The Christmas Romance Wish (Love, Laughs & Mystery in Coco Key #5)

14. Emmie

Emmie

CHAPTER 14

Holding tight to the helicopter’s safety handle on the wall, I say, “Okay, I’ll do it. Let’s go.”

Alex holds up another harness and shows me how to get into it. I get a pair of goggles and a safety check along with instructions—mostly to relax and enjoy the ride.

Not going to lie, I’m a little shaky, but Alex holds me securely. His gaze is reassuring. He won’t let me go.

And I don’t want him to. Not in the air or after.

After we get into position, he asks, “Ready?”

Breathless, I manage to say, “Ready.”

“Wait. One more thing.” He might not like flying, but he does seem to enjoy living on the edge, literally, as we hover inside the helo’s door.

Our eyes meet for a beat before Alex’s mouth presses firmly against mine, warming me through. I wear a wide smile, forgetting about the height and danger, feeling free and confident because Alex doesn’t treat me like I’ll break as my brothers have. He knows that I’m strong. He trusts me which helps me trust myself.

“All I want for Christmas is you,” he says.

“You’ve got me. Just don’t let me go. ”

He counts down and then we’re free-falling for what feels like forever. My brain is on overload, unable to comprehend what’s happening, yet somehow goes quiet. However, my body feels it all—the cold, the wind, the freedom.

Alex must deploy the canopy because the rushing air smooths out. It’s more of a floating sensation than a roller coaster drop that would make my stomach launch into my throat.

When we’re about halfway to the ground, I realize that the fear of heights differs from falling with a parachute and strapped to an experienced jumper. There wasn’t much time for me to anticipate what was going to happen, but I built it up more in my head. Maybe I do that with a lot of things. Perhaps I should try to appreciate anticipation instead of thinking of it as an enemy and calculating all the ways things can go wrong.

What if they go right?

When we touchdown, I’m shaking and laughing and whooping. Alex picks me up and once more, my feet are off the ground. These bah humbugs love him.

We kiss again and it’s deeper and longer than the first.

An elderly man emerges from a farmhouse, beaming a smile.

“Sir, Santa has a special delivery for you,” Alex calls.

Still in our gear, we disengage, and then present Tom Marlin with his Christmas gifts. He tells us that he’s over the moon. We chat for a few minutes.

Thanking him for his service, the rest of the team pulls into the driveway. Jesse knows the man and they motion that they’re going inside.

“We have to get back. Merry Christmas, sir.” With a salute, Alex and I say goodbye and get into his Jeep which Paxton brought. He gets into a car with Shaylin. Jesse lingers, chatting with Mr. Marlin. They wave as we pull away.

Like when we sailed through the air, my thoughts surge. “I don’t know where to start. That was amazing. Exhilarating. And so thoughtful. Did you see Mr. Marlin’s smile?”

“It’s the stuff I live for.”

“When I woke up this morning, I wasn’t expecting to skydive.”

“Stick with me, Emmie. Life is an adventure.”

“And there I thought living in the city was daring.”

“Hungry for lunch?”

“It’s only lunchtime? I feel like I’ve lived an entire lifetime just this morning.”

Alex chuckles. “I have to stop at the store to pick up a few items. They have a deli there with great sandwiches.”

Having seen much of Holidayle from above, I now know Wild Warriors HQ is on the outskirts. We’re getting closer to the central area with the lake, but stop a few streets shy of the main drag.

Wreaths with big red bows dot the columns in front of the country-style market with a wide plank covered front porch complete with rocking chairs for weary customers. But when we get inside, I realize it’s much larger, almost the size of a department store.

There’s a deli in front, but Alex gets a shopping carriage.

“I thought you said you needed to get a few items and grab lunch.”

“I do.”

He consults a list and then puts a bag of confectioners’ sugar, a jar of ginger spice, and a few other containers in the cart. Then we go deeper into the store.

“Just a couple more things,” he says.

I have to admit, seeing a man of Alex’s stature pushing a shopping cart and doing domestic things is attractive because it’s so out of place, especially given the fact that not more than an hour ago, we were in a helicopter.

He pauses in front of a holiday display. “Ah, just what I was looking for.”

Instead of looking at the décor and supplies, I’m studying him. I know much of his life story, at least during his time in the military, but there’s more to him. So much more. A hopeful spirit, a generous heart, and lips that could kiss the Grinch right out of me.

Alex turns his gaze to me. “What’s missing?”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re missing something back at the ranch.” He picks up a golden reindeer figurine in one hand and a pinecone-shaped mug in the other. “What about these?”

“You want more decorations?”

“I want it all.” But instead of browsing the display next to us, his eyes are on me.

Then, like a greedy raccoon, he fills the cart while I protest, but that only encourages him.

We reach the apparel section and Alex nods at the winter boots display. “Pick out a pair and whatever else you need.”

