Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat

by Angela Britnell

  ‘I don’t think she likes it much.’ Behind Fee’s broad smile Tom saw the little girl who’d never experienced this kind of Christmas. Maddy and Fee got along much better now but some hurts never went away. Forgiveness didn’t mean forgetting.

  ‘Nope. I guess I’d better take it back.’

  ‘You’d have a riot on your hands. Lulu’s got too many people on her side.’ Fee’s voice cracked and there it was again, the separateness and loneliness he’d recognised in her the day they met.

  ‘So do you now, sweetheart.’ Tom pulled her into his arms, aware of her heartbeat through the new red sweater he’d bought her. No black. They were making progress. ‘Trust me.’

  Her eyes glazed with tears. ‘I do.’

  ‘That’s all we’ve got to say tomorrow and you’ll be mine and I’ll be yours,’ he whispered. ‘In case I haven’t said it enough I really, really like you in red.’ Fee’s cheeks turned the same rich shade of scarlet as the sweater. Tom jumped as someone tapped his shoulder.

  ‘Thomas Michael.’ His mother’s stern tone brought him back to being five years old and in trouble again for talking in church. ‘I’m giving you advance warning now so don’t bother to claim later I didn’t tell you. When you leave here you’ll take Fee back to Black Cherry, wait while she packs an overnight bag and bring her straight back here. You will not phone, text or otherwise pester the girl tonight. She needs her rest plus it’s bad luck for you to see each other before the wedding. Her mama and I will take good care of her.’ She nodded over at Maddy.

  He heard Fee’s hastily stifled giggle. ‘Yes, Mama.’ With a smile his mother left them to go and look at the dolls’ house.

  ‘Yes, Mama,’ Fee mimicked him. ‘You are a truly hopeless case.’

  ‘I’m glad I amuse you.’ His effort to sound offended failed because all she did was laugh harder. ‘You won’t find it so funny when you’re sleeping alone in a hard, single bed tonight.’

  ‘My only consolation will be in knowing that you’re equally miserable,’ Fee retorted. ‘Your mother didn’t actually define “straight back”. You know I always take an extraordinarily long time to pack.’

  ‘Yeah, putting a toothbrush in a bag takes ages.’

  ‘It certainly does.’

  ‘Uncle T. Uncle T.’ Lulu tugged on his arm. ‘The kitchen door broke. Fix it.’

  Tom let go of Fee and flashed an apologetic smile. ‘Of course, pumpkin.’ For the women in his life he’d do anything and everything he could to make them happy. Tomorrow he’d make his promises to Fee in front of everyone and couldn’t wait.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Tom hovered by the cabin steps and fixed his binoculars on the path around the lake. No way would Fee be able to resist. The delicate icicles hanging from the bare tree branches, crisp snow underfoot and a sky so blue it could’ve been created in Photoshop all combined to make Black Cherry a magical sight. The previous evening his mother and sisters descended on the Sevier cabin with an inordinate number of candles, flowers and the famous “green stuff”. No doubt they’d transformed it ready for the brief wedding ceremony and informal reception afterwards. He’d spotted the convoy of four-wheel drive cars a while ago and caught a glimpse of Fee’s dark hair among the gaggle of women heading into the Sevier cabin.

  A tall, slender figure in black popped into his vision and Tom zoomed in on Fee’s face.

  ‘Get in here and chug this,’ Mikey shouted from the doorway and waved a can of beer at Tom. ‘Hurry up before I freeze my balls off.’

  ‘Okay. Okay.’ He grabbed the beer and followed his brother inside. The men were all sprawled around his log fire and the TV was blasting out a football game. A lot of sports trash talk bounced between them all while a plate of his mother’s home-made sausage balls made their way around the room.

  A brief flash of memory seared his brain. Tom recalled his scared twenty-three-year-old self, dressed in an ill-fitting rented tuxedo and waiting at the Pine Ridge Methodist Church for Gina to arrive. When his father asked if he was okay he’d barely managed to nod as she appeared at the other end of the aisle. Once she stood next to him, glowing with love and beautiful in a froth of white lace he’d pushed away his doubts and made himself think of the wedding night to come. It’d been an injustice to a woman he hadn’t deserved.

