Loose Goose Christmas: Ornamental Match Maker Series Book 8

by Danni Roan

  The streetlight outside flickered, flashing and sending a shower of sparks into the winter sky, like signal flames spreading news from an ancient fire.

  Chapter 14

  The phone buzzing woke Brooks from a sound sleep making him jump as he grasped for the device.

  “Hello,” he mumbled sleepily as Dan quietly told him he needed to get to the hospital.

  Brooks was on the road in minutes rushing up the now familiar hall to his sister’s room.

  “She slipped into a coma about a half hour ago,” Dan looked up his dark eyes full of grief. His sun kissed skin seemed sallow in the harsh lights of the hospital room as he stood beside his wife.

  Brooks swallowed the lump in his throat. “What, what do the doctors say?”

  Dan simply shook his head a single tear tracing a path down his cheek.

  Brooks moved to his sister’s side laying a hand on her thin shoulders. “I love you little sis,” he said placing a gentle kiss on her brow as he stood vigil with his brother-in-law.

  The wee hours slipped away silently beckoning the dawn, and the first streaks of rose and gold kissed the horizon like a lover waking from slumber.

  Brooks turned watching the golden glow blossom into amber light as the rays of the morning sun painted freshly fallen snow with a with rosy hues.

  As the shimmering orb crested the distant mountains warm tendrils reached through the window brushing his sister’s face in light.

  “Danny,” Carol’s eyes flickered open, her skin aglow with the kiss of a new day.

  “I’m here sweetheart,” Dan said brushing a bead of sweat from her brow.

  Carol smiled up at the man she’d given her whole heart to. “I’m glad you made it home,” she said taking his hand. “I had the sweetest dream,” Carol continued turning to look at Brooks and reaching for his hand.

  “I was floating in a crystal sea. The water was so blue I couldn’t even name it, and a warm breeze rocked the waves as it danced over my skin. It was so peaceful; restful.”

  Carol blinked at the bright morning sun now pouring through her window turning the drab gray walls to hues of crimson and orange.

  “I’m glad you had a good rest honey,” Dan said looking up at Brooks.

  “Help me sit up,” Carol said, her dark eyes bright. “I want to see the new day.”

  Brooks pressed the button on her bed lifting her ravaged body until she could look out the window.

  “It snowed,” she said reverently as light sparkled like diamonds on the ground. “I’m hungry.”

  Dan looked at Brooks startled by his wife’s comment.

  “You’re hungry?”

  “Yes, I’d really love a hot meatball sub loaded with Mozzarella cheese on fresh baked bread.”

  “Honey, it’s six in the morning. Where am I going to get you a meatball sub at this hour?” Dan’s eyes were large and imploring as he glanced at Brooks.

  “I’ve got an idea,” Brooks said a bright smile spreading across his face. “Be right back.”

  ***

  Lisa applied her last layer of lipstick then touched up her face with a tissue.

  She’d been awake for ages and desperately wanted to go back to the hospital to see Brooks, Carol, and Dan but didn’t want to intrude.

  “Hello,” she answered pressing the button on her ringing phone as she touched up her lip liner.

  “Oh no,” she said tossing her tissue in the trash and grabbing her phone. “What? Yes. No. Don’t worry I’ll think of something.” She finished clicking off the phone and grinning. There was work to be done.

  “Mornin’ Miss Lisa,” Mr. Withers drawled as he opened the door for her a few minutes later. “You’re out and about early.”

  “I’m on a mission,” Lisa said with a grin. Her cheerful nature refreshed by a goodnight’s sleep.

  “Anything I can do to help?” the statuesque man asked.

  “No, I think I’ve got it, but if you’re a praying man that never hurts.”

  Mr. Withers chuckled as he watched one of his favorite tenants stride down the street. She was cute as a bug in her long green coat and black slacks. Knowing Lisa she was probably wearing one of those oversized sweaters those crazy women from the country made.

  “I sure hope everything comes out alright for that little girl,” Mr. Withers intoned casting an eye at a brightening sky. “Sometime it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.”

