Her Christmas Angel: A Sweet Holiday Mystery Romance: Spirits in Waiting, #3

By Nickie Cochran

A Heartwarming Story of Love, Sacrifice, and Hope.

Clunk.

A small Christmas ornament landed next to her, and she knew what that meant. He was here.

Her heart began to beat faster as she looked over to the right. Then she saw the little boy. He was sitting next to her, smiling and pointing at the book she held. "You want me to read more of this story?"

 

After closing the Christmas store for the night, Julia encounters a sad little boy who vanishes right before her eyes. Soon, he visits her on a regular basis and she is looking forward to their nightly play-dates at the store. As their bond strengthens, he becomes like the son she had always dreamed of—except, he already has a family. Somewhere. Julia knows that if she helps him find his family, she'd lose him forever and be alone again. Maybe she can hold on to him just a little longer…

 

There's nothing Tony, a firefighter by trade and part-time chef in his family's Italian restaurant, wants more than to take the sweet and easily flustered manager of the Christmas store out on a date. But she keeps turning him down, no matter how hard he tries. She claims that she has to work long hours after the shop closes. But her eyes always betray her every time he asks her out. He has a nagging feeling that she is hiding something that prevents her from going on a date with him.

But what if Tony holds the key to locate the little boy's family? Can Julia find the courage within her to let go of her fears and maybe even open her heart to let true love in? It only takes a Christmas miracle...

 

If you enjoy heartwarming sweet holiday romances with a light and charming touch of the supernatural and a mystery to solve, then you will love Her Christmas Angel.

 

Note: All books can be read independently. However, since many of the characters will appear in the other books, you might enjoy them even more if you read them in order. 

 

Grab your copy now to find out if the little boy reunites with his family and if Julia & Tony will no longer have to celebrate their Christmases alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mountain Whisper Publishing
• Release date: Jun 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201055349

Book preview

Chapter One

He opened his eyes and had to blink a few times until he got used to the bright light that enveloped him. Did he just wake up from a nap? He stretched and yawned, then looked around, but couldn’t see far through the thick fog that suddenly surrounded him. When he looked down, he noticed his worn leather shoes on his feet. As always, one sock had slid all the way down to his ankle, while the other one was still pulled up to just below his knee. His gray knickers had a small, patched hole just below his front pocket. He reached into it and pulled out a little wooden toy horse. As he held it in his small hand, he turned it to look at it from all sides and frowned when he saw the horse was missing an ear. This toy felt familiar, but no memories came to his mind. He shrugged, then giggled when he spun in a circle and made the toy gallop through the pasty air in front of him. Hüa! Hüa-hop! he called out in glee.

The boy stopped spinning, and a little out of breath, he stepped back to keep his balance. He noticed that the fog had lifted and that he stood in a meadow on the edge of a forest. He didn’t remember ever being here before or how he got here. Mama? he called out, but she didn’t answer. Papa? he tried again—this time louder. Still no answer. He turned around to look for any sign of his parents but realized that he was alone, standing in the middle of the meadow.

His chest squeezed his heart, and his vision blurred as tears welled up in his eyes. All he wanted was to go home. His mama must be beside herself with worry. His mama. He tried to imagine her face, but all he saw in his mind was a fuzzy figure in a housecoat, one like she used to wear when she mopped the kitchen floor and the stairwell at home on Saturdays. Why couldn’t he remember her face? He tried again, really hard this time. Nothing. No. He couldn’t let the tears fall down his cheeks. He was a big boy, and big boys don’t cry. He swallowed, held his head up, and walked, hopefully in the right direction.

He came to a stop in front of a farmhouse. A black and brown goat with a bell tinkling around its neck was chewing on a wad of hay. In the distance, a cow mooed.

An old woman wearing a thick winter coat and muddy black rubber boots came out of the barn, carrying a metal bucket in her hand. Hallo? he called out.

The old woman didn’t respond. Instead, she called the chickens that were wandering around the yard and threw seeds on the ground for them.

Hallo! he tried again, louder this time so she could hear him. Maybe the woman couldn’t hear well. Can you help me get home?

The woman still ignored him. Hey! He picked up a little pebble and tossed it at the bucket, but it went right through it. Astonished, he just stood there, not able to explain what he’d seen. He picked up another pebble, and it also went through the bucket without a sound.

The woman dumped the remaining contents of the bucket in the dirt and walked toward him.

Excuse me! he yelled. He knew for sure that she couldn’t ignore him this time.

She didn’t even look at him.

Was she blind, too? Before he could jump out of her way, the rotund woman walked right through him with a whoosh.

He froze in place with his mouth gaping open. His heart raced. This place was spooky. He had to get away from this ghost lady and her chickens, so he ran as fast and as far as his legs could carry him.

Once he could no longer see the farmhouse, he slowed down to a stroll. In the distance, he saw a road with a lot of cars. Maybe it would lead him to the city. As he came closer, he noticed the cars looked strange. The shape differed from what he was used to. Their paint sparkled in the setting sun, and there were so many of them. More of them were driving toward the mountains, so he went where they were going. Maybe they would lead him home.

