This Christmas Will Be A Very Special Christmas

Dr. Seth ignored them both as they started too bickered about whose fault the accident was. The sexy doctor examined Meredith and asked question. Declaring her well enough to get up helping her he asked that she by the hospital before she continue to her grandparents. He wanted to x-ray her wrist. With that being said he high tailed it from the scene before Always Abigail and Zach noticed.

Shaking her head at the still bickering pair Meredith crossed the street to the sheriff’s station. Taking a deep breath she opened the door. Greeted by the most wonderful sigh Meredith gasped. The sheriff’s station was decorated for Christmas. There was a huge tree decorated in green and white with bows and ribbons sparking with gifts under it. All four of the deputies’ desk had garland and lights trimming their desk. There was also a very large fire place decorated with garland and lights and on the mantle there was a collection of Christmas candles on one end and Santa’s on the next.

Stepping half way in Meredith smelled the most delicious scent of peanut butter and sugar cookies. The scents seemed to mix well with fresh smell of peppermint.

Closing the door as she walked in Meredith heard “Santa Claus Needs Some Loving” smiling she turned and saw a beautiful red head dancing and laughing with a man dressed in a Santa suit.

“Can I help you ma’am”

Turning toward the voice, Meredith took a step back. The voice belonged to another Centralia Giant. Were all the gorgeous men giants?

“I am Meredith, Meredith Matthews and I am looking for the Matthews Place” Just as she was talking Always Abigail and Zach burst into the office.

“Sam, Sam” Abs almost killed a teenager and now said teenager is missing. I told Jacques the women should be stopped from roaming around town in that sleigh. She ain’t Santie Claus why would she need a sleigh.”

“That is a lie Sam. I did not almost kill Meredith Matthews. This is all Zach’s fault he scared the poor dear and now she is out there alone with a possible head injury. Now that I think about it Sam, Sam, arrest Zach for attempted murder”

Always Abigail and Zach again started bickering as Sam the Giant tried to stop them. Realizing it was not going to happen he ushered Meredith in the office that said Parish Sheriff.

“Ma’am are you the one those two are arguing about” now that she was in the sheriff’s office she took a good look at Sam the Giant. He was good looking. He looked more like a bad boy biker than the sheriff.

“Yes”

“Can you tell me what happen, Meredith?” standing facing me he was even more beautiful. The sunlight danced off his curly hair. He was a sexy man in uniform.

“I arrived in town about an hour ago. Try as I might I could not find my grandparents place. So got out my car after realizing my cell phone was dead. I asked the giant I mean Zach how to get to my grandparents place, the Matthews. He thought I was a kid I got angry and started to walk over to your office. Then I decided to turn around and give him a piece of my mind. About that time the lady in pink came down the square and I in haste fell. It was no one’s fault but my own. I got mad. I let my temper get the best of me.”

Looking her up and down Sam the Giant sighed.

“You have any identification”

Pulling out my wallet I presented it to Deputy ”The Giant” Sam. Opening the wallet to my drivers’ license I knew a lecture about speeding was coming. Sam “The Giant” looked my license over to make sure it was real. Moving to the computer he feed the numbers in and then printed out the report. It should show that I am a speed demon.

“Well Ms. Matthews, I’d say you are a 35 year old woman who likes to drive fast. I suppose what you say is true about the accident.” Zach and Always Abigail are like two old dogs with a bone I am sure they will continue to blame each other. I suggest you sneak out the back way. First I am calling Dr. Seth to make sure your ok and don’t need medical attention.”

Nodding Sam went behind the desk to call Dr. Seth while I took a seat. Looking out the crack in the door I saw Zach and Always Abigail being lectured by a tall handsome man. Next to him stood a beautiful woman with long raven hair the stern look on her face was priceless. I could not hear what was being said but from the look on their faces whatever it was they were not pleased. Scooting my chair closer I began to listen.

“Zach you are as bad as Always Abigail. Both of you are trouble in your own way. What if that poor girl had been killed?”

“Jacques, it was not me it was Abs here that caused the problem. You have said it yourself many times the women is a menace to Centralia. I think you should lock Abs up in your dungeon." The smirk on his face said he was not serious. Hitting him, Always Abigail stuck out her tongue. The two fought like brother and sister.
Fuming Jacques turned to the woman and threw up his hands.

