Jingle Bell Blessings (18 page)

“My job's done. You know that.”

“Nuh-uh,” Jimmy protested. “
I'm
not done.”

Again, Chloe beseeched Evan with her eyes.

He shrugged. “Jimmy's right. We're not done with you.” Evan walked to within inches of her chair. In a swift movement he pulled her up from the chair, holding her next to him.

Chloe's throat was dry, clogged. “You're not?”

“Are you arguing with us?” Evan asked, his face so close
to hers, she could see the depths of his eyes, could feel the whisper of his breath.

“I….” Words failed to pass through the acres of emotion crammed into the small space of her throat.

“Chloe, will you stay? Marry me? Mother Jimmy? Make us a family?”

The heat of his breath eased over her cheek, hovered near her mouth. “Marry?”

“Yes!” Jimmy jumped up and down. “Marry us!”

“I want to.”

“That's all I need to hear.” Evan cradled the back of her head, his fingers laced between strands of her hair.

“But I can't.”

For a moment the room silenced. Not even the fire dared make a sound.

“Why not?” Evan demanded, his face so close to hers she could feel the thrust of his chin against hers.

“My mother. I can't leave her.” The dam of emotion burst, flooding her heart, spilling her tears. “You don't understand. I've never wanted anything so much, to be with you, to have Jimmy as my own, but I can't! Don't make me choose!”

“You don't have to choose.”

Confused, Chloe shook her head. “Of course I do. I'll never leave my mother on her own.”

“What if your mother moves to Rosewood? In here with us?”

“Here? She has to have someone in the house with her all the time. She can't—”

“There's always someone here,” he replied gently. “Thelma, Ned, my dad, you, me, Jimmy. And, if by some miracle, not one of us can be here, we have lots of friends and neighbors who can help.”

Did she really dare hope? Muddled, she tried to think of
all the reasons it wouldn't work. “My mother might not
want
to live here.”

“Funny. She told me she'd be very happy to move to Rosewood, to be close to you and your family.”

“But, when—”

“When I knew,
finally
knew, I couldn't live without you. Barbara's excited by the idea. You two can spend a lot more time together that way. Unless you really want to go to law school?”

“Law school?”
she echoed. “Why… No, I don't care about going to law school. That was just a way to support my mother. And Mr. Wainwright was going to pay…” Chloe stopped abruptly. “Does this mean you trust me now? Really trust me?”

Evan took her hand and placed it on his chest. “With all my heart.”

She felt tears slipping down her face. Evan carefully, gently eased them away with his thumb as he had once before. He touched her lips with the same thumb, tracing their outline. Angling his head, he claimed her lips, sealing their promise with his own.

Sated, Evan pulled back slightly. “Is that a yes?”

Breathless, she spoke against the fullness of his lips. “Yes! Definitely, yes!”

“Yes!” Jimmy hollered, jumping beside them.

Bailey barked, circling them with his tail wagging.

Yes, my love. Yes.

 

“How did we ever put a wedding together this fast?” Chloe asked her matron of honor.

Grace shrugged. “Helps having a wedding gown designer right on Main Street who could whip up a dress.” The owner of the shop had jumped in to help, finishing a winter-white gown she had already begun sewing. “Not to mention the
Conway Nursery growing flowers all year round.” They had chosen deep burgundy roses, creamy calla lilies and hand-gathered swags of evergreen. The owner of the local bakery hadn't even blinked when asked to produce a fully decorated wedding cake. Grace swished the skirt of her long, emerald green gown. “Didn't hurt that I had my own dress, too.”

“And I was already in town,” Barbara added with a twinkle in her eye.

“I can't believe Ruth talked you into bringing your best dress.”

Grace chuckled. “We just seem mild. Our family's actually pretty ruthless.”

Ruthless in running every errand, delivering invitations by hand, arranging with the pastor to have the church on New Year's Eve morning, collecting candles to light the sanctuary, enlisting friends with catering and decorating skills.

Mindful of the dress's large train, Chloe turned to her mother. “Are you really sure? Really, really sure you want to move here?”

Barbara threw back her head, laughing. “Good thing I have plenty of oxygen with me. Yes, my dear, for the thousandth time, I am absolutely, positively, one hundred and ten percent sure. Why wouldn't I be? I can see you every day, watch my grandson grow up.”

