Sweet Holiday Wishes

by Melissa McClone

  As if on cue, the little dog barked.

  Mitch smiled. “I’m not lost, but maybe you could help me.”

  The way she batted her false eyelashes suggested she must have been a big flirt in her day. Maybe she still was. “If it’s not illegal, or you’re sure we won’t get caught, I’ll be happy to assist you.”

  He laughed. “I’m just looking for a place to buy a Christmas present that’ll remind my wife of Indigo Bay, but I bet you’d make a worthy partner in crime.”

  Lucille curtsied. “I would, and lucky for you, I know a local artist who is personalizing one-of-a-kind ornaments at the art gallery right now.”

  “Sounds perfect.” And special. “Thanks.”

  “I hope your wife loves her gift.”

  So did Mitch.

  * * *

  After buying wrapping paper and tape, Lizzy couldn’t wait to meet up with Mitch. Weird since she was used to being on her own, but today, she craved his company.

  He stood near the flower shop, waving when he saw her. She made her way to him.

  “Get what you need?” he asked.

  Being with him made her relax. “Yes, you?”

  With a nod, he raised the shopping bag he was carrying. “I found a store that sells unbreakable ornaments. Let’s go pick one out.”

  Buying an ornament, eating lunch, and playing tourists filled the day. As they walked past a church that evening, a crowd stood in front of the steps where elementary school children were dressed as Nativity characters.

  “Can we watch?” she asked Mitch.

  “Of course.”

  The kids sang Christmas songs. Some traditional, others newer. More than once, Lizzy swayed to the music and tapped her foot.

  “You’re enjoying this,” Mitch whispered.

  His warm breath against her skin gave her goose bumps. “I love the sheep who sings ‘bah’ instead of the words.”

  “I like how the wise men are rocking their bathrobes.”

  She laughed. Ten minutes later, the show ended. Everyone clapped.

  “That was fun,” Mitch said. “Though I’d hate to be the one cleaning up the glitter left behind by the angels.”

  “I’m sure some parent will volunteer for the task.”

  His gaze clouded. “You’d be a great mom.”

  She wanted to be a mother. “What brought that up?”

  He shrugged. “Been thinking about having a family.”

  Her breath caught. Mitch’s foster care experience had made him wary of parenthood and having kids right away. Even though her parents treated her as an unwanted expense, she had so much love to give she couldn’t wait to be a mom, but she was glad Mitch had wanted to wait to start a family.

  “Not right now,” he added. “But…someday.”

  Considering children was a huge step for him. Even though she was sad she wouldn’t be a part of that, she wanted to encourage him. “The way you look out for your soldiers tells me a kid would be lucky to have you as a dad.”

  Gratitude shone in his eyes. “Ready to head back?”

  She nodded, and they walked toward the beach.

  Inside the cottage, she stared at an artificial Christmas tree strung with pink and white lights in the sitting area. A box of ornaments and garland lay nearby.

  “I forgot to cancel the tree and mistletoe order.” He pointed up where sprigs of greenery hung from pink ribbons. “I’ll have guest services remove everything.”

  “Don’t.” The word flew from her mouth. “Let’s keep them.”

  He grinned. “Being in Indigo Bay is getting you in the holiday spirit.”

  “Yes, it is.” So was being with him. She walked toward the tree. “I don’t really want to skip Christmas.”

  “Stop.”

  She did. “What?”

  He swooped in front of her with the moves that would be the envy of any ninja, and then his lips pressed against hers—softly as if testing her reaction.

  Oh-so-good. Lizzy soaked up the taste of Mitch. An appealing combination of warmth and sweetness. Her senses exploded with sensation.

  Need surged. She pressed against him.

  Mitch’s lips moved over her. His hands brought her closer. Eager for more, she leaned into him.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  She jumped back.

  Desire filled Mitch’s gaze. His breathing was ragged. “I’ll get it.”

  As he spoke with whoever was at the door, Lizzy’s heart pounded in her ears. She touched her tingling lips. If not for the knock…

  Mitch closed the door. He held a gold-and-pink star. “Guest services forgot to include the tree topper.”

  “That’s pretty.” Lizzy’s reaction to his kiss embarrassed her. Worse, she wanted to kiss him again. Not knowing what to say, she decided to do what she’d always done and not say anything. She picked up the garland from the box. “We should decorate.”

  A beat passed. Then another.

  “Let’s get to it.” Mitch smiled.

  His response gave her hope as Lizzy smiled back.

  Maybe her Christmas wish should be that things between them would change for the better.

  * * *

  Later that night, Mitch couldn’t get comfortable on the couch. The pink and white lights from the tree weren’t the problem. A jumble of thoughts was what kept him awake.

  His cell phone buzzed with a text notification.

  Dare: JENNY SAID YES! WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!!

  Mitch: Congrats!

  Dare: Thanks. Gotta run.

  Unable to sleep, Mitch got up and stood in the doorway to the bedroom.

  The rise and fall of Lizzy’s chest told him she’d been asleep for a while. Good, she needed the rest. She’d kicked off her blanket, so he covered her.

