One Sweet Christmas (novella)

by Fredette, Darlene

  ‘Jackson, don’t…’

  ‘It’s true. I wanted to share that moment with you.’

  Candi turned away, but Jackson reached for her arm, slipping his fingers around her wrist. ‘I cared for you and was too stupid to tell you. Falling for my buddy’s little sister wasn’t cool. I let my pride get in the way of something really special.’

  She yanked her arm from his grasp. ‘Why are you saying this?’

  ‘Because I want you to know. Just like all those times I showed up looking for Colin when I knew he wasn’t home. When I pretended not to understand a math problem so we could spend more time together.’

  Tears filled Candi’s eyes. ‘Stop it. Don’t do this.’

  Jackson pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth, satisfying his hungry need. He slowed and nibbled her bottom lip, taking pleasure in the soft sweetness of her kiss. His desire deepened when she swept her tongue past his.

  Candi suddenly pushed him away. ‘I can’t…I can’t do this.’ Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. ‘I can’t spend another seven years trying to forget you.’

  ‘Then don’t.’ Jackson stepped close and settled his hands at her waist. ‘Come with me this time.’

  ‘That’s not fair. You know I have responsibilities here; the shop, the inn, my family and friends.’

  But she didn’t mention her boyfriend. Maybe they weren’t that serious, after all.

  ‘You need to respect my decision, please.’ She placed her hands on his chest.

  He leaned his forehead against hers and gazed into her beautiful brown eyes. ‘You know I can’t say no to you.’

  ‘I think you’re lying about what happened last night.’ Virginia placed the Chocolate Lovers assortment on the treat . ‘You say nothing, yet Jackson arrived early today to play Santa. If you rejected his offer to run off with him, then why was he in such a good mood?’

  ‘We agreed to end our marriage on a positive note. We’re going to remain friends.’ Candi arranged the bonbons in the form of a Christmas tree. The conversational chit-chat in the Town Hall droned out the Christmas music blasting from the speakers.

  ‘You and Jackson friends? I’ll believe that when I see it. Where is he, anyway? He did agree to do one more stint as Santa tonight, right?’

  ‘He said he had to pick up a few items in the city. I’m assuming gifts for his brother and family.’ Candi smoothed a hand down her black velvet dress. ‘He promised to be back in time for the children.’

  Virginia glanced around the crowded room. ‘I think most of the town is here tonight. This must be our biggest turnout ever. I hope we have enough treats.’

  ‘I brought extra, just in case. Andrew brought plenty of rolls and meats. We should be covered. If not, I’ll run to the shop and raid the shelves.’

  ‘Speaking of Andrew, how did he take the news?’

  Candi spied Andrew at the opposite end of the hall. Obviously avoiding her, he’d been keeping a good distance between them. ‘Let’s just say, he didn’t take my marriage announcement well. However, I think he was relieved to know the strain in our relationship wasn’t his fault.’

  ‘I still can’t believe you told him about you and Jackson.’

  ‘Andrew promised to keep my secret and understood my reason for requesting he and I take a break. Besides, I need time to concentrate on the business.’

  Screams erupted throughout the room as Santa entered. Candi smiled. ‘I think Jackson actually enjoys playing the man in red, even if he’ll never admit it.’

  Jackson roared his best ho, ho, ho and climbed the stairs to the stage. ‘I don’t have much time this evening, because we all know I have a very busy night tomorrow. But the elves sent along this bag full of presents, with instructions I hand them out to all the good girls and boys.’

  ‘What the heck is he up to?’ Virginia frowned.

  Candi shook her head.

  Virginia rushed to her children and guided them through the crowd gathering in front of the stage. Jackson called the names on the presents. One by one the children thanked him and scurried back to their parents, tearing off the colourful wrapping paper. Their delighted squeals confirmed each child received exactly what they’d asked for.

  Candi wiped tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. Her heart ached. Tonight she would say goodbye to Jackson. The divorce papers were signed and tucked in her purse. After completing his role as Santa, Jackson would quickly change and join the party for a few hours before leaving to catch his flight. Candi planned to slip the document into his hand and walk away, knowing her heart would never recover.

