Sweet Holiday Wishes

by Melissa McClone

  “Cute. Nice kitchen.” She noticed a bathroom and what looked to be only one bedroom.

  Uh-oh. She hadn’t asked about the sleeping arrangements. Mitch wouldn’t have booked a place with only one bed, would he?

  She forced the question from her mind. “Lots of, um, pink.”

  “Be glad I didn’t book the orange cottage.”

  Mitch’s grin hit Lizzy like a runaway gurney. This seemingly happy-go-lucky guy reminded her of the man who’d stolen her heart. The way he focused on her shot a thrill through her defensive walls. Her heart stumbled, missing a beat, maybe three.

  Don’t be a fool. Five seconds of attention didn’t change three years of being taken for granted.

  Mitch knew how to get what he wanted. One kiss and she melted into a gooey mess at his feet. The man was too good looking, too dangerous for her heart. Needing distance, she walked to the bedroom doorway.

  Please let there be two beds.

  The scent of vanilla and sandalwood lingered on the air. Netting hung from the ceiling around the bed. Rose petals covered the large mattress. Romantic, yes. But her gaze narrowed in on the bed.

  One bed, not two.

  Lizzy balled her hands. She glanced over her shoulder. “Did you know there was only one bed?”

  His eyes widened. “No, I just thought you’d like this cottage best.”

  “Why?”

  His face reddened. “It’s the, uh, honeymoon cottage.”

  Heat flashed through her, She grinded her teeth. “Why would you think that’s appropriate for us?”

  “We never went on a honeymoon.”

  Disbelief nearly knocked her over. “So you thought staying here would be a good idea now that our marriage is ending?”

  His sheepish expression was the only answer she needed. Typical. Mitch could be a sweet guy when he tried. The problem was he didn’t try that often. Not with her. The army was his priority. Life outside his platoon came a distant second, but she didn’t want to have that argument again.

  The urge to find a way back to Columbus was strong. If she texted Emma, Lizzy would be able to get home, but she remembered something her counselor had said about changing her attitude when she couldn’t change her situation. That might work here.

  Lizzy pushed back her shoulders. “We’ll just have to make the best of it.”

  That wasn’t so hard.

  “Thanks for being such a good sport.” Mitch looked at the bed. “If we put a wall of pillows between us, you’ll never know I’m there.”

  Yeah, right. The man oozed sex appeal, and he used that to his advantage. Not this time.

  She took a breath. “I’m not sharing a bed with you.”

  He raised his hands as if surrendering. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

  An offer to take the couch rose inside Lizzy. She pressed her lips together. Booking this cottage had been Mitch’s idea. His back and neck could suffer. No way should she feel guilty about the sleeping arrangements.

  Or asking for a divorce.

  “That’ll work.” The bed situation might be an oversight, but what if Mitch wanted a fling while they were there? She hadn’t even considered that possibility.

  Emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She rubbed her face.

  He touched her shoulder.

  She flinched.

  Mitch stepped back, hurt creeping over his face. “Lizzy—”

  She refused to feel guilty. “I need a few minutes before I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Take all the time you need.” He walked out and closed the bedroom door behind him.

  So much for a change of attitude. A familiar fatigue bore down on Lizzy. As she plopped onto the mattress, rose petals fell to the floor. She picked one up and rubbed her fingertip over the velvety surface. Her heart hurt and longed for something…more—someone to take care of her the way she took care of others.

  She’d discussed her need with the counselor and friends. Maybe she was being selfish, but what was wrong with wanting to feel loved? She’d tried explaining how she felt to Mitch. Even though he hadn’t listened, she hadn’t given up on them. Not until a few months ago.

  When he’d return from his deployment only to fly to Texas to see two of his guys who were in the hospital, she’d tried to be understanding. So what if he wouldn’t be home for her birthday and their anniversary, which were three days apart? It wouldn’t be the first time. But his not calling or acknowledging either date had broken her.

