Christmas Bell: Sweet Christmas Series, #7

By Samantha Jacobey

Life isn't always sweet, even for girls called Candy.

When Candice Parker married the love of her life on Christmas Eve, her romance with Gerald Ford became a family affair. Over the years, their network of friends and loved ones has grown as they faced perils great and small… together.

As the pandemic rages, the group they have affectionately come to call 'the bubble' trudges on, making their way in the new normal that has evolved around them. But when one member of their group falters, it could put the entire collection in harm's way.

This year, Candy will face the daunting task of holding their lives together. Keeping the peace has never been her strong suit, but when Bella needs her most, Candy will give it her best to be there for her… and might finally find her calling.


Will the pressures of an unplanned pregnancy be a teenage girl's demise? Or can Candy help her mend what was broken in time to enjoy their holiday cheer…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lavish Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Dec 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781649000590

Book preview

Prologue

Candy wandered through the sea of guests, her fingers fidgeting with each other around her glass as she breathed. The wedding had been a long time coming, and the large gathering made her nervous after so many months of seclusion within their small bubble.

Sidling up to her daughter-in-law, Eve grinned. You seem a bit anxious, my dear. She lifted her drink, indicating the matching one that Candy tapped with her fingernails repeatedly. We’re outside, so our risk of exposure is minimal, even if anyone happens to be carrying. She smiled tenderly at the shorter girl, aware of how deeply her fears ran.

I know. Candice Ford huffed a deep breath. And they deserve such a beautiful day. Their matching dresses turned out perfectly, don’t you think? She smirked at Eveline, intimating the day they had spent in New York shopping for her own gown.

They hadn’t known each other then, and it had been hard for each of them to accept the other. But they shared one precious thing: Gerald. Gary had bridged the gap between them, and their family had grown and flourished around the bond he and Candy shared.

Spying her son toying with the desserts, Candice pulled herself back to the present. With a few quick strides, she caught his hand and lifted it away from the tempting spread. Uh-uh, precious. Those are for the guests. Normally it had fallen to Carol, as the nanny, to govern the young man, but this was her special day, and Candy wanted nothing to spoil it. You have to leave them alone.

Want cookies. He pouted up at her.

I know, baby. You can have a few, but you mustn’t spoil them. She pulled at the hand she still grasped. Let’s find Sis and play a game. Across the way, she could see her mate holding their ebony princess. They each had taken charge of one of the youngsters, and their cousin Bella was inside with baby Lane, presumably feeding, rocking, or changing him. At the moment, the infant was the easiest of the three to deal with, and Bell had jumped at the chance to have a few hours with him ‘alone’ as she had called it.

His eyes landing on his sibling, Dakota squealed, Joy’ana! Yanking himself free, he scooted through the bodies until he arrived at his father’s feet. Want play!

Shifting his daughter to his other hip, Gary offered his hand. Had enough, have we, little man?

Slipping his smaller version into the large, strong palm, Daks nodded. Woowoos, Daddy?

I think so. Gary leaned in to give his wife a short kiss as she arrived. I’m taking these two home, he whispered. We’re all weddinged out.

Yeah, Mom was zipping around in that chair of hers until about fifteen minutes ago, so maybe you can look in on her when you get there. And I won’t stay too much longer, Candy agreed.

Nonsense. Stay as long as you like, and we’ll see you when this is over, Gary urged.

Ok. I’ll be home later. Candy stretched to give him another show of affection, then watched until the majority of her family disappeared around the corner as they followed the familiar path from Carol and Holly’s patio to their own dwelling across the street. Deciding to check on their youngest, she made her way inside.

Sitting in the large rocking chair that occupied the living room, Bella held Lane curled in her arms. Her hair draped to cover her face, she stared at the sleeping babe.

Moved by the scene, Candy leaned against the door frame, remaining silent as she observed, until a loud sniff from the girl gave her heart a flutter. Bella, are you ok?

Looking up, startled, the teenager swiped at an escaped tear to remove the evidence of her distress. I’m fine. Allergies, she explained.

Unconvinced, Candy placed her cup on the table and folded her arms across her chest as she sank down onto the comfortable adjacent chair. Pursing her lips, she flicked her eyes between her son and cousin. Thank you for watching him today.

It was fun, Bella blurted. I really didn’t mind at all.

Candy grimaced, recalling that the girl spent most family events with her eyes glued to her phone. Not seeing the device, she pondered aloud, Nothing going on in cyberland today?

Uh, no, the girl clipped, blinking rapidly.

Sensing her anguish, Candy sighed. Well, I find that hard to believe, but it isn’t really my business.

Bella swallowed, avoiding her gaze. You’re right, it isn’t.

At fifteen, Candy’s life had been very different than most of the kids her age. Pregnant, she had kept her secret almost long enough to kill her. Whatever was troubling the young lady before her would probably pale by comparison. Refraining from pointing that out, Candy simply offered, You know where to find me if you ever need to talk. Stretching in an exaggerated fashion, she scooted to the edge of her seat. Want me to take him?

Can I hold him a little longer? Bella looked up with wide pleading blue orbs.

Of course. Candy stood, scooping up her beverage and preparing to rejoin the festive crowd gathered in the sunshine. He’s yours for the day, after all.

Leaving them, she made her way over to the snack table, where their hired help greeted guests. You make such an adorable couple.

Thanks. Holly beamed. I’m really glad I decided to go with the dress rather than the tux.

Tux? Candy blinked at her. Why would you wear a man’s suit? The idea would never have occurred to her.

It was just a thought, Carol explained. Some couples want to have a more traditional appearance. We decided to simply go with what made us happy.

I’m glad you did, Candy agreed with a giggle. You look amazing. Your vows made me weep, and everything turned out perfectly.

Worth the wait, Holly agreed, leaning against her new wife. They had weathered a year of postponement and a full-blown pandemic to get there, but they had made it. Their lips suctioned into a brief kiss before she whispered, I love you, sweetness.

I love you, too, Carol cooed in reply.

A warm flush colored Candy’s cheeks at their intimacy. Spying Benjamin Monroe and Melody Castleberry across the lawn, she sighed. I’m going to go say hi to Ben, she announced, making her escape. But by the time she arrived at her destination, their family attorney and friend stood alone. Where’s Melody?

Ben rocked onto his heels, exhaling a puff of frustration. She left, he stated flatly. Honestly, I’m surprised she came at all.

Still keeping to herself?

Yeah. We skype most of the time. I’ve only gotten her to meet with me in person a few times, he confessed. Cutting his warm mahogany pools over at her, he grinned shyly. But I’m crazy about her, so I guess I’ll be patient.

ONE

One Year Older

Candy heard the silence of