The Heart of Christmas

by Belle Calhoune

  “I heard he became a veterinarian just like his Grandma.” Merry shook her head.

  Eden should have known Merry would have already known

  that tidbit of information. The woman must walk around Celebration with her ear to the ground.

  Merry continued to prattle on. “Haven't seen that boy since he was a young un.” Merry leaned in and began speaking in a loud stage whisper. “Brady and his family left town quicker than a shake of a lamb's tail under very questionable circumstances. Plenty of tongues were wagging about that, let me tell you. From what I heard Brady's mother stepped out on his father.”

  Eden frowned, not enjoying the petty gossip about Brady's family. The Shepard family had always been good to her, particularly Vicky and Tom. The very idea of people gossiping about their offspring rankled her. It was small and mean spirited. She had no use for it. And it wasn’t in keeping with the spirit of the season.

  “Merry, I don't like to speculate about other people's lives. And I won't have anyone talking about the Shepard family like that. They're good, kind people. And Vicky and Tom have done so much for me.”

  Merry’s mouth opened and she blinked a few times. With a nod of her head, she said, “I didn't mean to insult the Shepard family. Just repeating an old rumor.”

  She held up her hands. “I don't want to hear anything like that, especially not in their very own establishment. Please take a seat until Dr. Shepard gets here.”

  Appearing mollified, Merry headed towards the couch, cradling Jingle as if she were a newborn. A slight creaking sound had Eden turning her head towards the back office. Brady stood in the crack of the doorway, slightly obscured from view. He must have arrived a few moments ago and entered The Country Vet through the unlocked side entrance. Heat swept across her face at the realization that he'd heard every word Merry had uttered about his family. His mouth quirked and he bowed his head in her direction, silently mouthing a thank you. She nodded back in his direction, acknowledging his presence. She quickly turned to the file cabinets and grabbed Jingle's chart, then headed toward the back office so she could hand it over to Brady.

  When she knocked on the office door and Brady yelled for her to come in, Brady was sitting on the edge of the desk, looking around the office with the glee of a small child. “I can't believe this place still looks the same,” he said. “I used to love coming down and visiting Vicky at work when I was a kid. And I shouldn’t be surprised at all of the holiday decorations.” He let out a chuckle. “She really enjoys making everything look festive.”

  “I remember those visits. I think I tagged along a time or two,” Eden said. Tagging along on an occasional visit to The Country Vet had been the catalyst in her love of animals. Watching the tender love and care exhibited by Vicky Shepard had shown her the path towards a career in veterinary medicine. And even though she'd gotten sidetracked for a few years, her dream had come to fruition when Vicky hired her to work at her place.

  “Hey, I remember that,” Brady marveled. “You brought a broken winged bird in here that one time.”

  Broken winged birds had been her specialty. She'd brought in more than a few for Dr. Vicky Shepard to patch up. Not once had Vicky turned her away. And even when Brady hadn't been around she'd brought any stray animal she could find over to the Country Vet. There had always been something about this place that drew her in like a moth to a candle.

  She extended Jingle's folder to Brady. “That's Merry Jackson out there. These are the records for her hedgehog, Jingle. She's feeling slightly under the weather,” Eden explained. “FYI. Merry treats Jingle like her very own child.”

  Brady's gaze was steady and strong as he studied her. He raised an eyebrow at her, seeming to challenge her glossing over the conversation he'd just overheard. He really was quite nice looking. With his strong jaw and masculine features, he had a rugged appearance that was softened by his cultured vibe and the rich tone of his voice. “Thank you for defending the Shepard family name,” he said in a sardonic tone.

  “No problem. It was my pleasure.” As someone who'd been the subject of petty gossip due to her own mother's desertion, she certainly wasn't going to encourage Merry’s bad behavior. Even though Eden wasn’t in the holiday spirit, she still thought people should act better this time of year. Holiday cheer and good will toward men. Ho Ho Ho and all that cheerful stuff.

