A December to Remember: a Holiday Romance Anthology

by Howe, Olivia

  “Are you okay?” Cole passes me another tissue. “Why are you even crying?”

  “His dad is Santa. The elves. The kid.” I can barely get out what I want to say. I take a deep breath and look at him. “That’s the first Christmas movie I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much.”

  “For what?” He smiles, wiping the tears from my face.

  “No one has ever brought me to see a Christmas movie before. Thank you for forcing me out of the office today.” I sniffle. This wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Cole means well, he really does.

  “You’re very welcome, Alicia. Now let’s go get some eggnog.”

  I look at him confused. “Some, what?”

  “You’ve never had eggnog? Oh, we have to get you some right now.” He puts his hand out, gesturing for mine. We walk hand-in-hand out of the movie theater. The smile is never ending on my face.

  ***

  The café Cole takes me to is packed. Christmas lights hang everywhere I look. The café has a small Christmas tree is the corner of the room with lights and garland hanging from it.

  “Two eggnogs, please.” Cole orders for us and I find a table. He makes his way through the crowd and set a glass in front of me. “You’ll love it.”

  I examine the liquid in front of me. It’s thick and a pale yellow color. “I’m not sure about this, Cole.”

  “Trust me.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Trust me,” he says again.

  I take a deep breath and prepare for the worst. The liquid slides down my throat. I take a minute to get a sense of the taste. “It’s actually good.”

  “I told you so.”

  “You were just waiting to say that, weren’t you?” I ask him with a smile on my face.

  He reaches over and glides his fingers across the top of my lip. “Eggnog mustache.”

  I get embarrassed and put my head down, grabbing a napkin quickly. “That’s real attractive.”

  “I thought it was cute.” I look up at him, waiting for him to laugh at me, but he doesn’t. That makes me blush.

  I change the subject. “You were right. You’re always right. I think I’m going to stop at the store and pick up a bottle of this.”

  “I told you.”

  “You just like saying that, don’t you?”

  He laughs. It’s a beautiful sound. “Yes, I sure do.” He sips his eggnog and a mustache appears. I take my napkin and wipe his upper lip. Our eyes connect, and for a moment, we’re the only two in the café.

  I clear my throat. “I should probably get home.”

  We both finish our drinks and he grabs my hand as we walk out of the café. I can’t get over how he just made me feel.

  Chapter 5

  Day 3

  It’s seven o’clock in the morning and I can’t stop yawning. Cole dragged me out of bed earlier than usual. Today we’re going to Saint Mary’s Church to help serve the homeless a Christmas dinner.

  Why are we going so earlier if dinner isn’t until four at night? I asked him the same thing, and he simply said, “We have to prepare.”

  Pulling up to the church, I’m speechless at how many cars are here. All of them ready to volunteer their time and to spread the holiday love.

  “There must be a few dozen people here.”

  “Incredible, right?” His bright, white smile sends butterflies fluttering around my stomach at maximum speed.

  We get out of the truck, and instantly, the head woman in charge is by our side. “Cole, it’s so lovely to see you back another year.”

  He reaches over and hugs her tight. “I wouldn’t miss it. You look beautiful today, Mrs. Garcia.”

  The older woman, who must be in her mid-fifties, playfully slaps Cole’s arm. “You’re too sweet.”

  “Mrs. Garcia, please meet Alicia Hanson. She came to help us today.”

  The small woman walks over to me; her face lit up, and kisses both my cheeks. “God bless you, Alicia. Thank you for coming to help.”

  “I’m happy to be here, Mrs. Garcia.”

  “Such a pretty young woman, Cole.”

  “Very pretty.” He looks at me and winks. They both have me blushing. “Where would you like us today?”

  “I need you both on decoration duty for the inside and out. When dinner comes along, I want you right up front with me serving. Any questions?” This woman means business.

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Have fun, you two. If you need anything, come ask.” She smiles and walks away fast.

