Her Christmas Prince (Love in the Keys) (13 page)

Callie's
father hushed them and began calling out names. Soon, the living
room was awash in chatter and the sound of rustling paper and bows.
Callie marvelled at the creativity and thoughtfulness of her family.
There were some great gifts this year. Homemade jams and pickles, a
kitchen cutting board, a new sail for her cousin's daysailer, and a
quilt were just some of the thoughtful handmade gifts that were in
evidence.

Cousin
Rayna loved her sweater and her cookies, which made Callie happy.
And her gift, from her cousin David, was equally thoughtful, a small
kitchen shelf meant to sit on the counter top to hold her cookbooks.
But the real surprise was Henry's gift to her father. Homemade
fishing lures.

“
Son,
they're fantastic. How did you know?” Henry beamed, pleased
that Jackson was appreciative of his gift.

“
I
confess, sir, I had a little help from Tom. But I did make these
myself.”

The
next package pulled was for Henry, from Callie's mom. He opened the
colourfully wrapped bag and pulled out the framed watercolour that
Milly had painted.

“
Mrs.
Meyers, did you really paint this? It's just lovely. Truly. What a
gift. I have just the place to hang it. Thank you.” Henry
got up and gave her mother a hug. Milly looked embarrassed but also
quite pleased. She was definitely Team Henry now.

Callie
hadn't put Henry's gift under the tree. S
he
was hoping to find a quiet moment to give it to him, perhaps in the
car on the way to church.

Once
all the gifts were opened, everyone went into the dining room and
squashed up elbow to elbow at two tables. Milly liked a festive
table and had laid out Christmas crackers and place cards. Callie
was pleased to see Henry was seated with her at the adults table.
Maybe she'd finally graduated from the kids' table for good. That
alone was a great Christmas gift.

They
took their places and Milly and her helpers laid out a tremendous
brunch buffet of sausages, bacon, hash browns, grits, pie, breakfast
bread pudding and fruit salad. Accompanied by coffee, juice and
another round of mimosas, it was a breakfast unrivalled by any
restaurant.

Before
everyone started, Jackson got up from his place at the end of the
table and addressed his family.

“
Thank
you, ladies, for such a beautiful meal. I can't wait to dig in. But
before we do, let's take a moment to remember why we're all gathered
here today. Let's give thanks to our Lord, for the many blessings
that we enjoy. For the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.
We remember those who have gone before us to prepare a place in
Heaven, and those who serve to keep peace in the world. We are
grateful for their sacrifices. Lord we ask for your blessing on this
family, on this meal, and on the hands who prepared it. We are
grateful for all you do for us and for this wonderful family. In the
Lord's name, Amen.”

A
chorus of Amens was followed by the clinking of dishes as serving
bowls got passed around and food was put on plates. The chatter
level rose and the gathered extended family made short work of the
massive feast. N
ary a bit
remained after brunch. Southerners did love their food.

As
was their family tradition, the men did the dishes while the ladies
finished coffee on the porch. Henry did his part and was drying
dishes. He was enjoying himself and loved the closeness of this
family and how they kidded each other. His family was much more
formal. Not that there there wasn't love, but there was a distance.
It was fun to be here. He could see that Callie's childhood must
have been a happy one.

The
aunties and girl cousins were giving Callie a hard time about Henry,
in a gentle way. Many were surprised to see her with someone so soon
after Brian, but it was clear they preferred Henry. No one had
expressed much enthusiasm where Brian was concerned.

The
men finished the dishes and people began disbursing into various cars
to head over to the church. Henry and Callie headed for his SUV and
were the first out of the cul de sac.

They
made the short drive to church, but most of it Callie spent on her
cell phone. Erin had called to say Merry Christmas, and they
quickly exchanged thank yous for their respective gifts. After she
hung up, Callie snapped a picture of herself wearing Erin's necklace
and texted it to her friend.

When
he'd parked the vehicle, Henry moved to get out, but Callie put her
hand on his arm and stopped him.

“
Before
we head in, I wanted to give you a small gift.” She handed him
the package and saw his eyes crinkle with surprise and pleasure.

“
Callie,
that's so sweet. Should I open it now?” She nodded yes.

He
unwrapped the package and saw the cover. His finger traced his
initial embroidered on the front. He opened the cover and was
touched to see it was a Bible, and that at the back there was a
pocket holding a notebook and pen. He turned back to the front and
turned to the dedication page, and saw a simple message – For
Henry, so you'll never be lost. Merry Christmas.

Henry
looked at Callie and nodded. He was moved by the gift and the
significance of it. Not only had she heard what he's said but it
showed much care and thought. Callie was a godly woman and he
appreciated she was guided by the Lord. He'd become closer to God
when he was in the military, and felt his ability to lean on the Lord
through adversity had kept him going.

“
Thank
you. I can't imagine a better gift. Did you make the cover?”
She nodded yes. “It's perfect. And I'll think of you when I
use it.”

Henry
placed the tin of baked goods back in the bag and put them in the
back seat. He got out and moved to open Callie's door. She exited
and they walked into church, arm and arm, with Henry holding his
Bible.

The
service was uplifting, a true birthday celebration. Callie was glad
to see Henry use her gift and even make a few notes. There were
Christmas carols, a reading of the Christmas story and a heartfelt
message from Pastor Ed. At the end of the service, he offered a
blessing and invited everyone to adjourn outside for cider and baked
goods.

