Christmas on Madrona Island Read online

  Christmas on Madrona Island

  Andrea Hurst

  To Ferdie…my Christmas miracle

  Christmas waves a magic wand over the world,

  and behold,

  everything is softer and more beautiful.

  ~Norman Vincent Peale

  © 2017 Andrea Hurst

  All rights reserved.

  First edition printed October 2017

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author, except in the context of reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

  Cover Design: Rebecca Berus, 2MarketBooks

  Developmental Editor: Cate Perry

  Copy Editor: Audrey Mackaman & Cameron Chandler

  Interior Design: Sean Fletcher

  A Note to Readers

  This Christmas novella takes place a few years after the third book in the Madrona Island Series, Island Thyme Café. However, this book can be read as a standalone at any time.

  Christmas on Madrona Island

  “The Twelve Days of Christmas” played in the background as busy holiday shoppers swarmed the displays at South Island Gifts. Lily was intent on buying something for as many people on her list as possible. With her busy schedule, finding time to shop was difficult at best, and purchasing gifts online seemed impersonal for her closest friends and family. But as Christmas moved ever closer, she might just resort to that if she didn’t find everything soon.

  First things first, she thought as she caught a whiff of the store’s famous peppermint mochas with homemade chocolate whipped cream on top and generously covered with red sprinkles. She felt a twinge of guilt buying a mocha from someone other than her dear friend Jude at Island Thyme Café, but after all, the café was forty-five minutes away and Lily was here now. She needed the extra boost before her shopping spree began.

  Lily hurried to claim a space in the three-deep line at the coffee bar and took a deep breath. Lyrics from the background music drifted through the air. “Three French hens, two turtle doves.” Everything around here reminded her that the big Christmas Day brunch at the inn was less than two weeks away. The possible menus had been keeping her up nights for the last week. Game hens or frittata? Chocolate peppermint cheesecake or plain? With some guests coming from as far away as New York, the pressure was on for sure.

  “Lily, is that you?” a familiar voice called.

  She turned to see her neighbor, Shirley, hurrying over and joining her in line.

  “Sneaking off to shop?” Shirley whispered.

  Lily nodded. On an island this small, sometimes privacy was at a premium.

  Shirley squirmed into line beside her. “I adore their mochas. The calories must be beyond countable.”

  Calories were not something Lily wanted to think about right now. She’d been eating every holiday goodie in sight and had gained a few pounds.

  The line moved fairly quickly and soon the barista was beckoning them.

  “Next,” she said.

  Lily moved up to the counter and ordered two tall peppermint mochas.

  “Whipped cream?” the barista asked.

  “Do we look crazy?” Shirley said. “Of course.”

  The server took a minute to figure out the answer, smiled, and then turned to prepare their drinks.

  They retrieved their drinks from the bar and took a seat at a round, mosaic-topped table.

  Shirley sighed with delight as she sipped her drink. “Who are you shopping for today?”

  “My list is the longest ever with all the families coming, not to mention the children.”

  “Let me see it. Maybe I can help,” Shirley said.

  Fumbling through her purse, Lily pulled out the typed list and handed it to Shirley. She could use the help, and her neighbor had a good eye for bargains.

  Shirley reluctantly placed her cup down and reviewed the list. “You have half the island on this list, dear.”

  Lily shrugged. “Any ideas?”

  “Hmm. Men are always the hardest to buy for. But you’re probably not going to find any gifts for them at this store, and certainly not bargains.”

  Shirley was right about that. This high-end gift shop had artisan goods from local craftsmen, paintings, weavings, exotic plants, and home and garden items. The first line of business was probably to find a gift for Ian’s parents here, and maybe her mother. Then she would move on to another store.

  “Do you have a pen in that big bag?” Shirley asked. “Let’s check off the names that we can find presents for here.” She nodded her approval as Lily sifted through the list, making a few strategic marks. “That’a girl.”

  Feeling a sense of accomplishment, Lily laid the pen down and reached for a spoon. There was still a puff of chocolate whipped cream floating on top of the coffee, and it was soon in her mouth. “I’m glad you approve.”

  Shirley took a last, loud sip of her drink. “Finish up, Lily. Then let’s power shop. After we finish at this store, we can hit the Toy Palace for all the little ones.”

  Thank goodness Shirley had arrived. Between the drink and the now-focused list, Lily was rejuvenated.

  “And a partridge in a pear tree,” echoed the lyrics from the speaker above them.

  At least Lily didn’t need any of those!

  ⌘

  Kyla adjusted the cushions behind her for the umpteenth time, trying to make the couch more comfortable for lying down. Her protruding belly, and pregnancy in general, made it difficult to get comfortable anywhere. She relaxed back onto the soft cushions and propped her feet back up on the stack of throw pillows Luke had fashioned for her. The sight of her swollen ankles made her chest tighten. Having lived for several years with a diagnosis of Lupus, and even though she was in remission, the doctor had labeled hers as a high-risk pregnancy.

  “Relax,” she told herself. “All will be well, all is well, love is nigh.” She repeated her new mantra softly over and over, taking deep breaths between each line. A healthy, happy baby. Kyla imagined holding the infant in her arms, Luke beside her, broad smiles adorning both of their faces.

