Call Me Mrs. Miracle (13 page)

Jake glanced at his watch and felt a surge of relief. Five-thirty on Christmas Eve; in half an hour, the store would close its doors for the season.

Finley’s would open again on the twenty-sixth for the year-end frenzy. He felt good that toy sales for this quarter were twenty percent higher than the previous year. He attributed the boost in revenue to Intellytron the SuperRobot. Jake felt vindicated that his hunch had been proven right. He’d be proud to take these latest figures to his father. While the robot alone didn’t explain the increase, the fact
that it was available at Finley’s had brought new customers into the store.

Holly was occupied with her boss and the Christmas party, which she’d arranged for Lindy Lee at the last moment. The poor girl had worked herself into a nervous state to pull off the event, and Jake was confident that the afternoon had gone well. He knew Holly had obsessed over each and every detail.

No doubt exhausted, she’d go home to her Brooklyn apartment as soon as she was finished with the cleanup. Jake would come by later that evening to spend time with her and Gabe. The three of them would enjoy a quiet dinner and then attend Christmas Eve services at her church.

It felt strangely luxurious not to be rushing away from the city with his father, although Jake was saddened that he hadn’t been able to convince J.R. to join them on Christmas Day.

His cell chirped, and even before he looked, Jake knew it was Holly.

“Hi,” he said. “How’d the party go?”

“Great! Wonderful. Even Lindy Lee was pleased. The caterers did a fabulous job, above and beyond my expectations. Wendy told me that Heavenly Delights plans to specialize in desserts and they should. Everything was spectacular.”

“I’m glad.”

“Don’t forget to bring over Gabe’s gift tonight,” she said in a tired voice. As he’d expected, Holly was worn out.

“Sure thing.”

“We’ll hide it in my bedroom until he goes to sleep, and then we can put it under the tree. That way it’ll be the first thing he sees Christmas morning.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I’ll distract him when you arrive so you can shove it in my closet.”

“Okay.”

She hesitated. “Are you sure you can’t talk your father into coming for Christmas dinner?”

“I don’t think so, Holly. He isn’t ready to give up his…vacation.” He nearly choked on the word.

“Ask him again, would you?” she said softly.

“I will,” he agreed with some reluctance, knowing it wouldn’t have any effect.

“And thank Mrs. Miracle for me. She saved the day with this recommendation.”

“Of course. Although I believe she’s already left.”

“She’ll be back, won’t she?”

“As seasonal help, she’ll stay on until the end of January when we finish inventory.” The older woman had been a real success in the department. She’d reassured parents and
entertained their kids. If she was interested, Jake would like to offer her full-time employment.

He ended his conversation with Holly and went into the storeroom to pick up Gabe’s robot.

He stopped short. The package that had lain on the counter, the package so beautifully wrapped by Mrs. Miracle, was missing.

Gone.

“Karen,” Jake said, walking directly past a customer to confront one of the other sales associates. If this was a practical joke, he was not amused. “Where’s the robot that was on the counter in the storeroom?” he demanded, ignoring the last-minute shopper she was assisting.

Karen blinked as though he was speaking in a foreign language. “I beg your pardon?”

“The wrapped gift in the storage room?” he repeated.

“I…I don’t have a clue.”

“You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?”

Her face became flushed. “I’m not sure.”

“It was wrapped and ready for delivery and now it’s missing.” Jake couldn’t believe anyone would steal the robot. He knew his employees, and there wasn’t a single one who was capable of such a deed. He’d stake his career on it.

“Did you ask John?”

“No.” Jake quickly sought out the youngest sales associ
ate. John had just finished with a customer and looked expectantly at Jake.

“The robot’s missing,” he said without preamble.

John stared back at him. “The one in the storeroom?”

“Are there any others in this department?” he snapped. If there were, he’d grab one and be done with it. However, no one knew better than Jake that there wasn’t an Intellytron to be had.

“I saw it,” Gail said, joining them.

Relief washed over Jake. Someone had moved it without telling him; that was obviously what had happened. The prospect of facing Holly and telling her he didn’t have the robot didn’t bear thinking about.

