A Connecticut Christmas Ball (Part 4)

The next night Gloria and Ivy made their way to the church to help decorate for the Christmas season. Ivy was still trying to overcome the effects of her aunt’s matchmaking scheme. She had dreamt of Dr. McBride all night long, and then had spent most of the day trying not to think about him. She tried to not think about him when she wiped cake batter off her hands as she finished making the neighbors gifts. She tried not to think about him when she took three hot chocolate mugs out of the dishwasher to set back on the shelf. She tried not to think about him when she walked out the door and hit her head on the mistletoe. It took a fair amount of effort not to reach up and tear the cursed plant from the ceiling. Ivy was glad to leave the house and do something for someone else, maybe then she could finally stop thinking of Trey McBride.

Gloria had already gotten the fourth degree for forcing Ivy on the doctor last night so she wisely kept her mouth shut when she noticed how distracted Ivy had been all day. Still she couldn’t help smiling when Ivy stopped to look at the mistletoe on the way out of the house. She was already trying to think of another reason to bring the good doctor back for a visit.

When they got to the church they found a group of people already busy decorating. Gloria squeezed herself between a couple of older ladies at a nearby table making colorful Christmas arrangements. Ivy looked around and saw a man standing on a ladder, struggling to hang garland from the rafters. She walked over and shouted up to him, “Hey there, do you need a little help?” The man slowly turned around. Ivy felt her heart leap up into her throat when she saw Trey McBride smiling down at her. “Well hello there.” He flashed that same self-satisfied grin he had given her the day before. Ivy looked at the ladder, wondering if he would still be smiling if she kicked it out from under him. She smiled innocently back up into his face, “I thought you had plans with some of your friends?” He nodded and gestured to a small group of young men and women putting together a huge Christmas tree, then he shrugged his shoulders, “Okay, you found me out, this was my grand escapade. I know it’s probably not something you would do on a date in Los Angeles, but this is serious fun for us small town folk.” His look was so comical that Ivy couldn’t help but laugh. He pointed to a table with more garland and nails, “Do you think you could get me a few more nails? It seems I am a little better with a stethoscope than a hammer.” Ivy walked to the table and picked up a few nails and some wire laying close by. She handed them to the doctor, “Here, try the wire, it might help.”

After Trey thanked her and went back to work, Ivy made her way to the Christmas tree where the smaller children had taken up putting homemade decorations on the branches. She smiled at the small paper hearts and reindeer made of pipe cleaners. She soon found herself caught up in the excitement the children brought with them, but then she heard someone crying. She turned to find a young girl holding tight to a nativity scene made with Popsicle sticks.

Ivy bent down to peer into the girls face. “What’s the matter sweetheart?” The girl hiccuped and showed Ivy the small decoration. “I want to take it home; I don’t want to hang it on the tree.” Ivy wasn’t sure what she should do. She looked around hoping to find someone more qualified at handling children. She was just about to ask the girl where her parents were when Trey was suddenly by her side. He knelt down and wrapped his arms around the sobbing child. “What’s the problem Shorty?” The girl showed Trey her ornament and explained her predicament to him. He rubbed his chin, looking seriously at the girl. “Hmm…well it would be fun to take it home, but then no one would be able to see what a good job you did. It is probably the prettiest ornament I have ever seen, and it would be so sad if no one else got to see it.” The girl was not convinced, but after a moment more of persuasion she was soon hanging it on the Christmas trees with the other ornaments.

Ivy looked at Trey incredulously as the girl skipped off to the refreshment table. He laughed when he saw her expression, “What, do I have something in my teeth?” This McBride fellow was a complete mystery to Ivy. “How did you do that?” He laughed again, “What? You mean Shorty? She’s a sweetie, but like most girls she needs a little nudge in the right direction once in awhile.” He winked at Ivy and then sauntered off toward the refreshments. Ivy shook her head, wondering who this guy was. Trey McBride was definitely not like anyone she had ever met before. It might be nice to find out why he was the way he was. “What am I thinking?!” Ivy scolded herself. “Things are perfect right now. I’m not going to mess everything up just for some stupid guy!” She stomped her foot to drive home her point, and then she hurried to follow Trey to the refreshment table.