Chloe smiled, thinking of how instantly Jimmy had bonded with her.

“And,” Barbara continued, “you're happy. Truly happy. Do you know how long I've wanted that for you?” Tears misted.

“Now don't start that,” Barbara insisted. “Or I'll be weeping buckets.”

Grace sniffled. “Me, too.”

Chloe turned back to the mirror, wiping her eyes with the newly embroidered hankie Thelma had pressed in her hand
that morning. Her new initials, CMM, were stitched in blue on the cotton square. Something blue.

She had piled her tamed curls on top of her head, securing them before adding a delicate headband encrusted with pearls that Grace provided. Something borrowed.

Barbara rolled forward in her wheelchair, then extended her hand, holding a single strand of heirloom pearls. “I wore these on my wedding day, and so did your grandmother.”

Touched, Chloe picked up the delicate necklace. “But how did you know?”

“Ruth was
very
helpful,” Barbara said with a straight face. Then her lips trembled, giving away her feelings.

Chloe reached down to hug her tightly. “Thank you, Mom.”

“You'll pass them down to your daughter one day.”

“Daughter?” Beautiful thought. Chloe put them to her neck and fastened the clasp. Something old.

Grace held out a small jewelry box.

“Grace, what—”

“Just open it,” Grace chided gently.

Overwhelmed, Chloe opened the case, revealing a pair of pearl earrings. Ones that were the same shade as the aged pearl necklace. “I've never seen anything like this. Not just that you've planned so perfectly, coordinated it beyond belief, but your generosity. Everyone's.”

Grace smiled. “I'm glad they match so well.”

Fastening them to each earlobe, Chloe blinked away another threat of tears. Something new.

Notes from the organ floated into the bride's room. Chloe turned, facing Grace and her mother. “Sounds like the music before the main event.”

Noah knocked on the door. “Grace? Susie's ready.”

Grace's husband had watched their daughter, who was
to be the flower girl, while the women helped Chloe dress. Accustomed to being quiet in church, five-year-old Susie held her basket obediently, shyly smiling.

Jimmy wasn't to be the ring bearer, though. Evan had chosen him to be the best man, to stand beside them while they exchanged vows.

Gordon had agreed to walk Chloe down the aisle. She had been torn, wishing her mother was strong enough for the task. But Barbara insisted she preferred to sit in the traditional position of the bride's mother in the front pews.

Barbara broke into her thoughts. “I'd better go. I'll need that extra bit of time.” One of the ushers was going to help her into the pew, then move her wheelchair to the foyer until after the service concluded.

Chloe bent, kissing her mother's soft cheek. “I love you, Mom.”

Barbara met her gaze. “You are the dearest daughter in the world. Be happy, Chloe.”

Grace adjusted the simple satin bow on Susie's pale green dress. Then she knelt to check Chloe's train on the whipped up dress. A vintage-inspired satin and tulle Cinderella gown with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, long sleeves and a chapel-length train that spread out behind her elegantly.

Chloe clutched her bouquet of hand-tied, deep red calla lilies. “It's
really
real.”

“You look beautiful,” Grace murmured.

“Because I have a beautiful friend.”

Grace looked ready to choke up. Instead, she blinked away the tears and took her daughter's hand. “Ready, ladies?”

Rosewood's Community Church was more than one hundred and fifty years old. The intricate stained-glass windows allowed the morning sunlight to illuminate the hand-tooled wooden pews, the clusters of fresh roses and
calla lilies, and the guests in the congregation. The sunbeams' warmth coaxed the fragrance of both the roses and evergreens to scent the air. Candles flickered in arched brass holders flanking the nave.

Gordon met Chloe in the marbled foyer. “You look beautiful,
daughter.
”

She took his arm, clinging to him for support. “So do you.”

Grace knelt down beside Susie when the ushers opened the tall, wide doors to the sanctuary. “Now, sweetheart.”

The delicate girl, who looked so much like her mother, took small, careful steps as she dropped red rose petals on the wide center aisle.

Grace smiled brightly, then turned and followed her daughter. When she reached the altar, the organ music grew louder as it began trumpeting the traditional wedding march.

Chloe stepped around the door, seeing the fully decorated church for the first time.

