“Thanks, Mom. I’m closing at five, so I’ll be there to help out.”

  They said their good-byes, and before Lauren got busy and forgot, she dialed Madison’s number.

  “Hi, stranger,” Madison’s cheery voice said. Caller ID canceled out all surprise phone calls these days.

  Lauren laughed. “Stranger?”

  “I didn’t see you at church this morning, and you haven’t called me in nine days. The way I look at it, that makes you a stranger. ”

  They both laughed.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve let the store occupy all my time. It’s that time of year once again, and you know how it is,” Lauren said. “I promise to take you to lunch as soon as I can, but I called to ask a favor,” Lauren explained. “Brent was in the store today. Brought us lunch from Ruby’s.”

  She gave Madison a couple of seconds to absorb her words.

  “And that means what?” Madison asked.

  “This sounds so silly at my age, but I was wondering if you knew of anyone who’s available for, you know, a date. For Brent.”

  Madison laughed out loud. “Someone other than you, you mean?”

  Lauren couldn’t help but laugh. “Exactly. The guy can’t get it through his thick skull that I’m not interested in him, at least not in the way he wants. From what I know, he doesn’t even try to date anyone.”

  “He doesn’t.”

  “What did he do when I was away in college and living in Florida afterward?”

  “Oh, he did some casual dating. But nothing serious that I know of.”

  “So, do you have any ideas? Some kind of hookup? Anyone? I’m desperate, Madison. I just can’t break his heart. Every time the topic of a relationship between us comes up, and I tell him I only feel friendship toward him, he gets all sad. And then I feel sorry for him. I don’t want to hurt him. I wish I felt the way he wants me to; heck, my parents would be thrilled if I married the guy and had a couple of his kids, but it’s just not there.”

  “Well, there is Barb from the library. I’m not sure if she’s ever even had a date,” Madison said. “She’d probably pee herself if Brent asked her out.”

  Again, Lauren giggled. “Madison, that’s mean, and you know it.”

  “Why is that mean? She’s single, local, and works at the library. She’s super smart, too,” Madison added.

  “I’m serious, here. I don’t really think that Barb is Brent’s type, that’s all.”

  “Or you just don’t think she’s all that attractive?” Madison asked.

  Lauren blew a loud breath into the phone. “She’s just not his type. I know what you want me to say, and I am not going there,” Lauren added.

  “Then I will. She’s two hundred pounds overweight, has an overbite that would rival a horse’s, and it’s common knowledge that she’s smelly.”

  More laughter from both of them. “Maybe you should take her under your wing. Give her a few lessons in all things beauty. I’m sure she’d be open to it coming from you.” Madison was a total knockout. Tall and thin, straight black hair with the lightest blue eyes ever, she’d done some part-time modeling in high school and college. If anyone knew a few beauty tricks, it was Madison.

  “If I thought she were the slightest bit interested, I would. We both know all she thinks about are books and more books.”

  “That’s true, but seriously, I wish he’d find someone. He’s a great guy, beyond good-looking, built like an oak tree. There are so many women who would fall over in their slinky heels if a man like him showed them any attention.”

  “You’re just not one of them, right? And who in Fallen Springs, especially this time of year, wears slinky heels?” Madison asked.

  “Madison, that’s why I called you. You’re a known matchmaker, so I thought for sure you’d at least have an idea of someone you could fix Brent up with.”

  “I am quite the matchmaker, but honestly, I can’t think of anyone single, other than Barb. I’ll think on it, though. I promise. I’ll ask Scott if he knows anyone.”

  Her husband was an IT guy for one of the largest gaming companies in the world. He did most of his work from home via the Internet. “How’s that supposed to work? He rarely leaves the house, and when he does, it’s to go to another country.” Lauren stated what Madison already knew.

  “Yes, I know, but a few of his gaming buddies come into town now and then. I’ll ask if they have any sisters or ex-wives,” Madison said.

  She was serious, Lauren knew. “All right then, but try and steer clear of ex-wives. You know Brent is . . . well, I don’t think he’s the type for seconds, if you know what I mean.”

