Christmas Dreams and Santa Schemes

by Barbara Lohr

  “Uncle Ryan!” both boys said in chorus.

  Mom exchanged a look with Stuart and then smiled at Sarah.

  Well. What was that about?

  “Can we go home now?” Nathan nudged her.

  “But I want some books.” Justin folded his arms across his chest. “When we come to the library, we always take home books.”

  Yes, they did. The other mothers held books. They’d probably gotten here early, more organized than Sarah. “Fine. You can each choose three.”

  Pleased, Justin scampered off and Nathan followed, still grumbling.

  Sarah headed straight for her mother and Stuart, now engaged in deep conversation.

  “Wasn't your mother wonderful?” he asked as Sarah approached.

  “You did great.” Her mom’s face flushed when Sarah hugged her. “I’ve heard that story a million times. You made it sound new.”

  Her mother threw her a wry look. “Sarah, thank you. But you fell asleep after the first page. I completely understand. It's been a long week.”

  “We really appreciate the cookies you send over.” But Stuart was thinking of more than gingerbread and lemon bars as he smiled at her mother. “Our patrons love them.”

  “Mom’s become a great marketer.” Sarah dove right into it. “Where do you call home, Stuart?”

  “Syracuse, New York, where the winters are as cold as they are here.”

  They all laughed. “How did Mildred ever find you?” Sarah continued.

  “Through an ad in a magazine for librarians. Christmas at Gull Harbor seemed just like the change I needed.” A shadow fell over his eyes.

  She should have stopped there. “Why is that?”

  “This would be my first Christmas alone. I just thought something different...” His voice trailed off.

  “I see.” What a dear man. “We’re glad you came to Gull Harbor.”

  He brightened. “I am too. Imagine meeting your mother who enjoys ancient civilizations as much as I do.”

  Sarah couldn’t even look at her mom.

  “And she brings me cookies.” He had the cutest way of saying that word with a hard k, glancing at her mom as he said it.

  “For people visiting the library,” her mother reminded him.

  “Well, of course.” Stuart would probably agree with anything her mother said.

  “And after Mildred gets back?” She didn't want to see her mother hurt when Stuart returned to Syracuse.

  “Stuart lives in the moment,” her mother said, hugging the book she’d just read as if she wished her arms were around something – or someone – else.

  “Well, Lindsay is watching the store. I should get back.” If she expected her mother to offer to tend the store, she was mistaken. Smiling up at the tall librarian, Mom was totally googly-eyed.

  Stuart extended his hand. “So nice to meet you, Sarah. Your mother has said such wonderful things about you. Could I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.” The boys were stacking books onto one of the tables.

  “I'm just curious. Why is your store called The Full Cup when it seems like more of a bakery? All those wonderful cookies come my way but no coffee.”

  “Oh, Stu, you don’t need all that caffeine.” Mom playfully squeezed his arm.

  Stu? This was more serious than Sarah realized. Once again Sarah ended up telling a man the background of the coffee shop that turned into a bakery. No one in Gull Harbor seemed to find that strange, but then they knew the history. Lila had a problem with all those levers.

  Obviously, Stuart had never heard that story. “Couldn't you maximize your revenues by offering the espresso drinks other stores sell?”

  Okay, so Stuart knew corporate talk.

  “Of course. But we’re very busy.” She wasn't going to admit that her mother, the woman who had somehow become an expert in ancient cultures, couldn't work the coffee machine. “My brother-in-law was just asking the same question this week.”

  Mom tore her attention from Stuart. “Ryan asked you about the coffee?”

  “Yes, he did.” Worse things could happen to her mother than Stuart Martin, Sarah decided. “Maybe you could come for dinner sometime, Stuart.”

  “I’d be delighted.” He beamed at Mom as if he’d just been offered a year of free pastries.

  While Justin stood quietly waiting with his books, Nathan was glowering at her. Still, Sarah had questions. “Could I ask why you are so interested in coffee?”

  Stuart sucked in a breath. “I'm afraid my family is very involved in the coffee trade.” Almost embarrassed, he named a nationally know franchise. On anyone else, she may have considered this name dropping. But with Stuart, it seemed cute. His reddened cheeks helped.