Gordon squeezed her hand and whispered, “Ready?”

Nodding, Chloe took the deepest breath of her life. They started up the aisle when she saw her mother stand, the traditional custom to signal the rest of the guests to do likewise. Looking into the faces of the guests, she realized many of them were familiar. From school, church, the office, even the holiday dinners. Nearing her mother, Chloe met her proud, pleased gaze. Then she met another set of eyes.

And was glad she had taken that deep breath because she thought she might not be able to take another.

Evan stood tall and proud. His thick, wavy hair had been tamed, his crisp white shirt emphasized his tanned, compelling features. That strong, stubborn jaw, aristocratic nose, those mesmerizing midnight-colored eyes.

Without effort, Chloe glided from Gordon's arm to Evan's. Turning toward him, she thought she might drown within the emotions written on his face.

The pastor began speaking and while Chloe listened, she caught Jimmy's attention, sending him a smile his very own.

“Will you, Chloe Marie Reed, take this man, Evan Sean Mitchell, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish from this day forward until death do you part?”

This time nothing crowded her throat or conviction. “I do.”

The familiar words continued, seeming to fly by as fast as the wedding preparations themselves.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Chloe felt Evan's tender kiss lingering. Then he took her hand, caressing the engagement ring he had presented her, one that had been his mother's. He had purchased a new wedding band to slide beside it, to signify their new union.

Again the organ music soared, all stops pulled out. They turned to greet their loved ones.

“Mr. and Mrs. Evan Mitchell,” the pastor announced.

They stepped down the wide, wooden stairs. Chloe looked up at her new husband. Reading the request in her eyes, they paused at her mother's pew. Embracing her, Chloe gave thanks for all the Lord was showering upon them.

Gordon rose from the other side of the aisle, extending a hand to Jimmy, then crossing over to wait with Barbara while the new couple continued down the aisle and out into the foyer.

Thelma mopped her face with her new handkerchief and Ned reached over to borrow the damp hankie.

Chloe and Evan could only see each other and the love that flowed as swiftly as the now fast-moving river. Because winter had officially arrived in Rosewood. Just as Chloe had done.

Before dashing out to a shower of soap bubbles and confetti, Evan took her hand, pulled her close. “That was I
do
I heard back there?”

Her lips eased into a wide smile before meeting his. “Yes. Most definitely yes.”

Tender, possessive, protective, Evan's kiss reflected all.

“I love you, Mrs. Mitchell.”

The future opened in front of them like a fertile hill country meadow. “And, I love you, Mr. Mitchell. One more promise?”

“Anything.”

“Tell me again on our fiftieth anniversary.”

Evan's smile flashed, his eyes full of tenderness. “Don't make me wait
that
long.”

Their laughter blended like the vines of a climbing rose, then was muted by the kiss that sealed their promise. And grew to the skies.

The following Christmas

J
immy Mitchell hovered over his two-month-old baby sister, tucking on a teeny pink bootie she had kicked off. “Gracie won't keep her socks on.”

Chloe and Evan exchanged an amused glance while Gordon snapped a photo of the quartet that now made a complete, loving family.

“That's so you'll keep checking on her, son.” Evan crossed over to the cradle.

Obviously pleased, Jimmy shrugged. “In that case, it's okay.”

Evan ruffled his hair. “And that's what makes you a good big brother.”

“I'll say so,” Gordon chimed in. “And that's what every little girl needs.”

Barbara spread open her arms. “How about a hug for Grandma?”

Jimmy ran over, fitting into her big hug. Barbara's face glowed when he perched on her lap. Her health had been improving steadily the past year and she hadn't had pneumonia once during that time. Grace's husband, Noah, had
connected them with an excellent pulmonary specialist and Barbara's health was better than it had been in a decade. She still had COPD, but the dry hill country weather was far healthier for her than the humidity in Milwaukee, a city bisected by a river and bounded by one of the great lakes.

Chloe had tried not to worry, but it was a longtime habit, difficult to break. So Evan called in an electrician who had installed alarm buttons in Barbara's suite. Chloe ordered a medical alert necklace that Barbara always wore, but hadn't needed to use.