  Cole takes my hand. His is warm and big compared to mine. “Let’s start with the outside. The decorations are in the shed. Follow me.”

  “Do I have I choice?” I giggle. “You’re dragging me. My legs can’t move that fast.”

  Cole slows down. “Keep up, sweetheart.” He winks, making goosebumps crawl up my body.

  It takes us a few hours to get all the Christmas decorations done outside. We put lights hanging across the church’s roof, Santa and his reindeer in the front, and more lights any place they would fit.

  We make our way inside and do the same. It looks like my house in here: every spot filled with something that has to do with Christmas.

  By four o’clock, I’m exhausted and ready to collapse. I didn’t think it would be this much work getting decorations set up, but it was definitely fun. I never thought I would be at a church with Cole Castello, hanging up Christmas decorations and getting ready to feed the homeless.

  I look out the front window. People start piling up; the line is stretching all the way down the street. A tear comes to my eye. I never stopped and thought about the people that weren’t as fortunate as others, people that couldn’t afford to celebrate Christmas. Kids are jumping with joy, ready to celebrate Christmas with a lovely meal from the church. It’s heartwarming to see how many people gather together to enjoy a special holiday.

  “Are you okay?” Cole sneaks up on me.

  I wipe the single tear away quickly. “I’m fine.” I look up at him, his eyes dazzling mine. “Thank you.”

  His fingers brush across my face, swiping at the few tears that escaped. “Are you ready?”

  I smile. “Very ready.”

  Mrs. Garcia stands next to us with a huge smile on her face. A young woman opens the front door, allowing people to pile inside. Each and every person’s face is glowing, with a permanent smile.

  I hand the first person a plate with their needed utensils and napkins. “Merry Christmas,” the old man says, his smile brings joy to my heart. “God bless you.”

  Words choke up in my throat. This man has nothing, and he’s still so happy. “Merry Christmas.”

  Cole slaps a big piece of ham onto the man’s plate. “Merry Christmas. God bless you,” the man says again.

  Cole smiles and reaches his hand out. “You have a wonderful Christmas, Nicholas.” He knows his name? Both men shake hands.

  “You know him?” I question in a whisper.

  “Nicholas comes here every year. He’s always the first one inside.”

  I hand a plate with utensils to the next person, making sure to say Merry Christmas to each person.

  I look up at Cole. I haven’t seen this side of him yet. It’s a beautiful sight to witness. His face is glowing, with a sparkle in his eyes, and a smile that won’t disappear.

  In this moment, I know I’m falling for Cole Castello.

  ***

  The ride home is quiet. We fed hundreds of people today. It was the best day of my life. I’m exhausted, but it was worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I will definitely be going next year to help out again.

  Cole pulls into my driveway and puts the truck in park. The heat is blaring in my face, making me sleepier.

  “I’ll walk you inside.” He gets out of the truck and comes to open my door.

  We walk next to each other to my porch. I fumble with m
y keys in my hands. “Thank you for today.”

  “Thank you for coming with me.”

  “I didn’t know you went there every year. You’re a good guy, Cole.” My comment sends a smile to his tired face.

  “Thank you, Alicia.”

  We stare into each other’s eyes. There’s a sparkle in his that send goosebumps wildly crawling up my whole body. He steps closer to me, slowly. He grabs my face and presses his lips against mine. They’re soft and luscious. He makes me want to strip down naked on my front porch.

  As much as I love feeling his lips against mine, I break it off, facing my head toward the ground. “I should get some sleep. I’m exhausted.”

  Cole clears his throat. “Yeah, me too.”

  “Thank you again for tonight.”

  With shaken hands, I unlock my front door and shut it behind me. I slide down on the door, all the way to the floor. What in the world just happened?

  Chapter 6

  Day 4

  Did last night really happen? I kissed Cole. No, Cole kissed me. Actually, I don’t know who kissed who, but it happened. It was beautiful. It sent chills up my spine. I can’t stop thinking about it.