That morning, the moment she’d received her Christmas bonus, Holly had rushed over to Finley’s to pay for the toy. Her face had been alight with happiness as she described how excited Gabe would be when he found his gift under the Christmas tree. That robot meant so much to the boy. If Jake didn’t bring it as promised, Holly might not forgive him. He hoped that wouldn’t happen, but the thought sent a chill through him nonetheless.

Frances, another sales associate, came over, too. “Mrs. Miracle had it,” she said.

“When?”

“This morning,” Frances explained. “She didn’t mention it to you?”

“No.” Jake shook his head. “What did she do with it?”

Frances stared down at the floor. “She sold it.”

“
Sold
it?” Jake exploded. This had to be some kind of joke—didn’t it? “How could she do that? It was already paid for by someone else.” That robot belonged to Gabe Larson. She knew that as well as anyone.

“Why would she sell it?” he burst out again, completely bewildered.

“I…I don’t know. You’ll have to ask her,” Frances said. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Finley. I’m sure there’s a logical explanation.”

There’d better be. Not that it would help now.

Sick at heart, Jake left the department and went up to his father’s office. Dora had already gone home; the whole administrative floor was deserted. He didn’t know what he’d tell Holly. He should’ve taken the robot to his apartment and kept it there. Then he could’ve been guaranteed that nothing like this would happen. Still, berating himself now wouldn’t serve any useful purpose.

Preparing for his flight, J. R. Finley was busy stuffing paperwork in his computer case when Jake entered the office. J.R. looked up at him. “What’s the matter with you? Did you decide to come with me, after all?”

“No. Have you decided to stay in New York?” Jake countered.

“You’re kidding, right?”

Jake slumped into a chair and ran his fingers through his hair. “Gabe’s robot is missing,” he said quietly. “Emily Miracle, or whatever her name is, sold it.”

“Mrs. Miracle?” J.R.’s face tightened and he waved his index finger at Jake. “I told you that woman was up to no good, butting into other people’s business. She’s a troublemaker. Didn’t I tell you that?”

“Dad, stop it. She’s a sweet grandmotherly woman.”

“She’s ruined a little boy’s Christmas and you call that
sweet?
” He made a scoffing sound and resumed his task of collecting papers and shoving them into his case.

“Do you have any connections—someone who can locate a spare Intellytron at the last minute?” This was Jake’s only hope.

Frowning, his father checked his watch. “I’ll make some phone calls, but I can’t promise anything.”

Jake was grateful for whatever his father could do. “What about your flight?”

J.R. looked at his watch again and shrugged. “I’ll catch a later one.”

Jake started to remind his father that changing flights at
this point might be difficult, but stopped himself. If J.R. was going to offer his assistance, Jake would be a fool to refuse.

“I’ll shut down the department and meet you back here in twenty minutes,” Jake said.

His father had picked up his phone and was punching out numbers. One thing Jake could be assured of—if there was a single Intellytron left in the tristate area, J.R. would locate it and have it delivered to Gabe.

He hurried back to the toy department and saw that the last-minute customers were being ushered out, bags in hand, and the day’s sales tallied. The store was officially closed. His staff was waiting to exchange Christmas greetings with Jake so they could go home to their families.

“Is there anything we can do before we leave?” John asked, speaking for the others.

“No, thanks. You guys have been great. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

As soon as they’d left, he got Mrs. Miracle’s contact information and called the phone number she’d given HR. To his shock, a recorded voice message informed him that the number was no longer in service. That wasn’t the only shock, either—she’d handed in her notice that afternoon.

He groaned. Mrs. Miracle was unreachable and had
absconded with precious information regarding the robot—like why she’d sold it and to whom.

Jake returned to his father’s office to find him pacing the floor with the receiver pressed to his ear. J.R. glanced in Jake’s direction, then quickly looked away. That tight-lipped expression told Jake everything he needed to know—his father hadn’t been successful.

He waited until J.R. hung up the phone.

“No luck,” Jake said, not bothering to phrase it in the form of a question.

J.R. shook his head. “Everyone I talked to said as far as they knew we’re the only store in five states to have the robot.”

“
Had.
We sold out.”

“Apparently there isn’t another one to be found anywhere till after Christmas.”

