Yuletide Bride (3 page)

“You should have called or something.”

“I barely know you, James. I am not going to just call you when I get a boo-boo or something. Besides, it’s no big deal; I just can’t eat anything. Well, I’ll find out all I can eat in a bit. He’s going to get some blood work done. I need an allergy test.”

“I know you don’t know me that well, but, well…” James stammered. His face flushed and he looked out into the hall. Nurses and orderlies passed by as if nothing had happened. James took a deep breath. “Sorry about Delgrasios.”

Mary laughed. “James, it’s not your fault. It’s a good thing, really. Apparently I finally   did enough damage for all of it to get really irritated. Besides, we were rushing things a bit anyway.”

James looked up into her eyes.

Mary could feel the heat of a blush coming on.

“You think?”

Mary’s heart hammered in her chest, not knowing what to say. “The doc says there’s a Christmas special on Lifetime. Want to watch it with me?”

Chapter Four

Almost a week after the hospital incident, and Mary still hadn’t seen James. He’d called a few different times, usually at some weird hour during the day, but Mary found that she couldn’t talk to him. What was the point? He knew her whole stance on the festival. So, she dug in deep at work, investigating the entire festival and the couples that married throughout the years, and she learned a lot.

She’d found that of the several couples she’d met, often one person in the pair gave an odd sort of look when she mentioned the festival and asked how the ‘magic’ really happened. It seemed that they were nervous, anxious to get the interview over and done with, but the other half of the couple—their partner or spouse—appeared not to notice and seemed more than willing to answer any and all questions having to deal with their marriage and whirlwind courtship.

“So, how long have you two known each other?” Mary asked Dr. and Mrs. Turner. She’d   made the appointment with them a few hours after she left the hospital.

“Well,” Christine said, looking at Mel, “ten years.” Christine smiled and grabbed her husband’s hand. “Ten wonderful years, but only married for the last three.”

“And in those seven years you hadn’t thought about marrying each other?”

Mel looked at Mary and sighed. “Well, as a matter of fact, I did. I asked Christine twice. They say that it takes fate three times.”

Mary looked at him curiously and waited for his explanation.

“A long time ago a woman—and before you ask who, I can’t tell you her name— told me that fate takes three times. She said there were three signs of fate and I had to be open for them to work. I thought it was a load of bull, to be honest, but she was an elderly woman and she came into my office, so I listened. Anyway, we became friends and I told her of my frustrations and that I loved Christine, but she refused to marry me.”

“She refused?  Why?”

“Well,” Christine cut in, “I thought we were too young for one thing. I wanted to travel. My parents were forever griping about how they never got to travel before they had children, and I didn’t want to have those kinds of regrets.”

“Why not just get married first then travel before having them?” Mary queried.

“Mary,” Christine said shyly, “how could I ever marry a man like Mel and not want his children right away? I told him I wanted to wait; I didn’t say no.”

“So, you planned on marrying him, then?”

“Oh, yes. I wanted more than anything to marry him.”

“So, both of you put your names in the jar. Why?”

“Well,” Mel grimaced, agitated. “I asked her again, and then she said no…again, so I did it more for spite than anything.”

Mary looked at Christine, clearly shocked at what Mel said and noticed how calm she appeared. “So, you wanted to make her mad?”

“I wanted her to see that I wanted to get married and I didn’t want to wait anymore.”

“So, what about you, Christine?  Why did you put your name in the jar?”

“I’d like to know that same question,” Mel said, which must have surprised his wife. Her eyes widened and she looked to Mary for help.

“I…why?”

“What do you mean, why? I know why I put my name in that jar; there’s only so many times a man can be turned down by the woman he loves.”

Mary flinched, the man was mad and his voice started to rise.

Christine looked flushed. “I put my name in the jar because…”

“Why?”

“Because it’s something everyone always does,” Mary offered. She didn’t know why she did, but she felt like saving the poor woman. She wanted to expose the festival, but she didn’t want to end people’s marriages or make them fight.

Christine nodded, and seemed happy to have Mary come to her rescue. Mel’s face softened and he, too, nodded. Shortly after the interview was over, Mary said her thanks and left. She had just one more interview and wanted to save it for last.

****

James hadn’t seen Mary for nearly a week and it was hell. He called her a few times, drove by her place twice and now he watched her walk into the Sunbeam Café on High street. As casually as he could, he walked in, stepped up behind her at the counter and ordered a slice of apple pie and a large coffee.

