True Love at Christmas Read online

  Contents

  Foreward

  TRUE LOVE AT CHRISTMAS

  Foreward

  Note from the Author:

  HELLO! Thank you for choosing to read this book - I hope you enjoy it! I’d love to connect with you. If you're not already on my Mailing List, Click here to be notified of my future book releases and to download my FREE novella, “Hank and Sarah - A Love Story”. Have a wonderful day!

  Juliette

  TRUE LOVE AT CHRISTMAS

  A CHRISTMAS SHORT STORY

  Juliette Duncan

  Copyright © 2016 Juliette Duncan

  All rights reserved

  TRUE LOVE AT CHRISTMAS is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trade marks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the the author, and are used for fictional purposes only.

  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  Brisbane, Australia

  Margaret Smith peered out the window as a car, sounding like Harold’s, pulled up in the driveway. Yes, it’s Harold. What’s he doing home at this time of day? She flung her front door open and rushed down the steps.

  As Harold climbed out of the car, Margaret grew even more concerned. He’d been coughing that morning, but nothing like this. A violent coughing bout seized his body. He was almost bent in two and could hardly walk.

  Margaret put her arm around his shoulder and waited for him to stop coughing. When he looked up, his eyes were red and watery, and he looked like he was on death’s door.

  “Harold dear, what’s wrong?”

  “Influenza. I went to the doctor.” Harold could barely get the words out before succumbing to another bout of violent coughing.

  “Oh no.” Margaret’s mind went into a whirl. Harold couldn’t have influenza now. They were due to leave for London in two days’ time. “We need to get you better quickly, otherwise they won’t let you on the plane.” She helped him inside and led him to the couch where she arranged several cushions behind his head and squeezed his hand, which was cold and clammy to the touch. Her heart plummeted. He didn’t look good at all. “Stay here, and I’ll make some honey lemon tea.”

  Margaret spun on her heels, but Harold didn’t let her hand go. Instead, he pulled her back with the small amount of strength he had left. She turned around and leaned closer to him. He was trying to say something in between coughs.

  “What is it, Harold?”

  “The doctor said I can’t go, Marg.”

  As Margaret’s eyes widened, her heart fell. It couldn’t be true. “But we have to go, Harold. The tickets are booked, and the twins are expecting us.”

  “I know.” He held his hand to his mouth as he began coughing again. “I’m sorry.” His chest heaved as he struggled for breath. “You could go on your own.”

  “Oh Harold, I can’t fly half way around on the world on my own. And besides, who’d take care of you if I went?” Margaret sighed sadly as her shoulders sagged. “No, we’ll just have to hold off and go when you’re better. Maybe we could make it for New Year instead of Christmas.”

  “I’m so sorry, Marg.” Beads of sweat glistened on Harold’s forehead as his eyes flickered.

  “It’s not your fault, dear. But the girls will be disappointed.” Margaret picked up the photo album she’d been looking at before Harold’s arrival and ran a finger over the wedding photos of their twin daughters, Chloe and Sophie. It still amused her that they’d married twin brothers, Alastair and Angus Callum, but she couldn’t complain because they were both fine young men.

  “At least it means we can have Christmas with Harrison.” Harold coughed again.

  Margaret’s face lit up. “Yes, it does. I was discussing our Christmas plans with him just yesterday. He was a bit despondent because he couldn’t get the time off work to come with us.”

  Harold attempted a smile, but another violent coughing episode racked his body.

  “You need to get some rest, Harold. Let’s get you to bed.”

  Harold nodded. He tried to sit, but could barely manage it on his own.

  Margaret helped him up and guided him into their bedroom. After making sure he was comfortable and giving him the lemon tea, she returned to the living room and stared at the mess. Her usually spotless red oak floor and puffy sofas were strewn with festive gold and silver wrapping paper, decorative gift boxes, and newly purchased toys all ready to be wrapped and packed into their suitcases.