  What he did in the army made her proud, but she couldn’t be the only one holding their marriage together. She’d given all she could to be the wife Mitch needed whether he was home or away, except there wasn’t anything left of herself to give.

  She was so tired. Exhausted, really.

  But throwing herself a pity party wouldn’t accomplish anything.

  Time to pull herself together. This impromptu trip to Indigo Bay would not only help her feel better, but it would also be the starting point for her and Mitch to move forward as friends.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The walk to Main Street took less than ten minutes. Mitch loved having his wife at his side on this gorgeous day. The temperature was a breezy seventy with blue skies overhead. The wind toyed with the ends of Lizzy’s no-longer-lopsided ponytail. He wished he could do that.

  Soon. “I hope the weather is this good all week.”

  Lizzy nodded. She didn’t look upset, more reserved, but she hadn’t smiled.

  Booking the honeymoon cottage may not have been his smartest move, but sleeping on the couch wouldn’t be that bad. He’d bunked in worse places. Besides, his plan would make Lizzy change her mind about the sleeping arrangements. They’d never had any problems in the bedroom.

  “Now this is a beach town.” Shops—everything from a pet store to a floral shop—lined both sides of Main Street. Window shoppers seemed to equal the number of folks entering the quaint stores. The scent of cinnamon and cloves wafted on the air. He inhaled. “Lots of people out and about.”

  “It’s charming.” Her tone was polite. “Too bad I’m not in the mood for Christmas because this little town is holiday perfect.”

  In the past, Lizzy decorated each room and baked the entire month of December. Even when he was deployed, she’d acted like Mrs. Santa Claus to friends and coworkers.

  Mitch hadn’t known where to start decorating this year, so he hadn’t. Truth was, Lizzy had made their house a home—not him—and the place didn’t feel the same without her.

  But being in Indigo Bay made Christmas impossible to ignore. For the first time all month, he wanted to sing “Deck the Halls.” He wouldn’t mind kissing Lizzy under the mistletoe, either.

  “I like how the garland and lights are wrapped around the streetlamps,” he said. “Bet they look pretty at night.”

  “We’ll be able to see for ourselves.” She pointed to a window display. “I’ve never seen Father Christmas carrying a surfboard.”

  “They must be going with a coastal Christmas theme.”

  “Except other storefronts have snowflakes and snowmen painted on the windows.”

  She sounded more like her old self. “We’re in the South. Maybe they’re dreaming of a white Christmas.”

  “That’s better than having a blue one.”

  “Blue would be bad.” The last two months had been hard enough. “Silver and gold would be a classy color combo.”

  “Yes, but we’re stuck with pink due to the cottage.”

  “I don’t think there’s a song about having a pink Christmas.”

  Her AWOL smile appeared. “Then it’s good we’re skipping the holiday.”

  Mitch needed to cancel the Christmas tree and mistletoe he ordered when he’d booked the reservation.

  Lizzy stopped to avoid running into a couple with a baby stroller who had slowed in front of them. “The sidewalk seems more crowded.”

  “An event must have let out or another is about to start.” A sign for Sweet Caroline’s Café caught h
is attention. “When I checked in, I was told the café up ahead has amazing pie and great coffee. Want to go in and escape the masses?”

  “Sure.”

  Mitch opened the door to the café and followed Lizzy inside. The scents of fresh brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air.

  “Smells good,” she said.

  Christmas carols played. Bright lights glowed on a tree decorated with ornaments and bows. Mitch took the few empty tables to be a good sign.

  “Welcome, I’m Caroline.” An attractive woman with short brown hair greeted them. She looked to be in her late forties or early fifties. Her warm smile crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Do you know what you’d like?”

  Lizzy stared at the menu board behind the counter. “An eggnog latte and a slice of apple pie.”

  “Make that two,” Mitch said.

  “Would you like it à la mode?” Caroline asked.

  “Yes,” he and Lizzy said at the same time. That was something they’d been doing since they met.

  Caroline rang up the order. “Are you in town for the wedding at the Portia House?”

