All I Want For Christmas

by Ann Roth

  The cold had put roses in her cheeks and the wind had whipped her hair, making it spikier than usual. She looked beautiful. Her eyes held his and flashed with pleasure, as if she was equally pleased to see him. That made him feel good, until he realized how crazy this was. She’s leaving Sunday, remember?

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, aware that he sounded brusque, but not caring.

  Startled, she stepped back, her expression instantly closing off. “Kate Burrows was supposed to help, but she’s sick. Sam asked if I could go in her place, and here I am.”

  Without the light in her eyes, she looked drawn and tired. Ryan figured G. G. must not be any better. He would ask about that later. Everyone was busy taking off coats and piling them on the lobby chairs.

  “It’s not the best day for a field trip,” he told Tina in a low voice. “Corporate’s giving us crap for…Never mind. This isn’t the time or place. Any word on your job?”

  “Not yet.” She sighed. “The offices are closed this week, and I should’ve heard by now. I don’t think I got it.” She dug into her purse and pulled out a bottle of antacids. Ate one. “G. G. and the others will be so upset. Please don’t say anything.”

  “I won’t. But hey, it ain’t over yet. No news could be good news. What about you? Will you be upset if you don’t get the job?” he asked, pretending he didn’t care.

  She looked at him as if he’d grown six ears. “What kind of question is that?”

  Ryan had to agree. And wondered why he’d asked.

  The coatless kids and adults gathered around, and he started his spiel. “Welcome to Halo Island Bank. I’m Ryan Chase, the branch manager.”

  “That’s my daddy,” Maggie said, clearly proud.

  If she only knew how angry he was—and how unhappy.

  “This is a small bank, with just myself and three employees,” he said. “One of the tellers, Danielle, has the day off. But Jason and Serena—” he nodded at them “—will show you around.”

  “Tina, you come with Sam and Gina and the rest of my group,” Maggie said.

  She nodded and headed off.

  Ryan watched her. She was a natural with kids, treating them with warmth and affection. She’d make some kid a great mom. Now, that was a joke. Tina wanted a big career, not marriage and motherhood.

  Later, as the teacher and parents lined up the class and herded them toward the door, Ryan fell into step beside Tina. “What about Thanksgiving? Is G. G. well enough?”

  “No, but she won’t let me cancel.”

  Fool that he was, he was glad. “What should we bring?”

  “A sweet potato dish. We’re eating at three.”

  “We’ll be there.”

  AS TINA SLID two pumpkin pies into the oven Wednesday evening, her cell phone rang.

  Hastily wiping her hands on a towel, she slipped it from her pocket and glanced at the LED. Jim Sperling.

  Heart in her mouth, she answered. “This is Tina,” she said in a voice she hoped sounded cool, yet professional.

  “Jim Sperling here.”

  “Who are you talking to, Tina?” G. G. called from the den. After her nap she’d stayed in bed, which was worrisome.

  “Would you excuse me a moment?” Tina covered the mouthpiece with her hand. “It’s Jim Sperling.”

  “Oh, my goodness.”

  Thankful she wasn’t in the den, where G. G. would scrutinize her every expression, Tina dropped into a kitchen chair. “Okay, I’m back.”

  “All ready for Thanksgiving?”

  “Almost.” Get to the point, get to the point. “How about you?”

  “Marian has been slaving away for days. How’s G. G.?”

  “Not great, but she’s seeing a doctor on Friday.” Tina fervently hoped that Dr. Lomax, the doctor in Anacortes, could figure out how to fix G. G.’ s hip troubles. Otherwise…

  “I assume you have a caregiver lined up for next week and that you’ll be back Monday?”

  Tina hadn’t even considered bringing in an outsider. But G. G. was too ill to be looked after by her neighbors, and with Tina’s “vacation” over, she probably should find someone. The very idea went against the grain—she should care for G. G. “I’m working on that,” she said.

  “Good. Now, the reason for my call. I have wonderful news, Tina. It was a tough decision, but I’ve made up my mind. The creative director position is yours.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful news!”