  “Lauren Elise Montgomery! That’s a terrible thing to say. So, I’m to steer clear of widows, too?” Madison asked.

  “Oh, stop, you know what I meant. Brent’s just so . . . clean-cut, and . . . wholesome.”

  “I’ll set my radar to single, innocent, and virginal women in their late twenties to early thirties with no ties ever and see what I can come up with.”

  “Come on, you know what I mean. I just think he deserves someone who has the same values as he does,” Lauren explained. “No one is perfect; I’m not that naïve.”

  “True, but at our age, I doubt if there’s someone out there for either of you with a superstellar background,” Madison said. “I’ll poke around and see, but no promises.”

  “Thanks, Maddy. I have a lot of faith in you. Now, I have to get busy. I’ve invited Brent over for dinner and cards tonight. I told Mom I’d help her in the kitchen.”

  “Wait, wait, wait! You just asked me to fix Brent up with a date, and now you’ve invited him over for dinner?”

  “I know, but I felt sorry for him. As I said, we’d just been through our usual song and dance, and I thought it might cheer Dad up. Brent too. He needs a bit of male company, and you know how Dad likes playing cards with Brent. It’s nothing more than that, I can assure you,” Lauren said.

  “So you say,” Madison teased.

  “Come on; you, of all people, know me. I adore Brent, just not in a romantic sort of way. We’re nothing more than friends, and never will be anything but friends. How many times am I going to have to say that?”

  “I know, but I do love teasing you,” Madison replied. “Okay, I need to go. I’ll catch up with you if I locate any worthy, unattached females. And don’t forget you promised me lunch.”

  They said their good-byes and promised to stay in touch.

  Lauren busied herself in the store, hoping, praying for an after-lunch rush of new customers. She shined, polished, and dusted items that were already sparkling, but she had to stay busy. Standing around would drive her crazy.

  As she was about to return to her office to make a cup of tea, a group of teenage girls entered the store. They giggled, and Lauren recognized them as locals.

  “Hey, there. If there’s anything I can help you with, let me know.”

  “I’m looking for something for my mom. She’s in the hospital, and I thought she could use some cheering up,” said one of the girls, who was wearing a heavy purple sweater over a thin jacket.

  “Lee, Charlotte’s mom, adores your store,” said another.

  “Thanks. Would I know your mom?” Lauren asked.

  “Lee Hessinger,” Charlotte said.

  “Yes, of course, I know her. I’m so sorry she’s in the hospital. She adores just about everything we have. Want me to help you choose something?” Lauren asked. She’d gone to high school with Lee, who had married right after graduation. Lauren knew that Lee had a daughter but didn’t realize she was in high school. Time flies, she thought. She could have had a child in high school had she found the right guy. Well, maybe not high school, but elementary school at least.

  “Thanks, I’ll look first, and if I don’t see anything, you can help me out, if that’s okay?” Charlotte said.

  Lauren got the feeling Charlotte wanted to pick the gift out herself and understood completely. “Of course, it’s okay. I’m here if you need help.” She let the girls wander up and down the aisles while she continued to make sure everything was in its place.

  “Excuse me,” one of the girls said, and motioned with her head to Lauren to step into an aisle away from the other two girls.

  “I’m Lacey, Char’s friend. She doesn’t have a lot of money, and I have some saved, so if she doesn’t have enough to pay for whatever she buys, would it be okay if I secretly paid the difference? If there is one, I mean. Her mom is really sick and all.”

  Tears welled up in Lauren’s eyes. “Of course, but let’s do this. Whatever Charlotte chooses, I’d like for her to allow me to give it to her. Free of charge. As a get-well gift. Since her mother is a good customer, and in the hospital. Do you think that would be okay with Charlotte? And just so you know, I think Charlotte’s very lucky to have such a good friend.” This was so much like her and Madison at that age that, again, she had to fight back the tears.

  “You’d really do that?”

  “I really would,” Lauren said with a smile so big her cheeks hurt.