  Her heart was heavy. Harold couldn’t help being sick, but it was so disappointing. She’d been so looking forward to seeing her daughters and their husbands, but had especially been looking forward to seeing her grandchildren for the first time and had splurged a good amount of money on baby and toddler clothes and toys.

  Chloe’s little boy, Lachlan, had recently had his first birthday, and on their last phone call, Chloe had told her he’d just started walking. And Sophie had given birth to a baby girl just over six months ago. While the twins had sent numerous cards and photos of their children, and even tried to get them to make some noises on the phone, nothing could replace seeing them in person. But now with Harold sick, they’d have to wait a little longer for that to happen.

  What am I going to do with all this? Margaret let out another sad sigh as she picked up a tiny pink cardigan and held it to her cheek. It was so soft against her skin, and she could just imagine little Lara-Katie wearing it. A lump grew in her throat. She’d been so looking forward to holding her tiny granddaughter.

  Well, she’d just have to post everything.

  She sat down on her favourite chair, an old recliner that had seen better days, but it was the most comfortable chair she’d ever sat in and she couldn’t bear to part with it. After a short while, she picked up the phone to call Harrison. He’d be at work, but unlike times in the past, Margaret knew her son would pick up if he could, and that he’d be truly pleased to talk with her. The animosity that had once been between them was long gone, and her heart was full of gratitude that they were back on speaking terms. Their relationship still had some growing to do, but her twenty-eight-year old son was closer to her than he’d been in years.

  He answered after three rings. “That’s so sad, Mum. You and Dad were so looking forward to your trip.”

  “I know, but there’s no way Dad could travel like he is.” Margaret let out a heavy sigh before brightening. “But at least it means we can spend Christmas with you. That is, unless you have other plans.”

  “No other plans, so I’d love to come. Thanks Mum.” He paused. “Will it be all right if I bring Zoe?”

  “Of course, darling.” Margaret couldn’t help but smile. She secretly hoped Zoe might officially join their family soon, even though Harrison hadn’t suggested in any way he was about to pop the question. “She’s always welcome, you know that.”

  “Thanks Mum. We’ll look forward to it.”

  After Margaret ended her call with Harrison, she placed calls to Chloe and Sophie in London and passed on the sad news. As expected, they were devastated, but asked her to pass on their best wishes to their father for a speedy recovery.

  Margaret returned to her gift wrapping, trying hard not to feel too depressed about the delayed trip. Now they’d be having Christmas at home, she’d have to get the Christmas tree and all the decorations out and she’d have to go shopping, and she’d have to bake and clean… the list could go on forever. She searched for a notepad and began writing it all down.

  Harrison was still digesting the news of his fathe
r’s illness and the cancellation of his parents’ eagerly anticipated trip as he headed across the parking lot to the Veterinary Clinic where he worked as head surgeon.

  He was glad to be on friendly terms again with his parents, but why it had taken him so long to come around he still wasn’t sure. If it hadn’t been for the clinic manager, Tessa Wilson, he most likely would still be at odds with them.

  As he crossed the parking lot, Tessa drove her sky blue Hatchback into the spot beside his car. Harrison waved and waited for her to catch him.

  Tessa, who was friendly with his mother, had worn a heavy heart ever since she and her husband, Ben, had returned from their skiing holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, without Jayden, Ben’s teenage son. Understandable. The boy had disappeared with his birth mother without even a word.

  The sun gleamed on Tessa’s light brown shoulder length hair as she walked, but the spark that used to be in her cornflower blue eyes was missing. Despite that, Tessa gave him a warm smile and stepped into line with him as they headed towards the clinic.

  Harrison didn’t know all the details of Tessa, Ben, and Jayden’s situation, but he had a feeling that Jayden had made a bad decision by leaving them. If only he could talk with the boy like Tessa had talked with him a while back, urging him not to turn his back on the ones who truly loved him.

  “Still nothing?” He shot her a side-wise glance as they walked.