  She knew she sounded excited and pleased enough. If she felt nothing, that was most likely because she was in shock. Not because she wanted what no job could provide—a family of her own—but because she’d truly believed that someone else would get the promotion.

  For several moments she just listened to her boss, trying to remember to comment when expected.

  “The job starts Monday,” he said. “I want to make the announcement first thing that morning, and I expect you to be there.”

  “I’ll be in by eight,” she promised.

  “Congratulations, Tina,” her boss said. “Please give G. G. my regards.”

  “I will. Thank you so much, Jim.”

  Her mind in a whir, she headed for the den.

  G. G. took one look at her and smiled. “You got the promotion, didn’t you?”

  Tina nodded.

  “I knew you would. Congratulations, honey. Oh, this is so exciting.”

  She held out her arms. Tina leaned down and hugged her, blinking back sudden tears she didn’t completely understand.

  “Heavens, Tina. What in the world?”

  “I didn’t think I’d get the job,” she said. Which didn’t really explain the tears, but sounded plausible.

  “Well, I did.” G. G. gestured at a chair and Tina sat down. “Now, I want details.”

  “Well, my new job starts Monday. I’ll be parceling out some of my work to others.” Kendra, for one, and Tina did not look forward to that. She felt for the woman, who was sure to be sorely disappointed. “Oh, Jim says hello and Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Isn’t that sweet. My goodness, this is marvelous news. Tina Morrell, creative director. I love the sound of that.” G. G. rubbed her hands together. “It won’t be long until you’re running the whole company.”

  Tina bit her lip. “If you’re still this sick on Sunday…Well, we may need to bring in a nurse.” Guilt-ridden, she hung her head. Caring for G. G. was her responsibility. “I know you don’t want that, but…”

  “For your career, I’ll deal with it,” G. G. said. “I wonder if my insurance will cover the costs.”

  That she gave in so easily only highlighted how important Tina’s promotion was to her. “If you let me pay for it, I’ll feel less guilty.”

  “I wouldn’t want that. Let’s check to see what the insurance covers.”

  “Okay, but I’ll fill in any gaps. All right? I’ll get on that right away, but it is the night before Thanksgiving, and I may not get answers until Friday.” She’d call G. G.’ s insurance agent on the way to see Dr. Lomax Friday morning. Tina hoped the doctor worked a miracle.

  “Shall we announce your promotion at dinner tomorrow? Or do you want to tell people now?”

  Tina thought about how happy Kate, Jefferson and G. G.’ s neighbors would be. Then she thought about Ryan and Maggie. For some reason, she dreaded telling them, though she couldn’t have said why. After all, Ryan had assured her more than once that she’d get this promotion.

  This news was too important to share over the phone, but she didn’t dare stop by his house tonight. Especially now, when Maggie was in bed.

  All too vividly she remembered what had happened the last time she and Ryan had been alone there. With her strong feelings for him, that was too dangerous.

  She’d tell him when he came here for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, she decided. That seemed far safer.

  “I’ll let Kate know now,” she said. “Everyone else can wait.”

  Chapter Ten

  Just before three o�
�clock on Thanksgiving Day, balancing a sweet potato casserole in one hand and holding on to Maggie with the other, Ryan headed out his door. In previous years, he and Maggie had shared the feast with friends in L. A.—usually at a restaurant. This would be his daughter’s first Thanksgiving in someone’s home, and she was impatient to get there. Ryan looked forward to a home-cooked meal with friends.

  With Tina. It had only been two days since the kindergarten field trip. Yet knowing that in a few minutes he’d be with her…He was every bit as eager as Maggie.

  Way too hot-blooded. He frowned.

  “Daddy, come on.” Maggie tugged his hand, and Ryan realized he’d come to a stop in his own front yard.

  Today was for family and friends, not wayward desire. Equally important, this was a chance to reinforce the message that Tina would leave on Sunday. Once she left the island, he knew he’d be able to forget her. He only hoped Maggie would, too.

  This afternoon he would enjoy himself. No lusting after Tina, and no worries about his job. Yet as his daughter pulled him forward, he couldn’t help recalling his recent conversation with Bernard Beale.