  This is what Christmas is all about, she thought. Giving, sharing, and caring for those in need.

  But, she reminded herself, I have to keep the store up and running, no matter what else I have to do. Still, a little generosity isn’t going to make or break the place, and it feels right.

  For the next half hour, the girls perused practically every item in the store. When Charlotte chose a handmade scarf with a matching afghan, it was all she could do to keep from crying. Her mother had knitted that last season with the finest wool, and Lauren had wanted to keep it for herself but knew it would find a good home in the store this year. Silver-and-gold threads sparkled in the late-afternoon sunlight as the girls brought the items to the register. Lauren knew there was no price tag on these two items. She’d held back in hopes that if they didn’t sell, she’d add some cash to the till, and they would be hers. Now, however, she was thrilled they were going to a very special home.

  “Mom is so cold all the time, I think this is perfect,” Charlotte said as she placed the items on the counter. “They feel really nice.”

  “I think your mom will love these, too. Would you like for me to wrap them, or would you prefer to do that yourself?” Lauren asked, not wanting to assume too much.

  “If you could wrap them in pretty paper, I’ll pay extra. Mom loves unwrapping, and, well, we don’t really have any fancy paper at home.”

  “This is what we have,” Lauren said, motioning for the girls to follow her to the wrapping area in a small alcove off the office. She’d set up the special wrapping area when she’d returned to Fallen Springs, and was thinking of hiring someone to do the wrapping when they were busy. So far, that someone had turned out to be her, and she found that she actually enjoyed the task.

  “Wow, this is awesome,” said the one girl whose name she didn’t yet know. “I’m Kiley,” she added, apparently reading Lauren’s mind.

  “Nice to meet you, Kiley. I’m Lauren. Sorry for not introducing myself before.”

  “Your parents own the store, right?” Charlotte asked.

  “They do, and I work here.” She was really getting a kick out of this trio.

  “Before I pick out the wrapping paper, I better make sure I have enough money to pay for this,” Charlotte said. “I didn’t see a price tag.”

  Lacey caught Lauren’s eye.

  “I’d like to give this to you to give to your mother as a Christmas gift. If you don’t mind. My mother made that last year, and I fell in love with it, but she insisted I bring it to the store to sell. Now I think it’s found the perfect home, if you’ll accept my offer,” Lauren said, again, with tears in her eyes, though this time she didn’t bother trying to hold them back.

  “Wow,” Kiley said.

  Silvery tears shimmered down Charlotte’s face. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Lacey spoke for her friend. “Say ‘yes’ and ‘thank you very much.’ ”

  They all laughed, and Lauren couldn’t believe how good she felt, how wonderful it was to give rather than receive. She knew this was not the way to run a business, but at the moment, it was how she chose to operate. “Then let’s get these wrapped so you can get them to your mom as soon as possible. What paper would you like?” Lauren asked.

  “The gold, the one with the shimmery stuff, if that’s okay. And maybe a matching ribbon?”

  “Absolutely, and a bow, too?” Lauren asked as she began the task of carefully boxing the scarf and afghan. She added silver tissue paper, then sealed it with the store’s logo seal, a sparkly silver snowflake. She wrapped the heavy, gold, shimmery paper around the box, careful to make sure each corner was precisely folded, a perfect crease. When she finished, she added gold ribbon and a glittery-golden bow. She tucked a blank name tag beneath the ribbon. “Give this to your mom, Charlotte, and tell her I said ‘Merry Christmas.’ ”

  “You’re the best, Lauren. I know Mom will be so happy with this gift, and warm, too. Is it okay if I tell her you gave this to me?”

  Lauren grinned. “I think that can be your secret. You decide what you want to tell Lee. My lips are sealed unless I hear otherwise.”

  When the girls finally left, Lauren saw it was after five. She hadn’t had any more customers, and just then, she was perfectly fine with that. Undecided if she would tell her mother what she’d done with the afghan and scarf she’d knitted, she figured that if the topic came up, she would simply tell her the truth. That had always been her way with her parents and friends—at least, it used to be.