“I’m not going to argue with you about that, but I think we’re going to need another cart.”

“Definitely. I have to fill Santa’s sack for the church event on Christmas Eve.”

“Alex, are we on a shopping spree?”

“Christmas isn’t only about the stuff, but yeah. We’re going to decorate the heck out of the house and make some kids very happy tomorrow. Well, if you want to partake. You could be Mrs. Claus.”

And that’s how I end up in the dressing room trying on a beautiful white dress with a fitted bodice and a wide skirt that reaches the floor. There is lace, sequins, and tulle. Fur trim. It’s outrageous, a confection, and a delight. It’s what I imagine a young Mrs. Claus would’ve worn on her wedding day. I read a sign that says a local woman designs and sews them for the Mr. and Mrs. Kringle festival.

I peek my head out to show Alex, but he’s not there. From nearby, I hear the low rumble of his voice.

“We’ll be running another program this winter. Hit the website and enter your info. We’ll get you on the mailing list. Also, stop by HQ on Wednesday nights. We run a free seminar. ”

The two confer, so I decide to get dressed and surprise him with the gown later. Plus, I have hat hair which kind of ruins the look.

I follow Alex’s voice and find him by the deli where his stomach grumbles.

“Hungry?” I ask.

His gaze gobbles me up as I twirl the dress in my arms. “I’ll wear this only if you put on the Santa suit.”

“We’ll see. But next time, I’ll have to remind you not to shop on an empty stomach.”

“Isn’t that only a rule so you don’t end up at home with a package of cheese whiz and baking chocolate?”

“We have a house to decorate and gifts to wrap. Better fuel up.”

I thought watching Alex push a shopping cart and browse holiday décor was a nice tourist attraction, but I’ll get back to you after I see him wrapping gifts.

After eating sandwiches and with the Jeep loaded up, we start driving, but I’m not sure which way we’re going.

“Aren’t we going to go into town?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

It gets dark early during this time of year and twinkling lights span the street with oversized lit-up snowflakes in the middle. Outside the post office is a red “Letters for Santa’s Box” and a Christmas countdown by the town hall. In front of the fire station is a massive sleigh pulled by glowing reindeer with Rudolph at the helm. At various homes and businesses, wreaths cover doorways, lights trim roofs, and poinsettias sit on porches.

Soon, we reach the center which reminds me of an alpine village with cobblestone streets and snow-dusted roofs. We park and walk, hands clasped, toward the town square, passing secret alleyways twinkling with lights and Christmas magic.

Awestruck, I say, “This is out of a winter fairy tale or a movie set.”

“I thought you’d like it. ”

The sweet scent of roasting nuts and other Christmas treats fills the air. Walking past window displays and homes dressed in garlands, bows, and golden bells, it’s a feast for the eyes and spirit. Seeing how much everyone adores the holiday and comes together as a community fills me with hope.

“I thought I liked the city with all its activity, but this is...”

Alex drapes his arm over my shoulder. “Something special.”

“It is—and it’s so over the top.”

“Tell me if I’m wrong, but I think you like it.”

I drop Alex’s hand and cross my arms in front of my chest, willing my cheeks to go from pink to Grinch green. “I most certainly do not.”

“Actually, I think you love it, Emmie.”

I try to scowl, but all he gets is my bright smile as I lose my last stand, trying to despise Christmas.

Realizing Christmas won, Alex smiles, dimple directed at me. His palm returns to mine, and he says, “By sheer good luck, we timed it right. We get to watch the best part.”

Lifting my eyebrows in question, Alex leads us past a gazebo where a band plays live music.

“We’ll get the best view from over here.”

We stop in full view of the massive evergreen tree ringed with ribbon and topped with a star.

“Some towns do a single tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season. Holidayle does it nightly.”

The music changes and then Santa marches across the town green, er, the town white since it’s covered in snow, and waves at everyone.

With a “Ho, ho, ho, hooray,” the crowd joins in, counting down to the tree lighting.

A young boy wearing a knit hat stands beside a little girl with pigtails holding Santa’s hand. All three of their hands hover over a column with a button on top. Emblazoned across the front are the words Let it Glow!

“Each night, a different kid gets to help Santa push the button. And so no one felt left, out, they all got to help decorate. The lower branches, of course.”

My gaze travels up the length of the tree. After the crowd shouts, “Three, two, one,” it explodes into a rainbow of glowing colors in reds, greens, yellows, blues, and purples. It’s massive and glorious.

The little girl smiles and claps then looks around as if searching for her family. Her expression falls for a moment as if remembering she doesn’t have one. Then the older boy, maybe twelve, helps her down from the stage. I can’t help but think of my situation growing up.

We had a lot of fun in Coco Key, but there was always something missing. No matter how many treasure hunts Chip sent my brothers on, or how many mysteries he had me read, we never found our parents.

