Page 138 of The Blessings of Christmas
Snapping up the second section, Victoria was sure glad she was sitting down. Derek smiled back at her from the page.Clinic OffersHope for the Holidaysblared the headline, with her name right under it.Oh, my word. The paper shook in her hands as she scanned the article. Then she flipped through to the continuation of the story. The pictures of Derek, Phyllis and Big Mac brought tears to her eyes.
As she read, her emotions took a roller coaster ride––from excited giggles to tears.
Never did she think she would ever see her name in print...and in an article about the man she adored. Sure, Derek may have given her a hard time at first, but she’d never admired a man more. Well, except for Daddy. She’d learned so much from Derek over these past weeks.
Happiness sure didn’t come in a silver-wrapped package. Who knew that making life better for other people could feel so good? Maybe better than having her name on Victoria’s Pantry.
Back on the front page, that color shot of Derek in the hall just about gave her heart palpitations. His mischievous smile? Check. The hands that she knew worked miracles for people? Check. The professional lab coat Reginald wanted? Check. And the book of Christmas carols?
The park echoed with her laughter. People would never know that was only a book of carols and not some medical report. But Dr. D.? He was the real deal. And she wanted him and all of his wonderful compassion for people in her life forever.
The next morning,Maisy taped a copy of the article to the front window. Darla had brought in her own newspaper and that article went on the front case.
“Is this the doctor who runs that clinic? The one who came to visit you?” Miss Charlotte fanned herself, studying that shot in the hallway. “Oh, my.”
“He’s sure a hottie.” Genevieve pulled out her glasses to get a better look.
Victoria smiled. “He sure is. And he’ll be caroling with us at the community carol fest in the square.”
The three women looked at each other, mischief in their eyes. “We’ll be there.”
“Vinny wants to come too,” Miss Charlotte added. “We’ve already talked about it.”
“Everything is fine between you two?” Victoria almost hated to ask. Mama had sent her an email, mentioning that Uncle Vinny had also “opted out” of Palm Beach this year.Your father is wondering why we’re here. She didn’t sound happy, but Miss Charlotte looked very pleased that Uncle Vinny would be caroling with her. Obviously, the poor woman had never heard Victoria’s uncle sing.
“Yes. We’re fine.” Miss Lottie’s eyes twinkled.
“Look at this, Lottie.” Genevieve waved her over to the tree. As usual, Maisy had turned the lights on when she arrived thatmorning. But today a new sign sat right under the lower boughs. “Please bring in your wrapped Christmas wishes gifts,” Miss Charlotte read.
She turned to Victoria. “Didn’t you tell us to bring our presents on December twenty-third? My gifts have been sitting on my dining room table, all wrapped and ready.”
Relief made Victoria limp. “Did I say that?” Probably. She’d been so excited that day. To her embarrassment, everyone in the place nodded.
“If you could bring them in, that would be great.” Victoria pressed her cool palms to cheeks that were burning. Phyllis would be so relieved. “I can get them over to the clinic.”
And then it hit her. “They’re having a special dinner at the Open Hearth Clinic on Christmas. If you’d like to come, there’s plenty of room. You could watch the folks open your presents.”
“Wouldn’t that be fun?” Miss Charlotte looked to the others for agreement. A couple of the older women whipped out their pocketbook calendars.
Sipping sweet tea and munching cookies, they all shared their holiday plans. The mood in the shop felt warm and cozy, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air. This was what she’d hoped for, Victoria thought as she sat in her office later. The Christmas sprit. A sense of community. Sharing. Glancing up at her bulletin board, she smiled at Derek’s picture.
Bundledin her new black leather jacket that was a present from herself, Victoria sang “Silent Night.” Standing tall beside her, a bright red scarf knotted around his neck, Derek sang along. He had a pretty good voice.
“How did you get the night off?” she asked when the singing stopped.
“I know the boss.” He chuckled, bending his head. Being with Derek tonight felt so special. Before the singing began, she’d introduced him to Emily, Bryn, Josie and all the guys. Questions would be asked later. She could see that in their eyes.
A large group had gathered in front of the crèche to sing. Tonight Joe McGurty and Mary Habersham had stepped into the scene to be a live Joseph and Mary.
“Isn’t this magical?” Victoria asked as they handed in their caroling book.
“Sure is.” Breaking away to stroll down one of the paths, Derek took her hand. She laced her fingers through his and he tightened the grip.
Victoria’s breath caught in her throat when he brushed a thumb gently across her fingers. “You know what this smell reminds me of?” he asked. They’d reached the juniper bushes.
“No. What?” She had her own thoughts about that one.
They’d come to a bench. Sitting down, Derek tugged her onto his lap. “The night a gorgeous blonde came into the urgent care center. She told me a tall tale about cutting off pine branches.” He wound one of her curls around his finger.
