Page 1 of The Mountain Man's Christmas Angel
CHAPTER ONE
Jewels
“That’s the final shipment.”I said to my coworker Susan as I crossed off the last batch on my last. “With Christmas only a few days away, we should be good to go.”
“Perfect. Great job as always Jewels! What we do around here without you?”
I laughed. That’s a good question. Good thing is you won’t have to find out. These kids mean too much to me.”
“I know. Me too.”
A sad look crossed over her face, and I pulled her in for a hug. A few years ago, when Susan first arrived at the woman’s shelter, it wasn’t for a job nor was it to volunteer. It was to stay here with her three children as she tried to escape her abusive marriage. In the end, she broke free, got divorced, scored a job here since we loved her so much, and now rented her own apartment with her three beautiful babies. She made it far and hasn’t looked back since. But seeing others come to the shelter in the same situation as she had once before bothered her. While she didn’t always say it, I could tell simply from her readable expressions.
Susan blinked back tears. “I’ll never forget how wonderful you were that Christmas. My children were so scared and confused and somehow...” Her voice trailed off, but she didn’t need to finish. She’s thanked me a thousand times over the years and I always told her I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
“And now we bring more smiles, right?”
“You betcha.” Susan checked her phone before tucking it back into her jeans. “The volunteers should be here soon. Hopefully, all ten show. We’re gonna need all the help we can get.”
“Thanks. I’m gonna head to the kitchen for a quick bite of my lunch. Let me know when they arrive.”
“You got it. Make sure you have a cookie from the tray I brought.” Susan smiled brightly, the warmth reaching her eyes, the surrounding skin crinkling.
My mouth dropped open in mock surprise. “You made cookies? Yes!” I clapped my hands and bounced on my toes. I loved Susan’s baking. It reminded me of my mom’s, the baked goods leaving you feeling warm and cozy. She made them with so much love you could taste it.
Susan chuckled and swatted her hand my way. “Now they aren’t that good.” She teased.
“Stop selling yourself short, lady. They’re delicious.” I shot her a wink and headed towards to the kitchen. It was mid-day so most of the kids were in school except for the younger ones, and the clock was ticking to get these gifts unpacked, organized, and wrapped.
After a few bites of my sandwich, the chimes on the front door rang out, and I hurried out front to greet our volunteers. Sure enough, several people filed in.
As my eyes scanned the new group of volunteers, they stopped at a very tall, very handsome guy I’d never seen before. Here or around town.
Where had he been hiding?
His tall, large, buff frame stood out from the rest of the group. But what also stood out was his demeanor. He stood off to the side, slightly apart from the others. His wide shoulders sagged low and his hands, ones I imagined looking like bear paws, were tucked deep in his pockets. His eyes hadn’t left the floor in front of him since he walked in.
For some unexplainable reason, he drew me in and I walked over to him, determination in each step. A need to make him feel comfortable was so strong it almost felt unbearable and quite unbelievable. Not once in my life had 2 had such a strong urge to get to know a person.
“Hey. I’m Jewels. Thanks for coming in to volunteer.”
His head lifted slowly and when our eyes connected, the atmosphere around us shifted. I swallowed hard over the sudden lump in my throat as I dived into his brown beauties, losing myself in the sadness etched inside them.
What happened to you?
I searched his eyes and begged for answers, but he gave me nothing. Except for a few words. “Hi. Wyatt. Uh…” Wyatt ran a hand through his hair and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his throat. “I’m sorry, but I think I need to go…” His head turned towards the door and before he could even take a step, I reached out and placed a hand on his arm.
Wyatt froze in place, as did I, sparks flying up my arm. From the look on his face, I was pretty sure he felt the same thing. I let go of his arm, but the sparks were still there, a lingering effect I was sure I wouldn’t soon forget.
Who is he?
“Wait. Please don’t go. We need all the help we can get around here. We have cookies. All you can eat.” I grinned in hopes of lifting his spirit but still no smile, though his shoulders had visibly relaxed. “I know it can be hard taking a step tovolunteer. It’s a new space, and you’re not used to it. But trust me, you’re going to love it.”
Just then two-year-old Marley toddled over, her mom, Mary, not far behind. Marley stopped in front of me and lifted her arms, holding out her chubby hands. “Ju Ju!” Marley giggled, her brown curls bouncing.
I scooped her into my arms and tickled her belly. “Hi, Mar! How are you today, pretty girl?”
“Me like Ju Ju!” Marley said as she shook her head at Mary who came to stand next to me.