Jake had expected that. A sick feeling attacked the pit of his stomach as he sank into a chair and sighed loudly. “I appreciate your help, Dad. Thanks for trying.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.” J.R. nodded and placed a consoling hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I know how you feel.”

Jake doubted that but he wasn’t in the mood to argue.

“Holly’s special,” J.R. said. “I’ve known that since the first time you mentioned her.”

“She is.” Jake was in full agreement there.

“If it’d been your mother who needed that thing, I would’ve moved heaven and earth to make sure she got it.”

He reconsidered. Maybe his father
did
know what he was feeling. He’d done his utmost to keep Holly and Gabe from being disappointed. Unfortunately, nothing he or J.R. did now would make any difference. It was simply too late.

“Every Intellytron in New York State and beyond is wrapped and under some youngster’s tree,” J.R. said.

Jake rubbed his face. “I’ll come up with something to tell Holly and Gabe,” he said, thinking out loud.

“Is there anything else the boy might like?” his father asked.

The only toy Gabe had referred to, at least in Jake’s hearing, was the robot. He’d even risked Holly’s wrath and traveled into the city on his own just to see it again and watch it in action.

“What about a train set?” his father suggested. “Every little boy wants a train set.”

Jake had. He’d longed for one the Christmas his mother and sister had died. But there’d been no presents the next morning or any Christmas morning since the accident.

“He might,” Jake said. “But—”

“Well, we have one of those.”

Jake wondered what his father was talking about. As head
of the toy department Jake was well aware of the inventory left in stock and there were no train sets. This season had been record-breaking in more ways than one; not only the robot but a number of other toys had sold out. The trains, a popular new doll, a couple of computer games… “Exactly where is there a train set?” he asked. “Unless you mean the one in the window…”

“Not the display train. A brand-new one. Except that it’s twenty-one years old.” J.R. swallowed visibly. “I have it,” he said. “It’s still wrapped in the original paper. Your mother bought it for you just before…” He didn’t need to finish the sentence.

“Mom bought me the train set I wanted?” Jake asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

J.R. grinned. “You were spoiled, young man. Your mother loved you deeply. And your little sister adored you.”

A sense of loss hit him hard and for a moment that was all Jake could think about. “You kept the train set all these years?” he finally asked.

J.R. nodded solemnly. “I always meant to give it to you but I could never part with it. In a way, holding on to it was like…having your mother still with me. I could pretend it was Christmas Eve twenty-one years ago and she hadn’t died. Don’t worry, I didn’t
actually
believe that, but I could
indulge the fantasy of what Christmas should’ve been. That train set made the memory so real….”

“And you’re willing to give it up for Gabe?”

“No” was his father’s blunt reply. “I’m willing to give it up for
you.
”

Jake smiled and whispered, “Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome. Now we’ve got a bit of digging to do. I don’t remember where I put that train set but I know it’s somewhere in the condo. Or maybe the storage locker. Or…”

“Do we have time? Did you change your flight?”

“Flight?” J.R. repeated, then seemed to remember he was scheduled to fly out that evening. Shaking his head, he muttered, “It’s fine. I’ll catch one tomorrow if I have to.”

Jake didn’t want to pressure his father, but he’d promised Holly he’d invite J.R. to dinner at her apartment. Although he’d already tried once, he’d ask again. If he was going to disappoint her on one front, then the least he could do was surprise her on another.

“Since you’re apparently staying over…” he began.

“Yes?”

“Have Christmas dinner with Holly and Gabe and me tomorrow afternoon. Will you do that, Dad?”

His father took a long moment to consider the invitation. Then, as if the words were difficult to say, he slowly whispered, “I believe I will. Something tells me your mother would want me to.”

Holly set the phone down and forced herself to keep the smile on her face. Gabe’s robot was missing. Because Gabe was in earshot, she couldn’t ask Jake the questions that clamored in her mind. He’d said something about Mrs. Miracle, but Holly had been too disheartened to remember what followed.

Adding to her distress, Jake had said there was something he needed to do with his father, which meant he’d have to renege on dinner that night. In addition to the bad news about the missing robot, Jake had passed on some good
news, too. Evidently his father had changed his plans and would be joining them on Christmas Day, after all, which delighted Holly and greatly encouraged her. She recognized that this was no small concession on J.R.’s part.