  “They weren’t very understanding when I decided to become a librarian,” Stuart said. “But here I am. Semi-retired. This temporary position seemed perfect for me.”

  “I hope to see you soon.” While she absorbed that information, Sarah clapped her hands to get the boys’ attention. Stuart hurried back to the front desk and her mother helped Sarah zip Nathan and Justin into their jackets.

  Sarah had gathered so much information that her head was whirling.

  ~.~

  Ryan tossed the wrench on the floor. The sound of metal hitting concrete echoed in the large garage and the other guys looked over. “Hey, keep it down!” Manuel called out.

  “Right.” The radio was blasting. The men were telling jokes while they worked and he was in a foul mood. Repairing this Harley cam chain had turned into a real pain. Usually, he enjoyed the challenge. Not today.

  Today he was trying to forget the bluish green eyes of the woman who'd hugged him while he was making cookies. Well, trying to make cookies. That frosting fight had been something else and he smiled. Leaning back on his elbows, he tried to remember how soft Sarah had felt against him when they rolled out the blasted cookie dough together.

  A foot nudged his boot. “You taking a nap or what?” Stanley asked.

  “Just got something in my eye.” And he jammed a knuckle in his right eye. “This cam chain is giving me trouble.”

  Stanley lifted a bushy eyebrow. “The guy who could take apart a Harley with his eyes closed is having trouble?”

  Giving a gritty groan, Ryan sat up. “You got that right.”

  “Come into the office and take a load off.” Stanley led the way. “You were working when I got here. It's past lunchtime.”

  Since Ryan didn’t help out at The Full Cup on Saturdays, he was trying to put in a lot of hours at Branson’s. “I could use a cup of coffee.” Ryan could use a lot of stuff but nothing he could mention to Stanley.

  Inside the glass-enclosed office, the noise level dropped. “So what’s your son doing today?” Ryan asked.

  Pouring a mug of coffee that sure smelled good, Stanley smiled. “Phoebe's got him putting up their Christmas tree.”

  Putting up the tree. It had been a long time since Ryan had done that. Memories rolled over him. The smell of pine and the sticky feeling of sap on your fingers. Working through knotted tree lights, only to find that they’d burned out. All things that used to irritate him now taunted him with their absence.

  Ryan took the full mug Stanley offered and topped it off with cream and sugar. “She didn't even notice.”

  Stanley lowered himself into the worn chair that rocked back to just the right angle. “She didn't notice what?” But the older man's eyes went to Ryan's boots.

  “The way I walk now.” He extended a leg. “Not a word about it.”

  After blowing on his coffee, Stanley took a sip and smacked his lips. “Get over yourself. You got to understand, Ryan. All women are different.” The old chair squeaked when Stanley rocked it.

  “That's real profound, Stanley.” Ryan enjoyed teasing the old man and took another sip of coffee.

  “Not that I'm an expert or anything because I certainly am not.”

  “You helped get Ryder and Phoebe back together. That's saying something.”
Ryder had been angrier than a wet cat in winter the whole year after his divorce from Phoebe Hunicutt until his dad stepped in. “Phoebe adores you.”

  “Let's just say it's mutual.” Stanley wore a pleased smile. “I’m looking forward to Christmas dinner with them. Last year was the pits.”

  “What hints did you give him for marital bliss?” Ryan was only half kidding.

  Stanley got grumbly. “I’m not a man who hints at anything. You young guys sometimes have rocks for brains.”

  “Thanks, Stanley, I needed that.” But Ryan wasn’t offended. After all, Stanley was the one who had a place to go on holidays. Sarah hadn’t mentioned anything yet about Christmas dinner.

  Twiddling his thumbs, Stanley studied the overhead light. “I told him to hang in there. To put himself right in front that girl’s face. You know Ryder had his pride. Sure, you’re there, baking and whatever. But are you showing her how important you could be in her life?”

  Ryan didn't know what to make of that. “I'm working part time there. And then I barrel up here to work, not that I’m complaining. What else can I do?”

  Stanley pressed a hand to his chest. “You poor thing. My heart pumps peanut butter for you. You all tired out?”