He couldn’t tell how long he had walked, because he was daydreaming most of the time, but he was in the city now. Festive wreaths with red bows and lights that looked like candles decorated the lanterns along the street lined with shops. Glowing stars and long, green garlands hung between them above the street. It’s Christmas time, he said, then giggled. Soon the Christmas Angel will come and bring gifts, he shouted, skipping and clapping, then he remembered a cheerful holiday song his mama used to sing with him. Maybe it’ll snow soon, so I can build a snowman, he thought.

But his joy was short-lived. He was still lost. Even though it was dark now, there were still people walking from shop to shop. For sure, someone could help him.

With renewed hope of finding his way home to his family and presents, he asked everyone if they could help him. The trouble was that everybody he asked was ignoring him. They treated him as if he didn’t even exist. He didn’t understand.

The little boy wandered on with his head hanging low. Maybe he’d come to a place that looked familiar. He looked up, then saw a warm glow emanating from one of the store windows of a large pink corner building. He immediately felt drawn to it. As he got closer, he could see a decorated Christmas tree in the window with hundreds of tiny lights, presents underneath, and toys all around it. The entire display was filled with Christmas toys, mangers, and Christmas pyramids. A fuzzy warmth spread from his belly outward. It was a cheerful and festive place, and it reminded him of the excitement of the holidays at home.

A customer opened the door to the shop on his way out, and he sneaked in just before it closed again on him.

He stood in the open space of the store and took in the view. Everywhere he looked, he saw the warm glow of lights, shiny Christmas ornaments, and wooden winter scenes topped with an arch of electric lights. He knew that this was where he belonged for now. It wasn’t quite home, but he could spend some time here until he would meet his family again. He found a safe and quiet corner and waited for everyone to leave the store so he could play with all the Christmas toys.

Julia stepped off the bus at the University Square. She grabbed her scarf and pulled it over her nose to protect her face from the wet, cold air that chilled her to the bone. For a mid-November morning, it was unseasonably cold, and she was thankful the Christmas shop she managed was only a short walk away.

As the bus left, she noticed workers setting up the carousel and the elaborate vendor booths for the annual Heidelberg Christmas Market on the square that was kicking off on Saturday. Besides summer, Christmas was her favorite time of year, even though once the festivities began, it was also the busiest time at her shop. There was something nostalgic about the wonderful smell of candied almonds and drinking a cup of mulled wine to warm up. It reminded her of when her parents brought her here as a little girl. Both had passed on, but the memories remained.

A chill shook her body. She’d better get inside and make a cup of tea before she got the shop ready to open. However, when Julia stepped inside her store, she found a dozen Christmas balls strewn on the floor. She stepped back and inspected the door but didn’t see any sign of a break-in. Nothing else seemed to be missing or out of place, except for the occasional Christmas pyramid that someone had moved. She dropped her purse on the check-out counter, locked the door again, and took off her coat. With a sigh, she bent over and picked up the ornaments off the floor.

She couldn’t believe that Anita left the store so messy after closing last night. It was out of character for her, but then again, she was young and fresh in love. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere lately. Julia couldn’t blame her. She remembered when she was in love a few years ago. She thought Stefan would propose any day and they’d spend the rest of their lives together, raising a family. How blind she must’ve been not to notice until it was too late that Stefan not only had eyes for her but also for the millionaire’s daughter that lived on the mountain across the river. How could she compete with that kind of money or even the other girl’s looks? Her friends had told her she wouldn’t want someone like his kind, anyway. But he was handsome and knew exactly what she wanted to hear. She was putty in his hands back then, but not anymore. It took her seeing him kissing the other woman in front of a cafe when she rode by them on the bus on the way home from work. She should’ve known a long time before then that he was cheating on her, but she had ignored the subtle signs. It was easier that way. She should’ve dumped him a long time before she finally did.

Julia sighed and returned the decorations back to their proper place. She made a mental note to tell Anita not to be so absentminded when she worked the closing shift. Anita was one of her most reliable and loyal employees and had worked for her since she accepted the management position a few years ago. If she hadn’t been her supervisor, she would’ve called her a good friend.

Julia heard a knock on the glass door and saw a handsome man with a tall and slightly rotund woman peeking into the shop. Julia checked her watch. It was still five minutes until the store officially opened, but she let them in, regardless. It was cold out, and she would’ve been thankful if the roles were reversed and the shopkeeper had the heart to let her in early. She could get the register ready and the lights turned on while her customers were shopping.

Guten Morgen, she greeted them. We don’t open until ten, but please feel free to look around.

The woman pushed her way into the store and past her. Morgen, she said, then headed straight to the table decorations.

Good morning. The man smiled at her, somewhat embarrassed. When my mother wants something, she’s unstoppable.

Julia closed the door behind them. It’s chilly this morning, she said, then wanted to hit herself on the forehead for not coming up with something more intelligent to say.

