A Family for Christmas

by Mona Ingram

  “I met him a few months after I arrived here,” she said, her words low and urgent as though she had to get them out before she changed her mind. “He was a wheat broker.”

  Maddie didn’t know such a job existed, but she didn’t want to interrupt.

  “His name was Randall.” She gave a short, mirthless laugh. “Not Randy. He hated the idea of being called that.” She sucked in a quick breath of air. “Anyway, we met and started going out. After a few months, it was getting serious...at least I thought so. He’d been taking me with him to business dinners, cocktail parties, that sort of thing.” She paused. “Did you know that Canada sells a lot of wheat to China? Yes? Well, I learned all about that, nodding and smiling through interminable dinners.”

  Her narrative seemed to lose momentum as she watched the changing patterns of the swirling snow. Then she shook herself and continued.

  “One weekend we were invited to a ranch down by High River. I bought all the right clothes.” A smile of remembrance lightened her features. “I even bought a pair of cowboy boots. Anyway, Randall had been out by the barbecue pit talking with the other men but I ran back to the room for something, and when I returned, he was off to the side, deep in conversation with another man. They were standing on the other side of a trellis. I can still see it; it was covered with yellow climbing roses...” Her voice faded again, and Maddie ached for her friend, knowing how difficult it must be to tell the story. Lily crossed her arms in front of her chest, hugging herself. “I was walking across the lawn when I heard Randall mention my name. I thought he was singing my praises, the way he always seemed to do when we went out with his business contacts. I can still hear his voice. ‘You need to get someone like Lily. Someone who understands how they think. I’ve been doing amazing since I hooked up with her.’

  “This other guy says: ‘So she works with you?’”

  “‘Hell, no.’ says Randall. ‘I just keep her sweet for when Asians come to town.’”

  “Then the other guy says ‘I thought you and Lily were, like a couple.’”

  Lily turned to Maddie. “He laughed. I’ll never forget the sound of it. Then he said something about how his parents would react if he brought me home. He then proceeded to tell the other guy about his ‘real’ girlfriend.”

  Lily’s eyes were surprisingly dry.

  “My God, Lily. What did you do then?”

  She lifted her chin a little. “You would have been proud of me. I didn’t smack him, much as I wanted to. I went back to the room we were sharing, took his keys and drove his car back here to Calgary. I left the keys in the car and sent him a text telling him that I’d heard everything he said.”

  Chase wasn’t Randall, but it was too soon to get into that conversation. “Good for you,” said Maddie.

  She was relieved to see a smile on Lily’s face. “You know what’s funny? My parents would be even more shocked than his if the positions were reversed and I took him home. They’ve lived most of their adult lives in Vancouver, and yet they still expect me to marry a nice Asian boy.”

  “Reverse discrimination.” The words slipped out before Maddie could stop them.

  “I suppose you’re right.” Lily gave a soft little sigh. “I don’t know why I’m getting all worked up. Chase probably has a girlfriend anyway. A successful guy like that.”

  It was as if Annie’s words hung between them in a bubble.

  “He does, doesn’t he?” She turned slowly to face Maddie. “Just as well, I suppose. I’m guessing that Annie said something. What was it?”

  Maddie tried to recall the conversation. “We were talking about what she wanted for Christmas. She’d told Chase she wanted a sewing machine and she said her uncle’s girlfriend laughed and said she was too young.” She watched Lily’s reaction. “I got the impression she doesn’t like her very much, if that helps.”

  “Not really, but whoever she is, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Girls even younger than ten are perfectly capable of running a sewing machine with a little instruction.”

  “Will you show her if I explain that to Chase? I know Annie would be thrilled.”

  Lily didn’t have to think long. “I’d like that. She’s an adorable kid.” She brightened. “See? You already know what you’re going to buy for your first customer!”

  “UNCLE CHASE, IT’S YOUR move!” Annie frowned impatiently.

  He focused at the board, trying to give it his full attention. He’d been having trouble since just before lunch when, with one look, he’d fallen hard for the most intriguing woman he’d ever seen. In his experience, most petite women played up the fact that they were a few inches shorter than normal. But not Lily. From the first glance, he’d been aware of her fierceness, her vitality. He didn’t know how he knew these things, but he had no doubt that she could stand up for herself in any situation and he liked that about her.

  Of course it didn’t hurt that she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He made a move, but his mind wasn’t on the game.

  He’d dated a lot of attractive women, but this one was different. He didn’t know her, and yet something told him that she was ambivalent about her beauty. As a business woman, she’d know that her looks would win her certain advantages, and yet she warred with herself about using her most striking asset. How he’d love to get to know her better.

  His friends would laugh at him if he told them how quickly he’d fallen for her. Just last week after a hard-fought battle on the handball court, he’d sat in the steam room with his partner, listening to Greg’s contention that you had to live with a woman for at least a year before you really got to know her. That wouldn’t be necessary with Lily; he’d known that at first sight. And yet in spite of the undeniable attraction that flared between them, she’d run away.

  “Uncle Chase, I think we should stop this game. You’re not paying attention.”

