I’m a mom of eleven children and grandma to 14 so you’d think that being in the spirit of Christmas was a foregone conclusion. Not all the time. Life can get in the way and I find myself overrun by obligations, the day to day hassles of cohabiting with others and the sheer magnitude of the work involved in a big holiday. All but the final child is grown now, but some days I still just want to be an observer, not a worker bee. Then something happens; a sweet seasonal song sung by a four year old, or a hot cup of coffee and freshly baked goodie from my daughter, a grandchild helping me plan the holiday meals, or sitting down to watch one of my favorite movies during the season, The Spirit of Christmas. Then, I feel the magic and all is well again.
Here’s a taste:
In this rendition of that lovely movie, I don’t have a returning spirit, I have Tara who finds herself homeless, alone, and professionally blackballed just days after Thanksgiving. Sad and disillusioned, she goes home to Wyoming, where she was loved unconditionally, or so she thought until her car is repeatedly vandalized.
Tara is experiencing that not quite grumpy, but definitely begrudging feeling of going through the motions because it is required.The Sheriff, Chase Nichols makes it clear he is interested in more than solving the case, but is Tara’s heart so easily mended?
Want more? Here’s a nibble:
The hot air from the heater warmed her. “By the way, I’m Chase Nichols.” He eased the truck back onto the highway.
“Thank you for picking me up, Sheriff Nichols. My ex must have had a flat and neglected to tell me, among other things,” she murmured.
“Just Chase, and it’s obvious your ex neglected to repair it as well.” His tone was condemning. Tara’s first inclination was to defend Roger, but she closed her mouth. Roger was the reason she was even doing this, in the dead of winter. “Ex-husband?”
“Boyfriend.”
He nodded. “I’ll get you to the garage. They’ll fix you up in no time.”
“Thank you for your trouble.”
“No trouble. I was going this way and it’d be wrong to leave anyone on the side of the road in this cold.” He turned and grinned in her direction. “Besides, it wouldn’t look good if the Sheriff left a motorist stranded, would it?” She didn’t know what to say to that, so she didn’t respond with more than an answering nod of her own. He continued to watch her. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. New Yorker like yourself should understand about cold weather.”
“I’m from Wyoming and I didn’t plan it, all right? It just turned out that way.” Her tone snapped, but she was dangling precariously at the end of her rope. If she weren’t so close to the ranch, she would have just stayed the night in the next town.
“You sound worn out.” Concern laced his words. “We’re almost there.”
“I’m sorry. I left New York in the early hours day before yesterday, it’s late, and I’m ready to be home.”
He whistled. “You drove that far, alone, in a couple of days, in the middle of winter? Your daddy knows you did that?”
He did listen, she’d give him that. “I’m an adult, Mr. Nichols—”
“It’s Chase, and I get you’re grown but I bet you’re always a little girl to your daddy.”
She hesitated, his correction putting her off her line of thought. He was right. “In answer to your question, yes, he knows I’m coming. And it isn’t that far. I was careful.”
“Mmm hmm.”
Want to read more? Then how about a healthy Bite of each story in this wonderful collection of 26 Christmas novellas by some of your favorite authors and hopefully find a few new ones to enjoy while you wait for the full holiday meal … October 2018
Best-selling author in Regency and Contemporary Romance, Alyssa Bailey, is a dyed in the wool Texan living amid the beauty of Alaska. She loves writing about consensual power exchanges between strong, intelligent, sassy women who are not afraid to make a stand and men confident enough to give his woman space, but Alpha enough to keep her safe in spite of herself. If she can throw a little mystery, humor, and suspense in her stories, it’s even better. Her characters are from varied eras and walks of life. Come take a stroll with her.
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USA Today and Best-selling author in Regency and Contemporary Romance, Alyssa Bailey, is a dyed in the wool Texan living amid the beauty of Alaska. She loves writing about consensual power exchanges between strong, intelligent, sassy women who are not afraid to make a stand and men confident enough to give his woman space, but Alpha enough to keep her safe in spite of herself. If she can throw a little mystery, humor, and suspense in her stories, it’s even better. Her characters are from varied eras and walks of life. Come take a stroll with her. https://www.facebook.com/groups/635273300210359
Mom of 11, grandma to 14, AND a successful bestselling author? You are a goddess! I can’t wait to read this story! xo
Melinda,
Haha, it is just life, but I’ll take goddess! And we are all great in our own way!
Thank you!
I got tired just reading this post! You must be an organization queen, lol.
Enjoyed the excerpt, can’t wait to read the book!
Jacquie,
Lists! I am the queen of LISTS. Writing with you all is a new adventure!
Wow you’re amazing! Can’t wait to read your story! xo
Suzanne,
I’ll pull out this comment when I need a boost. Thanks!
My jaw dropped over the children and grandkids…and you find time to write!! Holy cow, and completely amazing. I can’t wait to read your story!
Natalie Ann,
It is always a conversation focal point. All but two are gone from home now…One graduates in a few months then I’m down to one little Indian. Then the fun really begins! haha
Enjoyed your excerpt, Alyssa. One of my uncles had 11 kids. Visiting in the summer was like a 3-ring circus–always something happening. *LOL*
Joan,
That is it exactly! Never boring, always something new and exciting, (and tiring) going on.
Oh, my word, and I thought babysitting for a nonstop three and a half year old grandson choked my chain – LOL!
LOVED your excerpt, fabulous work, Alyssa – what can I say about your busy life that hasn’t already been said? Magnificent, maybe?
Hugs,
Sue