Mistletoe and Magic by Carolyn Hughey, Gina Ardito

Vicki’s mother.
    “I’m Valerie James,” she said. “Jenny’s more than welcome to join us on Wednesday afternoon if you’re okay with it.”
    “Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
    “You didn’t. Vicki is always talking about Jenny. I know she’d really love having her tag along.”
    “Well, if you’re sure. I know Jenny would like it too.” Mallory’s cell phone rang. “Excuse me, I need to get this.” It was AJ. Wait. When had he left the shop?
    “I miss you,” he said. “I told you we could work this out. I wish I didn’t have to wait until later, but I don’t want to be overbearing with your daughters around.”
    “Oh, AJ, please don’t get too excited. This is a good day for her, but she can be just as nasty as nice.”
    “I understand, but I just wanted to reconfirm that we can work this out. I love you, Mallory Gardner,” he said, and the phone went dead.
    Butterflies danced in her stomach. He was a man who knew how to treat a woman. Did she dare feel confident about the way Jenny had responded to him today? Or the way AJ vowed to love her? She’d suffered a lot of disappointment in her life, and although she had strong shoulders, she didn’t think she could let herself go on this one. She’d be devastated if she allowed herself to get involved only to find out he would leave too.

 
     
    CHAPTER FIFTEEN
     
     
    Mallory was closing up the shop when Jenny came to her. “Mom, I thought I should tell you that I spoke to Dr. Bean today.”
    “You did?” She gave her a quizzical look. “Do you feel better after speaking to her?”
    “A little.”
    “So the journal entries are helping you?”
    “They are.” Mallory gave her an expectant look. “I can’t talk about it now. But I promise someday I will tell you everything.”
    She reached for her daughter and hugged her when Lacey came skipping into the room. “I want a hug, too.”
     
    ~~~
     
    AJ saw Mallory and the girls enter the park. When Lacey saw AJ, she ran toward him. “Hi, Mr. Miller,” she said, her tiny hand waving while he stood next to his aunt.
    He bent down. “Hi, Lacey. Did you have a good dinner?”
    She was rubbing her tummy when Mallory called out to her, but AJ held his hand up to let her know she was okay. Mallory reluctantly walked toward him. By the time she’d reached him, AJ was already introducing his aunt to Lacey.
    He put his arm around Mallory and pulled her closer. “You remember, Mallory Gardner, don’t you, Auntie?”
    She nodded, “Of course I do. You did such a wonderful job on my Christmas tree. Thank you so much. I was really surprised when I walked into the house and saw that beautiful tree in the living room. I haven’t celebrated in a long time. Something tells me I’m going to have one of my best Christmases this year, thanks to you.”
    “You’re very welcome.” Mallory pulled Jenny closer. “This is my daughter, Jenny.” She turned to talk to Jenny. “You remember Mrs. Miller, don’t you?”
    “You came to my dad’s funeral.”
    “Yes, I did. How are you doing?”
    “I’m okay.”
    “Would you ladies like to help me light the tree when it’s time?”
    Lacey giggled and jumped up and down. “Can we?”
    “How about you, Jenny?” she asked.
    “Sure. Just tell me what to do.”
    “Is that okay with you, Mom?” Becky asked.
    “I think that’s very kind of you to ask. Yes, of course.”
    “Okay girls,” Becky said, “I have a few last minute things I need to do like getting these carolers to start singing.” She turned to them “Let’s get this show on the road,” she clapped her hands together and the group filed out and began singing.
    Lacey was still jumping up and down.
    “Okay girls, let’s get out of the way and check out the other decorations. Look how pretty the sparkly lights look woven into the garland wrapped around the gazebo pillars.”
    Lacey was pulling on Mallory’s hand to get her attention. “Mom, Mom,” she whispered loud enough