  Tessa shook her head.

  “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.” But the truth was, he could. Much the same as his parents had felt after years of him ignoring them.

  “I’ve never thanked you properly, Tessa.”

  “What for?” Tessa paused outside the clinic entrance and angled her head.

  “For helping me see that I needed to make things right with my parents.” Harrison gulped. It still pained him whenever he thought of how badly he’d treated them both, especially his mother. She hadn’t deserved the treatment he’d dished out.

  “I’m just so glad you finally got things sorted, Harrison. Your Mum’s been a changed woman these past couple of months.”

  Harrison pushed the door open and held it for her. “But she had bad news today.”

  Tessa gave him a puzzled look as she ducked under his arm. “What’s happened?”

  “Dad’s got a bad strain of ‘flu and can’t travel, which means they won’t be spending Christmas with my sisters.”

  “Oh… she’d been so looking forward to it.” Tessa’s voice softened. “I’ll have to call her.”

  “Mum would appreciate that.” Harrison followed Tessa to her office and leaned on the door-frame, his hands shoved into the large pockets of the white lab coat he’d just slipped on. “But there’s one good thing that’s come of it.”

  “What’s that?” Tessa placed her brief case on the desk and clicked it open.

  “Zoe and I will get to spend Christmas with Mum and Dad.”

  “Well, that is good news. I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful day.” The smile Tessa gave him, although sincere, held a tinge of sadness. How thoughtless he’d been. Of course she and Ben would be dreading Christmas with Jayden missing.

  “I’m sorry Tessa, I didn’t think.”

  “It’s okay, Harrison. I’m glad for you. It’s not your fault Jayden’s not talking to us.”

  “I know, but it must be hard.”

  Tessa drew in a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, but we’re dealing with it.” Her voice sounded fragile. “Anyway, we both have work to do.” She blew her nose and gave him a half smile. Probably the best she could manage under the circumstances.

  Chloe balanced her bouncy one-year-old son, Lachlan, in one arm and struggled to adjust the restaurant highchair in the other. A young male waiter set down his tray of dishes and stepped over to help. “Thank you so much.” Chloe smiled at him as she slipped Lachlan into the chair, untangling his hands from her hair.

  “No problem, ma’am. It’s my job to lend a hand,” the waiter replied. The name tag on his black, yellow-trimmed uniform identified him as Rhett. “Let me take your coat and I’ll be back in a minute to take your order.”

  “Oh, there’s no need to rush, I’m waiting on my sister.” Chloe set down her brown tote bag, unbuttoned her plaid wool coat and handed it to the waiter. “I’ll wait until she arrives to order.”

  “As you wish, ma’am. Whenever you’re ready, just let me know.” Rhett handed Chloe a menu and gently pinched Lachlan’s tiny nose as he left their table. Looking over his shoulder, he pointed his finger playfully at the baby. “Behave yourself for your mum, little one.”

  Lachlan burst into laughter and clapped his hands. Her son’s merry spirit put a smile on Chloe’s face as she settled into her seat and perused the menu. Several new appetizers, desserts, and children’s meals had been added since she and Sophie had eaten at Rosy’s Cafe. Being their favourite cafe, they used to frequent the place at least once every week, but the arrival of their babies had caused them to cut back. The sisters were now eating out again for the first time since the birth of Sophie’s baby girl, Lara-Katie, six months back.

  “Chloe!” Sophie called eagerly from across the restaurant floor and waved. She hurriedly made her way through the maze of tables and dining customers and embraced her sister. “How are you?”

  “Just fine.” Chloe squeezed her tight and then held her at arm’s length. “You’ve got rid of your baby fat already. How did you do it so quickly?”

  Sophie made a face as they took their seats. “Cardio.” She brushed back some loose strands of her reddish blonde hair. “I hate it, but it’s worth it.” She blew a kiss to Lachlan.

  “Where’s Lara-Katie? I was looking forward to holding my niece again.”