The next few weeks flew by in a flurry of activity. There were Christmas shopping trips, etiquette classes, nightly caroling excursions with the church choir, and Trey was there through it all. After that night at the church, he had shown up at Gloria’s house every day, inviting Ivy and her aunt to anything and everything he happened to hear about. He was using his charms in full force, hoping that he would get under Ivy Porter’s skin. Gloria was thrilled, but Ivy was stubborn. Just when Trey thought he was getting to her, she would stiffen up and give him the cold shoulder. It was starting to wear on him, but there was something about the girl. Even though she tried so hard to discourage him from getting too close, she was easy to talk to. In twenty-six years of living he had never found someone who was so much like him, yet still such a mystery. They were becoming friends despite her opposition. Unfortunately Ivy’s time in Harwinton was swiftly drawing to a close. She was due to head back to Los Angeles at the end of the week, just a couple days after Christmas. Trey was starting to wonder if he would be able to crack the hard shell around Ivy Porter’s heart before then.

A Connecticut Christmas Ball (Part 3)

“Thank you Dr. McBride, you are a miracle worker! I have been so worried about Chester. I’m glad it’s nothing too serious.” Gloria patted the old horse’s neck, and then walked out of the barn with Harwinton’s new veterinarian. He dipped his head and smiled, “It’s nothing I’ve done, you’ve taken excellent care of him Mrs. Foster, he’s just starting to wear his age a bit.” Gloria started to walk the young doctor to his car. They chit chatted about the coming holiday as they crunched through the frozen snow. “So Dr. McBride do you have any plans this Christmas?” The doctor shook his head, “Just trying to get settled. I still have a lot of unpacking to do.” Gloria laughed, “A young single man right out of school can’t have acquired too many things yet!” The doctor chuckled and then reached for the handle of his car. “It was nice to meet you Mrs. Foster.” Suddenly Gloria had a brilliant idea, and reached out to stop him. “Dr. McBride wouldn’t you like to come in for a moment and have something warm to drink?” The doctor looked down at his watch, “I could probably spare a moment, and my next appointment is just down the road.”

Gloria showed the Dr. to the door and asked him to sit down. Ivy, who had been working in the kitchen, walked into the front room covered in flour and holding a bowl. “Gloria will you look at this cake batter, it doesn’t look right to me. How did the appointment with the vet…” She stopped suddenly when she saw they had company. “Oh I’m sorry; I’ll just head back to my cave, or dungeon, or whatever you call that torture chamber.” She began to back out of the room but Gloria stopped her. “Come here Ivy I would like you to meet Dr. McBride.” The doctor stood up. Gloria took the bowl from Ivy and motioned to the doctor. “Ivy this is Dr. McBride, will you sit with him a moment while I get us something to drink?”

Ivy looked at the doctor and a glimmer of recognition fluttered through her brain. This was her savior from the airport, the same handsome man who kept her from falling flat on her face when she first arrived. He was smiling warmly at her as he reached his hand out in greeting. “Well if it isn’t the out-of-towner! Ivy is it? I’m Trey; I was hoping we would meet again.” Ivy glanced down at his hand, and was about to shake it when she noticed that her own was covered in partially dried cake batter. He noticed at the same time, laughed and then said, “Looks like you’ve been busy.” She tried to wipe the batter off on her apron with no luck then laughed, “I think Gloria will be sorry she asked me help with the neighbors Christmas presents when she takes a look at the kitchen.” He laughed again, a deep resonating laugh that touched his rich brown eyes.