  “No.” Mitch paid. “We’re on vacation.”

  “Indigo Bay is such a special place to spend Christmas.” The sincerity behind Caroline’s words told Mitch this wasn’t a sales pitch. “Where are you staying?”

  “The Indigo Bay Cottages,” Lizzy said.

  Caroline’s blue eyes twinkled. “My son, Dallas, owns those. Which cottage?”

  “The pink one,” Lizzy said at the same time as Mitch again. How could she think they didn’t belong together? They were meant to be.

  “You’ll have a wonderful stay there.” Caroline glanced at the barista making their coffees. “I’m the resident expert on Indigo Bay, so feel free to pop in if you have any questions.”

  “Thanks,” Mitch said. “We’re getting a feel for where things are today.”

  “But the street suddenly felt more crowded,” Lizzy added.

  “Over five hundred wedding guests are expected for the wedding tomorrow. If you’re looking for something less crowded today, check out the bake sale for the library at the town hall. I donated pies, cinnamon rolls, and two cobblers.”

  He looked at Lizzy, who had a sweet tooth. “What do you think?”

  “A bake sale sounds fun.”

  “The not-to-miss event in town is the annual tree lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve,” Caroline continued. “Bring a non-breakable ornament with you.”

  “Why?” Lizzy asked.

  “You make a wish on the ornament and then hang it on the tree. It’s an Indigo Bay tradition.” A wistful expression crossed Caroline’s face. “Christmas wishes are stronger than birthday ones.”

  Mitch knew what his wish would be—to have Lizzy call off the divorce. “We’ll go shopping for an ornament tomorrow.”

  “Do,” Caroline urged. “More than one of my Christmas wishes have come true. Others will tell you the same.”

  The wish tradition could be his plan B. “Making a wish can’t hurt anything.”

  “Well, there is a risk.” Caroline’s mysterious tone intrigued him. “Once your wish comes true, you’ll want to come back to Indigo Bay each year to make another one.”

  Lizzy laughed. “I’d be up for that.”

  “Me, too.” The idea of them returning together filled the empty space inside of him.

  “Go sit.” Caroline shooed them away. “We’ll bring your order out to you.”

  Lizzy headed to an empty table near the front windows.

  “I hope you enjoy your visit,” Caroline said to him.

  Mitch smiled. “I already am.”

  And if his Christmas wish came true, Indigo Bay would be his new most favorite place in the entire world.

  * * *

  That evening, Lizzy stood in the cottage’s kitchen putting away the pie, brownies, and cookies that Mitch had purchased at the bake sale. So many sweets when all she’d wanted were the brownies. If she ate half the desserts, she’d never fit into her jeans.

  Mitch sat on the couch reading a list of Indigo Bay activities and events. Lines creased his forehead, suggesting he was preparing for a secret mission, not making an itinerary for tomorrow. That intensity was part of him, whereas she was more of a caretaker.

  “You bought enough desserts to feed the elves at Santa’s workshop.” She bit into one of the cookies. The butter flavor with a hint of anise seed burst in her mouth. Yum.

  He smiled. “You enjoy sweets. I wanted to get your favorites.”

  Her lips parted in surprise. He’d bought the desserts for her. Warmth flowed through Lizzy.

  “Thank you.” She took another bite of the cookie.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

  “Today was…” Frustrating, emotional, interesting, fun. “Good.”

  “You’re not regretting that you came.”

  She couldn’t tell if that was a question or not. “No, but it’s only our first day.”

  “Give this a chance.”

  She didn’t think he meant Indigo Bay. “I’m trying.”

  “So am I.” He stood. “Look over this list and tell me what you want to do. It’s your vacation, too.”

  “I’m up for anything.”

  Gaze darkening, he walked toward the kitchen. “Anything?”

  “Sightseeing related,” she clarified. “No jumping out of airplanes or obstacle courses.”

  “Crawling through mud is part of the fun.” As he came closer, he seemed like a superhero come to life—strong, capable, hot. This was the man she’d fallen for. The one she’d thought would be part of her life forever.