“Always Abigail, Zach, did you see where the woman went.” The raven haired women said gently she looking stern but sympathetic at the two co- conspirators.

“Sophia, I am not sure where she went. Zach and I got so wrapped up in placing blame she disappeared.”

“Did either of you call Dr. Seth”?

“I tried said Zach. But I got no answer.

“Oh, dear said Sophia. I hope the young lady is ok.”

The worried look on Always Abigail faces almost made me want to open the door and run to her. Hearing the receiver click into place Sam was finished with his call to Dr. Seth.

“Dr. Seth says your ok but he would like to check you out again. I suggest we go out the back door and let those two feel bad a little longer. I am texting King Jacques and Queen Sophia to let them know you are ok. I expect them to keep grilling those two. It’s no more than they deserve.

I kind of felt bad for Always Abigail the sweet women stood up for her. Zach however deserved whatever he get. It was his fault I fell. Speaking of falling, my hand was starting to throb. Maybe it was a good idea for me to go see Dr. Seth. It might not be broken but I suspect it’s sprang.

“Ok, I am ready. I really need to let my grandparents know that I am here and I am ok. I don’t what them to be alarmed that I am at the hospital.”

“I‘ll call Sheriff Shannon and have her go out to your grandparents place. I am sure they will appreciate knowing your ok.”

Sam the Giant grabbed my hand and led me to the backdoor. This starting a new life thing was going great so far. I was lost in a strange town, almost run over by a sleigh and now I was being led away by a giant. I forgot to mention the King and Queen.

Getting into the police cruiser Nat King Cole was singing the Christmas song.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Meredith Matthews was lost. Looking across the street she saw the sheriff office. Looking both ways she prepared to cross the street.

“Are you lost little girl”

Turning slowly Meredith had to look up toward the sky to see the face the voice came from. The stranger was blocking out the sun. Moving around slowly Meredith’s breathe caught in her throat. Beautiful was the only word that came to mind.

Standing before her was a extremely tall god.

“I am looking for the Matthews place”

“Well, sweetie we need to find your mom and dad first then we can help ya’ll find the Matthews place”

Meredith held her temper. She was use to people mistaking her for a pre-teen. She was barely 5 feet tall and she was dressed like a 13 year old. Her pink hoodie and jeans with her hair in two big pigtails made her look like a kid. Wearing her retainer did not help either. But this time she wanted the tempting stranger to see her as a 35 year old woman instead of a kid.

“I am not a kid. I am a 35 and I will ask again can you direct or I will find it myself”

Looking down at her Zach looked at her from head to toe. Cocking his head to the left while crossing his arms Zach sighed”

“I don’t doubt you think your 35 but in realty you’re a kid who is lost. Tell me where your parents are and I will call them on my cell to come and get you. Otherwise I am taking you over to Sheriff Shannon’s office and she can find your parents”

That did it. She was furious. How dare he threaten to call her parents? Forgetting to look both ways again Meredith walked out into traffic and was almost killed.

Looking up to late Meredith saw a sleigh coming toward her. Turning quickly she fell flat on her face before Santa could run her over.

“Oh dear are you ok?”

Zach! I just saw Seth down by Coopers call his cell. Zach was moving toward her.

“Zach! Call Seth Seth! NOW!

Dazed and confused Meredith looked up and saw a beautiful angel dressed in pink. The woman seemed close to tears.

“I am fine I actually fell before your Sleigh hit me.” That seemed to calm the woman a little although she was touching her all over trying to make sure she had no broken bones.

“I am Always Abigail and I need you to be still until Dr. Seth gets here. What’s your name?”

“Meredith, Meredith Matthews. I am from Milwaukee. I am moving into my grandparent’s cottage house. “

“Meredith, O’ my goodness I almost did not recognize you. You look like a kid dressed like that”

“Always Abigail is she ok?”

“Yes Zach, she is. She fell before I ran her over. O dear the King Jacques is going to be mad with me if he finds out I almost killed Meredith.”

“Abs you have to be more careful King Jacques will be off with your head if he finds out you are running over teenagers. Teasing the women in pink Zach knelt down to check her for broken bones. The touch was so light Meredith almost moaned.

“Zach I am not Abs you insolent rogue. Besides that Meredith is not a kid she’s 35 years old.”

Stunned Zach took a second look.

