Chapter Eight

Jackson had spent the last hour freezing his butt off on a wooden bench in Redford Falls Park. Open year round, the trails provided skiers and hikers with an alternative for exercise, especially since the ski lift had closed. Herds of tourists flocked there during spring and summer. People came from far and wide to view the spectacular waterfalls and picnic with their families.

The town should be thriving, but the opposite rang true. The many shop owners Jackson had spoken with over the past few days told him the winters were hard. The money made in three seasons went to cover the high cost of heating. Most were getting by, while others struggled.

After a night of catching up with his old best friend at the lounge, Colin—who Jackson was surprised to hear was the bank manager since the guy was a mess with numbers in school—hinted at Candy’s financial predicament. Then—and only after supplying his friend too much liquor, Jackson had learned Candy not only owned Cane’s Chocolate Shop, but Redford Falls Inn as well. She bought the shop from her father and both she and Colin inherited the inn from their grandfather. Sam and Violet ran the inn, taking care of most of the expenses with the income received, but with less guests meant less money. Candy needed a miracle to save her from debt.

Jackson wondered why her boyfriend hadn’t helped her. He also learned from Colin that the restaurant wasn’t one of the shops in distress, with its regular clientele and people visiting from towns nearby. His suspicion of Candy with another man had been confirmed. Candy and Andrew were close. The man’s affection toward Candy was obvious. The only reason Jackson went to the pot-luck was to see her. He hadn’t expected a brush-off from Candy and he wasn’t about to watch Andrew paw her. Jackson had left the restaurant and ended up at the lounge, where he drank away his misery in the company of Colin.

Every time Jackson closed his eyes, he envisioned Candy with Andrew. Earlier today, he couldn’t get through Santa duty fast enough. Yet here he was walking back toward the chocolate shop. In twenty-four hours, Jackson would leave this town and end his relationship with his wife. Unfortunately, he couldn’t walk away without explaining his side of the past.

The door was locked, but Candy answered his consistent knocking.

She frowned when she saw him. “What are you doing here? It’s after ten.”

“I could ask you the same thing. Do you ever sleep or have a social life?” Bad question. Another image of her and Andrew flashed through his mind.

“I’m normally done by now, but I baked a few more sweets for tomorrow’s parade. I still have a chocolate mousse to make before heading home.”

“Need some help?” Jackson kicked his boots against the doorstep, then not giving her time to respond, pushed his way between her and the door.

“Sure.” Candy waved her arm and locked the door behind him.

Jackson walked to the kitchen and hung his coat in the closet. He leaned an elbow on the counter. “What can I do?”

“No maid or cook here. Baking is actual work.”

“After a very good reunion with my brother, I set him straight. I do not have a cook, though there is someone who comes in once a week to clean my condo only because I’m not home a lot.” He held up a finger. “I am not afraid of hard work.”

“You’re serious? You really want to help? I thought you were just looking for an excuse so you could apologize for being such a jack—”

“Ah, my wife knows me so well.”

“Stop calling me that.” Laughing, she threw a dish cloth at him.

“Why? You are, and I kind of like the way those words sound.”

Candy pushed a bowl and hand mixer toward him. Two egg whites and the cream of tartar followed. “Mix those and then add the sugar.”

“No problem.” While Jackson whipped, Candy blended cream, sugar, and vanilla.

“I do want to apologize for today.” Jackson turned off the mixer. “I caught up with Colin last night at the lounge. We might have had one too many, but I still managed to get through playing Santa.”

“That explains Colin being late for work.” She paused and frowned. “You wanted to talk to me about something at the restaurant?”

Jackson looked at her, but Candy stared at the contents in her bowl. “I met Joseph’s family,” he said.

Candy’s head popped up. “That’s great. How did your reunion go?”

“Good. He introduced me to his daughter and my jaw almost hit the floor.”

“Why?”

“The first day I played Santa, a little girl named Annie sat on my lap and told me she wanted her daddy for Christmas.” Jackson relived his sadness for the little one. “She said he worked two jobs and wasn’t home to tuck her in bed at night.”

“That’s why you acted so strange after she left?” Candy retrieved a chocolate sauce from the refrigerator.

“She struck a chord in me that day.” Jackson studied the stiff peaks of meringue in his bowl. “Then last night my brother introduces me to his daughter—Annie. I was floored. Joseph told me his business was going well. He lied.”

Candy leaned over the table, scooped a couple of spoonfuls from his bowl and added them to her mixture.

“He’s not the only one keeping secrets from me.” Jackson pushed his bowl across the table. “You didn’t tell me you own the inn.”

“Colin and I own the inn, and you didn’t ask.”

“You could have mentioned that fact the night you walked in my room, which explains why you are always there.”

