A Snowflake Christmas - The Elf: A Snowflake Christmas, #3

By Vickey Wollan

A Snowflake Christmas - The Elf is the third and final book in the A Snowflake Christmas series. All three are sweet and clean romance novels set in the fictional small town of Snowflake, Montana. Each book stands on its own.

 

A heartwarming second chance at love unfolds in the charming mountain town of Snowflake, Montana when a local shop owner falls for a newcomer, the office manager at the town's medical clinic.

 

Bodie's main goal in life is keeping his business, The Trading Post, open. It provides him with a purpose and a way to give to others. Teresa is a natural nurturer, but believes she's cursed and can't allow herself to love a man for fear it will cause his demise. When life puts them together, their interactions are always sweet and sometimes a little humorous.

 

Romantic attraction builds as Teresa and Bodie navigate the twists and turns of their circumstances and beliefs, which hamper their attempts at finding love. When all of Snowflake gets together for its annual Twelve Days of Christmas celebration, their relationship becomes the talk of the town.

 

Bodie and Teresa are pushed together. Then pulled apart. And then…

 

Amid the sparkle of the Christmas season, will these two ever find their happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vickey Wollan
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781735534046

Vickey Wollan

Vickey Wollan has written for business publications, but is excited to embark on her long-awaited romance writing journey. Her stories are designed to transport readers to a less stressful portion of their day and leave them with a feeling of awe. Her work is now published in six fiction books including a completed three-novel series. The Christmas season is the backdrop for Vickey’s earlier stories because most people allow their inner-child to roam and their innate generosity to ooze at that time of year. She has now branched out beyond holiday stories, but her writing will remain sweet and clean. Originally from Ohio, she moved to Florida in the late Eighties. But, there’s something about a white Christmas that fills her heart with joy. She draws from her vivid imagination while creating characters that come to life in plots that will keep readers guessing, but leave them with a happily ever after. With a background in healthcare and wellness she hopes to intertwine her past skills with her longing to write in a way that sooths the nerves and reminds folks there is still good to be found in our fast-paced world. Vickey uses experiences from her trips to our country’s National Parks with her husband to create authentic outdoor settings that will come to life in the reader’s mind. Thank you for your curiosity and interest in Vickey Wollan’s creations. Please check back often for her most recent story that it might help you find reading that relaxes.

Book preview

A Snowflake Christmas - The Elf

Vickey Wollan

Copyright © 2022 Vickey Wollan

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locals is entirely coincidental.

To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

Learn more about Vickey Wollan at:

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ISBN: 978-1-7355340-4-6

To Paul…

The best partner in life and business. Your unwavering support feeds my creativity. I’m so thankful to be taking this journey with you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This novel completes my first contemporary romance series. I hope reading my work brings you as much joy as I found while creating it.

My critique partners mean the world to me: Leah Miles and Maggie FitzRoy. Authors often reach out to others for help or feedback. You always answer the call.

A special thank you goes to Emily Harmston, Editor.

I can’t begin to thank Abigail Owen of Authors on a Dime for creating gorgeous covers for the series: A Snowflake Christmas – The Elf, A Snowflake Christmas – The Nutcracker, and A Snowflake Christmas.

Stacey Johnson Photography was an expert at capturing my playful and carefree self for my author headshot and social media profile pictures.

First Coast Romance Writers provided more knowledge and support than I can describe. The members of this organizations are nurturing and generous beyond words including: Leah Miles, Maggie FitzRoy, Lia Davis, Libby Ann Jackson, Debby Grahl, Melody Johnson, Elise Darby, Barbara Whitaker, Karen Renee, Marie Long, Sara Walker, Gloria Ferguson, Abigail Sharpe, Laura Salas, P.K. Brent, Candese Nieves, Jolene MacFadden, Kari Lemor, C.L. Thomas, Alyssa Day and too many more to name.

My family and friends provided unwavering support and encouragement. Special thanks to my beta readers: Diane and Bonnie. Thank you to my parents and sister for helping me believe that I can accomplish anything. My highest gratitude goes to my husband. He allowed me to follow my dream and gave me a boost every time I needed one. Your love is the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

Again, thank you so much to one and all.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

About Vickey Wollan

Other Books by Vickey Wollan

Connect with Vickey Wollan

Chapter One

SNOWFLAKE, MONTANA, WHITEFISH MOUNTAINS

Congrats on making it official.

Teresa Garcia’s jaw dropped. She sat at a center table at the Snowflake Café, staring at a man she’d never met. It was just after Thanksgiving, a freshly cut Lodgepole pine tree waited to be decorated in the corner, and a few locals occupied their usual well-varnished wooden booths.

