When the owner of a Christmas tree stand, which benefits the children’s hospital, has a heart attack, a do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent turned lawyer show their holiday spirit and staff the business. Over the course of the season, the twosome meet the challenges of running the establishment and begin to fall for each other; however, when the revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.
“I don’t believe it.” Hands on hips, I stood in front of the large, white tent. No happy shoppers bustled in and out. No All I Want For Christmas is You blasting from a boom box. No holiday cheer at all.
Instead, I found under the same ol’ Axel’s Christmas Trees neon sign, which wasn’t flashing, a notice, which looked to be hastily printed and stuck on the tent flap with gray duct tape: Closed. Heart attack. And as an afterthought: Pray.
My stomach kinked into a hard knot as I hugged my tote to my waist. I’d been buying my Christmas tree here since…forever. Definitely since I was a blossoming idea in my parents’ mind. Mom and Dad brought my brother and me to Axel’s the first Saturday in December every year for the family tree. Who could forget the ensuing arguments over the perfect one—Mom usually won—and the joy of trimming it.
All grown up, I continued the tradition. Axel had the most beautiful trees. The stand benefited the hospital; this year, the children’s cancer wing where his grandson had undergone treatment for leukemia. He always-always-always stashed aside a seven-foot Fraser fir for me. Nothing spelled Christmas better than a fresh, North Carolina Fraser fir.
Now what do I do? Where do I go? Should I call Axel’s son and see if he needs anything?
She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA, and the DARA, Elements, and RWA-WF chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Vicki has a triple treat she will give away to one lucky reader…a scarf, her favorite movie, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and a Mikasa Christmas candy tray!! Comment on either her Monday Interview and/or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs for a chance to win. Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, December 24, 2012. Thanks, Vicki, for sharing your story with us!
Good morning, Karen, and thank you for having me back today! Is everyone finished with their shopping? I *think* I am. Going to start wrap-a-thon too. We’re having a nice warm, gray day here. I hope elsewhere is more fun! So I’ll put on the music, or a movie and get started with packaging the presents.
So glad to have you back this morning, Vicki!
I still have 5 more gifts to buy and i havent even thought about wrapping anything yet. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for stopping in, Kim! And, good luck with your final Christmas shopping. We’ve got a blizzard going outside my office window. Not a good day to go shopping in Denver! Have a successful day!
Two more stops! We have Christmas with our kids at their house the week before Christmas because Husband and I give each other a trip for Christmas. This year we are snow birds and flying away south for a couple of weeks. So tomorrow night we make a stop at my sisters and our youngest daughter’s house and then Friday morning we’ll be listenin’ to country music as we spread our wings and fly. Presents all wrapped and ready. Cooking finished. Oh, dear there’s still some house work to do for the folks who’ll be house sitting and taking care of the tom cats!
Wow! Busy holiday for you, Carolyn. But sounds like you’ll be having fun. Travel safe and have a wonderful holiday with your family!
Hi, Kim! So glad you like my little TW story. Let me know what you think. Merry Christmas.
Yep, I’m a bad girl. Probably the reason I’m not getting any presents. Naw, got a new knee and it didn’t fit under the tree anyway. 🙂 Hmmm, gift bags. A solution…if I didn’t have to go to the store to buy them. HeHe. Good thing I stocked up on wrapping paper last year, huh?
What a great excerpt, Vicki! I love picking out the annual Christmas tree though this year we have a fake purple one that my five year old son just loves..lol! I haven’t shopped AT ALL. I’m a Christmas Eve shopper. Seriously. I know. Scary. I do it every single year and it is a crazy, fun rush. We usually celebrate with eggnog by the fire afterwards. Sure is warm here in Texas though. I hope the temps drop.
Ack! Alisha, you’re a brave soul. I have hard time going into grocery stores after Thanksgiving! 🙂 You can have some of our lower temperatures. Currently under a blizzard warning and 22 degrees. Want some?
Vicki!! Love your sense of humor and your awesome purses.
Don’t hate me, but I’m done! Presents are bought, wrapped, and under the tree. This is the first time in years but woo hoo..feels good.
Hi, Carolyn! I love that you give the gift of travel. Travel makes the best memories too. Enjoy your trip.
You know, Karen, a new knee is something to be very grateful for. I know you are getting good results!! I swear by gift bags.
Hi, Alisha! who deserves a mega medal for shopping on Christmas Eve!!! I have never done that and am with Karen on barely going to the grocery store after Thanksgiving.
Hi, Jerrie! I can never hate you and love that you are one super organized gal this year. That means you sit back and watch the rest of us run around like chickies. lol Happy holidays!
Nice writing by a nice individual. Dare I mention just one more gift to wrap? Lights are twinkling on my tree and the Angel my daughter by marriage gave me. Good luck with your sales.
I love the excerpt from this story, but all the Christmas Stories hold a special joy for me! I am also a Junkie for the Christmas Movies etc.
Going now to check this out on Amazon! Just a couple gift cards to pick up and I am done!
Hi, Mari! I’m so blushing at your compliment. Thank you very much.
I just sorted my gifts and I could have sworn I had another big batch, but can’t find it. Yikes! Oh well, if it doesn’t turn up now, I’ll be giving throughout the year for…just because. Enjoy your angel!!
Hi, Jan! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. I had so much fun writing this story. And I love to write sassy dialogue.
I, too, have been indulging in Christmas movies, while I needlepoint a special project for next year. I had to start now because it is rather large, but totally worth it.
Have bunches of fun and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
I just saw Kim Creswell checked in too! Thank you so much, Kim, for posting today. It would be every so loverly if you could read Twinkle Lights and if you do, please let me know what you think. Happy Holidays!!!
I want to send you a huge thanks, Karen, for hostessing me on Monday and today. You’ve been awesome. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.
It’s been wonderful having you visit with us, Vicki! I can’t wait to read Twinkle Lights. I’m sure it’s awesome. The moment you have another story coming out you’ll have to join us again. Happy Thursday!