Take that macho man. Smiling Meredith peaked out from under her eye lashes at Always Abigail.

She’s heard tons from Grandma Matthews about Always Abigail. According to her grandmother the women was a writer and a trouble maker who’s arrived in town a couple of years ago. Grandpa Matthews called her troublemaker who kept the men and women in Centralia on their toes when it came to love.

“You poor dear I see Seth coming now. Do you want to sit up. No I think you should lay down until he checks you over”

Turning her head left Meredith saw the sexiest men alive. If all the men in Centralia looked this good she would have to start wearing a bib.

“Seth, Abs’s here almost ran over the little girl! I think she might have falling while trying to get away. I was about to take her to the sheriff’s office to help find her parents when she tried to run. Then Abs here came barreling down the square in that chariot she calls a sleigh and ran the honey dip over.”

“Dr. Seth she is not a little girl. She’s just pixie short. Her name is Meredith and she is 35 she’s Mason Matthews’s granddaughter. Despite what Zach says he’s the one that almost got the Meredith run over with his insistence that she is a kid.”

Dr. Seth ignored them both as they started too bickered about whose fault the accident was. The sexy doctor examined Meredith and asked question.

Declaring her well enough to get up and continue to her grandparents Dr. Seth high tailed it from the scene before Always Abigail and Zach noticed.

Santa Baby

Santa Baby

Meredith Matthews smiled as she almost leaped across the courtyard. She was going to be Santa's Helper. Meredith had been wishing on stars for a long time that the fates would smile on her and her ever present crush Zach.

Zach only saw her as the little girl he helped when she moved to Centralia 4 years ago. Since moving to Centralia she had filled out and became a beautiul women instead of the shy recluse who met Zach the first day she arrived 4 years ago.

Twirling in the snow with a smile on her face. Meredith jumped up and down with happiness. Zach was playing Santa this year for the Annual Business Association Christmas Party. As president he had to have a helper. Try as she might no one considered her for the position.

She'd asked Zach several times but each time he'd said no it was not place for a sweet little "honey dip" like her. Why he insisted on calling her "honey dip" she would never know. It was only after she stormed out the bakery and bumped into Always Abigail that she was finally taken seriously. Always Always Abigail seeing how much she wanted the job made sure she got it.

Always Abigail lobbied King Jacques at the Thanksgiving celebration to intervine and he did. The King called Zach to personally recommend he select Meredith for his helper. Thought Meredith thought King Jacques did it to keep Always Abigail occupied and out of his affairs with Queen Sophia. Now matter how it happened Meredith was glad she would be Santa’s Helper this year.

Zach was not happy or impressed. For the last week he had given Meredith pissy looks.He also found out Always Abigail was involved and he was mad at her too.

Unlike most residents of Centralia Meredith liked Always Abigail. She appreciated her interference. All year long she made sure that Meredith and Zach spent lots of time getting to know each other.

She just wished she had not let Always Abigail sew her costume. The costume was terribly short. The elf costume was green trimmed in white fur. The two pieces were little more than scraps. Always Abigail also bought her a pair of stiletto boots that matched the little green elf costume.

Meredith started not to take the get up but she hated to disappoint Always Abigail. The glee on Always Abigail’s face when she arrived to try the costume on stopped Meredith from hurting Always Abigail’s feeling.

In all fairness Always Abigail had saw Meredith admiring one just like it at the strip mall weeks before.

Standing at the foot of the courthouse Meredith took a deep breath it was now or never. Tonight she would capture Zach’s heart.

Turing she looked up at the courthouse steps. Zach was standing there with that same pissed look he had worn all week.

Odd it was almost the same look he had on his face the first day they met 4 yeears ago. Smiling she began to remember the first day she arrived in Centralia

Santa Claus Needs Some Loving

Santa Claus Needs Some Loving

The twinkling stars shining on the snow always makes me long for home. It’s the first day of the Christmas season and love is in the Centralia Air.

I am headed over to help decorate the town hall and sing a few songs. I think there are a few happily ever afters about to take place. My first couple is Zach and Meredith.

Zach Reed is the local barber he owns Reed Barbershop. He’s handsome with those chocolate brown eyes and sexy swagger. At 6’6 he was a standout basketball player in college then he spent 10 years with the Celtics. After retirement he and his wife Shannon moved back to Centralia. Zach and Shannon divorced about 5 years ago. Every since his divorce Zach has been looking for love.

