Christmas Miracles with the Mountain Man (Christmas in Appleridge #5)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Adilene

I climbed into my car, tossing the few bags I had into the front seat, and turned the key, the engine roaring to life.

And then the tears came.

Gut-wrenching sobs I couldn’t control.

“I give up, universe, okay? I give up!” I cried through tears to no one in particular. But goddamn, no matter what I did, my life just always went to shit. I could try my absolute hardest, and something would happen.

I checked my purse for a third time, but it was no use. My wallet was gone.

There went my kids’ Christmas gifts.

After hastily wiping away my tears, I picked up my phone and called my mother, Deb.

“Hi, sweets. The kids are great. We just finished having a snack. How’s shopping going?”

“Not great,” I said, my voice shaky, the tears still falling. “My wallet got stolen.”

“What?” Mom gasped. “How?”

“I was checking out a store, put it down for a second while I paid, and a second later, it was gone. I caught a glimpse of the guy running away with it, and I tried to catch him, but it was no use. He was long gone. I took my stuff and came straight to my car. How can I finish shopping for my kids now?”

“That’s awful. Hopefully, someone turns it in. In the meantime, make sure you shut off all of your cards. Did you file a complaint with the store?”

“Yes, but they said there isn’t much they can do. I’m going to file a police report, too. I still can’t believe it. It all happened so quickly.” I sniffled, all of my plans now gone. Gone like my damn wallet.

“I know, but don’t worry, sweetie. They’re little and don’t expect much. You do what you can. I can let you borrow some money if you need it.”

“Thanks. I’ll figure something out. I’ll be there soon.”

“Okay, did you want to stay for dinner when you get here? We could order some Chinese, watch a Christmas movie with the kids, maybe bake some cookies.”

“Sure, Mom, I’d like that. See you soon.

” I ended the call and sat there for a few more minutes.

Mom was right. The kids were little, and since my five-year-old son Lenny was born, I hadn’t gone too crazy on Christmas, not wanting to spoil him with too many gifts.

They needed to understand it was about giving gifts and spending time with family, not just receiving gifts.

A half hour later, I pulled into Mom’s driveway and cut the engine. As a girl, my mom raised me by herself and morphed me into the hardworking woman I was today. Now I planned to do the same with my kids.

Their father walked out on me after my two-year-old daughter Lolly was born, but he had never been a faithful, kind man.

Why I kept letting him into my life was beyond me.

It took a lot of growing up and time alone before finally realizing I deserved so much better.

Now I wouldn’t give him the time of day.

He cut off all contact, and last I heard, he moved out of town.

It made me sad for my kids, but they were better off. He’d only disappoint them more.

“Mommy!” Their little voices rang out when I walked through the door, and all of my worries seemed to melt away.

I’d make it a great Christmas for them, no matter what.

After a fun evening at my mom’s house, I brought my two tired babies home, gave them baths and changed them into pj’s, then set out cookies and milk for Santa.

“What if Santa doesn’t like peanut butter cookies, Mama?” Lenny, my sweet boy, asked, concern filling his face.

“Santa loves all cookies. Besides, he told me himself he loves peanut butter!”

“He did? When?” Lenny asked.

“When I wrote to him as a little girl. Nana always got peanut butter cookies for Santa, too.”

Lenny beamed. “Okay.”

“Cookie?” Lolly asked, holding up one for herself.

I nodded. “You can each have a cookie. But then it’s time to brush our teeth and get into bed. The faster you get to sleep, the faster Santa will come!”

Less than an hour later, they were sound asleep in their beds, but my job was far from done. I needed to wrap the few presents I bought today, plus a few other things I gathered as the month went on. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do for now. After Christmas, I’d buy them more.

I finished the night with a glass of wine and a movie, before crawling into bed and hoping for my own Christmas miracle—my found wallet.

The following morning, the children woke early, their excitement contagious as we rushed downstairs before the sun had even risen. We opened gifts and had fun. Both Lenny and Lolly were ecstatic with the gifts they got.

“Mama! Look at this airplane!” Lenny ran around the room in circles with his toy airplane, making swooshing noises.

“Mama, dolly?” Lolly thrust her new doll at me, and I pulled it from its packaging and handed it to her. She immediately gave it a hug and a kiss on the head. “Shh, it otay, baby. It otay.”

My insides warmed at the sight of her playing mommy to her baby doll. She rocked the doll and fed it a bottle, her face so serious as she played.

I cleaned up the living room while the kids played with their new toys and began preparing for Christmas breakfast. Every year, I made a feast of eggs, bacon, toast, home fries, and pancakes.

Go big or go home on Christmas. At least that was how I liked to celebrate.

And I made sure to set aside money for the breakfast and extra things I liked to make happen on Christmas.

Opening the fridge, I pulled out the eggs and bacon and placed them on the counter as I got to work. I lost myself in the task when suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Who could that be? My mom isn’t coming over until later…

The doorbell rang again.

I hurried into the living room, where both kids played happily, and over to the front door.

When I opened it, a man I’d never seen before stood in my doorway.

A very sexy, very handsome, older-looking mountain man.

And by handsome, I meant hot. Like so fucking hot you wanted to combust. He had to be at least six-foot-two by how his head almost hit the doorway, and dark jeans hugged his sexy frame, along with a tight flannel.

Behind thin glasses were the deepest blue eyes I’d ever seen, and his light brown hair with specks of gray looked soft and touchable.

A beard covered his face, more salt than pepper, and it made my insides twist with desire.

Holy yumminess.

Who was he?

And what the hell did he want with me?