  An hour and a half later, all the children had received their presents and Santa quickly exited. Candi didn’t know how he managed it, but shortly after he departed the roof rustled as if a team of reindeer waited to take flight.

  A few moments later, Jackson re-entered the hall, incredibly handsome in a pair of black pants and matching jacket. Could she really find the strength to let him walk out of her life?

  ‘How on earth did you do that? The children’s names and making sure they each received the right gift?’

  ‘I’ve had a busy day. The letters helped and I made lots of mental notes.’ Jackson tapped his temple with a finger. ‘I wanted the kids to have a great Christmas. Just my way of returning the joy they gave to me the past few days.’

  ‘You’re amazing. This must have cost you a fortune.’

  ‘The shopping was fun and it didn’t even make a dent in my cheque book.’ He grinned. ‘And I have something for you, too.’ Jackson passed her a thin brown package.

  ‘What’s this?’ Candi anxiously tore the seal off the envelope.

  ‘A Christmas gift.’

  Candi’s smile turned to a frown as she unfolded the papers — the property deeds to Cane’s Chocolate Shop and Redford Falls Inn, both in her name, paid in full.

  ‘Merry Christmas, my sweet Candi.’

  ‘What the heck have you done?’ Her stomach boiled with anger. Was this Jackson’s way of buying her off? A means to clear his guilt over the past? ‘I told you I didn’t want your money,’ she whispered through clenched teeth.

  ‘If you don’t want to accept this as my gift, we can call it a loan.’

  ‘And suffer yet another connection to you that I can’t walk away from? No way, never again.’

  ‘I just wanted to do something special for you, make all your troubles go away.’

  ‘You’re the only trouble, Jackson.’ Candi ignored the curious stares their raised voices attracted ‘What makes you think you can waltz back into my life and interfere with my financial matters?’

  ‘I’m your husband! That gives me every right!’

  The buzz and chatter in the hall ceased. All eyes focused on them. Candi’s cheeks flushed.

  ‘Well, not anymore.’ She scrambled in her purse for the divorce papers and shoved them at his chest, along with the property deeds. ‘Signed, sealed, and delivered, or in this case…divorced. We’re no longer married. You’re free to leave this town and my life forever. Good riddance!’ Candi didn’t look back, even when whispers followed her through the doors as she slammed them behind her.

  Chapter Nine

  Jackson lingered on the doorstep of his parents’ home. He couldn’t leave without making amends with his father. The effort had to be made, even if the door was closed in his face.

  ‘How long do you plan to prowl around on the porch?’

  Jackson jumped at his father’s voice. ‘I’m sorry. I…’

  ‘Came to say goodbye?’ His father dumped an armload of wood on the porch step. ‘She’ll be happy to see you. She’s been worried sick about you after witnessing the fiasco at the Town Hall this evening.’

  ‘She was there?’

  ‘Yup, we both were. You always did like to make an entrance.’

  ‘No, I didn’t, Dad. You wanted me to be the centre of attention. Not me.’ Jackson’s heart pounded in his chest. ‘I’m not here to fight with you.
I came to apologize.’

  Tim Frost shook his head. ‘No need, my son. I’m the one to blame.’ He tapped the hanging porch swing and Jackson sat beside his father. ‘I was pretty hard on you growing up. I expected too much.’

  ‘You wanted the best for me.’

  ‘No, I made my dreams yours. I pushed you into football because my ambitions died after my knee injury. I wanted you to take my place in the family business, even though you didn’t like fixing cars.’

  ‘I tried, but my heart wasn’t in the work.’

  ‘And then my brother arrived and swayed you with his stories of property development. Your eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Allowing you to spend that summer with him was a mistake.’

  ‘But yet you let me go.’ Jackson glanced at his father.

  ‘You would have gone, anyway.’ Tim smiled. ‘I was more upset with my brother than I was with you. He took my eldest son away to follow in his footsteps. Your uncle led you to success. That was supposed to be my job. I was jealous of your relationship.’ His smile faded. ‘I should have apologized and now it’s too late. My pride got in the way. I have to live with that the rest of my life.’