“We inherited the inn from our grandfather. Colin leaves the decision making up to me, Violet, and Sam. I always enjoy helping out there, but my heart belongs at the bakery.” She added whipped cream to the bowl, avoiding his eyes. “Sam worked at the ski lift and when it closed, I asked them to run the inn. They’re like our second family”

Jackson chose his next words carefully. “Running two businesses must be tough, especially this time of year. If you need any help, I have plenty of money.”

“I don’t need your handout. I’ll manage on my own.”

“Consider it a loan.”

“I don’t need anything from you.” She slammed the bowl on the table and the liquid splashed the sides.

Jackson sighed and redirected the conversation, hoping for a less touchy subject. “So, you and Andrew, are you serious?”

“We were dating if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Past tense?”

She didn’t answer.

“Have you?”

“Have we what?” Candy stopped stirring the foamy mousse.

He didn’t really want to hear the answer, but he had to know. “Been intimate?”

“No. I’m a married woman. I haven’t broken my vows.”

Relief washed over him like a cold bucket of water.

“I bet you can’t say the same,” Candy muttered.

“I…well…”

She held up a hand. “Don’t tell me.” Candy slumped, staring at the parfait glasses on the counter.

“I didn’t know I was married.” Jackson shook his head.

“I understand.” The quiver in her tone said otherwise.

“I actually came here tonight to confess a few things.”

Candy glanced at him. “Then shouldn’t you go to church?”

“You’re funny.” Jackson winked. “I wanted to thank you for letting me be me.” When she frowned, he continued. “With you I’ve never had to pretend. I didn’t have to be the football hero or the person my family expected me to be. You not only tutored me in school, but in life as well.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You don’t care what anyone thinks. I admire that in you.”

“You turned out pretty good.”

“Maybe, but look at the mess I left behind. I’m hesitant to see my parents. My father probably hasn’t forgiven me for leaving.”

“I’m sure he has. You’re a successful businessman. What father wouldn’t be proud?”

Jackson pondered Candy’s words. Was it possible his father might be pleased with his son’s achievements?

“Since you’re professing confessionals, can I ask a question?”

He nodded.

“Why did you agree to play Santa? You put a multi-million-dollar deal at stake.”

Jackson smiled. “I never could say no to you. The truth is…I didn’t come here just for a divorce. I wanted to see you.” Time to admit everything. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, so I pulled out my box of school mementos. I almost picked up the telephone to call, but I’d been gone too long. The marriage certificate gave me a reason to be impulsive.”

Candy filled the glasses with the chocolate mousse and garnished the dessert with shaved chocolate and strawberries. Her hands shook the entire time.

“I’ve really missed you.” He raised his eyebrows. “And surprisingly, I missed this town. I was homesick, though I didn’t quite know that until I arrived.”

“This place has that effect on people.”

“The night I left, I asked you to leave with me. Why didn’t you?”

Candy lifted her brows. “You remember?”

“For the most part, the fog has cleared.” Jackson clasped her hands, stopping her fidgeting. “I asked you to run away with me and you agreed. But the next morning you were gone.”

“This is my home. I don’t want to live anywhere else. We had different dreams. Mine was to take over the chocolate shop and yours was to build empires. As much as I wanted to go with you, I had to stay. We had separate paths to travel.”

“I guess you’re right.” Jackson released her hands and placed the empty bowls in the sink. “Hey, do you remember how I saved my money and bought that old pick-up truck from my father?”

“Yes, you arrived outside my parents’ house. You were leaning against the truck with a huge grin on your face.”

“I told you I wanted to show it off to Colin, but I went there to see you.”

“Jackson, don’t...”

“It’s true. I wanted to share that moment with you.”

Candy turned away, but Jackson reached for her arm, slipping his fingers through hers. “I cared for you—a lot. I was too stupid to tell you. Falling for my buddy’s little sister wasn’t cool. I let my pride get in the way of something really special.”

She yanked her arm from his grasp. “Why are you saying this?”

“Because I want you to know. Like all those times I showed up looking for Colin when I knew he wasn’t home. When I pretended not to understand a math problem so we could spend more time together.”

Tears filled Candy’s eyes. “Stop.”

Jackson pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth, satisfying his hungry need. He sighed, taking pleasure in the soft sweetness of her returned kiss.

Candy gently pushed him away. “I can’t. I can’t do this.” Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. “I can’t spend another ten years trying to forget you.”

“Then don’t.” Jackson stepped close and settled his hands at her waist. “Come with me this time. I don’t want a divorce. Let’s make this marriage work.”

“That’s not fair. You know I have responsibilities here; the shop, the inn, my family. I can’t leave Redford Falls. I don’t want to.” She placed her hands on his chest.

He leaned his forehead against hers and gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. “Will you at least come with me to the parade?”

****

“I think more happened last night than what you’re telling.” Virginia placed the Chocolate Lovers assortment on the treat table. “If you rejected his offer to run off with him, then why was he in such a good mood when he stopped in for some boxed chocolates this morning?”

