A Christmas Star

by Judith Keim

  Gracie beamed and nodded her head. “Thankth, Thilath.”

  Looking on as Silas handed the shell to Gracie, Noelle felt a surge of love for the little boy who’d won her affection from the beginning. She wouldn’t be standing here now if it weren’t for Silas.

  “Before we get started on decorating the tree,” Jake announced, “we’ve put out some refreshments in the dining room. Please help yourselves to whatever you wish to drink, the cookies Silas and Dora made, and all the other offerings.”

  As people headed for the dining room, Jake held Noelle back. “I want you to meet my parents.”

  Jake led her over to his parents and made the introductions.

  “Nice to meet you, Noelle,” said his father. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”

  “Yes,” added Jake’s mother. “Come sit down by me. I’d like to know more.”

  “I’ll bring you a glass of wine,” Jake said to Noelle, grinning at his mother. “You might need it.”

  “On your way, son.” Smiling, Stephanie playfully motioned for Jake to leave. A pretty woman with blond hair whose gray roots were still showing from her time in the woods, she had the same gray eyes as her son. They shone with curiosity as her gaze swept over Noelle.

  Bracing herself for a lot of questions, Noelle sat down in a chair next to Stephanie. “I’m so happy you and your husband were found alive.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that. Now, young lady, tell me about yourself.”

  Winking at Noelle, Willis said to his wife, “Now go easy on her, Steph.”

  Noelle swallowed hard.

  Stephanie turned to her. “Brett calls you the bossy nurse, and Jake tells me you and Silas are very close. How did this all come about?”

  Fighting the dryness in her throat, Noelle explained the impact Silas had had on her from the beginning, how angry she’d been to see Althea abused, and how she’d automatically reacted to it.

  “Of course, Jake was a little upset with me for barging into his family like that,” said Noelle. “But he soon understood.”

  Stephanie grinned. “You boss my sons around and get them to accept what you say? I adore you! We’ve needed someone like you around.” She lowered her voice. “Not like that silly girl Brett brought to the party. She’s hanging onto him as if he’s going to disappear like a ghost of a Christmas past, taking all her gifts away.”

  Surprised by Stephanie’s confiding in her, Noelle didn’t know what to say. She was relieved when Jake approached with a glass of wine for her.

  “Can I get you and Dad anything?” Jake asked his mother.

  Stephanie turned to her husband. “We probably shouldn’t have any alcohol with the medications we’re taking.”

  “Who says? A small glass of wine isn’t going to hurt,” Willis said. “Make mine scotch.”

  Noelle couldn’t help smiling. For a moment, Willis had looked exactly like Jake when he was teasing her.

  ###

  Once everyone had enjoyed refreshments, Dora wheeled Althea into the room to watch as the tree trimming began. Hearing people exclaim over the shells and observing the green boughs of the tree take on a different look, Noelle filled with pride at all she and Silas had accomplished. She estimated at least fifty shells were hanging on the branches.

  ‘What about a Chrithmath thtar?” said Gracie.

  Silas turned to Noelle. “We have to wait for the perfect one. Right?”

  Noelle nodded. “We’re still looking for it. We’ve got a little time left to find it.”

  “Can I look for one too?” said Gracie.

  Noelle looked to Silas.

  “Okay,” said Silas. “But if you find one, it’s mine.”

  “We’ll have to see about that,” said Noelle pleasantly.

  When Gracie’s parents indicated it was time for them to leave, Noelle decided she’d leave too. She went to the kitchen to get her things.

  “Where are you going?” Jake asked, joining her.

  “I thought I’d give your family time to be together. After all you and your parents have been through, it seems only right.”

  “What’s right is for you to stay. My mother likes you a lot.” He smiled at her. “I do too.”

  Noelle hesitated.

  “Please,” Jake said quietly. “I’d like it if you would stay for a while longer.”

  At the quiet pleading in his voice, Noelle agreed to postpone leaving. She was as curious about his family as they seemed to be about her.