  ‘You good?’ His father came to stand by him and rested his hand on Tom’s shoulder.

  ‘Yep. I sure am.’ Tom didn’t hesitate. ‘Don’t eat all the sausage balls, you useless bastards,’ he shouted at his brothers. ‘Pass them over.’ He grabbed a handful and crammed three into his mouth. ‘Who’s winning?’

  ‘Shouldn’t you get changed?’ Sandy probed.

  ‘Won’t take long. No penguin suits today, thank the Lord.’ Fee had been very clear about wanting as little fuss as possible. ‘Dark trousers. White shirt. No tie. Simple.’ Everyone joined in hassling him so Tom decided it’d be easier to get dressed and shut them all up.

  Fee succumbed to Sarah’s urging for her to come inside and get dressed.

  ‘He’ll catch you in your jeans if you don’t hurry up.’

  She smiled to herself knowing he already had. Fee had caught the reflected light from his binoculars as Tom watched from the porch. She’d taken some amazing shots of the gorgeous snowy lake and they’d be part of a special album she intended to give him after this was over. Mary-Jo was their official photographer today and she’d rolled her eyes at Fee’s detailed instructions about precisely what, and what not to take pictures of.

  Fee had bought an elegant ivory leather album and written on the title in the elegant calligraphy script she’d perfected years ago when working for a wedding photographer.

  Snow, candles, lights, Lulu and green stuff.

  This would be their private joke.

  ‘Everyone else is ready. The bedroom is empty so it’s your turn.’ Sarah’s brisk instruction made it clear that Fee better not argue. ‘Your mama and I are coming to help you.’ At nearly forty she was quite capable of dressing herself but wasn’t stupid enough to say so. The stunning result of the one battle she managed to win was hanging on the outside of the wardrobe. To go with the dress she’d bought pale blue leather ballerina flats and would wear the silver bracelet that had been Tom’s first gift to her.

  ‘Mee Maw would’ve lent you these to wear today but they’re mine now so I get to do the honours.’ Sarah opened a small black velvet box to reveal a pair of sparkling diamond drop earrings. Fee would never usually wear something as fussy but couldn’t hurt her future mother-in-law’s feelings. ‘They were a wedding present from Tom’s great-great grandfather to his beloved Arlene and have been worn by every Chambers’ bride since then.’

  Fee put them on and studied herself in the mirror, unable to stop smiling. ‘They’re beautiful.’

  ‘Like you.’ Her mother’s half-whispered comment took Fee by surprise and as their eyes met her throat tightened around the words she couldn’t speak. ‘I’m so proud of you.’

  ‘Time for champagne,’ Sarah announced and poured out three glasses from the bottle she had ready on the dresser before passing them around. ‘To Fee and Tom. Wishing you a long and happy life together.’

  She only dared to take a small sip but the sweet bubbles sneaked into her bloodstream. ‘Right. Let’s do this.’

  Tom’s smile took over his face as Lulu, a sparkling silver fairy complete with wings, bounced down the impromptu aisle between the chairs tossing white rose petals over everyone and everything in her path. As he glanced behind her Tom temporarily lost the ability to breathe. Fee, beautiful in a pale blue and sparkly dress, beamed straight at him. She and Will started to walk towards him and as she reached his side Tom took hold of her hand.

  He ached to tell her how beautiful she looked but contented himself with lifting her fingers to his lips for a brief kiss. Vaguely he registered the minister beginning the ceremony and Will doing his part as the bride’s father. Neither of them needed any prompting to s
ay the vows they’d written together. Tom heard his brothers sniggering when they reached the part about not considering themselves the marrying kind until they met but ignored them.

  ‘I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.’

  Tom swept Fee into his arms and she melted into him as his mouth crushed her soft lips.

  He tucked her arm through his and they made their way back through their cheering guests to have photos taken while the room was changed around for the reception.