Afterward, Alex and I walk around the town square rimmed with stalls. Merchants sell handmade crafts and gift items, local clubs and schools host games and giveaways, and food vendors offer everything from hot chocolate to mulled wine, sausage sandwiches to giant pretzels, and loads of pastries and chocolates.

Alex’s hand grips mine as he points out items of interest and says hello to locals.

We reach a small shelter with a sign that says Jolly Trolley: Stops every 15 minutes.

Alex says, “Pax petitioned the town with a request to have Santa drop in from the souped-up sleigh and offer gifts to all the good little boys and girls, but maybe next year.”

“Let me guess, Santa’s souped-up sleigh is a helicopter.”

Alex chuckles.

“You love it here, huh?”

“It’s home. What do you think so far? How much do you hate all this sweet and festive fun?”

“Oh, I despise it so much I haven’t stopped smiling.”

Alex kisses the top of my head. “That’s my girl.”

Only five minutes later, we’re boarding the Jolly Trolley bound for the lake. We go through a neighborhood of houses each decorated from top to bottom. Some homes are stately with candles flickering in the windows and white lights twinkling along the trim. Others look like Santa’s elves had too much eggnog and went wild.

I quietly ooh and ahh at how cheerful it all is. The friendly faces, the waves, the smiles and the laughter are heartwarming. “It’s like living in a Hallmark movie. However, I can’t help but wonder who the villain is.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I say, “Wait. Is it me, the Lady Grinch? If so, I take it back. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun.”

“No, the real Grinch, the Scrooge, if you will, is Tad Tobin. Remember the developer who wants to level Holidayle Sleighbell Lakeside Hotel?” Alex points to a long building set back from the road that’s two stories and looks like it was once a massive home, extended to host more and more guests over the years.

I flinch when he says the name. “It looks so quaint.”

“According to Tad Tobin, that’s the problem. He wants to modernize it. The Wilson family is the Holidayle glue. I’m afraid without them and the hotel, this would all become a quaint memory.”

Should I tell Alex about the connection with my ex? “Tad Tobin sounds like the McGregor family’s mortal enemy, Gerome Glandman.”

The soft and frosty glow of my surroundings blur. It’s almost like I’m ten years old, all over again, sitting in my grandfather’s office while he storms and blusters on an important phone call.

Then I flash forward to my college years when I met Tad, and we had what goes down in history as the geekiest romance ever if it could even be called that.

Taking a deep breath, I’m afraid of what this might cost me, but I can’t hold back. “Here’s a truth. I know Tad Tobin. He’s half the mastermind behind the Marry Me app.”

I wait for Alex to respond. He blinks slowly as if frozen.

So I go on, “In college, we were in the same circle. Dylann, him, me, and a few others were discussing our dating lives. It came up that Tad and I didn’t have much experience. We were pressured into going on a date. I wouldn’t say we had sparks, but it was something...something that turned into us agreeing that if we didn’t get married by thirty, we’d tie the knot.”

“Did you?” he asks slowly.

“No way. But that morphed into us trying to be a couple and eventually creating the Marry Me app. Needless to say, we weren’t a match by its metrics or any other. Dylann calls him Tid Bit, but he’s more of a toad.”

Alex nods and part of me is embarrassed for having dated Tad. He doesn’t compare to the man by my side in any way, shape, or form.

“Have you met him?” I ask.

“Yeah. I thought he was part squirrel.” Alex gestures with his hand to his upper lip. “It’s like one was trying to grow out of his face. A mangy one.”

At this, I burst into laughter as we pass the hotel.

“The property situation reminds me of the one with my grandfather. Even though he acquired an island and made it into his personal paradise, then opened the resort to the public, he was very much about preserving tradition. While his business partner wanted to modernize and streamline with polished glass and sleek lines that later became the nearby Platinum Shores Resort, Chip was all about keeping things old-school, where individuals, couples, and families could spend time together, create memories, and get away from modern life. Not that guests had to do their own laundry, but it was very much a classic experience.”

Alex brushes his hand down his face. “That’s crazy about Tad. Small world.”

“I suppose. We sold the app. I haven’t spoken to him since that day.” With a glance at the hotel, I add, “I’d all but forgotten about him with zero to little effort. But not about the resort. Growing up there, I was an observer, always on the outside looking in, while families did exactly what Chip intended. Loads of families except ours.”

Too bad my memories mostly involve the lonely rooms and hallways while my brothers were off doing their thing and my grandfather was running his empire.

I just read, creating worlds in my mind.

“Emmie, we’re here,” Alex’s voice floats to me as the Jolly Trolley comes to a stop.

“Oh, right.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking about how today was the best day ever.”

“It’s not over yet. I have more in store for us.” Alex winks and with that, I snap back to the present, prepared to live my very own fictional romance, if only for tonight.

Tomorrow, I have to return to reality, and I have a feeling it’s going to try to take me kicking and screaming.

Maybe I won’t be on Santa’s nice list this year after all.