  ‘Uncle Billy didn’t blame you. Even when he was in the hospital he made me promise to contact you, mend the broken fences in our family.’ Jackson chuckled. ‘I guess I inherited your stubborn pride.’

  ‘We’re two obstinate mules, you and me, too proud to give in.’ He patted Jackson’s leg. ‘You’ve done very well for yourself. I’m proud of you, Jackson. I always have been.’

  Was that a tear in his father’s eye? Jackson sighed heavily and gazed at the starry sky. He breathed in the brisk night air. Something about this town put him at ease. A belonging Jackson hadn’t experienced in any city he had lived in.

  ‘So, what’s going on between you and Candice? Apparently you’re married?’

  Jackson rested his elbow on his knee, chin in hand. ‘That’s a long story.’

  ‘Do you love her?’

  ‘Yes.’ Jackson was surprised at how easily the answer rolled from his tongue. ‘I always have. Unfortunately, I’m a little late acknowledging the fact. She’s done with me. You heard her tonight. Candi wants me out of her life.’

  ‘I’m not so sure about that. Candice stopped by earlier today and told me you were leaving. I was instructed to put my foolish pride aside and talk to you before it was too late. A woman doesn’t approach a man’s family unless she cares.’

  Could his father be right? Jackson’s heart skipped a beat. ‘I don’t know how to make things better with her. She’s really pissed.’

  ‘Well, I know just the person you should talk to. Your mother is an expert at making me grovel when I’ve done something wrong.’

  They laughed and stood up from the porch swing. Jackson picked up the firewood as his father opened the front door.

  ‘Hey, have you seen the ski lift model Candice created in the chocolate shop window?’ Tim asked.

  Jackson stepped inside the house, the smell of apple pie wafting past his nose.

  Candi put the finishing touches on the cherry mice. Pointy chocolate kisses for the faces, cherry licorice tails, almond slices for ears, and bright, red candy eyes. Baking usually took her mind off her problems, but after exhausting all the supplies at the inn, she still couldn’t forget about Jackson. He was probably soaking up the sun in the Bahamas about now.

  ‘They look too good to eat.’ Violet entered the kitchen. ‘Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding in here to avoid Colin?’

  Candi passed the tray of cherry mice to Violet. ‘I’m still mad at him for letting Jackson pay my loan. He should have come to me first.’

  ‘Colin never intended to upset you. And in your brother’s defence, he thought Jackson had already spoken to you about transferring the funds from his account to yours.’ Violet put her free arm around Candi’s shoulders and guided her into the main living room. ‘It’s Christmas Eve. The children are napping. It’s time for the adults to unwind with a glass of warm cider.’

  With Candi and Colin’s parents down south for the winter, they usually gathered at the inn on Christmas Eve to celebrate the festivities with Violet and Sam. Joseph and his family always stopped by for a visit. His twin boys were curled up beside their mother and Clarice was nestled on Joseph’s lap. They had just closed their eyes after exhausting themselves playing with the toys they received from Violet and Sam.

  ‘Wow, the kids will be disappointed they missed out on these.’ Colin lifted the tray from Violet’s hands and placed it on the end table. He popped a mouse into his mouth. ‘Yummy.’

  ‘I made a batch for the children to snack on tomorrow. And you can stop sucking up. I forgive you.’ Candi kissed her brother’s cheek.

  ‘Thank goodness,’ Sam said. ‘I don’t need any more drama. I’m still trying to get my head wrapped around this mystery wedding. And I’m quite upset Jackson didn’t ask your father for permission before marrying you. What type of man does that?’

  ‘Sam, can we not talk about this?’ Candi sighed. ‘I already explained. We were young and foolish, and made a mistake. Quite honestly, I’d like to never speak of it again.’

  ‘Personally,’ Colin began, ‘I think you over-reacted. Jackson just wanted to help. Why persecute him for removing your debt? Give the guy a break.’

  Candi smiled at Joseph, who chose to remain silent during the conversation about his brother. ‘Colin, please. We’re not talking about a few simple bills. Besides, Jackson is gone. There’s no point discussing the matter further.’ Candi opted out on the cider, picked up the bottle of wine, and filled her glass. A few drinks might help her sleep tonight. She sat down next to the fireplace, enjoying the warmth.