I have arranged for Zach Reed to play Santa Claus this year for the little ones and Meredith Matthews is his helper.

Meredith Matthews has been love with Zach Reed since she moved back to town 4 years ago. Sweet Meredith owns the town candy store Chocolate Lady. Meredith is petite and reminds me of a fairy with all that long black hair. Her eyes remind me of Elizabeth Taylor with their unusual purple hue. The poor dear is 5’4 but we all pretend that she is taller.

Try as I might I have never been able to get these two together. This year I think I will sprinkle a little Christmas magic around and see what happens.

Always Abigail……………….The Mayor & Baking

Mayor Fields is such a lovely women. She's single and I think our Jeff will make a nice companion for her.

“Mayor Fields, I am so delighted that you are my baking partner. I see great possibilities for our shared baking experience”

"Are these the decorations for the courtyard? Pointing to the small wagon of fall festival decorations. Always Abigail begins to smile and turn around.

I just love fall!" Twirling around with her bright smile Always Abigail does a little dance.

Always Abigail! Lord help me!

Always Abigail is nothing but a trouble maker of the highest order. I am not sure what she's up! That smile of hers has me cringing. It's that “I have a man for you smile” she always gets when she's around people that are single.

I can assure you whatever it is I get the feeling I am not going to like it.

“I am so excited about these baking classes at Chastity’s. I have several dozen recipes I have been dying to try!"

The women does go on and on about nothing. I actually like Always Abigail. I love to see her and her poison pen devour the single population one single at a time.

The woman has skills when it amour. Who else could have gotten the king and queen talking again.

She’s in my baking class that has to means she’s trying to set someone else up. I am not sure Always Abigail is the cooking type. She always seems to be writing.

Always Abigail……………………… ..The Baker

The brisk winds of fall came tumbling in to the village last night. It's constant companion snow descended upon the village like a light dusting of sugar on corn flakes.

I love fall in Centralia. The trees are turning colors the sights and sounds of autumn always make me smile. Growing up in the south I never experienced a true winter, until I moved here. I am always excited about the start of fall.

One of the hall marks of autumn in the village is the celebration that takes place from the first weekend in October till the Fall Festival and Halloween on October 31.

Each weekend in October there is a party or small festival that celebrates autumn.
One of the things I love most about the B&B is the beautiful stone fireplace in the living room. Jessie makes sure on nights like last night the fire never goes out. That is one of the things I am going to miss living in the B&B full time. My own personal fire starter.

I am moving to the carriage house adjacent to the B&B. The carriage house dates back to the late 1700. King Jacques at the suggestion of Queen Sophia (whose good graces he wants to get back in) was nice enough to send over a couple of strong shifters to assist me with the move after the picnic.

That nice of him!(as you said Always Abigail anything for my Queen. I think the king just gave me the finger)!

I am headed over to Queen Sophia’s. She and I are going to help decorate the courtyard square for the season. After that I am headed off to learn to bake.

Chastity’s Bakery has really fabulous classes on baking cookies. I want to bring cookies to every party I go to this fall. This should be really nice. A lot of the women in Centralia will be taking this class.

I see Mayor Fields. I think I pop over and say Hi!

Always Abigail....................Plotting

“Will your husband be kicking my ass soon Sophia? I would prefer not to bleed if at all possible today. You and Always Abigail and you’re crazy scheme are going to get me killed. Honest to the goddess you need to make up with Jacques.”

“Rhys Jacques will kill us both if Always Abigail plans don’t work.” Sophia sighed looking like a wayward child.

“Let me share a little secret with you Sophia. Killing me will be his pleasure. You will never die at his hands”.

“Rhys Jacques is not going to kill you.”

“Really how do you know I want destroy your lover.”

Standing in door way of the dairy process plant with his full security team Jacques walked over to Sophia. Looking up at him she realized she still loved his was sexy swagger.

So she still loved him but his lies had destroyed their marriage.

“Jacques, you are not going to kill anyone especially not Rhys so stop with the posturing. We are leaving.”

“He can leave we need to talk.” Blocking her exit Jacques prepared for battle with his mate if he had to he would use everything he had to hold on to her including sex. There was no way he would allow the two of them to spend a cozy afternoon enjoying a picnic by the lake.

