Free One Sweet Christmas (novella) by Darlene Fredette

at how easily the answer rolled from his tongue. ‘I always have. Unfortunately, I’m a little late acknowledging the fact. She’s done with me. You heard her tonight. Candi wants me out of her life.’
    ‘I’m not so sure about that. Candice stopped by earlier today and told me you were leaving. I was instructed to put my foolish pride aside and talk to you before it was too late. A woman doesn’t approach a man’s family unless she cares.’
    Could his father be right? Jackson’s heart skipped a beat. ‘I don’t know how to make things better with her. She’s really pissed.’
    ‘Well, I know just the person you should talk to. Your mother is an expert at making me grovel when I’ve done something wrong.’
    They laughed and stood up from the porch swing. Jackson picked up the firewood as his father opened the front door.
    ‘Hey, have you seen the ski lift model Candice created in the chocolate shop window?’ Tim asked.
    Jackson stepped inside the house, the smell of apple pie wafting past his nose.
    Candi put the finishing touches on the cherry mice. Pointy chocolate kisses for the faces, cherry licorice tails, almond slices for ears, and bright, red candy eyes. Baking usually took her mind off her problems, but after exhausting all the supplies at the inn, she still couldn’t forget about Jackson. He was probably soaking up the sun in the Bahamas about now.
    ‘They look too good to eat.’ Violet entered the kitchen. ‘Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding in here to avoid Colin?’
    Candi passed the tray of cherry mice to Violet. ‘I’m still mad at him for letting Jackson pay my loan. He should have come to me first.’
    ‘Colin never intended to upset you. And in your brother’s defence, he thought Jackson had already spoken to you about transferring the funds from his account to yours.’ Violet put her free arm around Candi’s shoulders and guided her into the main living room. ‘It’s Christmas Eve. The children are napping. It’s time for the adults to unwind with a glass of warm cider.’
    With Candi and Colin’s parents down south for the winter, they usually gathered at the inn on Christmas Eve to celebrate the festivities with Violet and Sam. Joseph and his family always stopped by for a visit. His twin boys were curled up beside their mother and Clarice was nestled on Joseph’s lap. They had just closed their eyes after exhausting themselves playing with the toys they received from Violet and Sam.
    ‘Wow, the kids will be disappointed they missed out on these.’ Colin lifted the tray from Violet’s hands and placed it on the end table. He popped a mouse into his mouth. ‘Yummy.’
    ‘I made a batch for the children to snack on tomorrow. And you can stop sucking up. I forgive you.’ Candi kissed her brother’s cheek.
    ‘Thank goodness,’ Sam said. ‘I don’t need any more drama. I’m still trying to get my head wrapped around this mystery wedding. And I’m quite upset Jackson didn’t ask your father for permission before marrying you. What type of man does that?’
    ‘Sam, can we not talk about this?’ Candi sighed. ‘I already explained. We were young and foolish, and made a mistake. Quite honestly, I’d like to never speak of it again.’
    ‘Personally,’ Colin began, ‘I think you over-reacted. Jackson just wanted to help. Why persecute him for removing your debt? Give the guy a break.’
    Candi smiled at Joseph, who chose to remain silent during the conversation about his brother. ‘Colin, please. We’re not talking about a few simple bills. Besides, Jackson is gone. There’s no point discussing the matter further.’ Candi opted out on the cider, picked up the bottle of wine, and filled her glass. A few drinks might help her sleep tonight. She sat down next to the fireplace, enjoying the warmth.
    Maybe Colin was right. She thought Jackson’s payoff might be a way to clear his conscience, but perhaps Candi mistook his generosity for ulterior motives.