  A roaring fire blazed in their massive stone fireplace, thanks to Luke’s recent efforts. Except for a few candles on the mantelpiece, it was hard to tell it was the Christmas season. Lily had promised they would bring them a fresh tree this weekend from the Christmas tree farm and help decorate it and the house. Luke was hopeless at it, and overwhelmed with customers’ holiday orders for the winery. Kyla loved decorating and wished she could do more.

  Luke entered the living room with a large mug of hot tea. Kyla had formulated the herbal tea blend specifically for pregnancy, using red raspberry leaves, nettles, rosehips, oat straw, and, most importantly for fluid retention, dandelion. The taste was marginal but the effect was more than worth it.

  Luke placed the mug on the coffee table, then sat down on the edge of the couch. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you alone today.”

  His deep brown eyes registered concern, and behind that Kyla could see the deep love he had for her. Her heart skipped. Even now, just looking at him, she could hardly believe she was married to this amazing man.

  “I’ll be fine. You’re only steps away and I have the shop number programmed on my handy cell phone.” Kyla gestured at the books, cookies, and sandwich on the table beside her. “You have me quite well-stocked for several hours at least. Go. I have everything I need.”

  He started to stand but stopped himself. “Are you sure? I can stay if…” Kyla waved him off. “It’s so busy this time of year. There’s no sense for both
of us to just sit around. You’re just down at the barn. I’ll text if I need anything.”

  He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you,” he whispered and gently placed his palm on her tummy. “Both of you.”

  Kyla never tired of hearing those words. “I love you too. Now go.”

  Luke blew her a kiss before shutting the French doors behind him. Kyla pulled the down blanket up to her chest and tried to take a short nap, but all she could think of was how many gifts there were still left to buy, and that she couldn’t leave the house to go shopping. That left one alternative: shop online. The idea excited her, and she propped herself up. It must have excited the baby too, because it kicked just as she sat up. Maybe the child would be a dancer with those feet. Or a soccer star.

  She reached for the laptop and went to her favorite online shopping place, instantly distracted with the pictures of cute baby furniture on the main page. The nursery was full, she reminded herself. Luke’s parents had sent the finest solid wood crib, dresser, and changing table. And her mother and grandmother had sent hand-sewn and personally embroidered baby quilts and crib padding. Stuffed animals sat on shelves in the lemon-yellow room with white trim. Colorful animal pictures decorated the walls. At her shower, her friends had overstocked her with the cutest baby clothes, diapers, and an amazing stroller. Luke had fitted the car with an infant-safe car seat. There was nothing left for her to do, but the urge to nest was strong. The baby was supposed to be born at the end of the week, but there were no signs of being ready yet.

  Kyla scrolled through the baby items and found a little wall hanging with a duck being followed by a line of cute yellow ducklings. “You Are Loved,” it said. That was one that was definitely true; this baby would be loved, and by two parents who loved each other. She clicked the “buy now” button and imagined where the picture could go in the sweet room upstairs.

  The baby kicked again. Kyla rested her hand on her belly. “Hello, little one. We’ll be seeing you soon.” Her mind drifted to the hospital. At least now the fear of miscarriage was behind her. Luke would be right at her side, and Lily and Jude as well. She could almost hear her Irish grandmother saying, “May luck be your friend, whatever you do, and trouble be always a stranger to you.” Perhaps the baby would be born on the winter solstice, a powerful time of the year.

  Kyla took a deep breath. “On to the Christmas list,” she said aloud. She still hadn’t bought anything for Luke’s parents and she had no idea what to get a couple who had everything.

  Her phone lit up beside her with an incoming call. It was Jude making her daily check-in.

  “Are you resting?” Jude asked.

  “What else would I be doing? Luke won’t let me move a muscle.”

  “Good,” Jude said. “Can I bring anything over?”

  Kyla took a sip of her herbal pregnancy tea and thought about all the luscious meals Jude’s husband Ryan had cooked and sent over, that were still packaged up in her refrigerator. Jude had diligently delivered them for the past few weeks. “I’m just fine. How about you? Is the holiday rush at the café manageable?”

  “Crazy busy. I think every local and tourist within a thousand miles chose Madrona Island for Christmas shopping. Great for the local businesses, I’m not complaining, but Christopher keeps me hopping and barely naps anymore.”

  “So, ‘terrible twos’ is not just a saying?” Kyla asked.

  Jude’s warm laugh was a welcome sound. “I would say it’s an understatement!”

  “When is Lindsey arriving? She’ll be a big help.”

  “Not soon enough,” Jude said. “Christopher loves his big sister, and her help in the kitchen with Ryan will be invaluable. We pick her up in three days. But who’s counting?”

  “It will be a real family Christmas for all of us this year,” Kyla answered before saying goodbye.

  A sense of melancholy washed over her. If only she could shake the lingering anxiety over the delivery. Like arms folding around her, the comforting thought that her mother and grandmother would be there for the holiday, soothed her. The healing presence of her grandmother would be there every step of the way. Kyla wished they could arrive early for the delivery. It was only a week away, unless… She shook off the worry. Both Lily and Jude were mothers, her best friends, and on call.