  He’d never thought a woman as beautiful, smart, and caring as Lizzy could love him. Not after he’d grown up hearing how stupid and worthless he was. But Lizzy had loved him. He knew it.

  Nurturing others—patients, friends, him—was who she was. She anticipated his needs, spoiled him with words of encouragement, took care of him, and…

  Did everything.

  A conversation they’d had after she moved out crashed into him like a rogue wave.

  Tell me what I can do to save our marriage. Do you want me to not reenlist?

  What you do as a Ranger is important. The army isn’t the problem. You’d throw yourself into whatever job you had. That’s why I’ll never be a priority.

  That’s not true. You know how I feel about you. You don’t need me to tell you all the time.

  What if I do? You called your guys in the hospital every day. Sometimes more than once according to the cell phone bill.

  They were injured. They needed me.

  So did I, but you ignored me for days. Forgot my birthday and our anniversary

  I said I was sorry. I love you. Please don’t tear us apart. Let me fix this.

  There’s nothing left to fix. Your actions spoke louder than any words could. You made it clear how you felt about our marriage and me through them.

  A chill shivered down his spine. He’d believed Lizzy was wrong, but now…

  She was one hundred percent right.

  Mitch had been blind and ignored the truth. He’d let Lizzy carry the entire load of their relationship, and then acted like she was overreacting when she called him on it. He might love and trust her, but he hadn’t been caring for her the way he should. Not even close.

  Emotion clogged his throat. He backed out of the bedroom.

  He’d failed her. Horribly.

  Forget his plan. He had to do what was best for Lizzy, make sure she had what she needed, even if that wasn’t…him.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Christmas Eve

  The twenty-fourth of December arrived with blustery weather. Lizzy stood on the veranda. She should need more than a sweater with the wind blowing, but thinking about Mitch’s kisses warmed her right up. This trip was what she’d needed. S
he hoped he felt the same way.

  A blanket covered her shoulders.

  Mitch stood behind her. “You’re going to catch a chill.”

  Not with him so close. “I haven’t been out here long.”

  “I’m sorry about last night,” he said. “I didn’t mean to push. But kissing and touching you…it felt right.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about. I didn’t tell you to stop. I kissed you back.”

  “I need to come clean about something.” He turned Lizzy, so she faced him. “I invited you to Indigo Bay with an ulterior motive. I wanted to, um, woo you.”

  “Woo?”

  “Dare’s word.”

  “I’m not surprised, given he’s dating a writer, but you told me you didn’t want to be alone…”

  “That was true, but I also had a plan to get you back.”

  A part of her was flattered, but another was confused. “Why do you want us to get back together so badly?”

  “You’re my wife.”

  “Yes, but…” She searched his face for a sign about what he was thinking, but she found nothing. “Could it be you’re more worried about having a marriage fail and being alone?”

  “Maybe.” The word rushed from his mouth. “I…I don’t know.”

  Lizzy released the breath she’d been holding. She hadn’t known what she’d wanted him to say. “I appreciate your honesty.”

  “I’ve always been honest with you. I never meant to hurt you, but I have, and I’m sorry.” His gaze implored her. “I’m not sure I deserve another chance, but if you’ll give me one, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  “Until you put your platoon ahead of your marriage.”

  “I promise not to lose sight of you. Or us. Ever again.”

  The desperation in his voice pierced Lizzy’s heart. She wanted to believe him, but she was scared. A part of her wanted to give their marriage another try, but she was afraid she’d find herself in the same situation—or a worse one. The risk was too high. She had to take care of herself.

  She laced her fingers with his. “I love you, Mitch, but that’s not enough. I’m physically and mentally wiped out after trying to hold us together on my own. I can’t do it anymore. I’m sorry things turned out this way.”

  “Me, too.” A mix of regret and resignation filled his gaze. “But I finally heard what you’ve been saying. I understand why you want to move on without me. You deserve so much more than I gave you.”

  His realization made her want to cry. “T-thanks.”

  Mitch raised their linked hands and kissed the top of hers. “Thank you for coming to Indigo Bay with me and still wanting to be friends after everything that’s happened.”

  “We’ll always be friends. You said it yourself. Nothing will ever change that.”

  * * *

  Later that afternoon, Mitch stood in line with Lizzy while they waited for their turn to hang an ornament on the community tree. No one minded the long wait. People laughed and chatted. Every other word seemed to be a “Merry Christmas.”

  His phone buzzed.

  Dare: Was so excited I forgot to ask how your plan was working.

  Mitch: I’m scrapping it. She deserves better than me.

  Dare: Don’t make that choice for Lizzy. Let her decide.

  Mitch put away his phone. “Know your wish yet?”

  “Still deciding,” Lizzy said. “You?”

  He nodded. Except was it the right wish to make now?

  A quartet dressed like Dickens’ characters sang Christmas carols. Mitch’s emotions were all over the place, but he focused on making sure Lizzy enjoyed herself.

  When their turn arrived, he handed the ornament to her. “You first.”

  She closed her eyes for a moment before handing the colorful ornament back to him. “Your turn.”