Gordon captured Barbara and Jimmy in another shot. Gordon and Barbara had become good friends as well, generously sharing their grandson. Together, they had surprised Chloe and Evan by decorating the house for the holidays with both white and burgundy-red calla lilies, boughs of evergreen, and deep burgundy roses, reminiscent of their holiday wedding.

The living Christmas tree was even taller, filled with all the traditional ornaments and sporting new ones for both Jimmy and Gracie. Jimmy had two, one proclaiming him the best big brother, the other declaring him the most beloved son. Gordon and Barbara had collaborated on a small wreath for Jimmy's bedroom door. Instead of pinecones or the normal greenery, they made it from similarly sized replicas of sports balls—soccer, basketball, baseball, football. And, an emblem at the base announced that he was their number one grandson.

Sensitive to Gordon's late grandson, Sean, Barbara had suggested a different phrasing, but Gordon insisted. Jimmy needed all their love and support in his new family.

For Gracie, a tiny pair of pink porcelain booties were inscribed with her name, date of birth. Chloe watched as she and Jimmy gooed at each other. Her heart was so full, she was surprised it didn't burst.

Jimmy and Evan had bonded so tightly, no one would
ever guess he was adopted. Chloe had taken him into her heart even sooner and Jimmy was truly hers in every way. He had blossomed as well in the previous year. She and Evan had adopted him immediately after their honeymoon in San Antonio.

Neither had wanted to travel far, and few other places were as romantic as the nearly century-old walkways nestled against the banks of the San Antonio River, a story below the city itself. Magical year round, it was a fantasy during the holidays. Festooned with twinkling white lights, the waterway carried boats that glided slowly beneath bridges, evoking a sense of incomparable romance. Not that Evan and Chloe needed the setting.

She glanced at her husband of one year, still marveling that he was hers. His pain had subsided after he placed it in the Lord's hands. Renewing his faith had revived his life, his generous heart, his willingness to love without boundaries.

Someone rapped the knocker on the front door. It was still fairly early on Christmas Day, but the family had opened all their presents. Most visitors wouldn't arrive until their traditional midday meal.

Thelma hopped up first. “Early for guests.” She opened the door, her tone changing completely. “Well, come on in.”

Chloe recognized her best friend's voice. Grace, her aunt Ruth, Noah and Susie chattered while they strolled into the parlor.

“Merry Christmas!” Chloe rose from the sofa. “I didn't know we'd get to see you today!”

“And miss my namesake's first Christmas?” Grace replied with a swift hug. “Ah, there she is!” Grace walked quickly to the cradle, stopping first to greet Jimmy. “Hey, big brother. You still liking your sister?”

“Yeah.” Jimmy ducked his head. “She's okay.”

Grace grinned. “Going to keep her then?”

“Uh-huh.”

Reaching the cradle, Grace peered down. “I'm not quite sure how we managed to have the three most beautiful children in the world.” The baby held up one hand and Grace offered her pinky finger which Gracie latched on to. “She's getting really strong.”

Susie tiptoed next to her mother. Fascinated, she stared into the cradle. “Is our baby going to be that little?”

Chloe stared at her friend, hoping Grace's prayer had been answered.

Grace patted her still flat tummy. “I imagine so.”

Chloe rushed to give her a hug, while Evan pumped Noah's hand in congratulation.

“Ruth Stanton!” Barbara declared. “Why didn't you tell me?”

“Promised I wouldn't,” Ruth replied with an apologetic shrug and nod toward her niece.

Barbara and Ruth had become fast friends. Ruth urged Barbara to join the ladies auxiliary and picked her up each week to attend the meetings. In between, they had lunches both out in town and in the house. Many afternoons were spent playing dominos, gin rummy or hearts. Barbara still had to carry her portable concentrator, but Ruth treated it as just an extra purse. They had purchased a power scooter so Barbara could
walk
through town with her friend.

And, as Evan had predicted, they had yet to need extra help to ensure someone was always in the house with Barbara. Using the lighter wheelchair Chloe had suggested, it was always easy to pack the chair in the back of a car. So Barbara attended church regularly, including special events like the live nativity the previous evening.

Barbara winked at Ruth. “I'm happy for all of you.” The much prayed for pregnancy was a blessing Grace and Noah had wanted for some time.

“Between us, we'll have four little ones to spoil.” Ruth patted Susie's back.

“And I'm the oldest,” Jimmy bragged.