  Kyla sat up and placed the turkey sandwich in front of her. Such silly cravings. Turkey sandwiches, smothered in mayonnaise, with coleslaw on them, on sour rye bread were all she wanted lately.

  “I’m glad to see you eating,” Luke said.

  Kyla hadn’t even seen him come in. “You checking up on me?”

  Luke leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Absolutely.”

  ⌘

  The kitchen in the café was toasty warm and filled with the hearty smells of garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

  “What are the lunch specials today?” Jude asked.

  Ryan pointed to the steaming pot on the stove. “Turkey dumpling soup, chicken pot pie, and spinach salad with a warm bacon dressing.”

  Jude leaned over the pot of soup. “Smells mouthwatering.”

  With a large spoon, Ryan scooped some off the top. “Have a taste.” He brought the spoon up to his mouth and blew on it gently before holding it up to her lips. She sipped the garlicy broth. “Comfort in a spoon,” she said. “My compliments to the chef.”

  Ryan kissed her square on the lips. There was something to be said for being married to a chef. The day Ryan first arrived at the café, her heart had raced at the sight of him, and her love had blossomed and grown. They’d overcome many challenges, but she knew the happiness they shared outshone everything.

  Little Christopher giggled happily in his play corner, which had been carefully cordoned off from the hot stove. Ryan had created a fun zone for his son right there in the kitchen so they could always be with him while they were working.

  “Brown doggy run fast,” he said, holding up his stuffed basset hound with the floppy ears and galloping it across he air.

  “Can you believe how fast he’s growing?” Ryan said.

  Jude nodded. “The play area you constructed was genius. Next spring he can go to daycare for playtime during lunch rush and be with other kids.”

  “As long as he doesn’t grow up too fast,” Ryan said.

  “Mommy!” A toy came flying toward them and crashed at Jude’s feet. The terrible twos were very different with a little boy, and Jude had to admit she didn’t have the same stamina she’d had with Lindsey over twenty years ago. But her love was stronger than ever. Even if she did have a few gray hairs appearing at her temples. She picked up the toy and put it on the shelf. “No throwing,” she said firmly.

  “I want my toy!” Christopher’s eyes began to tear.

  Ryan stood beside Jude. “You play quietly while Mommy and Daddy work and you will get your toy back.”

  Faced with both parents presenting a solid front, Christopher huffed but sat down at his art table and began to draw.

  “Let’s quit while we’re ahead,” Ryan said. He returned to the stove, stirring and checking his dishes. “When does our girl arrive?” he asked.

  Jude loved that he called Lindsey “our girl.” And she loved that Lindsey adored Ryan and her little brother. “Three more days. I bet you’ll be glad for the help in the kitchen,” Jude said.

  Ryan smiled. “I’m excited to see her skills now that she’s completed culinary school. Lindsey will probably cook circles around me.”

  “We’ll see,” Jude said. “That would take quite a lot.”

  “Order’s in,” a waitress called into the kitchen.

  “Showtime,” Jude said and almost bit her lip. After the fiasco with the movie shooting here a few summers back, that word would always bring back memories, most of them unpleasant. She shoved the association to the back of her brain and walked into the dining room. As she pushed open the doors, she paused a minute to admire the holiday décor. Bright colored lights twinkled around the windows
, and red and pink poinsettias made lush table centerpieces, complemented with tapered candles. Christmas lyrics lingered in the background, barely audible over the din of holiday diners.

  Jude spotted her friend, Grandpa John, sitting at the counter and waved. Even though he was technically Ian’s grandfather, many others claimed the name for him as well. She walked over and placed a menu before him. “Afternoon.”

  “This place is like my second home lately,” he said.

  Jude poured a steaming cup of coffee and placed it on the counter before him. “Chicken and dumpling soup today,” she said. “And I saved you a brownie with peppermint buttercream frosting on top.”

  He laid down the menu. “You do know the way to my heart. Sold.” John warmed his hands on the coffee mug before taking a sip. “Nippy out today. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some snow.”

  Jude frowned at the thought. “It would be pretty coating the trees and I love watching the flakes come down, but drivers get nuts around here with even an inch.”

  John laughed. “That they do.”

  The front door opened and they were blasted with a stream of ice-cold air. The writers’ group from the library lunched at the café after their meetings. All eight of them, followed by Audrey, the librarian and now almost-famous published author, piled in, chatting and laughing among themselves. They certainly knew how to have fun, Jude thought.

  “Howdy,” Jude said.

  They waved hello before walking back toward their favorite table by the window.

  Jude grabbed a stack of menus and went over to take their orders. “Hot chocolate or wine today?”

  Hands flew up for both then each named their preference. Jude went over the specials and scribbled their order on her pad before taking them back to the kitchen. Her new waitress, Dawn, handled the other customers. Even in winter, the café was full most days for lunch. Dinner was served only on the weekends this time of year, and to Jude’s relief, they were closing for Christmas for the first time since she’d owned the café.