“Jacques, I see your WIFE coming. I think it best I leave you to her”

Lila was rounding the corner walking toward them. Dressing in purple and white she looked beautiful. Catching Rhys hand for support Sophie left the processing plant with her back to Jacques as the tears started to run down her face.

“Sophia”

“Not now Rhys I am the older sister you are the younger brother. Don’t say a word. Please don’t threaten to kill Jacques again. I still love him.”

“Mom!” Jack came racing toward them. “Are you ok?”

“You and dad need to work this out. Dad is not giving up. He is determined not to lose you.”

“Jack this is between your father and I. I love you son but stay out of this. I am going to walk over to the bunkhouse and admire the beautiful flower beds. I will join you both at the picnic in a little bit.”

“Uncle Rhys, you still haven’t told dad you’re moms’ brother. Let me guess Always Abigail is behind this.”

“I still haven’t figure out how you knew Jack.”

“The two of you look alike.”

"Jack, I have never looked like a woman” Laughing Rhys patted Jack on the back.

“Come on your twins. Dad can’t see it. I am sure Always Abigail has something to do with that.”

“Actually I asked Always Abigail not to say anything to your father or anyone for that matter. I am here for two reasons and the main one is your parents. Sophia and Jack are both stubborn and they have reached an impasse it’s up to me to help my sister.”

“You haven’t told her you know Lila is your mother”

“No and I am not going to. She can’t handle it between Dad and Lila. Mom has enough stress on her. She does not need to know I am talking to Lila or that she is your mate."

“How did you figure that out?”

“I’ve known she was my mother since I was 6 and she sent me a letter I intercepted from the mail when dad was away on territory business. As for her being your mate Always Abigail dropped a hint with her poison pen.”

“I should have known that woman could not mind her own business. I see Jacques is going toward the bunkhouse.” His security team was headed for the picnic area. I would say your father does not plan for your mother to join the picnic.”

“No good could come of this. Barley must be in on it. He talking to mom and slowly moving her around. Now he’s showing her the flower beds in front of the cabin dad just went into. The old bastard is up to his old tricks.

“You are not going to stop your mother from going that way Jack?"

“Nope it would do no good. Besides I am hungry I smell cotton candy. That’s how I ended up at the processing plant. I am headed to the picnic to my food and moms looks like the whole town has turned out.

She needed time to think. Walking towards the first set of bunkhouse she collided into Barley.

“I am sorry Barley I was thinking. How are you doing the farm looks marvelous? I am so glad Always Abigail invited me to the picnic.”

“Queen Sophia I am honored that you came.” Smiling at Queen Sophia he looked over her head to see Jacques signaling him to direct her to the bunkhouse as he was going inside of. Shaking his head he gave a small nod of agreement.

This was Always Abigail’s doing. The woman was a menace to society. She played both ends to the middle and the meeting ground was happily ever after.

Looking around as the queen talked he noticed Jacques security force going toward the picnic area. All but Jeff he would provide protection while Jacques and his mate talked. Rhys and Jack observed what he did this was a set up.

Most likely this was Always Abigail’s doing. Where was the little minx anyway? She seemed to be missing. Scanning the area he saw her at the gate to the C& C with Beth and Becca. What the hell was Beth doing here?

“Queen Sophia I’ve started a new bed over by the second bunkhouse. I called last week for your advice on how to replant trees in that area. If you would be so kind as to look at them and give me your expert design advice then invoice me for our consultation I would appreciate it. “

Thank the goddess Always Abigail had suggested he call the queen last week when he planned the picnic or his head would be on the chopping block for interference.


He was certain when the queen found herself alone in the bunkhouse with her mate she would analyze every move she made. The poor women would never realize like he just did Always Abigail set this whole thing up for a specific purpose.

Walking faster he headed to the gate something was not right and he got the feeling he would soon be on the receiving end of Always Abigail’s poison pen.

Walking up the trail Sophia saw the beautiful flower bed. Looking around she saw the plant Barley mentioned on the porch. Climbing the stairs she reached to inspect the plants as she was grabbed and gently tugged into the bunkhouse.

“Now mate we will have that conversation you denied me minutes ago.”

Pulling her close Jacques kissed his queen. As their tongues tangled Sophia at first fought for control realizing that would never happen with Jacques she give in to her mate.