  She gulped.

  “Would you be up for doing any Christmas events?” he asked.

  “I, uh, sure.” She sounded indecisive, but that was due to Mitch rekindling feelings she’d buried. “I’d like to buy an ornament for the community tree.”

  “Have a wish in mind?” His smile reached his eyes.

  Oh-so-hot.

  Wait a minute. She shouldn’t be calling her soon-to-be ex-husband hot.

  Lizzy raised her chin. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”

  “You’re taking this seriously.”

  “Caroline says it’s true…”

  “I hope it is.” Mitch pulled out the bottle of champagne that had been chilling on ice and popped the cork. “Time for some bubbly.”

  Drinking champagne in a romantic cottage sounded more dangerous than parachuting. “What about dinner?”

  “Soon.” He filled the two flutes. “Let’s take this over to the couch, and you can tell me what’s been happening at the hospital first.”

  Huh? She’d half-expected him to say Netflix and chill. “You said what happens at the hospital is too much like a soap opera.”

  “I’m in the mood for a little drama.”

  “You’re definitely not acting like yourself.”

  He walked to the couch and sat. “Yes, I am.”

  No, but she didn’t want to argue after they’d salvaged the afternoon and had fun. Her doubts about remaining friends were fading.

  He patted the spot next to him. “Come here.”

  Glass in hand, Lizzy did. She took the spot, but left a space between them.

  As he placed his arm around the back of the sofa toward where she sat, her muscles tensed.

  No biggie. That was how he normally sat.

  Except she couldn’t relax. He might not be touching her, but heat emanated from him, and a part of her wanted to scoot closer.

  Traitor.

  No, lonely. She was missing the connection to the man she loved. How long had it been since she was touched or kissed or…

  Don’t think about that. She sipped her champagne.

  “So what have I missed?” Amusement filled his voice. “Have things been more like Grey’s Anatomy or ER?”

  Mitch liked comparing the hospital to television medical dramas. “More like Grey’s. Watching a resident date a radio
logy tech, another doctor, and a hospital admin has kept Emma and me entertained for weeks.”

  “Three women at once?”

  “Overachiever.” Lizzy stared across the rim of her glass. “The guy even asked out Emma, but she said no.”

  “I doubt she just said no.”

  Lizzy’s best friend had sworn like a sailor. “You would be correct and impressed by her choice usage of four-letter words.”

  Mitch laughed. “That’s Emma for you.”

  He shifted positions. His thigh pressed against Lizzy’s.

  Heat flared. The chemistry between them was as strong as ever, but that wasn’t all she’d missed. She loved how they’d joked, laughed, and had fun together. Memories of them surfaced—bowling, making ice cream, and walking in the rain. When was the last time she’d done something like that?

  His hand drifted to her shoulder. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Us.” She liked being close to him again. “We’ve had some good times. I don’t want that to change.”

  “It won’t.” He sounded confident. “I promise.”

  Lizzy fought the urge to sink into him, but this was feeling too comfy and cozy given their situation. “We should figure out dinner.”

  “Pizza?”

  “Never had that with champagne, but okay.”

  He grinned, complete with dimples. “Remember having beer and donuts for breakfast?”

  “It was the first and last time.”

  Mitch winked. “Don’t be so sure.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  December 23rd

  The next morning, Mitch stood on Main Street. His plan to woo Lizzy had brought them closer last night, but he needed to do more today. While Lizzy shopped on her own, he wanted to buy her another Christmas present.

  The Chocolate Emporium would have the candy she liked, but he wanted a gift that would last and remind her of this trip. He rubbed the back of his neck.

  An older woman walking a fluffy white dog headed toward him with the purposeful steps of a five-star general.

  “I’m Lucille Sanderson, and you look lost.” She wore heavy makeup, and her blond hair was up in a bun. “People call me the biggest busybody in town, but they’re just jealous because I’m the most popular. Isn’t that right, Princess?”