Rose and Helena Save Christmas: a novella

by Jana DeLeon

  “Ha!” She laughed. “You’re the one who made me this way.”

  His grin settled into smug smirk. “Well, I’ll have you know that this has nothing to do with the removal of any clothing.”

  “Like that means anything,” she teased. “I happen to remember one time in the truck—”

  He laughed, hugging her tighter. “This has to do with your Christmas present. But if you don’t want it…”

  “You are a wicked man, Mason Deveraux.”

  “And you love me that way.”

  “Yes,” she said breathless.

  “We can celebrate that way later. First, your present.” He led her to the sofa and had her sit on the cushions. He perched on the coffee table, looking nervous. “I was busy with work issues while I was in Little Rock, but I had time to pick something up.” He reached into his pajama pocket and pulled out a small red box. “But I’m worried you might not like it.”

  Rose’s heart thumped against her chest, and she fought to catch her breath. He was holding a ring box.

  “Rose Gardner, you are the most special woman I’ve ever known. I loved you before we even started dating, and I never thought I’d be lucky enough to be with you.”

  She looked up at him with wide eyes, her mouth dry. Was he going to propose?

  “You’re like my mother. A collector of lost souls.” He smiled, but it was tentative. “I’m saying this wrong.” He took a deep breath, and she realized he was nervous. “I know you’re not a jewelry person—you don’t wear much of it—but I had this made specially for you and I hope you like it.” He hesitated. “It’s…unusual, but it seemed to fit you.”

  Rose held her breath as he opened the lid. When she saw the contents, she pushed it out with relief. The box contained an assortment of gemstones and a silver heart. She glanced up at him.

  “They were out of boxes and had to put it in a ring box.”

  She pulled it out and realized they were attached to a silver chain. The stones all hung separately, with the locket-sized heart in the center.

  “The stones represent people in your life. The amethyst is your sister, Violet…for obvious reasons. The diamond is Neely Kate because other than you, I can’t think of anyone I know who shines brighter.” He smiled. “The rose quartz is for Muffy, which represents a gentle love. The jade piece, is for Jonah, which is said to bring serenity, is for Jonah. He does that for you—with your therapy sessions. And the blue lapis is Bruce Wayne and stands for friendship.” He hesitated, then pointed to a red stone. “The garnet is me, which represents passionate devotion. That’s why it hangs closest to the heart.” He looked into her eyes. “Which is you.” He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. “Because you have the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I’m thankful to be included among the people you love.”

  She kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Oh, Mason! It’s perfect.”

  He kissed her back, then looked into her eyes. “Why do you look so relieved?” he asked.

  She cringed. “I thought it was an engagement ring.”

  Worry and panic set on his face and she hurried to explain. “I love you, Mason, and after our baby scare last month I know we both decided we needed to wait, but I thought maybe you changed your mind.” She rushed on. “You know I want to marry you someday… Just not now.”

  A smile spread across his face. “I feel the same way.”

  She let out a breath of relief. “Everything’s just so perfect the way it is. I don’t want to mess that up, you know?”

  “I do.”

  They laughed at his joke, then she took his hand and looked deep into his eyes. “This is the most perfect gift ever, Mason. Truly. Thank you.” She started to put the necklace on and noticed a pale tan-and-white-striped stone at the very edge of the others. “Mason, you missed this one. Who’s this?”

  He swallowed, suddenly looking unsure. “It’s an agate. Which represents protection and friendship.”

  “Who is it for?”

  But he didn’t answer and she knew. Joe.

  “Rose, this is your necklace, and you can add and remove whomever you like. I just hope I’m always the one closest to your heart.”

  She smiled up at him, her heart bursting with love and thankfulness. She never knew she could be so happy.

  She only hoped it would last.

  The End

  Series Information

  If you haven’t read the Rose Gardner series by Denise Grover Swank, you should try it now.

  When Rose Gardner decides she’s done frittering her days away at the DMV, she turns Henryetta, Arkansas upside down as she navigates life, love and the investigation of a murder every now and then.

  Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes is free at Amazon!

  If you haven’t read the Ghost-in-Law series by Jana DeLeon, maybe it’s time to give it a whirl.

  Family can be the death of you…

  Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, push, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana.

  Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit.

  Trouble in Mudbug is free at Amazon!

  About Denise Grover Swank

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in her own mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

  Learn more about Denise at her website, Facebook, and Twitter or email her at denisegroverswank@gmail.com

  To get information about Denise’s latest releases, sign up for her mailing list.

  About Jana DeLeon

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon grew up among the bayous and ‘gators of southwest Louisiana. She’s never stumbled across a mystery like one of her heroines but is still hopeful. She lives in Dallas, Texas with a menagerie of animals and not a single ghost.

  Learn more about Jana at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

  To get information about Jana’s latest releases, sign up for her mailing list.