A Heartwarming Christmas: A Boxed Set of Twelve Sweet Holiday Romances

by Melinda Curtis

“But the store.”

  “Exactly.”

  Hope’s voice was quiet when she said, “I could come home for a while. I am transitioning between jobs.”

  The resentment Faith hated feeling against her sister for leaving town when she couldn’t threatened to rear its ugly head. She pushed it down. Way down. “And give up the life you’ve created? I’m not asking you to do that.”

  “Yet you’ve never left town. You, out of us all, wanted to the most.”

  “Hope, I just need advice on how to handle this romance with Drew. If I want to leave town, I’ll figure out a way.”

  She didn’t mean to sound short, but it came off that way. Covering her true feelings had a way of making her testy.

  “I’d say go with your heart, but I’m not sure it’s solid advice.”

  “What the worst that can happen if I do?”

  “You get a broken heart?”

  At this point, better a broken heart if she got to spend more time with Drew.

  “Thanks, Hope.”

  “I wasn’t much help.”

  “I needed a sounding board.”

  “Which I’m good at. So what are you going to do?”

  “I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

  Faith said goodbye and dropped the phone back into her pocket. She hustled back to the store, an idea beginning to form. After the meeting with her parents, she’d pin down the details.

  She breezed into the shop to find her mom talking to Beth, her dad at the train setup.

  “I’m back.”

  Her mother smiled at her. “Your father wants some of that candy cane cocoa you were going on about. Why don’t we head over to The Tea Pot?”

  “I tried to make my own version this morning,” her father said, wrinkling his nose as he slowly crossed the store. “Let’s just say I shouldn’t be allowed in the kitchen.”

  “I agree,” her mother chimed in.

  “Lead on,” Faith said as they bundled up to cross the street.

  It took longer than usual as Faith and her mother adjusted their stride to her father’s labored gait. Once they were inside the shop, he took a seat at a table in the corner while Faith gave their orders. Once the steaming beverages were delivered, they got down to business.

  “I read your proposal,” her father began. “Interesting concept, but not without merit. Basically, you want to repurpose the store.”

  “But still keep Christmas the main theme,” Faith rushed in to say.

  He nodded. “I get it. The idea of selling collectables from all over the world, which you already bring in for Christmas, is appealing. No other store in town has anything like it.”

  “Other than ordering different merchandise,” her mother said, “which we do year-round anyway, we like the change.”

  Faith blew out a breath. She hadn’t been sure what her parents’ take on her idea would be.

  “And the timing is perfect,” her mother continued.

  “Why is that?”

  “We’ve decided to move to a warmer climate.” Her mother took Faith’s hand in hers. “And we couldn’t leave the shop in anyone’s more capable hands than yours.”

  Chapter 7

  Faith barely had time to sort out her thoughts after her parents’ news. She finished her shift at the store, keeping her mind busy by surfing the net for new merchandise, all the while ignoring the emotional upheaval caused by their decision. Obviously they expected her to keep running the store. The tie to Christmas Town grew harder and harder to unravel.

  By six p.m. the night of the musicale, Faith’s stomach was in knots. Not only because the prospect of leaving town was looking grim, but tonight Drew would meet his birth mother. Which meant after the reunion, adios Faith.

  Realizing how quickly she’d come to love Drew had freaked her out. But his leaving? She couldn’t even contemplate the fall-out. But she’d promised to attend the musicale with him and she always kept her word.

  Dressed in a black pencil skirt, cherry red sweater and high boots, Faith waited for Drew to pick her up. Tonight, she’d paste on a smile. Greet folks at the musicale. No one would ever guess the emotions roiling inside her.

  “Faith, isn’t Drew coming for you?”

  “Just waiting, Mom. Are you sure you guys don’t want to go? You never miss the Christmas musicale.”

  “Your father doesn’t feel up to it.” The older woman paused, glanced at Faith. “He’s not progressing as well as the doctor had hoped.”

  Any concern for her own state-of-affairs flew from Faith’s mind. “Why? I thought he was responding to therapy?”

  “Initially, he was doing fine. I think the traveling back and forth has worn him out.”

  “Do you think a major move at this time is wise?”

  “It’s all your father talks about. Getting him to a warmer climate will do him a world of good.”

  Faith nodded. It was decided. Her parents had to move, otherwise what would happen to her dad? “You know I’ll do whatever I can to support you.”

  Her mother patted Faith’s cheek. “I know I can depend on you, Faith. And whether you know it or not, I realize running the store is not your dream.”

  Faith’s eyes widened. “But...how? I’ve never said anything.”

  “You didn’t have to. I know my children. And I can never, ever repay you for putting your life on hold over the welfare of your father.” She paused. “We’ve always wanted to keep Comfort and Joy in the family. A legacy, if you will. I know your brother and sister aren’t on board, but we’d hoped...”

  Blinking away welling tears, Faith had never been so glad to hear the front doorbell ring. She wiped her eyes. “That’s Drew.”

  She hurried to the door and invited him inside. Her father made his way to the living room and introductions were exchanged. Along with small talk that seemed to last forever.