  Conversation continued pleasantly, but it soon became clear that Willis and Stephanie were exhausted. As Dora prepared to escort them upstairs, Stephanie waved Noelle to her side. “It was nice meeting you. I know I’ll be seeing more of you. Silas adores you, and I see how Jake looks at you.”

  Noelle could feel her cheeks grow warm and wished she could hide her feelings.

  “Neither of you may realize it yet, but you’re a perfect match. I probably shouldn’t say something like this when I barely know you, but a mother understands such things about her children.”

  Jake came over to them. Frowning, he said to his mother, “What are you talking about?”

  She waved away his concern. “Just girl talk. That’s all.” She winked at Noelle. “Good night, Noelle. See you soon.”

  Noelle stood beside Jake and watched Stephanie leave the room on Dora’s arm.

  “She seems like such a warm, wonderful woman,” said Noelle.

  “Beware. Beneath all that charm lies a woman as strong as steel. She’s been a great match for my father.”

  Noelle thought of Stephanie’s words to her. Were she and Jake a perfect match?

  Brett came over to them. “Cherie and I are heading up to Clearwater to see what’s happening. We’ll spend the night there. With Mom and Dad here, there’s not enough room for us.”

  “Okay,” Jake said. “Makes sense.”

  Brett leaned over and gave Noelle a kiss on the cheek. “Great job with the tree decorations. Silas is thrilled with it.”

  “Thanks. We both have learned a lot about shells, and I think it turned out well.”

  “It sure has made a different holiday for all of us,” Brett said. He punched Jake’s arm playfully. “Later, bro.”

  Noelle and Jake were left alone in the room. “Care for another glass of wine? You hardly touched yours earlier.”

  She grinned. “Sounds lovely. I was sitting with your mother, and she kept me talking.”

  After Jake left the room, Noelle took a seat on the living room couch where she could study the tree. She’d come to Florida because she hadn’t wanted to celebrate Christmas. Now, she was glad Silas had forced her to do so. It wasn’t like Christmases of the past. This was something very new. And, she admitted to herself, her happiness had a lot to do with Jake. He’d changed. If, like she thought, he was interested in something more than friendship, she was ready to see where it would lead.

  The small, white lights on the Christmas tree twinkled at her and shone light on the shells that hung from the branches, Christmas treasures from the sea. The decorations had cost nothing more than time and effort on Silas’s part and hers, yet it was the most beautiful tree she’d ever seen. She stared at the shell with her message taped to it and wondered what it said. Hers to Silas would have said, “Thank you for the best Christmas ever.”

  Jake returned to the living room with two glasses of wine and sat down beside her. “This evening has been great for so many reasons. The look of joy on Silas’s face when the tree was decorated is something I won’t forget for a long time. And to think my parents were here to see it!” He shook his head. “I can’t believe all that’s happened so fast.”

  “Yes, and now you’re getting a new house and setting up a work schedule you can live with. I’m truly happy for you.”

  He set down his glass on the coffee table, took hers from her hand, and placed it beside his. Gazing steadily into her eyes, he leaned toward her. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.” His
lips came down on hers, gentle and soft.

  Noelle closed her eyes and took in all the sensations running through her body in electrifying jolts.

  His kiss deepened, and he tugged her toward him.

  Noelle went into his arms, loving the feel of them wrapped around her, making her feel treasured in a way she hadn’t felt before.

  Silas ran into the room and stopped in front of them. “Hey! What are you doing?”

  Noelle jerked away from Jake, dizzy from the jarring sound of Silas’s voice.

  “Noelle and I were testing to see if the mistletoe Gracie’s parents brought here works.” Jake smiled. “It really does.”

  Silas studied them both. “Okay. I get to watch television upstairs. Gran said I could watch with her.” He gave them a quick wave and ran out of the room.

  “That wasn’t as hard to explain as I thought it might be,” said Jake. “It’s what Silas has wanted all along.”

