Remember Me at Christmas

By Debra Curwen

Andi has always loved Christmas. The magic, the surprises, and a precious music box she treasures inspired her to open her own Christmas workshop. Andi's Antiques is now a thriving business, and she sees a long future ahead.

But she hadn't counted on Mike who wields his charm like a weapon or his determination to buy out her business and replace her quaint, antique shop with its wonder of Christmas with a bar and gaming tables.

Andi isn't selling no matter how convincing he may be. Sure, there's something about the guy that's magnetic, but it'll take a lot more than a handsome face to make her give up on her dream. Unlocking her heart, though, may be a different story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: vinspirepublishing
• Release date: Nov 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005213732

Book preview

PROLOGUE

S

mall fingers nimbly placed a red puzzle piece into Santa’s right sleeve. In less than a second, a high-pitched squeal of delight filled the room.  We did it, J.J.!  We finished it!  Beaming, eight-year-old Andi-Kate exposed her protruding front teeth, endearing her to the older woman grinning from across the table.

Yes, we did, Andi-Kate.  And I can’t remember ever having so much fun.  The Widow Witherspoon, otherwise known as J.J. to her little companion, smoothed one hand across the surface of the puzzle.  Santa Claus stood with hands on his hips, admiring the toys and colorful packages beneath a tree adorned with classic ornaments and white lights. A roaring fire crackled beneath a garland-draped mantle, almost identical to the one burning in J.J.’s charming Cape Cod.  A light snow falling outside completed the scene of holiday ambience.

And what are we going to do with this beauty?  J.J. chuckled to see her young guest’s brow crinkle in momentary uncertainty.

It took less time for Andi-Kate to solve yet another puzzle.  I want you to have it, J.J.

Me?  After all the hard work you’ve put into it?

I couldn’t do it by myself. Andi-Kate drew in a breath.  I want you to have it.  So you can always remember me.

J.J.’s heart softened ever more at such earnestness in one so young.  As though I could ever forget you.  She stood up from the table and motioned for the little girl to follow her into the kitchen.

Moments later they were both seated again, only this time on the sofa where they enjoyed the warmth of the fire while they sipped on their hot chocolate.

A comfortable silence fell between them, one born from a friendship the two had cultivated over the past six months. Ever since Andi-Kate had rushed over to retrieve a loaf of bread she had dropped at the local grocery store, J.J. had grown quite fond of the child, finding her sweet and bubbly nature impossible to resist.  An invitation to her home to show off her collection of music boxes had quickly turned into a weekly habit, and J.J. relished the time they spent together.

Do you really have to go?  Andi-Kate sighed, flipping one brunette braid over her shoulder.

You know I do, my sweetheart.  J.J. stared at the expressive green eyes mirroring her own sadness.  But she wasn’t getting any younger, and she needed to return home to her own family for reasons she couldn’t burden a young child with.

As much as I love it here, I need to be closer to my family. To my grandson.  He’s turning into quite the young man.  I’ve already missed so much seeing him grow up.  Can you understand that?

Andi-Kate lowered her chin.  I guess.  It’s just...

What, child?  You can tell me.

Will you forget me?  Her bottom lip trembled ever so slightly. What if we never see each other again?

J.J. laid her mug of cocoa on the table.  Wait right here.  She tossed a grin in Andi-Kate’s direction and sauntered off down the hall.  When she returned, Andi-Kate’s eyes widened at the beautiful box J.J. held in her hands.

I have something for you, Andi.  Seating herself again on the sofa, she laid the music box in Andi-Kate’s lap, looking quite pleased.  You’ve seen my collection many times, but I don’t think I told you this one is my very favorite.  My beloved Randolph gave it to me on our honeymoon.

It’s so pretty.  After admiring her new treasure with girlish delight, Andi-Kate’s curiosity took over and she tried to open the latch. Her efforts were unsuccessful.  Is it broken?  I can’t get it to open up.

J.J. sighed.  I’m afraid I lost the key to it.  Or misplaced it.  I honestly don’t know.

Disappointed she wouldn’t be able to hear the song it might have played, Andi-Kate shrugged with acceptance. That’s okay.  I still love it.

I’m glad.  And like the puzzle will always remind me of you at Christmas, I hope my gift will always make you remember me at Christmas.

Andi-Kate set the music box on the table with infinite care.  And in a rush of appreciation, she jumped up and threw her arms around J.J.’s neck.  I love you, J.J. And I love my music box.  She planted a kiss on the woman’s lined face but frowned when she saw J.J.’s tears.  She stood back, afraid she had somehow hurt her feelings.

Why are you crying?

J.J. made no attempt to dry her tears. Instead, she cupped Andi-Kate’s chin and smiled.  "I love you, too, Andi-Kate.  And I will never forget you. That is a promise.  She winked, then added, What say we fill our mugs with more hot chocolate?"

Andi-Kate needed no encouragement.  Only this time can we have marshmallows?

CHAPTER ONE

T

he morning air was brisk on Andi’s cheeks as she hurried up the landing and pushed open the door to her shop.  Her boots tromped across the wooden floor while the anticipation of a busy Monday ahead filled her with joy.  She loved this time of year when the holidays were in full bloom.  Her senses seemed in perfect tune with every sight and sound dancing around her.

Dropping her keys and bag behind the counter, she slipped out of her jacket and flung it into a nearby chair.

Good morning, Andi.  The silver-haired woman approaching from another room greeted her