  Where is he? He usually shows up bright and early at the crack of dawn to wake me up. It’s now five at night and I haven’t heard from him whatsoever. Is it because of our intimate encounter? Does he regret it? He can’t just avoid me. I’m non-avoidable.

  We kissed. It happened. It’s done and over with. Yes, we have to talk about it and move on from it. We’re adults.

  I’ve been bored all day long. I cleaned my house. Read a book in one sitting. I drank enough coffee for a dozen people.

  I slouch on the couch. I should just go to sleep. Cole’s not going to show up tonight.

  I shut off the lights downstairs, grab a cup of hot tea, and make my way up the stairs. Just as I’m about to pull the covers over me, the doorbell rings.

  I hop out of bed and pretty much run down the stairs. Before I open the door, I take a breath and fix my hair.

  “Why are you in your pajamas?” Cole stands tall, looking sexy in his winter clothes.

  “Because someone ditched me all day.”

  “I didn’t ditch you. I’m here to pick you up now.” Cole welcomes himself into my home, taking a seat on the leather couch by the fireplace. “Chop chop, woman.”

  Even though I’ve been waiting all day for him—aggravated—his comment sends a smile to my face and a giggle from my mouth.

  I don’t ask him where we’re going, because, well, I know he won’t tell me. He loves surprising me—something that’s growing on me. I mimic his wardrobe, throwing on my winter clothes, getting ready for whatever he secretly has planned.

  ***

  Christmas lights twinkle. The scent of winter and hot chocolate swim through the air. People are gathered outside, waiting for the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

  Cole grabs my hand, and I notice people staring. Who knows what they’re thinking about us, but at this moment, I could care less.

  A little girl runs by holding a Winter Wonderland Barbie Doll. I could spot that doll from six miles away. I turn to Cole. “I’ve always wanted one of those.” I point to the small blonde child. Sadness fills his face once he notices what the girl is carrying.

  “Why?” he stutters out.

  “My parents never celebrated Christmas with me and my sister.”

  “Why not?” His eyes fixate on me, waiting for a response.

  “They were both drunks. All they cared about was their alcohol.” I can’t look at him anymore. I turn my eyes to the tall Christmas tree in front of me. I pull my hat down, the wind turning a nice night cold.

  “Is that why you don’t talk to them?” Why does Cole want to know so much about me? Aren’t I the one supposed to be interviewing him?

  “Yes. I wish they were different. I wish I could’ve spent a Christmas morning with them opening presents with my sister and drinking hot chocolate. It was embarrassing showing up to school the week after the holidays. Every other kid talked about what they got for Christmas. Even the teacher had us write an essay about the gifts we received and why we were thankful. Once it was my turn to get in front of the class to read my paper, they all made in fun of me, calling me a poor little orphan child.” A tear few tears fall down my face. I swipe them away quickly, not wanting Cole to see me crying.

  “I’m sorry, Alicia.”

  “No need to be sorry. It happened. There’s nothing I can do to change it. It was the most traumatic years of my life being in school.” I hold back the tears. I can’t keep talking about depressing things. “I’m freezing. Let’s go get some hot chocolate.” I change the subject quickly. I look into Cole’s eyes, spotting sadness.

  “After you.” He smiles at me, forcing me to forget about everything we just talked about. His glowing face can light up my night quicker than anything.

  Minutes after we get our hot chocolate, we get a spot on the sidewalk to watch the street parade happen. Trucks and sport cars covered in sparkling green and red lights—some with white icicles. Santa and his elves hand out candy to all the kids. The smile never leaves my face. I never experienced this as a child. At this point, I feel like I’m ten again, waiting for Santa to make his way to me.

  Cole keeps a tight grip on my hand. I catch him staring at me from the corner of my eye. His eyes never leave mine, with his smile brightening up the night.

  The parade takes an hour to end. Once it does, I’m pinned with sadness. I could’ve stood and watched the holiday parade for hours.

