, Jake never looked more appealing. But whatever had him stirred up couldn’t be good.

  “Take a deep breath, start at the beginning, and tell me what’s wrong.” Julia forced calm into her voice although she was quaking inside.

  Jake’s eyes met hers and softened. “It seems everyone in Starlight believes I’m some kind of freak. An oddball.”

  She reached for his hands, but Jake moved his underneath the table. Agitation laced his expression, and she felt the vibration from his thumping boot. “Please tell me what you’re talking about.”

  He crossed his arms and sat back in the chair. “It started at Barney’s this morning. Caroline poured the absolute worst cup of coffee of her life and then asked me if I wanted a little extra sugar. Then when I went to grab a sandwich at the corner deli for lunch, Sammie pointed at me and asked her mom why Mister Jake couldn’t kiss. The senior ladies asked me if I needed lessons. Everywhere I went today, I was the object of laughter, ridicule, or clucking.”

  “Clucking?” she repeated. “Did you go to Mel’s House of Chicken?”

  “No!” He lifted his head and counted to ten under his breath while she waited, her stomach roiling. An entire Boy Scout troop could earn merit badges with all the knots in there right now.

  “No,” he said, his voice a bit more calm. “Gossip, loose lips, from hens who can’t keep their beaks shut!” Those brown eyes were on fire now, and he blew out an exasperated sigh. “Wanna know the worst part?”

  “There’s a worst part? Yes,” she said quickly, “go ahead. Get it out. Tell me.”

  “When I walked into the firehouse and saw hundreds of red, cut-out paper lips stuck to my locker, in the kitchen, and even on the engine in my seat, for crying out loud. I’ve never seen such insubordination from the guys, but of course, they won’t admit to a thing.”

  Julia bit her lower lip, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “Jake, I don’t know what to say except I’m sure Dylan had nothing to do with it.”

  “Agreed, but I’m not done yet. Hang on, sweetheart. There’s more.”

  She closed her mouth and stared. He called me sweetheart. Somehow it didn’t come across as an endearment.

  “When I opened my locker after lunch, it triggered an avalanche.” He leaned across the table, motioning for her to meet him halfway, and their noses touched. Not much physical space separated them, but a heart load of anger sure did. He wouldn’t be kissing her anytime soon, if ever. “Care to take a guess?”

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “Not really.”

  “About a thousand chocolate kisses. I stood there, staring, and then I heard smacking noises behind me. In a few short weeks, I’ve gone from hero to laughingstock!” Pushing away from the table, Jake started to stalk away before pivoting about-face. He raked his hand through his hair again, and his eyes searched hers. “I climbed in my truck and drove straight here without bothering to change, obviously.” He waved a hand down the front of him. “In the foggy recesses of what’s left of my brain, I somehow remembered the name of your hospital. This was a big mistake, and I’m probably creating a mess for you by coming here.” His shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, Julia. I’ll leave now so I can sort through all this in my mind.”

  “No, you won’t. If it was enough to make you drive all the way here, then you’re going to stay until we can talk this out. Come with me, please.” Standing, Julia kept her head high and her shoulders straight as she blocked out the stares of her co-workers and walked across the cafeteria to deposit her tray and cutlery in the receptacles.

  Where could they go? Inspiration seized her, and she headed to the main lobby. Opening the door to the small prayer chapel, Julia poked her head inside, relieved to find it empty. “We can talk privately in here. I think it’s soundproof.” Her attempt at levity didn’t register with Jake. His expression made him look like a lost little boy. Without words, Julia pulled him close, slipping her arms around his broad shoulders and leaning into him. “I’m so sorry you were hurt, Jake.”

  Jake disengaged himself from her arms but kept his hold on her hand as they sat down together. “Hear me out on this, Julia. I owe you a whopping apology. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but we need to always be honest with each other. No more secrets.” He waited until she nodded. “All that stuff compounded today, and I guess I kind of lost it. My first thought was that you’d sold me down the river.” He must have sensed her stiffen beside him because he faced her more directly, so close their knees touched. He frowned and rubbed his eyes.

  Julia turned her head, unable to look at him. Not helping, Jake. “If you’d told me that’s what you believed, you’d have left my heart in a puddle on the cafeteria floor.”

  “I was angry, but before I headed over here, I prayed. I’ve gotten to know you, and I trust you. You wouldn’t do anything to purposely slander or hurt me. Then I thought maybe Nicole told Henrietta, but I don’t think that’s what happened, either. I’m sure the pranks weren’t intended to drive a wedge between us. If anything, the opposite is true; they were attempts by some misguided, but well-meaning souls, to bring us together. The people in Starlight are the best, but they need to let others find their own way.”

  She took his other hand and held on tight. Unable to find the right words, she swallowed hard and nodded for him to continue.

  “We don’t need any help from anyone else, although a little groveling might be nice.” A hint of a grin emerged, giving her heart a lift. “It’s clear to me the Lord’s in this relationship, and He has been from the start. But it’s been in His timing, not ours, the way it should be.” He waited until she looked up at him. “You know what made me so angry? Nothing more than stupid male pride. What does it matter that people in Starlight know about my promise anyway?”

  Jake’s eyes softened when she broke into a smile, her eyes wet. “I can’t believe you admitted there’s such a thing as male pride,” she said, laying her hand on the s
ide of his face, drinking in how rugged and appealing he was, disheveled and all. His expression held admiration for her and promise for the future. Their future.

  “The important thing here is that you were the first person I thought of, Julia. More than anyone else—more than my parents, Amanda, Dylan and Hannah or anyone else—other than God, of course—I wanted to talk with you and pour out the whole thing,” Jake said.

  “I’m so glad you came here to find me.” She squeezed his hand.

  “Julia, you have one of the most giving, caring spirits I’ve ever had the honor of knowing, and it makes me want to share everything with you. So, today I jumped in the truck and drove straight here because I lo—”

  The door swung open and Dylan stuck his head inside the room. “There you are! Well, it’s about time.”

  20

  Both Julia and Jake turned as Dylan stood in the doorway, propped against the door of the chapel. He crossed his arms and frowned. “Do you know how hard it was to find you two?” His glance encompassed the cozy scene they created. “Especially in full uniform, you should stick out like a sore thumb around here, buddy.”

  “What brings you here, Dylan?” Jake asked, rising to his feet. “Great timing, and I don’t mean that as a compliment.”

  “Dylan, come inside and both of you please keep your voices down.” Julia didn’t want anyone passing by to overhear their conversation. As it was, this scene seemed surreal.

  “I’ve got someone who needs to say something to you, Jake, and then it’s my turn with Julia.” Opening the door wider, Dylan ushered Tyler inside.

  “Tyler!” Julia stood, and her sobbing nephew ran to her, throwing his arms around her middle and burying his head into her uniform, soaking it with his tears. “What’s going on?” She directed the question to Dylan as she smoothed Tyler’s hair and kissed the top of his head. “It’s OK, baby.”