  Chase looked down at the board. He had no idea what his next move should be, either here or with the woman who occupied his every thought. “You’re right, Annie. I’m sorry, I’ve had a long day.”

  Annie sorted out the pieces, separating them by colour. Chase had learned not to be impatient with her when she insisted in keeping the pieces in separate plastic bags. It was part of their routine, and he watched her with affection.

  “So how was your day today?” he asked. They usually discussed this over dinner, but he’d come home later than normal, and she’d already eaten.

  “It was wonderful.” She wrinkled her nose. “Except for the part about having to leave school. But I met Maddie, so that was good.” She ran her finger along the zip-lock lunch bags and put everything away in the checkers box. “I liked Lily, too. Know what she said when I told her the kids tease me about my hair?”

  Chase leaned forward eagerly. “What?”

  “She said they’re just jealous. Did you know she holds her hair up with toothpicks?”

  Chase checked to see if she was teasing, but she appeared serious. “Do you mean chopsticks?”

  Annie laughed. “Yes, chopsticks. Silly me.” She sobered. “She used to get teased about her hair at school just like me. They told her she should put it in a pigtail, and called her a Chink.”

  “I thought she had beautiful hair.”

  Annie gave him an odd look. “Me, too. I can hardly wait to see her studio. Maybe the next time the teachers take a professional day, I can ask Maddie to take me.”

  “Or I could take you.” Chase couldn’t believe the words had come out of his mouth.

  “Would you?” Annie beamed.

  “Sure, why not? Now you’d better run up and get into your jammies. I’ll be up in a while to tuck you in.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Chase. You’re the best.”

  Chase stared into the fire. He wasn’t going to give up on Lily Hsu. He sat back in his favourite chair and thought of how her hair had flashed blue in the sunlight. He wondered how it would feel to run his fingers through it. Chase Drummond, you’re a fool, he
thought to himself. You’ll be lucky if she lets you anywhere near her.

  Chapter Seven

  “GOOD MORNING, MADDIE.” David came out from behind his desk and shook her hand. “I hear that Mr. Drummond has rented you the space.”

  “Yes.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I’m a bit nervous, to tell you the truth.”

  “Not to worry.” He patted her hand and pointed toward the back of the lobby. The chairs and plants which had been in front of the little shop had been moved aside. Anyone entering the lobby would have a clear view of her shop. “What do you think?”

  Maddie studied the effect. “I think that’s just about perfect.”

  David presented her with a key. “This is for your shop. The door is off to the right. The lock is a bit sticky, but it works. I tried it this morning.”

  “Thank you.” They walked back together, and the older man watched while she opened the door.

  “I’ll get Daryl to give the lock a shot of WD-40. That will loosen it up.” David showed her the light switches, and how the front of the shop rolled up to create an opening.

  Maddie looked around, surprised at the amount of space. “This is larger than I realized; it’s going to be perfect,” she said, opening drawers and checking inside cupboards. She handed him a business card. “And I’d like you to be the first person to have one of my new cards.”

  He looked it over and tucked it in his shirt pocket. “I’m honoured. And if you have any extras, drop them by the desk. I’ll be happy to hand them out when you’re not here.” He gave her a sly wink. “A lot of people come into this building every day; they’ll probably ask what’s going on.”

  “Thank you, David.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Now I’m off to buy my gift wrapping supplies.”

  IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIPS before Maddie was satisfied that she had enough gift wrapping supplies to get started. She was well aware that once business got going, she’d have little time to spare.

  On the last trip to the stores, she picked up the custom sign she’d had made, several strands of Christmas lights and an equivalent length of plastic garland. The company that created the sign had been very helpful, suggesting that she add an illustration of a Christmas gift on the sign which read Christmas Gift Wrapping. There was a perfect spot right over the opening, and while she’d been measuring the space she’d noticed clips for holding the lights. It looked as though some previous tenant had done the same thing.

  “David,” she said, approaching the desk with a string of lights in her hand. “Does the building have a small step ladder I can use?” She indicated the lights. “I’d like to brighten up the corner with these lights.”

  The older man hustled across the lobby and opened a door she hadn’t noticed before. “Right here,” he said, handing her a small ladder. “I’d like to help you but I have a touch of vertigo. The Doc says it’s my inner ear.”

  She looked at him, concerned. “I didn’t know that, but I’ll be fine.” She started removing the lights from the boxes and winding them around the garlands. Her shop would be a bright spot on those grey winter days that were right around the corner.

  MADDIE CLIMBED DOWN from the ladder and stepped back to admire her work. She had the lights plugged in so that she could arrange them to their best advantage; they looked bright and cheerful. She moved the ladder along, climbed up again and was reaching for the next hook when her cell phone rang.

  Determined not to miss a potential business call, she reached for the phone. The motion unbalanced her and she knew she was going to fall. It was as if it was happening in slow motion and she could do nothing to stop it. She had the presence of mind to drop the garland and clutch at the ladder, but it was no use and she closed her eyes, hoping her landing wouldn’t be too undignified.

  Her landing was surprisingly comfortable, and when she opened her eyes, she was looking into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Blue eyes that crinkled at the edges as they smiled down at her.