Her lunch companion, Bodaway Crow, known to everyone as Bodie, replied in his customarily direct, no drama tone. Ralph, I don’t think you understand what you’re seeing.

You’re busted. I caught you trying to impress your pretty lady. Ralph pulled on his elastic suspenders and chuckled. We’ve been pals a long time, remember?

Teresa put down her fork and wiped her mouth with her napkin. Snowflake, while growing, still had a small population. The connection between Bodie and Ralph wasn’t that of some new customer who’d just moved to town.

She didn’t dare say a word. Instead, she arranged her face in a mannerly smile, hoping Ralph had other places he needed to be.

Teresa, this is Ralph Gastineau. He’s a naturalist who lives in the outback and rarely comes to town. Bodie acted like his description clarified everything. He took a big bite of his buffalo burger and glared at Ralph.

I’m here to drop off my handmade toys for the café’s gift shop. Ralph beamed as he lowered the heavy sack from his shoulder and opened the drawstring.

Teresa hoped the talk of toys would cut the unease that hung thick in the air. I have a nine-month-old granddaughter. Any Christmas gifts for her?

Of course. Ralph rifled through his collection and pulled out a teething rattle. Here. What do you think of this for the little lady?

She grasped the smooth, solid ring interlaced with a loop of small beads and shook it. The sound of the wooden bobbles clacked, making her giggle. Seleste will love it. How much?

Oh, no charge for Bodie’s gal. He’s been more than good to me. As quickly as he’d swooped into her life, Ralph gathered his belongings and headed to the gift shop through the interior doorway adjacent to the cafe.

Teresa couldn’t bring herself to look in Bodie’s direction, but she was pretty sure she heard the splat of his burger dropping onto his plate. Something about Ralph’s presence had upset him. In her experience, most people ate more when stressed. Bodie was the opposite. He pushed away his plate when he got stressed. It was like he wouldn’t let himself eat.

Bodie’s reputation centered on being the guy who helped everyone, including being able to see past their misinterpretation of each other. She needed to uncover the historical connection between the two men.

For the last several years, she and Bodie had been in a platonic relationship. Actually, relationship wasn’t the right word. A mutually agreeable companionship, maybe? Bodie didn’t date. Hadn’t ever dated. Well, she’d never seen him on a date. There were very few places to take a date in Snowflake. If you were a local on a date, you’d be seen.

She definitely couldn’t allow a man to be a part of her life, except as a friend. Every man she’d ever loved had died way too young. Her grandfather, father, and husband had all died in their prime. Even her son, Alan, had almost lost his life to revenge-seeking drug dealers when they’d lived in Miami.

Almost five years ago, she had left family, friends, a career, virtually everything to move to Snowflake with her son to protect him. She had cheated fate for a while, but the thought of his potential death gripped her every day.

I’m cursed. It’s my cross to bear.

Bodie had more redeeming qualities than she could list. He was strong, loyal, generous, and a pleasure to look at, his long, straight, graying hair currently tied back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. She understood it wasn’t totally rational, but the chance that a romance with her could cause his demise was too great a risk. She hadn’t dated him and never would. They could have lunch or any other meal together. Everyone in Snowflake understood they were just friends.

Bodie stared out the front window. At what she couldn’t surmise. A light snow fell, and all looked well at the medical clinic across the street where she worked as the office manager. Her job allowed her to be close to her son, Dr. Alan Garcia, almost every day. She still protected him but kept that fact to herself.

Maybe the undecorated Christmas tree had Bodie distracted? The City of Snowflake’s Twelve Days of Christmas competitions would soon begin. He participated in almost every event.

It’s good for business, he’d said.

Teresa tried to remember what the café had looked like for last years’ Festival of Lights Challenge. Would Sophie Welch, the café’s owner, up her game again?

Since the recently married Olga Lund had reopened Christmas Trees of Snowflake, the local Christmas tree farm and all things Christmas gift shop, the residents supported her by either starting fresh or refurbishing their current Christmas decorations. Teresa focused on the window’s border of fresh pine branches with a thread of colorful twinkling lights running through them, the same beautiful configuration she’d seen annually since her arrival. Her gaze then darted to multiple red velvet bows and various nutcracker figurines on the shelf, about a foot from the ceiling. They encircled the room, which was interspersed with historical items honoring the city.

It seemed like an ordinary late November day. But since Ralph’s unexpected visit, Bodie appeared out of sorts.

What are you thinking about? she asked, hoping he wouldn’t mind her intrusion.

Huh? Bodie blinked, then shook his head. Inventory and ordering supplies. He picked up a cold French fry and let it drop again.