  An hour later Tom decided he’d been photographed from every possible angle. Every time he breathed Mary-Jo stuck a camera in his face. Once he dared to grouch and Fee’s glare had shrivelled him to the core. It clearly said that this was the one thing she was asking of him. After that he smiled until his face ached.

  ‘Not long until escape time,’ Fee murmured.

  ‘Hallelujah.’ Their bags were ready in his truck. Two tickets to the Bahamas and their passports were tucked in his wallet. She’d dropped tempting hints about the significant number of skimpy bikinis she’d purchased.

  ‘Come with me a minute.’ She tugged on his hand and dragged him towards the door. ‘I need a breath of fresh air.’

  Tom shivered as they stepped onto the porch, decked out in gleaming white fairy lights. ‘No problem. I arranged the freezing temperatures specially.’ He lifted her hand and spun her around. ‘I love the dress.’

  ‘I thought you would.’

  He held her at arm’s length and studied it properly. ‘It matches your eyes and shines. Like you.’

  ‘Goodness. I’ll think I’ve married a poet if you’re not careful,’ Fee teased.

  ‘Hardly. That’s it I’m afraid.’ Tom yanked her to him, crushing the dress but guessing she wouldn’t care. Now he gave her the kiss he’d wanted to earlier, holding nothing back and drawing soft moans from the back of her throat.

  ‘Not cold out here any more, is it?’ Fee joked. She fumbled in the folds of her dress and drew out a small camera from the pocket. ‘Selfie time. Smile.’ Holding out the camera she did several rapid clicks. ‘This is for our private album.’

  ‘We have a private album?’

  Fee’s eyes sparkled. ‘Of course. Can you guess the title?’

  ‘Didn’t know they had to have one.’

  She shook her head. ‘Ignorant man. It’s snow, candles, lights, Lulu and green stuff.’ Fee touched his cheek. ‘You gave me everything today. It could be hard to live up to.’

  ‘I’ll do my best. Always. Every day.’

  ‘I know. And so will I,’ Fee promised. There was nothing more to be said.

  * The End *

  We would love to hear how you enjoyed Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat. Please leave a review on the eBook store where you purchased this novel. Reviews on retail sites really do help the author. Thank you!

  Read about the author next including a preview of Love Me for a Reason.

  Thank You

  from Angela Britnell

  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat and I hope you enjoyed being a part of Fee and Tom’s story. If you could take a few moments to leave a review on the retail site where you purchased this ebook or on Goodreads to encourage other readers to discover my stories that would be wonderful.

  Read about Angela and her novels next …

  About the Author

  Angela was born in St. Stephen, Cornwall, England. After completing her A-Levels she worked as a Naval Secretary. She met her husband, a US Naval Flight Officer while being based at a small NATO Headquarters on the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark. They lived together in Denmark, Sicily, California, southern Maryland and London before settling in Franklin, Tennessee.

  Angela took a creative writing course in 2000 and loved it so much that she has barely put her pen down since. She has had short stories and novels published in the US. Her debut novel, Sugar & Spice, won Choc Lit’s Search for an American Star competition and is her UK debut.

  Follow Angela:

  Blog: www.angelabritnellromance.com

  Twitter: www.twitter.com/AngelaBritnell

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/angelabritnell

  Read about Angela’s novels next …

  More Choc Lit

  From Angela Britnell

  Sugar and Spice

  Nashville Connections

  The Way to a Hero’s Heart …

  Fiery, workaholic Lily Redman is sure of two things: that she knows good food and that she always gets what she wants. And what she wants more than anything is to make a success of her new American TV show, Celebrity Chef Swap – without the help of her cheating ex-fiancé and producer, Patrick O’Brien. So when she arrives in Cornwall, she’s determined to do just that.

  Kenan Rowse is definitely not looking for love. Back from a military stint in Afghanistan and recovering from a messy divorce and an even messier past, the last thing he needs is another complication. So when he lands a temporary job as Luscious Lily’s driver, he’s none too pleased to find that they can’t keep their hands off each other!