  ***

  “No! No, no, no, no!” Fazzi crossed his hairy arms over his white apron shaking his head emphatically.

  “But Fazzi, it is for a special person.” Lisa wheedled. “You’d be helping out.”

  “Ma’ farfallina, I only have the left overs, what kind of dish is that to serve?” the big man raised his hands in supplication.

  “Fazzi, this could be her last meal, how will you feel if she doesn’t get it?” Lisa persisted.

  The big man turned his brown eyes to her. “You will not let anyone else have some?”

  “Cross my heart,” Lisa agreed putting the words to action. “You already have the bread,” she finished pointing at the piping loaves spread across a kitchen stand.

  “Very well,” the big man caved, “but you never tell I used that terrible machine,” he insisted pointing at the microwave.

  “I promise. It will be our little secret forever and ever,” Lisa grinned.

  Fazzioli flipped the hot water on over his huge sink and scrubbed his hand the way a surgeon might before a big operation. “But you will take what else I give you, yes?”

  Lisa nodded not willing to argue with him. He was already an angel in her hour of need.

  Chapter 15

  “Brooks,” Lisa whispered around the door of the hospital room trying to get his attention. “Psst, Brooks,” she called again and this time the man turned his face lighting with joy.

  “You made it,” Brooks said grasping her arms and placing a sweet kiss on her lips. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world to do. As if this was any other day and kissing a woman he barely knew was his privilege.

  “Did you get it?” he asked quietly looking up and down the hall as if someone might over hear.

  “I did, and then some,” Lisa said smiling, her eyes twinkling merrily from the kiss.

  Brooks scowled. “What do you mean?” he asked suspiciously.

  “You’ll see,” Lisa teased ducking around him and strolling into the room as if she owned it. “Good morning!” she called cheerfully hefting the enormous bag in her hands. “A little elf told me that someone wanted a meatball sub,” she said beaming.

  “What? How?” Dan spluttered looking between Lisa and Brooks. “Where in the world did you get a meatball sandwich at this time of day?”

  Lisa wrinkled her nose grinning. “I have connections,” she laughed pulling out the piping hot sandwich and flourishing it as if presenting her alms to a lady. “My liege.”

  Carol laughed, her eyes bright with mirth grasping the white paper package with both hands and feeling the sauce squish between the wrapper and her fingers. “It smells divine.”

  “It is,” Lisa said reaching back into the bag. “Fazzolini’s is the best Italian place in the city, and he loves me.” She shot a quick look at Brooks whose scowl deepened.

  “These are for you two,” Lisa continued handing a smaller package to Dan and another similar one to Brooks. “Fazzi said these are for you. I have no idea what they are, but you’d better eat them and enjoy them.”

  Brooks sidled up next to Lisa his eyes wide as his sister unwrapped her treasure filling the room with the aroma of marinara and fresh bread.

  “My tummy’s rumbling,” Carol said lifting the soft yet crisp bread and taking a bite, closing her eyes in delight.

  Dan looked at Brooks again, then at Lisa who only shrugged, then opened his own wrap where crisp layers of bacon, eggs and sautéed vegetables tried to push themselves from the depths of a round loaf.

  Soon the whole group was eating and la
ughing while Carol slowly devoured her sandwich, oohing and awing over each bite.

  “Oh, excuse me,” a nurse walked in staring at them all. “I didn’t know you already had breakfast.” She looked at Carol who had sauce on her upper lip then did a double take. “You’re eating?”

  Carol only nodded, chewing slowly as she pulled a string of melted cheese away with one finger.

  “I hope it’s alright,” Brooks said worried that they’d done something wrong.

  “No, I mean yes,” the nurse stammered. “It’s just that she hasn’t really been able to eat anything for a long time.”

  “You’d eat too if you tasted this,” Carol managed around another bite of food.

  “I’m just going to call her specialist,” the nurse said still looking bemused as she left the room.

  “We aren’t going to be in trouble are we?” Lisa asked looking at Brooks. If Fazzi’s name is associated with misbehavior, I might never get a plate of seafood lasagna again.”

