The Christmas Cop

by Barbara McMahon

  “We’re ready to roll,” he said when he found Shea elbow deep in wrapping presents.

  “I’m going to switch off to delivery now. I’ve been wrapping a gazillion toys, between checking the progress of the wrapping and the food deliveries and all the others tasks. I figure delivery will be a nice change.”

  “We’re ready,” Cal said looking eagerly at the activity.

  Shea greeted her employees and soon handed out instructions.

  “So when you get a check list, double check everything you’re loading. And don’t get different households mixed up. Everything should be labeled. If you have any questions find me or Betsy or Jake.” She pointed to Betsy and Jake so they’d know who to look for.

  She put on her jacket and drew on her cap. “Is it still cold out?”

  “Really freezing. And the wind’s kicked up,” Cal said.

  Shea fell in line behind another volunteer and soon had her items for delivery. She had three households which lived near each other. Verifying she had what she needed, she headed out. She packed her car, making several trips, and then punched in the first address on her GPS.

  The mother at the first house opened the door.

  “Ho, ho, ho, delivery for Avery and April,” Shea said. “Straight from Santa. He couldn’t make it so he sent me.”

  The two little girls were totally awestruck, especially when several wrapped presents were brought in. The mother was most grateful for the presents and totally surprised by the Christmas dinner.

  “I had no idea we’d have a special dinner, too,” she said. “This is so wonderful. I had no idea.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Shea said with a bright smile. Her heart was happy at the delight she witnessed. This was such a wonderful project. She was glad she was part of it this year.

  The next house appeared empty when Shea knocked. She waited a few minutes, not sure what to do. She didn’t want to leave the presents outside. Yet she didn’t want the kids to miss out. She was about to return to her car when a car stopped behind her and four little children tumbled out.

  “Is it Christmas?” the older boy asked racing up the walk way, his eyes fixed on the stack of wrapped boxes Shea was holding.

  She gave her Santa-sent-me speech and smiled at the kids who were jumping around in happiness. The mother smiled at them and Shea.

  “Thank you for waiting. I was afraid I wouldn’t make it back in time to be here, but we had a doctor’s appointment that ran a little late. These look amazing. You can tell they are so excited.”

  She unlocked the door and ushered in the children. “Remember, these are for Christmas Day, not now.”

  “Oh, mom,” they groaned.

  Shea had to make three trips for this house, but she left knowing this family would have an amazing Christmas.

  It was mid afternoon by the time she returned for another load. It had gotten even colder, Shea believed. She was happy to be temporarily inside the large church hall.

  “Jake’s looking for you,” Stan said as he passed with a stack of presents to be wrapped.

  “Thanks.”

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to see Jake right now. She was too conscious of the comments from his coworkers.

  “Hey, Shea, Jake's looking for you,” another cop called out.

  She nodded and looked around the large area. The toys stacked on the tables on the side were greatly reduced. The wrapping tables still held the paper supply looking somewhat diminished.

  She went to get another load for delivery and ran right into Jake.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” he said.

  “I just got back from deliveries. And I'm getting ready to deliver a bunch more.”

  “Want a ride along?” he asked.

  “I can manage,” she said.

  “I wouldn’t be much help. I delivered some but my ankle's really bothering me. Enough I needed to take some of the pain meds the doctor gave me. So no driving. I tried wrapping, but I’m all thumbs. So pretty much all I can do is keep you company.”

  She considered her options. Despite the hurtful words she heard earlier, she wanted to be with Jake. She hesitated another minute then nodded.

  “Can you help load up my car?” she asked.

  “Another couple of trips and then I’m going to have to cave.”

  “Come on then. With you in the car, I can leave the motor on and keep it warm. It’s really cold out.”

  The second part of the afternoon was a repeat of the first part. Shea delivered presents and meals and enjoyed the wide-eyed wonder of the children, and the grateful, sometimes tearful, appreciation of parents.

  She was delighted to see they had Jason’s gifts in their pile.

  “How did that happen?” she murmured when she noted the name and address.

  “I flagged it when I first arrived this morning. I’ll even go up with you for that one.”

  Shea gathered up the food bags and some of the presents, Jake took the others, cane in one hand.

  They trudged up the stairs in silence. Shea couldn’t help replaying the conversation she’d overheard this morning. Had Jake only spent time with her so she’d help with the Christmas project?

  They reached Jason’s apartment and knocked.

  Carla opened it and smiled. “Hi, I’m happy to see you. Jason’s down at my neighbor’s. Come on in.”

  “If we sneak in and out, you can hide the presents until Christmas morning if you want,” Shea said. “Some families are letting their children open the presents early, others are making them wait. I think it’d be hard to wait knowing they were here.”

  “I could do that. Are your bringing things for Naomi as well?”

  Jake nodded.

  “Bring her stuff here, too. That way all the kids will be surprised. I’ll take the food over to her later when the kids are occupied.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Jake said.