“Isn’t Jake coming for dinner?” Gabe asked, looking up from his handheld video game. He lay on the sofa as he expertly manipulated the keys.

“I… No. Unfortunately, Jake has something else he has to do,” Holly explained, doing her best to maintain an even voice. “Something really important,” she emphasized.

Gabe frowned and sat up. “What’s more important than Christmas Eve?”

Again Holly made an effort to pretend nothing was wrong. “We’ll have to ask when we see him tomorrow,” she said airily.

Her nephew slouched back onto the sofa. His downcast look prompted Holly to sit beside him. She felt as depressed as Gabe did, but was trying hard not to show it. In the larger scheme of life, these disappointments were minor. Nevertheless, she’d hoped to give Gabe a very special gift this year. And she’d hoped—so had Gabe—to spend Christmas Eve with Jake.

“Did Jake promise to come tomorrow?”

“He’ll be here.”

“But he said he’d come for dinner tonight, too—and he didn’t.”

“We’ll have a wonderful time this evening, just the two of us.” She slipped her arm around his small frame and squeezed gently.

Gabe didn’t seem too sure of that. “Can I email my dad?”

“Of course.” Holly would come up with ways to keep them both occupied until it was time to walk to church for the Christmas Eve service. They could watch a Christmas movie; Gabe might enjoy
The Bishop’s Wife,
Holly’s favorite, or
A Christmas Carol
with Alastair Sim as the ultimate Scrooge. Still cheering herself up, she headed into her kitchen to start frying the chicken, which had been marinating in buttermilk since six that morning. They’d have turkey tomorrow, but tonight she’d make the meal she associated with her mother…with comfort.

Gabe leaped up from the sofa and hurried into the kitchen. “Can we invite Mrs. Miracle for dinner?” he asked excitedly.

“Oh, Gabe, I wish we’d thought of that sooner.”

“I like Mrs. Miracle.”

“I like her, too.” The older woman had never mentioned whether she had family in the area, which made Holly wonder if she was spending this evening by herself.

Gabe returned to writing his email. “Dad’s surprise didn’t come, did it?” he said in a pensive voice.

Holly suddenly realized it hadn’t. This complicated everything. Not only wouldn’t she be able to give her nephew the only toy he’d requested for Christmas, but the gift his father had mailed hadn’t arrived, either.

“He might be mad at me for going into the city by myself,” Gabe murmured.

“Oh, sweetie, I’m positive that’s not it.”

Before she could finish her reassurances, the doorbell chimed. Hoping, despite everything, that it was Jake, Holly answered the door, still wearing her apron. To her astonishment, Emily Miracle was standing in the hall.

“I hope you don’t mind me dropping in unexpectedly like this.”

“Mrs. Miracle! Mrs. Miracle!” Gabe rushed to the door. “We were just talking about you.” He grabbed her free hand and tugged her into the apartment. “Can you stay for dinner? Aunt Holly’s making fried chicken and there’s corn and mashed potatoes and cake, too. You can stay, can’t you? Jake said he was coming and now he can’t.”

“Oh, dear,” Emily said, laughing softly. “I suppose I could. I came by to bring you my Christmas salad. It’s a family favorite and I wanted to share it with you.”

“That’s so nice of you, Emily,” Holly said, adding a place setting to the table. Her mood instantly lightened.

“Jake
said
he’d come,” Gabe pouted.

“He’s doing something important,” Holly reminded her nephew.

“I’m sure he is,” Emily said, giving Holly a covered ceramic bowl and removing her coat. “It isn’t like Jake to cancel at the last moment without a good reason. He’s a very responsible young man—in his personal life and in business, too. He’ll do his father proud.” She held out her hands for the bowl.

“You mean
does
his father proud,” Holly corrected, passing it back. She had every confidence that Jake would one day step up to the helm at Finley’s, but that was sometime in the future. Jake seemed to think it might take as long as five years, and he said that suited him fine.

“Yes, that’s what I mean. I’ve enjoyed working with him this Christmas season.” Emily made her way into the kitchen and put her salad in the refrigerator.