Still laughing he sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to himself, “So Ivy, where are you from?” Her heart fluttered inside of her chest as she looked at the handsome doctor and a warning bell went off in her brain. She did not have time for love and frankly didn’t want to get caught in its trap. She walked across the room and sat down in the winged back chair, a safe distance away from the doctor. She put on her best business face as she answered his question. “I came here from Los Angeles; I work as a lawyer there.” His eyebrows rose in surprise. Three seconds ago she had been warm and friendly, and suddenly she was as prickly as a cactus. He saw her smile smugly as he tried to think of a response, and then a light bulb went off in his head. He had not been a veterinarian very long but he had gotten pretty good at reading body language. Besides that he had five sisters back home who had countless numbers of friends. This girl was attracted to him he was fairly certain, but she was fighting it.

This time Ivy’s eyebrows rose in surprise when she saw him look at her intensely and then smile knowingly. “Well to tell you the truth I’ve just come to Harwinton recently myself. I don’t know a lot of people yet but I’ve made a few friends. We’re all heading out tomorrow night, would you care to join us?” Ivy didn’t understand, usually a good lawyer face was all it took to deter anyone from getting themselves involved with her, but he just sat there studying her face, waiting patiently for her reply. “Um,” she stuttered, “I…we…I mean Gloria and I have plans, I won’t be able to go, thank you for asking though.” He smiled serenely at her again and said, “Oh that’s fine, maybe another time then.”

Gloria came back into the front room, setting three steaming mugs on the coffee table. Trey stood up looking at his watch, “I’m sorry Mrs. Foster I really have to get going. I’ll have to take you up on that hot drink another time.” Ivy stood and walked to the door with her aunt to show their guest out. He stopped in front of the door as he shook Gloria’s hand. Gloria looked up and then smiled at her fortunate choice of decoration. It was high time she found her gorgeous niece a little romance. “Well Dr. McBride you are standing under the mistletoe, and we follow strict traditions here.” She grabbed Ivy and thrust her at the young man. “Ivy you’ll have to kiss the doctor.” Ivy stood there blinking at him in stoned faced horror. Trey waited a moment and then leaned forward and gently brushed his lips against hers. He stepped back and grinned. “It was nice to meet you Ivy, and you too Mrs. Foster.” He looked once more into her beautiful green eyes and then turned and grabbed the door handle. “This is going to be fun,” he thought as he let himself out the front door.

A Connecticut Christmas Ball (Part 2)

Ivy and Gloria slowly made their way through the frozen countryside of Harwinton Connecticut. “Where is your coat Ivy? It’s winter for heaven’s sake!” Ivy rubbed her arms, wondering if frostbite was starting to set in. “I didn’t even know it snowed here Gloria, I’ve only ever visited during the summer. You could’ve warned me!” Gloria laughed, “Don’t worry about it Ivy leaf, I’ve got so many clothes boxed up back home, I’m sure we’ll find you something.” Ivy chuckled then said, “Sounds perfect, vintage clothing is totally in right now.” Gloria glared over at Ivy then playfully slapped her leg, “What is that supposed to mean?” Ivy laughed again, and then looked out the window at the wintery landscape. The snow covered ground sparkled in the frosty sunlight, it really was one of the most gorgeous sites Ivy had ever be held.

They finally drove up to Gloria’s tiny farm. The old yellow farmhouse was nestled peacefully within a snow laden valley. Close by sat an ancient barn painted bright red. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here Aunt Gloria,” Ivy said as she jumped out of her aunt’s truck and carefully made her way to the front door. “Too long,” Gloria said opening the door. “Oh my,” Ivy exclaimed as a rush of pine assailed her. A huge Christmas tree took up most of the living room. Holly and pine boughs were piled on the mantel of the fireplace, which housed a roaring fire. As Ivy came through the door something brushed the top of her head, she looked up and found a small bundle of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. “I haven’t decorated for Christmas in ages; I suppose that I got a little carried away.” She looked around sheepishly. “When Robert died five years ago I didn’t have anyone to decorate the house for, so I didn’t.” Her eyes turned glassy as she remembered the past, then she shook herself out of her revelry and smiled. “I wanted to make this Christmas special.” Ivy felt her conscience twinge painfully. With her busy life, Ivy had not even made it to Connecticut for her Uncle Robert’s funeral. With no children of her own, Gloria must have spent a lonely last five years. Ivy turned to Gloria and then hugged her fiercely, “I’m sorry Gloria, I should have made the time to come and see you, to be with you.” Gloria waved her off, “Nonsense! I couldn’t be more proud of you Ivy. Besides, I have so much planned these next few weeks; there will be no time for regrets!”