  “Aren't you at least curious about what she was referring to?” Brady asked, his forehead crinkling with confusion.

  She shrugged. “No, not really. Whatever she was talking about happened a long time ago. Surely there's a statute of limitations on gossip.”

  Brady laughed out loud at her comment, his beautifully shaped eyes crinkling up with the effort. “Tell that to Merry Jackson,” he teased. Suddenly, his expression changed and he became solemn. “All those years ago my family did leave because of a scandal. It was something that nearly tore my parent’s marriage apart.” He raked his hand through his chocolate brown hair. “My mother was involved with another man, which my father found out about. Everything kind of blew up after that. This being a small town…it was the talk of Celebration.”

  She held up her hands to cut him off. “You don't have to tell me all this. It's so personal.” How could he be telling her something so deeply private? Airing her dirty laundry was the last thing she would ever do. Secrets were to be closely guarded. Hadn't anyone ever told him that simple fact?

  Brady stood up and began rocking back and forth slightly on his heels. “I'm telling you because we're going to be working side by side every day. What Merry just proved is that people have long memories. You might as well know what people might be whispering about when they see I've come back to Celebration. It makes it easier for both of us to clear the air.”

  Brady's words were sad but true. Although most folks in Celebration were kind and generous, there was also a contingent who enjoyed mindless gossip. They were the type to go to church on Sunday but spread negativity come Monday morning. She knew certain people who wouldn't hesitate to dredge up skeletons from the Shepard family tree.

  “I'm sorry about Merry.” Eden made a tutting noise. “And on your first day, to boot.”

  Brady was scanning the paperwork about Jingle, his dark eyes focused on the information like laser beams. When he swung his gaze up to meet hers, she felt a slight sense of shock at the effect it had on her. There was something about his eyes, some quality that pulled her in. She couldn't remember ever feeling such a deep level of attraction. And she knew it wasn’t just based on his good looks. Brady Shepard had a kindness that radiated from within.

  He shrugged. “I knew there was a possibility of this coming up when I agreed to come back here. But there really wasn't any possibility of my saying no to Gram's request. I really wanted to enjoy the holidays here in Celebration. I'll just have to grow a thick skin.”

  Something told Eden that Brady's thick skin had developed many years ago. She's seen the distressed expression on his face after he'd overheard Merry’s unkind words. And she knew from her own childhood how cruel people could be. How could she desert those poor children? What kind of woman leaves her family?

  “I guess it's time for me to meet Jingle.” Brady's grin knocked her a little bit off kilter.

  She wasn't used to being in such close proximity with a good looking, charming man. And even though she didn't know him all that well anymore, she was starting to feel a little bit more at ease with him. Hope fluttered like a white winged dove inside her. Maybe, despite her initial mistrust of him, Dr. Brady Shepard really was one of the good guys.

  Chapter Four

  A week passed during which Eden was feeling more and more comfortable in Brady’s presence. He really hadn’t changed all that much from the boyish Brady of her childhood. He was sweet and slightly goofy and full of charm. She felt at ease with him in a way that surprised her. Every day he did something outrageous to make her laugh. Today he was sporting reindeer ears. The day before he had worn a Santa
Claus hat and beard. And he had been helping her with the candy cane fundraiser and brainstorming ideas.

  At the moment Eden was sitting at the reception desk trying to figure things out. They were still short a considerable amount of money. But she had come up with an idea that might just work to bring in the extra cash. The idea was a throwback to the original candy cane exchange they’d done as children. Eden had tossed out the idea of selling candy canes at the Christmas festival at the church with proceeds going to the abandoned animals. And if they brought the idea to the local elementary schools, middle schools and high schools, they would really be able to make their goal. Brady was very enthusiastic about the idea and had pledged to help out.

  The tinkling sound of the bell above the door alerted her to a new arrival.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Forrester. How can I help you?” Mrs. Forrester was a sweet older woman who was a retired school teacher. She didn’t have an appointment according to the computer, nor did she have an animal with her, although she did have a large fruit basket in her arms.