  “We have to be careful, Jake. This is the very beginning of what might or might not work for us, and I don’t want to see Silas hurt.”

  “I don’t want any of us hurt,” Jake said quietly. “But I’m willing to trust you and what I’m feeling. That feeling isn’t new, you know. When I first saw you in your bathrobe that first morning, I thought you were adorable. And when you made it clear you weren’t going to be intimidated by the situation or me, I fell for you then. It wasn’t until after talking to Dr. Heard that I felt I could deal with trusting that feeling and you. I do love you, you know.”

  Noelle sat facing him, clutching her hands. “The only thing I ask is that if you change your mind about us, you let me know right away.”

  “How do you feel about us?” Jake asked, clasping her cold fingertips in his.

  Noelle took a deep breath and stared into his eyes. “I’m willing to see where it leads. That’s saying a lot. I’ve stayed away from relationships for almost two years.”

  “We’ve both been wounded, Noelle. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise.”

  He kissed her so tenderly, she kept her eyes closed, afraid he might see her tears. His parents being alive was a miracle. Were his mother’s words about Jake and her being perfect for each other part of the miracle too?

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The next morning, Noelle awoke with a new sense of wonder. Had she just dreamed about kissing Jake? When she realized it was true, she felt her lips curve. She lifted a hand to them, remembering the taste of him, how he’d held her, the way he’d made her insides curl with pleasure. She’d once thought she knew what it was like to feel love for a man, but this was different. Even though it was just the beginning of what they each hoped would be a lasting, loving, trustworthy relationship, her feelings for Jake were deeper and more multi-dimensional than she’d ever experienced.

  Noelle liked that Jake hadn’t pushed for more than she was ready to give, though she was already thinking about what it would be like to make love with him.

  She got up, took a quick shower, and dressed for the day fueled with a fresh energy that came from optimism. Was it possible that within weeks she’d fallen in love?

  In the kitchen, while a pot of fresh coffee was brewing, she fixed a bowl of oatmeal. As she finished eating it, her cell phone chimed.

  Smiling, she picked up the call. “Hi, Mom! How are you?”

  “My! You sound cheerful this morning. I’m fine. How are things down there?”

  “Good. I’ve met some new people, and the little boy I’m helping had a tree-trimming party that was very nice.”

  “Oh, nice! It sounds as if you’re making friends.”

  Noelle chose the safest subjects she could. No way would she tell her mother about her evening with Jake. “Gracie is a little girl who sometimes accompanies Silas and me on shelling walks. Her parents are lovely. I particularly like her mother. In fact, we’ve promised to remain in touch even after I leave here.”

  “I love when women make connections like that,” said her mother.

  “Have you finished all the decorations for the house?” Noelle asked, changing the subject. Her mother usually did an outstanding job of decorating their home. Thinking of it now, Noelle felt a touch of homesickness and quickly dismissed it.

  “This year I’ve outdone myself, if I say so,” said her mother. “Most of the neighbors on our street have decorated outside so it seems like a winter wonderland when you drive into our area. Have you done any decorating to that little cottage?”

  Noelle surprised herself by saying, “Not yet.”

  “It’s late enough in the season that you might be able to pick up some things on sale.” Her mother sighed. “I still wish you hadn’t made the decision to leave Boston for the holidays. I know how hurt you’ve been, but, darling, you can’t let that awful man ruin your life.”

  “I know, Mom. I’m working on it.”

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “Look! I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later. Love you!”

  Noelle hung up the phone certain now that she’d done the right thing by coming to Florida for the holidays. And when she opened the door to find Jake standing there smiling at her, that thought was easily reconfirmed.

  He held out a small paper bag. “Dora sent you some cookies and treats from last night.”

  “Want to come in?”

  He grinned. “You bet.”

  As he stepped inside, the entire interior of the cottage seemed to brighten.

  He paused a moment, gazing into her eyes.

  She stood still, feeling herself drawn into them and reading the message there.

  Jake set the bag on a table, and they moved toward each other.