  She knew she was deceiving them, in a sense, at least as far as the store’s sales went this Black Friday weekend, but she’d call her bank first thing in the morning and have some funds transferred to the store’s checking account. When her mother questioned her about it—as she knew she would, because she examined the monthly bank statements—she’d tell her it was her way of . . . investing in the family business. That had the virtue of being the truth, too.

  She rushed around the store, making sure the gas fireplace was turned off, then went to the office and turned the rest of the lights off with the remote she kept on her desk. Only the lights in the front window remained on. She turned the heat down several degrees, knowing she’d be freezing when she returned tomorrow morning, but she’d dress warm.

  Jimmy’s had also tuned up her car, and she was grateful when she turned the key and the engine came to life. “Nothing like a purring engine,” she said, her breath visible in the freezing temperature. She checked the digital reading on her car’s panel. Twenty-eight degrees. She felt every bit of it, too, as she waited for the engine to warm up so she could turn the heater on. Once she flipped the switch on to HIGH HEAT, she delighted in the warmth as she directed the vents toward her hands. She’d left the house this morning without gloves. Knowing the temperature was predicted to be well below freezing, she’d try to remember to stuff her gloves in her coat pocket before she left the house in the morning. Along with a note to herself to remember to place a call to Roger Riedel to set up a bank transfer to Razzle Dazzle’s business account.

  She drove down the long drive leading up to the house. Looking at her watch, she saw that it was almost 6:00. Unsure how the time had gotten away from her, she hurried inside and was greeted by the sumptuous smell of her mother’s pot roast.

  “I’m home,” she called out as she headed upstairs to change. When she’d moved back into her childhood home three years before, she’d returned to her childhood room, and with her mother’s help, they’d redecorated it in cool grays and whites, a décor that a thirty-five-year-old woman was comfortable with. While she appreciated her mother’s keeping her room as it had been, she couldn’t imagine living in her former girlish room after living on her own since she had left for college. They’d packed the memories away, and Lauren had thought at the time that maybe someday she’d share the mementoes with her own daughter. But at the rate she was going, she’d be too old to remember them herself. Smiling at her own silly thoughts, she undressed and took a hot shower. As the water slid down her back, easing the stiffness in her muscles, she felt the tension of the day wash away. She hadn’t washed her hair, but she did re-braid it in a long French braid. She didn’t bother with makeup but added a touch of mascara to her blond lashes.

  She put on a pair of soft, faded jeans with a worn Florida Gators sweatshirt and a pair of thick socks. She hadn’t realized how tired she was and, for a moment, wished she hadn’t invited Brent to dinner. But reminding herself how this would make her father’s evening, all traces of “poor me” were wiped away with the thought. Dad spent most of his days in the house, and given his limited mobility, having a visitor was a big deal to him.

  Downstairs, Lauren joined her mother in the kitchen. “Yum, I’m starved,” she said as she peered through the oven’s glass door.

  “I am too,” said her father as he made his way to the table in the center of the large farmhouse kitchen.

  “Hey, Dad, how are you feeling?” Lauren asked as she gathered plates and flatware for the table.

  “I’m pretty good today, despite this chilly spell we’re having.” He sat down, and Lauren knew he was in pain from the look on his face.

  Once a towering man at six feet, he’d appeared to have lost a bit of height a few months after he’d been diagnosed. His features were still that of a handsome, middle-aged man. Despite his illness, he remained hopeful, and never, at least that she knew of, allowed himself to go into a dark, depressive place. His dark-blond hair still smelled of Prell shampoo, and she knew he still used Mennen After Shave. Smiling to herself, as she thought of these features of her father, her dread of the evening ahead vanished.

  “What are we drinking tonight?” Lauren asked her father.

  “I’m sticking to the hard stuff,” he said, and pointed to the pitcher of water her mother was bringing to the table.

  “Don’t say I can’t read your mind,” her mom told him, then winked at Lauren.

  “I know better than to get involved in this conversation,” Lauren said, filling a glass with ice and placing it on the table in front of her father.

 

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