  “You’re remarkable you know that?” Brooks leaned down kissing her cheek then brushing a crumb from the corner of her mouth.

  “Thank you,” Lisa said her eyes soft. “You make me feel special.”

  “What’s this I hear about my favorite patient being awake?” a doctor said traipsing into the room and pulling his stethoscope from his neck. He looked genuinely startled to see Carol sitting up in bed.

  “I was hungry,” Carol said licking her fingers and taking a napkin from her husband who looked equally stunned.

  Peeling back her hospital gown the doctor listened to her heart.

  “Not bad,” the doctor spoke, “no one’s going to dance a samba to it but maybe a two step.”

  “I’m sleepy,” Carol said leaning into her pillows a contented smile on her face.”

  “Well why don’t you go to sleep, and I’ll send you down for a few scans and see what’s going on?” the doctor said.

  “Alright,” Carol agreed blowing a kiss to Dan as she drifted off.

  “Doctor Argosy, what’s going on?” Dan asked wiping the last traces of sauce from his wife’s face.

  “I don’t know son,” the other man said laying his hand on Dan’s shoulder. “We thought last night was it. We’ll know more when she comes back from the MRI machine. In the mean time why don’t you get some rest?”

  Dan nodded plopping down in the hard chair by the bed as the doctor left then watching as the nurses came and wheeled Carol away.

  “Brooks,” Lisa said slipping her hand in his, “how about we go get some coffee to wash down our breakfast?” She nodded toward Dan who was almost asleep already.

  “I like the way you think,” Brooks said. “Besides I’m putty in your hands.”

  Lisa grinned. She knew she was falling in love with Brooks Vixen, and it was all because of a silly goose.

  Chapter 16

  Lisa led the way to a tiny table at the coffee shop. She could tell that something was troubling Brooks and thought that maybe he could use someone to listen.

  “How are you?” she asked, her voice full of compassion as he took the seat across from her.

  “Confused,” Brooks said turning his mug in his hands.

  Lisa nodded sipping her coffee and waiting for him to continue.

  “I don’t know what happened. When my phone buzzed last night, I was ready to say good-bye, but now I’m not sure I can. Then Carol wakes up and wants a meatball sub.” He shook his head trying to order his thoughts.

  “How’s Dan holding up?”

  “I think it’s harder than he’s letting on. He’s been gone a while and hadn’t seen how much the chemo had affected Carol. Now I’m sure he’s just worried about the kids. I told him that no matter what I’d stay and look after them and that money’s no issue.” He blushed slightly at the comment and Lisa took his hand.

  “In time you should come into the office and meet Mr. Arnold. He can set up funds and trusts for the children if you want him to.”

  Brooks smiled. He liked the practical side of Lisa, but he also liked her bumbling, stumbling ways. He wished she’d fall into his arms again.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Lisa asked. She could see thoughts whirring through his brain. She’d trained herself to be observant of the way people looked even if she’d been known to wear two different socks on and occasion or two, herself.

  Brooks looked up meeting her brown eyes, as troubles swirled in the depths of his hazel stare. “I’m confused about us,” he finally admitted.

  Lisa squeezed his hand, then released him as she raised her mug. What was he confused about? She liked him, and she suspected he liked her as well. Why else had he been kissing her?

  “I feel like I’ve known you for years,” Brooks finally spoke again. “Like we’re connected somewhere deep down, and that if the timing were right this could go somewhere.”

  Lisa smiled, but her heart froze. “What about the timing now?” she asked hesitantly.

  Brooks shook his head, “With Carol and everything, what if these feelings are just reactions to, to…” he swallowed hard then continued, “to her leaving.”

  “I suppose that’s possible,” Lisa said. “People react differently to life crisis. Do you normally get emotional with women you meet after rescuing them from a goose?”

  Brooks chuckled. “I don’t normally have to rescue women from a goose. I think you’re unique in that.”

  Lisa thought of her little goose hanging on her tree and realized that her heart was just as far out on a limb.