  “We should get going,” she told Drew.

  “Right. Nice to meet you both.”

  Her mother saw them to the door. Just as Faith moved to step outside, her mother spoke near her ear.

  “Handsome young man. He might be a keeper.”

  Faith closed her eyes and swallowed. Yes, he was. Dressed tonight in what she imagined were new slacks, paired with a light blue button down shirt, he took her breath away. Shaking off her mother’s words, she said, “Don’t wait up.”

  Drew took her arm as they walked to the Jeep. Shivering, she slid inside. Once Drew got the vehicle running, he blasted the heat.

  “I put the address of the estate in my GPS. Let’s see if I can get there on my own.”

  “Sounds good.” She sent Drew a smile then stared out the window.

  After five minutes of silence, Drew spoke.

  “Something wrong?”

  She turned her face to him. “Hmm? Oh, I just have things on my mind.”

  “Things you want to talk about?”

  “No. Besides, you’re meeting your birth mom tonight. I think your feelings take precedence here.”

  He frowned. “I don’t agree.”

  “Drew, tonight is about you. End of discussion.”

  She thought he might argue, but instead he asked about the musicale.

  “The Waverly’s started doing this...I’d say close to fifteen years ago. Once they’d established the estate as a musical haven, it was a logical step. They offer music lessons to all ages, but also have contacts with famous musicians, so this is less a recital and more a real production. You never know who might show up.”

  “I wonder why my birth mother got involved.”

  “Do you have any musical traits? Maybe it runs in the family.”

  He chuckled. “I can hum. That’s the extent of my talent.”

  His laugh sounded wobbly. Nerves, Faith guessed. “I’m sure you’ll find out in a few hours.”

  As they neared the destination, traffic backed up. The one drive leading to the estate was jammed.

  “So where do they hold this musicale?”

/>   “There was a deserted building on the property when the Waverly’s first moved here. Over time, they remodeled. The performances are held on the ground floor. It’s pretty big. Holds a large number of people.

  “Then there’s the sound studio upstairs. Some pretty big artists have recorded here.”

  “This town gets more interesting every day.”

  As Drew tried to find a place to park, she remained quiet. She didn’t have the words to explain all the emotions coursing through her, and besides, why would she unload on him? He couldn’t change her situation or her feelings.

  They followed the crowd inside. Faith had to admit, she was nervous for Drew. He had a lot riding on this meeting.

  “Are you ready?” she asked quietly.

  “My stomach’s doing somersaults, but other than that?”

  Faith pulled him aside before entering the building. “Drew, no matter what happens, I’m proud of you. It couldn’t have been easy searching for your mother, but you stuck with it.”

  Serious blue eyes started at her. “I need to know.”

  “I know you do.” And that’s why I love you.

  Standing on her toes, Faith brushed her lips over his. When she went to pull away, Drew’s hand cupped the back of her neck, easing her closer to continue the kiss. The voices, prying eyes and timing weren’t enough to keep Faith from wholeheartedly returning the gesture.

  Drew slowly eased his lips from hers. Rested his forehead against hers. “It’s now or never.”

  She squeezed his arm. “You can do this.”

  ~*~

  Once inside the large room, Drew helped Faith remove her coat, then shrugged out of his jacket. They found two seats side-by-side and claimed them. Just as he draped his jacket over the back of the chair, he heard jangling jewelry behind him.

  Slowly, he turned to find a smiling Tina Marie.

  “You made it.” She reached her hand out to him. “There’s a small reception room by the front entrance. Your mother is waiting.”

  He glanced at Faith, desperately glad she’d accompanied him. As if reading his thoughts, she shook her head.

  “You should go alone.”

  “I agree,” Tina Marie chimed in. “You’ve both been waiting a long time for this moment.”

  At Faith’s reassuring nod, Drew followed Tina Marie. She opened the door to a small room, revealing a woman standing by the window, gazing outside. When she heard the door, she spun around.

  “Tina Marie? What on earth are you up to?”

  She dragged Drew inside. “Antoinette Reisor Philipson, meet your son, Drew Montgomery.”

  The woman’s eyes went wide with surprise.

  Tina Marie patted Drew on the shoulder. “Merry Christmas. To both of you,” she said, then left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

  Mother and son stood staring at each other. Now that he was here, Drew didn’t know what to say. Or do. So he just looked.

  Tall, like him, his mother had blue eyes, a shade darker than his own, and pale skin. Her hair was gray, expertly styled. By the looks of her fancy outfit, she’d done well for herself all these years.

  “I don’t know about you,” she finally said in a shaky voice, “but I need to sit down.”

  Drew rushed over, taking her elbow to lead her to a grouping of armchairs. She sank into the cushions, her eyes never leaving him. He took the seat beside her.

  “This is a surprise,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d ever meet you.”

  “You have a bit of a head start on me. I just learned about you six months ago.”

  “Oh my.”

  Drew explained his mother’s passing, his father telling him the truth of his birth.

  “As time went by and I didn’t hear from Mary, I knew in my heart things had changed. I never blamed her for not getting in touch with me, after all, I gave you up for adoption. I knew you had a good family.”