“Can you come to church with us?” Gabe asked, following her. “It’s Christmas Eve, and there’s a special program and singing, too.”

“I’d like that very much, but unfortunately I already have other plans.”

“We’re grateful you could have dinner with us,” Holly said. She waited until Gabe had left the room before she asked Emily about the robot.

“Do you have any idea what happened to the you-know-what Jake put aside?” She spoke guardedly because the apartment was small and she wanted to ensure that Gabe didn’t hear anything that would upset him.

Mrs. Miracle was about to answer when he dashed into the kitchen again.

Grasping the situation, she immediately distracted him. “Do you want to help me fill the water glasses?” she asked.

“Okay,” Gabe agreed.

Emily poured water into the pitcher, which she handed to Gabe. Holding it carefully, he walked over to the dining area, which was actually part of the living room. The older woman turned to Holly. “I think there was a misunderstanding between Jake and me,” she said in a low voice. “I’ll clear everything up as soon as I can.”

“Please do,” Holly whispered. She tried to recall her conversation with Jake. He seemed to imply that Emily had sold the robot to someone else. That didn’t seem possible. She’d never do anything to hurt a little boy; Holly was convinced of it.

The fried chicken couldn’t have been better; in fact, it
was as good as when her mother had prepared this dish. Holly had wanted tonight’s meal to be memorable for Gabe, and because Mrs. Miracle was with them, it was.

During dinner, Emily entertained them with story after story of various jobs she’d taken through the years. She’d certainly had her share of interesting experiences, working as a waitress, a nanny, a nurse and now a salesperson.

All too soon, it was time to get ready for church. Holly reluctantly stood up from the table.

“Everything was lovely,” Mrs. Miracle told her with a smile of appreciation. “I’ve never had chicken that was more delicious.” She carried her empty dessert plate to the kitchen sink. “And that coconut cake…”

“I liked the sauce best,” Gabe chimed in, putting his plate in the sink, too.

“I loved the salad,” Holly said, and was sincere. “I hope you’ll give me the recipe.”

“Of course. I’ll be happy to write it out for you now if you’ll get me some paper and a pen.”

Holly tore a page from a notebook and grabbed Gabe’s Santa pen; minutes later, Mrs. Miracle handed her the recipe with a flourish. “Here you go.” Then she frowned at her watch. “Oh, my. I hate to run, but I’m afraid I must.”

“No, no, don’t worry,” Holly assured her. “We have to
leave for church, anyway. I’m just glad you could be with us this evening. It meant a lot to Gabe and me.”

The older woman bent down and kissed the boy’s cheek. “This is going to be a very special Christmas for you, young man. Just you wait. It’s one you’ll remember your whole life. Someday you’ll tell your grandchildren about the best Christmas of your life.”

“Do you really think so?” Gabe asked, eyes alight with happiness.

She reached for her coat and put it on before she hugged Holly goodbye. “It’s going to be a special Christmas for you, as well, my dear.”

Holly smiled politely. Maybe Mrs. Miracle was right, but it definitely hadn’t started out that way.

Gabe woke at six o’clock Christmas morning. He knocked on Holly’s bedroom door and shouted, “It’s Christmas!” Apparently he suspected she might have forgotten.

Holly opened one eye. Still half-asleep, she sat up and stretched her arms above her head.

“Can we open our presents?” Gabe asked, leaping onto her bed.

“What about breakfast?” she said.

“I’m not hungry. You aren’t, either, are you?” The question had a hopeful lilt, as though any thought of food would be equally irrelevant to her.

“I could eat,” she said.

Gabe’s face fell.

“I could eat…later,” she amended.

His jubilant smile reappeared.

“Shall we see what Santa brought you?” she asked, tossing aside her covers. She threw on her housecoat and accompanied him into the living room, where the gifts beneath the small tree awaited their inspection.

Gabe fell to his knees and began rooting through the packages she’d set out the night before, after he’d gone to sleep. He must’ve known from the size of the wrapped boxes that the robot wasn’t among them. He sat back on his heels. “Santa didn’t get me Intellytron, did he?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. I hear Santa sometimes makes late deliveries.”

“He does?” Hope shone in his face. “When?”