Callie
and Henry made their way outside to join the others, giving and
receiving holiday greetings. Tom came over and gave each of them a
hug.

“
So,
how did it work out with, you know, the thing?” Tom was asking
about the fishing lures for Jackson.

“
Aces,
mate. Aces. He really liked them. Thanks so much for helping me.
It worked out really well.” Henry smiled at Tom. He was going
to miss him. As Callie was chatting to Tom's mother, he moved over
a few steps, out of her ear shot, and Tom followed.

“
What's
up?” Tom looked concerned.

“
I'm
going to have to clear out by tomorrow. We ran into someone I know
last night in Key West. So I'm blown. And if you can believe it,
she was with Brian.”

“
Callie's
ex, Brian? What are the odds of that! Crazy. How did that go,
running into him?” Tom waited for Henry's reply.

“
It
was actually fine. But I need to get out of here before the press
figures it out and descends on me. And I need to find some time
today to tell Callie the truth.” Tom whistled. “Any
advice?”

“
Nope,
just be straight with her. I think she'll understand why you didn't
tell her before. But it may take her a while to process.”
Henry nodded in agreement. “Here's the thing, Tom. I want to
keep seeing her. I know it's early days, but I think I may be
falling in love with Callie.”

Henry's
declaration make Tom smile. He reached over and hugged his friend.
“Amen! I can't believe it. You finally found your girl. I
kinda thought something was happening. But I didn't want to say
anything. Man, that's awesome.” He paused, a concerned look
on his face. “But is that even allowed, you know, marrying
someone who isn't royal?”

“
A
few years ago, no, it wouldn't have been. But times are changing. I
can thank William and Kate for that one. And it helps that my
brother and his wife have produced an heir. I honestly don't know
how my parents will react. A lot depends on how Callie reacts.
It's not a life for everyone, and she may not want it, or me.”

Tom
thought about what Henry said before responding. “It's true,
and no one but Callie can know for sure what Callie wants. But I
will say this. I don't know anybody kinder or stronger. Or more
loyal. And if she loves you back, I think she'd do anything for
you.” Henry hoped his friend was right.

“
What's
going on over here?” Callie joined the men and wondered what
they were talking about.

They
both looked sheepish. “Nothing.”

“
Hmmm,
why don't I believe you?”

“
We're
just talking about your dad's fishing lures, and how they were a
hit.” Tom nodded.

Callie
still didn't believe them, but she left it go. “Ok, if you say
so. Henry, we best get going back to my parents. We have to start
on dinner. Have a great Christmas, Tom.”

“
Oh,
it's shaping up to be a good one. We've been cooking up a storm at
my house, there
'll be
leftovers for days. We're having turkey and ham. Mmmmm.”
Callie laughed. Tom did love to eat. He'd enjoyed a good portion of
the post-service cider and cookies, and she knew for a fact his
mother had made a big breakfast, as she did every year.

Henry
and Callie waved goodbye to everyone and headed back to her parents’
house. When they arrived, Henry offered her a small box. Callie was
surprised.
S
he
hadn't expected a gift from him.

“
Henry,
you shouldn't have ... I really wasn't expecting anything.”

“
I
know, but I wanted to. And I didn't buy it. It's something I've had
for a while now, and I'd like for you to keep it.”

She
opened the box and recognized its contents instantly. It was the
signet ring that Henry wore on his pinkie finger. It was gold, and
had an intricate design with small sapphires and his initials. She
looked at him.

“
Are
you sure?”

“
Positive.”

She
tried the ring on her middle finger and it was just right. Henry
smiled.

“
See,
it's a perfect fit.”

“
I
love it. Thank you.” Callie gave Henry a light kiss, one that
he deepened. It felt like a promise. Was that possible?

CHAPTER
12

Christmas
dinner at the Meyers was just as lively as brunch had been. The men
were outside, making sure the turkey was just right in the Big Green
Egg. This was a new device to Henry, and Callie's uncle explained to
him in great detail why he thought it was the best grill and smoker
ever. It actually fit two full sized turkeys, and they were being
grilled and smoked. In a second one belonging to him, the uncle was
preparing to grill asparagus and corn to go with the meal. Henry was
intrigued and thought he might like a Big Green Egg of his own.

In
the kitchen the ladies were preparing the various side dishes that
were family tradition. There were mashed potatoes and gravy,
cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole,
salad, cole slaw and macaroni and cheese. Callie's mother had made
a load of fresh biscuits in the morning and their scent still filled
the kitchen.

Callie
had most of the dessert covered off, with her pecan and key lime
pies. But the family also had another tradition. They got a big
birthday cake from the grocery store, and had “Happy Birthday,
Jesus” written on the cake. Her grandmother Nora, who'd since
passed, had started the tradition when Callie and her cousins were
little, to remind them about the real reason for Christmas. And
years later, even after she was gone, the family continued the
tradition, and shared the responsibility of getting the cake.

Callie
looked down at her hand, and the new ring she was sporting. She had
been stunned when she'd opened the box, that Henry would give her
something so personal. And valuable. She was no gemologist, but
even she recognized it was a unique and expensive piece. She
wondered what it all meant. Did Henry have feelings for her, too?
She dared not get her hopes up, after what happened the last time
she'd dared to do so. She wondered if she should slip the ring off,
in case someone noticed, but no one had so far. And she didn't want
to insult Henry. She continued chopping vegetables for the
appetizer tray.