  Maybe Colin was right. She thought Jackson’s payoff might be a way to clear his conscience, but perhaps Candi mistook his generosity for ulterior motives. She now had a choice. Ask Colin to transfer the funds back to Jackson’s account or accept her ex-husband’s gift and move on. With her financial trouble gone, Candi wouldn’t have to terminate her staff, and she could finally renovate the chocolate shop and the inn.

  If only her heart could be fixed so easily. Believing she didn’t love Jackson had been naive. She never stopped loving him. But now it was too late. Their divorce severed the one tie they shared.

  The doorbell rang. Colin sprang up from his chair and rushed to answer. Candi leaned forward when hushed whispers came from the foyer, but Colin blocked her view. Her curiosity vanished and shock drained the warmth from her cheeks when the visitor entered the room.

  ‘Jackson.’ Violet stood to greet him. ‘How nice of you to drop by.’

  Nice? Violet sounded as though Jackson arriving at their door was a common occurrence.

  Jackson kissed Violet’s cheek and shook Sam’s hand. He greeted his brother and sister-in-law, and then turned to Candi and smiled.

  ‘What are you doing here? I thought you had a business deal…’ Confusion set in and Candi could barely think straight. With a shaky hand, she fumbled her wine glass to the table.

  ‘I called and cancelled.’

  Candi stood and smoothed a hand down her dress. ‘You walked away from a three-million-dollar deal? Has the cold finally frozen your head?’

  ‘Just the opposite, actually. I know exactly what I’m doing.’

  ‘Maybe we should give them some privacy.’ Violet nudged her shoulder against Sam’s arm.

  ‘No, I want family to share this moment.’ Jackson knelt on one knee before Candi, and clasped her left hand in his.

  She gasped. ‘Jackson, what the heck are you doing?’

  ‘I thought about apologizing for the past, but if we’d never got married, I wouldn’t have returned. In the few days since, I’m happier than I have been for years. This town has cleared my vision. My family and I are closer than ever, and I found the love I thought I had lost.’

  Candi’s sight blurred. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. The room spun and tilted at a dizzy
ing angle.

  ‘I’m not going to let you walk out of my life again. I love you, Candice.’ Jackson tossed their divorce papers into the fire, and then retrieved a small, black velvet box from his pants pocket, easing back the lid.

  The sparkling solitaire diamond whisked her breath away. Candi opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her.

  ‘I robbed you of a proper proposal and wedding seven years ago. We’re going to do things right this time. A real ring, a dress, the church, the reception, the whole darn package. Candice Cane, will you marry me?’

  Tears streamed down her cheeks. The man she loved had just proposed! ‘I must be dreaming. Can someone pinch me?’

  ‘That’s not the proper response, honey,’ Violet whispered.

  Candi glanced at everyone around her, all of them smiling from ear to ear. She lowered her gaze back to Jackson. He raised his eyebrows.

  ‘I…yes…yes, I’ll marry you!’

  Jackson slipped the ring on her finger and stood, lifted her in his arms and smothered Candi with kisses. Hugs from family came next, followed by another round of drinks and toasts to the happy couple.

  ‘Wait.’ Candi held up her hand, the diamond catching the twinkling lights from the Christmas tree. ‘I can’t move away. This town is my home.’

  Jackson put his arm around her waist. ‘We’re not going anywhere. I may have to go on the odd business trip, but Redford Falls is our home.’

  ‘What about your business deal?’

  ‘Yeah…that’s not going to happen. Good thing I have another transaction in my back pocket.’ Jackson dotted lingering kisses over her lips. ‘I just bought the ski lift. Restorations begin after the New Year.’

  Candi placed her hands on Jackson’s cheeks and nuzzled her nose against his. ‘I love you, Jackson Frost.’

  A soft whimper sounded from the sofa. Clarice stirred on Joseph’s lap, rubbing her eyes. ‘Daddy, did I miss Santa?’

  Jackson approached the little girl and lifted her in his arms. ‘Not yet, but I know for certain you’re going to get your Christmas wish.’ Jackson winked at Candi. ‘And I get mine too…a lifetime of chocolate kisses.’