The next morning, Ivy found herself more appropriately attired and headed toward the small town of Harwinton. When Ivy asked why they were going into town, Gloria only smiled slyly and said, “You’ll see.” They pulled up to a small shop with a huge window that displayed a couple of magnificent old fashioned ball gowns. The vinyl sign draped above the door proclaimed, “HARWINTON CHRISTMAS BALL GOWNS” Ivy shot a questioning look to Gloria, “What is this about?” Gloria opened her door then innocently smiled at Ivy, “We, my dear, are being fitted for our Christmas ball gowns today!” Ivy followed her aunt into the store, “Oh, of course our Christmas ball gowns. What was I thinking?”

A small squat woman immediately came out from behind the counter at the sound of the bell on the door, “Gloria, you’re right on time.” She made a beeline for Ivy when she spotted her. “This must be your niece. My, isn’t she gorgeous! That hair and those eyes! I think I have the perfect gown for her Gloria, she will look absolutely stunning!” In her excitement she nearly pulled Ivy’s arm from the socket as she led her to the fitting room. Gloria followed the pair, “Ivy this is Peg McConnell, she is an old friend, and the ball gown maker here.” Peg sat Ivy down on a small stool and ordered her to undress, then she pulled a catalog from a nearby shelf. She began to shuffle through the pages then passed the book to Gloria when she found the one she was looking for. “Look at this one, don’t you think it is perfect. The way the neckline would frame her face…I think this is the one Gloria!” They both looked over at Ivy, who was still sitting on the stool, a look of confusion on her face. “The sleeves…” Gloria began, but Ivy cut her off. “Excuse me ladies, but would one of you be so kind to explain what is going on here?” Peg looked over at Gloria, “You didn’t tell her about the ball?” Before Gloria could answer Peg was off again. “The Harwinton Christmas Ball is one of our oldest traditions. It was started when our town was incorporated back in 1737. Every Christmas Eve we have a formal ball, complete with gowns, live orchestra, and dance cards. We even have etiquette classes for first-timers.” Ivy could see the anxiety written all over Gloria’s face, so she quickly donned a smile. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to go to a real ball.” Relief washed over Gloria’s features and Ivy instantly started feeling better. She had taken down some of LA’s top lawyers; she could handle a few dances in a ridiculously large ball gown. “Well Peg why don’t you show me what you had in mind.”

Outside, a group of shoppers noisily made their way down the street. One of the young men stopped when he recognized a truck parked at the curb. “Hey Caleb,” he called to another man in the group, “do you know whose truck this is?” Caleb glanced at the truck as he continued down the street, “Nope, no idea.” The man peered into the dress shop window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman he had met at the airport the day before, but the shop seemed to be deserted. He considered waiting by the truck, but then he remembered his friends heading down the street and ran to catch up.

to be continued....

A Connecticut Christmas Ball

Yay!!! It's finally Christmastime!!! I feel like I've been waiting my whole life ;) When I was at Pacific, my writing professor told me to work my writing muscles as much as I can, so this month I have written a Christmas story! I am going to post a new chapter every few days....if I can remember. I love those stupid Regency Christmas stories during this time of the year so this is my modern day take on one of those. Since it's all for fun it's pretty rough, but hopefully you will get something out of it. Merry Christmas!!!!