  “I have a great team and they’re doing a damned good job,” he’d told Beale when he’d finally reached him on the phone. “What they need now is some recognition for their achievements. If you’d send out a more positive e-mail I’d appreciate it.”

  “You’ll hear from me on Monday,” Beale had replied.

  Whatever the hell that meant.

  As soon as he and Maggie crossed the street, Ryan let go of her hand. She skipped up G. G.’ s walkway, hopped onto the front stoop and rang the doorbell.

  An instant later Tina opened it, wearing an apron and a pretty blue dress.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Tina!” Maggie bubbled. “Look, Daddy let me wear my princess dress again!”

  “Let you?” Ryan rolled his eyes. “You refused to wear anything else.”

  Tina laughed. “Well, I happen to love that dress. You look beautiful, sweetie.”

  So did Tina. The rich color of her outfit made her eyes look as blue as a spring sky. Ryan’s heart gave a joyous kick, and he realized that standing here looking at her he was way too happy.

  He held out the casserole. “This needs to be reheated in the microwave.”

  “No problem,” she said with a sideways look that he couldn’t decipher. “Please, come in.”

  His daughter bounced through the door. “Where’s G. G.?”

  “In bed in the den,” Tina said. “Jefferson’s there, too, and they’re waiting for you.”

  “Goody!” Maggie raced off.

  Ryan stepped inside and closed the door. Delicious aromas filled the air, making his mouth water. “Smells great in here. So G. G.’ s really in bed?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Tina murmured, casting a worried look toward the den. “She’s in way too much pain to sit at the table.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this. If she’s that sick we should leave, and you should call Dr. Dove right away. Even if it is Thanksgiving.”

  “I know. I even picked up the phone once.” Tina gave a helpless shrug. “G. G. actually yelled at me, Ryan.” She cringed. “So I hung up. She’s always been so rational, but she sure isn’t now.”

  “That’s weird,” he said. “At least she has that doctor’s appointment in Anacortes tomorrow.” He had to know. “If she’s still this bad off on Sunday, will you be staying longer?”

  “Well…” Her fingers fidgeted with the glass top of Ryan’s casserole. “Um, the turkey will be ready soon, and I should microwave this. Could you come into the kitchen? We’ll talk there.”

  Curious, he followed her past the dining room table, which was set for four. He’d never seen Tina in a dress before. She had slender, shapely legs. Nice.

  “If G. G.’ s eating in bed, we should eat with her in there,” he suggested.

  “That’s a great idea—if she’ll let us. There isn’t much space, but I suppose we can fit our chairs around the bed.” Tina set his casserole inside the microwave and programmed the time. “We’ll have to eat from our laps, though. Will you carve the turkey when it’s ready?”

  “Sure.” Ryan couldn’t picture Maggie eating off her lap, but they’d work it out. He eyed Tina. “So, talk.”

  “There’s something you should know.” She frowned at a spot on her apron, instead of looking at him. “G. G. wants me to announce this at dinner, so pretend you’re surprised. Last night I found out that I got the promotion.”

  All along, he’d figured she would. Yet for some reason hearing it from her lips was like a sucker punch to his gut. “What’d I tell you?” he said, mustering a smile. “Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.”

  Tina didn’t look as pleased as Ryan had expected her to. She was worried about G. G., he figured. “When do you start?”

  “Monday. Before I forget, I’m done with your fax machine. Thanks for letting me borrow it. I set it on the bottom step for you. You asked whether I’m staying longer…” She let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve hired a nurse to take care of G. G., and I’m leaving Sunday afternoon.”

  Ryan knew she needed to go back to work, but with G. G. so sick and not getting better…This only reinforced how important Tina’s career was to her. No big surprise.

  Since he could think of nothing to say to that, he simply nodded and then turned away. “I’d best say hello to G. G. now.”