“You sure are, big guy.” Evan scooped him up, flinging him up over his head, making Jimmy giggle.

The blessings continued to flow, Chloe thought. Mitchell Stone had revived due to the large order they had been able to produce. Everyone's jobs were safe. The company was doing so well that Melanie, the woman Chloe had stepped in for, didn't have to return to work. Instead, they were able to hire her husband for a different position and Melanie was ecstatic to be home with her children.

Grace reluctantly retrieved her hand when the baby's eyes closed. “She gets prettier every day.”

“Just like her godmother.” Chloe and Evan had readily agreed to name the baby after Chloe's best friend because, without her, they might not have had a happy ending. Grace had been pivotal in negotiating the tricky issues that divided them. And, she'd been instrumental in successfully bringing Barbara to Rosewood. Grace had filled Ruth in on everything so that Barbara would be prepared for what she was walking into.

“Do you suppose we've started a tradition?” Grace mused.

“Having new babies for Christmas?”

“I can't imagine a better one.” Chloe squeezed her friend's hand. “I'm so happy for you.”

“I've pretty much been waltzing on air since I suspected. I just didn't want to say anything too soon.”

“Your timing's perfect.” She chuckled.

“What?”

“Just thinking that one day Gracie will wear Mom's pearls on her wedding day, too.”

“She's a bit young,” Grace teased.

Chloe rubbed the emerald ring on her right hand. Evan
had given it to her when Gracie was born. For Christmas, she had received the matching earrings. He continued to spoil her and she loved every moment.

As though he knew her thoughts, Evan met her eyes from across the room. It had been that way since their wedding day, their unspoken communication of each other's needs.

Weaving through their small crowd, speaking to guests on the way, Evan and Chloe met near the fragrant Christmas tree. There was one other ornament that also adorned the tree. A bride and groom, hand in hand, beside a manger cradling the holy babe.

The Lord had brought them together, blessed them beyond measure and continued to hold them in His hands. Looking around the room at all the dear faces, Chloe was so thankful she had to bite back a tear.

“What is it, my love?”

“I'm just so happy,” she sniffled.

Evan took her hand, absently polishing the deep green gemstone on her finger. “We've got a lot to be happy for.” His life was changed forever. Hope replaced longing, love conquered pain. He put an arm around her waist. “I wasted a lot of time being angry.”

She touched his cheek. “The Lord has plenty of patience.”

“He needed it with me.”

“He knew you were worth it.” Chloe smiled tenderly. “So did I.”

Evan kissed her long, slim fingers, warmed as always by the sight of the gold band encircling her left ring finger.
What if she hadn't persisted, had accepted his refusal?

Chloe's hair fell long and loose, the waves cascading over her shoulders, resting full and thick on her back. He would always remember the first silky touch of her curls, the sight of her moonwashed lips, their softness when they kissed for
the first time. “I love you more every day,” he said quietly, so only she could hear. “No, every minute.”

“You're determined to make me cry,” she replied, placing her hand on his chest, atop the beat of his heart. “I believe this is mine.”

“Always.”

Gordon snapped his camera. “Now, I need you two over by Jimmy and Gracie.”

Barbara had removed Gracie from the cradle, coaxing her awake with Jimmy's help.

Amused, Evan held his wife's hand as they approached their children. Sitting side by side on the couch, Evan plunked Jimmy on to his lap while Chloe held the baby.

“Smile,” Gordon instructed.

Instinctively, Chloe and Evan turned to each other with tender smiles. Gracie cooed and Jimmy grinned.

Gordon clicked the camera, captured the moment. “Perfect picture.”

“Perfect family,” Evan replied.

He didn't mind as his father shepherded everyone into various groups for all the photos he wanted to take. Then Gordon set the timer and everyone crowded together for a shot of the entire family. Grace, Noah, Ruth and Susie were now family, too. They could fill a new album with just the ones Gordon would shoot this day.

Evan reached again for Chloe's hand. “Always,” he murmured, lowering his mouth to hers. Not a whisper of air separated them. And Chloe leaned into his kiss, lingering, loving, wishing the moment would never end.

Just as their marriage. It had taken wing on the tail of the Christmas star. And, now, it glowed, growing brighter, stronger, more heavenly. “Always.”