  “I wanted to bring her, but I ended up leaving her home with the nanny.” Sophie yawned. “She was awake most of the night and didn’t fall asleep until sometime this morning. She’s tired and so am I.” She touched Chloe’s arm lightly and met her sister’s eyes. “But I couldn’t miss lunch with you again, Chlo. I’ll catch a nap later.”

  “You’d better. She’ll probably have you up again tonight. Seems like she’s a night owl.” Chloe chuckled and leaned back in her chair as Rhett returned to the table.

  He took their orders and then the sisters continued talking while they waited for their meals to arrive.

  “Pity about Mum and Dad cancelling.” Sophie sighed as she poured another glass of water.

  Chloe nodded. “Yes. Mum sounded very sad about it. She was so looking forward to seeing the babies.” She released a sad sigh as she held her finger out for Lachlan to grab hold of. “I feel so sorry for them. Even Alastair was looking forward to their visit and playing some rounds of golf with Dad, although I’m not sure how much they would have gotten in. Did you hear the forecast this morning?”

  Sophie raised an eyebrow.

  Of course Sophie wouldn’t have heard the forecast—she didn’t have time to listen to the news. “They were saying a snow storm’s expected to blow in any day now.”

  “Well, it’ll be nice to have a white Christmas. Pity Mum and Dad will miss it.” Sophie took a sip of her water and then wrapped her hands around the glass.

  “Yes, they’ll be sweltering again in the heat.”

  “I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like to wake up to a day without rain or fog or snow.” Sophie glanced out the window. “This weather’s almost enough to cause human hibernation.”

  Chloe chuckled as she grabbed a napkin to wipe Lachlan’s face. She'd brought oatmeal and banana cookies for him to eat but somehow he'd managed to get more on the outside of his face than on the inside.

  Chloe scrunched up the napkin and then lifted her head, meeting Sophie’s gaze. A thought had flitted through her mind. Was Sophie thinking the same? It often happened, even now. Chloe arched an eyebrow. “Thinking the same as me?”

  Sophie nodded, a playful grin forming on her face. “Probably…”

  “Okay, you go first.”

&n
bsp; “Well, I’m not sure it’ll work since it’s such short notice.” Sophie paused, twiddling her glass in her hand. “But since Mum and Dad can’t come here for Christmas, maybe we could fly home instead and have Christmas there?”

  “Exactly what I was just thinking.” Chloe leaned forward, her mind racing. “I think we should make it happen, Soph. We’ll pack up everyone and all our gifts and turn up on Christmas Eve unannounced. What a surprise that would be for them!”

  “Should we clue Harrison in on it?” Sophie angled her head.

  “Probably, especially now he and Mum and Dad are talking again.”

  “Great. All we have to do now is convince our husbands.” Sophie’s shoulders slumped.

  “Alastair will jump at it. He hates this cold weather.” Chloe laughed.

  “Not too sure about Angus.” Sophie drew a deep breath.

  “He’ll be all right, Soph. You’ll convince him.”

  Sophie shrugged. “I’ll try.”

  Both girls looked up as Rhett delivered their meals, Chicken and Leek soup for Chloe, and a ham and cheese toasted sandwich for Sophie.

  After finishing their meals, they thanked and tipped the waiter, donned their jackets, bundled Lachlan up, and headed outside. Chloe shivered as a blast of cold wind slapped her face. She eyed the grey, gloomy sky. “Looks like we’re going to be in for a blizzard, not just a mild snow storm.”

  Sophie slipped the hood of her jacket onto her head and peered at the sky. “I think you’re right, Chlo.” She leaned in to give Chloe and Lachlan a goodbye hug.

  Chloe returned Sophie’s hug. “I’ll call once I’ve spoken to Harrison and Alastair.”

  “Thanks. Wish me luck with Angus!”

  “He’ll be fine.” Chloe gave Sophie a reassuring smile. “I’m really excited about pulling this off, Soph.”