  “I don’t have an appointment. This is for Dr. Shepard.” She placed the fruit basket on the counter. It has a festive red and green bow and practically screamed Christmas tidings.

  “I’ll make sure Vicky gets it. She won’t be back to the practice for some time. She’s scheduled for surgery,” Eden explained. Eden had been instructed by Vicky on what to tell her clients.

  “Oh this isn’t for Vicky. It’s for Dr. Brady Shepard. He was a real life-saver last night by coming to my house and taking care of Cornelia my cocker spaniel.” Mrs. Forrester shook her head. “I taught him in second grade. He’s just as fine a man as I imagined he would become.”

  Hearing Mrs. Forrester’s praise of Brady made Eden grin. Of course Brady hadn’t mentioned making a house call to Mrs. Forrester and Cornelia. The more Eden was in Brady’s presence, the more she was beginning to realize he was a good man. He wasn’t boastful or arrogant. He truly followed God’s command to love his fellow man.

  “Wait right here, Mrs. Forrester. I’m sure he’ll want to thank you in person,” Eden said.

  “Only if he’s not with a client. I know how busy this office gets.”

  Eden winked at her. “You came during a lull, so I’ll go grab him.”

  Eden went to Brady’s office and lightly knocked. When he called for her to come in, Eden opened the door and stood on the threshold. “Brady, there’s someone here I think you’ll want to see.”

  “Who is it?” he asked.

  “Come and see,” she said with a smile, wanting him to be surprised.

  The moment he entered the waiting room, Sybil Forrester came forward and greeted him warmly. “I had to come by and thank you again for coming to see Cornelia last night after hours. It was beyond compassionate.” She handed him the fruit basket. “Just a little something to say thanks and happy holidays.”

  Brady’s eyes twinkled as he took the fruit basket in his arms. “Mrs. Forrester! You didn’t have to come bearing gifts. It was my pleasure to help out. I know how scary it can be when a dog isn’t eating and starts throwing up his food and water.”

  Mrs. Forrester dabbed at her eyes. “Cornelia is getting on in age. I know she won’t be with me for that much longer. So finding out it was just a virus was a huge relief.”

  “She may just surprise you and live for a few more years,” Brady said. “Dogs are constantly surprising us. Just keep her on that special diet and make sure she gets some exercise that’s not too much stress on her joints.”

  Mrs. Forrester beamed. “I don’t mind telling you this, Brady.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “You were my favorite student, bar none. I was heartbroken when your family moved.”

  “I was too. I’ve missed this town ever since.”

  Eden noticed the somber expression on his face and the wistful tone in his voice.

  “And Celebration has missed you too. So glad you’ll be with us for the holidays,” Mrs. Forrester said with a wide smile.

  “Thanks again for the fruit basket,” he said.

  The moment Mrs. Forrester departed, Brady heaved a huge sigh.

  “I’m an idiot,” Brady said, shaking his head.

  “What are you talking about?” Eden asked. “Didn’t you know? Mrs. Forrester thinks you hung the moon.”

  “For years I avoided coming back to Celebration out of fear and shame. I was so scarred by the way my family ran from this town and the scandal surrounding my mother’s infidelity. But here I am back in my hometown and everyone is treating me like a native son. Sure there may have been a few whispers from some of the matrons, but all in all I’m being welcomed with open arms.”

  “Of course you are!” Eden said, feeling a burst of pride that the townsfolk were so wonderful. They’d restored Brady’s faith and allowed him to take huge steps toward healing. “Your family is part of the fabric of this town. Nothing could ever change that. The past doesn't define you anymore. Or at least it shouldn't.”

  **

  The past doesn't define you anymore. Eden's words resonated with him more than she could ever know. Hadn't he been allowing his family's past in Celebration to define him? To shame him? To keep him away all these Christmases?

  Isn’t that the reason he’d stayed away for so long?

  And at the end of the day he’d only hurt himself and his grandparents. He’d lost so much time here in Celebration. Although he’d spent time with them it had never been here in town. They had always traveled to his family’s home and visited with them on their turf.