  But trudging around Cornish farms, knee deep in mud, and meetings with egotistical chefs was never going to be the perfect recipe for love – was it? And Lily could never fall for a man so disinterested in food – could she?

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.

  What Happens in Nashville

  Nashville Connections

  Novella

  ‘What happens in Nashville, stays in Nashville!’

  Claire Buchan is hardly over the moon about the prospect of her sister’s hen party; travelling from the UK to Nashville, Tennessee, for a week of honky-tonks, karaoke and cowboys. Certainly not straight-laced Claire’s idea of a good time, what with her lawyer job and sensible boyfriend, Philip.

  But then she doesn’t bank on meeting Rafe Castello. On the surface, Rafe fits the cowboy stereotype with his handsome looks and roguish charm but as he and Claire get to know each other, she realises there is far more to him than meets the eye.

  Can Claire keep to the holiday mantra of ‘what happens in Nashville, stays in Nashville’ or will she find that some things are far too difficult to simply leave behind?

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.

  Celtic Love Knot

  Nashville Connections

  Can two tangled lives make a love knot?

  Lanyon Tremayne is the outcast of his small Cornish village of St. Agnes. Susceptible to fits of temper and with a chequered past behind him, he could even be described as a bit of an ogre. But nobody knows the painful secret he hides.

  Olivia Harding has learnt a thing or two about ogres. She’s a professor from Tennessee, specialising in Celtic mythology and has come to St. Agnes to research the legend of a Cornish giant – and to lay to rest a couple of painful secrets of her own.

  But when Olivia meets the ruggedly handsome Lanyon, her trip to Cornwall looks set to become even more interesting. Will she get through to the man beneath the bad-tempered façade, or is Lanyon fated to be the ‘ogre’ of St. Agnes forever?

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.

  The Wedding Reject Table

  Nashville Connections

  Novella

  Once on the reject table, always on the reject table?

  When Maggie Taylor, a cake decorator, and Chad Robertson, a lawyer from Nashville Tennessee, meet at a wedding in Cornwall it’s not under the best circumstances.

  They have both been assigned to ‘the reject table’, alongside a toxic collection of grumpy great aunts, bitter divorcees and stuffy organists.

  Maggie has grown used to being the reject, although when Chad helps her out of a wedding cake disaster she begins to wonder whether the future could hold more for her.

  But will Chad be strong enough to deal with the other problems in Maggie’s life? Because a ru
ined cake isn’t the only issue she has – not by a long shot.

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.

  Here Comes the Best Man

  Nashville Connections and sequel to The Wedding Reject Table

  Novella

  Being the best man is a lot to live up to …

  When troubled army veteran and musician Josh Robertson returns home to Nashville to be the best man at his younger brother Chad’s wedding he’s just sure that he’s going to mess it all up somehow.

  But when it becomes clear that the wedding might not be going to plan, it’s up to Josh and fellow guest Louise Giles to make sure that Chad and his wife-to-be Maggie get their perfect day.

  Can Josh be the best man his brother needs? And is there somebody else who is beginning to realise that Josh could be her ‘best man’ too?

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.

  Love Me for a Reason

  Nashville Connections

  Love doesn’t always have to make sense …

  When Daisy Penvean meets Nathaniel Dalton whilst visiting a friend in Nashville, it seems there are a million and one reasons for them not to be together. Nathaniel’s job as a mergers and acquisitions manager means sharp suits and immaculate hair, whereas Daisy’s work as a children’s book illustrator lends itself to a more carefree, laid-back style. And, as Daisy lives in England, there’s also the small matter of the Atlantic Ocean between them.

  But when Nathaniel’s job takes him to London to oversee the merger of a small publisher with a large American company, he and Daisy meet again under very different circumstances. Because Daisy works for the publisher involved in the deal, and if Nathaniel does his job, it could mean she loses hers …

  Read a preview here …

  Purchase from your eBook provider or visit www.choc-lit.com for more details.