Ivy Porter’s life was finally the way she wanted it to be. Born and raised in a small town in Texas, many of Ivy’s high school friends had graduated and immediately gotten married and started families. At the time Ivy yearned to follow in their footsteps, but when love did not come her way she had decided to follow another path. Now thirty years old she was a successful lawyer at the prestigious Watson & Craig Law Firm in Los Angeles, and lived in a gorgeous ocean front condo. She no longer envied her old high school friends. In fact the thing she cherished most in her perfect life was her freedom. She had no husband or children to tie her down. She did what she wanted, when she wanted. It was that freedom that found her on an airplane heading to Aunt Gloria’s house for the Christmas holiday.

With a full month off after a particularly stressful, yet victorious case at work, Ivy was ready for a relaxing old fashioned Christmas. Her parents were spending the holidays on a romantic getaway to Hawaii, so Ivy had accepted her aunt’s invitation to spend some time at her small farm in Connecticut. After all it was Christmas, and Christmas was a time to be with family.

Stepping off the plane into a thick blanket of snow, Ivy seriously considered turning around and heading back to the sunny shores of California, then she heard her name, “My little Ivy leaf!” It was the nickname her aunt had given her when she was just a toddler, and suddenly Ivy couldn’t wait to see her beloved Aunt Gloria. Scanning the small crowd gathered outside the airport fence, she finally spotted her aunt’s beaming face, so much like her own. Gloria was exactly how she remembered, tall and beautiful, but a little rounder and softer; gray now replaced the rich chestnut that had once colored her hair. Had it been so long? Ivy thought back and realized that it had been at her high school graduation twelve years ago that she had last seen her one and only aunt, who was now jumping up and down with excitement.

Taking her suitcase from the flight attendant, Ivy began to make her way across the icy pavement with the rest of the passengers. One moment she was walking and the next she was falling as she slipped on the ice. Bracing for the impact, she was surprised when she found herself safe in a strong pair of arms instead of on the cold hard ground. “Whoa! Are you okay Miss?” Ivy looked up into her rescuers face. He was handsome to be sure; dark brown eyes and hair, strong jaw, incredibly tall and well built, but his smile gave him away. He was young, twenty or maybe twenty-one at the oldest. Not that it mattered; there was no room for anyone else in the life she had so carefully made for herself.

He was looking at her expectantly and she remembered he had asked her a question. “Yes I’m fine,” she smiled up at him, “thank you so much!” She picked up her foot and wiggled it around in the air, showing him her stiletto, “I guess I’m not very well prepared for the weather here.” He chuckled and she felt the sound rumble through his strong chest as he held her close. Feeling suddenly awkward, Ivy gently pushed against him and he released her, then he bent to pick up her suitcase. “Here let me help you.” He offered Ivy his arm which she accepted gratefully and they began to make their way to the gate once again.

“So you’re not from around here,” he observed as he glanced down at her thin jacket and lack of gloves. Ivy laughed and shook her head, “No I’m just here visiting family,” she gestured to her aunt who was now, in her excitement, struggling with the security guard to get past the chain link gate. He laughed and said, “Your grandmother?” Ivy shook her head at Gloria’s crazy antics. “She’s my aunt actually.” As they reached the gate, Ivy turned to retrieve her suitcase from the handsome young man. “Well thank you again, and happy holidays!” She smiled and then quickly made her way through the gate into her waiting aunt’s arms.

The man watched the reunion for a moment with a smile. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Tall and shapely, she stood out from most of the other girls he had met. Her sleek brown hair smelled of apples, and she fit into his arms as if she was meant to be there always. It was her huge eyes that really mesmerized him though. They were a pale green, like the leaves on the Russian olive trees that were so plentiful here in Connecticut. He watched the two women carefully make their way to the parking lot, arms linked. “Happy holidays to you too,” he shouted to their retreating figures, but they didn’t seem to hear. Finally he made his way to his own car, wishing he had thought to get the woman’s name and hoping he would run into her again before her visit was over.

to be continued....