  HALF AN HOUR LATER, seated in a chair near G. G.’ s bed, with a steaming plate on her lap, Tina thought the dear woman looked worse than ever. As gentle as Ryan and Jefferson had been when they’d propped her up in bed, she’d groaned in agony. Tina was too worried to eat. G. G. picked at her meal, which Tina had arranged on a bed tray, and tried to put on a cheerful face. But discomfort shadowed her eyes and bracketed her mouth, and everyone was subdued.

  Even Maggie, who knelt in front of her chair and used the seat as a table. Every few minutes she jumped up to hover behind Tina or kiss G. G.’ s cheek.

  Such a thoughtful, loving child, Tina thought, already wistful. She was really going to miss her. She’d miss Ryan just as much. And maybe after the guests left tonight, she’d call Dr. Dove whether G. G. wanted her to or not.

  “We haven’t shared our thanks,” G. G. said, clinking her knife against her wineglass, which contained sparkling cider.

  “Every Thanksgiving, we all share one thing we’re thankful for. I’ll start, and Tina, you go last.”

  Knowing G. G. expected her to give thanks for her promotion and announce it that way, Tina nodded.

  “This year,” G. G. went on, “I’m especially thankful for Ryan and Maggie.” She glanced from one to the other. “The day you moved in was a lucky day, indeed.”

  Maggie beamed.

  “Ditto,” Ryan said, ducking his head. He was actually blushing! “Maggie and I are darned lucky we moved here. I’m thankful for your kindness to us, and for your warm welcome. This is such a special neighborhood, and we’re glad to make our home here.”

  Though he didn’t look at Tina, she sensed that he was talking to her. She wasn’t certain she understood his message, though.

  “Your turn, Maggie,” G. G. said. “What are you thankful for?”

  “I’m thankful for my teacher, and for Sam and Gina, Mr. Jeffries, and you and Tina.”

  She smiled at Tina, and Tina felt both blessed and sad. Sometimes she wished she’d stayed on the island, instead of going to college and grad school. Then, maybe…

  Looking fiercely protective, Ryan cupped his daughter’s shoulder, reminding Tina that he didn’t want a relationship except with Maggie. Which, since she had a career to advance, was for the best.

  “And I’m thankful that after Thanksgiving comes Christmas. Santa will come and bring me presents. Yippee!”

  Everyone smiled.

  “I’m up,” Jefferson said. In honor of the day, he’d worn a coat and tie. “I’m thankful that Tina can cook almost as good as you, G. G.”


  Despite her pain, G. G. managed a chuckle, and Tina and Ryan both smiled, grateful for the momentary lightening of their concern for G. G.

  “And I’m grateful to be sharing this meal with you,” Jefferson finished.

  “Now you, Tina,” G. G. said with an expectant look.

  For a split second Ryan’s gaze connected with Tina’s. She wished she knew what he was thinking, but his expression was unreadable.

  “I’m grateful to announce that I got the promotion we all hoped for,” she said.

  G. G. couldn’t have looked more pleased. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “I knew you’d get it.” Jefferson whistled through his fingers, then applauded.

  Maggie clapped, too, even though she probably didn’t understand.

  Ryan already had congratulated her. Now he did so again, with a stiff nod.

  “What’s a ’romotion?” Maggie asked.

  “Promotion,” Ryan corrected. “What it means is Tina got that job she wanted.”

  Maggie’s forehead wrinkled, so Tina explained. “Remember when I flew to Seattle and back on that noisy seaplane?”

  The little girl nodded.

  “I did that to interview for a better job.”

  This time Ryan’s face was easier to read. He was concerned for his child. “Tina’s new job starts on Monday and she’s leaving Sunday,” he told Maggie. “That’s in three days.”

  “Three days? But that’s really soon.”

  Maggie’s stricken look wrenched Tina’s heart. “I’ve been telling you all along that I would have to leave,” she said. “But I promise I’ll be back for Christmas. That’s only a few weeks from now.”

  “Try to be happy for her, Maggie,” G. G. said. “I am, and I’m so proud of you, Tina.”

  But she wouldn’t be if she knew how Tina really felt—that when she drove away from Huckleberry Hill Road and caught the ferry for home, she’d be leaving part of her heart on Halo Island.