  Absolutely no sympathy in the old man’s voice. Ryan took another gulp of coffee. “In some ways, yeah. Not in others.”

  The two men shared a look. Enough said. Stanley went back to twirling his thumbs and Ryan went back to wishing. Time to put all the cards on the table. “I don’t know if Sarah thinks of me as anything but her brother-in-law. Maybe she’s just being nice to me.”

  “What do you mean? She must want you around or you wouldn’t be there.”

  Ryan ran a hand through hair that needed a trim bad. “Sarah’s always belonged to Jamie. She’s sweet and nice and...”

  “And what?” Stanley looked puzzled.

  “Did you just move here?” Not one for words, Ryan was sputtering. He knew Stanley was older than water and had been here all his life.

  The chair creaked when the old man leaned forward. “Where we’ve been isn’t where we’re going. Everybody makes mistakes. If my own sweet Marietta was still here, she’d tell you all about mine. Sarah isn’t pushing you away, is she?”

  “Not that I noticed.” He squeezed his eyes tight, thinking of Sarah’s arms around him, helping roll the darn dough.

  When he opened them, Stanley was beaming. “Now son, it's Christmas time. There's a lot of stuff that has to be done. What is Ryder doing today? When Phoebe gets home from her hair salon, he’ll have the tree up and the lights will be on. At least that’s what he told me. You do something nice for a lady and she notices. You can’t just tell her. You have to show her.”

  But Sarah wasn’t Phoebe and Ryan sure as heck wasn’t Ryder. “I see her every day, practically. After all, I work for her.”

  That earned a finger wag. “And that’s the point, isn’t it? Try to get outside the bakery. Include those little boys of hers.”

  “I’ve always done anything she asked. School programs. Mowing the lawn when she hurt her back.”

  “But she had to ask you?” The beetle brows peaked.

  “I didn’t want to bother her, okay?” The words came out as fast as the mental images zipping through his mind. “Maybe I’ve been doing this all wrong. I did clean the snow off her car once.”

  “Once?”

  “Yeah.” He thought back. “Maybe more than once.”

  Stanley grinned. “That’s a good start, son. But you’ve got a ways to go.”

  Chapter 9

  “Stamp the snow off your boots, boys.” Sarah struggled to open the front door of the coffee shop. The wind wasn’t cooperating. One strong push and they fell into the warm, cinnamon scented air. She’d scattered a bag of fragrant pinecones around the shop. Her Christmas decorations really did perk up the store. But Sarah’s Christmas spirit still hadn’t arrived.

  Paper towel in hand, Lindsay was spritzing the display counter.

  “Do you have to clean wherever you go?” Sarah teased.

  With a playful shrug, her friend tucked their cleaning supplies under the register. “It’s a habit. That’s what I do––clean people’s cottages.”

  “How was the story hour, boys?” Lindsay had two little girls, and she always made a fuss over Nathan and Justin.”

  “Grandma was great,” Justin said. “I love Frosty. We’re going to make a snow man just like him.”

  Nathan didn’t look as enthusiastic as his little brother. “Yeah, it was fine.”

  Sarah helped the boys off with their jackets. “Was it very busy here?”

  “I could handle it. What would you like today, boys?” Lindsay looked like a natural behind that counter. “We have fresh gingerbread boys with frosting.”

  “I want one! I want a gingerbread boy.” Justin pressed his nose against the glass.

  “So much for my cleaning.” Lindsay chuckled.

  Sarah gave herself a shake. She couldn’t wander around in a tired daze all holiday season. “One cookie, boys. Then off you to go to color. Hear me?”

  Nathan turned away. “I don't want a cookie.”

  Sarah bit her tongue and prayed for patience. “Then you can go back and color.”

  “Coloring’s for babies.” With that he swatted through the swinging door so hard, it hit the doorframe. Sarah counted to ten.

  Justin pointed to his choice and Lindsay whipped out the gingerbread man. Then he disappeared after his brother. With a sigh, Sarah took off her coat and piled it on top of theirs. “I need coffee.” Sarah headed for the pot in the corner and Lindsay joined her at a window table. Frost had etched the window with an icy pattern.