  “It wasn’t a dream,” Noelle whispered, and met his lips with hers.

  When they finally drew apart, Jake clasped her face in his strong hands and smiled. “I had to be sure. I love you, Noelle.”

  “I love you too,” she said, feeling that emotion deep within her.

  He kissed her again, and then picked up the bag of cookies. “Let’s celebrate! I smell coffee.”

  She laughed. “I’ve just made a fresh pot. Come into the kitchen. I’ll pour you a cup.”

  As Noelle poured the coffee for Jake, she wondered what living with him would be like. At Althea’s she’d seen how accommodating he was to everyone else. And Dora was thrilled to be asked to be his housekeeper. That was an important sign.

  She sat opposite him at the kitchen table. “What do you have planned for today?”

  “I’m going to do a walk-through of the house I’m buying. Won’t you come with me? I’d like a woman’s perspective on what might need to be done.”

  “Sure. I love looking at houses.” She was careful not to read too much into his invitation. Deciding to see where a relationship was going didn’t mean moving in right away or getting married. They’d both promised to take their time.

  Jake set down his coffee cup. “I have something to tell you.”

  “Okay,” she replied, wondering why his lips had formed a smile.

  “Silas and I were alone in the kitchen this morning when he said, ‘I saw you kissing Noelle. Does that mean she’s making a baby?’”

  Noelle couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Oh my God! What did you say?”

  Jake chuckled. “I told him that kissing someone doesn’t mean they’ll make a baby. And he said, and I quote, ‘Good! Because Gracie gave me a kiss the other day.’”

  Noelle and Jake laughed together. Then he grew serious.

  “Silas then asked, ‘Are you going to marry Noelle?’”

  Noelle looked at him. “And you said?”

  “I said I wanted to marry you, but it might be a while before that happens. Silas told me that’s what he wants for Christmas. I thought I’d better give you a heads-up. He might say something like that to you.”

  Noelle let out a sigh. “The last thing I want to do is to hurt Silas, but these things usually take time.”

  “I don’t want to rush you,” said Jak
e. “But I love you and once I make up my mind about something I tend to move fast.”

  Noelle smiled. “I know. The house.”

  “It’s a very nice house that’s perfect for a family. I wanted a lot of children, but Claire said no more after having Silas, something about it ruining her figure.”

  The sadness in Jake’s voice touched Noelle. “I’ve always wanted a lot of kids too. And when I see my parents with my brothers’ children, I realize how special it would be for them.”

  “You mean you want children of your own?” Jake’s gaze bored into her, and she realized how important the question was for him.

  “Oh, yes. But do you think it’s late for me to start having a lot of children?”

  “Nonsense,” said Jake. “Look at you! You’re in great shape.” His sexy smile sent a shiver of desire through her. “Come here.”

  She went to him and settled on the lap he offered her. Nestled against his sturdy chest, she could hear the racing of his heart. He held her close and stroked her back with the palm of his hand.

  “You’d make a wonderful mother, Noelle. I’ve seen how you are with Silas, and even with Gracie.” He lifted her chin and lowered his lips to hers.

  When they pulled apart, his smile lit his eyes. “I wish I could show you how I really feel, but that will have to wait. My phone is alerting me that it’s time to meet the real estate salesperson at the house. Will you come with me?”

  Shaken out of the daze from his kiss, Noelle now heard the pinging of his phone. She got to her feet and stood back as Jake rose.

  He swept her in his arms and gave her a kiss that indicated how much he wanted to stay.

  Once more, his phone pinged.

  Muttering softly, Jake moved away from her and grabbed his phone. Grinning wickedly, he said, “Later, we can pick up right where we left off.”

  Noelle smiled and remained silent, too emotional to respond. She’d never been kissed like that before. Her entire body felt as if it was melting. She grabbed hold of the edge of the table.

  “You okay?” Jake asked.

  Trying to slow her beating heart, Noelle nodded. “Give me a moment, and I’ll be ready to go.”