His answer was a polite lie, but at least he had spoken. Just then, Sophie made a pass through the dining area.

She’ll have the pumpkin pie, please, Bodie shouted to Sophie as was common in the café.

Pie coming up, she replied without looking in his direction.

Teresa fidgeted in her seat until no one was in earshot. Have I ever given you permission to order my food?

A cup of soup is not lunch. It’s winter. Woman, you need to eat.

Her body stiffened as it hit the back of her chair. Why did he talk down to me like that? He’s never done it before. In all my fifty-five years, I’ve never stood for such treatment. She did her best to contain her temper. Finding the right words to set him straight, she opened her mouth.

You’re finally a couple? Is it true? Heidi, Mayor William Jameson’s wife, shot out of a nearby booth and stood inches from her table.

Eavesdrop much lately, Heidi? growled Bodie. He jabbed his index finger in her direction. We’ve talked about this. Your gossiping ways tend to hurt people. You have a problem.

Heidi didn’t appreciate being scolded, especially not in public. Teresa had learned this the hard way and decided to deal with her with more finesse.

Heidi, she cooed in a singsong fashion. Is that a new scarf? I haven’t seen you wear it before. It’s beautiful. Teresa gave Bodie a look to try to get him to go with it.

It is. Heidi tossed the scarf over her shoulder. This was her trademark move. I ordered it online. It’s made of Irish wool and was shipped from all the way across the Atlantic.

Teresa’s lips tweaked up on either end in a satisfied smile. Get Heidi to talk about herself, and the latest gossip tended to fall to the wayside.

Oh, isn’t this forest green glorious? Heidi stroked the garment. These red and white sequins are just so cute. Am I right?

Absolutely. Teresa cleared her throat and nudged Bodie’s elbow.

He stuffed his burger in his face, his gaze glued to his plate.

I’ll see you at the garden club meeting tomorrow. Can’t wait. Bye, now. Teresa held her breath. Would she take the hint?

Sophie sidestepped around Heidi and another customer to deliver the pie and kept going.

Yoo-hoo, Sophie. Have you seen my latest import? The tassels on the end of her Christmas attire waggled as Heidi flipped the scarf to gain more attention.

With Heidi chasing after Sophie, Teresa leaned toward Bodie and whispered. People are going to think what they want. What matters is what we know to be true.

* * *

Bodie picked up his hot apple cider and took a long gulp. Too long. His lungs needed air and sucked in liquid instead. Right, he sputtered and choked out. He played with his fries again but didn’t eat them.

The last thing he needed was people dredging up his romantic past. His standing in Snowflake and as an elder for his tribe would suffer if the truth came out. Few folks had witnessed his romance with Kimi Swiftwater in high school. As fellow Snowflake natives, two of the people who did know had just invaded his private lunch with his friend who happened to be a woman.

Helping people is what I do. If giving up romantic love is the price I must pay to nurture my gift, then so be it.

This had been his mantra for decades. At sixty-two, that wasn’t going to change. His heart had healed well enough from shattering after his first love, but opening himself up to that kind of pain would be more than he could withstand. Personally and, more important, professionally. So, he wouldn’t.

He didn’t have romantic feelings for Teresa. Sure, he loved her like he loved all the Snowflake residents. They were family, and he thought of her like a sister. That was enough. She didn’t push for romance. That’s why he continued to spend time with her. It was safe.

If he had to give up her friendship to keep the Trading Post as the only supply store in town, then he would. Mr. Swiftwater had made a point of telling everyone that Kimi had married a better man. Customers had avoided him, and his boss had nearly fired him to protect the store. He couldn’t let a failed romance tarnish his reputation. The pharmacy, hardware store, and even the Christmas Trees of Snowflake shop had eroded his lock on the local market. He had dedicated his life to his store. Nothing else mattered.

Teresa hadn’t touched her pie. While she acted like it wasn’t sitting in front of her, Bodie’s stomach churned. His food was no longer appetizing. He deserved to go hungry. Ordering for her wasn’t his style. More like a defense mechanism to move the subject away from his romantic life.

As if she could read his mind, she slid the pie over to him. I eat small portions all day long. My five-foot-two self doesn’t need pie. She raised an eyebrow. You ordered it; you eat it.

But …

Your fries are cold. Eat the pie.

What? Sophie happened to be restocking glasses at the soda machine. She hurried over and reached for his plate. Your fries were cold? Here, let me get you a fresh batch.

No! they shouted in unison.

Stunned, Sophie dropped the plate back on the table and raised her hands like she was under arrest.

Sorry, Sophie. Again, it was like Teresa and Bodie shared the same thoughts. These words sprung from their lips simultaneously.