  Brady knew coming back here had been the best decision he’d ever made. For years he’d walked around feeling ashamed of his family’s past in Celebration. In reality, he had just been a kid and he certainly wasn’t responsible for the actions of grownups. He shouldn’t have had to bear the weight of their sins.

  “So are we all set for the festival tonight?” Eden asked, cutting into his thoughts.

  “As ready as we’ll ever be,” Brady teased. “The back of Vicky’s truck is filled with candy canes. We have enough to service this entire town. And since we bought in bulk, it was dirt cheap.”

  Eden laughed, appearing as carefree as he’d seen her. “And don’t forget the ones in the back of my car. If we can get even half of those in attendance tonight to buy at least one, we’ll reach our goal. And then some!”

  “Even better if they buy two or three,” Brady said. “And getting those high school students to dress up as elves is going to add a nice touch. They’ve also agreed to help us deliver the candy canes on delivery day. That’s a huge help. And they’ll all get some community service hours by helping out.”

  Eden flashed him a perfect smile. “It sounds like a win-win.”

  When Eden smiled like that it catapulted Brady right back to the past when they had been best buddies and he’d had a serious crush on her. Had anything really changed in that department? Ever since she’d opened her door to him on a stormy Texas night, Brady’s thoughts of Eden had hardly been platonic. His crush had come roaring back to life!

  Brady sensed Eden needed help in many areas of her life. Helping her with the fundraiser was easy, but pulling her out of her shell might not be a walk in the park. The trauma of being held at gunpoint and her grandmother’s death hung over her like a dark cloud. As someone who cared about her—he always had—Brady wanted to show Eden that life could still be sweet. Especially during the most sacred, joyous time of the year. He might just have a way to make this holiday the best one in a long while for Eden.

  Brady took a quick glance at his watch. “Can you lock up? I need to go run an errand before the festival tonight.”

  “Sure thing.” Eden rubbed her hands together. “I’m hoping we can sell enough candy canes tonight to push us over the edge and hit that magic number.”

  “Something tells me we will.”

  Eden’s face lit up. “I’m so excited. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.”

  Br
ady shook his head in awe. Eden received pleasure from service. This endeavor was all about rescuing animals and making sure they were safe and healthy and cared for

  . He hoped Celebration knew what a gem they had in Eden.

  “This town is lucky to have you, Eden. And so is my grandmother. You really make this place shine.”

  Brady watched as her cheeks flushed. For a second he feared she might retreat, but she didn’t. She even managed to look him in the eye and smile. Brady felt something burst inside his chest near the region of his heart. Yes, indeed. Eden had already begun to open up like a beautiful poinsettia blooming before Christmas. And it made him feel ridiculously happy!

  **

  By the time Eden locked up the place and headed back home to pick up her father, it was time to head to the Christmas festival. It was being held at the Diamond R Ranch, owned by the family of one of her best friends, Tabitha Daily—one of the candy canes. When they pulled up to the ranch, Eden let out a sigh. It had been transformed into a Christmas spectacular with hundreds of twinkling lights and lanterns, festive red and green wreaths and miniature Christmas trees spread along the path leading toward the huge white tent in the distance. Eden made sure her father could walk the path with the use of his cane. She’d parked in a handicapped area due to his challenges. She reached into the back of her car and pulled out the large box of candy canes. Thankfully, it wasn’t too heavy and she was able to carry it toward the tent.

  As soon as they entered the tent the smell of barbecued ribs rose to Eden’s nostrils. Another smell—perhaps peach cobbler—made her stomach grumble. There were so many things going on inside the tent, Eden didn’t know where to look. Games. Children running around playing. Raffle tickets being sold. A choir singing Ode to Joy in dulcet tones.

  Before she knew it, her father spotted some of his friends and was making his way to the seats near the choir performance. Eden noticed he had a little spring in his step as he headed toward the group comprised of mostly females.