“James, what are you doing here?” Mary said. James could tell that she was shocked by the look on her face. “Just get off work?”

“Yes. How’s the article coming?” James didn’t know why he’d started on her already. He’d wanted to see her all week, but she made it damn near impossible. She ignored his calls, when he stopped at the paper she was conveniently not there, and now today—he started on her as soon as he walked  into the café.

Mary’s smile thinned. “It’s okay.”

“What, not finding anything?”

“No, totally the opposite, actually.”

James stopped at her reply and watched her closely while he took a seat at the counter. “Why are you writing this article?’

“I told you why the day I met you.”

“But why, really?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Go out with me tomorrow.”

“James, I have a lot of work to do, and besides, you don’t really agree with the article and I don’t want to spend my evening having it out with you.”

“I promise we won’t talk about the damn article.”

“I’m sorry, James, I really need to finish this, as tempting as your offer is. The article is due next week. The wedding is next Sunday and I still haven’t gotten all of my interviews yet.”

“Who’s left?”

“The mayor and his wife,” Mary answered quickly, taking a drink of her soda.

“Why save those two for last?” James asked curiously.

“I have a few things to point out to him and then I’ll be finished.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything to hurt my grandmother.”

Mary looked into James’s eyes and nodded. “I don’t want to hurt anyone, James. She is the one that needs to talk to your grandfather, not me.”

“She’s not keeping anything from anyone,” James said, although he didn’t sound as sure of himself as the last time he made that same argument.

“That’s something you need to take up with her.”

The waitress set his plate down in front of him and he paused long enough to just nod, then took a bite of his pie. “How about a movie tonight?”

“Have you not heard a word I said?” Mary replied. James could see her pulse hammering at her neck.

“I heard you, but I really want to see you. Come on…you have all weekend and all of next week.”

Mary looked at him and smiled. “Okay. But you better share some of that pie.”

James took his fork and sliced a piece. “Deal.”

****

The movie was a great idea and they had a fun time sitting in the dollar theater with a bunch of kids. Of all the movies to choose from, they chose a children’s film about a princess. It was ridiculous and Mary couldn’t help laughing through most of it. James did, too. Halfway through the film, James grabbed ahold of Mary’s hand and held it firmly, stroking it with his thumb.

Mary sighed and kept her gaze forward, but she could feel his eyes on her.
What is he doing? This is a kid’s movie,
Mary thought with a smile.

“You do remember where we are, James?” she whispered. She could see from the corner of her eye that he smiled.

“Yes. Would it be different if we were somewhere else?”

The question was innocent enough, but Mary could see the playfulness in his gaze.

“Maybe.”

“Want to get out of here?”

Mary felt her throat tighten. “I…”

“Come to my place tonight?”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” James asked, as he rubbed her hand.

“Because…we’re not…”

James smiled as he looked at her. “You’re blushing.”

Mary looked down and then away to her left.

“I promise we’ll go slow,” James said softly. Mary’s head turned slightly and she swallowed. She looked nervous. “Are you…”

“Yes,” she said, swallowing. She let out a gust of air and she pretended to pick lint off her sweater.

James’s hand moved up to take her chin in his palm. “Look at me,” he whispered.

Mary looked up. “Come home with me, Mary.”

Mary knew what he meant and she wanted to, but she’d promised her father a long time ago that she would wait until the time felt right and the right man came along. She wanted James more than she had ever wanted anyone before, but she wouldn’t just hop into bed with him. She believed in marriage and, even though she’d been cynical lately, she used to believe in  happily-ever-after. “I can’t.”

James nodded and looked deep into Mary’s eyes. “Okay. I’m falling for you, Mary. You know that don’t you?”

Mary couldn’t have spoken if she’d wanted to. She could feel tears stream down her face as his hand caressed her skin. “I think I’m in love with you.”

Mary gasped and leaned her head into him. “Don’t you want to say something to me?” James asked quietly.

“I’m not ready.”

“Well when you’re ready, you’ll know. Until then, please, don’t shut me out.”

Mary nodded, relishing the feel of his arms around her. She didn’t think she could ever get enough of him. She never thought the whole fairy tale thing could happen to her. Just as she started to speak, a kid behind them cleared his throat.