  Somewhere between Oliver and the children, and the unexpected visit from the Ls and all the turmoil, she’d begun falling in love with Brooks.

  She loved the way he looked after his niece and nephew, his uncertainty at how to care for them, but his determination to do it anyway.

  She loved the way he looked at his sister, with compassion, and real emotion. He hadn’t walled himself off to protect his tender heart; instead he’d embraced her care with generosity.

  “Brooks do you believe in fate?” she finally asked.

  “I used to,” he answered the truth of the words written in his eyes. “As a kid I believed that everything had a purpose and that if we just waited we’d understand.”

  “And now?”

  Brooks shrugged his thick shoulders, rolling his head to ease some of the tension in his neck. “Sometimes I think things happen just because they happen.”

  Lisa took his hand in hers, laying it against her cheek and soaking in the warmth of it.

  “I’ve never really worried about life,” she said still holding his hand in both of hers. “I’ve simply tripped through life trying to be the best me I know how.”

  She looked up at him, wanting him to understand. “I don’t always accomplish it. I make messes sometimes, and I forget to be thankful. I get so busy with living that I forget to have a life. Still somehow, I have these marvelous people in my life. People like Audrey and the Ls, or Fazzi, even Mr. Withers. Now I’ve met you, and I can’t imagine not having you in my life.”

  Brooks smiled his heart overflowing. Perhaps it wasn’t just coincidence that had brought Lisa into his life.

  What would he have ever done without her and the Ls when his sister had been hospitalized? Who else but Lisa could find a way to make sure that his brother-in-law could make it home?

  “You have been pretty handy,” he teased. “I don’t know another person in this world who could wrangle a meatball sub at six a.m.”

  Lisa smiled liking the way he said things. “I am pretty handy with an Italian loaf,” she agreed loving his smile. “You know it’s strange how Oliver attacked me and then here I get a goose ornament from Mrs. Claus,” she mused. “The Ls insist that it wasn’t from them.” She tapped a lacquered finger nail against her lips.

  “You’re thinking,” Brooks commented. “Is this good or dangerous?”

  “I was just thinking about Audrey,” Lisa said. “She got an ornament from Mrs. Claus too, a sweet lit
tle carousel horse.”

  “There, it must be the aunts then. They’re having a little joke.”

  “But how did they know that Audrey would meet a cowboy on the same day she got her gift, or that I’d be attacked by a goose?”

  Brooks smile faded. “That’s a lot of coincidence,” he agreed.

  His phone buzzed in his pocket and he released Lisa’s hand pulling it out and fumbling it as he tried to answer.

  “We’ll be right there,” he said his eyes wide as he grabbed Lisa and headed for the door.

  Chapter 17

  “Uncle Brooks!” Vivian squealed jumping into his arms as he entered the room. “Are you coming home with us?”

  “I don’t know are you going home?”

  “Daddy says we’re going to go home in just a few days,” the little girl nodded.

  Brooks stepped around the curtain to see his beaming brother-in-law. “What’s happening?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

  Carol reached out her hand, and he took it still looking at Dan. “They did a complete scan,” Carol said her voice stronger than it had been in ages. “The tumor is gone.”

  Brooks felt his knees wobbled as the blood seemed to drain from his head.

  A strong arm looped around him backing him into a chair and he glanced at Lisa who steadied him.

  “What?” he choked.

  “The doctors can’t explain it, the thing is just gone,” Dan said his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “They’re going to keep Carol here for a few more days of testing, then she’ll get to come home.”

  Brooks gaped, not fully able to absorb what he’d been told. “You’re better?” he asked in disbelief.

  “I am,” Carol said nodding.

  “Uncle Brooks can I have chocolate?” Drew walked over climbing onto his knee.

  “He wants hot cocoa,” Vivian said joining them. “He doesn’t understand that mommy got her Christmas miracle.”

  “Do too,” Drew protested. “You and me prayed every night for mommy to get all better, and God kissed her boo-boo and fixed it.”