  She was being held by the building maintenance man, and for one wild moment she thought she’d be quite happy to stay right here in his arms, thank you very much. His face was inches away, smiling down at her, lips twitching as he watched her squirm. His beard was several days old again, and she ached to reach out and touch it. Maybe he wouldn’t notice if she–

  “Well,” he said, putting her down slowly. His gaze didn’t move from her face. “What have we here?” His voice was husky, the way she remembered, and she swallowed hard. He stepped back to survey her handiwork. “Looks nice, but what is it?”

  “I thought you’d know,” she stammered. There was definitely something lacking in the building’s communications. Maybe he hadn’t been reading his mail.

  “Know what?” He seemed amused.

  “Know that I was opening my shop.”

  He picked up the ladder and smiled at her. “Nope. Nobody ever tells me anything.” He didn’t seem the slightest bit upset.

  Close up, he was even more attractive than she remembered. Especially his hair. It grew every which way on his head, as though it couldn’t make up its mind. Maddie was getting tired of pretty boys who spent more time on their hair than most women. Too bad he was so cheeky.

  She would be happy to look at him all day, and he seemed inclined to do the same, but she had things to do. And now that he was here...

  “Could you help me finish up here?” She motioned to the ladder. “It’s not the sturdiest of ladders, but I’ll hold it steady if you could finish hooking the lights in place.”

  He examined the ladder more closely. “Is this David’s?”

  “Yes. Or to be more precise, it belongs to the building. He loaned it to me.” She looked toward the front of the lobby. “He’s not here right now.” Now she was babbling.

  “I’ll make sure it gets replaced with a sturdier one.” He kicked the legs open and climbed up a couple of steps. Strong legs encased in faded blue jeans were right in front of her face, and her throat went dry.

  “Are you looking at my butt? I’m not sure whether to be flattered or call Human Resources.”

  Maddie pulled back, shocked, and then realized he was laughing at her. He pointed to the garland and wiggled his fingers. “Pass me that, and let’s get this done.”

  Of course. He had other things to do, and she wasn’t on the list. But she’d like to be.

  “WHAT ABOUT THAT SIGN?” The sign was leaning up against the shop, and he tilted his head to read it. “Gift Wrapping? That’s a good idea.”

  “I thought so. I’ll also be offering a gift buying service.”

  “Another good idea.” He picked up the sign. “Why don’t I hang this for you? Do you have a hammer and nails?”

  “No, I wasn’t sure if I’d be allowed to put any nails in the wood.”

  “Don’t worry, they’ll never know.” He gave her a grin that curled her toes. “Besides, I’ll use really small nails. Back in a minute.” He disappeared down the stairs that led to the basement. Maddie ran inside her little shop and dug inside her purse, searching for her compact. Her softly braided hair had come loose, framing her face in disobedient wisps. Her cheeks were flushed from working and the sparkle was back in her eyes.

  She hadn’t looked this animated in a long time, and it suited her. Nothing like the excitement of a new venture to make a girl come alive. Of course the sudden change had nothing to do with...what was his name? She couldn’t remember.

  He came back through the door, whistling as though this were a great adventure.

  “Once more into the breach, dear friends.” He set the ladder in place.

  “Henry the Fifth,” said Maddie and handed him the sign. “Are you a fan of Shakespeare?”

  “Not really,” he mumbled around the nails in his mouth. He hammered them in place. “It just suited the moment.” He made a deep bow. “And now, my lady, is there anything else I can do for you?” For a moment, she thought she saw a flash of desire in those blue eyes, but then it was gone, much to h
er disappointment.

  “Well, I would like to know your name so I can thank you properly.” She held out her hand. “I’m Maddie LaRocque.”

  “Delighted to meet you, Maddie LaRocque.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. Heat shot through Maddie’s veins. “My name is–"

  “Uncle Brent!” Caught in the moment, they hadn’t noticed Annie enter the lobby. “You’re back.” She dropped her backpack and leaped into his arms. He twirled her around several times while she peppered his face with kisses. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too, Munchkin.” He set her down. “And now I’d like you to meet –

  “Maddie.” Annie grinned. “I already know Maddie. We had lunch a couple of days ago.”

  It took a moment for Maddie to wrap her brain around what had just happened. “You’re not the maintenance man? But I saw you up in the Drummond offices the other day after someone called for maintenance.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m Brent Drummond. I do work here, though.” He jerked his thumb skyward. “At DE. I’m a geologist.”

  “Lucky you.” Maddie smiled. “No suit.”

  “Don’t I know it.” He picked up Annie’s backpack and gave an exaggerated groan. “What have you got in here? It weighs a ton.” He hefted it easily. “Maybe two tons.”

  Annie looked at Maddie and rolled her eyes. It was obvious that she adored her Uncle Brent just as much as she adored Chase. “It’s my skates. The rink is open, and Uncle Chase said I could skate for a while.” She checked her watch. “I’d better hurry. Brittany’s mom says she can only stay until four thirty, then I have to come back here.”

  “What if I came over around four thirty? I could stay with you until five.” Maddie had no idea where those words had come from, but she couldn’t take them back now. “That will give you a bit longer to skate.”