Mary giggled and she could hear the laughter in James’s chest. “We’ll talk about this later,” he said, as he tickled her side.

“Okay,” Mary agreed.

Chapter Five

Since the night at the movies, Mary and James had been practically inseparable, other than the hours that they worked. Mary felt amazed at how well they got along, and she found herself falling in love with him even more. He was kind, loving and great with children. The day after the movie, they picked out a Christmas tree for her apartment and later that night they decorated it with popcorn, berries and ornaments they’d purchased at the store. Mary couldn’t remember a time when she’d had so much fun.

It was hard to believe that they’d only known each other for a few weeks. If she believed in Christmas miracles, she would tell everyone about her own with James.

****

“I am just now getting out of work, but I really want to see you tonight,” James said, on the phone to Mary as he walked out of the law office   to his car. It was cold, but the sun was out. “I thought we could go ice skating.”

“Ice skating? Are you trying to kill me so close to Christmas?”

James chuckled. “No…I just know when a damsel’s in distress, I’m there for her. Besides…I’m not that great at ice skating, either.”

“So, any damsel will do? I’m sure you can find one there,” Mary joked back.

James laughed. “Not just any damsel. Do I detect some jealousy?”

“Hold on a second, okay?”

“What are you doing?”

“I just got my purse out of my cubicle and my friend’s here. Hold up!”

Mary laughed and then spoke to her friend. “Hey, Sara. What’s up?”

“Oh, I just  want to know if you have the article about the festival finished yet.”

“Just about. I have the Jamesons to interview tomorrow night. I’m working on something really good. I think you will be shocked.”

Sara looked worried. “I thought you were over that. I mean, you
are
dating James, right?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that I want to give up the article. I still intend to expose that sham. I mean really, who believes that you can pick out the perfect person—from a festival jar… and for them to all have been people that dated before? Come on! You really believe in that?”

Sara took a deep breath and sighed. “Yeah, I mean, well, I did. Don’t you think what you’re doing is sort of worse than exposing Santa?”

“What, you mean, Santa isn’t real? All that BS about a man going all over the world in one night delivering millions of gifts? You mean you don’t believe in that, but you believe in the magic paper jar?”

“Sarcasm doesn’t work on you, Mary. Besides, isn’t it the season for miracles?”

“Miracles are for losers.”

“Wow. James will need a chainsaw to break through all that ice.”

Mary winced. She’d forgotten James on the phone. She held the phone up to her ear and with a raised finger indicated to Sara that she needed a second. “James?”

“Yes?” James answered sharply.

“You heard all of that, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Still want to go ice skating?”

Mary didn’t hear anything for a while, and then she heard him sigh. “I’ll change your mind, Mary, I know I will.”

Mary let out her breath, grateful that he was still on speaking terms with her. “Does that mean we are still on for tonight?”

She didn’t want to sound desperate, but she really enjoyed herself with James and she wasn’t ready for it all to end. She should just give up the article, but she felt very strongly about it and couldn’t seem to give in.

“Yes. I’ll pick you up at your place in an hour.”

“See you then,” Mary said, but she had the feeling that James already hung up. 

James picked her up an hour later in front of her house. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. She’d missed him; actually missed him. It was the first time in her adult life that she ever missed a guy that she was dating. And they were dating, which was a miracle in itself.

“Don’t you look cute in your pink snow pants?” James said, smiling. “I forgive you.”

“Oh yeah? I should be offended, but I’ll take it.” Mary laughed and stood on her tiptoes to kiss James on his cheek. “I’ve missed you.”

“Yeah?”

“Mmm. So, where are we going skating?”

“I thought I’d take you somewhere special. I don’t want you to be mad, though.”

Mary looked skeptical. “Why would I be mad?”

“Well, I was thinking…” James said, nervously, holding onto her hands. “Here, let’s get in the car and warm you up.”

“Why are you stalling?” Mary asked, taking his proffered hand and letting him guide her to the front passenger seat.

“I’m not. I just don’t want you to be cold.”

“Where are we going?”

“Ice skating.”

“James, I know we are going ice skating, but what I want to know is where are we going?”

“I told you, somewhere special.”

“So, we aren’t going downtown?”

“Nope.”

“A hint, maybe?”