I’m going to eat the pie. Bodie picked up his fork and stabbed the dessert.

Teresa smiled. I’m not hungry.

As long as everyone’s happy. Sophie made a mad dash for the kitchen.

Bodie didn’t dare say another word. The pie's sweetness settled pleasantly in his stomach. Soon, he could get back to work and let this disastrous lunch drift into his past. He tossed cash onto the table.

On her next round through the dining room, Sophie swooped it up. Back in a jiffy with your change.

Bodie sat in silence. Teresa didn’t say another word, which oddly pleased him. Suddenly, the hair on the back of his neck went up, his body’s way of telling him someone needed him. A chilly waft of air whooshed past his face as the front door of the café opened. Emma, one of his long-standing employees, raced toward him carrying her young son, Lucas.

Emergency. Gotta go now.

He rose from his seat.

As she gasped for air, Emma’s chest heaved.

Slow down. Go where? How long? How can I help? He understood now. It was Emma who needed him.

This changed his mood immediately. His superpower had saved him. He had a sixth sense about people. He understood what they needed and found a way to provide it.

Emma boosted her son a bit higher on her hip. My sister needs an appendectomy. I’ll be in Kalispell for several days. I know you’ll give me the time off, but I need to find a sitter for Lucas while I’m away.

Teresa jumped in before he could respond.

I’ll watch him. Lucas and I are pals. She tugged on the leg of the child’s snowsuit.

Emma grinned from ear to ear. Would you? That would help me so much. I packed a bag for him in my car.

Teresa got up to follow Emma out the door but turned back to say, Per our usual pattern, the next lunch is my treat.

Then, without a coat, she went with Emma toward the Trading Post parking lot. There was something about a woman from Miami who had adapted so easily to Montana that she trotted across the street in the dead of winter without a coat. It impressed and amazed him.

Sophie dropped off his change on her way to another customer with a tray of food. He could go back to his happy place, The Trading Post. Just as the sun came back into Bodie’s day, metaphorical clouds found him again as his backcountry buddy left the gift shop, having finished his business.

Ralph made a beeline for him. Bodie wanted to run and hide, but maybe his friend needed him. That he could handle.

Did I say something wrong? asked Ralph.

Let’s go to my office. This place has too many ears. Bodie gathered his parka from the coat stand at the door. He and Ralph ambled together across the street, then a couple buildings north of the medical clinic. Neither spoke, which was just fine with Bodie.

Thoughts plagued him. My dearest companion just outdid me in the helpful department. He wanted to be pleased that Emma had received what she needed. His friend had been willing to help. That spoke to his character based on the company he kept. Then, it was like a hot dagger thrust into his heart. He had thought of Teresa as … his companion, not like a sister.

His chest ached. He couldn’t think of her in a romantic way. He wouldn’t let himself.

Chapter Two

Bodie stepped inside the Trading Post and tried to view it as if it were his first time in an attempt to improve the customer experience. He’d worked in the store throughout high school as a stock boy. After being promoted several times over the years, Mr. Esposito, the previous owner, eventually offered him the opportunity of a lifetime. He’d signed over ownership of the store in exchange for a sizeable down payment and a percentage of the store’s profits until Bodie cleared the balance of the loan.

Bodie always stayed within a frugal personal budget and paid off the loan early. For the past ten years, all the store’s profits were his to do with as he deemed fit. Now that businesses were increasing in Snowflake, he’d witnessed his own profits decreasing as new competition came to town. Not that he cared about his income. He had two employees’ livelihoods to consider.

As he walked through the front door, he re-evaluated how he could make his displays sparkle and shine.

Wow, this place has changed since I last visited. Ralph came to a stop beside him.

I was about to ask you to refer all your friends here, but you keep to yourself, don’t you? Bodie gave his lifelong friend a hearty slap on the back. My office is still in the back.

On the way back to his desk, Bodie straightened and repositioned stock on the shelves as he passed. Those habits stuck with him. He motioned for Ralph to enter the office ahead of him and tugged the door closed behind him. The ten-foot square, no-frills room doubled as layaway storage ever since he’d gone digital with his financial records. Shelving and a desk, that’s all he needed.

Look, man, I’m sorry if I stepped out of line at the café. Ralph collapsed into a padded leather chair and sighed. I haven’t seen you look so happy in years. Not since this place became yours.

This place may not be mine much longer. Bodie leaned back in his reclining office chair and put his feet up on his pristinely organized desk.

What? Ralph sat up straighter. You gonna retire?

I’ll never retire. You know me better than that. Bodie reached for a bean bag, tossed it in the air, and caught it. "New competition is killing my