“That I can’t say.” Rather than discuss the subject further, Holly hurried into the kitchen.

While she put on a pot of coffee, Gabe arranged the gifts in two small piles. Most of them had been mailed by Holly’s parents, and Gabe’s didn’t take long to unwrap. He was wonderful, sweetly expressing gratitude and happiness with his few gifts. A number of times Holly had to wipe tears from her eyes.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed,” she said when she could speak. “I know how badly you wanted the robot—and I’m sure Santa has one for you but it might be a little late.”

Gabe looked up from the new video game she’d purchased on her way home from work. “I bet I’ll still get Intellytron. Mrs. Miracle said this was going to be my best Christmas ever, remember? And it wouldn’t be without my robot.” He jumped up and slid his arms around Holly’s neck and gave her a tight hug.

She opened her gifts after that—a book from her parents, plus a calendar and a peasant-style blouse. And the origami purse from Gabe, which brought fresh tears to her eyes.

They had a leisurely breakfast of French toast and then, while Gabe played with his new video game, Holly got the turkey in the oven. The doorbell rang around eleven o’clock.

Jake and his father came in, carrying a large wrapped box between them. Holly’s heartbeat accelerated. It must be Intellytron, although the box actually seemed too big.

“Merry Christmas,” Jake said, and held her close. “Don’t get excited—this isn’t what you think it is,” he whispered in her ear just before he kissed her.

“Merry Christmas, young man,” J.R. said, and shook Gabe’s hand.

“What’s that?” Gabe asked, eyeing the box Jake had set on the carpet.

“Why don’t you open it and see?” J.R. suggested.

Jake stood at Holly’s side with his arm around her waist. “I’m sorry I had to cancel last night,” he said in a low voice.

“It’s fine, don’t worry.”

“Mrs. Miracle came over,” Gabe said as he sat on the floor beside the box.

“Emily Miracle?” Jake frowned. “Did she happen to deliver something?” he asked, his eyes narrowing.

“She brought a Christmas salad for dinner,” Gabe told him, tearing away the ribbon. He looked up. “We didn’t eat it all. Do you want to taste it?” He wrinkled his nose. “For green stuff, it was pretty good.”

“I wouldn’t want to ruin my dinner,” J.R. said, smiling down at him. “Go ahead, young man, and let ’er rip.”

Gabe didn’t need any encouragement. He tore away the wrapping paper. “It’s a train set,” he said. “That was the second thing on my Christmas list, after Intellytron. Can we set it up now?”

“I don’t see why not,” Jake told him and got down on his knees with Gabe. “I wanted one when I was around your age, too.”

“Did you get one?” Gabe asked.

Jake looked at his father, who sat on the sofa, and nodded. “I certainly did, and it was the best train set money could buy.”

Gabe took the engine out of the box. “Wow, this is heavy.”

“Let’s lay out the track first, shall we?”

Holly sat on the sofa next to Jake’s father. “I’m so glad you could have dinner with us.”

“I am, too.” A pained look came over him and he gave a slight shake of his head. “I was sure I’d never want to celebrate Christmas again, but I’ve decided it’s time I released the past and started to prepare for the future.”

“The future?” she repeated uncertainly.

“Grandchildren,” J.R. said with a sheepish grin. “I have the distinct feeling that my son has met the woman he’s going to love as much as I loved his mother.”

Embarrassed, Holly looked away. With all her heart she hoped she was that woman.

“Jake would be furious with me if he knew I’d said anything. It’s too soon—I realize that. He probably isn’t aware of how strongly he feels, but I know. I’ve seen my son with other women. He’s in love with you, the same way I was in love with Helene.”

Holly was about to make some excuse about dinner and return to the kitchen when the doorbell chimed again. Everyone looked at her as if she knew who it would be.

“I…I wonder who that is,” she murmured, walking to the door.

“It could be Mrs. Miracle,” Gabe said hopefully.

Only it wasn’t.

Holly opened the apartment door to find her brother standing there in his army fatigues, wearing a smile of pure happiness. In his arms he held a large wrapped box.

“Mickey!” she screamed. He put down the box and hugged her fiercely.

“Dad!” Gabe flew off the floor as though jet-propelled and launched himself into his father’s arms.