Page 28 of Once Upon a Christmas Carol

Carol and Maria had plenty to keep them busy on Christmas Eve day.

And even though Carol’s phone was charged now, Victor hadn’t called.

Her mom did though. She was surprisingly civil, only calling to wish Carol a merry Christmas.

Carol was careful to keep their conversation light and upbeat.

But to her surprise, Mom told her to wish Maria a merry Christmas too.

“How about if she calls you tomorrow?” Carol had suggested cautiously.

“We’re having people over today so she’s pretty busy.

” Mom agreed that would be nice and after they said goodbye, Carol resisted the urge to pinch herself and even double-checked her caller ID to confirm that she really had been talking to her mother.

Not wanting to give Maria false hopes for reuniting with her baby sister, she decided to keep the contents of that call under wraps until tomorrow.

Everything was set with about an hour to spare before guests were to arrive when someone knocked on the front door. Since Maria was relaxing with a cup of tea, Carol jumped up to get it. To her surprise and pleasure, it was Victor. In his hand was a giant ball of mistletoe. He grinned.

“Know what this is?” he asked with a twinkle in his dark eyes.

She nodded primly. “I believe I do.”

Now he held it in the air between them. “Mind if I put it to use?”

She held up one finger to stop him. “I don’t mind at all, but how about we clear the air some first? Then I’ll enjoy the mistletoe more.”

He lowered his arm and looked down. “Victoria?”

She nodded again, waiting for his explanation.

“Well, I had to take her home yesterday. Man, was she a hot mess! I was afraid if she drove herself to town, she’d wind up in a ditch or wrapped around a tree.”

“Yes, I can understand that.” She felt her spirits lightening.

“Then I got my buddy Graydon to give me a ride back home.”

“And that’s it?”

He shrugged. “Well, I thought I’d already made myself clear with her on cotillion night.

Actually even before that. I mean, I laid my cards on the table last fall.

I could never be serious about her. But yesterday I had to spell it all out.

” He seemed a bit sheepish. “And you’ll have to forgive me .

.. I may have used your name a bit out of context. ”

“ Used my name?”

“Well, Victoria doesn’t take no for an answer, Carol. She’s used to getting her own way.”

Carol stepped closer to him, softening. “Uh-huh?”

“I, uh, I told her that if I was going to be involved with anyone, well, it would be someone like you.” He half smiled. “Someone exactly like you.”

Now she reached over to take his hand, then moved the mistletoe up above her head, tilting her face toward him. He chuckled, then rewarded her with a tender kiss.

“Goodness, children!” Maria scolded from behind Carol. “Come inside the house and close that door. It’s like the North Pole out there. I don’t mind if Santa shows up, but I don’t want him and all the reindeer stomping into my house.”

They all laughed and went inside.

The Christmas Eve celebration was the most wonderful gathering Carol had ever attended.

All the friends and neighbors felt strangely familiar to her, as if she’d known them her whole life.

And Victor, sweetly attentive, didn’t hide his feelings for Carol around any of them.

Maybe that was why they accepted her so readily.

They ate amazing food, sang carols, toasted with eggnog and yuletide drinks, and when it was all said and done, Carol knew she’d never experienced a Christmas like this. After the guests had left, Victor remained to assist with cleanup while Carol helped Maria get ready for bed.

“So what do you think of Christmas now?” Maria asked just as Carol was about to turn off the bedside lamp.

“I think if I died tonight, I would die completely happy.”

“Good grief, don’t do that. Tomorrow is your birthday, not to mention Christmas Day. We’re only half done.” Maria patted Carol’s cheek. “Besides, poor Victor would be devastated.”

“Don’t worry. I plan to stick around.” Carol kissed her aunt good night, turned off the light, and went out to find Victor, who was just putting the last dish into the dishwasher.

“Looks like you got it all cleaned up already,” she said.

“Didn’t I tell you I’m handy in the kitchen?” he teased. “A good guy to keep around.”

“Not to mention the fact that the foods you and your mom fixed tonight were amazing.” She patted her midsection. “I’m still stuffed.”

“Well, we have something even more special on the menu for tomorrow. But it’ll be a much smaller gathering. Just my parents and me ... and Maria and you, if you can work up an appetite by then.”

“I’ll be there with bells on.”

“I’d like to see that.” He chuckled as he took her hand and led her to the foyer, right under the spot where he’d hung the mistletoe from the chandelier. “Let’s seal the deal.” He gently drew her toward him ... and kissed her. “See you tomorrow, darling.”

****

Carol could tell that Maria was still a little worn-out the next morning. “I think we should both take it easy today,” she told her as she cleared their breakfast plates.

“My thoughts exactly.” Maria sighed happily. “We had such a lovely evening yesterday.”

“I couldn’t agree more. And in case I didn’t tell you, I love Christmas now. I think what was missing was family and friends.” She grinned as she refilled their coffee mugs. “And really good food!”