“While at the parade, we agreed to end our marriage on a positive note. We’re going to remain friends.” Candy arranged the bonbons in the form of a Christmas tree. Both the loud chit-chat in the Town Hall and the Christmas music coming from the speakers were distractions from her heavy heart.

“And you’re okay with that? Friends? I don’t believe you.” Virginia looked around the room. “Where is he, anyway? He did agree to do one more stint as Santa this afternoon, right?”

“He said he had to go to Wolfridge.” Candy smoothed a hand down her black velvet dress. “But he promised to be back in time for the children.”

“I think most of the town is here already. The Potters, the Bishops, the Gowers, and the Schullers. Violet and Sam are talking to Mr. Kringle and Mr. Nadeau at the beverage table. Steve brought his grandmother and she’s chatting with Jackson’s brother’s family. Even a few of the Marley brothers are here. This must be our biggest turnout ever. I hope we have enough treats.”

“I brought extra, just in case. And Andrew brought plenty of rolls and meat. We should be covered. If not, I’ll run to the shop and raid the shelves.”

“Speaking of Andrew, how did he take the news?”

Candy spied Andrew at the opposite end of the hall. He was obviously avoiding her, needing space after their talk. She’d gone to the restaurant after the parade to tell him the truth. “He didn’t take my marriage news well. However, I think he was relieved to know the reason I couldn’t commit to our relationship.”

“I still can’t believe you told him about you and Jackson.”

“Andrew promised to keep my secret.”

“So, that’s it? You and Jackson are over? Did you even bother to ask him to stay?”

That question crossed her mind several times since he kissed her last night. “He has a business to run on the opposite end of the country.”

Screams erupted throughout the room as Santa entered the building. Candy smiled. “He might not admit it, but I think Jackson actually enjoys playing the man in red.”

Jackson roared his best ho, ho, ho and climbed the stairs to the stage. “I don’t have much time this evening, because we all know I have a very busy night tomorrow. But the elves sent along this bag full of presents with instructions that I hand them out to all the good girls and boys.”

“What is he up to?” Virginia frowned.

Candy shook her head, already missing the man who would soon walk out of her life and break her heart again.

Virginia rushed to her children and guided them through the crowd gathering in front of the stage. Jackson called out names on the boxes. One by one the children thanked him and scurried back to their parents, tearing colourful wrapping paper off their present. Their delighted squeals confirmed each child received what they’d asked him for.

Candy wiped tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. Her heart ached. The divorce papers were signed and tucked in her purse. After completing his role as Santa, Jackson would change and leave to catch his flight. Violet confirmed he had already checked out of the inn.

After all the children received their presents, Santa made a quick exit. Candy didn’t know how he managed it, but shortly after Santa departed, the roof rustled as if a team of reindeer waited to take flight.

A few moments later, Jackson re-entered the hall, looking incredibly handsome in a pair of black pants and matching jacket. Could she really let him walk out of her life?

“Hello, gorgeous.” He took her hands in his. “You are the most beautiful woman in this room.”

Her cheeks rushed with warmth. “How on earth did you do that? The children’s names and making sure they each received the right gift?”

“The letters they gave me helped and I made lots of mental notes.” Jackson tapped his temple with a finger. “Santa knows stuff.” He chuckled. “I wanted the kids to have a great Christmas. My way of returning the joy they brought to me the past few days.”

“You’re amazing.”

“Joseph deserves some of the credit. He helped me find the toys. I didn’t know what half of the stuff was.”

“This must have cost you a fortune.”

“Didn’t even make a dent in my cheque book.” He grinned. “I have something for you, too.” Jackson passed her a thin brown package.

“What’s this?” Candy anxiously tore the seal off the envelope.

“A Christmas gift.”

Candy’s smile turned to a frown as she unfolded the papers—mortgage documents to Cane’s Chocolate Shop and Redford Falls Inn both paid in full.

“Merry Christmas—”

“What have you done?” Her temples throbbed. “I told you I don’t want your money,” she whispered through clenched teeth.

“It’s my gift to you, but if you prefer, call it a loan.”

“And have another connection to you I can’t walk away from? No way, never again.”

“I just wanted to do something special for you. Make all your troubles go away.”

“You’re the only trouble, Jackson.” Candy ignored the curious stares their raised voices attracted. “What makes you think you can interfere with my financial matters?”

“I’m your husband! That gives me every right!”

The buzz and chatter in the hall ceased. All eyes focused on them. Candy’s cheeks flushed.

“Well, not anymore.” She scrambled in her purse for the divorce papers and shoved them at his chest, along with the property documents. “Signed, sealed, and delivered, or in this case...divorced. We’re no longer married. You’re free to leave this town and my life forever.” Candy didn’t look back, even when whispers followed her through the doors as she slammed them behind her.