  When they reached the car, Shea suggested she take the other things up, so he didn’t strain his ankle. She could tell looking at him it was giving him fits. It took two more trips to deliver all the presents and food to Carla. Then she returned to the car.

  They returned to St. Anne’s both reflecting on the happiness of Jason’s mom and how excited she was to surprise her son on Christmas Day.

  When they reached the church, the parking lot was almost empty.

  “We might not be needed for another delivery,” Shea said as they walked to the building.

  Entering a moment later, she was surprised at the change. All the presents were gone. The tables were in the process of being folded and stacked away by volunteers. Another couple of people were sweeping the floor. She didn’t see Cal or others from her company.

  Betsy came over to them. “The last delivery left about ten minutes ago. We are finished for another year! The policemen said they’d clean up so I’m about ready to leave.”

  “Terrific,” Shea said with a smile. “Is there anything I can do?”

  The other woman shook her head. “It was a delight to be a part of this for another year.”

  Jake thanked Betsy for her help and went to talk with Phil who was folding the legs of a table.

  “I think the cops have it. They did a fantastic job this year. You did, too. It’s the largest we’ve ever done. I’m tired,” Betsy said, but she gave a warm smile.

  “Me, too. Thank you for your help, Betsy. You make everything run smoothly from this end.”

  The woman gave Shea a hug and wished her a merry Christmas. Once she left, Shea looked for Jake.

  His back was to her as he talked with Phil. While she watched, two more men joined them. In only a moment they were all laughing.

  “Merry Christmas,” she said softly.

  Turning, Shea went back to her car and headed for home. The let down was to be expected. They’d been gearing up for this day for weeks, now it was over and no deadlines loomed. Her company was closed until the new year. Cal would be on his way to his in-laws for the holi
day.

  She had the next few days off as long as no customers called with a problem. She could finish baking all the goodies she liked for the holidays. Visit with her neighbor before she left for her gift to herself–a week in Hawaii.

  She wondered if she’d hear from Jake. She half expected him to call to say he wasn’t coming Christmas morning after all.

  The next day, Shea refused to let herself get down, she'd keep busy, and pushed away the echo of the men saying Jake only spent time with her for the help she could give.

  She remembered every minute together–from working in the squad room, to dinners together, to watching movies. And every single kiss.

  She was going to miss him more than any other person if he really wasn’t going to continue seeing her.

  Maybe she should change her hair color back to its natural blonde state.

  No, she wasn’t changing herself to conform to someone else's idea of what was normal. She was who she was and if others couldn’t accept that, then they weren’t meant to be part of her life.

  She wanted to be loved for herself.

  Whoa–love? Where had that come from?

  She was in the midst of baking gingerbread cookies when the thought popped into her mind.

  She stopped stirring and gazed off into space.

  Love Jake? No. She was fascinated by him. Enjoyed hearing more and more about him. Laughed with him, shared special moments. And would be devastated if he never came by again.

  But love? Wasn’t it too soon to think such a thing? Just because she couldn’t stop thinking about him, always wanted to share things with him, longed to see him didn’t mean it was love.

  That was something that grew over time, dating and spending time together.

  The certainty grew that love was exactly the feelings she had for her grumpy, injured, solemn cop.

  “Oh, boy, now I’m in trouble,” she whispered.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Christmas morning dawned bright and sunny. The temperature was below freezing and the snow that had fallen earlier that week sparkled in the bright sunshine.

  She began preparations for her day. She made beignet mix and brewed coffee. She wasn’t sure if Jake would show up. He hadn’t called since she last saw him at St. Anne’s. But that didn’t necessarily mean anything. Just a minor blip of disappointment that he hadn’t called. It had only been two days.

  She planned to put the ham in the oven soon. The side dishes and dessert she’d already prepared. They just needed to be warmed up when time to eat. That let her be as free as possible during the day.

  Her parents called and they had a lovely chat. They were delighted to be in the warmth of Florida when they heard of the cold snap in Mondano. The call lasted almost a half hour, and when they hung up, Shea made a few other calls to grandparents, brothers and a favorite cousin.

  She was getting hungry and was about ready to start frying the beignets when the knock sounded at the door.

  Her heart rate increased and happiness bloomed. He’d come after all.

  She opened the door with a big smile on her face.

  “Merry Christmas!” she said.

  “Merry Christmas to you,” Jake replied.

  In his hand was a bottle of wine and a wrapped box. He handed both to her as he stepped inside.

  She took the items but before she could turn away, he leaned over and kissed her. His eyes were warm as they gazed into hers a moment later.

  “You’re just in time. I’m getting ready to make the beignets,” she said, feeling flustered with the kiss. She wanted to drop the presents and wrap her arms around him and never let go, but thought that might be a bit over the top. She still remembered what was said at the wrap party.

  She put the present beneath the small tree near the fireplace.

  Jake looked around her apartment as he took off his jacket. He wasn’t expecting much walking today so left his cane in the car.

  On the fireplace hung two stockings. He stared at them. He hadn’t seen them before.