Mary grinned, but James acted funny, as though he didn’t want to tell her anything—like he was afraid that she may get mad. And then, he locked the doors and pulled out of her driveway.

“I’m not going to escape,” Mary said, trying to figure out what was happening. The only thing she could think of was one of those Unsolved Mysteries where the girl gets in the car and never gets out.

“I’m…my…we’re…”

“It’s okay, James,” Mary prodded, placing her hand on his.

“We’re going to my parents.”

Mary didn’t see that one coming. “Your parents?”

“I want them to meet you, and they are going away for the New Year.”

“I don’t see why I am meeting them now, though. I could wait until after.”

“I don’t want to wait any longer. I’ve been talking about you with them, and my mom is anxious to meet you. Actually, my dad is, too. Grandma has been talking about you a lot as well.”

“Your grandmother? What has she told you?”

“Nothing to me, she just told my mom and dad about you, and then I was talking about you. Well, the family wants to meet you.”

Mary felt nervous. “The family?”

“Not…well, my sister and my mom and dad. Of course my grandparents will be there, and my niece and nephew.”

“What?” Mary panicked. “Would you look at me, James? I look like a pink stay puff!”

“You look beautiful. Besides I really do plan to go ice skating with you.”

She felt even more terrified. “But, James, I really did mean it when I talked to you earlier—I can’t skate. I fall more than I am up on the ice. I’ve been known to pull down children.”

James laughed. “You don’t have to worry about anything. They will all love you.”

“James, I don’t think I’m ready for this. I’ve never met parents before—you know what I mean.”

James smiled. “I’m glad. You will be just fine. All you have to do is walk into a room, Mary. Your smile will do the rest.”

Mary smiled like a lunatic. “Not that smile,” James said, laughing. “Practice another one.”

Mary made another one that was equally scary. “Not that one either. How about you just walk in with no expression at all.”

Mary nodded and stayed silent the rest of the way to his parents’ home on Brookmire Road.

When they arrived at James’s parents’ home, Mary took a deep breath in order to calm her nerves. And then she saw all the eyes on her. They stood in the front window watching her and James get out of the car. “Are you sure about this, James?”

James chuckled. “You have nothing to worry about, honey. Listen, my mom is a very nice woman. I’ve never noticed any problems with her meeting anyone.”

“So she does this often?”

“Not women I date, but the partners at my office, yeah.”

“That’s different.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve never told her my undying love for them before, but she did like Brent.”

Mary couldn’t help herself; she laughed. “I always thought Brent was a little weird.” Brent was one of three people in the law office. He didn’t have a wife or children or any prospects either. But he did have a huge collection of Star Wars memorabilia in his office, complete with an X Wing Fighter on his desk made of paperclips and office supplies.

“Eh, he’s harmless. He likes you, though.”

“Aw, that’s sweet,” Mary said, thinking of how he described her likeness to Leia, even though she was blonde and certainly not voluptuous.

James laughed and grabbed her hand. “Come on, let’s see if the sharks are biting today.”

“Very funny.”

The door opened and the family spilled out of the living room and onto the front porch. Greetings were made, hugs were given, and photo books were thrust into hands. It was a fun time at the Rochester home, and Mary could tell that there was a lot of love in the household.

“Uncle James, are you going to marry her?” Little Jessica asked as she jumped on his lap, her curly blonde hair in pigtails.

James smiled and looked at Mary. “Yep.”

Mary felt stunned. Her heart thumped in her chest and she froze in place.

“Mary, I hear you are writing the Magic of Christmas article?” James’s mom asked.

Mary turned, cutting off James’s eye contact. “Yes, ma’am, I am. I’m nearly finished with it.”

“Oh, how did the interviewing go? I talked to Christine the other day, and she said that you helped her out with something.”

Mary was surprised Christine talked so candidly about it.

“What was that?” James asked, interrupting Mary.

“Oh, she said that she…well, I can’t really say, she didn’t go into it, other than she said it was a close call and that Mary helped her with something. She said Mary’s a good person.”

Mary looked down at the floor.  

“So, you ready to go ice skating, James?” Mary asked, hoping to change the subject into a more comfortable one.

“Yeah!” James’s nephew and niece chorused.

James smiled. “Kids, stay away from Mary, she likes to bowl over children.”

Mary’s eyes widened and James laughed. “What?”

“I didn’t tell you what happens to adults on the ice with me.”