  “Marriage agrees with you.” Sitting down at a table, Sarah nudged a full cup toward Lindsay and then filled her own mug with sugar and cream.

  “I’ve only been married about a month, but yes, I'm happy,” Lindsay said with a sigh of contentment. Sarah felt a twinge of jealousy, followed by guilt. After all, Lindsay was a good friend.

  “Tanner makes you happy?”

  Her lips tipping into a smile, Lindsay nodded. “I never thought I'd say this but yes. Of course I have my girls too. But you know how that goes. Rebecca and Susan are little and they...”

  “...can be a pain sometimes,” Sarah said. “A responsibility. Not that I’m complaining.”

  “How is your holiday going?” Lindsay’s forehead wrinkled into friendly concern.

  “I'm behind as usual. Ryan's agreed to work some hours here. Mom’s getting older so she minds the store. That back room with heavy trays and heat might not be the place for her anymore.”

  “She is getting on,” Lindsay agreed.

  Smiling, Sarah thought about Lila and the librarian. “She’s mighty spry when she wants to be.”

  Lindsay leaned closer. “How was the librarian?”

  “Oh, Stuart is quite an eyeful if you're over sixty.”

  Lindsay’s eyes brightened. “Wow. Good for her.”

  Smiling to herself, Sarah took another sip. “My mother takes cookie samples to the library almost every day.”

  “Has it helped business?”

  “Yes.” Sarah chuckled. “Have you seen my mother lately?”

  “No, I’ve been so busy. Our rentals went from football games to cross country skiing, not that I’m complaining.” In addition to cleaning cottages, she also had a rental service with Mercedes.

  “My mother is now blonde.”

  Lindsay snorted on the coffee.

  Getting up, Sarah grabbed more napkins and handed them to her sputtering friend. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” Blotting the tears from her eyes, Lindsay sucked in some air. “Give me a warning before you lay that kind of news on me, okay?”

  “She noticed your mother’s hair at your wedding. But I do think meeting Stuart gave her that extra little push.”

  Lindsay’s mouth fell open. “That’s amazing. How does she look?”

&nbs
p; “Ten years younger and she acts like it too.”

  “I say, go for it.” Lifting her mug, Lindsay took a sip. “What about you, Sarah? Have you ever thought of going out with someone?”

  “Oh, no.” The acid from the coffee gnawed at her stomach. “Haven't got time. Where would I find a man anyway?”

  “We talked about this last summer, Sarah. Then Tanner came into my life.”

  Reaching over, she squeezed Lindsay’s hand. “I’m so happy that happened for you, Lindsay. Really I am. But how many single men are there in Gull Harbor?”

  “What about Ryan?”

  She stared at her friend blankly. “What about him?”

  “The times I’ve seen you together at school events? I've always thought your brother-in-law had a secret thing for you. Well, since, you know, Jamie.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Sarah twisted a curl at the nape of her neck.

  “Sometimes we can’t see what’s right in front of us. Or we don’t want to see,” Lindsay added quietly.

  The conversation had turned totally crazy. Sarah pushed her mug aside. She’d had enough coffee for today. From the back room came the sound of the boys arguing.

  Checking her watch, Lindsay got up. “Never overlook the man closest to your heart.”

  Sarah stood and gathered the napkins and mugs. “What the heck does that mean?”

  Lindsay lifted a brow. “When you're making those cookies with Ryan, maybe you should take a good look at him. He’s a hunk. Sure, he was little crazy when he was younger but hasn’t that changed?”

  “He's very...responsible.” Hot. Sweet. Thoughtful.

  “Responsible?” The way Lindsay tossed that out, you’d think it had become a bad word. “You sound like his mother.”

  The comment reminded her of Ryan’s painful history. “His mother ditched them, you know. Poor boy, his parents took a one way ticket to Chicago. They eventually divorced and his mom remarried. Ryan rarely mentions her.”

  “How can a woman do that?” Lindsay said as they pushed through the swinging doors. The boys were arguing about something. Justin was on the brink of tears.

  “Nathan started it,” Justin whined.

  “Did not.”

  “Nathan.” Sarah fisted her hands on her hips.