  Everyone makes their way to the town Christmas tree, circling around it with anticipation.

  The countdown begins. When it reaches one, my eyes look at the tree in front of me. Bright lights twinkle and brighten the night that surrounds us. Every color imaginable lights up the Christmas tree. People start singing Christmas songs, and Cole and I join in with them. This is the most fun I’ve had in years. Actually, the most fun I’ve ever had in my life, and it’s all thanks to Cole Castello.

  Chapter 7

  Day 5

  We’ve been in the car for hours now. I have no idea where Cole is taking me. I’m dying of thirst and am starving. He won’t stop at any gas stations. He keeps saying we’re almost there, but those words are lies.

  We pull into a driveway. Nothing looks familiar. I have no idea where we are right now.

  The light blue house is beautiful. It has a wrap-around porch and even a white picket fence.

  “Where are we?” I ask, not ready for whatever he has planned. I’m never ready for Cole Castello.

  He smiles, saying nothing as he gets out of the truck and comes to open my door. “You ready?”

  “I could answer that question if I knew where we are.” I take his hand, jumping out of the truck.

  We walk through the pathway and onto the white wraparound porch. This house is beautiful. I wonder who lives in it. It has to be someone important, considering we made the seven hour trip here.

  Cole knocks on the door. A dog barks, scaring me. Cole latches onto my hand and squeezes. An older couple answers the door. Once I see their faces, I get enraged and sadness washes over me. How dare him!

  “Mom,” my voice is faint. “Dad.”

  “Alicia. Thank you so much for coming. We wanted you to see it for yourself,” my mom speaks, bringing tears streaming down my face.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “We’re different now, honey,” my dad speaks, making me raging with fury at his words.

  “Don’t you dare call me honey. I’m not your honey.” I run off the porch, tears pouring from my eyes.

  The truck door slams behind me as I sit down. I watch my parents on the porch talking to Cole. What are they saying? Did they think I would forgive them after they ruined me and my sister’s childhood? Never. I will never forgive them.

&
nbsp; Cole jumps in the truck. It’s silent for a few minutes. “What was that back there, Alicia?”

  “Don’t you dare try butting into my personal life ever again. This was not part of the deal we had. You have no idea what you’ve done.” I can’t look at him. The tears are too much for me. They’re spread all over my face, pouring like a rainy day. Seeing my parents has brought all the horrible memories back, memories I’ve been trying to keep locked away for years now.

  “Talk to me. Help me understand.”

  “They’re the reason I hate Christmas and all other holidays. They are the reason, Cole. Are you happy to finally know why? All they cared about was their alcohol addiction. Never once did they buy a Christmas tree. My sister and I never woke up on Christmas morning excited to see what Santa brought us. Instead, I listened to my parents get shitfaced, argue and fight, and break shit. They cared more about themselves and alcohol then they did my sister and me.”

  Cole clears his throat. “I’m sorry, Alicia. I didn’t know.” His voice is filled with sadness and regret.

  “No, you didn’t know, Cole. You had no right snooping around in my personal life.”

  “Alicia,” his voice is almost a whisper, and barely audible.

  “Take me home, Cole.”

  ***

  I cuddle up on the couch in front of my fireplace. Today was emotionally exhausting for me. The deal with Cole is off. I don’t want the epic story on him. Someone else can do it. I never want to see him again.

  Memories from my past start resurfacing. I’ve been trying to lock them away for years now. Over time it gets easier, but now that Cole brought me to my parents’ house, they’re back.

  Why would he do that to me? Does he not realize he needs to stay out of people’s personal lives? Just because he’s rich, doesn’t give him the right to snoop through my history. It’s called history for a reason, and I wanted to keep it buried.

  Tears sprinkle down my face. My childhood wasn’t easy. It was me and my sister, Aubrey, taking care of each other and watching out for one another. It was traumatic and exhausting. There were days I wanted to just give up on life, but Aubrey was there pushing me forward and keeping me intact.