“A recipe for success.” Maria tipped her head to one side. “I don’t want to pressure you for information, Carol, but I couldn’t help but notice that you and Victor seem to have hit it off.”

Carol smiled. Or maybe she beamed, she couldn’t really tell. All she knew was she was happier than before. Happier than ever. She told Maria how Victor had straightened her out about Victoria. “He even explained that his friend Jason never would’ve told anyone they were about to become engaged.”

“I knew it,” Maria declared. “I just knew it. She was all wrong for him.”

“I agree.”

“And you are all right.” Maria winked.

Carol nodded, still smiling.

“Except for one thing.”

“What?”

Maria frowned. “You live on the other side of the country.”

Carol bit her lip, remembering that Marsha expected her back in a couple of days. “That’s true.”

“Do you really want to go back to Seattle?”

Carol looked down at her coffee, swirling it around in the mug and thinking. “The honest truth is I don’t care if I do or I don’t.”

“Do you think you could ever be happy living here in Michigan? In a small town like this?”

Carol looked up. “Under the right circumstances, yes, I think I could. It’s hard to explain, but something about this place has felt more like home than any place I’ve ever known.”

Maria’s whole face lit up. “Well, you know you are welcome to stay here with me. Indefinitely.”

“Thanks.” Carol felt her head spinning slightly. Would she really consider staying? Seriously? She thought about her stark, modern apartment and all the rainy days in Seattle. It didn’t even compare. And yet ... how did one make a huge life change like that?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing. It was the landline, and Maria was already up getting it. Carol could tell by Maria’s responses that it was Mom. But Maria didn’t sound stressed like before. In fact, she sounded almost pleased.

“Well, that’s really nice of you, Rosa. I wish you and Ed a merry Christmas too.

” Maria paused to listen. “Oh, I would love that, dear. Come anytime. You are always welcome.” Another pause.

“Yes, I’ll tell her. I love you, Rosa. Have a good day.

” She hung up and turned to Carol with glistening eyes. “A miracle has begun.”

Carol went over to hug her. “I know. Mom called me yesterday too. She sounded different.”

“She wants to come visit. Maybe as soon as New Year’s. Can you believe it?”

Carol wanted to say no but nodded her head just the same. “That’d be amazing.”

“I’m going to go rest some,” Maria told her. “I want to be ready for Christmas at the Clarksons’.” She blinked in surprise. “Oh, yes, happy birthday, Carol. I completely forgot, but your mother said to tell you happy birthday.”

****

Dinner at the Clarksons’ was an incredible feast of stracciatella soup and cannelloni, some amazing red wine, and several other delectable dishes Carol had never tasted and couldn’t even pronounce.

The meal was followed by coffee and panforte, a delicious cake made by Antonia, which was lit with candles and accompanied with the singing of the birthday song.

“This is all so sweet,” Carol told them. “Thank you.”

“That’s not all.” Maria came out with a couple of wrapped presents. “These are for you too.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Carol felt close to tears. “I’ve never had a birthday like this before.” She took her time to open her gifts. Antonia and Larry gave her a beautiful shawl that was handmade by Antonia.

“That’ll keep you warm on a cold winter’s night,” Maria told her. “In case you don’t have a strong set of arms to hold you.” Everyone laughed.

From Maria she got a beautiful cameo brooch. “It was from Don’s grandmother,” her aunt explained. “I always wanted to give it to a daughter, and you’re the closest thing.”

“It looks Italian,” Antonia said as she examined it. “Yes, now I remember. Don once told me that his maternal grandma came from the same region as my family. Somewhere near Florence.”

Maria dropped her jaw. “I must’ve forgotten that.”

“It’s beautiful.” Carol hugged her aunt. “Thank you.”

“I wore it on my wedding gown.” Maria pulled back with a sparkle in her eyes.

“Right.” Carol tucked the lovely brooch back into the box.

“Okay, this isn’t much,” Victor told her, “but I was kinda distracted yesterday, and I never had time to go out and shop for anything.” He held out a rolled-up blue T-shirt that didn’t look exactly new.

He wore a lopsided grin as the shirt unrolled to reveal an outline of his home state, shaped like a mitten, and words that read “I love Michigan.” “This was my favorite shirt in high school.”

“I will treasure it always.” She held the soft T-shirt close to her, resisting the urge to sniff it.

“And this”—he handed her a card—“I actually swiped from Mom’s stash.” Carol smiled as she removed it from the envelope to see a Christmas card. He’d used a felt pen to add “Happy Birthday” to the front. Inside was a typical Christmas greeting, along with his own words.

Follow your dreams, Carol. But please don’t go back to Seattle. Home is where the heart is. Give Michigan (and me) a chance. I think we can make you happy.

Love, Victor

Still holding the beloved T-shirt and card, she jumped up and threw her arms around Victor.

“You’re right. And I think my heart has found its home.

As of now, I’m not going anywhere.” The others around the table clapped and cheered, and Victor held her tight, like he never planned to let go.

And she didn’t either. They sealed the moment with a kiss.