  “I can’t explain my mother’s...er...Mary’s actions.”

  Antoinette reached out for his hand. “She is...was, your mother, Drew. Always.”

  He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat.

  “I am honored that you decided to find me.”

  He laughed, easing some of the tension. “Which wasn’t easy.”

  “I moved around before settling down.” Her smile dimmed. “After you went to live with the Montgomery’s, I couldn’t seem to find my place in the world. I felt...disconnected. So I kept moving, thinking it would fill the void.”

  Another taut silence fell over them.

  “Why?” Drew asked the all-important question in a hushed tone.

  “Did I give you up?”

  He nodded.

  Antoinette released a long sigh. “Your father and I met just as he was leaving to go into the Navy. We were young and in love. We made promises, and once he got out of boot camp, he came home to see me. I was eighteen, ready to start college and we didn’t see a way of being together, so we parted ways. After he left, I learned I was pregnant.”

  “He didn’t know about me?”

  “He did. But he was stationed overseas by this point and by the time I finally located him, he couldn’t come back. We made plans to be together, but by then the Gulf War was on the horizon and he couldn’t leave his post.

  “I wrote. Told him I was expecting. He was thrilled, making plans for us to be a family. But one year turned into another and another and before long, I received word that he’d been killed in a mission. I was devastated, scared, and my parents weren’t going to help me. They were upset with me for not going to college to get a good education.”

  “So where did the Montgomery’s come into the picture?”

  She met his gaze. “I was struggling financially. My heart was broken. It was a very low time for me. Mary and I worked together. She was so wonderful, asking how she could help my situation. In that time, I learned she desperately wanted a child of her own. I don’t remember who came up with the idea, but suddenly, there it was. A chance for you to have the stable life I couldn’t give you.”

  “So they took me in.”

  Antoinette nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears. “It nearly killed me, but how could I not give you this gift of a family? Mary promised we’d stay in touch. And we did, for a while. But like I said, I roamed from one place to another trying to figure out my life. The more time between calls to Mary, the more I sensed a reluctance on her part to maintain the relationship. After a few years, a friend suggested I go to school.” She blinked away her tears. “I did, although it was tough. Between taking classes and working, I realized then that I never could have taken proper care of you. When my heart finally accepted the truth, I was glad the Montgomery’s were raising you. They were your parents and I didn’t want to confuse you.”

  “But you told my dad it was important for you to see me at some point in my life. That you had something for me.”

  “I said that, yes, but since Tina Marie decided to surprise me, I don’t have it with me.” A small smile curved her lips. “I guess that means we’ll have to see each other again.”

  Drew sat back. Honestly, he didn’t care about whatever his mother had to give him. He’d wanted to meet the woman who had given him life and talk to her. Mission accomplished. Did he need more?

  Through the walls of the small room, the first notes of music sounded. A piano, joined by guitars then drums. The notes of a well-loved carol carried to his ear.

  “So, you eventually married?”

  Antoinette cleared her throat. “Yes. I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful man.”

  “Does he know about me?”

  “Yes. I was very honest with him.”

  He hesitated, then asked, “Any siblings?”

  A wave of sadness crossed her eyes. “No, I’m afraid not.”

  Something like regret washed over him. Deep down, the thought of having a brother or sister had appealed to him, an only child.

  “And you,” his mother said. “
Tell me about yourself.”

  He proceeded to fill her in, his education, his job, life with the Montgomery’s. Antoinette seemed to soak in every word.

  “Are you married?”

  His mind flashed to Faith, smiling at him after the kiss they’d shared earlier tonight. The one that had made his heart shift.

  “No. There is someone, but it’s new.”

  “I’d like to meet her.”

  “That can be arranged.” The tempo of the music picked up. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. I have to get back to work sooner or later.”

  “I understand. Let’s meet at Posey’s tomorrow for lunch.”

  “Noon?”

  “Noon.”

  They both rose. Drew realized he still had lots of questions, but at the same time found himself emotionally drained. Any new information would have to come at a later date. He smiled at his mother, aware that he wanted more time to get to know her.

  “I had a good childhood,” he told her. “My folks were the best.”

  Antoinette blinked, waiting.

  “But I realize I have a chance some children never get. A chance at another family.”

  Tears gleamed in his mother’s eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  After seeing his mother to her seat, Drew made his way back to Faith. He slipped onto the end chair and reached for her hand. She turned to him, her eyes shining, a soft smile welcoming him back.

  She leaned close and said in his ear, “How did it go?”

  “Good,” he replied, his chest full enough to burst. “Good.”

  Chapter 8

  Early the next morning Drew’s blaring cell phone woke him. He slapped at the night stand to find the phone, lifted his head from the pillow and tapped the talk button.

  “Montgomery.”

  “Rise and shine, buddy,” came the way too pleasant voice on the other end.

  Drew squinted at the bedside clock. “You’d better have a good reason for calling at six a.m.”

  It had been a long night. Drew hadn’t gotten back to his room until two. Between meeting his mother, then her husband, and Faith convincing them to go back to the inn so they could visit, he hadn’t gotten much sleep.