  He’d wanted to wish for his wife not to divorce him, but another wish came to mind.

  My Christmas wish is for Lizzy to find someone who will love her the way she needs.

  Mitch had thought he was that person, but instead, he’d taken all she had to give him without giving much in return. Even this trip was about his needing her and not wanting to be alone. He was finished being selfish. He was willing to give her up, so she could be happy.

  Together, they hung the ornament on a branch.

  Stepping back, she smiled. “Guess we’ll see if it works.”

  “I hope our wishes come true.” For her sake.

  As the sun sank toward the horizon, streetlamps and miniature lights illuminated the street. The carols continued with the crowd joining in. Anticipation built as the final person hung their ornament.

  “Welcome to Indigo Bay’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,” a man announced over a loudspeaker. “This is where all your Christmas wishes come true.”

  The crowd cheered, including Lizzy. Mitch loved her enthusiasm. He loved everything about her.

  A drumroll played.

  “This must be it,” she whispered into his ear.

  He fought the urge to hold her close one last time, but that was what he needed, not her.

  The tree illuminated with thousands of multicolored lights. The mix of ornaments—large and small—reflected the bulbs.

  The crowd clapped.

  Lizzy stared in awe. “It’s so beautiful.”

  Not as beautiful as you.

  The urge to kiss her nearly overpowered him, but he kept himself from touching her. They would never be more than friends.

  Mitch wasn’t close to being okay with that, but putting Lizzy’s needs first was more important. He’d let her down, and he wouldn’t do that again. He would give her a wonderful Christmas, so she would know how special a woman she was.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Christmas Day

  The twenty-fifth of December dawned with swatches of pink, orange, and purple painted across the sky. Staring out the window, Mitch tried to lose himself in the breathtaking view, but all he could think about was Lizzy.

  His sweet Lizzy.

  Not his for much longer.

  “You’re up early,” she said from behind him.

  Mitch hadn’t slept. He wanted to do what was right, but it was killing him.

  Turning, he forced a smile. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas to you. I’ll make coffee.”

  “Already did. The cinnamon rolls are heating up in the oven, too.”

  The surprise on her face was another dagger to his heart.

  Her smile looked almost tentative. “You’re spoiling me.”

  He should have been doing that all along, as Lizzy had with him. “You deserve it.”

  “You do too, Mitch.”

  Something passed between them. Something he hadn’t felt before. Something more than attraction or affection.

  She bit her lip and looked away.

  Whatever had been there was gone. Unless it had been his imagination.

  “Want to open presents now?” he asked.

  “Sure. I’ll be right back.” She slipped into the bedroom and returned with a gift wrapped in red foil paper and tied with a gold ribbon. “I’m so happy we’re celebrating Christmas.”

  “Me, too.”

  Mitch handed her a box wrapped in pink paper. “This is for you. I stuck to the color theme.”

  “Good job.”

  Heat rushed up his neck. Pathetic. He was like a dog waiting to be praised for a trick done well.

  Lizzy unwrapped the present and opened the lid. Her lips parted.

  “Oh, Mitch.” She raised the hand-painted ornament that was shaped like a heart. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Read the back.”

  “Wherever life takes us, know my heart will stay with you. Love and friendship always, Mitch. Indigo Bay, 2017.” Her eyes gleamed as if she were on the verge of tears.

  Lizzy’s display of emotion made it hard for Mitch not to reach out to her. Instead, he shifted positions. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Thank you. Thi
s is…” She sniffled. “This is perfect.”

  His relief was palpable. “I’m happy you like it.”

  Mitch wanted Lizzy to understand that whether he wore a gold band on his finger or not, nothing would change his feelings for her. He couldn’t believe how appropriate the words painted on the back turned out to be.

  She handed him a box. “Your turn.”

  He opened the package and pushed aside the tissue paper. Inside was a book with his name and the words “The Best of Times…” on the leather cover. “What is this?”

  “Open it.”

  He lifted the cover and saw photographs of himself and others. Army photos were accompanied by notes from guys he’d served with over the years. Others were from random times with friends. Each had a funny story, memory, or quote related to the picture.

  He touched a page almost reverently. “This must have taken you forever to make.”

  “I started last year. I had help. People sent me pictures and words to include.”

  “No one mentioned anything.”

  She grinned. “They knew better.”

  Mitch laughed. She’d captured so many moments with this book, but one person was missing. He paged forward. No pictures of him and Lizzy. “You’re not in here.”

  “We don’t have that many pictures of us together.”

  His heart fell. “You were always the one taking the photos.”

  She nodded. “Not being into selfies came back to bite me with this project, but it’s okay under the circumstances. I made this for you.”

  Except she was the biggest part of his life. Or should have been if he hadn’t been so stupid.

  “Thanks. I’ll cherish it forever.” Mitch would, but this gift showed him one more way he’d failed Lizzy.

  “Christmas turned out so much better than I expected. That’s because of you.”

  Not trusting his voice, Mitch nodded. He had another gift for Lizzy—part of his misguided plan. He wasn’t sure if he should give it to her.