It’s going to be a cold winter again, he continued the small talk.

Antonio! Where are you? the woman called from the back of the store. You know we have to find decorations for the restaurant before the good ones are all gone!

Mamma Mia! he said, exasperated, and walked toward her. We’re the only ones in the store.

Call me if you need anything, Julia said, then walked toward the back to get her cash drawer ready. So his name is Antonio, she thought, smiling as she carried the drawer to the register. She couldn’t resist daring a few glances at the two.

He held up a silver napkin ring. How about this one?

No! This will not do. It needs to be more… what’s the word… sophisticated, she replied.

Antonio shrugged his shoulders and returned the napkin ring to the basket.

The door opened again, and a tourist couple entered the store.

Good grief! She was so mesmerized by the drama unfolding in front of her that she had forgotten to turn on the display lights. She reached between a couple of light-up wooden table-top villages, flipped the switch on each of the power strips, and the lights spread their magic throughout the store. When she finished, she stood back and looked at the beautifully handcrafted woodwork and light displays.

Beautiful, isn’t it? said a male voice behind her.

She flinched a little, then she turned and saw him standing behind her. Julia nodded. I’ll never get tired of this. I think I have the best job in the world.

Just be careful with those power strips. Don’t plug too many lights into them. That’s a fire hazard. I’ve seen many fires that were caused by overloading the circuits.

She looked at him and raised a brow.

Oh, I should explain. I’m a firefighter…

Antonio! the woman hollered from the back of the store. Stop chit-chatting. We need to find candle holders. Now. I only have today to do the shopping.

Sorry, I better help her, even though it doesn’t matter what I say. She’ll pick what she wants, anyway.

Can I help you find anything specific? Julia asked as they approached the woman.

Antonio smiled. We have a long list of Christmas accessories we need for our family restaurant. We are closed for business on Mondays, and I have a day off from my regular job, so she wants to get all our table decorations today.

Which restaurant do you own, if you don’t mind my asking? Julia said as his mother held up two crystal candle holders and inspected them for scratches and fingerprints.

An Italian restaurant called Ristorante Mama Rosa. Have you eaten there before?

Her eyes grew wide. Are you kidding me? We used to go there all the time for family celebrations. I love your Lasagne al Forno! It’s my favorite.

It’s my specialty. He smiled at her.

Her eyes were glued to his. She couldn’t help it. There was something about them; they looked cheerful and happy. She tore her gaze away from him. I don’t get to cook all too much…

Antonio! I need you to carry this basket. Why do you keep running off?

Yes, Mama. I’m coming, he said, rolling his eyes.

She had to distract herself from this handsome firefighter and his special lasagna. In a few minutes, he’d be gone out of her life, anyway. Julia noticed that the tourist couple was looking at one of the wooden nativity scene sets and approached them.

How much is this? the man asked her with a strong American accent. His pregnant wife was picking up one of the tiny sheep.

The manger set with all the figurines is on sale for two hundred fifty Euro this week. Do you live in the area or are you on vacation? We could ship this to you, if you need to do some more shopping. Julia was used to tourists and military families visiting her store, and shipping the larger items for customers had been a popular service for years.

The couple looked relieved. You would do that for us? We are flying back to America next week, and our suitcases are going to be jammed full with clothes and things for the baby.

Of course. We will wrap it well for you, so none of the delicate woodwork gets damaged.

The man looked at his wife, who gave him a pleading look. Okay, we’ll take it.

Julia rang up the purchase, jotted down their shipping address, and stuck the shipping label onto the already-boxed manger set. I will send this out tomorrow, so you can expect it at your house in about two to three weeks.

The woman kissed her husband on the cheek. Thanks, honey! she said, and the happy couple walked out the door.

What an adorable pair, Julia thought, then moved the box aside. She’d get it ready for shipment when her help for the day arrived. Her attention went back to Antonio. Didn’t she just intend not five minutes ago to distract herself from him? Obviously, she wasn’t trying hard enough.

The sound of breaking glass startled her from her thoughts. First, she looked at the mother, but then she realized that the sound came from the Christmas tree. She took a few steps forward and noticed that a painted glass ornament had fallen off the tree and shattered on the wooden floor. Oh no! She walked back to the check-out counter and grabbed a hand broom and a dustpan, then cleaned up the mess. Usually, little children that couldn’t resist the colorful ornaments were the culprit, but this time, no kids were around. Maybe a breeze knocked it off the tree.

She dumped the glass into the trashcan and stored the dustpan under the counter. When she looked up again, Antonio and his mother stood in front of her. He lifted a basket full of decorations onto the counter.

I still can’t find the right napkin rings, his mother said.

Julia pulled out a catalog for her. We have some more variations that I could order for you from our main store. She flipped the pages to the section with the napkin rings.

The mother inspected each item. Julia was relieved when she found one she liked.

I’ll take fifty of these. How long will they take?

I can have them shipped to your restaurant in one or two weeks.

The woman nodded. "Good. Then we have everything we need. Antonio, why don’t you pay and