  “One for each of us, but we can’t see what’s in them until after we eat breakfast. Are you hungry?”

  He tore his gaze away from the stockings, a curious feeling deep within. He tried to remember if he’d ever had a Christmas stocking before. He couldn’t remember a single time.

  “You got me a stocking?” he asked following her to the kitchen.

  “Those are from Santa,” she said, gathering the things she needed to make the beignets.

  “So Santa just dropped down your chimney last night and left them?”

  “Must have. I didn’t have a fire yesterday. Didn’t want him to get sooty.”

  He leaned against the counter to watch her cook. When she had a plate stacked high with warm beignets covered in powered sugar, she smiled at him.

  “The coffee’s ready and these are hot. Let’s go in the dining area so we don’t get sugar everywhere.”

  Jake felt as if he were in another dimension. One far away from crime and criminal elements.

  The warm French doughnuts were delicious. And Shea’d been right, it was hard to keep the powered sugar from getting all over everything.

  She laughed as she brushed the white powder off her jeans. “I should wear white when eating these, but I never do.”

  “They’re delicious. I don’t think I’ve had them before.”

  “On my first trip to New Orleans I fell in love with them. I’d have eaten every meal at the Cafe du Monde, but the people I went with objected. Still, I whip up a batch now and then to satisfy my sweet tooth.”

  “Call me next time and I’ll help you devour them,” he said.

  She looked at him. That didn’t sound like a man who was not planning to continue seeing her now that the Christmas Cop project was over. Hope blossomed.

  When they finished, she quickly cleaned up and then put the ham in the oven.

  “We have a couple of hours until lunch. Shall we open presents?”

  He nodded. He wanted to do whatever she wanted to do. He hoped the gift he’d brought was suitable. He had doubts, but Phil assured him it was appropriate.

  She went to the mantel and unhooked the two stockings, handing one to Jake.

  “Thank you or thank Santa. I’ve never had one before,” he murmured as he sat on the sofa with the bulging stocking in hand.

  “Stick with me, kid, and you’ll have one every year,” Shea said as she sat beside him.

  “I’d like to.”

  She looked at him. “Like to what?”

  “Stick with you.”

  Shea stared at him. Her heart rate increased. Her breathing became more erratic.

  Jake gazed back at her, his eyes never wavering.

  “Some of the cops at the wrapping said you only spent time with me because of the project and the help I offered.”

  “Some cops are dumber than dirt,” he replied.

  Slowly Shea began to smile.

  “So you might spend some time with me apart from the Christmas project?”

  He put his stocking on the coffee table, his eyes never leaving her.

  “If I could have anything and everything I wanted, I’d choose to spend as much time with you as there is time,” he said slowly, clearly stating each word as if to insure there was no mis-communication.

  “You brighten my days. Expose me to a whole other world I’ve never experienced. I didn’t want this assignment, but you made it one of the best things I’ve ever done. You were with me every step of the way. And it turned out to be more rewarding than anything else.”

  “And fun, too,” she said in a soft voice, her hands clutching her stocking.

  “I hope we went beyond the project,” he said.

  She nodded. “I hope so.”

  “Enough to keep seeing each other?”

  She nodded. Hope blossoming again.

  “Enough to be exclusive?”

  “Exclusive?” her response was squeaked out.

  “I think I’ve
fallen in love with you Shea. You are not like anyone I’ve ever known. This seems fast, but I think about you all the time. Count the minutes until I can talk to you again, see you again. Lie awake at night thinking about you.”

  She licked her lips. “I don’t think it’s too fast.”

  He reached out for her stocking and put it on the coffee table next to his.

  “You don’t?”

  She shook her head. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you. At least my symptoms sound the same as yours.”

  He didn’t wait for her to say more, but pulled her onto his lap and kissed her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sometime later Shea snuggled against him, staring dreamily into the fire.

  “I’m thinking long term,” he said.

  “I am, too.”

  “As in marriage?”

  She nodded, the smile threatening to split her face.

  “So if I asked you today, you’d say yes?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “Shea O’Riley would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  She looked up at him. “I’d love to and the honor is all mine!”

  He kissed her at that.

  The oven ding sounded and Shea reluctantly jumped up to see to the ham.

  “It’s almost time to get things ready for dinner,” she said checking the oven. “Do you want to help?”

  “I’m not much of a cook,” he said coming into the kitchen.

  “Lucky for you all we have to do is warm things up in the microwave.”

  “Ah, then it’s lucky all around, I’m an expert with the microwave.”

  They prepared the meal together, sharing memories of Christmas meals past. Shea had long held family traditions, while Jake spoke of visiting Phil’s family a couple of times before he stopped going.

  They ate again in the dining area. Once finished, they elected to delay dessert until later as both were full from the meal.

  “So time for presents now?” he asked. “I suspect once we open them, we’ll be watching a movie.”

  She grinned and nodded. “One of the best, White Christmas. You’ll love it.”

  Shea had stuffed his stocking with practical things like razors and batteries and an orange in the toe.