One Sweet Christmas (novella) Read Online Free Page B

ingredients and creamed the butter and sugar. The simple baking process that usually took 30 minutes lasted over an hour. Candi checked and double-checked her measurements, too preoccupied to concentrate.
    Why did she ask Jackson to play Santa? And why on earth did he agree? She never expected him to give in so easily. He wasn’t even fond of children. They made him nervous, which meant the kids would be just as apprehensive. His awkward actions might make them edgy. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all. She should have just signed the divorce papers and disappeared from his life a second and final time.
    She placed the large baking pan in the oven and set the timer for 10 minutes. While the cookies baked, Candi started a tray of vanilla swirl fudge, crushing the candy canes before adding them to the mixture.
    Maybe he agreed to stay as punishment for their marriage. She wanted retribution that night, but she shouldn’t have mixed anger with infatuation. They drove to the chapel and before she knew what had happened, they were married. Going through with the vows had been wrong, but Candi did nothing to stop them. Her obsession with Jackson had clouded her thinking.
    The next day, after her judgement cleared, Candi tried to do the right thing. She went to the chapel and asked the minister to void the wedding. He asked if they consummated their marriage, and when she blushed in response, he shook his head. The minister told her to wait a few months, give love a chance. If she returned and still wanted an annulment, he’d file the papers for her. Candi never returned.
    And Jackson never called. She guessed his memory might be foggy, but to not remember anything ? How could he forget their lovemaking? The heated kisses, whispered promises. The tender caresses and ultimate release?
    The timer buzzed, bringing Candi’s thoughts back to the bakery. She removed the cookies and placed them on a cooling rack before returning to the vanilla fudge. She stirred in the crushed candy canes and vanilla extract until the mixture was blended, and then poured it into a foil-lined pan. Using a knife, she swirled red food colouring through the fudge. After placing the pan in the refrigerator, she breathed deep, taking a moment to clear her head. Too much needed to be done, and wasting time thinking about Jackson wouldn’t increase production.
    Candi flicked on the CD player and turned up the volume. She reached for a clean mixing bowl, allowing the Christmas music to soothe her nerves.
    Thankfully Jackson had packed an overnight bag. Surprising, since he originally had no intention of staying. This stopover was meant to be a quick in-and-out. He should be on his way to the Bahamas, soaking up some sun and women. Instead, he booked a room and walked the snowy main street of Redford Falls.
    With darkness falling over the town, most of the shops were closed. Jackson roamed the town inconspicuously, not worried about being recognized. A light snow descended, dusting the handmade wreaths hanging from the lamp posts. Coloured mini-lights draped pole to pole, twinkling in the night sky.
    Many of the same shops from his childhood still lined the street. The pharmacy, hardware store, library, post office, convenience store, restaurant and, of course, the chocolate shop. New to the main strip were a shoe store, a pizza joint, and a few clothing boutiques.
    Each storefront was decorated for the holiday season. Sparkling lights glistened radiant colours across glass ornaments that hung from garlands. A few windows were hand-painted, while others contained figurines. Santa’s village, a peaceful manger scene, a family of snowmen, and a barn filled with reindeer could all win awards for their beauty. But in Jackson’s opinion, Candi’s window should be honoured with top prize for its magnificence and creativity. He was surprised he hadn’t noticed the decorations when he arrived.
    Fluffy white cotton formed the hills. Red and white candy