Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn Page B

in one of the straight-back, oak chairs. “Thelma, you use more dishes every year.”
    â€œAnd you invite more people every year,” she retorted mildly.
    The buzz continued, but all Chloe could absorb was Evan’s touch and the way it softened her bones, weakening them clear to her toes.
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    The porch out back was lit by soft gas lights and warmed by the round, full-bellied woodstove. Evan quietly walked across the aged oak planks, his thoughts confused, his emotions splintered.
    Night was near silent, everyone and everything sated and tucked away. The sound of footsteps on the yellowing grass led to the broad steps of the porch. Instinctively, Evan stepped back into the shadows.
    Chloe climbed the first stair. Sighing, she lifted her face. Platinum beams of moonlight cascaded over her face, enhancing her beauty. But also revealing her tears.
    Evan emerged from the darkness. “What’s wrong?”
    Surprised to find him there, she looked embarrassed,then hid her eyes. “I’m missing my mother. I know it sounds foolish.”
    â€œIf it’s foolish to miss family, then the world’s mad.” Evan took her elbow and led Chloe to the porch swing where generations of Mitchells had retreated for comfort. He sat beside her, easing the swing into a gentle motion.
    Chloe sniffled, another tear slipping down her face.
    Unable to stop himself, Evan eased his thumb over her cheeks, wiping away the tears. Her skin was incredibly soft, just as soft as it looked. Unable to stop, his fingers cupped her chin, then tipped it upward.
    Despite the dim light, he saw the confusion in her gem-like green eyes. Emeralds, he thought vaguely. So dark they resembled the finest of emeralds. When he didn’t draw away, she quaked slightly beneath his touch.
    Which made him wish to continue. Caution fled and he dipped his mouth to hers. Tender, welcoming, she kissed him back and he breathed in her clean vanilla scent. Tangling his fingers in her long, silky hair, he lengthened the kiss.
    His conscience slammed into gear and he abruptly pulled away. What was he doing? He had vowed to remain faithful to Robin forever.
    Chloe stared back at him, her lips trembling, her chest rising in short gasps.
    Digging his heels in, he sprang from the swing. Not looking back, he disappeared out into the darkness. The comfort he had thought to offer had become his own. And now, it rose up in challenge.
    Tempted by a harvest moon, he had betrayed the woman he had vowed to love forever. And he could never let it happen again.
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    The annual holiday bazaar was held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Established to raise money for those in needduring the Christmas season, the craft fair filled Rosewood’s park. People used the occasion to buy Christmas gifts, knowing the money was going to a worthy cause.
    Chloe and Jimmy strolled through the mazes of booths, display tables and games. Not surprisingly, Jimmy wanted to play the games first. A scaled-down basketball toss appealed to him the most. Concentrating fiercely, Jimmy sunk three out of eight hoops. As a result, he had his choice of the second level of prizes. Again, his small face scrunched in thought. Finally, he picked a mug with the picture of a fish on its side. It seemed like an unusual choice for a small boy, but Chloe didn’t want to say so. Maybe it reminded him of their fishing trip.
    Their next stop was at the hat booth. From ball caps to an eccentric jester’s hat with its jingling bell-tipped, floppy purple and gold arms, the shelves were crammed with novelty gear. Chloe tried on a sparkly green top hat that would be perfect for St. Patrick’s day. Modeling it for Jimmy, she tipped to one side and bowed. He giggled and asked the vendor if he could try on a giant cowboy hat. The man obliged with a wink to Chloe.
    Jimmy stuck it on his head, but the hat dwarfed his head, completely covering his face. “Nah, don’t fit,” he mumbled