Page 10 of The Blessings of Christmas
Sarah didn’t expect that. Her heart squeezed tight while the radio played “Jingle Bells.” “I just couldn't,” she whispered.
Ryan’s handsome features folded. “I’m sorry, Sarah. That was a stupid thing to say.”
“That’s okay, really. I had no right to pry into your private life.” Since when had she become his dating service?
“Okay if I leave now?” Already stripping off his apron, Ryan glanced up at the clock.
He wanted to escape. Who could blame him? “Sure. No problem.” She felt relieved when the door closed behind him.
Alone in the workroom, Sarah cleaned the bowls and the beaters. When the last batch of thimbles was turning golden, she took them out and dabbed them with preserves––first orange, then strawberry. She’d show Ryan how to do this too. Her mother stuck her head through the swinging door. “Okay if I take a long lunch hour?”
“Sure. No problem.” Looked like everyone was cutting out on her. Usually they ate back here together. She enjoyed those cozy, quiet times.
Her mother glanced around. “Ryan gone already?”
“Yes. He left. Didn’t even stay to taste a thimble.” If her mother took a long lunch hour, Sarah would have to work the front. Maybe the break would be good for her.
Mom left. Sarah took the last pan of cookies from the oven. Going to the front window of the shop, she watched the snow sift over the street. Only a few cars were parked diagonally in front of the shops. After all, it was December, always a slow time. After a hectic summer that had brought love to Lindsay, who had become a close friend, and a beautiful baby boy for Kate Campbell, Sarah should feel happier.
But she didn’t expect to feel happy ever again.
The list of Christmas chores played in her head as she stared out at Whittaker Street. She felt so far behind. The boys wanted a train set for Christmas––at least, she thought they did. Maybe she shouldn’t have taken them to Tom’s Train Store that Saturday after Thanksgiving. But the blinking lights in the window had been hard to ignore. The trains were set up in a separate room, chugging through tunnels, stopping at train stations and tooting at toy people along the way. Miniature trees and houses completed the display. What boy wouldn’t want this?
Nathan and Justin had pressed their faces to the glass, transfixed by the magical miniature train whirring around the track. But the train was expensive, from the tiny train station to the coal chute that loaded the car. They must have stayed there at least an hour. What was the harm in dreaming? She had so little to offer this Christmas. Somehow she had to make their Christmas dreams come true.
She was arranging the cheese crowns, brownies and pecan rolls when Mercedes Wheeler passed the front window. Head bent into the wind, she struggled to hold down her blonde hair whipping about the collar of a stylish black cape. No doubtthose gloves were real leather. Her years in New York had made Mercedes a fashion plate, although she’d been like that in high school.
The bell above the door jingled as Mercedes swirled inside, bringing a cold blast of air with her. “Wow. It’s freezing out there. And this snow!” With a stamp of her high-heeled boots, she shook off the snow before stepping onto the tile floor.
“Think of it as holiday cheer. We're just beginning the season.”
“Don't remind me.” Studying the case, Mercedes pointed. “Cheese crown, please. I need my sugar fix.”
Grabbing one of her white bakery bags, Sarah slid out the tray and chose a plump pastry loaded with almond frosting. “So how does it feel to be an aunt?”
“Oh, I just love that little guy. Quinn is perfect. I think my sister comes in just to show him off.” Mercedes handed Sarah her gold credit card.
“Did Kate enjoy the chocolate chip cookies Cole picked up earlier?”
“Trust me, we devoured them.”
“Wait. You can be my taste tester.” Only took a minute to dash back and pop three thimbles into a bag. Returning, she handed the bag to Mercedes. “Ryan made these.”
“Oh, he did, did he?”
Her friend’s sly look made Sarah’s face flush. “He’s helping us this year.”
Mercedes propped an elbow on the high counter. “That boy is seriously hot.”
Sarah’s cheeks felt as if she were standing in front of an open oven. “Please. He’s Jamie’s little brother.”
With a glint in her eye, her friend said, “Well, I got news, missy. He’s all grown up.”
Sarah waved her away. “Take your cookies and go.”
“Does this mean another two hundred calories?” Mercedes moaned, marching to the door.
“Better you than me.” They both laughed.
